Faith and a Good Conscience

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2009



1 Timothy 1 (New King James Version)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul is the penman, God is the Author and Timothy and we are the recipients. Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ, not by Paul’s choosing but because Jesus chose him.

Paul relates to Timothy as a son, calling him a true son in the faith. What a great thing to have said about you, don’t you think?

One more verse and we will go to prayer; actually three more.

18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

How was Timothy to wage good warfare? How are we to wage good warfare? Faith and a good conscience. So what is involved in faith and a good conscience? We know faith to be faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And how do we obtain a good conscience? Good behavior – consistently doing what gives a good conscience. So with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a good conscience we like Timothy can wage a mighty war. But what if our good conscience gets wounded? Well, we call on faith again. And when that good conscience is wounded by the commission of bad behavior or omission which is the lack of good behavior, we exercise our faith that Jesus’ Word is true.

1 John 1:9 (New King James Version) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Is not this the way to wage war? Go for it, mighty warriors. Lord willing I’ll ‘see’ you on Monday.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Sparky: He responded or so slightly to the family with opening of the eyes for short periods. Today, more eye opening with movement of the eyes. Yesterday the kidneys working a little better. Today, a little better than yesterday. His vitals have stayed on course since the amputation. What an answer to prayer that God has done. His feeding (Intravenously) is not accomplishing what is expected. Will you pray tonight, tomorrow, that his body will except the nutrients as the Drs. discover their next option and there will be one?

Pray for the family who are waiting very tiredly, exhausted, and with very little sleep. Pray for Larry and his family as he returned to California today. Then let’s continue praying the medical staff and the facility Sparky is in Thomas Hospital. The family knows thousands are praying, they feeling, and you know what, THEY ARE SEEING IT! TO GOD BE THE GLORY. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS US ALL AND WE STAY IN HIS ARMS GOD BLESS YOU. JIM.

ABBA, Thank You, thank You for this report and we join with Jim and so many others to pray that the intravenous feedings will be successful, doing just what they should. We pray for Kathleen and others as they wait, that rest will come sweetly to them and they will feed upon You spiritually and that physical food will come to taste good again. We pray for Larry for peace of mind and traveling mercies. And we don’t want to leave out one soul written here and even those on our hearts that are not written here, that You in grace and mercy will attend to each one as You know is best for them. We pray too for our IDOK Troops, for their safety and protection in spirit, soul and body. We pray for Israel’s Peace and for America’s repentance and for Your Church to arise to holy, loving boldness in Jesus Name. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Sparky S. C David. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Ed G. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary.. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.

Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Costa Rica

Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.

Every IDOK Pastor and Family. Every IDOK church.

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

ABBA, I have removed the ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America but I know the prayer is eternal with You.

IDOKs Military Families.

IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 75°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:35 AM AST on September 4, 2009.

Seven Facts from the Simulcast

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009



Let me give you the Seven (7) Facts that Beth gave us in Three (3) sessions this passed weekend.

1. Nothing dictates our lives like our desires.

What is a desire? It’s a longing that does not go away, emotions do not change it, time does not alter it. That’s a desire. And she said in the final analysis people do what they want to do. She’s right.

2. Beneath the desires of our hearts is the heart of our desires.

3. Delighting in God adapts our desires into inevitabilities.

4. Nothing external can steal our right to delight.

Here she said when delight has disappeared, check our JAW by asking these questions: Am I jealous over something or some person? Am I Angry about something or someone? Am I Worried about something or someone? If we answered yes to any one of those questions our delight has disappeared and we need to go to the next step.

5. To make room for delight we have to commit.

Here she said, Commit means to roll that thing over on Jesus; so when that JAW is acting up and our delight has vanished, the question she asked us is this…are we in or out? Are we gonna do this thing (called life) in Jesus name or not? It’s time to commit, she said. Or was it ABBA that said that? Yes, I believe it was!

6. Nothing is passive about patiently waiting for desire to turn into delight.

7. Till faith becomes sight, trust God and do good!

I learned today that a download of the Simulcast will be made available for purchase (I assume) in a few months … I plan to do that! It will be a blessing to hear all three sessions again and again. May our daily prayer be: O LORD grant to me a heart to delight in You.

Forgive the length of today’s devotion, but I want to give you one more thing before we go to prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1 (New King James Version)

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

Lets take a look at these words as defined at my online dictionary:

Supplication

An appeal for help

Prayers

Reverent petitions made to God

Intercessions

A word for intervention and meditation

In Christian practice, intercessory prayer is the act of one person praying for or on behalf of another. The prayer intercedes on behalf of the subject, believing that God will answer the prayer according to His will. (bold emphasis, red color and underline is mine) That’s why praying His Word is a key part of intercession. The prayer person is not creating new ideas or requests, but presenting God with His own ancient and Holy words contained in the Bible. One prays “Your will be done” not “my will be done” in a given circumstance. The focus is not on the person or circumstance; the focus is on the Lord, His words, His will, His influence, His impact on the person’s life or situation.

Let me remind you this definition was retrieved from a SECULAR place. I am thrilled by it and doesn’t it resoundingly say to us that we must be praying God’s Word back to Him for others? I want to do this! But I have to know the Word to pray it, don’t I?

Giving of Thanks

An expression of appreciation or gratitude

Yes! Yes! He answers prayer!!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

An update on Kyle: He is still in Kuwait and has been extremely busy. He doesn’t talk much about his job assignments but is none too happy to be there. His health is better but his weight is still down 25 lbs from when he left in March. He has learned to play the guitar and ukulele since he has been gone and played a little for me when he called so that tells me he is doing something to keep his mind occupied. He said tell everyone hello and keep praying for all their safety. He keeps getting the phone number wrong when he calls home but has made good friends with an older guy named Ted that he somehow keeps calling when he tries. The guy encourages him whenever he gets him on the phone. Strangers can make a difference….. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Rachel.

Update on Sparky: They did a CAT scan on Sparky this morning, but don’t have results yet. Lisa, his daughter, told me on the phone that he is still with us and of course we’re praising God for that. Love, Rose

ABBA, Thank You again for the teaching You gave to Beth to share with 90,000 women this passed weekend and thank You that the teaching will go on and on. I cannot imagine what works could be done in this dark world if all 90,000 of us had hearts that delighted in You. I want that. And I want that for our IDOKs. I want that for every man, woman, boy and girl who has been washed in the Blood of Jesus. Inspire and motive me to receive that heart from You for You. And I’m not asking just for me but any soul praying along with us here. Thank You for this encouragement regarding Kyle; thank You that he wants us to keep praying for all our IDOK Troops and so we do, for them to be safe and protected from the evil one and all his cohorts; for them to have courage and hope, for them to desire to be faithful to You and this Country. We pray this Country will be faithful to them. I pray for the peace of Israel; for allies to be faithful and for Israel to receive every promise You have made to them. We pray now too for each person named here, You know their needs even better than we and we pray Your Will be done. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Sparky S. C David. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Ed G. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary.. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.

Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Costa Rica

Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.

Every IDOK Pastor and Family. Every IDOK church.

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

ABBA, I have removed the ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America but I know the prayer is eternal with You.

IDOKs Military Families.

IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 77°F and haze in Al Sahra, IQ (Airport) and the time is 5:59 AM AST on September 3, 2009.

The Psalmist

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Psalm 119

51 The proud have me in great derision,

Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD,

And have comforted myself.

Oh this is neat. The Psalmist was being scorned, folks were against him, but instead of feeling sorry for himself and turning away from God, instead of turning from doing good or from believing; he REMEMBERED the Word he knew and he comforted himself. He did not have to frantically go to a meeting or turn on the TV and find a preacher. Not that any of that is bad; it is good if that is where we are in our walk with Christ, by all means lets do it. But don’t we want to get to the place we can and will REMEMBER the Word we already know and comfort ourselves? Oh, that is good!

And I want to show you something else in Psalm 119. It delights me to see this word picture of repentance.

59 I thought about my ways,

And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

60 I made haste, and did not delay

To keep Your commandments.

Can you see? Beautiful, isn’t it?

I posted the following at Kat’s Meows on Tuesday but in case you missed it let me share it with you here; it’s entitled

Shrink Wrap

Is this an analogy or what?! I sat trying to open a CD, the shrink wrap around it, I mean. Sometimes those wraps have a little lip or start flap and if you can find that then the wrap comes off easily. IF you cannot find that little start lip, you can turn that CD every which way but loose and getting into it is well, it just ain’t gonna happen. Unless you get some sharp instrument and puncture the wrap. And when you do, well the struggle is over, and you’re in. I did that today and with it came this thought. Wouldn’t it be great to be so wrapped in the Word of God that Satan and his evil darts just could not find a place to get in? Wouldn’t you love to know he was wearing himself out tearing and racing around your life looking for that little opening and he just could not find one! Oh my goodness! I’d love to torture him that way!!! But then I think: no, that cannot be my motivation for feeding on the Word or suiting up in the Armor of God; no, that cannot be my motivation, but it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy it as a perk! Would it?

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

This came in at 2:21PM Tuesday: Sparky is in surgery to have his leg amputated. Hopefully, this will get the infection from his body and he can start to get well. He had improved enough for the surgery. Thanks for your prayers. Please keep praying. God is good. Janet

Thank you for your prayers for my brother, Donald. His surgery went fine. The doctor removed three lymph nodes to be tested for cancer cells. One was really deep and he is sore from the surgery. We will not know the results of the pathology report for two weeks. Please continue to remember him. Love and thanks, La Juanna

ABBA, I love it when an idea comes together! Thank You! And thank You for Your Word, given and preserved for us; thank You that Your Word is as alive today as it was before the initial ink was dry. Thank You for the grace of repentance, I need it so often. I pray now for each of these listed here, You know their names, their faces, their lives, everything about them, what they need and how to get it to them and that is what I am asking, every need to be met. Give peace and hope to Donald and the family as they wait for news and we’d so like for it to be no cancer news and we’d like to hear that Sparky is free of infection and recovery will be forthcoming. We pray for our IDOK Troops for their safety and well being in spirits, souls, and bodies; we pray for their safe returns home to family and friends. We pray for the peace of Israel, protect and open doors for Your Missionaries and, Lord, connect Your Body and empower us to minister Your Gospel in our homes, congregations, workplaces, shopping areas, playgrounds and school houses; wherever we go shape us into ministers of Your Salvation. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Sparky S. C David. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Ed G. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary.. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.

Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Costa Rica

Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.

Every IDOK Pastor and Family. Every IDOK church.

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

ABBA, I have removed the ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America but I know the prayer is eternal with You.

IDOKs Military Families.

IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 81°F and clear in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time 5:34 AM AST on September 2, 2009.

We are glad you are here; stay a while, look around, and be encouraged. We estimate there to be over 3,000 posts here at The White Stone Blog. Please know my hope is ALWAYS to help and NEVER harm. I have voiced many opinions and thoughts here since 2007 and by now I MAY NOT EVEN AGREE with all of them and some of my grammar and punctuation likely needs editing. But this is changeless: JESUS is our ONLY Savior and Hope. Do you KNOW Him?