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!

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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)

https://www.christianpost.com/voice/thy-kingdom-come-thy-will-be-done.html

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

~ Elisabeth Elliot

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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

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Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

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

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

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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.”

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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:

1. I declare how things turn out long before they ever happen.
2. 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?

1. Let us stand in awe of the sovereign authority and freedom and wisdom and power of God.
2. Let us never trifle with life as though it were a small or light affair.
3. Let us marvel at our own salvation — that God bought it, and wrought it, with sovereign power, and we are not our own.
4. Let us groan over the God-belittling, man-centeredness of our culture and much of the church.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-sovereignty-of-god-my-counsel-shall-stand-and-i-will-accomplish-all-my-purpose

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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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. 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.”

http://wohbm.org/are-you-a-big-godder/

---

A God Too Small?

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.

  ~  Robert Grant  1779-1838

---

---

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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. 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.”

https://www.insight.org/resources/daily-devotional/individual/quot-the-battle-is-mine-quot1

---

What about us Deplorables?

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!

  ~  Lelia N. Morris  1862-1929

---

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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. 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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. 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?

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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 . . .

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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)

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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.

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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.

This Superlative Sanctuary Count Your Blessings 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.

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

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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

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Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

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

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

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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.”

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Count Your Blessings Sunday

Well, it’s just a few days before New Years Day and I suppose many people are occupied with making their New Year’s resolution lists, figuring out which of the New Year’s festivities they’ll attend or planning their own celebration, big or small.

It’s the end of a year, just after the joyous Christmas season. I think it’s a really good time to settle back, review the past year and take a good count of the many blessings we have as believers in Christ and in His finished work at Calvary.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

    ~  Johnson Oatman, Jr., pub.1897

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Believe and be blessed –

But as it is written:
“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.” (1 Corinthians 2.9)

God gives many blessings to “whosoever believeth” in Jesus because he loves us.

For those who put their trust in Christ, God has provided many remarkable (perfect, actually) blessings. We are rich beyond our wildest dreams. Some of these blessings are:

When we believe, God counts our faith in Christ as righteousness.

“For our sake He [God] made Him [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him [Christ]we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21) “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:22)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Rom 5:1)

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2.13-14)

When we believe, the penalty for our sins is paid by Christ’s death on the cross.

. . . who gave Himself for us, that He might purchase our freedom from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

. . . knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

When we believe, Christ’s sacrifice makes believers spiritually alive.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, (Ephesians 2:1)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5).

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, (Colossians 2.13).

When we believe, we are adopted as God’s children.

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7)

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:11-12).

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Fo;26r all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galations 3:26)

When we believe, as a child of God, we are His heirs.

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:6-7)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1 Peter 1:3-5)

When we believe, our sin nature is reconciled with God’s holiness.

Now all this is from God, who has restored our relationship to Himself through Jesus Christ . . (2 Corinthians 5:18)

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [Christ], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say,whether things on earth or things in heaven (Colossians 1:19-20)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

When we believe, God forgives our sins.

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” (Acts 10:43)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, (Ephesians 1:7)

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).

When we believe, we have eternal life with God and Jesus forever . . . unending.

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:14-16)

And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)

When we believe, God’s Holy Spirit comes to live within us.

Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ (Galatians 4:6)

As the Holy Spirit lives in the believer, He brings about some life-changing results:

The Holy Spirit acts on a soul dead in sin and creates new life (Titus 3:5). This is the new birth Jesus spoke of. (John 3:1-8)

The Holy Spirit confirms to the believer that he belongs to the Lord and is an heir of God and fellow-heir with Christ (Romans 8:15-17).

The Holy Spirit makes the new believer a member of Christ’s universal church. This is the baptism of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to the believer to strengthen the church and serve the Lord for His glory (1 Corinthians 12:11).

The Holy Spirit helps the believer understand and apply the Scripture to his daily life (1 Corinthians 2:12).

The Holy Spirit enriches the believer’s prayer life and intercedes for him in prayer (Romans 8:26-27).

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to live for Christ and to do His will (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit leads the believer in paths of righteousness (Romans 8:14).

The Holy Spirit gives evidence of new life by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit is grieved when the believer sins (Ephesians 4:30), and He convicts the believer to confess his sin to the Lord so that fellowship is restored (1 John 1:9).

The Holy Spirit seals the believer unto the day of redemption so that the believer’s arrival in the Lord’s presence is guaranteed after this life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

When we believe, after we die, we will be resurrected in incorruptible, immortal spiritual bodies.

And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (1 Corinthians 6:14) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

 Truly, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. All that we have needed and will need, from birth to eternity, has been provided for by God through the work of the Son. Thanks be to God!

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Thank God for Blessings

We look at our country these days and see
All the bad things that happen to be:
Lies, corruption, thievery and fraud,
But we’ve seen the Light and so we thank God.

Thank God that we have enough to eat,
That we don’t have to live on the street,
That we have water, are secure and warm,
In wind and rain, we’re safe from the storm.

Thank God we choose work, there’s no slavery,
And for all of our friends and family
That after work we can rest and play,
And feel some contentment after our day.

We tend to lose sight that we’re truly blessed,
Living in comfort, not poor and oppressed,
While life’s twists happen and we feel deprived,
Others on earth fight daily to survive.

No food, dirty water, oppressive heat,
Sickness, disease, and filthy, dusty streets,
Babies and kids, bloated stomachs and flies,
Grotesque skeletons, no hope in their eyes.

Living inside wearing old gloves and coats,
Bone-chilling cold, all alone and remote.
Old and sickly, no medicine anywhere,
Dying alone with nobody to care.

There are ways to help the poor, to be sure,
Though it’s unlikely that there’ll be a cure.
We should all help in many different ways,
‘Cause the poor will be with us all our days.

From these situations, we all can learn
To look at our problems with less concern,
And truly thank God for all our wealth,
Our work, our families, and our good health.

For God’s our Provider, blessings from Him.
He’s met all our needs and freed us from sin.
He’s given us all, including His Son.
Praise God forever!  May His will be done!

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Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20,21)

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
The newborn Christ shows us the way
To leave our former life of sin
And be born again to new life in Him

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The following are links to the three Advent readings, Proper I, II & III, for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Nativity of the Lord – Proper I
December 24 & 25, 2019
Christmas Eve, Morn, or Mid-Day
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Nativity of the Lord – Proper II
December 24 & 25, 2019
Christmas Eve, Morn, or Mid-Day
Isaiah 62:6-12
Psalm 97
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20

Nativity of the Lord – Proper III
December 24 & 25, 2019
Christmas Eve, Morn, or Mid-Day
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)
John 1:1-14

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The following homily is prepared by Reverend Monsignor Russell G. Terra, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Redding, CA.
http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html

The Nativity of the Lord
December 25, 2019
“The Way Through Hardship and Struggle”

Is 9:1-6
Tit 2:11-14
Lk 2:1-14

My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –

No matter what we do or how we plan, life always seems to be a struggle. Even if things seem easy for the moment – often, that moment is very short-lived.

There are many different areas in which we can struggle. We can have difficulty physically, emotionally, interpersonally, financially, and spiritually – because human beings are complex creatures. And because life, itself, is also complex, what others do around us or in the world always has an impact upon us! Consequently, it is easy to get angry, discouraged, and depressed – because the struggle is on-going.

Unfortunately, it is a very human tendency to make our problem someone else’s problem or responsibility. Hence, we often try to blame others for our difficulty. Moreover, it’s all too easy to resort to selfish measures to make things better for ourselves!

However, God did not make us this way. God created us for joy, bliss, and love. The world and human life become such a struggle because, originally, we wanted to be supreme ourselves. We wanted things our own selfish way and the result was a broken world!

No one escapes the hardships and the struggles of life. But the solution is not violence toward others or nihilism in ourselves. The solution is always to look to God – and to the one God sent.

Jesus came to teach us how we must live amid all that life throws at us. Moreover, those close to Jesus, or to God Himself, witness for us how we must become in our own soul and spirit.

Mary and Joseph certainly had it rough – a grueling journey of 90 miles on foot, from Nazareth to Bethlehem – no available accommodations – or even a suitable place to give birth. Temporarily homeless, they found a stable for the night, and Mary had to use a feeding trough with straw as a crib for her newborn son. Nevertheless, they made the best of things and rejoiced in the birth of their son and in each other’s mutual love.

The shepherds were, basically, homeless people who had a worse than minimum wage kind of job. Dirty, unkempt, unwashed, bedraggled, ostracized, and unwanted everywhere – they were the ones to whom the angel came and who heard the heavenly choir. Having nothing, they were given the priceless gift of meeting the Savior who would prepare a place for them beyond the hardships and struggles of this world.

In all likelihood, life did not change for the shepherds after their divine encounter. But they were changed. They were empowered to survive their hard life with a new grace, a new purpose, and a new hope!

Brothers and Sisters, God did not send His Son into the world to change the status quo of its brokenness or to eliminate our struggle for existence. God sent His Son to show us how to bear with the hardships of life. Jesus came to enable us to change the kind of person we are. The peace of which Isaiah speaks and the elimination of violence will be in the world to come. Yet it can exist in our hearts and spirits, even now – today and every day – Because Jesus truly is the Wonder-Counselor, the God-Hero, the Father-Forever, and the Prince of Peace!

However, as St. Paul urges, we must reject all that is godless in our lives and hearts – all that is worldly and unworthy of us. We must try to live as true disciples of Jesus – Jesus who is everything and who gives us more than we can ever imagine! Since, as someone once said: “Life is a struggle toward greater being”, we must truly become people who are eager to do all that is good for others and for the world. This is incumbent upon us, even though so many others and the world are resistant and even hostile to God and to the gift that God sent in Jesus.

So, let us pray on this wonderful day that we can allow the grace and the mystery of Christmas to touch us and change us – May we see and hear and understand what we did not before – May we have a newfound hope – And may we face the hardships and struggles of life as did Jesus and countless others who have gone before us!

Amen.

December 25, 2019                                      Msgr. Russell G. Terra

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Isaiah 7:10-16
The Immanuel Prophecy
10 Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying,
11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”
12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”
13 Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel
15 Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.
16 For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Prayer for Israel’s Restoration
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength, and come and save us!
3 Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in great measure.
6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18 Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!

Romans 1:1-7
Greeting
1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:18-25
Christ Born of Mary
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [literally, Savior], for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and kept her a virgin till she had brought forth her a Son. And he called His name Jesus.

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The following homily is prepared by Reverend Monsignor Russell G. Terra, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Redding, CA.
http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html

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4th Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2019
“The Obedience of Faith”

Is 7:10-14
Rom 1:1-7
Mt 1:18-24

My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –

One of the challenges we continue to face throughout our life is to take good and sound advice when we are on the wrong track. Taking advice is often difficult because our minds can be pretty well made up before that advice is forthcoming. That advice might be how to do something in a better way. It might also be a warning against something that will do harm to ourselves or to others.

When we heed sound advice, we are usually pleased with a good outcome – or with the resolution of the problem we were facing. However, when we fail to take good advice, we have no one to blame but ourselves when we are faced with the negative consequences of our decision.

Some of the best advice we can receive sometimes comes directly from God Himself. God is continually calling us to good and better things. God speaks to us, often, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. However, this is usually a quiet or subtle intimation. But it can also be powerful and overwhelming as well!

Of course, the most difficult advice to accept is that which comes from someone we dislike – or from someone who opposes us on other levels. This was certainly the case of the advice given to King Ahaz in the passage from Isaiah today.

Prophets always call us to task – They usually face us with unwelcome truths! Israel and Syria wanted Judah to join their coalition against Assyria. Instead, Ahaz sought to be united with Assyria itself. However, this was not God’s way. God had a better plan – a hidden plan – which would, somehow, preserve the Chosen People of Judah. King Ahaz was even told to ask for a sign from God. But in his intransigence, he refused.

So God gave him a sign anyway. One of the maiden wives of Ahaz would
conceive and bear a son. His name would be Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”
God would not abandon the Chosen People – He would continue to be with at least the faithful few, the “Remnant”, – until the Eternal Emmanuel was born in their midst!

In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph is one of the greatest examples we can have of someone who listened to the voice of God and followed God’s plan. Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant with someone else’s child. Since betrothed couples had conjugal rights, any unfaithfulness was considered to be adultery, which was punishable with death by stoning.

However, Joseph was better than that. He planned to divorce Mary quietly – thus allowing her to marry whomever fathered her child. So God spoke to Joseph – and Joseph listened and obeyed. Being a truly good man, he, somehow, understood that God had a master plan that would save a sinful world – So Joseph accepted his new role as part of a mystery that required great faith and trust.

St. Paul was so conformed to the call of God in his life that he tells us that he is the slave of Christ Jesus. Initially, it took a vision and blindness to get Paul’s attention. However, it really changed the course of his life. Paul tells us that we must have the “obedience of faith”. The word “obedience” means “to listen, to harken and accept” – to implement what we have been told. And “faith” is our relationship with God. Faith is something intangible, beyond anything material – that we cannot even begin to describe!

Brothers and Sisters, the Child born to us in just 3 days will always make demands of us. His Gospel is truly Good News – but it requires much on our part. It requires that we are always open to what God asks us to do or be. Hopefully, we will not be like Ahaz who refused to listen, and lost everything. Instead, we are invited to be like Mary, our mother, who said “yes” to the angel of God – and like Joseph, who was unafraid to set his plans aside and embark upon a path only gradually revealed to him by God.

So, let us pray today, that we can listen and respond to God’s call in obedience – however and whenever it comes!

Amen.

December 22, 2019                                       Msgr. Russell G. Terra

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