Storm recovery across midwest and south; Supreme Court to rule on gun rights of one accused of sexual abuse; Pray from faith rather then feeling

Good News for Today

Relief crews are at work across the U-S as disaster relief continues following deadly weekend storm.

Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky and other states are dealing with the aftermath of strong storms that killed almost two dozen people and affected thousands of families.

Send Relief is working to provide help to those who need it most.

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The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a Texas case centered on whether or not existing federal law prohibiting individuals perpetuating domestic violence from possessing firearms.

The defendant, Zackey Rahimi, was subject to a civil protective order in Texas after an alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend. The order prohibited him from possessing firearms under a federal law that has been in place since 1996. However, Texas police later found Rahimi in possession of several guns following his involvement in five separate shootings, leading to an indictment under federal law.

Rahimi argued that this existing federal law violates the Second Amendment.

The federal government argued that the Second Amendment does not protect the right of individuals convicted of domestic abuse to possess guns due to safety concerns for the women and children that may be harmed as a result.

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We know we should pray, but when we struggle, it isn’t how we feel that will make the difference. It is our faith, rather than our feelings, that brings us back to prayer.

Feelings, unfortunately, can betray or mislead us. James reminds us to, “…ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). Our feelings of doubt are like unpredictable ocean waves, leaving us with the unwanted condition of believing and doubting simultaneously. We are like a man driving a car with his foot on the gas and the brake at the same time.

The question for us, then, is: How can we build our faith? The answer is found in Paul’s counsel to the Roman church, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Strengthening your faith may be as simple as adding more Bible reading to your daily devotional schedule. Reading Scripture with a heart open to the voice of God builds an “on ramp” for prayer.

Once your spirit is preconditioned by the Word of God, you’ll find it much easier to pray. That’s what Jesus promised in His last formal training with His disciples. He permanently united prayer and Scripture when He said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).