And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).
Restful Sky
Reply
Struggles
It seems that there are constant struggles going on in me. The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is foremost, and is present for every Christian. However, for one that has given into the flesh there is less of a struggle—Satan has him. So, I guess I can be glad, because a struggle indicates that I am still in the war and God is still using me. Nonetheless, I don’t care for the struggle, especially when I am losing the battle of the mind—letting impure thoughts take hold. I, and all of us, need to learn to shut off or put to death those impure thoughts and to think instead on things above where we indeed are seated with Christ—and we so anticipate our glory when we, in every way, are made like Him.
Similarly, there is also a struggle with my time—for the best use of it. And if this is achieved I think I will win more often in the struggle with the flesh; for what I do affects so much what I think. I recently have been listening to John MacArthur’s sermons in Revelations; and that I know is a better use of my time than TV. I hope I can continue this habit. Not much TV is good. And there are other uses of time that are very good too, which I hope to start.
Thirly, there is a struggle with my diabetes diet. I need to keep my carbs down to have that desired blood sugar level. But I love fruit so much; and fruit, though healthy is full of sugar (carbs). So, I need to limit my fruit intake, and also other sweet foods and bread. I am not over weight, yet I am a diabetic. I hate it!
I am reading a biography on Martin Luther. Boy did he have some struggles. Yet he was courageous in the things he did—fighting against his flesh (with much fasting) and against the sins of the Catholic church. He was indeed a hero of the faith.
Falling on the Face in Prayer
World News: The Push for a Two-State Solution
The US, Egypt, Qatar and others are pushing Israel for a two-state solution, with the Palestinians to rule in Gaza. But Israel, esp. Netanyahu says, “No! that will not bring peace to Israel.” Israel knows that the Palestinians still hate them and will continue to plan their destruction— “From the river to the sea.” Which is true!
I have heard many church people ask, “What about the Palestinian Christians?” I do sympathize with them, but they should not ever side with the Palestinian government and against Israel. The Palestinian government has declared their evil intent on Israel. If these so-called Pal. Christians are in fact true Christians, they must separate from the Pal. Authority and from the Muslim faith and seek to join the Christian church in Israel and to be under the Israeli government. In doing this they will be safe.
It is unfortunate that many nations are pushing for a Palestinian state and authority in Israel. This of course is against what Israel wants because they know that there can be no peace if that happens. And of course, we know that they are on the side of God and His promises to them, that He has promised them the land according to Genesis 13:14-17.
The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” Genesis 13:14-17.
Still, many nations refuse to let Israel have what God has given them. Read the following article:
US, Egypt, Qatar said pushing plan to end war, free hostages, form Palestinian state
WSJ says plan would see gradual release of all hostages in return for Palestinian security prisoners, and full normalization for Israel and its neighbors; PMO refuses to comment
By LAZAR BERMAN
21 January 2024, 5:10 pm The US, Egypt and Qatar are pushing Israel and Hamas to accept a comprehensive plan that would end the war, see the release of hostages held in Gaza, and ultimately lead to full normalization for Israel with its neighbors and talks for the establishment of a Palestinian state, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. The plan, whose complete implementation would take 90 days, would reportedly bring all fighting to an extended halt, during which time the Palestinian terror group, in the first stage, would free all civilians. Israel would simultaneously release hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners, pull out of Gaza’s cities, allow freedom of movement in the Strip, cease drone surveillance over Gaza, and double the amount of aid entering the Hamas-controlled territory. The next stage would see Hamas release female IDF soldiers and bodies of kidnapped Israelis, as Israel releases more Palestinian prisoners. The third phase would have Israel pull back troops to the Gaza border, while Hamas frees the last hostages — soldiers and fighting-age men it considers soldiers.
Kneeling in Prayer
Update: Mostly about Me
The biggest news is Trump winning big in the Iowa caucus. But it’s not surprising to me, even that people braved the cold. Hey, it’s Iowa; cold is normal there. Many are saying that he has already clinched the election and all others should drop out and support him.
My Reading
The last three books I’ve read are biographies—Heroes of the Faith: Tyndale, Eric Little, and just finishing Gladys Aylward. I had never heard of Gladys Aylward, but now I know she is definitely a hero. This small lady was so courageous in China. She did such good work at a time when China was at war by two forces: the Communists and Japan, during the 1930’s. The reading of these books have been so inspiring to me that I have decided to read all of them I have over again—about a dozen of them, from the 1500’s (with Luther and Tyndale) to the 1930’s.
My Writing
My writing is always a slow process—because I always do tons of research firs; and I only spend about a half hour a day on it. So, it’s a grind, but I still like it and it’s so beneficial to me. I would say that it is benefiting me far more than anyone else that would be reading.
Time Off From Work
I haven’t worked for over a month—at my painting. Even though I am retired I will still be picking up some jobs soon. People will call me as soon as it gets a little warmer—or I will call them. In the meantime I will do more reading and writing. And I go out to eat breakfast almost every day. I never did that before. Well, that’s retirement I guess.
Walking Trails
…walk in the light as He is in the light … (1 John 1:7)
Standing In Prayer
Walking and Praying
Wishing for Heavenly Dreams
It’s snowing outside. About time! It looks good to me. It warms my heart to see those huge white flakes come down.
I thank the Lord that I have been having better sleep the last couple of days. I’ve been taking melatonin. I think that is the reason. Now I just need to improve my dreams. I want dreams that are more godly, more heavenly. That would be so great. Maybe when I start writing my new book on heaven that will happen. I’m so excited about it. I’m still in the reading and note taking stage. Soon I will be ready to start writing. And, as usual I will be blogging all along as I write.
In my daily bible reading I’ve been noticing more and more passages on heaven. Hebrews 11 is that way. Each faith character mentioned has a heavenly goal—they looked for a better place, a heavenly city. And that moved them ahead through all their suffering. They looked not for earthly comfort, but for the hope of heaven. And even Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him. I would like to have dreams of heaven and dreams where I am rejoicing in my anticipation of heaven.
Stephen Nielsen 