“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
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.
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.
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:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
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.”
There are plenty of opportunities these days to worry about . . . particularly with respect to various events associated with next week’s election and the cloud of lies and duplicity associated with them. We’re getting more information that PTrump will gather more electoral votes than in 2016 . . . but what if he doesn’t? What if PTrump wins and the lying Democrats continue with their obstructionism in the House? What if we get the House back but Kevin McCarthy really is a Paul Ryan protege? What if the corrupt Executive leaders largely retain their positions? What if AG Barr really isn’t interested in prosecutions? What if Hillary, Obama and Biden escape justice? Worry, worry, worry.
As has been mentioned numerous times, the events of the future will happen in accordance with God’s plans . . . and God’s plans are perfect . . . and they are crafted so that all things work together for the good of those who love God . . . even though we don’t see it or may not even agree with it.
We don’t have to understand . . . we need to trust . . . and not worry. God’s got this, even if we witness the greatest travesty that politics in American has ever seen.
Tough to do? You bet . . . virtually impossible, but there it is.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34
I’m generally a glass-half-full kind of person. I trust God for the future. Yet I admit that I do secretly worry about what will happen when my three-year cancer treatment plan ends. I worry about my children who have already lost their father to cancer. I worry about my husband having another heart attack. I worry about my dad’s grief and loneliness after losing my mom and then my stepmom.
What secret worries linger in the back of your mind?
We can imagine Jesus lovingly shaking his head at all of our what-ifs, and asking the rhetorical question “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Jesus teaches us not to waste time with such concerns but instead to “seek first the kingdom” of God. We can focus on living out the gospel, sharing it with others, and maximizing the time we are given.
Jesus challenges us to have faith and to trust that the Father knows exactly what we need. Rather than fret, we are invited to surrender our stress to Jesus. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” he says, “and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
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.
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:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
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.”
Faith
The bedrock foundation of Christianity is faith; faith that Jesus, the Son of God, our Messiah, who died for our sin and rose again, is our personal Savior.
But, the question may be asked, “How strong must my faith be? What about those little doubts that creep in from time to time?”
The first thought I have on this question is that my faith comes from God; it is not my personal attribute. God gives faith in the form of a gift (Ephesians 2:8) (we don’t earn it or deserve it), because of His grace and mercy, and because He loves us.
Faith is not the product of a preacher’s compelling presentation, his eloquence, or even his theological soundness—faith is given through the message about Jesus. God gives us faith “by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. This is the means God has chosen. It is through the Word of God that faith comes to us . . . and since that faith comes from God, it must be sufficient for His purpose.
The second thought I have is that we have a great illustration of the amount of faith required from the Old Testament and the Children of Israel, who were wandering in the desert for 40 years because of their lack of faith, their unbelief that God would bring them to the Promised Land as He had promised. This is related in Numbers 21:
4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.
7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
God judged the people by sending snakes, and many of them died. But the Israelites simply had to look up to that bronze snake in order not to die. How great a faith did the action of looking at that bronze snake take? All an Israelite had to do, in the hope of a promise from God that he can’t see, was look at the bronze serpent on the pole. That is the example, the preview, that God gave us in the Old Testament of us now, trusting in His Son, who was lifted up on a cross for our sins.
The third thought I have is from Matthew 17:14–20, where we see Christ’s disciples unable to exorcise a demon from a young boy, even though Jesus had previously given them the authority to do so. When they asked Jesus why they weren’t able to drive the demon out, Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move; Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:14–20).
What Jesus is saying is that with very little faith, indeed, we (actually God) will do great things. The power of faith is all from God, and He will do great things on our behalf if we have but small amounts of faith.
Just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the desert, Jesus was lifted up on Calvary. In John 3:13, the Bible says “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”
John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That’s the significance of that Old Testament event. It is this, that we deserve to perish in hell because of our sin. But another has been put there in our place, Jesus Christ. He has paid the full price for our sin. Us too, all we need to do is by faith trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ and we will be saved.
1 “Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held— To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 ‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; 7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’
In verse 1 we see that God is speaking through Isaiah to Cyrus who was the king of Babylon according to history and to Ezra 4:1-6. Cyrus then was a pagan king of a pagan government. But look at how God addresses King Cyrus of Persia: “His anointed.”
The God of heaven and the God of His people raised up a Persian king who would take over Babylon when the men and women whose parents had been taken into captivity were ready to return to Jerusalem. God sent Israel into captivity for 70 years and then raised up Cyrus, who would do God’s bidding in God’s timing to return the exiles, rebuild their temple and rebuild the city walls. We see in this Isaiah passage that God was in control of all things regarding His people at all times.
Every generation can put the name of their king, their president, and their prime minister in this passage. Romans 14 tells us that every government power is of God and does God’s bidding. A few years ago we could say that President Obama was God’s instrument doing God’s bidding. This year we can say that President Trump is God’s instrument doing God’s bidding. Whichever one you have trouble with, rest assured that God is in control doing His work through these national leaders.
In the book of Daniel we see great prophesies concerning kingdoms that were yet to come. As those prophesied nations rose and fell we could see God’s hand behind them all accomplishing His overall purposes in the earth. As cruel as the Roman government and its army was, God put them in place so in the fullness of time Jesus could come to earth.
As we read the book of Revelation we see that there are prophecies yet to be fulfilled. God is using every ruler of every country to bring about His divine plan for the fulfillment of all things. In the end we will see and know that God was in control doing His bidding through godless leaders and we will praise God forever for His great will.
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 your 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.
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:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
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, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you 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.”
Bad Days
Have you ever had a really bad day? Well, that’s probably kind of a dumb question, the answer being “Of course I have”!
Well then, have you had a number of bad days? Well, again, I think most of us would answer “Duh”! Recently? Well, yeah.
I think we all, some more, some less have bad days. Even really bad days. Maybe even lots of ’em.
Maybe something at work, or at home, or between us and God . . . we’ve had bad days, are having bad days, and will have bad days.
So, what’re we gonna do about that? Just wallow in the situation and let time, the great healer, eventually have its effect?
Well, we don’t have to do that. As Christians, when we are beset with a plague of bad days, we are in a position to look at those days with a perspective that will reduce them to, well, hopefully next to nothing at all.
When we’re having a bad day, it helps to be reminded that God is on our side and that we are one of God’s beloved children, officially adopted into His family.
So if we’re having a bad day today, let’s sit back and remind ourselves of just what our Heavenly Father promises us.
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 55:22: Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be shaken.
Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
1 John 5:4: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.
Romans 8:37-39: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Well, that’s all good for holding a proper perspective, but the bad days don’t just get logically into our heads, they get deep into us at an emotional level, also.
John 16:33: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 14:27: I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
When we get caught up in that “Oh, poor me!” trap, I think the Psalms are the place to go. We’ll have a really difficult time hanging on to our precious little bundle of self pity while and after we read a few of our favorite Psalms. Praise and Thanksgiving Psalms work the best in these situations.
Try one:
Psalm 16 1 Watch over me, O God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.” 3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. 5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You uphold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in the abode of the dead, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
When we stop and think that we praise and thank God for a future eternity of Peace and Joy in His presence, that singular fact has the effect of reducing our transient bad days to just a nit.
Just think of it . . . an eternity of Joy and Peace with God of such a quality that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
We won’t let a bad day distract us from God’s blessings. We are loved. We are not alone. God delights in us. We are victorious. In fact, we are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. So we will be encouraged and have a good day because “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
The Word of God reveals that Jesus Christ will one day judge every person who has ever lived.
Acts 10:42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.
At that time, unbelievers will be exiled from God’s presence, and believers will stand before Jesus with full comprehension of His extravagant grace.
True followers of the Savior, however, have nothing to fear, as this judgment is not for the purpose of determining salvation—that was settled the moment they first put their faith in the Son of God. And as Romans 8:1 reassures us, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Instead, the Lord will judge His own for the purpose of rewards.
In other words, though none of us can live a perfect life here on earth, we do not need to dread this face-to-face time of reckoning with our Savior. Christ’s judgment is not a punishment; it is a reminder that we are pardoned.
On that day, we will stand before the Lord, clothed in Christ’s righteousness and forgiven of every single sin. And we will at last fully comprehend the depth and breadth of His grace and love for us.
