This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post, and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name-calling, ridicule, insults, baiting, and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores, and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here:
https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/
Child of God 2
Child of We are the children of God, brought into his family by the power and grace of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. As believers, we hear we are God’s children. But often we don’t live our lives in response to that truth and instead live out of the mindset of an orphan. Children don’t worry when they have a good father. They don’t wonder if they’ll be able to eat, if they’re loved or if they have a place in this world. The unconditional love of a parent lays a foundation for them to have secure peace and joy. God desires the same for us. God wants to lay an unshakable foundation for us based solely on his love for us as His child so that when the storms come and waves crash over us, we remain strong in our identity.
John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Galatians 4:6-7 says, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Through adoption into God’s family we are now a co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 says that we are God’s children, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” We were born again into God’s family when we asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior.
So what does it mean to be God’s child? What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ? It means that all that is God’s is yours. He shares with us his kingdom. We have a Father who gives us amazing gifts. We have a Father who absolutely loves spending time with us. Our heavenly Father’s love for us knows no bounds. His love is pervasive, powerful, and freely given. We no longer need to worry about whether we have a place in this world. There’s no need to concern ourselves with whether we will have clothes or food. We no longer have to live in pursuit of the opinions of those around us. God enjoys us. He has a plan for us. He doesn’t take being our Father lightly. He takes complete ownership of His promises. He will strengthen us, teach us, and develop us. To be the child of God is to be loved, liked, and completely cared for.
So how can we live in response to God’s word? How can we get out of the mindset of an orphan? We must have faith that God is who He says He is and believe he will do what He’s promised to do. Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” We have heard the word of the Lord today. We are His child. He promises to provide for us. So have faith! Faith isn’t something we just conjure up. It’s a response to God’s faithfulness. God has and will be faithful to us.
Allow His Word to stir up faith within you today. Live in response to His promises, and allow the peace and joy of being God’s child to lay an unshakable foundation in you today.
*https://www.first15.org/04/14/being-the-child-of-god/
On this day and every day –
God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
