Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Ps 34:8
Dear National and Local friends,
During a quiet time He directed my attention to Kim’s bird feeders on our deck overlooking the woods. Two years ago, she added a pretty little hanging bowl we fill daily with grape jam. Our hope was to attract Orioles. We were told to persevere even though none came for a long time. Eventually they showed up, showed off! Radiant orange/black contrast; beautiful song, chatter, and undulating flight. We were also told that they wouldn’t stay long, and once they left, you might as well not waste jam. However, we now see the Orioles come earlier and stay longer. More unexpected is the wide variety of other species at the banquet. Who knew? Among the 30-plus species Kim now feeds with various seeds, many additionally feast on the jam: Downy Woodpeckers, Harry Woodpeckers, Redbellied Woodpeckers, Catbirds, Goldfinches, House Finches, Sparrows, Chickadees, Titmouses!
He spoke to my heart, “Your focus was on the Orioles, but there are far more who want the jam than you believed. This is why I’m calling you afresh to earnest, fervent, effectual prayer. There are far more “in a jam” than you perceive at any time. There are those you have stopped praying for, because it seems they will never come rest from their deception and sin. Start again. There are others you perceive doing just fine—but they are actually deeply troubled and recklessly dabbling in sin. They’re trying to hide from Me, but need to come hide in Me. My eye is upon them that My hand would be upon them through My prayers in and through you.”
We emphasize the “Taste and See” and ignore the second half of the verse. The main way anyone discovers how good He is, is to take refuge in Him. When you take refuge in Him and stay inside His protective love and truth, you can earnestly, fervently, effectually pray lost people toward taking refuge the first time—and believers back into refuge and staying there! Expect to be surprised exceedingly abundantly more than you dare to think, imagine, or ask! Cry, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! Start praying BIG again!
Check out our NEW VIDEO (Based on Psalm 34:8) In a Jam? @ https://youtu.be/1v1t3zKmuyg Enjoy/share it in your sphere of influence! ***
We celebrated our 45th Wedding Anniversary on July 20th. That day in 1980 was also a Sunday, on a very hot afternoon in a packed church with no air conditioning. Kim surprised me by singing a solo to me, “He Has Chosen Me For You.” Up to that moment, Kim was so nervous. Once she began to sing, she immediately felt His peace. I was cool and calm before she sang. Afterward, a bawling mess! After 45 years of His lavish and relentless faithfulness to the two of us, I can’t thank Him enough that He chose us for each other.
Do you thank him daily for choosing you? Why did He choose you? Yes, because He loved and wanted you. But look at this: You did not choose me, but I chose you and have appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, it will be given to you. These things I command you so that you will love one another. John 15:16-17
You were chosen to bear His his lasting fruit, to pray in His name, and to love other believers with the same love He loves you. He’s lavishly and relentlessly kept you alive! He has you just ready enough for stepping up into our Come Rest Summer 2025 Prayer Call to intercession grounded in Psalm 56 & 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2 & Psalm 34—which we have been tracking/studying the last couple weeks. Please read/reread these. If you want a refresher over the bible grounding of this, go to our most recent entry on the Updates page, entitled, “This Poor Man Cried Out…”
Join us in daily prayer for the following four categories of people through the end of September. In each category, wait on the Lord to bring specific individuals to your heart and mind. Pray life and life abundant over them, in Jesus’ name! We’ve been doing this every day the last two weeks and it generally takes 5-10 minutes. Occasionally He takes us deeper and longer in the praying and it is so renewing!
- Pray for those who are afraid, that they would put all their trust in Jesus.
- Pray for those who are being persecuted for following Jesus; that they would be delivered and endure fruitfully until they are.
- Pray for your extended family to come join you at the feet of Jesus in real faith, hope, and love.
- Pray for all who are distressed in body and soul, or enslaved in debt, or who are discontented; that they would come to Jesus and find rest and become mighty under His Captaincy!
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PLEASE NOTE: UPCOMING
Aug 10 At Rehoboth, 3434 Riverside Drive NE
- Come Up! Class 830AM! Arrive early as 8 for conversation. We release around 930 so each may go to respective church services.
- I-58 House Meeting 630PM! Arrive early as 6 for conversation. We release around 8 so everyone on their way home by 9.
- Aug 15 CRM Awakening of Love worship flow at CLC, 630-830! 2808 Shaeffer Dr SW. Blomberg Team assist us musically! Next one not until 9/19.
- Aug 17 No Sunday groups. Speights away at weekend family event.
- Aug 20 Our next Personal Retreat Day, 845-4! MUST apply no later than Saturday Noon Aug 16 at jkadlec@imonmail.com. Next one 9/17.
- Sept 4-7 Speights mission providing leadership/counsel at Cedar Rapids House Church family retreat/vacation. No Sunday groups 9/7.
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Thank you SO much for financial support! Ask what He wants you to sow by mail or website. Your seeds propel our simple mission of prayer, teaching, evangelism, counsel, encouragement, gatherings, writing, videos! You’ll be blessed! “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 2 Cor 9:10-11
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Minister through our website. Use it to introduce friends to CRM. Request prayer, check updates, enjoy videos, donate. Your tool to help people rest in His love!
We pray life abundant over you and yours in Jesus’ name!
Dick and Kim Speight
Richard F. Speight, Jr.
Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Come Rest Ministries
P.O. Box 11010
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52410-1010