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

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

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

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

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

So, what are we to do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

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

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

And,

On this day and every day –

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

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God IS in Control

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But, we do have assurances that:

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

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

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

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

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

But until that time . . .

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

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

and attain a mindset . . .

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

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

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

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

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

Behold, I am coming soon.

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

And God Bless President Trump and his family.

Praise God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To God Be The Glory

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

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

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

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

The time has come for the United States to take decisive action to defend its strategic interests in Greenland as part of a broader Arctic national policy. While the United States has played an essential role in Arctic and Greenland security in the past, in recent decades, a far-sighted vision of America’s Arctic imperative was neglected through multiple administrations. As international interest in the Arctic grows, the United States must adopt a robust policy for Greenland that clarifies our national relationship to the Danish territory, empowers a forward-leaning military posture, and provides for developing commercial trade relationships.

Since the Second World War, the United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland to defend against hostile nations developing a military presence in Greenland. At the outset of the war, the United States supported Denmark in defense of Greenland against Germany’s threat establishing a forward operating base out of the territory, from which maritime attacks or amphibious landings could be conducted. Soon afterward, the Cold War amplified the strategic value of Greenland as the Soviet threat grew. While the possibility of a Soviet military buildup in Greenland was real, the island’s military value became more offensive, as Thule Air Force Base provided the shortest path for American bombers to reach Russian targets in the event of an attack. Further, Thule’s location as the closest military outpost to the North Pole provided the ideal place to establish critical radar capabilities to monitor and communicate with polar satellites, an essential mission operation still necessary today.

While the United States and Denmark have a long-standing military relationship in Greenland, the Danish vision for Greenland has often contrasted strongly with the United States’ desires. In the 1960s, the United States Army engaged in several covert military experiments in Greenland without the Danish government’s knowledge or consent. Two of the more notable experiments were the construction of Camp Century, established to determine the feasibility of installing Minuteman missiles in the remote environment, and Project Iceworm, an attempt to construct tunnels and military base facilities from within Greenland’s ice sheet. Both experiments were doomed to diplomatic failure, as Denmark was less than enthusiastic about the United States’ military actions performed without their knowledge. For Denmark, Minuteman nuclear missiles’ presence risked Denmark’s position as a non-nuclear power, which diplomatically could not be compromised. Without Camp Century, there was no means to support Project Iceworm: The Greenland ice sheet proved to be too plastic to support a network of military tunnels, as tunnels required regularly retrenching to remain sustainable. The result of these failed experiments was a chill in the Danish-American military relationship. The United States could not establish the full spectrum of defense capabilities for Arctic defense that it had envisioned. The United States needs polar forward radar capabilities to support missile defense projects. Meanwhile, Denmark distrusted its former partner and the United States military’s presence within its sovereign territory.

Following the end of the Cold War, many nations have taken an interest in Arctic development. As supposed “climate change” in the Arctic warms the polar region and decreases the Arctic ice sheets’ expanse, Arctic regions are becoming a new and contested frontier for national development. The Russian Federation is pushing sovereignty claims deep into the Arctic and the North Pole, seeking to develop underwater energy reserves, and maintaining the world’s largest fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers to sustain the northern sea route. Canada, likewise, has been quietly asserting its territorial sovereignty far to the north. Not to be left out of the Arctic race, China has asserted its commercial presence in the north, including negotiating to open mining operations in Greenland and investing in a fleet of icebreakers. As warming trends continue, a massive land grab for the Arctic threatens to create new tensions in the north.

The interest in the Arctic has not escaped Denmark’s notice. In response to growing military interest in the region, Denmark has increased its military deployment to Greenland and established an Arctic command to defend Danish holdings. Denmark’s more substantial hand is diplomatic, as it seeks to arrange cooperative relationships as a founding member of the Arctic Council. However, the Danish relationship with the United States remains in a state of tension, increasing the uncertainty in the region.

While many politicians, public policy, and military advisers have tried to warn of the growing importance of the Arctic, the United States’ military policy has not been sufficiently revised to address Arctic threats. Following the Cold War, drawdowns in the U.S. military led to a decade of the United States searching for footing in its place as the sole superpower in the world. Following 9/11, military intelligence and operations’ focus became the middle east and a war on terrorism. Finally, during the Obama administration, the military sequester hampered the military’s core war-fighting and defense functions, preventing substantive enhancements to the U.S. Arctic warfare posture. Thus, the United States is lagging in its Arctic military strategy at precisely the time that other nations are exercising their regional presence.

While the demand for bold American action in the Arctic has grown, none could have anticipated President Trump raising the possibility of formally acquiring the island of Greenland from Denmark and incorporating it as sovereign territory of the United States. Immediately mocked by the international media and political pundits, the President’s comments created a surprising space in the public discourse to explore the possibility of an American Greenland. There are many advantages and opportunities in what could become the most massive single territorial expansion of the United States in history, even as such an opportunity seemed impossibly lost in the past. The same drivers luring other nations to Arctic development could present greater possibilities to the United States.

Foremost, the United States would finally be able to cement its strategic military relationship with Greenland. Establishing Greenland naval bases would improve American defense of northern trade routes and mineral exploration. Naval defense of the Northwest Passage and a base of operations for an American fleet of icebreakers would open up the potential for safe and sustainable maritime trade between Asian nations and Europe through the north using dramatically shorted and less expensive trade routes. Additionally, an empowered United States could fully implement a ground-based missile defense capability. Expansion of the existing Thule Air Force Base would allow the facility to take on new missions for patrol and defense of Arctic airspace. New eastern bases to establish and train Arctic warfare ground forces in the face of new threats become a real possibility.

An American Greenland has much more to offer than military benefits: Greenland is ripe with development potential. Denmark has never capitalized fully on its territorial holdings, due in part to tensions between Greenlanders and Denmark about how the territory should be developed. With Greenlanders in favor of economic development, partnering with the United States could open up a new wave of economic development, starting with mineral rights. The United States has one of the most robust oil and gas development industries globally, and the opportunity to develop Greenland’s oil reserves could power economic transformation beneficial to both parties. The United States trade deficit consists in large part of oil imports. By increasing our supply of domestically produced oil, the United States would be in a position to balance the trade deficit dramatically. A strong American economic presence in Greenland would further serve as a disincentive to the predatory trade practices of nations such as China, limiting other nations’ ability to establish a strong economic and political footprint in the region.

The potential winners in an American Greenland are the Greenlanders themselves, consisting of the Inuit tribes and Danish settlers’ decedents. The harsh climate and limited economic prospects of life in Greenland make living on the island a challenging proposition. Poverty is present throughout the island, with a total population of only slightly over fifty thousand people, limiting economic growth potential and sustainment. The prospects of economic development, increasing wages, access to trade goods, and improved medical care access would be a welcome boost for the island’s inhabitants.

Regardless of whether Greenland’s territorial acquisition by the United States comes to fruition, the potential for economic, political, and military development remains compelling. Concerns about international imperialism and expansion in the Arctic region cannot be disregarded as nations position themselves to compete in the opening Arctic region: The Arctic will be developed, whether the United States is a forward player or not. Solidifying and normalizing the U.S. relationship with Denmark and Greenland is the best path for U.S. interest in the Arctic.

Works Cited

Beary, Brian. “Race for the Arctic.” CQ Global Researcher, 1 Aug. 2008, pp. 213-42. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

In his article “Race for the Arctic,” Brian Beary draws attention to Greenland’s strategic importance as the major world powers pursue land claims, mineral rights, international trade, and new shipping routes. Attempts to expand oil explorations have impacted Greenland’s position globally but have had impacts locally. Climate change offers unique economic development opportunities for a province long neglected by Europe (the European Union has no land presence in the Arctic, including Greenland, which is not part of the E.U.). Still, local fears of exploitation grow as Russia and China flex their economic and political muscle in the region. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides an opportunity for nations to file claims on Arctic resources; however, the United States Senate has not shown the political will to ratify the treaty, including its land and mineral claims mechanisms. Greenland offers an easier path to oil exploration, with many international mineral and oil corporations opening offices and operations on the island.

Beary, Brian. “U.S. Trade Policy.” CQ Researcher, 13 Sept. 2013, pp. 765-88. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

Brian Beary notes the Chinese trade dynamic with North America reaches many geographically diverse and strategic ports of call. Beijing’s eye is on the Arctic:  A Chinese firm secured a contract with Greenland to exploit mining operations. China could book this contract in part because no other nation would match the investment offer, allowing China to buy its way into the Arctic. Additionally, Beary refers to Ed Gerwin’s observation that while the United States runs a trade surplus in manufactured and agricultural goods, oil imports are the main contributor to the U.S. trade deficit. As trade tensions continue to rise in 2020, the impact of oil production on the United States trade dynamic, particularly related to claims in Greenland and the large Arctic region, are matters that should direct United States policies in both international trade and energy.

Cooper, Mary H. “Missile Defense.” CQ Researcher, 8 Sept. 2000, pp. 689-712. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

In her article “Missile Defense,” Mary Cooper observes that a critical part of a missile defense system is the cooperation of international allies, particularly in providing sites for radar installations. Implementing an antimissile shield in the Arctic region that could protect all fifty states will require forward radar stations outside the present United States, in territory held by Great Britain or Danish Greenland. Former President Ronald Reagan articulated a pivotal motivation to missile defense: A robust defense system that is practically impervious to attack has the potential to make nuclear weapons “impotent and obsolete.” However, such a future rests on the willingness of often fickle international partnerships to participate in military alignments complicated by international commercial entanglements with Russia, China, and international bodies.

Karaim, Reed. “Arctic Development.” CQ Researcher, 2 Dec. 2016, pp. 989-1012. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

As Arctic nations are beginning to develop underwater natural resources in the Arctic aggressively, Reed Karaim observes that Denmark is taking a more assertive posture with Greenland and its Arctic holdings. In his article “Arctic Development”, Karaim notes Denmark’s position in the Arctic territorial race is substantial. Denmark lays claim to seabed territory along Greenland’s continental shelf, one of the most desirable Arctic regions for offshore oil exploration. Further, Denmark has established an Arctic command and expanded its military presence in Greenland. As the Arctic territorial rush begins in earnest, overlapping sovereignty claims to polar resources are likely to become more contentious.

Petersen, Nikolaj. “The Politics of US Military Research in Greenland in the Early Cold War.” Centaurus, vol. 55, no. 3, Aug. 2013, pp. 294–318. EBSCOhost. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

The Danish-American political relationship during the Cold War led to unusual military research in Greenland. Nikolaj Petersen explains that since 1941 the United States has had a military presence in Greenland since Denmark cannot bear the burden of defending the island alone. Initially, the U.S. involvement in Greenland was to prevent a German stronghold from developing in Greenland at the outset of WWII. However, following the war, the Soviet threat drove the development of Thule Air Force Base as a forward deployment of bombers that could reach the Russian heartland in half the time that Soviet bombers could reach the United States. Greenland’s position at the top of the world near the geographic north pole provided unique strategic advantages, driving a robust Danish-American relationship with NATO’s rise. Despite the alignment of strategic priorities, differences emerged between Denmark and the United States, leading to the creation of unusual cover projects by the U.S. Army to experiment quietly with new strategies for deploying Minuteman missiles. The projects Camp Century and Project Iceworm demonstrate the lengths to which the United States was willing to extend itself in Danish Greenland without proper approval. Despite optimism by the State Department of Danish acceptance of Iceworm, the Danish government’s predictable response was a flat “no.” As a result, Denmark has not allowed the development of new defense areas in Greenland, leading to a current military relationship that both parties find unsatisfactory.

Weeks, Jennifer. “Future of the Arctic.” CQ Researcher, 20 Sept. 2013, pp. 789-812. Access 15 Nov. 2020.

In the article “Future of the Arctic,” Jennifer Weeks explores the future of the Arctic as climate change draws international interest to an area of the world previously locked away from human development by extreme conditions. Nation-states are jockeying for position to lay claim to untapped Arctic assets, starting with oil and natural gas reserves that may become accessible, then extending to other minerals and food sources. For example, Russia is pursuing regional claims according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea–which the United States had not become a signatory of–while Canada extends claims to land masses up to the North Pole. The Arctic Council, an international forum promoting cooperation and coordination between eight member states, also looks to extend its reach in the region. Even nations such as India and China are actively exploring opportunities in the Arctic, with China investing in a fleet of icebreakers. The Northwest passage past Greenland to Alaska presents new opportunities for international shipping to open up European and Asian trade in ways never before possible. The opening of the Arctic portends seismic geopolitical shifts as new energy, commercial, and military applications reverberate globally.

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

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

In the following article there are one or two statements (not from God’s Word) that I cannot see are supported by God’s Word . . . or, perhaps, I’m not wise enough to make a solid connection to God’s Word. Nevertheless, this article is a timely presentation for our times.

God Raises Up Kings or Nations
and Removes Them

“Before Him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by Him as worthless and less than nothing. To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare Him to?” (Isaiah 40:17,18 )

Civilizations come and go, and governments rise and fall.  Because our Creator loves people, He also blesses each nation with a span of time so it might prosper and do well, but this blessing ends when a nation becomes degenerate, rebellious, and unfit for self-rule.  When God determines that extended mercy for a nation has no redeeming effect, He marginalizes or destroys that nation.

Many Christians understand that God destroyed the world in Noah’s day because it became evil, but this is only part of the picture!  God drowned all but eight people in Noah’s day to free future generations from the evil conduct that belonged to their parents and grandparents.  The Lord created the Earth and it belongs to Him.  He loves future generations just as much as He loves the present generation.  When it becomes evident to Him that future generations will be ruined by the behaviors passed down by parents and grandparents, He wipes out the present generation. He did this in Noah’s day.  In more recent times, He did this with World Wars I and II.  Surprisingly, a God of love imposed these wars during the first half of the 20^th century so the world’s population would grow and flourish 75 more years before needing another world war.  “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King. When He is angry, the Earth trembles; the nations cannot endure His wrath.” (Jeremiah 10:10) ‘I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.’ ” (Isaiah 45:7)

Many Christians will not accept the premise that a God of love destroys nations when they become decadent and degenerate. (Ezekiel 14:12-21)  Notice what the Lord said to Ezekiel: “ ‘Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals, even if these three men – Noah, Daniel and Job – were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness,’ declares the Sovereign Lord. . . . ‘Or if I bring a sword against that country and say, ‘Let the sword pass throughout the land,’ and I kill its men and their animals, as surely as I live,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved.’ ” (Ezekiel 14:13-18)

World War III is Coming!

Sooner than later, the “sword” is going to come again.  World War III will occur.  Tensions are mounting. Nations are preparing for war.  Secret alliances are being made.  Military spending has increased. And now, for the first time since World War II, Japan and South Korea are building missiles for protection.  India is seeking to purchase submarines that can carry missiles.  Iran is developing its military prowess as fast as possible.  Israel is perfecting its use of drones.  China, Russia, and the United States are in an arms race and North Korea is defying the world’s nations.  Like it or not, World War III is coming; and when it does, millions of people will die.

Meanwhile at home, the United States is suffering from paralysis.  The leaders are fighting each other.  They are bogged down with complex domestic problems and cannot get anything done because they cannot agree on a solution.  Partisanship has created a do-nothing legislature.  The U.S. is facing large, complex problems so expensive that no one can offer a good solution.  Many governments in the world are in a similar or worse situation.

According to the Bible, the longevity of a government is determined by its commitment to moral principles God has dictated.  When a majority of people abide by these principles, God blesses that nation with prosperity and longevity.  He sends the Holy Spirit to prompt honest hearted citizens to be good neighbors.  The Holy Spirit helps people make good decisions because good decisions bring good results for individuals, families, and ultimately, the nation.  To ensure continuity for oncoming generations, God also raises up good leaders and the result is a good government that prospers and endures. This is why King David wrote:  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.  From Heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on Earth– He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.  No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.  A horse [a symbol of military might] is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:12-19, insertion mine)

Governments are very complex organizations.  In fact, they are so complicated that men cannot manage a government on their own.  Of course, a man or woman can rise to the position of a king, queen, dictator, or president, but only with God’s approval.  God sets kings up and takes them down according to His higher purposes.  Sometimes God will raise up a king to serve as a destroyer of other nations only to destroy that king and his nation when they pass the point of no return. (Jeremiah 25:9-12)  Because we cannot know or understand God’s higher purposes until He reveals them, we have to trust Him. We have to accept that He is carefully and thoughtfully managing the political processes on Earth to benefit the world.  Daniel told king Nebuchadnezzar,  “He [the Most High God] changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:21,22, insertion mine)

God Does Not Guarantee a Nation Will Be Successful

History indicates that prosperity and longevity is not a guaranteed right for any nation.  A nation will flourish or disappear depending on the behavior of its people and the wisdom of its leaders.  God enables a nation to prosper for as long as the majority of its people are honorable, living right, and making wise choices.  Think of the billions of decisions, the actions and consequences that occur every day within every nation.  If a million immoral decisions are made each day, a million evil consequences will follow, because the law of “cause and effect” cannot be broken.  Whatever we sow, we reap. (Galatians 6:7,8)  This axiom is true for individuals and governments.

For example, when Dictator Mao Zedong implemented “The Great Leap Forward” program in 1958, he did not anticipate that his efforts to transform China from an agricultural economy into a communist society would cause mass starvation within five years.  We now know that His decision resulted in the death of some eighteen to fifty-five million people!  A God of love allowed Mao to make such a decision even though God foreknew the outcome and He allowed Mao to rule over China for twenty five years as dictator.  This is because Mao’s choices fit within God’s plans for the future of China and the world.  This is a hard concept to accept because we cannot see the end from the beginning as God does.  In fact, a time is coming when God will allow the devil himself to rule over the whole world!  (Revelation 13:11-18)

Jesus understood the curse of sin.  He knew that evil things happen to innocent people, and He made it clear that those who cause others harm will be repaid:  “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.  It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1,2) “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

Because adults have free will and a sinful nature a nation always has the possibility of rebellion and chaos.  This is why law enforcement is necessary.  To help offset man’s propensity for rebellion, and to help nations grow and improve, God has given adults the ability to recognize and appreciate a need for law and order.  He has also given us a “natural desire” to live in peace with one another and in harmony with the laws of the country.  Paul was aware of this phenomenon when he wrote Romans 13.  As you read his remarks, keep in mind that Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote this:  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.”  (Romans 13:1-6, italics mine)

When a nation advocates and exalts evil, a patient God removes His blessings from that nation in small steps, hoping that repentance and correction will occur.  If there is no change in behavior, problems soon begin to sprout like dandelions after a spring rain.  The nation’s economy flounders.  Poverty increases.  Sexual misconduct ruins relationships, and families and children are abused by predators.  Political problems escalate until finally, war engulfs that weakened nation.  One of the tell-tale signs of a nation’s imminent downfall is the arrival of poor managers.  When people are put in positions of power that are self-seeking and immoral, we know the end is near because they only make matters worse.  When lies and suspicion replace truth and trust, government is doomed. God is no respecter of persons.  He will destroy nations that He once blessed when they become unfit for His purposes because He owns and rules over the Earth.

God Permits Rebellion Against a Cruel Government

The Bible teaches that man’s first and highest duty is to obey God. (This is why church/state governments are so dangerous.)  When man’s laws run contrary to God’s laws, civil disobedience is warranted.  When Jewish leaders forbade the disciples from speaking about a resurrected Jesus, “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’ ” (Acts 5:29) Jesus highlighted the concept of “God first” when He repeated the first and greatest commandment.  He said we must love God with all of our heart, mind and soul and the second commandment is that we must love our neighbors as ourselves.  (Matthew 22:37-39)  Given the order presented in these two commandments, Paul’s counsel in Romans 13 could be considered a third commandment, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

When a government becomes cruel and oppressive, tyranny occurs and under such circumstances, God permits revolt, civil disobedience, and war.  In fact, the United States came to be a nation through acts of civil disobedience and the revolutionary war.  Then, about seventy-five years later, a civil war broke out between the north and the south and 620,000 people perished. In spite of all the blood that was shed in both wars, consider the results.  A great nation arose, greater than England by far!  A nation having fifty united states where no man is permitted to own another as a slave.

Many people have argued through the centuries (using Paul’s comments in Romans 13:1-6 and a concept called “the divine right of kings”) that revolting against government leaders is forbidden by Scripture.  But Paul included an important qualifier in his remarks.  Paul said, “For he is God’s servant to do you good.”  When a government violates God’s laws and when leaders become dishonest, cruel, and oppressive to maintain their power, they are doing no good.  God warns all government rulers that they will have to give an account for their actions. (Psalm 2:10-12)

Citizens of the U.S. are blessed to live in a country that has the finest constitution ever created, but the nation is falling apart because people have abandoned the moral principles which God requires to receive His blessings.  Corruption is replacing confidence and there is no shortage of liars and predators in politics.  Forty million of 360 million U.S. citizens need assistance to buy food and the median price of a home is beyond the reach of three-fourths of the population.  The number of people in poverty is swelling because the middle class is disappearing.  Wages are stagnant and student loans are proving to be ruinous for millions of young people.  More than ever, fellow Americans do not like or trust each other; and more and more, we carry guns because we are increasingly afraid of each other.  America has fallen so fast!

God Has a Solution to National Degeneracy

There is no human solution to the world’s problems, but there is a divine solution for both.  The downfall of all nations is near!  During the Great Tribulation a stern-faced king will arise; he will take control and utterly ruin everything on Earth ­– a fitting end for a world that insists on evil behavior.

*https://wake-up.org/morality/god-raises-up-kings-or-nations-and-removes-them-larry-w-wilson.html

How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord?

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

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

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

. . . for the kingdom of God is . . . righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

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.

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Behold, I am coming soon.

Thy Will Shall Be Done

Daniel 4:35 All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Nehemiah 9:6 “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships You.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The impeachment hearings drove us to prayer.

The pandemic drove us to prayer.

The protests and riots drove us to prayer.

The elections drove us to prayer.

Even now, as I write, 24/7 prayer vigils are taking place around the world – and I mean prayer vigils for America.

Millions have been crying out for mercy, for God’s intervention, for His will to be carried out in our land.

On September 26 alone, there were two massive gatherings in DC, Franklin Graham’s Prayer March and The Return.

Another large gathering took place on October 25, also in DC, focused on worship and prayer, including a special prayer meeting outside the Supreme Court.

Pastors and leaders who never prayed together have been gathering for regular online prayer meetings focused on repentance and abasement and seeking of mercy.

Churches that have gathered together despite the pandemic have devoted time in their meetings for prayer.

Another major event in DC culminated immediately before I started to write this article, with seasoned participants saying that they never seen such a prayer emphasis in their lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That being said, it’s possible that His answer will be the opposite of what we wanted in the short term, only to lead to greater good in the long term.

To be sure, it is possible that He will answer with great mercy, giving us time to mend our ways while our liberties remain protected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

*https://askdrbrown.org/library/i-believe-will-god-will-be-done