Northwoods Conservatives

13 hours ago

February 28, 2025, the 59th day of 2025 In His Presence Where is our pleasure? Where is our resting place? Where do we take comfort? Where do we go to find answers?... View MoreFebruary 28, 2025, the 59th day of 2025 In His Presence Where is our pleasure? Where is our resting place? Where do we take comfort? Where do we go to find answers? "One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." Psalms 27:4-5 David wrote this before there was any physical temple. That awaited his son, King Solomon, to build. This temple, this tabernacle, that David wrote of is in the Heavenly places. "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalms 16:11 In the presence of God is the most blessed and the safest place for anyone to dwell. It is the most beautiful of all, though only spiritual eyes can see it right now. In the pesence of God is the best place to be. KIng David--though he would reign as King after his time in the escaping from the clutches of King Saul--did not sing praises of his earthly home, or of the treasures that were his. Instead his focus was on God. And being in the presence of God was his delight. Forty years David ruled over Israel. Before that he faithfully served his father and tended the sheep. He ran errands and fought off predators He fought and defeated Goliath. He brought peace to the soul of King Saul and he had to escape from King Saul's evil, jealous fits. Many tried to kill him. When God had chosen David as the next King over Israel, this is what He had His Prophet Samuel, tell King Saul. "And Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.'” I Samuel 13:13-14 There was something in David that God saw, to choose him as the King that would forever be known as the King of Israel, even as other kings rose and fell. God called David, "a man after His own heart" and that is something to say about any man! David came to God with his praise, his requests and in repentance when he fell into sin. "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight— that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge." Psalms 51:1-4 The praises of God's lovingkindness were upon his lips in so many ways. "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." Psalms 103:1-6 We would not know the heart of David, without the Psalms of David. The history of David was one filled with all kinds of trials, tribulation, temptations, successes and failings. David had very high points and very low points and everything in between. And in all, he went to the Lord, to speak his heart, beg forgiveness, seek mercy, sing God's praises and make his petitions known. David knew where his help came from. David knew to Whom he relied upon. David did not hold back what he was feeling from God. He couldn't hide from God even if he wanted to, because God already knew, but still he came, even if at times he needed a nudge to admit his failings. It was not an easy life. But God had chosen him for such a time and because his heart was open to God, to follow Him, God was never far from Him. And through the kingly line of David, from the father who raised Him, Joseph, came the throne of David. And through the kingly blood line of David, through His mother Mary, Jesus, the Messiah was born of his line. Jesus was known as the Son of David. The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham..." Matthew 1:1 "Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'” Luke 18:35-38 Though the only begotten Son of God, Jesus also answered the pleadings of those who came to Him as the Son of David. The love of God is so great, and His knowledge of our hearts so expansive, that He sees the potential in us that we cannot see. And the love of Jesus is so great for His creation that He stepped down from His throne in Heaven and was born into it. And He suffered and died to redeem it. And when He rose again, it was in the resurrected human form, incorruptible that all those who have chosen to repent and surrender to Jesus as Lord and Master, will one day share! It is something to strive for, to be so transparent with God, that though the world may misunderstand us and critics will bring up our past sins, as if that is the whole story of who we are, that we stand accepted by God, as a beloved child of His. Stay strong! Remain open with God. He already knows it all, but you need to lay yourself open to God, to His searching light, for your sake. NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

February 27, 2025 9:30 am

February 27, 2025, the 58th day of 2025 If Nothijg Has Changed, You Are Not Changed ... View MoreFebruary 27, 2025, the 58th day of 2025 If Nothijg Has Changed, You Are Not Changed There is a reason God tells us to look for the fruit of change those professing to be followers of Jesus, because without the good fruit, there is no new life. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." Matthew 7:15-20 Without a change down to our core in salvation, we are not saved. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." II Corinthians 5:17 If we have not become a new creation in Christ, we remain the original, fallen being. The fruit of the Spirit is contrasted to the works of the flesh. The works of the flesh are listed first, because they are signs of an unchanged life. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, immorality, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21 The works of the flesh show the character of the unsaved. They don't have to do all of these sins to show their nature, one will suffice. Someone may be a moral witch or an immoral teacher and be just as lost. But as sin grows in a person, more sin will take over and join itself to the others. A moral drunkard does not stay moral very long. There are many individual sins that show up before joining forces, but they do not need to join forces to still be a work of the flesh. But the fruit of the Spirit is one fruit with all these characteristics. It is not many fruits. All aspects of that fruit need to be growing and maturing in the life of a true Christian. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 There is self-control in the fruit of the Spirit, which is what we use to crucify the flesh. It is what we use to control ourselves. Obviously the potential to sin remains while the old life remains in us, until Jesus returns and our bodies put on the resurrected newness, incorruptible, immortal. Until then that old nature needs to be kept in check. Self-control comes with the fully surrendered life in Christ. Lack of elf-control is will show quickly if a person has truly put their will in submission to Jesus or not. It is the hardest aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to fake. The aspect of goodness is not doing good works alone, but being good. The aspect of love is not just acting loving, but being filled with God's love and spreading that love. All aspects of the fruit are from the Holy Spirit and grow more apparent as we walk in the Spirit. Perfection is not a sign of the fruit of the Spirit. What is, is the change in a person that infuses that life with Jesus! To be a new creation in Christ, the Spirit of Christ must dwell in us, changing us at our core! Stay strong! Walk in the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in you! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

February 26, 2025 4:32 pm

February 26, 2025, the 57th day of 2025 Follow God's Guidelines, Not Your Heart We have made following our heart almost an idol--not only in the world, but many Christians believe this as well.... View MoreFebruary 26, 2025, the 57th day of 2025 Follow God's Guidelines, Not Your Heart We have made following our heart almost an idol--not only in the world, but many Christians believe this as well. And for some people it actually replaces the urging of the conscience and the word of God. The heart is a fickle thing and will be quick to deceive those who idolize it. Anytime that our heart nudges us to disobedience to God's word, it is being deceitful. There will be no lasting happiness that it promises in breaking God's commands. There may be the pleasure of sin for a seasom, but the season will pass and so will the pleasure. People have betrayed their country, betrayed family, begrayed friends, betrayed their wedding vows, aborted babies, abandoned their children and have done all kinds of terrible things all in the name of following their heart. But the Bible warns that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and no one can really know it, but God. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10 Since the heart can easily lead us astray, we need to realize this and put it under the yoke of obedience to God and His word. If God says "no" and the heart says "yes", we follow God's word and do not do what God says "no" to. It is that simple if you trust God's word more than you trust your heart or its judgment. "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” Matthew 15:7-9 A heart far from God cannot worsip God or love God. Loving God with our whole heart leaves no room for it to be used against us. Jesus said to him, 'you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment." Matthew 22:37-38 And if you love Jesus you will keep His commandments! "If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15 Our heart needs to be given over to Jesus or at the first chance it gets it will take us over with its whims. Stay strong! Knowing and following God's word will open our eyes to the dangers of a heart uncommitted to God! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

February 25, 2025 6:57 pm

February 25, 2025, the 56th day of 2025 Preparing For The End: Part : Four Don't Give Up! There are aspects of preparation that are exciting. Making plans and carrying them out is exhilarating. L... View More

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Nelani Nettrour

February 24, 2025 7:59 pm

February 24, 2025, the 55th day of 2025 Preparing For The End: Part Three: Simple Things Most Anyone Can At this point, it may be very hard for most of us to be truly prepared for the Tribulation... View MoreFebruary 24, 2025, the 55th day of 2025 Preparing For The End: Part Three: Simple Things Most Anyone Can At this point, it may be very hard for most of us to be truly prepared for the Tribulation. But since the first 3 1/2 years does not give the Antichrist free reign yet. It is a time of the preaching, witnessing and miracles of two witnesses. "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:3-7 So, as a Christian, I don't see a problem with the first 3 1/2 years because the Beast, the Antichrist is not given authority until the time of the two witnesses is fulfilled. "So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months." Revelation 13:4-5 Having a 3 1/2 yeae time frame that we have to survive in halfway decent shape, gives us great help. God has set a limit to this time, it is not unending. That helps. Still, starting to prepare now we have less time than most of us need, but still more time than if we ignore the warnings and do nothing. We can do something to ease that time for us, even if is getting a bike tools to keep it in good shape, so we can ride instead of walk to fellow believers, when our vehicles are useless without fuel. We can buy some physical survival guides on identifying edible and medicinal plants. We can make up first aid kits and extra supplies to refill them. A necessary thing, like salt, is cheap and easy to store. It doesn't go bad. Think of what you would need if you could not buy it, and keep those items in stock. As you use them, replenish them. Store the newest items, replacing those in storage. Since we are given the time to prepare now, the best thing to do is prepare, to become more self-sufficient. Even if it us just the minimum things that won't interfer with your lives. Like learning some useful skills. Get a variety of easy to follow back to basic books and good organic or heirlooms seeds. You may discover that you enjoy using old fashioned skills and fixing things up for yourself. Raise a garden, even a small one, not just for flowers, but for food. Find out what plants support each other, like warding off pests. There is always some hit and miss time when you are try anything new. Give yourself that time to learn and grow in your skills. Right now there are so many YouTube videos that teach almost everything. Try some out. You won't have them forever, but you will have the skill. Learn to can or at least get the supplies necessary for the day when you cannot buy them, including good reference books. But be careful not to buy the cheap jars and lids that won't last, if it is for the future. Go for heavy duty jars and reusable lids. We are the most "toss it out" generations of all time. What we do store is stuff that won't help us survive or thrive. Get a few more blankets for when you cannot turn up the heat or even turn it on. Electricity is not free, maybe think of an alternate power sources, just in case. We may not be able to survive comfortably even if we do prepare. And it may feel daunting to even think about it. But every little bit will help when you find that what you own is all that you will ever have, unless it can be grown or make with what you have. We act as if things will continue to go on as they are now, and as they have been, and that we can continue to ignore the signs that we are reaching the end of the time to prepare. But that would be foolish. Incorporating survival skills is handy. Getting the tools to cut and split wood the old fashioned way may just be a lifesaver to you later. If it is possible where you live putting in a hand pump for access to water is also wise. Lots of things to think about, but it is something important to think about and study. Stay strong! In preparing you may discover the joy of working with your own hands to accomplish down to earth things. NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

February 23, 2025 9:34 pm

February 23, 2025, the 54th day of 2025 Enjoying a Taste of Spring and Simple Things Today we were able to enjoy a taste of Spring after the long cold spell. Yesterday was pretty nice as well, but ... View MoreFebruary 23, 2025, the 54th day of 2025 Enjoying a Taste of Spring and Simple Things Today we were able to enjoy a taste of Spring after the long cold spell. Yesterday was pretty nice as well, but today was gorgeous! So, I am taking a break from writing on deeper concerns to focus on the beauty of the day, to share some moments that make the hard moments more bearable. No matter what we will face in our future, our future is with Jesus when we follow Him. In Jesus is joy evermore, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. And these taste of Spring, while winter still remains, reminds us of that. There is never darkness with Jesus because He is the light. So even as we prepare for what is coming, we also have to live and cherish these times, not just let them slip by. It will be how we survive the darkest days, looking for and cherishing simple pleasures and simple, uncomplicated times. Since this warmth will also cause the ice castle to melt more, it is soon going to be taken down. We knew that, and so we planned on stopping after church for more pictures. And they turned out beautifully, as the castle looked splendid against the sky, the sun hiding behind clouds, but sending out rays, as well. We had fun posing and my daughter changed into her beautiful ball gown to sit on the throne and stand beside the castle. She was stunning! On the way home we did some shopping and ran into a friend we hadn't seen in a while, and got to catch up a bit. Then we went home and finished baking the rest of the oatmeal peanut butter chip cookies we made yesterday. They are such a perfect snack, sweet and hardy. Some of the chickens have been kind enough to start laying again so we are going to be able to have some quail eggs and toast, instead of needing them for our baking. The quails have contributed to most of our winter baking, which is great. But since it takes 3-4 quail eggs to equal 1 large chicken egg, that didn't leave any to just eat, with all the baking we were doing. I am looking forward to some quail eggs over easy and toast. Stay Strong! The touch of Spring, family and friends, the taste of good food, simple things and simple pleasures add up to make a great day! NAN

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