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 is 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/

Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.

The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

And,

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.”

Guarding Your Heart

With all that’s going on these days with bogus impeachments, our stolen election and a world saturated with corruption and perversion, it’s difficult, and near impossible, not to be caught up in the complaining, disputes, contention, bitterness and anger that accompanies this attempt to destroy our nation’s relationship with God and it’s freedoms and justice.

In our country, a totally corrupt political party, corrupt courts, corrupt legislatures, corrupt media and corrupt citizens are willing participants in our nation’s destruction. And, internationally, corrupt countries and the corrupt rich, powerful elite join the effort. We are deluged on a daily basis with events that are destructive to civilized society, with the media doing all in its power to justify or cover up the corruption.

While it’s proper to aid as best we can the fight against this corruption, we’ve got to keep our minds on the fact that God is really in control here, and we, as citizens not of this world, need to pray, trust and believe that God will work out events so that, in the end, all will be according to His plan and for the good of those that trust in Him.

But, while events work toward their conclusion, we should be mindful that the evil forces of the world will use this opportunity to attempt to drag us away from God . . . both our thinking minds and our emotions.

Proverbs 4:23-26 instructs believers to, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

When Solomon refers to guarding the heart, he means the inner core of a person—the thoughts, feelings, desires, will, and choices that make that person who he or she is. The Bible tells us that our thoughts often dictate who we become (Proverbs 23:7, 27:19). The mind of a man reflects who he really is, not simply his actions or words. That is why God examines the heart of a man, not simply his outward appearance and what he appears to be (1 Samuel 16:7).

There are many ailments of the spiritual heart that can impair growth and development as a believer. Hardening of the spiritual heart can also occur. Hardening of the heart occurs when we are presented with God’s truth, and we refuse to acknowledge or accept it.

Although Egypt was stricken with one calamity after another when the pharaoh refused to release the Israelites from their bondage, he hardened his heart against the truth that God Almighty intended to deliver His people from Egypt (Exodus 7:22, 8:32, 9:34). In Psalm 95:7, King David pleaded with his people not to harden their hearts in rebellion against God as they did in the wilderness. There are many things that can harden the heart and lead a person to deny God and they keep a believer from having a free flow of God’s peace and blessings derived from obedience. Guarding against a rebellious spirit and cultivating a spirit of submissive obedience to God’s Word is an early step in guarding the heart.

Hardening of the heart occurs when believers engage in complaining, gossip, disputes, and contention. Believers are instructed many times to avoid grumbling, murmuring, and complaining (Exodus 16:3; John 6:43; Philippians 2:14). By engaging in these activities, believers shift their focus away from the plans, purposes, and past blessings of God to the things of the world. God sees this as a lack of faith, and without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Instead, Christians are instructed to strive for contentment in all things, trusting in God to provide what is needed in His good time (Hebrews 13:5). Guarding against a complaining spirit and cultivating a spirit of gratitude and trust is another step toward guarding the heart.

Anger, giving in to temptation, and pride fight against the spiritual heart. Anger makes believers more vulnerable to the temptation to hurt others with their actions and words. Ephesians 4:31–32 instructs, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Every Christian is locked in a constant, intense war with demonic forces. Many of us become so intent on fighting the external spiritual war that we forget that much of our battle is not with external forces, but with our own mind and thoughts. James 1:14–16 tells us, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.” Sin always begins in the mind. A sinner must first conceive and dwell on the sinful action before he actually carries it out. The first line of defense, therefore, must be to refuse to even contemplate a wrongful action. The apostle Paul tells us to take every thought captive, so that it conforms to the will of God (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride leads to destruction. Proverbs 16:5, says, “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.” Pride was the first great sin of Satan, when he thought that he could be like God and incited one third of the angels to attempt a coup in heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). For this reason, Satan was cast from heaven. Satan also tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden by appealing to her ego. He said, “For God knows that when you eat from [the forbidden tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve desired to be as wise as God, so she capitulated to Satan’s advice to eat of the fruit of the tree. Pride was, therefore, the downfall of man, as well. Satan did not want man to obey God but to become his own god—determining for himself reality, meaning, and ethics. This satanic philosophy is the foundational philosophy of sorcery, secular humanism, and New Age mysticism.

Avoiding anger, pride, and temptation are also critical elements of guarding the heart. The apostle Paul instructs us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Dwelling on these things will help to guard our hearts.

*https://www.gotquestions.org/guard-your-heart.html

5 th Ordinary Sunday
February 7, 2021
“A Witness in Suffering”

Job 7:1…7
1 Corinthians 9:16…23
Mark 1:29-39

My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –

Most people aren’t adults very long before they are confronted with some of the great hardships of life for themselves or for their loved ones. A life-altering accident, a serious disease like cancer, the untimely death of a parent or child, chronic pain, a disability, the loss of a business or income, estrangement from a family member – any of these things – can bring pain, anxiety, sleepless nights, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.

Some become depressed. Some will turn to alcohol or prescription drugs – especially if they live with chronic pain. Some will turn to others for support or therapy. And, sadly, some will even take their own life!

However, those who are able to cope best of all, are those who turn to God. Moreover, if and when they turn to God, they begin to understand that suffering is part of the “great panorama of life” – and this panorama always has elements of mystery within it!

Job, of the Old Testament reading, certainly understood suffering. He had lost all of his children, all of his great wealth, his physical health, and the sense of God’s presence. He also incurred the disdain of his wife and his friends. At one point, his wife even urged him “to curse God and die”!

So, today, Job states that all of life is a drudgery. We are like hired servants or even slaves! There is no escape – and even sleep will not come when the pain and the anxiety are incessant! However, Job did not curse God; but he questioned God, nevertheless. And God gave him no answers! Suffering is a mystery for the innocent victim. It can also be a test. Suffering, if accepted, can bring peace and hope for a future that would take place only with the coming of Jesus – and Job’s ultimate restoration symbolizes that!

In the Gospel of Mark, God reveals through Jesus that there is more to life than our experience here. There is more to pain and suffering than the death that our life here inevitably brings. Every cure that Jesus worked, every possession he eliminated – was a sign that the Reign of God had begun.

The Kingdom of God, in its heavenly fullness, awaited all those who accepted Jesus and his teaching, kept his commandments, and lived as faithful disciples during their time here.

In the great parable of the Book of Job, Job eventually recovered more than all he had lost. However, it was only in his own lifetime, because the scripture writer had no knowledge of a blessed and eternal afterlife.

Nevertheless, Jesus was no parable. He was the real thing! Furthermore, the fullness of life in the kingdom he promised was true. It was a reality that was proved when Jesus rose from the dead!

Other than those in ministry, most disciples preach the Gospel through the witness of their lives. However, today, St. Paul tells us that we can do this willingly or grudgingly.

Yet, there is no escape from the obligation that every Christian has to be an example of how to live the Gospel. We are to be a blessing for everyone whom we meet, as well as for those with whom we live and associate.

No one has an easy life. Even the extremely wealthy and those with robust health are not exempt from suffering and eventual death. Moreover, the greatest suffering in this life is to feel bereft of God. It is to have no belief in God or hope for an eternal life beyond our life here.

Consequently, in every case, we are to meet people where they are. We must relate to all people as Jesus did – and Paul, after him. Thus, we can bring compassion to those who suffer – We can bring forgiveness to those who have sinned – We can bring true mercy to those who are poor and deprived of material necessities – We can bring hope and emotional support to those who are in the throes of hopelessness and despair. And we can open up the possibility that there is something more for those who refuse to believe.

Brothers and Sisters, the life of a Christian disciple is a challenging one because it opens us to everyone in the world in a different way. It can be achieved only through prayer and the presence of God. Jesus, himself, had to draw apart to be alone with his Father at frequent intervals. And so, let us pray that we learn to make time alone with our Divine Father every day of our lives!

Amen.

February 7, 2021
Msgr. Russell G. Terra
Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church
2040 Walnut Avenue Redding CA
*http://www.stjosephredding.org/home.html

Humble Patterns

As we follow along with the political contortions that seemingly permeate our entire existence these days, it’s a rare event indeed to encounter a genuinely humble person. I don’t believe that humility is just a nice characteristic to see in someone, but it is an essential characteristic if we want to declare ourselves Christians . . . followers and emulators of Jesus.

Philippians 2:3-4  3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians is one of the warmest and friendliest of Paul’s letters in the Bible. The church in Philippi seems to have been quite healthy and a source of joy for Paul. But it was not perfect. No church is. As we read along in Philippians, we see hints and whispers that Paul knows a few unhappy and unhealthy things about this congregation. There are some cracks in their unity, some struggles with pride.

In Philippians 2, Paul begins to address this. And he lays it on pretty thick. “If you are even remotely Christian,” Paul says, in effect, “then make me even more joyful by embracing humility.”

Many theologians teach that humility is the core Christian virtue, the characteristic that makes us most like Jesus. Humility helps us realize that even though we all have gifts and talents to do many things, that does not make us better than anyone else. Instead, we try to see life as a level playing field on which each person does her or his part. And at the end of the day, we pay more attention to others than to ourselves. Let someone else compliment you for your work while you focus on building up others.

We all need each other. Each of us needs to be thankful for the next person. This is, as Paul explains next (in verses 5-8), the pattern established by Jesus—so this is the pattern to follow.

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it something to be held onto to be equal with God, 7 but emptied himself of His privileges, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

*https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/humble-patterns

Some more verses to consider –

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

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 is 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/

Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.

The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

And,

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.”

Hope, the Anchor of My Soul

Many people are talking and writing about hope these days, mostly in the context of whether or not President Trump has a plan in process that will take back our country from a corrupt, incompetent usurper that has, with the help of foreign countries and, in this country corrupt courts, corrupt political parties, and corrupt financial backers, conducted a fraudulent election.

Whether President Trump is conducting a secret plan or not, however, is not the paramount hope patriotic Americans hold for our country. Our paramount hope is the hope that the control of our country is torn from the hands of these corrupt traitors as soon as possible and that our country, even more so than before, becomes one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all with a government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people.

All patriotic Americans should be firmly united in this hope.

As Christians, we also have a paramount hope that we who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that [Jesus] has died as a ransom to set [us] free from [our] sin. (Hebrews 9:15) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)

But hope, as defined and used in God’s Word, differs in meaning, and sometimes in usage, from the common use of hope in the English language. In the Christian sense, our hope is a joyful and confident expectation of what is sure (certain), eternal salvation and life eternal in Christ. (Strong’s Concordance and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

In most instances in the New Testament, the word hope is the Greek elpis/elpizo. Again, there’s no doubt attached to this word. Biblical hope is a confident expectation or assurance based on a sure foundation for which we wait with joy and full confidence. In other words, “There’s no doubt about it!”

One of the verses in which we find the word hope is Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse at the beginning of the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) carries with it all of the confidence that comes with knowing for sure, with no question, what we’ve been promised by God in His Word. Our faith is confident assurance, for it is founded on the Rock of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Biblical hope is a reality and not a feeling. Biblical hope carries no doubt. Biblical hope is a sure foundation on which we base our lives, believing that God always keeps His promises.

Hope or confident assurance can be ours when we trust the words, “He who believes on Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). Accepting that gift of eternal life means our hope is no longer filled with doubt but, rather, has as its sure foundation the whole of God’s Word, the entirety of God’s character, and the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Some exerpts from *https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-hope.html

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Edward Mote (1797-1874)

With the mish-mash of true reports, false reports, misdirections and outright lies, our attention and focus is being jerked all over the place . . . that is, if we’re trying to keep up with all that’s going on in the universe of political intrigue.

When the world is trying to batter us about in its teapot tempests, I believe it does our mind a very healthy turn if we focus on the One who got us here in the first place. With that in mind . . .

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Psalm 103 

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul!
    All my being, praise his holy name!
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and do not forget how kind he is.
³ He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
⁴ He keeps me from the grave
    and blesses me with love and mercy.
⁵ He fills my life^[b] with good things,
    so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

⁶ The Lord judges in favor of the oppressed
    and gives them their rights.
⁷ He revealed his plans to Moses
    and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds.
⁸ The Lord is merciful and loving,
    slow to become angry and full of constant love.
⁹ He does not keep on rebuking;
    he is not angry forever.
¹⁰ He does not punish us as we deserve
    or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.
¹¹ As high as the sky is above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who honor him.
¹² As far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our sins from us.
¹³ As a father is kind to his children,
    so the Lord is kind to those who honor him.
¹⁴ He knows what we are made of;
    he remembers that we are dust.

¹⁵ As for us, our life is like grass.
We grow and flourish like a wild flower;
¹⁶     then the wind blows on it, and it is gone—
    no one sees it again.
¹⁷ But for those who honor the Lord, his love lasts forever,
    and his goodness endures for all generations
¹⁸ of those who are true to his covenant
    and who faithfully obey his commands.

¹⁹ The Lord placed his throne in heaven;
    he is king over all.
²⁰ Praise the Lord, you strong and mighty angels,
    who obey his commands,
    who listen to what he says.
²¹ Praise the Lord, all you heavenly powers,
    you servants of his, who do his will!
²² Praise the Lord, all his creatures
    in all the places he rules.
Praise the Lord, my soul!

What will happen tomorrow?
What course will our country be on?
God knows. Lean on Him!

We are staring at the possibility of a Communist administration who has already declared retribution against Trump followers. Should we, as Christians be fearful? No. Some proposed actions by the Leftists are awful to contemplate, but we must always look to God who holds our eternal destiny in His hands.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Our best hope on earth for staving off a corrupt and evil Communist administration and their declared retribution is President Trump. Should we, as Christians put our trust in him? No. Our trust must always be in God, although God may indeed use President Trump as the main means to wrest control from the fraudulent Leftists. And if President Trump is successful, it was only made possible through God’s power . . . and our thanks and praise should go to God first, always.

“Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.” – Psalm 146:3
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” – Psalm 118:9
“Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength,
and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:5

So, what are we to do?

1. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:34

What happens today stays with today. There is no need to be anxious for the future because God will only bring the troubles one day at a time.

2. “The sufferings of the present are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

Life is a lot like a roller coaster; there are ups and downs and twists we did not expect, but because of the adventure we have though life, we will live with God for all eternity. The problems are only temporary, they help us grow into who we are and who we will become.

3. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” – Isaiah 43:2

If God is putting us though it, He will not lead us alone. His reasoning for putting us though a tough time is because it is to make us stronger, smarter and closer to Him.

4. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Thanks to God, we wake up each morning. We must give him thanks for all that he does. Without him, there would not be this day. Glory be to God.

5. “I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12

God has put us on this earth for a reason and purpose. He wants us to be joyful and be thankful for what we have. He also knows that once we are in the kingdom of Heaven with him, all we will know is happiness.

6. “When I am afraid. I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

As some people say, “let go and let God,” which is giving your worries and burdens to Him. He will deal with them and keep us safe.

7. “He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.'” – Luke 18:27

There are so many things on earth that seem impossible for us to comprehend or do, but with God everything and anything is possible. He is all knowing and all powerful, nothing can stop Him.

8. “Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'” – John 13:7

Life is so crazy sometimes and it’s hard to understand why things happen. Everything happens for a reason. It may not make sense now or in twenty minutes. One day, He will come full circle and shine light onto His perfect plan that He has just for us.

9. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” – Proverbs 3:5

He knows us better than we know ourselves. That is because He created us with our own special looks, unique talents and traits. When you give Him your trust, He will give you His guidance.

10. “…for we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

God knows where we have been and where we are going. It is all in His divine plan. By walking in faith, we are giving all of our doubts about life to Him. In return, He is giving us the support of knowing that He is there with us.

11. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

God gave His only Son to us, only for Him to die on the cross for our sins. We are God’s sheep, and He is our shepherd. He would do anything and everything for us, and He does.

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 is 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/

Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.

The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

And,

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.”

God IS in Control

I believe, as God’s Word tells us, that God is in control of the events that happen in this world.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.
. . . for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.

The Bible specifically tells us that God establishes the authorities of this world.

For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 
It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings. . .
. . . the Most High has power over human kingdoms. He gives them to whomever he wishes,

Now, we’d like to think that our just and merciful God would put only just and merciful rulers in place, but we know from history that’s not so. Corrupt, wicked, brutal rulers come and go as do just and merciful rulers.

In particular, right now, many of us are wondering what God has in store for us with respect to President Trump’s second term . . . and we start with the options that we can think of . . . but we don’t know, although we may stumble upon an answer that’s close. We just don’t know what God plans for us, as stated in God’s Word:

How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

But, we do have assurances that:

. . . all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

But “work together for good” doesn’t mean that God-loving Christians, by the world’s standards, come out on the top of every situation. If you look at the Tanakh, you’ll see that the Children of Israel didn’t come out on top many times, maybe even most of the time. The most serious of these situations were because they left the only God and they took up with false pagan gods. And masses of Christians and Jews have been slaughtered for 2,000 years.

I think the world looks at survival as saving your life, whereas God looks at survival as saving your soul. And therein lies all the difference.

We may suffer less or more throughout our short life on earth, but if we come through that experience with our souls safely in God’s hands, we have an eternity of Peace, Joy and Wonders to look forward to.

Eternity with God will certainly put the events of this next week into a proper perspective.

But until that time . . .

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;
For the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.

. . . those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

and attain a mindset . . .

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you . . .

. . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ . . . For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Behold, I am coming soon.

To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

And God Bless President Trump and his family.

Praise God

Sing praises to God in seasons of storms,
And when skies are clear and days are warm.
Sing praises to Him when the oceans roar,
And when soothing ripples lap the white shore.

Sing praises to God in blizzards of snow,
And when the warm gentle breezes blow.
Sing praises to God in the worst of times,
And when you’re pleased and everything’s fine.

Sing praises to God when you’re crying, sad,
And when you’re smiling and feeling glad.
Sing praises to God when you’re sick in bed,
And when you’re healthy and well fed.

God made man to give glory to Him,
Then gave us His Son to cover our sin.
He gave us His Spirit to change our ways,
Shaping us more like Him every day.

One day in the future, He’ll bring us home,
To be one with Him, never more to roam,
To be filled ever with His joy and peace,
With wonders in Glory that never cease.

Now, don’t you think, in our brief time to live
That we should be grateful, that we should give
Our thanks and our praise to our God above,
Who gave us all this, because of His love?

Our hard times on earth, they go by so fast,
Seventy years, or so, ‘til life has passed.
Hard times may come, then hard times will go,
But an unpayable debt to Him we owe.

We owe it to God, to honor His Name,
Give Him our thanks, and His glory proclaim.
So all through our lives, in good or bad days,
Give God all the glory – give Him all our praise.

To God Be The Glory

1  To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

2  Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

3  Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.