I Am A Tree

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

I am a tree

planted by a stream,

with fruit and

with leaves.

And I prosper.

(from Psalm 1)

The Importune Prayers of Elijah and Daniel

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

We will continue our study of Importunity in prayer with two more holy men, Elijah and Daniel.

Elijah’s Prayer, 1 Kings 18:41- 45

Now Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth, and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go back” seven times. 44 And it came about at the seventh time, that he said, “Behold, a cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming up from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot…

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The Joy of His Presence

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

In all the good that we do, it is most pleasing to us that He goes with us.

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14).

Wisdom — Proverbs 8:1-6

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

Does not wisdom call,

And understanding lift up her voice?

2 On top of the heights beside the way,

Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,

At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4 “To you, O men, I call,

And my voice is to the sons of men.

5 “O naive ones, understand prudence;

And, O fools, understand wisdom.

6 “Listen, for I will speak noble things;

And the opening of my lips will reveal right things (Prov. 8:1-6).

Wisdom can be found at every corner, at every turn in the road or at every decision point. It is calling out to us to be wise. We must listen for its voice.

Wisdom — Proverbs 7:4-5

Posted on January 6, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

And call understanding your intimate friend;

5 That they may keep you from an adulteress,

From the foreigner who flatters with her words (Prov. 7:4-5).

Wisdom and understanding always go together. They together will keep you from an adulteress.

Wisdom — Proverbs 4:5-9

Posted on December 30, 2022 by Stephen Nielsen

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!

Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;

Love her, and she will watch over you.

7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;

And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

8 “Prize her, and she will exalt you;

She will honor you if you embrace her.

9 “She will place on your head a garland of grace;

She will present you with a crown of beauty (Prov. 4:5-9).

If you do not abandon wisdom, if you instead love her, prize her, and embraced her, she will guard you, exalt you and honor you.

Winter Stories

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Stephen Nielsen

These trees have been bent over for many years and weighed down by the snow every winter. I’m waiting for them to crash down on the telephone lines below.

Here is a path into and through the tall trees. It’s adventurous to walk in here.

Here is a narrow path leading out to the creek. The path is barely visible because of all the snow, yet it beckons us forward.

This bridge takes us over the creek if we desire to go there.

Winter Hits Minnesota Early

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Stephen Nielsen

A cold evening sky.

A squirrel in my backyard.

My backyard after a good snowfall.

The start of a winter walk.

Creek still unfrozen.

Wisdom — Proverbs 3:16-18

Posted on December 13, 2022 by Stephen Nielsen

Long life is in her right hand;

In her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways

And all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy are all who hold her fast (Prov. 3:16-18).

Here are some of the blessings of wisdom: