Tag: Christianity

Dear KMAG: 20240610 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

And yes, it’s Monday…again.

But we WILL get through it!

We will always remember Wheatie,

Pray for Trump,

Yet have fun,

and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

Wheatie’s Rules:

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

And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

“We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

Joe Biden didn’t win.

And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

zoilism

noun

  • resemblance to Zoilus in style or manner
  • carping criticism
  • detraction
  • unjust criticism
  • (sometimes capitalized: Zoilism)

Zoilus

Zoilus was a Cynic philosopher and literary critic of the fourth century BCE. He was a Thracian by birth and is sometimes referred to as the “Thracian dog.” His criticisms of Homer were so stinging that he was known as Homeromastix, the “scourge of Homer.”

https://millefabulae.blogspot.com/2011/09/image-zoilus.html

MUSIC!

OK, people – we need some COUNTRY – and this chick seems to know something about it!

https://youtu.be/ttwbrUqLPRY

YOWZA!

OK, that was interesting. YouTube apparently snuffed that video – and I completely forgot which video it was. YouTube now blocks ALL information on all deleted videos, so that you can’t find ways around their censorship. SNEAKY and EVIL Menshevik sisters behind that kind of cynical betrayal of truth. FIGURES.

SO – I researched the post tags to find out who the artist was (Lainey Wilson), and then scanned her videos to figure out which one made sense with my caption, and was something I remembered.

What it was, was an “official” but unreleased awards ceremony video (looked like CMA) of Lainey walking around with her mike, singing this particular song to the audience VIPs, standing right next to them. It was a great video, but I can see why it got pulled. All those celebs, close up – yeah. SOMETHING that somebody doesn’t want seen.

THIS is a somewhat similar video, with the same song, but at a different venue, and it’s not exactly the same scenario, but it looks similar. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0eRFEEBliM

Good stuff. And speaking of STUFF…..

THE STUFF

Remember that thing called IQ? Let’s see what some other people think about it! In fact, let’s see what YOU think about it!

Well, I have to say, I learned something.

Just sayin’!

And remember…….

Until victory, have faith!

And trust the big plan, too!

And as always….

ENJOY THE SHOW

W

Dear KMAG: 20240603 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

And yes, it’s Monday…again.

But we WILL get through it!

We will always remember Wheatie,

Pray for Trump,

Yet have fun,

and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

Wheatie’s Rules:

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

And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

“We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

Joe Biden didn’t win.

And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

vendicate

verb

to claim for oneself [obsolete, rarely used in centuries]

Used in a sentence

It is not permitted to a woman, to speake in the congregation, nether to teache, nether to baptise, nether to vendicate to her selfe any office of man.

From: The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women. 1514-1572 1878

Used in another sentence

For divers men having attained to a great perfection in learning, & yet remaining overbare (alas) of the spirit of regeneration and frutes thereof: finding all naturall thinges common, aswell to the stupide pedants as vnto them, they assaie to vendicate vnto them a greater name, by not onlie knowing the course of things heavenlie, but likewise to cling to the knowledge of things to come thereby.

From: Daemonologie. King of England James I 1595

Hmmm. Seems like a perfectly good word that could easily be used in regard to our wonderful Democrats in a variety of contexts.

MUSIC!

An apparently bootleg recording of Hans Zimmer’s orchestra doing the theme from Gladiator in Poland. Despite the low production values, still very enjoyable.

And if you want more, here’s an official recording.

THE STUFF

Gravity looks to be getting ready to get a makeover. I hear more talk like this, in which people are kicking the tires of current theory, and thinking about new ones, all the time.

Interesting times, no?

Just sayin’!

And remember…….

Until victory, have faith!

And trust the big plan, too!

And as always….

ENJOY THE SHOW

W

Dear KMAG: 20240527 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

And yes, it’s Monday…again.

But we WILL get through it!

We will always remember Wheatie,

Pray for Trump,

Yet have fun,

and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

Wheatie’s Rules:

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

And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

“We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

Joe Biden didn’t win.

And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

limpkin

noun

Caribbean crane-like bird

Shown in a picture

Not to be confused with Fuzzy Lumpkins!

MUSIC!

I found this pop music from Papua New Guinea, to be strangely enjoyable.

And yes. Last week’s word of the week – “wame” – led me to it!

Not ready to move there. Lows in the 70’s. Record lows in the 50’s.

THE STUFF

The title of the following video is a bit of an overstatement to make you fear AI, and thus to draw you in. What becomes apparent in the end, however, is how well AI works as a tool, much like older computers did, to help solve thorny math and science problems.

A very interesting collaboration.

Enjoy!

There – that wasn’t so bad, was it?

Just sayin’!

And remember…….

Until victory, have faith!

And trust the big plan, too!

And as always….

ENJOY THE SHOW

W

Dear MAGA: 20240526 Open Topic

This Rejoice & Praise God 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 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 your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate 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/

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.”

Annointed with Oil

King David loved being in the presence of the Lord. In Psalm 23, David celebrated the intimate relationship he shared with God. The passage begins with a metaphor of the Shepherd (the Lord) leading His lamb (David), illustrating God’s close attention, guidance, and protection. The imagery deepens as David portrays himself as an honored guest and permanent resident in God’s house: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:5–6).

An ancient custom of hospitality and respect shown to esteemed dinner guests was for the host to anoint his invitee’s head with oil. The oil was mixed with fragrant perfumes to refresh and soothe weary travelers (see Jesus’ rebuke of a dinner host in Luke 7:46). Since the custom and its significance are unknown today, some modern translations replace the phrase with “you welcome me as an honored guest by rubbing my head with oil” (TEV) and “you honor me by anointing my head with oil” (NLT).

In Psalm 23:5, David said to the Lord, “You anoint my head with oil” because he regarded himself as the Lord’s special guest. David had been invited to dine now and forever at the Lord’s table and to receive His favorable anointing.

David recognized that his standing was not merely that of a short-term visitor who would be entertained once and then sent on his way. Nor would he be invited to return for a meal only occasionally. David rejoiced that he had been granted the high honor of a perpetual place setting at the Lord’s supper table.

The statement “You anoint my head with oil” also symbolized David’s gladness of heart. Oil is elsewhere associated in the Bible with joy (Isaiah 61:3; Hebrews 1:9). David felt so blessed by his Host’s gracious abundance, always providing more than he needed, that his cup of joy was at the spilling point. Another psalmist expressed similar satisfaction in the Lord’s favor: “God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Psalm 45:7).

You anoint my head with oil speaks of the Lord’s ministry to refresh David’s heart, particularly in light of the immediate threat of enemies. David imagines himself sitting at the Lord’s banquet table while his adversaries gather all around. Being in God’s presence rejuvenated David, giving him the strength to face all the challenges and pressures of life. His enemies could snarl and roar all they wanted, but in the shelter of God’s presence, David would feast and be refreshed.

With his head anointed and his cup overflowing, David spoke what might be the equivalent to the apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:31–39: “If God is for us, who can be against us? . . . Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life . . . neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As Christians, we enjoy an intimate relationship with the Lord. We, too, can delight in the comfort of His presence, protection, and care (John 14:23). God has invited us to be honored guests in His eternal home with a permanent place at His banquet table (Isaiah 25; Matthew 22:1–14; Luke 13:29–30; Revelation 19:9; 21:2–4). Like David, we can say, “You anoint my head with oil” because Jesus Christ fills us with joy overflowing, and His joy is the strength of our lives (John 15:11; Psalm 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10).
https://www.gotquestions.org/you-anoint-my-head-with-oil.html

Dear KMAG: 20240520 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

And yes, it’s Monday…again.

But we WILL get through it!

We will always remember Wheatie,

Pray for Trump,

Yet have fun,

and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

Wheatie’s Rules:

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

And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

“We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

Joe Biden didn’t win.

And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

wame

noun

  • womb
  • belly
  • abdomen
  • protuberant hollow part
  • heart or mind (figuratively)
  • origin: Scotland, Northern England

Wrong example shown in a picture

Another wrong example shown in a picture

MUSIC!

Time to GO BIG on AMAZING GRACE!

Interesting guy with an excellent gig!

THE STUFF

Some fun math that’s not too hard to understand!

I love the idea that number theory was kinda, sorta (but not really, IMO) useless for centuries – until suddenly it wasn’t!

Just sayin’!

And remember…….

Until victory, have faith!

And trust the big plan, too!

And as always….

ENJOY THE SHOW

W

Dear KMAG: 20240513 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

And yes, it’s Monday…again.

But we WILL get through it!

We will always remember Wheatie,

Pray for Trump,

Yet have fun,

and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

Wheatie’s Rules:

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

And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

“We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

Joe Biden didn’t win.

And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

doxology

noun

a short hymn of praises to God in various forms of Christian worship, often added to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar practice in the Jewish synagogue, where some version of the Kaddish serves to terminate each section of the service.

    Demonstrated in a video

    MUSIC!

    Had to get more Phil Wickham! But this one is a little different.

    WOW.

    THE STUFF

    The previous week’s gospel song led me to this segment via YouTube’s algorithms. Sometimes YouTube does some very good things.

    Powerful!

    Just sayin’!

    And remember…….

    Until victory, have faith!

    And trust the big plan, too!

    And as always….

    ENJOY THE SHOW

    W

    Dear KMAG: 20240506 Joe Biden Didn’t Win ❀ Open Topic

    Joe Biden didn’t win. This is our Real President:

    AND our beautiful REALFLOTUS.

    This Stormwatch Monday Open Thread remains open – VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KAG/KMAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).

    And yes, it’s Monday…again.

    But we WILL get through it!

    We will always remember Wheatie,

    Pray for Trump,

    Yet have fun,

    and HOLD ON when things get crazy!

    We will follow the RULES of civility that Wheatie left for us:

    Wheatie’s Rules:

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

    And while we engage in vigorous free speech, we will remember Wheatie’s advice on civility, non-violence, and site unity:

    “We’re on the same side here so let’s not engage in friendly fire.”

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

    If this site gets shut down, please remember various ways to get back in touch with the rest of the gang:

    Our beloved country is under Occupation by hostile forces.

    Daily outrage and epic phuckery abound.

    We can give in to despair…or we can be defiant and fight back in any way that we can.

    Joe Biden didn’t win.

    And we will keep saying Joe Biden didn’t win until we get His Fraudulency out of our White House.

    Wolfie’s Wheatie’s Word of the Week:

    thereon

    adverb

    synonym of thereupon

    • On or upon this, that, or it.
    • Following that immediately; thereupon.
    • On that or this.

    Used in a sentence

    Wolf typed in the URL, and was treated thereon to the most uproarious meme.

    MUSIC!

    “Thereon” is not to be confused with the occult band “Therion”, which is not shown here. Instead, we’ll do some gospel!

    Great stuff! And speaking of stuff…..

    THE STUFF

    First, a quick note of thanks to everybody who helped keep the site going during my recent absence. You are all greatly appreciated, and when I say God Bless You, I mean it!

    I am pleased to report that my health is continuing to improve, and that the things I need to get done, are getting done. God is good! ALL THE TIME!

    Again, thank you for your prayers, your well-wishes, and your continued presence here!

    I thought this was a nice science history video – not primarily for the science, but for the human story. Steve talked about this guy, too, so it’s not totally unfamiliar.

    Yes, those were interesting times, too.

    Just sayin’!

    And remember…….

    Until victory, have faith!

    And trust the big plan, too!

    And as always….

    ENJOY THE SHOW

    W

    Dear MAGA: 20240505 Open Topic

    This Rejoice & Praise God 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 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 your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate 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/

    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.”

    Psalm 23 is a beautiful poem that uses the image of God as shepherd. David, who penned this psalm, had been a shepherd himself and understood the parallel between the task of a shepherd caring for his sheep and of God caring for His people. Sheep are totally dependent on the shepherd for food, water, leadership, and guidance as they move from place to place, just as we are dependent upon God for all that we need. Sheep depend on the shepherd for protection from a wide range of predators and dangers, just as we look to God as our Protector and Defender. In the New Testament, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd of His people (John 10:11, 14), fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy that God would come to shepherd His people (Ezekiel 34:7–16, 23).

    Psalm 23:4, addressing the Lord Shepherd, says, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” David bases this description on the practices of shepherds in his day. Shepherds of the time commonly carried a rod and staff as essential to their work.

    The rod mentioned in Psalm 23 is a symbol of the Lord’s strength and protection. The rod was a sturdy wooden stick used as a weapon to fight off wild animals who might have hoped to make an easy meal out of an otherwise defenseless flock of sheep. The shepherd also used the rod to help him keep count of the sheep within the flock (as alluded to in Leviticus 27:32). Young David recounted an incident to King Saul in which he probably used his shepherd’s rod: “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it” (1 Samuel 17:34–35).

    The staff mentioned in Psalm 23 is a symbol of the Lord’s guidance and lovingkindness. The staff was a long, slender stick, often hooked at the tip, used primarily to direct the flock. Sheep are notorious wanderers, and once away from the shepherd’s watchful eye, they get into all sorts of trouble (Matthew 18:12–14). The shepherd used his staff to keep his sheep out of danger and close to himself. If a sheep became trapped in a precarious position, the shepherd would loop the curved end of the staff around the neck of the sheep and retrieve it back to safety.

    W. Philip Keller, in his book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, comments on the uniqueness of the shepherd’s staff: “In a sense, the staff, more than any other item of his personal equipment, identifies the shepherd as a shepherd. No one in any other profession carries a shepherd’s staff. It is uniquely an instrument used for the care and management of sheep—and only sheep. It will not do for cattle, horses or hogs. It is designed, shaped and adapted especially to the needs of sheep” (from chapter 8).

    Together, the rod and staff of Psalm 23 paint a picture of the divine Shepherd who wields them. He is strong, competent, and trustworthy; He is present with His sheep, able to defend them and watch over them through all the dangers they face. Knowing that we have such a Shepherd who is ready to protect us from danger, keep us close, and rescue us when we go astray truly is a great comfort to us, the sheep.

    https://www.gotquestions.org/rod-staff-Psalm-23.html

    Dear MAGA: 20240324 Open Topic

    This Rejoice & Praise God 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 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 your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate 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/

    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.”

    Green Pastures & Still Waters

    Psalm 23 offers comfort with its soothing words and assurance in the Shepherd. Its poetic allure attracts even unbelievers, while its pastoral imagery draws from David’s own shepherding background, aiming to evoke a sense of tranquility. Throughout Psalm 23, the timeless truth about God and His relationship with His people unfolds. An example is the second verse, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

    To delve into David’s imagery in Psalm 23:2, consider how shepherds took care of their sheep in biblical times. Rather than “drive” them with a stick from behind as is commonly imagined, shepherds guided the sheep, going before them to suitable pasture. Without a shepherd, sheep would either starve or become prey. Similarly, the shepherd directed the sheep to water sources. By invoking this analogy, David expresses his complete reliance on God to fulfill all his needs, conveying deep adoration for God as the Ultimate Provider.

    It’s interesting that Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd multiple times in the Gospels, paralleling the Psalms (John 10:11, 14–15; Matthew 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7). No doubt, His listeners were familiar enough with the Old Testament to pick up on the reference. That might explain why some thought of Him as insane (John 10:19–20). Nevertheless, the resonant truth remains that Jesus is God—the Good Shepherd whom we faithfully follow.

    As the Good Shepherd, Christ initially tended to our spiritual needs by “sacrificing his life for the sheep” (John 10:14). Isaiah employs similar imagery, proclaiming, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Christians lie in the green pasture of God’s grace and beside the still water of salvation, recognizing that these blessings stem from a Good Shepherd’s guidance.

    Beyond spiritual needs, the Good Shepherd also attends to our other requirements. This raises an obvious objection: why do certain Christians still lack? David’s confidence in God’s provision doesn’t negate other passages highlighting the persistence of poverty in this fallen world until God renews His creation (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Various factors can lead to poverty, and God’s commitment to meet our needs does not necessarily entail a life of constant abundance or freedom from challenges, at least not in this world. Numerous psalms mirror the angst of the psalmist, who felt that God had abandoned him in critical moments, and it is human that we react likewise. However, God’s power shines through both in times of plenty and scarcity.

    As the psalmist did, we can confidently declare that God makes us lie down in green pastures, secure, satisfied, and unafraid. Christ, our Good Shepherd, provides for our needs in profound ways.

    https://www.gotquestions.org/lie-down-in-green-pastures.html

    Dear MAGA: 20240317 Open Topic

    This Rejoice & Praise God Sunday Open Thread, with full res pect 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 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 your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate 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/

    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.”

    I Shall Not Want

    In one of the most comforting Bible passages, King David declares, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The word want in this case means “to have a need” or “to lack”; the psalmist’s confident assurance is that, with the Lord as his shepherd, he would never lack a thing. All his needs would be supplied.

    David, who spent his boyhood tending his father’s flocks (1 Samuel 16:11, 19; 17:15), knew something about the heart of a shepherd. He compared his relationship with God to that of sheep and a shepherd. The tender imagery underlines God’s personal care, guidance, and protection. King David trusted wholly in the Lord, knowing he would not lack anything because God was with Him as his shepherd.

    When sheep are left to fend for themselves, they are vulnerable and helpless animals, incapable of providing for their own needs. The shepherd leads the flock to fresh water and pasture for food. He cares for the sheep when they are injured or ill. Without a shepherd, the sheep scatter and become lost. Unless they stay near the shelter and protection of the shepherd, they have no hope of surviving attacks from wolves and other predators. But when sheep remain under the watchful eye of the shepherd, they can say, “I shall not want,” because he meets their every need.

    As God’s sheep, we are precious to Him (Psalm 28:9; 77:20; 78:52; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; 100:3). He takes full responsibility for our needs, safety, and protection, even risking His own life for us. Jesus, who is “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), assured His disciples repeatedly that He would care for them, leading, guiding, protecting, and laying down His life for them (John 10:1–16, 26–30). Through His redeeming death on the cross, Jesus Christ paid for our sins and purchased us as His sheep. Even if, in our suffering and pain, we wander away from the Lord, we have a Good Shepherd in Jesus who is “the Guardian of [our] souls” (1 Peter 2:25, NLT). When we understand this truth, we can put our whole trust in Him and say, “I shall not want” (Psalm 34:9–10). We discover that we now lack nothing necessary to experience abundant life in Him (2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 84:11).

    Jesus told His followers, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33, NLT). Our heaven-sent provision will flow from pursuing God’s kingdom first and staying in close fellowship with Him. Only then can we tap into His all-sufficient, unlimited supply of resources. We won’t have to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear because our loving Shepherd knows what we need (Matthew 6:31–32). He will never abandon us or leave us begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).

    When we say, “I shall not want,” we also acknowledge our satisfaction with God and what He has given us (Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 9:8). It means we have learned the secret of contentment, like the apostle Paul, who said, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11–13, NLT).

    We may not always have everything we desire, but we can trust God to provide all we need. As He was with Israel in the wilderness, God will always be with us, blessing us in everything, watching our every step, and ensuring we lack nothing (Deuteronomy 2:7). With the Lord as our shepherd, we can confidently say, “I shall not want.”
    https://www.gotquestions.org/I-shall-not-want.html