This Rejoice & Praise God 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, and not by agenda-driven accusations and pronouncements.

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 your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate 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/

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.”

For God”s Glory

In the first section of Colossians 3 (1–17) Paul writes to encourage his readers in their general mindset and behavior. Concluding that section, Paul writes that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). This is the overarching principle that should govern the life of the believer.

Paul provides specific descriptions of what doing all for God’s glory should look like in how we think (Colossians 3:1–4), how we handle the desires of the flesh (Colossians 3:5), and how we should care for and treat one another (Colossians 3:12–15). He then identifies the basis for empowering that kind of thought and conduct (Colossians 3:16). Paul concludes the section with the exhortation that we make sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). Following those general instructions, Paul offers specific ways believers can faithfully steward the various relationships God provides (Colossians 3:18—4:6).

Because of the work God has done to make us alive in Christ, we should be focused on things above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1–4). Because of the future return of Christ in glory and the associated glorification of believers, we should put on the new self—walking in the newness of life and avoiding the idolatry of focusing on things that serve the flesh (Colossians 3:5–11).

An important aspect of walking in this newness of life is in how believers treat one another, and that should be characterized by love and its specific expressions like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12–14). Those expressions of love ought to be based on the peace that God has provided us through Christ, and that peace of Christ should be a controlling factor in how we think and act within the body—because we have been called to be part of that body with other believers. We ought also to be grateful for this (Colossians 3:15).

The key is to diligently allow the word of Christ to be at home in us—to dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16a). As His Word shapes us, we can be sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory. The Word should change how we talk to each other, providing us avenues to build one another up and to teach each other—again, this is always to be accompanied by gratitude and thankfulness to God (Colossians 3:16b).

After providing these directions, and before discussing the expectations of our conduct in specific relationships (Colossians 3:18—4:6), Paul covers overarching principles that help us make sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). In this also we are to express thankfulness.

We are given important tools that enable us to make sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). Those tools include a heavenly focused mindset (Colossians 3:2), considering the “old self” to be dead and putting on the new self (Colossians 3:5–10), putting on a heart that expresses love and its individual characteristics (Colossians 3:11–14), allowing His peace to govern our hearts (Colossians 3:15), immersing ourselves in the Bible, which is allowing His word to be at home in us (Colossians 3:16), and being constantly filled with and focused on gratitude and thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15, 16, 17). When we are putting these tools to use, we are more likely to ensure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17).
xhttps://www.gotquestions.org/whatever-you-do-word-deed.html

 Isaiah 43:7 – “Even every one that is called by My Name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Post about God – comments or articles
– whenever and wherever you desire.
FEAR NOT. God is with us,
because we make sure He is WELCOME.

At all times, remember. 
The QTree is a House of the Lord.
NEVER be afraid to speak His name.

Shalom! May God’s PEACE be upon this House.