This heron as you can see has very long legs. He also has a large beak. The better to fish with. But the thing I noticed most is the scraggily hair under his neck. Very unkept. He looks to have a good fishing spot off this dock.
I laid in my bed last night waiting to fall asleep, and I couldn’t think what to pray for. What is my prayer request to God? I didn’t have any difficult jobs coming up to pray about. I don’t feel particularly fearful about anything. I’m good I guess. After an hour or so, still not asleep, it came to me. I will pray for a desire for godliness and holiness. Yes, It I can’t think what to pray for, I must be lacking in godliness and a desire for it. I am certainly not so good that I don’t need prayer. I most definitely need prayer—I need to be more like God. I eventually found a passage in Ephesians 5:1-4 that fit my case.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
It came to me the other day (about 5 days ago) what I should do about my fears and worries. For some reason fears and worries over many things tend to be stronger and harder to handle now than they use to be. I think perhaps the devil if trying to shut me down in order to take away my influence. And that is in some ways an encouragement, knowing that he thinks I have some influence in the world.
But anyway, here is what I have been doing lately: since these fears of mine tend to work on me during the night, I have started—just before I go to bed—to record a very specific prayer to God asking Him to give me whatever it takes (wisdom) to wipe out my fears and help me. I use James 1:5-7 as a promise, that if I ask believing He will give it to me. This is my stronger faith. It is a faith that will without a doubt work every time—because it is built on the promise of God.
Now I sleep better knowing that God is working all through my night hours to deliver me and to set me up for the next day—to be a victorious conqueror like Joshua—not being afraid or discouraged, knowing that the LORD my God is with me wherever I go and whatever I do (Josh. 1:9).
Other things
The Timberwolves won in the 7th game last night. Very fun!
My small painting jobs are going so well—especially since I have been praying in faith over them. It has always been very important for me to do good work—working for the Lord.
The writing of my book on heaven is going well too. I even have some ideas on a book cover—the first thing people see.
I’ve been struggling lately with what is now a teaching topic in our Sunday School class: all about discipleship. It seems to me that some people put too much emphasis on it and it is making many feel guilty if they are not “making disciples.” Any thoughts?
What do turtles and deer have in common? They both like to pose for the camera.
I see and hear these birds more than ever this year.
Jump!
Oh there’s a beautiful swan!
I’m glad to finally get these books revised and ready for sale. I know you will be pleased with them. You owe it to yourself to be prepared for what’s ahead!
(Back Cover)
The Rapture of the church has been one of the most controversial
subjects in Christendom. But it need not be. This book shines a light
on the clear, biblical evidence of the pretribulation Rapture. Its ten
chapters are arranged in three parts.
paying close attention to a study of Daniel 9, and also to the
distinctive of both the church and Israel.
show that there are two phases to His coming: 1) the rapture of
the church and 2) His glorious appearing.
why the Rapture must come before the Tribulation.
This book was originally published in 2017, but now it’s better and cheaper. Get it at Lulu.com for $13.46
(Back Cover)
You may suppose that this book is all about the events of the Tribulation. Not so. It is believed by many scholars that from the Rapture to the Tribulation there will be a significant period of time, anywhere between three and one-half years to as many as ten years, which will be needed to set up all the very important events of the Tribulation. This is the time period that is covered in this book.
In the first few chapters, the immediate effects of the Rapture will be laid out, along with a very interesting chapter on the different theories that will emerge as an explanation of the disappearances. Then, in the middle of the book, the author goes on to lay out how the world will be in a rush to set up a global government and a global religion. And, of course, we will talk about the Antichrist: what his involvement will be and how he will appear to the world before and during the Tribulation.
In the last two chapters the discussion will turn to heavenly events, mainly the judgment seat of Christ and the Marriage of the Lamb.
This book is basically the same with a new cover. Buy it at Lulu.com for $13.50
(back cover)
I am convinced that many writers and teachers have done immeasurable damage to the truth of The Tribulation. They have mixed it all up and filled it full of so much symbolism that any normal person would be utterly confused. In this book I have attempted to make The Tribulation more understandable; that you will clearly see its source and purpose, its devastating nature, and its clear chronology of events. I think you will also appreciate that I have looked at not only the book of Revelation, but also have brought into focus key Old Testament passages, as well as a few New Testament verses, that clearly speaks of The Tribulation.
I’m sure you have heard of “build back better” that certain world leaders are intending to enforce. Well, they will fail. But there will be a Christian build back better coming soon, and The Tribulation will be the start of it. This world will be destroyed and a new world put in its place; a world governed by Christ Himself.
This is the most recent book with a new cover. Get it at Lulu.com for $14.50.
It’s nice to see the water rising in the creek; a sign of fresh rain.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.
Psalm 147:7-9
Stephen Nielsen 