Take heed, watch and pray; for you know not when the time is. Mark 13:33
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirt is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38
Dear Friends,
Since the outbreak of the war with Iran, there is an outbreak of speculation about end times prophecy and the Lord’s return. I have seen this happen often over my lifetime. It has happened countless times in the last 2,000 years. Jesus said this would happen frequently in the end times. These end times are now two millennia and counting–just an instant to our eternal Lord Jesus. His last word in Revelation 22:20 is always His NOW word, “I am coming quickly!”
Over the years, He has taught and permitted me to boldly ask Him if He is returning in the next few days. Most times He responds with silence in my heart. That always means Rev 22:20. Last summer, He responded with “Not yet.” That meant to be wary of all the convenient and competing end times doctrines that inspire fear or justify sloth in the Body of Christ.
But this last Tuesday morning in prayer dialogue with Him, we heard clearly “Watch and pray!” This command has two applications:
1. Avoiding temptation (Matt 26:41; Mark 14:38)
2. Alert for His return in end times.(Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36)
He knows how we each may be drifting or drowsy in these two areas. We suggest you all meet with Him in these chapters, personally & corporately.
Then, this last Wednesday morning I awoke to “Seek Me.” This, of course, is His command from Psalm 27:8 to seek His face. The Bible word “seek” means diligent, wholehearted, obsessed throwing yourself at Him in every present moment. Yes, of course, it means praise, thanks, prayer, fasting, self-sacrifice. It also means shutting out all ungodly influence in the present moment and simply being with Him in whatever you are doing, in whatever situation presents itself. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Col. 3:23
When nations target each other in war, we must aim our lives at Him. Battle stations. He commands you. Watch and pray you do not fall into temptation. Guard your heart, eyes, tongue. Ask Him to help you. He will. Watch and pray for His imminent return. Expect Him to return each day, possibly before you finish reading this. Yet while you wait on alert, enjoy seeking Him with your whole heart in each present moment of each precious day He gives you—with your loved ones—in this wonderful and wicked world which is passing away. Ask His help. He will. Because He is returning soon.
“Lord, help us watch and pray–avoiding temptation, alert for Your return, discerning Your voice clearly in the din of many voices! Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
In the meantime, help us hold steady. Move in wisdom upon the leaders of our nation. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Move in power to bring the wicked to Your justice. Move in mercy to bring as many as possible to repentance—before it’s too late—in Jesus’ name!
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OUR NEWEST VIDEO! “Hide” (Meditating upon Ps 32:7-9) @richardf.speightjr.3804 https://youtu.be/5X2Mr_Tjn9U
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New and Continuing Prayer Requests
PLUS UPCOMING (Invite your friends! Many have been blessed in these gatherings over all the years.)
3/8 Sunday Come Rest Class at Rehoboth, Speight’s home. 830-930. Arrive early as 8. We provide drinks. Bring snacks to share if you wish. No pressure to do so.
(What happens at this weekly Class for 18 years? Speights teach/testify to scripture Holy Spirit has brought forth previous week. We pray for each other. We release at 930 so various members are free to attend their respective church service. Unless Speights need to go minister somewhere, members may stay for more fellowship.)
3/8 Sunday Isaiah 58 House Fellowship at Rehoboth, 630-8. Arrive early as 6. We’ll have drinks available. Bring snacks to share if you wish. No pressure to do so.
(What happens at this weekly meeting for 19 years? Speights oversee gathering as Holy Spirit is invited to come rest upon us in praise, word, testimonies, prayer, love.
3/6 Awakening of Love Worship (most 1st/3rd Fridays, 630-830pm) @ CLC, 2808 Schaeffer Dr SW. Schnieders/Blombergs music team/Speights/CRM intercessors!
(What happens at these intermittent renewal gatherings, going in some form for 18 years? Speight oversee this free flow gathering that is deeply peaceful, yet passionate in Jesus. People are invited to come rest in Jesus’ love and the Holy Spirit is invited to come rest upon His people for His purposes. All the praise, intercession, and word is for the awakening of love in the Bride for her Risen Returning Lord!
3/18 CRM Personal Day Retreat here at Rehoboth, 845-4. 3434 Riverside Dr NE. MUST APPLY by Saturday noon, March 14th, to jkadlec@imonmail.com
(What happens at these monthly events, generally the 3rd Wednesday, going for 18 years? For Kim and Dick Speight, these truly unique gatherings are at the heart of Come Rest Ministries. Believers gather to rest in His truth and love for a day in the Speights’ home. The Lord has helped us continually simplify and deepen this 7 hour model of day retreat. This includes fresh teaching by Dick Speight, selections from his three books, interspersed with times of quiet rest and solitude, and Kim’s tasty fellowship lunch where participants often begin or continue life changing friendships. SO many people have come and returned to our retreats, as well as invited friends and family members to try it out. This is the only one of our gatherings where a believer must apply in advance to attend. Each must agree with our simple Come Rest core statement of beliefs and commit to our guidelines for sharing space in our home. This way everyone can rest assured they are spending the day in one accord with Bible believing sisters and brothers who profess faith, hope, and love in Jesus as Lord. We ask a free will offering to the Lord for Come Rest Ministries.
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We thank you so much for financial support! Your seeds sown by mail, website, Venmo, or PayPal propel our ministries of prayer, teaching, evangelism, counsel, gatherings, writing, videos! Thank you! 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
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