(02/28/2018) Demonstrations of Spirit Truth

Russ Harlan - In the Fiery Furnace

Today, reply is on recognizing that answers to prayer often are demonstrations of spirit presence in place of carnal process, material objects, and social events.  Just as GOD is worthy of praise, respect and worship when he grants mankind benefits, blessings and privileges, GOD is no less GOD when his children encounter disappointments, hardship, and suffering.  He continues to be worthy of awe, obedience, and reverence.  The living neither know all, nor understand all that must be done to continue existence in spite of corruption, death, and mortality.  To be in a stable, lasting relationship with GOD that does not break down or change according to every challenge, circumstance, problem or trouble that comes along, sinners must be “born again”, and become filled with spirit substance imparted from the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Sharon” (Level 3 with 2,082 points, a member since August 30, 2016) posted the following:


Apparently I'm a bad communicator so I'll try again. My cousin who was a Christian sincerely believed & prayed for healing but died?

My cousin, his wife, 3 small boys, along with thousands of other Christians fully believed their god would restore his health, even as he was lying on his death bed.

Matt 21:22 says "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith".

My question is, Why did the god who promised the above not give my cousin, a believer, the healing he asked for?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!  That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  (Job 19:  23-27, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Become An Anointed Healer (09/04/2016); Why Did Jesus Heal? (02/03/2015); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013)


“Sharon”, until a person begins to operate consistently relying on spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD, they may only be disbelievers, skeptics, and at best “developing believers” whose makeup as Christians is not yet complete and mature.  Not only will it be difficult for those not “born again” to correctly understand the divine process of communication, exchange and interaction they see others experiencing and displaying within their lifestyle and daily routine, it will be difficult for those who have not answered rebirth to properly discern the active presence and process of GOD within their own ongoing lifestyle and daily routine.  A sinner’s inborn spirit must die, be buried, and become raised from the dead, so to speak; and the sinner becomes a new creation through Jesus Christ by receiving a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath, spirit, Word) that was in the Lord during his ministry on earth.

While the process of GOD for the salvation of mankind may also include carnal, social, and sacred events (we say, miracles), believers are to realize the appearance and workings of divine spirit by examining and acknowledging divine spirit content.  Streams of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of divinity should appear within attitudes, events, oneself, other persons, prophetic demonstrations, spoken words, etc.  Included are faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, trust, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The divinity, glory, and majesty of GOD are immutable and unchanging.  While sacred authority, power, and sovereignty ensure that many of the needs of created beings and living creatures that pertain to their continued existence will be continually met, the integrity of GOD does not depend on whether or not angels or mankind always get what they ask for, or get to have their own way.  Increasingly, mature believers agree that where we are not physically healed during our lives on the earth, we are no less correct to expect full healing at the time of resurrection and the return of Jesus to harvest the earth (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  There are multiple divine demonstrations where overcoming pain and suffering is to be seen in their endurance, their failure to destroy or weaken  faith, and their inability to cut off sacred hope, rather than the fact that discomfort, affliction, and hardship have been ended.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Daniel 3:  16-20, KJV:  16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.  19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.  20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

(2.)  Job 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:  19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.  20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,  21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither:  the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.  22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

(3.)  Job 2:  7-10, KJV:  7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.  8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.  9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.  10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  17-18, KJV:  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/27/2018) Time and Chance Happen...

Today, topics include choices for and against salvation along with Scripture points addressing sacred opportunity, persistence, and sacrifice.  Also, a Battleaxe is presented that continues on sharing by Christian prophets.  Casinos are social centers that provide amusements, entertainment, gambling and gaming that may allow catharsis, release from stress, and forms of refreshment and renewal.  While churches also are social institutions and membership organizations in terms of their secular history, purpose, standards and values, their congregations are set apart (i.e., consecrated; dedicated; hallowed; sanctified) for the appearance of divine presence through spirit substance, sacred events (we also say, miracles), and interactions among the members of the body (e.g., giving, praise, prayer, unselfish service, worship).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “The Book of David” (Level 7 with 30,370 points, a member since July 04, 2012) posted the following:


Which is a better use of one's time and money: going to church, or a casino?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018)—In the same way angels have been sent as messengers who are given specific utterances to command and speak from divinity, yet, can not explain eternal purpose or grant a full revelation of sovereign will, prophets are not all-knowing and omniscient.  They may be unable to provide details and responses as to when, why, and how the word from GOD will be fulfilled.  Believers are not to seek signs of authority and prowess held by these figures so much as their meekness, obedience, and reverence.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(6.)  2nd Peter 1:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 (7.)  1st Peter 1:  11-16, KJV:  11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.  12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:  thou delightest not in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:  a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalms 51:  16-17, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Attend Chapel or Church? (02/04/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Knowing? (05/24/2015); Because We Are Certain (12/30/2014); Certainty by Faith or by Tradition? (06/19/2014); Of Sure Hope and Certainty (09/05/2013); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013)


“The Book of David”, being mortal and lacking precise knowledge about the cause, or time of our own death, many nowadays are discouraged, are fearful, and feel that life is no more than a “gamble”.  Because our greatest needs for protection and truth that counter the second death can only be met by being in a continuing relationship with our Creator who has authority, power and wisdom, Christian believers prefer investing their present lives in harmony with the operations of GOD for redemption, salvation, and eternal life.  More than time and money are at risk, for all the beauty, goodness, joy, and pleasure that life may provide repeatedly are spoiled through the operations of sin.  Even the casino owners can be a few rolls of the dice away from bankruptcy, and like those looking for a windfall from the cards, are not always secure they will be able to pay the light and water bills to say nothing of the bills for luxuries, and the “things that money can’t buy.”

“Born again” Christians are to “grow up” again, and become mature in their spirit makeup while living on the earth.  Christians remain mortal and at risk, however, by being properly aligned within the divine order we are free to operate with greater assurance, boldness, and certainty.  Believers will continue in a full process of permanent transformation to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  Developing believers will discover new possibilities through sacred fellowship, gradual growth, and relying on sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge.  The things of the flesh (e.g., appetite, curiosity, sensation, emotions, thoughts) do not disappear; they become ordered and patterned in harmony with the oneness and sameness of the GODhead.

Created beings and living creatures do not correctly value the things that have worth to the GODhead (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) until they rely on the fresh inner endowment of life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, Word) imparted from Deity.  Other inseparable aspects of spirit substance also are bestowed such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Just as mature professional gamblers only wager on clear patterns and sequences where the outcome is predictable (ABCDEFG, XYZ is coming); mature Christians invest themselves on the basis of proclamations, promises, and prophecies from a GOD who does not lie, who always honors his own marker, and who has fulfilled multiple demonstrations to reveal his integrity, power, and process.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Numbers 23:  19, King James Version (KJV):  19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:  hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(2.)  Ecclesiastes 9:  10-12, KJV:  10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.  12 For man also knoweth not his time:  as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

(3.)  John 6:  27-29, KJV:  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 6:  19-21, KJV:  19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/26/2018) Recognizing True Christian Prophets

Today, reply is on recognizing end time predictions, false prophets, and authentic divine spokespersons among Christian believers.  All Christian believers are to discover, explore, learn, and experience gradual growth for their own full realization of the truth from GOD provided to mankind.  The things of genuine faith will appear as knowledge that has been applied, repeatedly challenged and tested, yet, shown to be useful among those who are spiritually mature (i.e., who display such features as accountability, balance, commitment, consistency, discernment, sobriety, stability).  Because a believer’s focus must be upon GOD, who will remain invisible and unseen, a believer concentrates more on the fulfillment of the message, and the different signs that confirm its sacred origin, than upon the personality and traits of the messenger.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Sharon” (Level 3 with 2,057 points, a member since August 30, 2016) posted the following:


If I predicted "wars and rumors of wars" for 2019 would you revere me as a prophet? Why or why not?

If not, why do you believe the same claim is an amazing prophecy when you read it in the Bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.  (Malachi 3:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Facing The Future (01/17/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); Detecting Counterfeit Human Nature? (11/02/2017); Prophets and Christian Ambassadors (08/07/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017)


“Sharon”, in the same way, the Holy Spirit is sent as an agent of Jesus Christ who does not promote himself, true prophets can be recognized by their not seeking social prominence, self-promotion, popularity, and reward from mankind.  The nature and process of prophecy is the imparting of divine law, proclaiming sacred judgment, providing revelation, and sharing substance from the makeup of divinity (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word) more than the providing of threats, warnings, and prediction of future events.  True apostles and prophets sent from GOD will appear as offspring of divinity and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, for they will present the inseparable aspects of spirit content received as a fresh endowment from GOD by rebirth.  Included will be balance, boldness, completeness, faith, holiness, humility, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In place of finite human tools such as philosophy, politics, and secular knowledge authentic Christian prophets rely on sacred knowledge, the practice of various divine ordinances and sacraments (e.g., baptism, confession, fasting, praise, prayer, preaching), and the entire range of sacred declaration recorded as holy writings.  The Bible is used as a reliable standard for discernment of spirit substance appearing within oneself, other persons, events, proclamations, prophesies, visions, etc.  Predictions of doom and gloom, and calculations for dates of familiar events that appear in the Scriptures have been useful as important indicators that a prophetic ministry is promoting errors that are not according to the Gospel.

In Christian gatherings, every member of the body should be prepared to share their own peculiar divine gift and contribute to the comfort, nourishment, and encouragement of others.  Even so, their individual offerings are to be in harmony and consistent with the streams of truth clearly acknowledged by the body as a whole.  (All that glitters is not gold; and some elements may be shared in controlled situations and with restraint.  The shared purpose within the church is to maintain and reinforce unchanging things already revealed, therefore, believers often have to leave unspoken diverse challenging and unusual experiences.  The body is not a forum for anything and everything (e.g., dreams, gossip, rumors, slander, suspicion, superstition, the occult, uncertainty, witchcraft).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 13:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,  2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;  3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams:  for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.  4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.  5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

(2.)  Daniel 9:  1-6, KJV:  1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;  2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.  3 And I set my face unto the Lord GOD, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:  4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;  5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:  6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

(3.)  Malachi 4:  5-6, KJV:  5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:  6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, KJV:  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/25/2018) Arrayed In Sacred Favor

Today, reply is on recognizing poetry and prose, and a third poem is shared as Black History Month begins to conclude.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Arts & Humanities:  Poetry forum who uses the ID “ugly duckling101” (Level 3 with 1,221 points, a member since August 25, 2014) posted the following:


Is this poem or prose? comment if you wish?

The little lunch box

She packed all of her favorite
puzzle pieces neatly inside
the numbered, shapes
and lettered ones.
Closing the lid with Yoda on top
she grabs the white handle
and places the little black box
into the now repurposed 10 gallon
blue diamond toy crock
stained with wine on the inside
and pulls out her etch-a-sketch
and gives it a shake
wiping it clean.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  (Matthew 12:  35-37, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bloody Sunday -- Black History (02/14/2018); Black History -- Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Poem:  Adam’s Time of Sleep (01/016/2017); 1st “Poem-fall” 2017: THE SNOWFLAKE BALL (01/10/2017); Where Should We Look? (02/04/2015); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); A Valentine, 2014 (02/15/2014)


“ugly duckling101”, here are some ideas I am willing to share:
Even where no one else “gets his thought,” or they may fail to “make their  point,” creative writers always must know their own intent and purpose.  Many professional writers will agree that the identity and process of their own works only emerge by accord and covenant (i.e., silent, unspoken agreements and contracts with those who will critique, examine, and read as mature literary persons including editors, publishers, reviewers, and teachers).  To be recognized as the work of a specific writer, a poem, essay, novel, etc. must display, express and impart a familiar style coupled with the peculiar insights, purposes, favored techniques, and understandings of its creator while also being congruent with, expanding on, and mirroring elements within the fullness of a reader (e.g., desires, longings, memories, thing that are now forgotten).  In the effort to achieve the highest levels for freedom of expression, many today are abandoning the formal models and patterns once used to establish discipline and provide standards for excellence among writers of both poetry and prose.  Hip hop will be heard as sophisticated oral and performance poetry, and part of its richness is that it blends techniques from cultural celebration and oral tradition along with devices for preservation and survival of intellectual property.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, my personal approach that acknowledges the need for simplicity and surprise can be seen in the following piece suitable to be shared as Black History Month 2018 begins to draw to its close.  The work is intended to be plain, yet, comprehensive and instructive in its focus:

WHAT SHALL WE WEAR TO FREEDOM
[A Citizen King’s Day Poem - January 15, 2007]

What shall we wear to freedom come the morning of the march?
Blue overalls or dungarees, white shirts with heavy starch?

New fiber, new resilience, just to walk a simple way
That may end in jail or bloodshed by the finish of the day?

A soft and easy armor for the farmlands where we toil?
The clothing of oppression for the Mississippi soil?

For the Alabama courthouse?  For the network TV news?
Our best suit from Sunday’s sermon, and our polished Sunday shoes?

Work boots from a Georgia chain gang?  Or the running shoes for play
And the things we may dispose of when the blood won’t wash away?

What shall we wear to freedom, all the tears we shed last night,
Now invisible and hidden as the morning starts to light?

Daubed in color, clad like rainbows, and in celebration best?
Draped in black to bury evil, putting racism to rest?

Sporting Irish green, or turquoise, russet, lavender or pink?
Naked?  Unashamed?  Non-violent, and secure in what we think?

Shall we not stand in our honor with our eyes fixed on the prize,
Answering the tattoo cadence taking not one step for lies?

Knowing death will come on quickly if we fly or sound retreat,
Let us steel our hearts with purpose, and go voting with our feet.


What shall we wear to duty, given wars are won by deeds,
The shackles of enslavement?  The innocence of needs?

A mask of feigned devotion to disguise a boiling rage?
A cloak of prowling power like a panther in a cage?

For the streets of Cicero, or Harlem, Oslo, or Hanoi?
Where the sacrifice of blood will purchase neither peace, nor joy?

Shall the promise of America, an equality of men,
Be forgotten in an instant because we don’t wear the same skin?

Those with whom we cannot reason can be bullied, can be bought,
Can no longer be inspired, followed, trusted, led or taught

True democracy is more than where you sit upon the bus
For it speaks to human dignity and touches all of us:

It’s a quality of being in our future and our past,
It’s a light shone on our children, and the things we build to last

More than all our secret longing, our opinions, our desire,
Our shared duty and shared privilege, and a flame of common fire

Fueled in spending of our taxes, and enacting all our laws,
Fanned in choosing all our leaders, and in purging out our flaws.

It’s the heartbeat of our nation, how that all may have full voice
Saying what we wear to freedom is a matter of our choice.


What shall we wear returning once the sun begins to wane,
And the shadow of the twilight swallows up the ground we gain?

Battle scars? A badge of courage?  All the horror of the day?
Having worn respect and laurels we should never cast away?

Put on smiles of hollow victory, the grimaces of sorrow,
In an agony of knowing we must trek again tomorrow?

Where imperatives of meaning and compassion fall to lust
Every covenant is broken, and we dare not yield or trust.

We must put on lasting values, and a strength that will renew
Through the righteousness and justice in the simple things we do

Where the process of believing and receiving truth through grace
And the march of faith toward Zion will continue to have place.

What we seek is that perfection where the things of light endure,
All the balance and completeness men achieve as they mature,

The fruit of silent struggle where the mind and heart once closed
Become open to discover through the values once opposed.

It comes down to understanding, and a dream we all may share
Even where we seek a freedom just to choose what we shall wear:

We must call to the Eternal, then step forward unafraid
To be damned or crowned with glory for the choices we have made.


What shall we wear to judgment, then, to bow before the King,
At the throne of purest worship where the holy angels sing?

Don the garments of his priesthood, or the jewels of his crown,
Our humility and reverence, casting every idol down?

For Chicago, Selma, Little Rock, Montgomery, tears afresh?
An uncircumcised religion, or the arrogance of flesh?

The water of baptism?  Lips seared from the altar’s fire?
The diadem of deeds that godly blessing will require?

Shall we rise up in that dawning wrapped in mantles of his grace
Golden sandals on our feet, and free to look upon his face?

In a coat of many colors, or a fragrance of the saints?
With a scowl of our defiance, or the curse of our complaints?

We ourselves create the record heaven holds until the time
We are called before the universe to answer every crime.
 
There’s no entry on our ledger introduced by demon foe,
Only wanderings and journeys where our spirit chose to go,

True salvation from the Lord is never won by sword and spear:
By each honest step in patience we elect what will appear,

What the Son of GOD will cover by his blood from Calvary
Will remain un-resurrected and no living eye shall see.

Should the books reveal our trembling, unadorned, barefoot, unshod,
They must also show this wisdom, that we humbly walked with GOD,

That we marched for heaven’s governance and liberty’s increase,
Having cast our votes for mercy and the flowing robes of peace.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

©Michael Andrew Williams.  Washington, DC.  February 2011.  All rights reserved.)

Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/23/2018) Childbearing Pertains to Judgment?

Today, reply is on childbearing being exclusive to women as showing divine bias, discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice.  Divine glory appears through existence and life, even so, the death sentence against the operations of sin within the first pair has not been dismissed, and has only been delayed.  The putting forth of life from life continues, and has been buttressed and reinforced through observances to rejoin women to their family and community, restore their purity, and provide fresh endowments of spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD for salvation.  It remains that the ability to conceive children, like rebirth and salvation, can appear as a sacred event, and an act of divine will not merely from human desire.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Doesn’t the fact that only women have babies prove God is racist towards women! Shouldn’t childbearing be 50-50?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.  And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel:  and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?  (Genesis 30:  1-2, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); The Gender of GOD? (12/29/2015); Strong Families? (11/10/2015); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)


“Anonymous”, because of the fall of Adam (i.e., the name GOD used for both the male and the female), childbearing pertains to the mercy that may accompany and relieve condemnation (the death sentence) required by divine judgment.  Through grace, divine prerogative, and the sovereign will of GOD, mankind has been made mortal as the alternative to immediate imposition of what we now call the second death.  The issues are not those of caste, ethnicity, gender, and social economic standing.  There are differences in accountability for the male and female as well as aspects of eternal purpose, the exercise of dominion by mankind, populating and preserving the earth, and establishing permanent changes in the endowment of life essence (breath, spirit, Word) that was imparted to mankind.

Correctly understood, the death sentence was to be carried out against the woman, for she was the one who first demonstrated behavior that transgressed the divine law.  Her character, nature, and roles would have weight in determining multiple sacred operations that include rebirth, repentance, reconciliation, regeneration, and renewal.  The serpent should be recognized as an accessory before the act through deception, exhortation, and providing false information; while the male was an accessory in amplifying the offense by flight and hiding along with refusing to cooperate with the divine investigation, and her apprehension after the act.  Where a plate glass window has been shattered by a brick during a riot, the person who threw the brick has accountability along with the person that handed her the brick, those who urged her to throw it, those who gave counsel to run, and those who aided her flight from justice (her get-away).

In accord with the divine pattern established for other living creatures, the female was created to serve the male as his life companion, and to be his partner in reproducing their kind.  Unlike angels, animals, insects, or sacred beasts that are alive in heaven, by existing as the life companion to the male, the female also became a life companion to divinity.  It was to be the privilege of the pair to share with one another and their offspring inseparable aspects from the makeup of immortal, incorruptible GOD.  Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Because our salvation is not on the basis of our having complete knowledge, or power through self-will that can establish permanent change in our own makeup, many make the error of thinking they may accuse GOD, and render judgment against the Creator.  They are blind to the subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and sudden shifts of meaning, quality, and value) within all sacred process, and fail to bring to their judgment such divine tools as balance, completeness, humility, impartiality, perfection, and righteousness.  It is not that GOD is indifferent to the carnal, material, secular, and social needs of men and women; or is partial only to one gender.  Divine love coupled with inheritance and the provisions of mercy (that may only be obtained when submitting to judgment) have established childbearing as a “conditional release” from condemnation along with the menstrual cycle of blood to purge the conscience, set a woman apart for use by GOD (sanctification), serve as a personal memorial of the cross and the Savior’s blood shed for atonement and remission of sin, and to stand out as an aspect of their rededication to GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Timothy 2:  13-15, King James Version (KJV):  13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

(2.)  Leviticus 12:  1-7,KJV:  1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child:  then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.  3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.  4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.  5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation:  and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.  6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:  7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

(3.)  Hebrews 9:  13-24, KJV:  13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  17 For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.  18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, childbearing is not a punishment, it is an aspect of blessing and inheritance:  (4.)  Psalms 127:  3-5, KJV:  3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:  and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:  they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/22/2018) A "Successor" To Jesus?

A depiction of James, the brother of Jesus, and the Elders in Jerusalem meeting with the Apostles Paul and Peter

Today, reply is made on James, Paul, Peter and Matthias; authority; and succession within the early church.  The criteria for being acknowledged as an apostle was more than simply having been in association with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry to his dying on the cross.  The apostles all were chosen and installed to testify and witness to the resurrection of Jesus, to authenticate the falling of the Holy Ghost, and to certify the genuine manifestation of sacred gifts.  Jesus did not bestow on his disciples dominance and power to demand the obedience of others so much as he provided a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity along with the consciousness and willpower to serve others while practicing self-government.  The leadership within the body would be acknowledged and recognized on the basis of such features as their humility, industry, meekness, and unselfishness.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:


Did the Early Church operate under valid central authority?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  (1st Corinthians 12:  3-13, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Meanings for “Apostolic Church” (05/08/2017); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014)


“Anonymous”, the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) was present as the spokesperson for Jesus Christ in the early church.  Responses that rely on secular knowledge will present the church as an ordinary institution, and a formally structured social organization.  Reponses that rely on sacred knowledge shared among Christian believers will describe the church as a body, or a fellowship having many distinct members with Jesus Christ as its head.  In that view, the church is most correctly portrayed as active, alive, diverse, developing, organic, and personal.

When the continued existence of the church became threatened by persecution, the believers that came to number in thousands were scattered; however, they also began to evangelize, go out, and spread the gospel in ways that otherwise would not have occurred.  It was then that James, the brother of Jesus, and others who remained in Jerusalem began to be recognized as a legitimate body to give counsel on issues of doctrine and practice, to address the challenges of embracing both Gentiles and Jews, and to resolve recurring conflicts.

While the Book of Acts reports that Peter preached a sermon on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit had fallen upon the 120 men and women in the upper Room, who had fasted and prayed together awaiting the promise, Peter was not acknowledged at that time as the “successor” to Jesus, or as the chief spokesperson.  The early work among these believers included nominating candidates to fill both the office of apostle, and of bishop (elder) that had been vacated by Judas Iscariot.

A device used among the Hebrews from ancient times was employed to select the new apostle from the two proposed candidates.  The casting of lots was used with the understanding that the will of GOD would be indicated by its outcome.  This technique was akin to that used for judgment by the High Priest in the tabernacle and in the temple that involved his consecrated garments and full regalia, the breastplate, ephod, urim and thummim (also called, Lights and Perfections).  At Pentecost, the early church received multiple gifts to nourish and expand the community of faith that would establish the will of GOD in a similar way:  the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, prophecy, the working of miracles, and discerning of spirits (there were no gifts of reading minds, or predicting the future).  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Numbers 27:  20-23, King James Version (KJV):  20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.  21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD:  at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.  22 And Moses did as the LORD commanded him:  and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:  23 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

(2.)  Acts 1:  13-16, KJV:  13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.  14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.  15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)  16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

(3.)  Acts 1:  22-26, KJV:  22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,  25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Acts 15:  12-20, KJV:  12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.  13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:  14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.  15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,  16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:  17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.  18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.  19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:  20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2018) Using Repetition in Prayer?

A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane

Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer.   The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer.  Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs.  In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:



Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?

(Matthew 26:39-44):

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words."

Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  (Matthew 6:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:

(1.)  In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited.  Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness. 

(2.)  The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires.  There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.

(3.)  Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity),  there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers.  Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.

(4.)  Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer.  Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving.  Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity:  Romans 8:  26, King James Version (KJV):  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC