(02/27/2014) In Earthen Vessels

Today, there is more on discernment, and recognizing divine wrath.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Recognizing Divine Wrath (02/26/2014)—It is the process of GOD to use events, flesh, interaction, and relationships among mankind to make visible divine intent and eternal purpose. GOD is using flesh and material substance to make Spirit visible where divinity otherwise could not be known.  For many, judgment against sin and divine wrath are only recognized when appearing as plagues (we say, the punishment of Egypt), or evil (i.e., calamity, disaster, upheaval, violence).  Disfavor with GOD also appears as drought, epidemic disease, hardness of heart, hail, indecisiveness, spiritual confusion, and widespread unbelief.  Death and the completion of mortality are now aspects of the life process for mankind within the earth; and so are understood as features of the material and natural world.  Where the carnal mind (we say, flesh) and sin dominates awareness and self-will the features of appetite, fear, and pain are exalted as the mechanisms of divine control and power.  The rule of GOD that is by love and the force of truth is mistakenly thought to depend upon gifts (we say, bribes) and bullying (we say, the sword and warfare).  See Deuteronomy 29:  58-63, Psalms 9:  16-20, Zechariah 14:  17-19 and James 4:  1-3, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  1-11, KJV)

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC