latest GOOD NEWS DAILY – August 16

Some storms are called pop-up storms. They come quickly – and leave quickly. Rapidly they are GONE. Other storms never seem to end. They go on and on – and on. It can be pretty scary and overwhelming to be in the midst of them. The weather can be absolutely beautiful – and other times totally terrifying. Being in the center of a seemingly endless storm can be intimidating beyond measure.

Never mind the weather. Sometimes we experience pop-up storms in our lives. Other times seemingly everlasting storms. And there is one thing true of them all – and so wonderfully comforting.

For those of us who have turned from our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and that He died on the cross to pay our sin penalty and was raised from the dead, truly turning to God and His ways as He teaches us in the Bible, THE LORD IS WITH US IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER – storms and all!

If you’re in a storm right now, whether a pop-up one or one that seems like it will never end, CRY OUT TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, DIG DEEP INTO HIS WORD, BE FILLED WITH HIS SPIRIT, SEEK HIS PRESENCE AND WAIT ON HIM, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, LISTEN AND OBEY, AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY AND PEACE AND HOPE THAT IF YOU HAVE GIVEN HIM YOUR LIFE HE IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU THROUGH IT ALL – wind, rain, hail, snow, ice, heat, cold, fog, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, absolutely all.

love & blessings,

lara

As a loved one told me long ago, the Lord equips us to do what He has called us to do. He provides for us what we need to fulfill His will for us. He gives us what we need to love and serve Him day by day.

How quickly we can feel overwhelmed, discouraged, scared, worried, anxious, defeated, etc. Sometimes we simply need a message of encouragement. We may go running to people to love, help, pray for, and encourage us, and there’s nothing whatsoever wrong with that in the least. But the greatest encouragement of all comes straight from the Lord. Like the encouragement He gave me in my alone time with Him that day.

Like the encouragement He gives us in the verses above!

Be encouraged, friend! By the Lord! Amen!

Do you squeeze the Lord God almighty into free spots on your calendar like on Sundays for church, Wednesday night for prayer meetings and Bible studies, and maybe some morning devotional time? Or is He at the forefront of your life day in and day out? Is He number one? Is He your first love? Is He preeminent?

Do you turn to Him throughout the day and night? Do you think about Him often? Do you pray to Him at any time of day or night? Do you meditate on His Word? Do you talk about Him to people throughout the day or evening? Do you look to Him in all things? Is He your greatest priority? Does He occupy the most important place in your heart? Is He part of the very foundation and fabric of your life? Is He truly more important to you than anything or anyone?

Do you love Jesus more than anything and anyone?

Please, friend, may this be so. And, if it is not, let now be the time of turning – to Jesus – with your whole heart and for all of time!

THE T-SHIRT THAT SPOKE TO ME

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Okay, admittedly, t-shirts don’t have mouths that speak human words. But sometimes they talk just the same. With messages. Like this one.

“Treat people with kindness.”

How could I miss it? I’m not big on reading t-shirts, but that one grabbed my attention.

Sad to say people shouldn’t have to be told to be kind. Not especially followers of the Lord Jesus Christ who commands us to love and to be kind.

But the reality is that ALL OF US in our humanness need reminders to do what is right in the eyes of Jesus. Like when it comes to love and kindness.

Serving Jesus in our everyday lives isn’t just about our outward actions, friend. It’s also about our hearts, our thoughts, our feelings, our motives, our attitudes, and the expressions we wear on our faces and how we carry our bodies.

We need to serve the Lord and others with love and kindness, and, when we find that we are not, we need tor repent and return to doing what’s right.

The fruit of the Spirit of God who lives inside His followers includes love and kindness! These should be key ingredients in our hearts and lives – each and every day. In our thoughts, words, and actions!

Be loving. “Treat people with kindness.”

For Christ’s sake!

LATEST MINISTRY UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST

I’m dealing with some logistical ministry issues right now and would love prayer please as you are led! The Lord knows the details, so please just pray!

I am very tired as my plate is overflowing with ministry opportunities both with writing and publishing and on the streets, so personal prayer would be so very welcome, too!

I have people who have weaved in and out of my life continuing to hurt me dearly with no sign of remorse or acknowledgement of wrongdoing, and I ask that you would please pray for them as my heart’s desire is they would have a forever relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully follow Him day by day!

I am so incredibly excited at what the Lord is doing in and through my heart and ministry for Him, and I couldn’t be more thankful! Just need loads of God’s love, strength, mercy, power, and provision to press on!

Thank you for your love, care, and prayers!

love & blessings,

lara