Dear Friends,
Hot off the press. We believe we heard this, 12/21, from the Lord as we all head into Christmas and the new year:
“Splitting hairs brings splitting headaches. Lower your expectations of everyone, but Me. When you are feeling weak or others are acting up, simply say “Thank You Jesus!” Watch what I will do–in you and around you. I love you so. (Phil 4:4-13; I Thess 5:16-17; Psalm 150!)
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Our NEW VIDEO, “Shine!” https://youtu.be/brsrHIE3klM Enjoy! Share! Please “like” & subscribe to YouTube channel @richardf.speightjr.3804.
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FOR YEAR END! If you have been blessed through this ministry, prayerfully consider what seed the Lord want you to sow into Come Rest. Thank you for seeds sown by mail, Venmo, Paypal, or our website! Your seeds fund our mission of prayer, teaching, evangelism, counsel, 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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Sit back with a warm cup, and enjoy our latest original writing, headed in some form eventually into one of our new books in the coming year! We love you all! Merry Christmas! Dick and Kim
Shine
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:1-8
I write this looking out over our snowy, wooded ravine. Life teems with birds plenteous, amidst trees bare and dormant. A few days ago in a snowstorm, my eyes were instantly drawn to a solitary cardinal one-hundred feet away on a branch, now center view. He stayed a long time. I sat still, focused on brilliant red piercing the storm. As my eyes adjusted, suddenly appearing beyond him down the ravine—a doe lying at rest. Amazing what we are shown when focused upon the One who has forever shone. At first, I thought “Lord, You are the cardinal.” Then in my heart He responded, “Yes, I am. And so are you. Shine.”
We invited our kids and grandkids (Emily & David Spinden w/Micah age 12, Caleb 10, Truly 8, Grant 6, Grace 3, Simon 18 mo; Daniel & Beth Speight w/Mary 19mo) to join us reflecting upon John 1:1-14 this Christmas season. We have a text thread sharing questions and stirrings as we each pray and think about the passage. Emily asked who the “him” is in verse 7—John the Baptist or Jesus? I loved her digging in like that and was reminded how I once wondered the same thing. I did a little review, just to make sure, and replied. “ So Emily, in the past I’ve wondered the same thing. I reviewed it this week. I could be wrong, but after comparing several versions of John 1:7, in addition to a little research, in addition to the bracketing context provided by verses 6 & 8–I would say the “him” is John, not Jesus. NKJV also does not capitalize “him.” Though NKJV has its own flaws, I’ve rarely seen it miss on this aspect. These verses are here to emphasize John’s witness as a necessary step in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. Also, in broader context, I believe these verses of John’s witness are meant to encourage each of the Spindens and Speights that many will come to believe in Jesus through each of us in our futures! And, if we each stop and think about it, in the midst of all that’s going on around us and within us, the Lord has already helped several people believe through our personal witness in the past! Let’s not doubt that, let’s celebrate! Thank you, Jesus! ”
Each of you reading this knows this not only applies to our family—but to each of you. If you have believed and received Jesus as your Lord, then the Word has become flesh in you. Others have come to rest and believe in Jesus through you in the past. Do not doubt it. Celebrate. Anticipate more. Who will come into His Rest in the storm through you? No, you are not the Light. But you are, like John, sent from God to bear witness about the Light. You are the cardinal, too. The darkness will never overcome the Light within you, the world, nor eternity. Shine.
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Upcoming
12/28 830-930AM Come Up Class at Rehoboth. Speights’ home 3434 Riverside Dr NE Arrive early as 8!
630-8PM I-58 House Fellowship at Speights. Arrive early as 6!
1/2 Our next Awakening of Love worship flow @ CLC, 2808 Schaeffer Dr SW. 630-830! Schnieders and Blombergs music assisting!
1/4 No Sunday Groups, Speights away on family commitment.
1/21 January Day Retreat, 845-4, at Rehoboth! Must apply @ jkadlec@imonmail.com. Freewill Offering plus $15 Come Up book
Love and blessings!
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