Author: bakocarl

Dear KMAG: 20201206

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 , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.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 WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

  1. No food fights.
  2. No running with scissors.
  3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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.”

Aahhhh! It’s Christmas season again. And we have the Christmas movies, carols and poems, letters to Santa, Santa himself, the North Pole, elves, the 8 reindeer and Rudolph, Frosty the snowman, the Grinch, the lights, our Christmas trees, the other activities associated with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and, in some parts of the country, the snow . . . the beautiful, white snow that covers all with is glistening blanket of white. But, (yes, there is a but) . . .

As wonderful as all of these things are, they tend to obscure the true meaning of Christmas . . . more to some people and less to others. The actual events leading to and surrounding the birth of Jesus, the prophecies, the visit of the angel Gabriel, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the trip to Bethlehem, nowhere to stay, the manger, the host of angels, the shepherds and their visit to the manger, the star, the wise men, the flight to Egypt, and other events. But, (yes, there is another but) . . .

As necessary as all these things are to understand the birth of Jesus, what I’d like to bring to mind are three aspects of the events of the birth of Jesus that may tend to be overlooked during the Christmas season.

The first aspect is that all the events of Jesus’ birth were of the Will of the Father, by the Power of the Father, and all, all of this, is because of the love of the Father for us and for His Son, Jesus. And it was important to Jesus that we knew that He was sent by His Father.

“I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me” (John 17:8).

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20–21).

“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me” (John 17:25).

The second aspect is, as we get lost in the wonder of the night of Jesus’ birth, it comes as a shock that we remember the reason for His birth is so He can die a horrible death on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 6:23)

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The third aspect is that Jesus died on the cross resulting in the forgiving of sins for those who believe, all for the Glory of the Father,

“Father, the hour has come,” he prays. “Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:1-3).

Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Peter 4:11)

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7)

And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11)

And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7)

That God, the Father is preeminent in the birth, life and death of Jesus, including His resurrection is no surprise. Neither is the fact that Jesus was born so that He could die (and be raised). Nor that all of this, and every good that ever was, is and will be is to the glory of God, the Father.

Let these aspects be three more reasons to express our joy during this Christmas season!

12-2-20 Midweek Musings

Wait for the Lord

No matter that it seems like we’re waiting on President Trump, or Sidney Powell or Lin Wood or AG Barr or the Federal and Supreme Courts . . . or whoever . . . we’re really waiting for God, the LORD, to show his power in righting the wrong that has become or Presidential election.

So far, I have a good deal of confidence in President Trump, a fair amount in Attorneys Powell and Wood, but less in AG Barr.

But, I must, we must, hold total confidence in God in this matter. We know God put President Trump and others in positions of authority for His purposes. We know God is omniscient and omnipotent and that His plan is perfect, ultimately working for the good of those who love Him.

Now, here’s the rub. We also know that God’s ways are not our ways and that we have no hope of understanding His specific plans for our future. We must, however, hold our faith in God and wait for Him . . . and pray.

We have no other choice.

Psalm 130 

1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.

3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He shall redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.

Psalm 27 

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

4 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.
5 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.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Never Be Discouraged
There is really nothing we need to know
or even try to understand.
If we refuse to be discouraged
and trust God’s guiding hand.
So take heart and meet each minute
with faith in God’s great love,
Aware that every day of life
is controlled by God above…
And never dread tomorrow
or what the future brings,
Just pray for strength and courage
and trust God in all things.
And never grow discouraged
be patient and just wait
for “God never comes too early
and He never comes too late!”
Helen Steiner Rice

Patience
Most of the battles of life are won
By looking beyond the clouds to the sun
And having the patience to wait for the day
When the sun comes out and the clouds float away
Helen Steiner Rice

11-25-20 Midweek Musings

Praying for Our Leaders

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2

Is there any point in politics where all Christians can come together and agree? No matter our background or political bent, or our stance on issues we passionately believe in, is there anything that draws us together as Christ-followers that is neither Republican, nor Democrat, or Independent?

Perhaps 1 Timothy 2:1-2 speaks to this in urging us to pray for all those in authority over us. No matter if you support or oppose our President, or your Governor or Mayor, or Police Chief or other government official, the Bible is clear we should pray for them. When you pray, consider asking God:

For wisdom. Pray that our leaders have great wisdom and patience in their decisions. Pray for godly counsel to surround them to give good advice. Pray that the issues they deal with will have clear solutions and that they will always keep in mind their service to the people that elected them.

For their character. Pray that our leaders would be upright in their speech and actions with others, and that they would show respect and kindness to those they interact with. Pray for their honesty, integrity and moral foundation. And pray that God would expose leaders whose character is in question.

For their spiritual growth. Pray for our leaders to be Christ-followers. Pray that God will open opportunities for those who are not Christians to hear the Gospel and come to know Jesus. Pray that they would make God’s Word and His will the underlying foundation for their public responsibilities and their decisions and actions.

At our church, following each election, we have made it a tradition to take time in worship to get on our knees and pray for our elected leaders—no matter who wins or loses. This time is not about taking sides, but about obeying God’s Word to pray for our leaders. We should and do earnestly desire for their leadership to come from a strong relationship with Jesus, and with all godly wisdom and Christ-like character.

*https://www.touchinglives.org/devotionals/praying-for-our-leaders

Dear KMAG: 20201122

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 , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.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 WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

  1. No food fights.
  2. No running with scissors.
  3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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.”

Grace & Gratitude

There’s a lot going on these days that has a very serious impact on Americans. The depth and breadth of corruption in our politics, government and media is staggering. The cooperation of ordinary citizens with this corruption is equally staggering. Since it appears to be becoming apparent that “We have it all”, we are at a point now where we are eagerly waiting for the public revelation of the corruption in our recent Presidential election.

If you’re anything like me, you’re beginning to feel a sense of relief that this election won’t be stolen by the Democrats and we can anticipate four more years of a President who most surely will prove to be one of the greatest Presidents in our history.

As our outrage grows against the seditious, even traitorous, Democrats, and as the current events unfold, we can begin to feel an expectation that a large number of very guilty people will be identified. Hopefully, most will be subjected to a penalty that provides at least some reasonable recompense for their heinous actions.

As I get caught up in the enormity of this drama, I find that my attention is being pulled away from “things above” and is focused more on the affairs of men. Specifically, as I live my life, I want to be constantly aware that I owe everything I am and have, including my eternal future, to the grace of God. And I want to have a constant awareness of my gratitude to God for His grace.

And so, the following is a gentle reminder of God’s grace and my gratitude.

In all the debates about our role versus God’s role in sanctification—our growth in holiness—we’d stay on the right track if we’d remember the grace-gratitude dynamic. The more we understand how kind God has been to us and the more we are overcome by His mercy, the more we are inclined to love Him and to serve Him.

Yet we can’t get the grace-gratitude dynamic right if we aren’t clear on what grace means. What is grace? The catechisms many of us learned as children give us the answer: “Grace is the unmerited favor of God.” The first thing that we understand about grace is what it’s not—it’s not something we merit. In fact, if that is all we ever understand about grace, I’m sure God will rejoice that we know His grace is unmerited. So, here’s our working definition of grace—it is unmerit.

Paul’s epistle to the Romans sheds light on what we mean when we say that grace is unmerit. In 1:18–3:20, the Apostle explains that on the final day, for the first time in our lives, we will be judged in total perfection, in total fairness, in absolute righteousness. Thus, every mouth will be stopped when we stand before the tribunal of God. This should provoke fear in the hearts of fallen people, as condemnation is the only possible sentence for sinful men and women: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23).

But those who trust in Christ Jesus have hope, for if we are in Him by faith, we have been “justified freely by His grace.” Note that justification is accomplished not by obligation, but freely through grace on account of the redemption purchased by Jesus alone. There’s no room for boasting, for we are justified not by our works but by grace alone through faith alone.

Paul goes on to cite Abraham as the preeminent example of one who was justified by faith alone and therefore free from God’s sentence of condemnation. If the basis for Abraham’s salvation, his justification, was something that Abraham did—some good deed, some meritorious service that he performed, some obligation that he performed—if it were on the basis of works, Paul says, he would have had something about which to boast. But Abraham had no such merit. All he had was faith, and that faith itself was a gift: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (4:3; see Eph. 2:8–10).

Romans 4:4–8 is a key passage here:

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

That’s grace. Paul couldn’t say it any other way. To him who works, it’s debt; if you merit something, it means that someone is obligated to pay you. If I hire you as an employee and promise to pay you one hundred dollars if you work eight hours, I must pay you for working the eight hours. I’m not doing you a favor or giving you grace. You’ve earned your pay. You’ve fulfilled the contract, and I’m morally obliged to give you your wages.

With respect to the Lord, we are debtors who cannot pay. That’s why the Bible speaks of redemption in economic language—we were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). Only someone else—Christ—can pay our debt. That’s grace. It’s not our good works that secure our rescue but only the works of Christ. It’s His merit, not ours. We don’t merit anything. He grants us His merit by grace, and we receive it only by faith. The essence of grace is its voluntary free bestowal. As soon as it’s a requirement, it’s no longer grace.

Grace should never cease to amaze us. God has an absolute, pure, holy standard of justice. That’s why we cling with all our might to the merit of Jesus Christ. He alone has the merit to satisfy the demands of God’s justice, and He gives it freely to us. We haven’t merited it. There’s nothing in us that elicits the Lord’s favor that leads to our justification. It’s pure grace.

And the more we understand what God has done for us as sinners, the more willing we are to do whatever He requires. The great teachers of the church say the first point of genuine sanctification is an increasing awareness of our own sinfulness. With that comes, at the same time, an increasing awareness of God’s grace. And with that, again, increasing love and increasing willingness to obey Him.

When we truly understand grace—when we see that God only owes us wrath but has provided Christ’s merit to cover our demerit—then everything changes. The Christian motivation for ethics is not merely to obey some abstract law or a list of rules; rather, our response is provoked by gratitude. Jesus understood that when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” If I may have the liberty to paraphrase: “Keep My commandments not because you want to be just, but because you love Me.” A true understanding of grace—of God’s unmerited favor—always provokes a life of gratitude and obedience.

*https://www.ligonier.org/blog/grace-and-gratitude/

. . . He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause gratitude to abound to the glory of God.

11-18-20 Midweek Musings

When we look at Muh Russia’s endless accusations and hearings, the impeachment and now this huge voting fraud that the D’Rats have attempted, we might, not seeing any significant consequences, be tempted to think that these traitors have and maybe will escape scot-free.

As fulfilling as it may be to see justice meted out to them in good measure, that specific closure to these events is not guaranteed.

However, we are assured in Psalm 1 and in various other texts in God’s Word that the wicked will indeed face eternal consequences for what they have have earned.

We have trusted God with our eternal future by faith in His saving grace, and so we should put equal trust in all His promises. If you want to refer to “Promises made, promises kept”, God is the the perfect paragon of that action.

And so, as we see this latest ongoing chapter of treachery by the D’Rats play out to its ultimate conclusion, we may think that certain foul players in this tragedy have escaped punishment. Rest easy. God is the perfect dispenser of justice, and so shall it be done. Amen.

Psalm 1

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Dear KMAG: 20201115 Open Topic

We’re watching the movie extravaganza of the year play out in all its ugliness, including a host of villains that well deserve the gallows and a tidal surge of putrid swamp ‘Rats that can easily engulf the unwary. The futures of our country and families are of paramount importance in this constitutional crisis that, understandably, consumes the attention of anyone who is aware of the possible ramifications.

But . . . is this the overwhelming crisis of the day? Well, no it isn’t. That designation continues to belong to the overall battle between good and evil in this world. Our current political battle for survival is but a skirmish in world-level hostilities. . . . hostilities in which we must choose sides and thereby the future of our very souls. There is no middle ground. We can’t choose not to choose and thereby not align ourselves with one side or the other. We must choose one side or the other and either suffer or enjoy the consequences of losing or winning.

This is the paramount battle, a spiritual battle, and a constant reminder that we are not of this world, but, as Christians, are permanent and eternal residents of a different location.

We are but sojourners and exiles and “our citizenship is in heaven, from where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our body of humiliation, so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.”

This is a perspective that we must keep well in mind as the current crisis attempts to drag us through the mud, rocks and ditches of our path here on Earth, because our real war has been won and we are more than conquerors on our way to our eternal victory celebration.

We should be feeling a strong sense of dissatisfaction with our temporary position among the struggles here on earth and also a longing to come home to our family in its rightful spiritual dwelling.

Those feelings remind me of a couple of old-time songs that have, for many years, portrayed the same feelings.

This World Is Not My Home

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know,
My Savior pardoned me and now I onward go;
I know He’ll take me thro’ tho’ I am weak and poor,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

I have a loving Savior up in glory-land,
I don’t expect to stop until I with Him stand,
He’s waiting now for me in heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Just up in glory-land we’ll live eternally,
The saints on every hand are shouting victory,
Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

O Lord, you know I have no friend like you,
If heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Wayfaring Stranger

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger,
I’m trav’ling through this world below;
There is no sickness, toil, nor danger,
In that bright world to which I go.

I’m going there to see my father,
I’m going there no more to roam;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather o’er me,
I know my pathway’s rough and steep;
But golden fields lie out before me,
Where weary eyes no more shall weep.

I’m going there to see my mother,
She said she’d meet me when I come;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

I want to sing salvations story,
In concert with the blood-washed band;
I want to wear a crown of glory,
When I get home to that good land.

I’m going there to see my brothers,
They passed before me one by one;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

I’ll soon be free from every trial,
This form will rest beneath the sod;
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial,
And enter in my home with God.

I’m going there to see my Saviour,
Who shed for me His precious blood;
I’m just a going over Jordan
I’m just a going over home.

In spite of the present troubles and strife, may we keep these comforting thoughts as foremost in our minds.

11-11-20 Midweek Musings

I Believe the Will of God Will Be Done in the Election

There are many conditional promises in the Bible. God will do this if we do that. God will relent if we repent. God will answer if we pray.

Perhaps the most famous example of this in the Scriptures in 2 Chronicles 7:14, spoken by the Lord to King Solomon after the building of the first temple in Jerusalem.

Starting in verse 13 for context, it reads, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Now, we cannot make a direct application of this verse to the U.S.A., since America is not chosen in the sense that Israel was chosen, and God does not call our entire nation “My people.”

Yet, since there are tens of millions of His people in America, to the extent we humble ourselves and repent and pray, I believe that God will answer from heaven and mercy on our nation.

When the Results Come in, Can We Say, Regardless of the Outcome, “God’s Will Was Done”?

How, then, does this apply to the outcome of the elections? And, when all is said and done and the votes are fully counted, can we say, “The will of God has been done”?

I believe the answer is yes, we can say, “God’s will was done,” regardless of the outcome.

I say that because for much of this year, there has been a steady stream of prayer ascending to heaven.

The impeachment hearings drove us to prayer.
The pandemic drove us to prayer.
The protests and riots drove us to prayer.
The elections drove us to prayer.
We’ve Seen Prayer Movements for Our Nation

Even now, as I write on the evening of November 2, 24/7 prayer vigils are taking place around the world — and I mean prayer vigils for America. Millions have been crying out for mercy, for God’s intervention, for His will to be carried out in our land. On September 26 alone, there were two massive gatherings in D.C., Franklin Graham’s Prayer March and The Return. Another large gathering took place on October 25, also in D.C., focused on worship and prayer, including a special prayer meeting outside the Supreme Court.

Pastors and leaders who never prayed together have been gathering for regular online prayer meetings focused on repentance and abasement and seeking of mercy. Churches that have gathered together despite the pandemic have devoted time in their meetings for prayer. Another major event in D.C. culminated immediately before I started to write this article, with seasoned participants saying that they never seen such a prayer emphasis in their lives.

That’s why I truly believe that whatever the outcome of the elections, we will be able to say, “The will of God was done.”

God’s Multiple Purposes in Trump’s Presidency

I know that there are some who believe that, when it comes to the leader of a nation, the will of God is always done. In other words, they believe that God sets up one leader and brings down another. And, despite the fact that we get to vote for our presidents here, they still say, “The president is the one whom God appointed to be president.”

But when Trump was elected in 2016, against all odds and with so many prophetic words saying it would happen, I wrote an article titled, “Donald Trump, President of the United States by the Sovereign Intervention of God.”

It seemed to be a clear example of God’s sovereign hand. Outside of His working, I could not see this happening.

This doesn’t mean that there was only one divine purpose involved. As David G. noted on Twitter, in his view, the Lord’s raising up Trump has been “a mercy, a judgment, and a test.”

I concur with this, recognizing multiple divine purposes in the Trump presidency.

When it comes to the outcome of the 2020 elections, with the amount of prayer and fasting that has taken place, whoever the winner is, I will be convinced that God’s will was done.

Would We Go Back to Complacency If Our Candidate Wins?

That being said, it’s possible that His answer will be the opposite of what we wanted in the short term, only to lead to greater good in the long term. To be sure, it is possible that He will answer with great mercy, giving us time to mend our ways while our liberties remain protected.

But it’s also possible that He will answer with judgment, something to humble us and drive us to an even deeper place of contrition. Have we really gotten to the place called for in Joel 2, where we rend our hearts, where we weep and wail, where we grieve deeply over our corporate and personal sins? Could it be that, with an outcome that is to our liking, we will return to our complacent state?

Only God knows the answers to these questions. But I truly believe that He has heard our prayers for intervention and that His purposes will come to pass.

Should Trump be reelected, I will focus my energy on calling for ongoing prayer, repentance and obedience, leading to revival in the church and awakening in the nation.

Should Biden be elected, I will focus my energy on calling for ongoing prayer, repentance and obedience, leading to revival in the church and awakening in the nation.

Either way, I will not point to a biased media or to voter fraud or to low (evangelical?) voter turnout as the decider of the elections.

I will point to the one who sits enthroned in heaven. He is the King, after all.

*https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/i-believe-the-will-of-god-will-be-done-in-the-election/

Dear KMAG: 20201108

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

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 , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.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 WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

  1. No food fights.
  2. No running with scissors.
  3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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.”

Praise for the LORD’s Mercies

With all the garbage that’s being flung about now, especially in consideration of the monumental impact that will result from the decisions made in the near future, I thought it’d be a good time to sit back and let God’s Word do its work to focus our attention upward on a matter of eternal importance.

This Psalm stands well on its own with no expert explanation or commentary needed. It reminds us of who God is, who we are, all that God has done for us, and the absolute appropriateness, if not necessity, of praising Him from the very depths of our souls.

Psalm 103 – A Psalm of David.

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, praise His holy name!
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who respect Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who respect Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who respect Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Praise the LORD, all you His hosts,
You servants of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Praise the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Praise the LORD, O my soul!

A Psalm of David. –Doubtless by David; it is in his own style when at its best, and we should attribute it to his later years when he had a higher sense of the preciousness of pardon, because of a keener sense of sin, than in his younger days. His clear sense of the frailty of life indicates his weaker years, as also does the very fainess of his praiseful gratitude.

As in the lofty Alps some peaks rise above all others so among even the inspired Psalms there are heights of song which overtop the rest. This one hundred and third Psalm has ever seemed to us to be the Monte Rosa of the divine chain of mountains of praise, glowing with a ruddier light than any of the rest. It is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, and its golden fruit has a flavour such as no fruit ever bears unless it has been ripened in the full suushine of mercy.

It is man’s reply to the benedictions of his God, his Song on the Mount answering to his Redeemer’s Sermon on the Mount. Nebuchadnezzar adored his idol with flute, harp, sacbut, psaltery, dulcimer and all kinds of music; and David, in far nobler style awakens all the melodies of heaven and earth in honour of the one only living and true God.

Our attempt at exposition is commenced under an impressive sense of the utter impossibility of doing justice to so sublime a composition; we call upon our soul and all that is within us to aid in the pleasurable task; but, alas, our soul is finite, and our all of mental faculty far too little for the enterprize.

There is too much in the Psalm, for a thousand pens to write, it is one of those all-comprehending Scriptures which is a Bible in itself, and it might alone almost suffice for the hymn-book of the church.

Charles H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David

Dear KMAG: 20201101 Open Topic

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 , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.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 WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

  1. No food fights.
  2. No running with scissors.
  3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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.”

It is God Who ultimately rules the affairs of men

“Seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” (Daniel 4:25b)

If one thing is clear in Daniel’s account of God’s holy dealings with Nebuchadnezzar, it is that ultimately, and in the final analysis, it is God who rules the affairs of nations. As it is written: ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.’ (Daniel 4:17)

So too writes the Psalmist: For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another. (Psalms 75:6-7)

Jesus emphasized the same truth before the Roman ruler and governor, Pontius Pilate, when He said:“You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11)

It is therefore abundantly clear that the Lord, Who has all power in heaven and on earth, holds the key to who in the end will rule the affairs of any given nation, especially where it concerns His people Israel.

There is a deep lesson and truth in the story of Nebuchadnezzar: He who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted. That truth still holds universally true.

As Jesus said:For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

It is a very dangerous place for any person to be in. How much more so for a ruler who has been positioned by God to govern His own people to be at loggerheads with God in the fulfillment of that task?

By far the worst place for any earthly ruler to be in is one where he (or she) tries to know better than the God who positioned him (or her). For in the end it is He Who will take charge and put rulers down or humble them if they choose to remain on a collision course with God Almighty.

It is a wonderful assurance that whatever calamities and disasters may happen on earth, in the final analysis God has everything under His control! This is the clear teaching of the Word of God, assuring all who truly believe and want to go with the Lord that He is in control and that He has all power in heaven and in the earth.

It is for this very reason, precisely because this is so, that we, His children, those who truly believe in Him and in His power, can and should continually pray: “Father, let Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.”

*https://israelmybeloved.com/it-is-god-who-ultimately-rules-the-affairs-of-men/

So it will be also in relation to the events now unfolding with our national election. Amen!