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Mustard Seed Faith

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IDOK DEVOTION for Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Eastern Shore Women’s Conference on November 3, 2007
www.easternshorewomensministry.com/news.HTML

Luke 17:
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
From this verse we have heard many times that if we just had a little faith we could do great things. And when a great thing for which we are praying does not come in the way we hoped, we think our faith was too small. No so!
I was taught many years ago and I still believe today that this verse has nothing to do with the SIZE of our faith but rather is there LIFE in our faith. It is my understanding that this mustard seed to which our Lord was referring is not the mustard seed that grows the herb from which we get our condiments for our hot dogs and hamburgers. (But even if it is the analogy still works – LIFE is the key to understanding this passage)
I lifted the following information from the web page located at this link: http://kenanderson.net/bible/html/mustard_seed.html
Let me say that I have not read all the information at the link and I cannot vouch for its content. But this lifted information does match what I was taught long ago so I am offering it to you.

The tree known in Palestine as a mustard tree has minute seeds and yellow flowers, and grows widely in the Mediterranean. Most Bible scholars believe that the plant is the black mustard, grown for the production of the condiment, but in New Testament times, it may have been grown for its oil content. The plants, when not crowded too closely with other plants, can grow to be fifteen feet or higher, and have a thick main stem, with branches strong enough to bear the weight of a bird.

I believe Jesus is telling us here that it is not the SIZE of our faith that matters. What matters, is there LIFE in our faith? Have we taken the gift of faith given to us and have we placed that seed of faith in the GOD-MAN (Romans 12: 3 …according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.) in WHOM is LIFE? If we have; given time, the proper soil, the Water of the Word and the nutrient of prayer, our faith will grow (from that tiny baby faith we had at salvation) into something larger than we could ever imagine!
So what does that say about those times when those of us who have read the Word and we have prayed and we have believed and our faith has grown and yet still we pray for someone we love to be healed and we believe they will be but that healing does not come here on planet earth. Did our faith fail? Was our faith too small? Did we fail? No. No. No.
We will not find our answer to such questions in the parable of the mustard seed but rather in the GOD-MAN who told the parable of the mustard seed. We must be careful about faith and prayer formulas. Often we hear people quote Matthew 18: 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. And so we gather two or three or bunches and bunches of us and we pray and we agree and still what we prayed does not happen the way we prayed. Why? I think the answer is still found in LIFE, not size of faith, nor the number of people praying in faith.
The HOLY SPIRIT of God breathed LIFE into the first Adam and he became a living soul. And just as The Creator has added the spark of LIFE to a mustard seed, if the HOLY SPIRIT of God adds His Spark of LIFE to our prayer EXACTLY as we have prayed, it will be just as we have asked. (You see I believe He has to be One of the two in agreement, for Matthew 18:19 to be done here on earth.) When He adds His Spark of Life to our prayer but tweaks it just a little bit from what we are praying, our prayers are still a blessing and growth and faith and wonderful things are still manifested while we pray and while He readies us to receive The Answer which is not exactly what we wanted. So do not be discouraged when the answer is not what you wanted. Do not allow the evil one to tell you that you have small faith. Do not allow him to cause you to believe that you have failed. NO. Keep praying. Prayers that the HOLY SPIRIT tweaks and answers another way than we prayed, brings an even GREATER HARVEST. A HARVEST we will see one day. But until then keep planting those mustard seeds – if a bush grows, great; if a tree grows, great. Of this we can be CERTAIN, if we plant (pray) nothing – nothing will grow!
To HIM BE THE GLORY!!
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
We are adding Patsy B.to our prayer list today. I cannot tell you much other than she is 56 and having a bout with depression right now and her son is concerned for her.
Bobbie writes: Hey! Just wanted to let you know that my nephew is back Stateside from his extended duty in Iraq. Thanks for all the support/prayers but please now keep his family in your prayers as he makes this transition.
And Roy writes: Thanks for all the I.D.O.K.S prayers as Krystee was released from the hospital today and is going to Macon Ga. For a few days to rest her lung is still weak but the Dr. claims she will improve with exercise, One month in the hospital seems a lot as she was only dehydrated when she went in, will not say much more about but THANKS,THANKS, and GLORY TO GOD, roye
Father, thank You for this. Thank You for putting LIFE into the gift of faith that You have given us. Help us keep on praying, especially when the answers we see are not what we thought was best and in our own minds thought would bring You the most glory. Thank You that You always answer Right. And Holy Spirit thank You for the tweaking of our prayers that You do. And now we bring Patsy. It’s a serious condition, maybe not so much medically but still serious and we can identify with her Lord and we ask that You bless her, that You intervene and send Your Counselor to her and we pray she will find rest and healing for her soul and help her son and family seek You too and find their rest in You. Thank You for the good news with Krystee and we entrust her complete recovery to You. Thank You that Shaun is home and we continue to pray for You to work in hearts and bring about Your Will for this family. We pray for all our IDOK Troops, those still on foreign soil, those serving Stateside, those resting and re-adjusting, those healing from wounds and injuries – protect them all Lord from every harm and grow them into Soldiers of the Cross we pray. And for these listed we pray for their various needs, medical conditions, financial conditions, employment needs, housing needs, emotional healings, comfort in grief, purpose and dreams, conviction of sin, discipline and correction and whatever else that You see is needed Lord; all this we ask for these and we ask in Your Name Lord Jesus.
The Peace of Israel Patsy B. Joey and Kathy and family. Kim T. Krystee. Sybal W. Brenda D. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’ s Mother. Janie B. W.C. The Ellis Family. Ed Litton and family. Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. Kathy. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam. Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.

IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Travis N. Albert R III. Joshua M.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Lee. Mack. The 226. Troy. Danny. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Shaun.
Civilian in Country-Mike
As I post this it is 82°F and mostly cloudy in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 3:21 PM AST – on October 17, 2007
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What Am I To Do?

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IDOK DEVOTION for Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Eastern Shore Women’s Conference on November 3, 2007
www.easternshorewomensministry.com/news.HTML

God and the Spider – take a look (it’s good even if you have visited previously)
Click here: God and the Spider…a very special thanks goes out to Betty for this one…

A familiar topic of books and discussion in recent days is purpose. What is our purpose here on planet earth? What am I suppose to do with these 24 hours that roll around so quickly, day after day? Monday we said we are to OCCUPY until Jesus comes and so we are. Some of us would like more definitive direction and we’d like it succinctly. Right? I read this verse of Scripture in several translations; I like it best in King James.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
This is a bottom line verse for me and I like bottom lines; sometimes I even carry that to a fault – I rush through the middle to get to the ‘bottom line’. When all is said and done; the books have been written and read, and all the discussions have ended, the bottom line is my whole duty, my whole purpose for being here on planet earth is the same as yours: to reverence God our Creator and give Him Glory by keeping His Commandments. And as I type this I am reminded of another verse and maybe you are too.
NASB- Matthew 22:
35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him,
36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’
Wouldn’t you know it, a lawyer would test God? But he served a purpose because Our Lord’s answer to him gives us the ultimate bottom line. And when we couple these verses with our verse in Ecclesiastes, we have our answer to what am I to do. I am and you are to Reverence God our Creator. We are to love Him with all our hearts (bodies), all our soul (emotions) and all our minds (wills – volition). So what does this mean in practice? It means I can occupy these 24 hours, day after day, with anything I choose to do as long as what I have chosen does not violate reverencing, loving and worshiping HIM with all my being. I can work in the marketplace in any legal capacity, I can stay home, I can cook, clean, write, read, watch television, listen to music, visit my neighbors, shop for food, shop for clothes, work in the garden pulling weeds and planting flowers and vegetables, play with the grand-kids, play with my husband, spend the day on a photo shoot, I can go to school, I can invest in business, I can play tennis (well, not really, I don’t know how but I could learn) and on and on and on. All of these things, any of these things I can do as long as I am while in the practice of doing them REVERENCING HIM, WORSHIPING HIM AND LOVING HIM. And I hope you know that I can not reverence Him if I am outside His Revealed to me Will for me. And I can only know His Revealed Will for me by Prayer and Bible Study. And what is true for me is true for you.
So let us come out from under that bondage of agonizing over what is my purpose; what am I suppose to do; how am I suppose to spend my time here on this earth; spend it reverencing – worshiping our Awesome God. If we make this our goal and our aim – He will fill in all the blanks as we go!
Father, I like this very much because I am tired of wrestling with the clock and I am tired of feeling guilty when I loose. Thank You. And since You have given us this I know that as long as we desire and we aim to please You, to worship and reverence You, You will fill in the blanks and we don’t have to worry about this any more. Thank You Father. And now we come on behalf of others, like the conference on the 4th of next month; we pray the women will agree to come and that You will empower them to do so. And we pray for Brenda and Linda and Tammy and Lois as they prepare to speak and sing that You will anoint them for this good work. Bless them and their families with good health – especially Brenda. Thank You for the good reports. And we bring our IDOK Troops again asking that You protect them in mind and body and spirit and bring them home to us at the appointed time, safe and sound and more in love with You than when they deployed. Protect and comfort the families too we pray. And we come with these, each and every one and we ask that You comfort, give strength and discernment and blessings of every kind as needed by each. And this we ask in Jesus Name.
The Peace of Israel Joey and Kathy and family. Kim T. Krystee. Sybal W. Brenda D. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’ s Mother. Janie B. W.C. The Ellis Family. Ed Litton and family. Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. Kathy. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam.

Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops -Shaun. Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Travis N. Albert R III. Joshua M.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Lee. Mack. The 226. Troy. Danny. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Tommy T.
Civilian in Country-Mike

As I post this it is 72°F and clear in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 5:19 AM AST – on October 16, 2007

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Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep!

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IDOK DEVOTION for Friday, October 12, 2007

4th Annual Eastern Shore Women’s Conference on November 3, 2007
Visit ESWM Web Site for details http://www.easternshorewomensministry.com/

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep! It’s the best of sounds and the worst of sounds. That infernal alarm clock as I referred to it this morning; blaring away interrupting some perfectly good sleep! We were tired and forcing our feet to the floor was not what we wanted or was it? I said the worst of sounds and the best of sounds and it’s true, solely depending upon one thing: how we THINK about it! So lets think about it.
I watched an interview the other day (I really like Christian Television) with Deborah Norville. She was promoting her new book Thank You Power. She talked about how we can change our world if we change not just to positive thinking but to positive speaking – speaking out for what we are grateful.
She told the story of her son who hated school, hated everything about it. Deborah wanted to help him so each day she asked him to tell her three things for which he was grateful. And he named off three. She said, “No, I mean three things that happened at school today that you liked.” He looked at her like she had two heads as she continued to probe. She asked him what he had for lunch and he told her and she asked if it was good and he told her yeah it was pretty good. She asked him who did he sit with at lunch and he told her and she asked well how was it and he told her it was great and he began to tell her about their conversation. Deborah continued this process with her son night after night and within a few weeks she said his attitude changed, he no longer dreaded going to school and his grades even improved.
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep! The best of sounds and the worst of sounds — it depends upon my GRATITUDE!
Yes we were tired this morning. But why were we tired? For a week night we were late getting home. Why? Because last night we had the privilege of watching two grand-sons play baseball! Imagine with me just some of what that means. We have a beautiful family, we have eyes to see them swing the bat and they have strength and health to swing the bat and we to be there and watch. We have freedom here in America to play baseball and a great place to play and electrical power to generate lights and on and on we can go with this.
And what about that beep, beep, beep, beep, beep? We HEARD it. Our audio receivers are working; we are breathing; our eyes opened – we can see; we can roll out of bed unassisted; the house is comfortable; the shower is refreshing and clean; clothes are clean, dry and pressed and we can put them on – we have strength and capacity to do that! Look at any one of those ‘chores’ and each one can be a springboard to remind us of more and more blessings; abundant, bountiful blessings!!
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep – the best of sounds; the worst of sounds – it depends solely upon our GRATITUDE!
Lamentations 3:22 NLT
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
Therefore, I will hope in Him!”
And one more thing; that beep, beep, beep, beep, beep means I have another opportunity to come to my computer and write you, treasured friends – sisters and brothers in our Perfect, Loving, Gracious, Merciful, Faithful, All Powerful, Saving Father God. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!
Yes, it’s one the BEST of sounds!

Father, You are AWESOME fun and joy and pleasure. You are our God and Father and we love You. Thank You!

We have a new request this morning:
Kathie, There’s a couple at our church who are on an emotional roller coaster right now. Joey and Kathy are waiting for the final day of his mother, Dorothy, here on earth. Hospice has already been helping and the doctors have told them that it could be days or weeks before her body finally gives up. They thought she’d had a stroke when they took her to the hospital but after tests they determined that there had been bleeding in the brain. She had been at our Sunday night service the day before. The family has gathered and have been with their dad for support at this time, but it’s taking a toll on all of them. Pray for the entire family. Thanks. Carmen

And so Father, even as we prayed last night we pray this morning for this dear family; for Dorothy, Father, I am reminded of that beautiful story of the woman telling her three year old that You wanted her to be well but being well here on planet earth appeared to be not the best way for her to be well so she was going to live with You so she could be well. Father, if here on earth is not the best place for Dorothy to be well, take her to be with You just as soon as You can get the family ready for her to leave and in the meantime give them all peace and comfort, especially Dorothy. Thank You for Carmen and her love for people. And we pray for Sybal and her husband for strength for them today and for restoration of health. And Kim and Krystee, Jacob, Rachel and the family — all these listed here Lord. You know each need and each desire of their hearts so we ask You to bless each today as only You can. And we pray for our IDOK Troops, please keep them safe and sound in mind and body and spirit; protect them from harm and bring them home to us safe and sound at the appointed time and Holy Spirit woo them to loving You Father more and more each day. Revive us Lord, revive America and give us the vision of being grateful. And Lord, particularly intervene for Sharron. Thank You for her and what she means to me and to Your Kingdom – bless her today. And all these things we ask because we are washed in the Blood of Jesus.
The Peace of Israel Joey and Kathy and family. Kim T. Krystee. Sybal W. Brenda D. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’ s Mother. Janie B. W.C. The Ellis Family. Ed Litton and family. Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. Kathy. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam.

Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families. IDOKs Troops -Shaun. Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Travis N. Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Lee. Mack. The 226. Troy. Danny. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Tommy T.
Civilian in Country-Mike

As I post this it is 100°F and clear in Tikrit, Iraq & the time there is 3:18 PM AST – on October 12, 2007

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1: 7
And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. I John 2:25

His Ministry to You

New Card: CB5 – published 10/9/07
http://www.whitestonephotographyart.com/

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R.D. & An Open Palm

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IDOK DEVOTION for Thursday, October 11, 2007

If you plan to attend the 4th Annual Eastern Shore Women’s Conference on November 3, 2007, please email Linda and let her know.
This is a quality, God-honoring conference and if you live in this area and plan to miss it – shame on you! There will be solid Bible Teaching, Music to lift your Spirit, Chick-Fil-A sack lunch, GREAT Fellowship and you’ll be out by 2:30 p.m. Where can you get better than that? I want to see you there. This link will give you all the information: http://www.easternshorewomensministry.com/news.HTML

R.D. was still, so very still. Jerry gave him his usual morning stroke against the side of the vase. R.D. did not move. Jerry stroked the glass again. Still R.D. did not move. Fear gripped my stomach and I could see the alarm on Jerry’s face. Once more Jerry stroked the side of the glass, stronger this time and R.D. swam to attention and we both let out a sigh of relief. All these intense emotions for a Beta fish named R.D.
What does that tell you about us? We get attached, don’t we? Bring something into our home and it is ours. We care for it and it’s ours.
Jerry and I are leading a Biblical Financial Study with our Young Folks at Myers and one of the first things we have learned is EVERYTHING we call ours belongs to God. We OWN nothing. He owns it ALL. If we do not embrace this truth then those things we think we have, we don’t; they have us. But when we believe and abide in this truth that ALL is His, we spiritually thrive and physically enjoy His boundless gifts to us — even R.D.
R.D.’s sleeping in this morning was a good reminder that for our peace of mind, for our well being we must hold EVERYTHING entrusted to our care with an open palm. It is HIS to give, it is ours to enjoy, nurture, invest and sometimes multiply until He returns for an accounting.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Matthew 25: 14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’
21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’
23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
We are adding Kim T to our list; she is improving and should be going home from the hospital soon but our prayers are needed. And we have another young man who will be deployed before long – Albert R. More and more I am impressed with the great privilege and honor that we have been given as we pray for people around the world.
Father, thank You for answering prayers already for Kim and her family; we pray to hear more good reports on their behalf. And we pray for Albert as he enters a new and different season in his life; comfort and strengthen him and his family and we ask this for all our IDOK Troops. Keep them safe in mind and body and spirit; cause them to love You more and more and at the appointed time bring them home to us safe and sound we pray. And Father we come with these and we entrust them to You too. And we thank You for all the blessings You give us spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, in every way; thank You. And we pray that we will be faithful in all these blessings for Jesus sake.
The Peace of Israel Kim T. Krystee. Sybal W. Brenda D. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’ s Mother. Janie B. W.C. The Ellis Family. Ed Litton and family. Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. Kathy. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families. IDOKs Troops -Shaun. Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Travis N. Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Lee. Mack. The 226. Troy. Danny. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Tommy T.
Civilian in Country-Mike

As I post this it is 77°F smoke haze in Balad, Iraq & the time there is 7:51 AM AST – on October 11, 2007

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1: 7
And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. I John 2:25

His Ministry to You

New Card: CB5 – published 10/9/07
http://www.whitestonephotographyart.com/

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Burnt Offerings

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IDOK DEVOTION for Wednesday, October 10, 2007

If you plan to attend the 4th Annual Eastern Shore Women’s Conference on November 3, 2007, please email Linda and let her know.
This is a quality, God-honoring conference and if you live in this area and plan to miss it – shame on you! There will be solid Bible Teaching, Music to lift your Spirit, Chick-Fil-A sack lunch, GREAT Fellowship and you’ll be out by 2:30 p.m. Where can you get better than that? I want to see you there. I can even sell you a ticket. This link will give you all the information:
http://www.easternshorewomensministry.com/news.HTML

Psalm 42: 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 122: 1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
Recently I have come to a better understanding of the intensity of these Scriptures; of the soul thirsty and pursuing God as the deer pants for water and the gladness of heart when the time arrives to gather with The Lord’s people.
On Saturday, Jerry and I attended a football game. I teased him, pretty much without mercy, traveling to the game and during it. (He enjoyed it. He was beaming about it on Sunday, telling friends at church.) As we motored from our hotel, I watched vehicles as they zoomed by all decked with tell-tale signs of just where they were going. They were going to ‘Mecca’ to worship. And when we arrived on the campus, there were the worshippers, thousands of them, all excited; gladly giving their tithes and offerings. And then the ‘service’ began; oh how the worshipers rejoiced as the music played. There were speakers too and men, women, boys and girls, hung on every word! Throughout the ‘service’ there were shouts and jubilant celebration; some even lifted up hands, offering up their ‘wave offerings’ to their king. Even I offered up a ‘burnt’ offering – my arm. I forgot my sunscreen.
Now before you pick up your mouse to click me off; I like football! I enjoy going to the games and I’ve even been heard to shout a time or two myself. I written this little satire to encourage us to examine ourselves. Do we give our Lord more devotion than we do a football game? Are we as excited to serve Him as we are to get to that football game? Are we as delighted to get up on Sunday morning for Sunday School and Worship Service as we are to sit in the sun and watched a bunch of young men chase, block, hit and run with a pig skin? Are we ashamed to lift our hands in praise of our Lord and yet at a football game we boldly stand to our feet, both arms in the air waving wildly? Do we begrudge giving to the Church to keep the lights on, buy reading materials, send out missionaries, feed the poor, help the preacher feed his family and educate his children and so much more? And yet on game day we open our wallets and happily dole out money for the ticket price, cokes, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn; not to mention gasoline, hotel rates, souvenirs, etc. Etc. See what I mean? Where are our priorities? Are our lives all about Him or more about us?
1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
Father, forgive me, change me; cause my heart, my soul, all of me to pant for You as the deer does for the water brooks.
Prayer Report: Thank you for getting the word out on Krystee, surgery went well and the Dr. Said she is soon to recover, little did he know GOD was on our side, I am soooooooo thankful for you and IDOK there are no words to say except thanks, to GOD and IDOK,always roye
And Father, thank You; thank You for this wonderful news about Krystee. Thank You. We are delighted and we give You all praise and glory for this. We entrust her to You for a complete recovery. Father, You know my heart, even better than I do. You know my faults, my weaknesses and You know my desire to love You more and serve You better. I am counting on You to make changes in me. And I pray now for each and every IDOK who has these desires too – change us for Your Glory and our good. Again we pray for each one listed here; for every need they have, for every hurt, every tear, every quandary, and we ask You Lord to intervene and bring about healing and relief and helps and solutions for them. And we pray again for our IDOK Troops and we ask that You protect them in mind and body and spirit and bring them home to us safe and sound. And we pray for Israel, protect Her, give Her victory over all her enemies and we pray that You will cause America to stand with Her to bless Her. Thank You for hearing and answering for Jesus sake. The Peace of Israel Krystee. Sybal W. Brenda D. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’ s Mother. Janie B. W.C. The Ellis Family. Ed Litton and family. Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. Kathy. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops -Shaun. Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Travis N.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Lee. Mack. The 226. Troy. Danny. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Tommy T.
Civilian in Country-Mike

As I post this it is 70°F and partly cloudy in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 7:30 AM AST – on October 10, 2007

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1: 7
And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. I John 2:25

His Ministry to You

New Card: CB5 – published 10/9/07
http://www.whitestonephotographyart.com/

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?