“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 I was just about to walk away with my trio of dogs on their leashes from the homeless woman I had crouched down for a while to talk to who sat in front of a New York City deli-bakery kind of a store, having had a wonderful opportunity to talk to her about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and how the Lord had transformed me from an utterly broken and hopeless woman to a woman He had just sent back to New York City after almost 25 years to bring back the message of hope…

4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:4-10 Not too long after I arrived in New York City to do my streets ministry work and devotional writing, I was…

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And…

“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”” Hebrews 10:38……….. “Do not doubt because of what you see and feel,” the Spirit of God just told me moments ago. More accurately, the Spirit of God reminded me. For He had already told me this in the past day or so. Most accurately, He’s been telling me that for a very long time. In His Word. For He is teaching me to walk by faith. To live by Faith. Not to live according to what I see with my human eyes, and to what I feel in my human heart. He’s been teaching me to live according to Him, to His Word, to His Bible, to His wisdom, to His directions, to the leading…

10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet…

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”” John 8:12…………….. I have just woken. So early in the morning. Too tired to be awake. Too awake to go back to sleep. Right at the fine line of being between sleep and awake. As awake as I need to be to begin the day. Still needing so much rest, more sleep, more mental rest. Just weeks into arriving in New York City for this next season of my life loving and serving God in ministry. That’s when, despite my not so great memory even at the best of times, even when being wide awake, I was surprised to realize I remembered the words…

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10…………….. Almost every time I’ve ever heard or read preaching and teaching about…

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6…………….. 4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Eph. 4:4……….. I was in a rush. A big one. I was going to a prayer meeting. Of pastors and ministry leaders praying for New York City. Oh, I was so excited. Just two weeks freshly moved into the city, and, oh, wow, what an opportunity to connect with fellow people sold out to Jesus praying in unity for the city. I decided to walk, despite the long distance, to save…

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13……………. “Thank you for the hope,” the man told me. They were five of the most powerful, most beautiful, most amazing words I had ever heard. On the very street I had walked over 20 years ago in New Jersey at a time I had been broken beyond human repair, lost beyond human hope, purposeless beyond description, utterly useless, without an ounce of hope for myself let alone for anything or anyone, I was now crouched down on the pavement on the side of the road with a homeless woman and a homeless man who were hanging out on the streets…

“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:38-42…… I was kneeling down on a New York City sidewalk beside a homeless man sharing with him the Gospel message that we are all sinners headed for eternity in hell apart from God who can have a forever relationship with God almighty instead by turning away from our sins, and lifestyle of sin, and placing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord who died for us and our…

 “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”” Mark 2:16-17………… Call me gross for writing about it. It is gross to write about, isn’t it? Even grosser to have seen it, I can tell you quite honestly. But I believe it bears writing about it. Not just because it’s true, but because in the telling of it lies a lesson. A lesson inspired by the woman who couldn’t stop vomiting. I was walking the dogs one night…

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19……. No warning from anyone about the exceeding expense of living in New York City could have prepared me for exactly how unbelievably expensive the city is, but to be honest what stands out more than anything isn’t the warnings I received before arriving in the city but instead the reminders I have received from loved ones about the goodness of God, the faithfulness of God, the loving-kindness of God, the loyalty of God, the blessedness of God, the mercy of God, the provision of God, and how magnificently He provides for us when we are in His will loving Him and living for Him and proclaiming Him to the world all around.…

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:4-5……. What am I doing here? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you found yourself in a geographic location, a relationship, a job, a sport, a hobby, a new endeavor, an interest, a dream, anything but a dream, on the streets, in prison, at a dinner party, in a grocery store, on the other side of town, lost somewhere, on the wrong side of town, on the right side of town but the side you never wanted to be, at a particular church, with a certain group of people, absolutely anywhere at all,…

“What is desired in a man is kindness,…” Proverbs 19:22 I couldn’t have been more delighted that I had actually found a very affordable yummy and healthy food store in New York City in just about a week and a half after making the monumentally big move into the city, and it had been totally well worth the long walk to get there. Long walks are relative, and fortunately I LOVE walking and it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to spend time praising the Lord and praying to Him and listening to Him, but still, long walks when it comes to carrying shopping bags can seem extra long. I hadn’t figured on finding so many delicious and nutritious groceries this morning when I took off for the store to which…

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah…

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4……………. I had moved into New York City just days before, at 50 years old, with no family or friends in the area, having left behind a relatively easy, comfortable, secure, and convenient life in Virginia, and, before that, even more so in coastal South Carolina. I was in New Jersey for a few hours parking my old beloved car in a parking lot, at an enormous monthly price, because I had been unable to find a cheaper, or even free, alternative. I was exhausted, weary, somewhat overwhelmed by the enormity of what was clearly the biggest step of faith I had ever taken as a Christ follower, and I…

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18………………… By God’s grace alone, in God’s strength alone, for God’s glory alone, last week I moved with the Lord Jesus Christ, my little ministry, and my beloved special needs and senior dogs from a hotel in New Jersey where I had been for three weeks with wonderful ministry opportunities after nearly a year in a hotel in Virginia with countless ministry opportunities into New York City with endless ministry opportunities literally beginning before I even moved into my wonderful little apartment with which the Lord has provided me for the purpose of being in New York City for this precious season of my life to proclaim…

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that today is the big day I’m moving myself, my ministry, my sweet special needs & senior doggies, and my stuff into New York City as the next big step of faith in following the Lord and doing the streets ministry and writing, publishing, and distribution work to which He has called me. The forecast is calling for rain, and I am moving onto a sidewalks-packed-with-people, small, one-lane street where double parking is not allowed without any friends or family to help since I don’t know anybody in the region except those I knew over 20 years ago! MY TRUST IS IN THE LORD, MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD, MY REJOICING IS IN THE LORD! When I start to think how…

“Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the Lord, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!” Psalm 31:19-21……….. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1…………… Just moments ago I was laying down on the hotel room floor cuddled up with my dear Mr. Simeon, one of my two paralyzed dogs I’ve had for years now, in the middle of…

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42……………. My name is Lara, as you probably know since you’re reading my writing, but…

In case you’re wondering why you haven’t been receiving much Daily Inspiration, and in case you don’t already know, just a few weeks ago I hit the road again with my Lord Jesus Christ, my Bible, my sweet handicapped and senior doggy companions, and my stuff, in a very old car, to begin the next step of my journey being out on the road for the Lord & ministry. I remain in a hotel in New Jersey not too far outside New York City, and Lord willing I will be moved into New York City in a short time. I promise to keep you posted! As you can imagine, I’m exhausted, under a fair amount of stress, being tested by the Lord through the big move, being attacked by Satan…

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23……. Sometimes the Lord makes abundantly clear to us it’s time to move on, to let go, to go ahead, to press forward, to leave something or someone behind, because it’s His will, because it’s His time, for His glory, because we who follow Him are His and are here to love and follow Him, and are to go forward when He says to go forward, and, in love for and obedience to Him, we do let go, we do move on, we do press forward, following Him, even when it’s hard, or not, no matter what we feel like when we make…

“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15………… “The one you love is not the one I want you to take,” the Spirit of God told me firmly, even sternly, emphatically early this morning. I have just woken up, and am utterly exhausted, not just from too little sleep, but from literally walking virtually non stop at a fairly rapid pace for about four hours through the streets of New York City yesterday searching for housing. I was thinking for the umpteenth time about an apartment I had seen days earlier which despite its need for some work the management company had promised to do prior to move in seemed…

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5…………. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6…………. “Keep looking,” the Lord told me one morning. “Be diligent in this.” I had been looking and looking – and looking – for something. I thought I had found it. What I had found was not what God wanted for me. I was exhausted from looking. I wanted to move forward already. I wanted to move on. I could easily have stopped looking. And settled. Settled for something right in front of me. Just to…

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17…………….. “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14…………. “You have your answer,” the Spirit of God told me early one morning as I was still waking up concerning something big and important that had been occupying much of my time and thoughts in days past. “Say no and move forward,” He told me. If you don’t know me well, you don’t know that this is one of the most powerful messages from the Lord I had ever received. Not only that, but the Lord had grown me…

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:14…….. Jesus Christ is Lord. The Lord is God. God almighty. We have no business calling Jesus Christ Lord and not living our lives accordingly. That’s what I did for years. Told people I believed in Jesus Christ as Lord. My life showed the world, and most importantly the Lord, that I hadn’t submitted my life to Him. I called Him Lord. I didn’t act like He is Lord. I acted like I was lord of my own life. Jesus Christ is Lord. Those of us who call Him Lord, who believe in Him as Lord, need to follow Him as Lord. We need to yield our hearts and lives to…

“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23………… When I think of the word “seamless”, I think of being unable to tell where one thing ends and another thing begins. A transition is so “seamless” from one thing to the next, regardless of what it is, like one piece of fabric to another, or where one piece of machinery connects to another, that the whole transition is simply as clean, clear, natural, and even peaceful, as can be. The two pieces just fit perfectly, well, as though there is no break between them, no rough patches in between them, and, well, I believe you get the picture. This, in fact, is how I would describe my recent…

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18 (underlining added)………………. Please go where God sends you. When you know it’s Him sending you, please go. For Him. Why should you go? Because He’s God. Today I went into New York City to see an apartment I didn’t feel good about seeing because of something I learned about the people managing it. A nice real estate agent I did feel good about by phone and email agreed to show it to me. My beloved parents encouraged me to go and see it despite my strong reservations about the management company. I knew the Lord was sending me. So I went. It turns out the Lord…

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Yesterday as I drove into New York City, my first trip back there in many, many years, having gone in once to the city for a few hours years ago and having lived in the city years before that, I was in awe. I cannot describe in words how far the Lord has brought me, of where He has brought me spiritually, physically, emotionally, and, most importantly, in my forever relationship with Him, and in my ministry work for Him. I was a woman broken…

Just wanted to let you know I have arrived safe & sound by God’s grace alone in New Jersey, settled myself and the 5 special needs & senior doggies in my care into a hotel, woke up to a snowstorm this morning, and after all the preparation, the packing, and the driving, and given this is undoubtedly the biggest step of faith I have taken in my years of following Jesus, I am utterly exhausted. I am reminded of how this step goes against my flesh in so many ways, from leaving behind beloved family and friends, going north when I love warm weather, going to the city when I love the beach, going to noise when I love quiet, going to a dangerous place when I love to feel safe,…