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IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008

If memory serves only 3 times in my adult life have I picked up a book and finished it before going to sleep. This time it is Idol Eyes by Mandisa. I am not a fast reader and often I fall asleep but not with this one. I started it before breakfast and before bedtime, I closed the last page. I have highlighted, underlined, and written prayers on more than a few pages.

She said Father has called her and us to three things: obedience, holiness, and transparency. I like that and I want that!
We are familiar with each of these words: obedience, holiness, and transparency. And maybe at some time, we will look at all three of them but first I want us to examine transparency.

Readily when we think of transparency we think as my online dictionary says: easily seen through and detected.
But that is not the complete meaning of transparency. Listen to this: capable of transmitting light so that objects or images can be seen as if there were no intervening material.
You can ‘see’ where I am going with this can’t you? But let me give you one more meaning of transparent according to my online dictionary: free from guile, candid, open.
No kidding that’s what it said! I think Mandisa is right; being a transparent Christian would be GREAT!! Reminds me of this passage of Scripture

Matthew 5:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  

Let your light so shine before men, that they may GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. In other words, may our Holy God be seen in us AS IF THERE WERE NO INTERVENING MATERIAL!! What would that intervening material be that would keep ‘men’ from seeing HIM in us? Only one thing our FLESH.

Father God this excites me. I want to be transparent! I want to be free from guile, be candid and open; to be a conduit for You to show Yourself in this world. Make me that way Lord Jesus; nothing in me can do that except YOU. Thank You for being here within us.

As I post this it is 66°F and haze in Balad, IQ & the time there is 4:46 PM AST – on March 4, 2008
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IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY MARCH 3, 2008

We have some updates; lets see them first.
From Cathy: My friend’s son has committed himself to a rehab center. He will be living/staying there full time. Thank you for your prayers and for your continued prayer support for this situation.
From Helen: Dan’s dad (Mr. Smith) is back home as of today (Saturday). The valve they put in in December is working great-but- another valve is leaking and the arteries areall blocked but one. The doctor said he should be able to do just about anything he did before just in smaller amounts. Thank you all for your prayers God is still in control. We know all of our days are numbered and- Granpa may outlive us all it’s just at times like this we reflect more on just how helpless we really are without our Lord we really can’t so much as put one foot in front of the other unless He allows it. Enough Thanks once again for the prayers.
Regarding Jeremy: For those of you who don’t already know Jeremy is making some progress as of yesterday(Friday). I know my last email didn’t sound very promising. A few hours after I mailed it out, I learned that yesterday Jeremy was doing much better. After a very rough night with his blood pressure being very bad they checked him throughout the night and in the morning his blood pressure was back to normal and his body is completely over both types of influenza. He was awake a little yesterday as well and responding well to different commands (squeeze someone’s hand, nodding his head to different questions). He will still be on the breathing machine until his lungs clear of all the fluid, and they’ll keep him sedated until he’s off the breathing machine. So, needless to say he’s not out of the woods yet, but we can still praise God for healing him of the flu, and the small steps he’s taking.
Regarding Barber’s Grandson: We have great news. Grant urinated on his own once last night and once this morning. Each time was only a little bit, but it is a great start. The nurses and doctors are very optimistic that we are turning that corner toward kidney function! Praise God!! Grant is in dialysis right now; they are still drawing off the excess toxins that his body can not void right now. Continue to pray that his kidneys heal completely.
Another issue we are facing right now is nutrition. Grant has eaten hardly anything since last Tuesday, almost 2 weeks ago. He still has NO appetite, and the doctor is concerned about him getting some food in him. Pray that he regains his appetite and will begin eating better. Again, I can not express how thankful we all are for all of your kind words and support. We have seen the family of God in action and are forever grateful to you and to the awesome God we serve. He has met every need and His presence has been so tangible.
Father, we are grateful for these good reports, for the Merciful Healing You are applying to these lives. We are grateful for decisions to enter re-hab and we pray these steps to recovery will be successful. Thank You for Who You are and who You are bringing us all to be.
Psalm 143:
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
In You I take shelter.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant.
Amen and Amen. We are His servants and He hears us! However, our bodies are functioning or not functioning today, we can Praise Him! Whatever station we are holding today in HIM we are His Servants and we can serve Him and each other today! To HIM be ALL the glory!!
And we have a new prayer request from Claudia:Wanted to let you know about Jon David, and ask that you put him on your prayer list. He had his nose broken yesterday (Saturday) …..they were playing basketball in the driveway, and Jeremy came up as Jon David was going down.
Father, a broken nose has got to hurt big time and be especially difficult for a one young so we pray for him, for calmness of heart and supernatural ability to be still and allow Your healing to come. We pray for surgical intervention to be accurate and textbook perfect. We pray for restoration of the cartilage and resetting of bone; we pray for a complete recovery for Jon David, both medically and cosmetically. And we pray for parents and grandparents that this will be a time for You to be glorified and faith and love for You to grow deeper. We pray too this morning for others, for houses that need to sell; I can think of 3 Father in particular. We pray for families that are struggling to keep their homes and pray debts that look like merciless mountains to them. We hardly know how to pray except please help; please send relief. And we pray for the unemployed; we ask You to grant favor as they seek a place to earn and we pray You will open right doors and close wrong ones and we thank You that Your timing is perfect especially when we are fearful. Forgive us for our fear and thank You that You understand and You love us and help us in it. These names listed here represent many and varied situations and conditions of heart and health and we pray for each one; sometimes we wonder, help us just trust and wait to see the Awesome Ways You are answering. We pray for the election of Your choice for President. We pray for health and safety for our IDOK Troops today; we pray for them the ability and determination to make right decisions today about personal matters and following orders. We pray for Commanders, most of all that they will humble themselves today before You as their Great Commander. We pray that our IDOK Troops will each and every one come home safely at the appointed time; we pray for a successful conclusion to this war. We pray for the peace of Israel; the repentance of America and the revival of Your Church. Bless each IDOK in particular today Lord Jesus I pray. Amen and Amen. Jon David. Smith and family. Barber Grandsons. Renee’. Cathy’s friend and son. Jeremy H. Pastor’s Widow and four children. Martin Family. Odessa H. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew. Sharron and Tonya’s houses to sell.
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.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III. Bay N.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside:
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 73°F and blowing widespread dust and haze in Balad, IQ & the time there is 4:30 PM AST – on March 3, 2008

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR Friday, February 29, 2008

February 29, 2008 – and we have an IDOK having a birthday today – she only has a birthday every four years :) so as you pray, intercede for our sister, Julia. Father, thank You for giving life to Julia; Holy Spirit give her strength today to open every gift You have for her.
A Quote for today: In the end, I think this is what women truly desire: to know God and to stand tall in their faith, strong at the core, tender in heart. Ruth Senter. And to that I add a ‘hearty’ AMEN!
I am reading Psalm 146 today – and I am rejoicing in its comfort and strength as the eyes of my heart caress each word. I hope you have the same experience this morning.
Psalm 146
The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the LORD
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 While I live I will praise the LORD;
Notice I WILL — it’s a choice. It must be our choice today.
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Now is the time to Praise Him.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
Did you see that? We do not trust in ‘a’ son of man, in whom there is no help. We trust THE SON OF MAN, Jesus our Christ in Whom is ALL the help we need!! If He does not do it, it don’t need doing!!
4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish.
All other sons of man in the natural die and all their plans with them BUT in Christ Jesus — oh what a difference!
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
AMEN! AWESOME GOD! And HE keeps truth FOREVER; no other does that, only HE!
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.
Yes, food to the hungry. May today’s Psalm inspire us to HUNGER for Him – HE will surely feed us! And when He satisfies our hunger we are set FREE!
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
Oh yes LORD open the eyes of the blind — pray right now for someone you know and love who needs to see. Believe He is opening their eyes!
The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the strangers;
Doesn’t this delight you? He watches over the strangers; once we were a stranger and He watched over us and guided us safely to Himself. He is doing that for others too — keep on praying for them.
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
10 The LORD shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!
Amen and Amen. LORD GOD, YOU are AWESOME and by Your Grace and Mercy to us we Love You. Thank You for making this possible for us all.
An update on Barber’s Grandson: This link may help getting you there http://caringbridge.org/cb/viewHome.do I urge you to go on line and read his story. Little Grant’s condition is posted at “Caringbridge.com”,everyone can enter his name and keep updated. Is beginning to be too much to make so many phone calls. This is what she told me (Sybil) this time. He does have the line in his neck now and went through the surgery well,losing little blood which they were fearful that it might be a lot thus requiring a transfusion. He is doing dialysis right now at 4:30 P.M.on Thursday. Just how much of this he will do depends on how quickly the blood quits breaking down. He is not urinating on his own yet. She sounded very tired and I’m sure they all are. As most of us know from experience,hospitals stays are exhausting.
We are adding another IDOK Troop today, Bay N. He’s 22 and is scheduled to be leaving for Iraq in May. His Mom has asked us to pray for him. We receive this privilege of prayer as an honor.
Father, thank You. We are remembering Callie again this morning; she is so young and more chemo is more than a sad disappointment to her and her family – only You can give strength and comfort – Lord amaze them with Yourself we pray. And we pray for Little Grant that You will reverse the effects of this e-coli; that You will restore him completely and while You do that give peace and comfort and physical stamina to the family. We also come with these others; You know the need of each one and for these needs today we are depending upon You to provide. We pray for Bay, we pray for all our IDOK Troops asking that You protect them today; that not one of them be lost; that You protect them in mind and body and spirit; that You bring each of them home safe and sound at the appointed time. And today while they serve we pray for wisdom and discernment and for willing hearts to trust You and find pleasure in You Today. We pray for a successful conclusion to this war; we pray for Peace for Israel; for repentance for America; for the election of Your Choice for President – please continue to expose each candidate for who they are; and Father, I think above all revive Your Church; create a hunger for You in us that we will not stop until You Fill us up with Yourself. Keep us climbing all the way to Zion for Jesus sake. Amen and amen. Mr. Smith and family. Barber Grandsons. Renee’. Cathy’s friend and son. Jeremy H. Pastor’s Widow and four children. Martin Family. Odessa H. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew. Sharron and Tonya’s houses to sell.
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.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III. Bay N.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside:
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 71°F and haze in Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 4:50 PM AST – on February 29, 2008


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IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008

December 29, 2003 – Again

OH, MY!!! It is so good to be back with you!! And I have so many avenues of thought this morning. Something about choices and we are the filters people see God through but the avenue that most thrills me is found in Hosea 2:19 and 20:
And I will betroth you to ME forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will even betroth you to ME in stability and in faithfulness, and you shall know (recognize, be acquainted with, appreciate, give heed to, and cherish) the Lord.
I do not have words to tell you (I know you can’t believe that …) how much this passage of My Father’s Word means to me this morning. I am betrothed to HIM FOREVER! Even when I make poor choices and even when the filter that I am gets fogged up I AM STILL BETROTHED TO HIM… He still loves me. I am still His and He is still Mine!! Hallelujah!! And I can come boldly into His presence (and humbly, thanking Him from the bottom of my heart) anytime…. Especially when I have made a poor choice or me-the filter is fogged up. OH, How AWESOME HE IS! Okay, so what am I talking about this filter business? The thought came to me earlier this morning as I was preparing to come to the computer that we, Father’s daughters (and sons), are the “filters” through whom the world’s people see God. One of the ways they read Him, see His character, become interested in Him is through us… We filter their perception of Him. Is that sobering, staggering or what? What the people around us think of God is influenced by what they see in us. Now do you see why I am so thrilled with Hosea this morning? Cause when we have made poor choices and those poor choices have fogged and dirtied up the filter… WE ARE STILL BETROTHED TO HIM AND HE TO US!! He does not discarded us even then!! WHAT A PICTURE THAT GIVES TO THE WORLD!! When He says that He is betrothed to us HE MEANS it!! And how is He betrothed to us? — in righteousness and justice. He has given us His righteousness and He is perfectly Just in doing so because JESUS PAID IT ALL!! He has given Himself to us in steadfast love, and in mercy. Do you see that Steadfast Love … His love for us will not fail… No matter what – He has given Himself to us in steadfast love and how did He do that — in mercy. It is BY HIS MERCY THAT HE HAS SAVED US! And it gets better and better. He is betrothed to us in stability and in faithfulness. In this world when stability and faithfulness is such a rare commodity, Our God, Our Father, Our Betrothed is STABLE and FAITHFUL to us!! And on top of all that as we walk with Him as we see His righteousness and justice, His steadfast love, His mercy, His stability and in faithfulness, we shall know (recognize, be acquainted with, appreciate, give heed to, and cherish) the Lord. Just look at that! WE SHALL recognize Him, be acquainted with Him, appreciate Him, give heed to him and CHERISH Him.!!! Now that will affect our choices — won’t it? And keep us as clean filters too!! Ask me if I am tickled this morning?!!! One more thing as I was thinking of these avenues: choices and filters and then read the Scripture I had no idea it would all tie together. I thought choices and filters would just have to wait. IS HE GOOD OR WHAT?!!!

Father God how can I ever say thank You to You!! Thank You for Your Word that bathes our souls with healing and refreshment and every thing else we need to live and breathe. Thank You. And Lord, thank You to be back here with my email family. Thank You for ministry; without You, life would be nothing and ministry, what a gift! Thank You. So Father this morning as I think of my email family and my natural family, my daughters, my “sons”, my grandchildren, my mom, my brothers, and on and on, I ask You this morning to draw them to Yourself; to shower lavishly upon them Yourself; so they will KNOW they are betrothed to You and You are FOREVER and it is a FOREVER relationship. And we are safe with You FOREVER. Thank You. And Lord, because of Who You are in us, help us make wise and good and holy choices today and when we do that we will be good filters for people to see You through and that is what we really want for people to see You and become betrothed to You too for Jesus sake. Amen and amen.
And Father, more than four years later I again say AMEN this request. And now because of Your Grace and Mercy we have many more souls over which to pray and we are grateful; we bring them now individually and pray for Your Will to be accomplished in each soul for Jesus Sake. We pray for our IDOK Troops, for their protection of mind, body and spirit; for wisdom and discernment as they perform their duties today and we ask You to bring each of them home safe and sound at the appointed time. We continue to pray for Israel, for Her peace; and we pray for Repentance for America; for the election of Your Choice for President and for revival in Your Church for Jesus sake.
As I post this it is 50°F and clear in Al Taji, IQ & the time there is 8:45 AM AST – on February 28, 2008

His Ministry to You

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?