“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
Leviticus 19:1…18 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
One of the most difficult human responses to control is not to retaliate when someone deliberately does harm to us. When we are hurt, we want to strike back. When those we love have been hurt, we want to retaliate! However, then, more retaliation becomes the objective of the one who hurt us in the first place. At that point, things usually escalate beyond control.
This scenario is also the case between families, larger groups, and even nations. And the result is usually warfare of some kind – with great damage and harm to others who are innocent of any wrong-doing!
At the root of most deliberate harm to others is hatred – And hatred, by definition, seeks the destruction of the one who is hated. I mention all the foregoing because the scriptures for today have much to teach us about dealing with hatred and revenge.
In the Book of Leviticus, God commands us to be holy, for He, the Lord our God, is holy! We are made in God’s image – as is every other human being who has ever lived. We should and must reflect God’s goodness and His Glory. We cannot have hatred in our minds and hearts and be able to do this. Consequently, revenge is forbidden and so are the grudges that lead to hatred and revenge. In fact, whenever we get back at another with hatred in our heart, we become godless ourselves and no different than those who did evil to us!
4000 years ago the Chosen People were very limited in their moral development. God had to bring them, gradually, to a higher sense of moral consciousness. Thus, they understood that God’s command to love extended only to family, neighbors, and other members of the Hebrew nation. Enemies were outside this prohibition!
It’s no wonder, then, that Jesus created such a stir with his contemporaries. In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that we must love our enemies and pray for those who do us harm. The Law of the Talion which permitted retaliation, but only equal in kind, was not permitted from a true disciple. A disciple must turn the other cheek – go the extra mile – give even more than what is demanded! Because only by this kind of loving response, to whatever others do to us, can they be changed – and the seed of love planted in their hearts!
The moral development of the human race has taken centuries to evolve to where it is today. However, it is still far from being universal. Some are still at stage #1, which endorses unlimited revenge. Some are at stage #2, which is the limited revenge of the Talion – “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. Some are at stage #3, which is the Silver Rule of not doing to others what we do not want them to do to us. Some are at stage #4, which is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And, since the time of Jesus, some are at stage #5, which means loving even our enemies as the children of God which they truly are!
However, loving our enemies does not mean that we do not try to do what we can to change them, their thinking, and their behavior. If they are at a lower stage of moral development, then we might be forced to bring pressure on them at a level they can, at least, begin to understand. But we must never do so with hatred or the spirit of revenge!
Finally, Brothers and Sisters, St. Paul reminds us that we are all temples of God. Unfortunately, too many today don’t know this – or if they do, they don’t take it seriously. If we take it seriously, we will focus upon doing all that Jesus asks of us in his Gospel – and on what the Holy Spirit reveals to our hearts. This is how we can change – This is how we can help others change – And if enough others change – then will our world, itself, be changed!
So, let us pray, today, for God’s grace and for God’s wisdom – May we bring God’s love and life into a world that has known hatred for far too long!
Amen.
February 23, 2020 Msgr. Russell G. Terra Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Redding, CA *http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html
More Like The Master
More like the Master I would ever be, More of His meekness, more humility; More zeal to labor, more courage to be true, More consecration for work He bids me do.
More like the Master is my daily prayer; More strength to carry crosses I must bear; More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in, More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.
More like the Master I would live and grow; More of His love to others I would show; More self-denial, like His in Galilee, More like the Master I long to ever be.
Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone; Take Thou my heart and make it all Thine own. Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore, Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s 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, unencumbered by political correctness. 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 another poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
Alone with God
And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. –John 6:3
Just prior to this miraculous multiplying of the bread and fish, Jesus “went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples”(6:3). That fact is noteworthy. It seems plain that Jesus withdrew purposely from the great press of people who had been pursuing Him.
There are some things that you and I will never learn when others are present. I believe in church and I love the fellowship of the assembly. There is much we can learn when we come together on Sundays and sit among the saints. But there are certain things that you and I will never learn in the presence of other people.
Unquestionably, part of our failure today is religious activity that is not preceded by aloneness, by inactivity. I mean getting alone with God and waiting in silence and quietness until we are charged with God’s Spirit. Then, when we act, our activity really amounts to something because we have been prepared by God for it….
Now, in the case of our Lord, the people came to Him, John reports, and He was ready for them. He had been quiet and silent. He had sat alone with His disciples and meditated. Looking upward, He waited until the whole hiatus of divine life moved down from the throne of God into His own soul. He was a violin tuned. He was a battery recharged. He was poised and prepared for the people when they came. Faith Beyond Reason, 130,133. “Lord, I’ll spend a lot of time in the company of people today, but just now I come in quietness and silence to wait for You to fill me. Amen.”
A.W. Tozer
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. Zephania 1:7
In The Garden
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
Charles A. Miles 1913
Be Still And Know
“I believe in God, though He is silent.” These are the words that some of us say. “But I keep my faith and go on living, Hoping to hear something every day.”
Busy days go by and turn into weeks We keep thinking that He’ll speak to us soon Our thoughts now turn to things that we’ve done And His discipline, the vines that He prunes
Busy days and more, running to and fro Time rushes by with more thoughts, too Life and distractions fill up all our time And we don’t give God the respect he’s due
Now is the time to stop and think Is God now silent with nothing to say Or is it us who aren’t listening Far too busy as our lives run astray
God never leaves us, He promised us so Though we don’t listen, He’s with us still God promised us good, a future and hope He’ll deliver, no doubt that He will
We may not listen, and that to our shame But God is speaking to us every day He’s everywhere and all around us Speaking to us in so many ways
God is Creator, He made everything Earth and heavens show His mighty power The beauty in nature, the sights and sounds The oceans speak as do fields of flowers
The Patriarchs, Psalms and the Prophets, too Their words in the Bible speak loud and clear Christ and His Apostles all spread the word If we take time to read, then we’ll hear
The music we hear, praise, worship and thanks All have messages for us to regard Music makes us feel, words make us think The rhythm and rhymes of musical bards
Other believers, events of the day May carry meanings for us to heed Listen for His voice and check with His Word There may be wisdom that we sorely need
God’s Spirit within us speaks in our minds Teaching and guiding us along our ways God’s Spirit nudges, but may push and shove To give us His guidance, day after day
We come to God, our heads bowed in prayer As we speak to Him, He speaks to us, too Our prayers will be answered: yes, no or wait We may not hear it, but He’ll guide us through
In all of these ways, God speaks to us But we need to listen to hear His voice Be consumed with the world through all our days Or “Be still and know” – we must make that choice
Be Still
Did you decide to make the choice To slow down and listen for His voice? Or was the decision made for you – It just happened out of the blue
Some say that God’s voice is very small, We must be still to hear it at all Some fill their days with so much to do That I suppose for them that’s true
I think God’s voice is loud and clear But man has chosen not to hear The heavens declare it from above God will be heard; it’s part of His love
Be Still . . .
As we go from day to day, To here and there along our way, Always busy and so involved, But is it that for which we’re called?
Two meetings here, lunch over there, Two more tonight, what will I wear? Pick up the kids, calls on the phone, Just three quick stops, and then we’re home.
Someone’s been wronged, I must speak out. My help is needed, there’s no doubt. We’ll make a plan to fight this thing And not be stopped by anything.
We’ll find problems, expose them all And make the guilty take their fall. We’ll be vigilant day and night And fight for what we know is right.
But . . .
We must not fail to see God’s plan, To trust in Him and not in man. Do we take time for what God said, Wait for Him to work in our stead?
Seek His face, be still and know He is God, and learn to let go, To trust in Him to win the fight, Dispel the darkness with His Light.
Be still before Him, and so wait With patience, for God controls fate. Vengeance is His, and judgment just, Acknowledge Him, give Him your trust.
So as we go from day to day To here and there along our way, Let’s all slow down and know His grace, Seek His kingdom and see His Face.
“The Peace of Meditation”
So we may know God better And feel His quiet power, Let us daily keep in silence A meditation hour . . . For to understand God’s greatness And to use His gifts each day, The soul must learn to meet Him In a meditative way . . . For our Father tell His children That if they would know His will They must seek Him in the silence When all is calm and still . . . For nature’s greatest forces Are found in quiet things Like soft falling snowflakes Drifting down on angels’ wings, Or petals dropping soundlessly From a lovely full-blown rose, So God come closest to us When our souls are in repose . . . So let us plan with prayerful care To always allocate A certain portion of each day To be still and meditate . . . For when everything is quiet And we’re lost in meditation, Our soul is then preparing For a deeper dedication That will make it wholly possible To quietly endure The violent world around us, For in God we are secure.
Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17…37
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
As human beings we have to make decisions everyday. Our work, our relationships, our leisure and recreation are constantly dependent upon our choices and decisions. People who are mature usually make decisions based upon what is right and good, best, most effective and efficient, and beneficial to everyone involved.
However, sometimes we do not choose this way. We want to take the easy way out, the short-cut – any selfish way that serves ourselves. Perhaps we even choose a way that we know is the wrong way. Unfortunately, we always pay a price when we make a bad decision. Things go awry; someone gets injured; we receive a bad report; someone we love is hurt; or a relationship is damaged!
The Book of Sirach counsels us always to choose the godly way of doing things.
Being able to know what is good and right and true is why God gave us a conscience and an inherent moral sense. God even went a step further when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments which cover everything – if we read between the lines and ask for the Spirit’s guidance!
But God also gave us free will. We can decide or choose contrary to what God wants and expects from us. We can jump into water or fire; we can choose eternal life or death, by our decisions in the here and now for good or for evil. Moreover, what is tragic is that choosing evil always puts us on a slippery slope. One bad choice often leads to another and to another – until we can feel hopelessly lost and beyond change or salvation.
Fortunately, God never gives up on us as long as we are alive. God is merciful and forgiving. God is lavish with His grace. He gave us a conscience to begin with – He allows us to experience shame and guilt to get our attention when we have done wrong. It remains for us to repent of our sins, change our ways, and begin to make up for all of our wrongdoing.
Of course, we always suffer in some way for the sins and the mistakes we have made – because there are natural consequences to our bad choices. Children can learn this at an early age, if their parents allow them to suffer the consequences of their misbehavior and mistakes. Good parenting always sets limits for children and is not afraid of tough love when children test or exceed those limits.
In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus expands upon the letter of the law in the Ten Commandments. He teaches us the way to real honesty and authenticity as disciples and children of God. We can’t be like the Pharisees who bent the Commandments to serve themselves – and to excuse truly reprehensible behavior.
Murder is wrong, but so is anything that hurts the body, the soul, or the psyche of another! Adultery is forbidden, but so is anything in our minds or hearts that violates the opposite sex for our own selfish pleasure! Even divorce should be rare – and only when the marriage was a sham from the beginning and devoid of covenant love and commitment.
Jesus also tells us how important it is to break with those people or things which are instrumental in our downfall. We must make the tough decision to cut ourselves off from whatever leads us into sin and away from God.
Finally, in the New Testament reading, St. Paul warns us not to be taken in by the current culture. The wisdom and the ways of God are never those of the world.
The faithful Jews had to resist and reject all the pseudo-wisdom of the pagan Greek culture which had spread everywhere. Likewise, we must resist all that the media, the entertainment industry, and many politicians have to say about what is good and moral and right!
We must stand against and work to repeal some of our laws that go against the natural law and the order that God established for the human person!
Brothers and Sisters, it is a daunting task to stay faithful to God and to all that God asks of us in our world today. But with God’s grace we can face and live through whatever we encounter on our journey to the Kingdom.
So, let us pray today, that we always make truly godly choices in all that we do – And may we inherit the eternal life that Jesus has promised!
Amen.
Msgr. Russell G. Terra, Parish Homilies, February 16, 2020 Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Redding, CA
The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord, in ev’ry star Thy wisdom shines; but when our eyes behold Thy Word, we read Thy Name in fairer lines.
The rolling sun, the changing light, and nights and days Thy pow’r confess; but the blest volume Thou hast writ reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise round the whole earth, and never stand: so when Thy truth began its race, it touched and glanced on ev’ry land.
Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest till through the world Thy truth has run, till Christ has all the nations blest that see the light, or feel the sun.
Great Sun of Righteousness, arise, bless the dark world with heav’nly light; Thy gospel makes the simple wise; Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.
Thy noblest wonders here we view in souls renewed and sins forgiv’n; Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, and make Thy Word my guide to heav’n.
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.
In other words . . .
. . . and when it’s time to not be nice, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
My apologies, if due. I’ve reduced the size of the salad because of the size of the entrée. Bon appétit!
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done
If you have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, then I have one question for you my friend: Do you hunger and thirst for more of God’s presence and power to saturate your soul and your sphere of influence? If so, then you would be blessed to continually offer up this simple prayer in faith to the Lord: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”
Jesus presented those two powerful petitions to His disciples when He gave them “The Lord’s Prayer.” (Matt. 6:9-13) And it provides us with a beautiful template for all of our prayers. For example, here are some requests that cover key areas of our daily life and witness: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in my family.” “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in my church.” “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in the lives of those I am seeking to reach for Christ.” “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done as I use the gifts you have given me to serve others.”
The kingdom of Jesus is established in every heart that receives Him as Savior and Lord. Christians are never called to build their own little kingdom, but rather, we are called to be willing vessels and loving agents of God’s grace and mercy in a world where many are deceived by the darkness rather than in love with the light. And since none of us are immune to the spiritual darkness of this world with its agenda and desires, we need the Lord to deliver us whenever darkness seems to be creeping into our own experience.
Man naturally strives to build his own kingdom, and each one of us naturally seeks to have “my will be done.” On the other hand, man by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit longs to see Christ’s kingdom advance and the Lord’s will be done. This is part and parcel of receiving a new nature when you are born again through faith in the Messiah. And if you are born again, then you are also saved, justified, forgiven, and redeemed. As a child of the living God, it was definitely the Lord’s will for you to be saved from your sins. Likewise, “God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
The strong desire to do God’s will is a gift in itself. A.W. Tozer said, “I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame, and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven.” Chuck Swindoll said, “God doesn’t work on our timetable. He has a plan that He will execute perfectly and for the highest, greatest good of all, and for His ultimate glory.” In order to “keep in step with the Spirit,” (Gal. 5:25) we need to pray often and believe that God hears us and will answer us according to His will. Everyone who trusts Christ as Savior belongs to the family of God, (John 1:12,13) and has the privilege of boldly approaching the throne of God’s grace with confidence and expectancy. (Hebrews 4:16)
Would you say that your life today is under the full control of Christ your King? Or have one or two areas slipped into the realm of darkness and deceit? Now is the time to renew your commitment to the King of Kings. Turn to Christ today as you pray: “Wash away my sin Lord Jesus. Fill me once again with the Holy Spirit. May thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in my life, my heart, my thoughts, my attitudes, my speech, my behavior, and my decisions.”
The more a believer loves the Lord, the more he or she wants God’s will to be done in their life. The Holy Spirit fans into flame not only our faith in Christ, but also our love for Christ and our heartfelt desire to do His will. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” (1 Thess. 5:19) That is to say, do not say things or do things or dwell on things that grieve and quench the Holy Spirit’s work in your life as a Christian. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” (Eph. 4:30)
Scripture instructs believers: “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) This is a lofty calling, and can only be carried out when the Holy Spirit guides our thoughts, speech, and behavior. We are called to confess our sins to the Lord, and also to renounce them. (Prov. 28:13) We are to place anything that is dark in our life under the blood of Jesus that was shed for us 2000 years ago. By confessing our sin to the Lord and turning away from it, we experience renewal in our determination to work for God’s kingdom as we seek His will in everything.
How strong is your desire today to walk closely with God and continually converse with Him in prayer? If left to ourselves, we would have no motivation for this noble pursuit. But with Christ in our life through faith and with the Holy Spirit filling us with power, we find ourself being motivated daily to please the Lord in everything we do. God not only forgives our sins when we are born again, but He also gives us a new heart that desires to serve the One who saved us by His blood shed on the cross. What a loving and mighty God we serve!
We are invited by our gracious God to pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As we pray these words, we trust in our heart that the Lord will indeed answer us according to His will and in His perfect time. As we wait patiently upon God to fulfill His purpose for our life, our hearts are stirred as we meditate on Scripture and serve those God allows us to serve. Holy decisions bring about even more holy desires, whereas dark decisions produce even more darkness in our soul. The Christian life cannot be lived in neutral. If you are not going forward, you will begin to slide backwards. Spiritual darkness promotes disobedience and unrest, while the light of Christ enables us to see clearly and to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)
Christ’s kingdom and God’s will are foundational for living the Christian life. Without the Lord, you and I would be lost in a sea of sinfulness and doomed for destruction. Thankfully, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!” (Romans 5:8,9) At the cross, the kingdom of God ushered in eternal salvation for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.” (Romans 10:13) “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13,14)
And so you see my friend, it is definitely God’s will that you repent of your sin and trust Christ alone for salvation. It is the only way to be forgiven, saved, born again, justified, and redeemed. And once you are in God’s family through faith, you begin to do God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven.” One day, “you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:11) In heaven, you will experience things you didn’t know were possible, and you will be filled with a joy that exceeds your wildest imagination. (Psalm 16:11; 2 Cor. 12:1-4)
This is why it is foolish and reckless for anyone to underestimate or ignore God’s eternal kingdom and God’s perfect will. After all, “The wise in heart are called discerning,” (Prov. 16:21) and, “It is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.
In other words . . .
. . . and when it’s time to not be nice, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
My apologies, if due. I’ve reduced the size of the intro because of the size of the topic.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
Prayer
The Problem with Prayer
For many, there appears to be a problem with prayer. “It’s a one-way conversation.” “It doesn’t seem to work.” “God takes too long to answer.” “God does what He wants anyway.”
Crushed between the mortar and pestle of life, it’s easy to think there’s a serious problem with prayer: God. When God doesn’t answer according to our will, we can get frustrated. We can feel like our prayers are just floating around the galaxy, too insignificant to catch the Creator’s attention. In the midst of this disappointment, we’re often too slow to accept that the problem with prayer is not God, but us. The Problem of Misunderstanding Prayer I used to think that life would be a lot easier if God answered a few more strategic prayers — just a couple key petitions to remind us that He’s listening. I was convinced that a profound healing here and there would add spice to the life of the church.
Then God healed Karen.
Our Sunday school class gathered for desperate prayer the night before the surgery to remove a tumor from Karen’s brain. The surgery would probably render her unable to speak for a long time. Leading the prayer, I asked God to comfort her husband, daughter, and family at this time of crisis, to help the surgeons, to speed her recovery, and — if He willed — to miraculously heal her.
Of course, that last part was just for show. Although I believed God could heal Karen, I was certain He would use less glorious means. As we drove home, I even told my wife, “Karen will probably never be the same again.”
The next morning the tumor had disappeared.
I assumed Karen’s response would be just as profound as God’s answer to prayer. After all, when a person experiences the awesome intervention of the Almighty God, we should expect an explosive revival, right?
Less than a year later, Karen left the church and divorced her husband.
I had always thought answers to prayer would strengthen faith and ignite thanksgiving. Disappointed in Karen’s response, I was reminded that even the Israelites grumbled and rebelled in the midst of powerful answers to their requests (Numbers 11:1-4).
You see, the problem with prayer is not God, but us. The Problem of Abusing Prayer When I was a new Christian, I mistakenly followed the “prosperity gospel,” the “name it-claim it” theology that overwhelmed Christian television and bookstores — and continues to overwhelm today. “Don’t make negative confessions,” I was told. “If you’re sick, confess that you’re healed!”
On one occasion, I mentioned to a self-proclaimed “prophetess” that I was going bald. Instantly, she placed her hand on my head and shouted, “No you’re not — in the name of Jesus!” That “prophetess” treated prayer like a credit card she could whip out at any time to make major purchases.
We may not be as extreme as that woman, but we can all fall into the trap of abusing prayer. While we may tack on a halfhearted “Thy will be done,” deep down we think, “No! My will be done!” Yes, Christ said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7), but his brother James reminds us, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3).
Once again, the problem with prayer is not God, but us.
Correcting the Problem with Prayer After a dozen years in Bible college, seminary, and Ph.D. studies, I’d hoped to finally have a handle on prayer. I don’t. In fact, the more I pray, the less I understand its profound mysteries. However, I’ve come to several conclusions that might help correct our perceived problems with prayer.
First, we need to understand that the purpose of prayer is not for God to please us, but for God to change us. If a father constantly gives in to a little child’s whiny demands, we’d take him for a lousy parent. Why, then, do some think God’s a stubborn God when He doesn’t give us everything we want? We need to trust that God is wise and powerful enough to answer rightly — and right on time. 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” That is, God won’t jump at every loose-lipped confession. Prayer offered up in true faith submits to His will — our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God’s will is to change us, not please us.
Second, we need to accept that the power of prayer is perceived in even the smallest response. I’m convinced that humans don’t fully comprehend how little we deserve God’s love and grace. Consider that what we regard as “crumbs” of answered prayer may really be bountiful feasts once we realize that God owes us nothing (Genesis 32:9-10; Luke 7:6-9). When we adjust our attitude about our own unworthiness to receive God’s favor, we’ll never regard “small” answers to prayer as insignificant.
Finally, we need to acknowledge that the process of prayer is not as important as the attitude of prayer. When God chose in His sovereignty to heal Karen, He did so even though none of us expected it. Our feeble prayer was a simple act of faith — turning our worries over to God’s care (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6-7). Christians can get hung up on method, worried that they haven’t said the right words, haven’t prayed hard or often enough, or haven’t believed deeply enough. That’s hocus-pocus, not prayer (Matthew 6:5-8). If you’re concerned about not praying with the right words or for the right things, memorize Romans 8:26 — God’s Spirit even helped Paul pray!
Of course these reminders are easy to read, but they’re not easy to live. To our finite human minds, we’ll always perceive “problems” with prayer. Are you struggling with your prayer life, not seeing results, wondering if God is listening? It might be time for an attitude change. It might be time to finally accept that the problem with prayer is not God, but us.
Adapted from Michael J. Svigel, “The Problem with Prayer,” Insights (October 2005): 1-2.
I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.
Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the will of the Lord that will be carried out.
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s 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, unencumbered by political correctness. 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 another poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
The Sovereignty of God
‘I Will Accomplish All My Purpose’
In Isaiah 46:9, God says “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” God is unique among all the beings of the universe. He is in a class by himself. No one is like him. When something is happening, or something is being said or thought, and God responds, “I am God!” , he is saying: You’re acting like you don’t know what it means for me to be God.
What It Means to Be God
So he tells them what it means to be the one and only God. He tells them what’s at the heart of his God-ness. Verse 10: What it means for me to be God is that “I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.” Two statements:
I declare how things turn out long before they ever happen.
I declare not just natural events but human events — doings, things that are not yet done.
Verse 10: “I declare from ancient times things not yet done.” I know what these doings will be long before they are done.
Now at this point you might say, “What we have here is God’s foreknowledge, not his sovereignty.” And that is right, so far. But in the next half of the verse, God tells us how he foreknows the end and how he foreknows the things not yet done. Verse 10b: “I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” When he “declares” ahead of time what will be, here’s how he “declares” it, or “says” it: “saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”
In other words, the way he declares his foreknowledge is by declaring his fore-counsel and his fore-purposing. When God declares the end long before it happens, what he says is, “My counsel shall stand.” And when God declares things not yet done long before they are done, what he says is, “I will accomplish all my purpose.”
Which means that the reason God knows the future is because he plans the future and accomplishes it. The future is the counsel of God being established. The future is the purpose of God being accomplished by God. Then, the next verse, verse 11b, gives a clear confirmation that this is what he means: “I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” In other words, the reason my predictions come true is because they are my purposes, and because I myself perform them.
God Purposes All Things
God knows what’s coming because he plans what’s coming, and he performs what he plans. Verse 10b: ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’ He does not form purposes and wonder if someone else will take responsibility to make them happen. “I will accomplish all my purpose.”
So, based on this text: God has the rightful authority, the freedom, the wisdom, and the power to bring about everything that he intends to happen. And therefore, everything he intends to come about does come about. Which means, God plans and governs all things.
When he says, “I will accomplish all my purpose,” he means, “Nothing happens except what is my purpose.” What God means in Isaiah 46:10 is that nothing has ever happened, or will ever happen, that God did not purpose to happen. Or to put it positively: Everything that happened or will happen is purposed by God to happen.
Facing a Crucial Question
Will we turn from our objections and praise his power and grace, and bow with glad submission to the absolute sovereignty of God? Or, will we stiffen our neck and resist him? Will we see in the sovereignty of God our only hope for life in our deadness, our only hope for answers to our prayers, our only hope for success in our evangelism, our only hope for meaning in our suffering? Or, will we insist that there is a better hope, or no hope?
However, nothing contradicts the real moral responsibility that humans, and angels, and demons have to do what God commands. God has given us a will. How we use it makes our eternal difference.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nature
God is sovereign over what appears the most random acts in the world. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” There are no events so small that he does not rule for his purposes. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” Jesus said, “And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:29–30).
From worms in the ground to stars in the galaxies, God governs the natural world. In the book of Jonah, God commands a fish to swallow (1:17), God commands a plant to grow (4:6), and commands a worm to kill it (4:7). And far above the life of worms, the stars take their place and hold their place at God’s command. Isaiah 40:26 says, “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.”
How much more, then, the natural events of this world — from weather, to disasters, to disease, to disability, to death.
Psalm 147:15–18 says, “He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.” Job 37:11–13 says, “He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightning. They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the habitable world. Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.”
God Could Have Stilled the Winds
So snow and rain, and cold, and heat, and wind are all the work of God. When Jesus finds himself in the middle of a raging storm, he merely speaks, “Peace! Be still!” And as the text says, “the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). There is no wind, no storm, no hurricane, no cyclone, no typhoon, no monsoon, no tornado over which Jesus can say “Be still,” and it will not obey. Which means, that if it blows, he intends for it to blow. “Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it?” (Amos 3:6). All Jesus had to do with Hurricane Sandy was say, “Be still,” and there would have been no damage and no loss of life.
And what about the other sufferings of this life? “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?’” (Exodus 4:11). And Peter said to the suffering saints in Asia Minor, “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19). “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).
Whether we suffer from disability, or from the evil of others, God is the one who ultimately decides — and whether we live or die. Deuteronomy 32:39 says, “There is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” Or consider James 4:13–15: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” Or, as Job says, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
God’s Sovereignty in Human Actions
And when we turn from the natural world to the world of human actions and human choice, God’s sovereignty is just as extensive. “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; . . . the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 2:21; 4:17).
And whoever the president is, he is not sovereign. We should pray for him that he would know this: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). And when he engages in foreign affairs he will not be decisive. God will. “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:10–11).
When nations came to do their absolute worst, namely the murder of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, they had not slipped out of God’s control, but were doing his sweetest bidding at their worst moment: “Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place” (Acts 4:27–28). The worst sin that ever happened was in God’s plan, and by that sin, sin died.
Boasting Is Excluded
And so our salvation was secured on Calvary under the sovereign hand of God. And, if you are a believer in Jesus, if you love him, you are a walking miracle. God granted you repentance (2 Timothy 2:24–25). God drew you to Christ (John 6:44). God revealed himself to you (Matthew 11:27). God gave you the gift of faith. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). The sovereignty of God in our salvation excludes boasting.
There may have been a hundred horrible things in your life. But if today you are moved to treasure Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can write over every one of those horrors the words of Genesis 50:20: Satan, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
I conclude with the words of Paul in Ephesians 1:11, “God works all things according to the counsel of his will.” All things — from the roll of the dice, to the circuits of stars, to the rise of presidents, to the death of Jesus, to the gift of repentance and faith.
Why God’s Sovereignty Matters
What then does this mean for us? Why is this precious to us?
Let us stand in awe of the sovereign authority and freedom and wisdom and power of God.
Let us never trifle with life as though it were a small or light affair.
Let us marvel at our own salvation — that God bought it, and wrought it, with sovereign power, and we are not our own.
Let us groan over the God-belittling, man-centeredness of our culture and much of the church.
Let us be bold at the throne of grace knowing that our prayers for the most difficult things can be answered. Nothing is too hard for God.
Let us rejoice that our evangelism will not be in vain because there is no sinner so hard that the sovereign grace of God cannot break through.
Let us be thrilled and calm in these days of great upheaval because victory belongs to God, and no purposes that he wills to accomplish can be stopped.
Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, and with Thy honor all the day. Psalm 71:8
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s 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, unencumbered by political correctness. 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 another poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
Is Your God BIG or little?
Dr. Robert D. Wilson (1856-1930) was a Presbyterian scholar who devoted his life to showing the Hebrew Bible’s reliability. In proving the accuracy of the Old Testament manuscripts, Wilson learned 45 languages, including all languages into which the Scriptures had been translated up to 600 AD. He was a Professor at Princeton Seminary and Westminster Seminary.
Wilson went to hear one of his students (Donald Barnhouse) preach and said, “I came to see if you are a big-godder or a little-godder, then I know how your life and ministry will unfold.” Wilson explained that people with a little god are always in trouble. Their god can’t create or do miracles. He can’t forgive big sins or help people change their lives in big ways. Their little god can’t take care of the Scriptures’ inspiration and transmission to us. He doesn’t intervene for His people or answer prayer. These people have a little god.
Others have the great, awesome, almighty, invincible God—the Lord of the Bible—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This God speaks and it is done; He commands and it stands firm; He shows Himself strong on behalf of those who love, fear, trust, and obey Him. Dr. Wilson said, “You, young man are a big-godder, and the Lord will bless your life and ministry. He will use you for His praise.”
November 28, 2019 by Charles R. Swindoll Scriptures: Exodus 19:1–15
So deep, so profound must be this respect for God’s holy presence that no one was even to touch the mountain. The people were to wait upon God to speak to Moses and hear the Lord’s words through the Lord’s servant.
What a needed reminder! This story makes it clear that we live in a day of pitifully shallow concepts of God. Some of today’s contemporary Christian music leaves the impression that God is our buddy—a great pal to have in a pinch. A film star once said of God, “He’s my great Big Daddy upstairs.” One pop song asks, “What if God were just a slob like us?” That is not the biblical view of God. That is a human being’s feeble attempt to make God relevant.
The Puritans, that rigorous people of old, possessed a solidly biblical concept of God. Do you know why it is so crucial for us to recover such a respectful understanding? Because a shallow view of God leads to a shallow life. Cheapen God and you cheapen life itself. Treat God superficially, and you become superficial. But hold God in profoundest respect, and it is remarkable how deep the roots of your spiritual life grow.
God is holy. Exalted. He is the only wise God, the Creator, the Maker, the sovereign Lord. He is the Master. He tells me what to do, and I have no safe option but to do it. He offers no alternative, no multiple choice. We have but one directive, and that is to do His will. We reaffirm that truth in our times with Him.
But not today. Today He’s our pal, our understanding buddy, our ever-available bellboy. No, He is not! The Lord is our God. He does not bow to our hurried pace, but in silence He waits for us to meet His demands. And once we slow down enough to meet Him, He is pleased to add incredible spiritual depth to our otherwise shallow lives.
What has been your concept of the Lord? Who is your God? Be honest, now. Does He look anything like the God of Mount Sinai?
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. 13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. 19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men. 20 For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
O Worship The King
O worship the King all glorious above; O gratefully sing His power and His love: Our Shield and Defender, The Ancient of days, Pavilioned in splendour, and girded with praise.
O tell of His might, O sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, Whose canopy space. His chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form, And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
This earth, with its store of wonders untold, Almighty, Thy power hath founded of old: Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree, And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light; It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail; Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
O measureless Might, ineffable Love, While angels delight to hymn Thee above, Thy humbler creation, though feeble their lays, With true adoration shall sing to Thy praise.
Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s 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, unencumbered by political correctness. 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 another poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where all legal speech is allowed and where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
The Battle is Mine
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds 2 Cor 10:3-4 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17:47
“The Battle Is Mine” December 22, 2019 by Charles R. Swindoll Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:40–47
The beautiful thing about this story is that it’s a perfect example of how God operates. He magnifies HIS name when we are weak. We don’t have to be eloquent or strong or beautiful or physically fit or handsome. We don’t have to be well-traveled or brilliant or have all the answers to be blessed of God. He honors our faith. All He asks is that we trust Him, that we stand before Him in integrity and faith, and He’ll win the battle. God is just waiting for His moment, waiting for us to trust Him so He can empower us to battle our giants.
Remember, Goliath is still a giant . . . still an imposing presence. David had all the odds against him. There wasn’t a guy in the Philistine camp—or probably the Israelite camp either—who would have bet on David. But David didn’t need their backing. He needed God—none other. After picking up the stones, he approached the gigantic Philistine warrior.
The shepherd boy made the giant smile. What a joke! Just imagine! David stood before this massive creature unintimidated!
Intimidation. That’s our MAJOR battle when we face giants. When they intimidate us, we get tongue-tied. Our thoughts get confused. We forget how to pray. We focus on the odds against us. We forget whom we represent, and we stand there with our knees knocking. I wonder what God must think, when all the while He has promised us, “My power is available. There’s no one on this earth greater. You trust Me.”
Be assured, David’s eyes weren’t on the giant. Intimidation played no part in his life. What a man! His eyes were fixed on God. With invincible confidence in his God, David responded, “that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’s” (17:47). There it is. That’s the secret of David’s life. “The battle is the LORD’s.” Are you trying to do your own battle? Trying to do things your way? Trying to outsmart the enemy, outfox him? You can’t. But God can. And He’s saying to you, “You do it My way and I’ll honor you. You do it your way and you’re doomed to fail. The battle is Mine.”
What should we do? Should we just “Let go and let God”? Should we all just totally back off in our struggle against the deep state, corrupt politicians, and other manifestations of evil in the world today? Or maybe we should form or join a prayer group to ask God to handle all our concerns (a very good idea, by the way) and then become complete bystanders and onlookers (not so great an idea)?
David didn’t ask Saul to build an alter and sacrifice two dozen bullocks, all the while praying to God that He send down fire from heaven and incinerate every one of the Philistines. David took his sling and some stones and, with full trust in the power of God, went out to meet and defeat the giant Goliath.
While I have absolutely no doubt that God is more than capable of handling (and is) all of the problems in the world that He chooses to address, God works through and uses ordinary people (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Mary, the 12 Apostles and Saul), at least in part, to accomplish His extraordinary ends. We, President Trump and many, many others may play minor to major roles in carrying out God’s plans.
What we are experiencing is God’s fight. He will win this fight, perhaps using some of us to further His ends. And, in the end, God’s plan, as He has formulated it from eternity past, will be fully accomplished.
The victory has already been won!
The Fight Is On
The fight is on, the trumpet sound is ringing out, The cry “To arms!” is heard afar and near; The Lord of hosts is marching on to victory, The triumph of the Christ will soon appear.
The fight is on, arouse, ye soldiers brave and true! Jehovah leads, and vict’ry will assure; Go buckle on the armor God has given you, And in His strength unto the end endure.
The Lord is leading on to certain victory; The bow of promise spans the eastern sky; His glorious Name in every land shall honored be; The morn will break, the dawn of peace is nigh.
The fight is on, O Christian soldier, And face to face in stern array, With armor gleaming, and colors streaming, The right and wrong engage today! The fight is on, but be not weary; Be strong, and in His might hold fast; If God be for us, His banner o’er us, We’ll sing the victor’s song at last!
This Superlative 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.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
The Fruit of the Spirit
God looks at us and deals with us on the basis of love . . . agapé love . . . love that puts our well-being first. He knows what’s best for us and he nudges us and sometimes shoves us in that direction.
When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit to live within us as a Helper to shape our lives toward what God knows is best for us.
God’s Word lists nine characteristics that the Holy Spirit works to grow in each Believer to shape our lives toward how God wants us to live. These characteristics are called the Fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Fruit of the Spirit is: Love, a love that seeks the highest good for others; Joy, a gladness that is not based on one’s circumstances; Peace, a deep contentment, shalom, unity with God and with people; Patience or Forbearance, being slow to speak and slow to anger; Kindness, showing mercy, sympathy, helpfulness; Goodness, being generous and open-hearted; Faithfulness, being dependable, loyal and trustworthy; Gentleness, being calm, non-threatening; and Self-control, behaving well and in a way that honors God.
It’s important to note here that the Holy Spirit is our Helper . . . He’s not going to magically change us while we ignore Him and continue to live the life of the world and “me first”.
We have a responsibility here to want to grow our Spirit Fruit and work toward that end. God’s Word puts that responsibility on us and tells us that we are to yield to the Holy Spirit. We are not to be passive but active in the development of our Fruit of the Spirit. In Colossians 3:10-15 Paul tells Christians to put on many of the same virtues. In 2 Peter 1:5-8 Peter tells his readers to add to their faith some of the same characteristics that are called the Fruit of the Spirit.
It’s important to know what the Fruit of the Spirit is and to diligently work to make it part of our Christian life. We don’t get to spiritual maturity by pursuing our own interests. We need to yield our lives to the Spirit’s leading by means of the Bible (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18). Our Christian life is always a combination of the work of the Spirit of God in originating fruit and the cooperation of our will.
John 14:15-17 If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
When God, the Holy Spirit, gives us His fruit in ever increasing measure, I don’t believe He just zaps us with a little fruit basket because we mentally agree with yielding to the Holy Spirit, were good last week and read our Bibles a bit more than usual. I believe God puts us into situations where we need to have love or joy or peace or patience and then, after going through many situations not using the Fruit of the Spirit, we slowly, even sometimes reluctantly, come to the realization that it is actually in our own best interest to live our lives with that basket of fruit . . . full and overflowing.
Us coming to the knowledge that God is, once again and always, correct in these matters is a very important lesson for us to learn.
The Spirit’s fruit needs time to grow. It will not grow like Jack’s beanstalk. Our old sin nature works to choke out the work of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to resist and ultimately reject those old sinful desires. We can say “no” to sin and accept the way God provides (1 Corinthians 10:13) by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.
As we give the Spirit more control of our lives, He begins to do in and through us what only He can do – to shape us and grow us to look more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
As difficult as growing fully ripened Fruit of the Spirit is (nigh impossible), the actual task at hand is absolutely impossible. In Jesus’ words, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Since God’s goal for all His children is for us to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29), the Holy Spirit constantly works to rid our lives of the “acts of the sinful nature” (Gal 5:19) and to display His fruit instead. The presence of the Fruit of the Spirit is evidence that our character is becoming more like Christ’s.
The Fruit of the Spirit works to rid our lives of the works of flesh.
Galations 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God’s Orchard
Our world is an orchard God planted and grows, With deep, dark, rich soil and water that flows. We are His trees, all growing in God’s fields, And each is unique with different yields.
God gave us His Spirit to show us the way To grow fruit for Him, each and every day. This isn’t just for you, it’s also for me, So I have to ask, what’s growing on our trees?
The foremost of God’s fruit is agapé love. Love God, and our neighbors: His gift from above. Love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, And love our neighbors – those must be our goals.
Joy is the fruit to make our poor hearts glad. God plan is our happiness, not to be sad. Believing in Him, inexpressible joy, Now and forever, His presence to enjoy.
Peace, God’s peace, a harmony of mind, A fruit to be treasured for all of time. Let the peace of Christ rule in our heart And our fears and worries will all depart.
Patience we show when we wait on the Lord; Waiting and trusting are special rewards. Goals, plans and steps are all made by man, But all will be done by God’s perfect plan.
Kindness to others, as shown through our life, Is our protection from discord and strife. For just as God gave His kindness to us, We can give others our kindness plus.
Goodness is uprightness of life and heart, One of the things setting Christians apart. The world might call it having a good name, But we credit God, from Whom goodness came.
Faithfulness leads to God’s blessings, it’s true, A faithful servant, the best we can do. For Jesus was faithful, in life and death, There, on the cross, to His very last breath.
Gentleness and meekness should grow on our tree, As we walk with our God in humility. Though we crave honors, it must be reversed. Forever in God’s eyes, the last will be first.
Self-control will keep us on God’s path, Not seeking the world and incurring His wrath. The Kingdom of God is not worldly pleasure, But righteousness, peace and joy in good measure.
Hate, anger, impatience, cruelty and strife Are what the world chains to us in life. Wickedness, betrayal, wantonness, and pride Will be bound to us, so we must decide.
Will we live life for God, for all of our days, Praising and thanking and walking in His ways? It is for freedom that Christ set us free, Let’s search our hearts now, what’s growing on my tree?
This Superlative 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.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.
But NOT 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 Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious 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!!!
Our movement is about replacing 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.
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.”
What then should we do?
I started writing this Sunday thread thinking that it would be about the Fruit of the Spirit. Then that sort of morphed into the larger picture of how the Holy Spirit is our Helper from God, guiding and teaching us, in more ways than His fruit. And then that changed to what we should be doing to grow into the mature Christian life God wants us to live. And that led into writing down many of the specific things God’s Word tells us to do as Christians . . . members of His family. And that led to the following thoughts:
When John the Baptizer was baptizing for repentance and the forgiveness of sins, he warned the people to “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” And those crowds kept asking him “What then should we do?” (Luke 3)
Paul posed a similar question in his letter to the Roman Christians. “What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! (Romans 6:1-2) He was referring to how we should act, given that God’s grace has freed us from the Law.
James addressed our actions, also, saying “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”, stressing the importance for our actions to demonstrate our faith.
Almost 800 years earlier than Jesus, God, speaking through the prophet Hosea said “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6), saying that God wants to see real, meaningful action more than observance of ritual.
This leads up to a very pertinent question for today. Given that we are Believers, how should we act? “What then should we do?”
Some people think that God’s got a bunch of rules that He lists in the Bible for us to obey and, if we aren’t careful to follow His rules, He’s not going to be very happy with us and we can expect some kind of retribution.
As Christians, we believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, that His death was the once for all time sacrifice for our sins. God counts our faith in Christ as righteousness and has forgiven our sins for all time (past, present and future). And there is now no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
Now this got me to thinking . . .
Now that my sins have all been forgiven by God’s grace, and my faith in Christ is counted as righteousness, and there is no judgement for my sin in the future, the question now arises: How should I then live?
This question is answered by Paul in the book of Romans: “. . . present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .” (Romans 12:1-2) . . . put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh . . . (Romans 13:14)
Well, still thinking here . . .
I’ve been chosen by God, and not because of anything about me or anything I’ve done. God has forgiven my sins and I will not be judged because of them. God has promised me an eternity with Him and Jesus in heaven with a glorious new body, everlasting joy, and unimaginable wonders.
Now, given all that . . . just how grateful should I be? I don’t think it’s possible, if we fully understood what God has done for us and the wonders of heaven, for a human being to express that level of gratitude.
But certainly, I should be grateful enough to search God’s Word for how He wants me to live. And once I find that information on how He wants me to live, to make an absolutely conscious, determined effort, every day of my life, to live in that manner. How could I possibly do less for all that I have gained and will shortly be gaining?
Briefly then, thinking about Paul’s answer to how I should live in Romans, some real-life questions come to the fore.
Have I searched God’s Word and have I learned how He tells me I should be living my life?
Am I making a conscious, determined effort to live in that manner?
How much time am I spending at things that might interest me but are not part of what should be involved in living and maturing in the Christian life?
If I’m with a secular or mixed group, am I just one of the crowd, or do my words and actions stand as a good Christian example?
Am I following God’s Word in my one-on-one interpersonal relationships, Christian or secular?
And quite a few more . . .
Now, lest anyone think I’m being sucked into the maelstrom of legalism in a sea of rules and regulations . . . not happening. God clearly calls us to repentance, righteousness, holiness, and godliness, but because of His mercy and grace, He is abundantly clear that the Christian life is to be filled to overflowing with freedom, hope, peace, joy and love . . . as well as gratitude, thanksgiving, praise and worship.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philipians 4:4-8)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I knew I’d be interested when writing these Sunday threads and, perhaps even more, I wanted the preparation and involvement to speak to me. Well, I think that’s happening.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord look upon you with favor, And give you peace.
