(11/24/2019) The Sovereignty Of GOD

A depiction of divine fullness enthroned with the 24 elders, 4 seraphim, the host of heaven, and 7 spirits

Today, reply is on Moses, Pharaoh of Egypt, and the revelation of sovereign divinity to the 12 tribes of Jacob who were the heirs of Abraham. Nomads do not receive or provide land and territory as an inheritance to their own offspring. Entry to the Promised Land would be denied to Moses as well as to everyone except 2 (Caleb & Joshua) from the army of more than ½ million men who had left Egypt. Believers are given an account that goes beyond the correction and punishment of Moses for losing his temper. Israel was in a process of transformation whereby they would exist as a peculiar people displaying inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that included faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Numbers 20: 7-12, King James Version (KJV): 7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. A fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID "Tracy" (Level 2 with 669 points) posted the following:

Why didn't God allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. (Exodus 16: 4-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); The Goodness of Pharaoh? (02/19/2018); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); The Need For Divine Rule? (08/27/2015)

“Tracy”, when GOD sent Moses to them, the sons of Jacob were in covenant through Abraham, yet, did not continually acknowledge the governance, power, presence, and sovereignty of GOD as a unified people. Because we mistakenly focus on Moses as important along with other human figures spoken of in the holy writings, many of us fail to realize that the Scriptures primarily are provided to give us a clear “picture” (revelation) of divinity who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. The Bible is a record of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) appearing on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Many think that Moses was denied the privilege of entering the Promised Land because he incurred the wrath of GOD by expressing finite human anger, frustration, and exaggerated pride, rather than speaking in a manner to exalt divinity. More correctly, we are to see that Israel had endured for hundreds of years within Egypt, a land that existed as a one-world empire under the rule of Pharaoh. From the time of Joseph and the famine, the people of Egypt, their livestock, and their land were purchased, and became the personal chattel (i.e., material goods; private property; slaves), estate, and inheritance of the Pharaohs. Not only was it necessary for Israel to be separated from Egypt for the heirs of Abraham to own property and goods maintained and transferred to their descendants by operations of law, their acknowledgment of GOD following the example of Abraham (e.g., building altars; circumcision; digging wells; herding animals for offerings and sacrifices of blood in atonement for sin, and for thanksgiving) could not be safely continued. Divinity would separate the twelve tribes and mixed multitude (we say, various Gentiles) by an exodus from Egypt that would fulfill the promise and vision granted Abraham, and break both the long-standing patterns and traditions of “man-made” government (we say, the world), and of those of heathen worship that included exalting the Pharaoh. GOD himself, not Moses, was to be acknowledged as the one who led, created, and formed Israel as a new kingdom among the nations. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of The Barnes Family:

(1.) Genesis 15: 8-14, King James Version (KJV): 8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. 11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. 12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

(2.) Exodus 13: 17-19, KJV: 17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 12: 6-7, KJV: 6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

(4.) 1^st Samuel 10: 17-20, KJV: 17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug6fv8KRuCM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:20 AM, November 24, 2019 @ https://shofardurbanville.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/beholdthethrone-24.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/01/2017) Reasons for Our Existence?

Today, points are shared that speak to the divine purposes for the existence of mankind.  Several prophets and spokespersons sent from GOD have cried, What is man?  Their intent was neither to condemn divinity, nor to curse mankind.  Rather, they were calling for relief from GOD while expressing desperation and frustration that life appears too short, is overly difficult, has too few moments of genuine joy, and can be utterly unsatisfying.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Esmeralda” (Level 1 with 143 points, a member since October 26, 2016) posted the following:


What is the reason for our existence?

do you think that we were created to just live, do whatever we want then die? or that there is actually a purpose for all our lives.

Update: Guys, I know the reason for my existence, I'm asking about YOUR opinion.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaints;  Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:  So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.  I loathe it; I would not live alway:  let me alone; for my days are vanity.  What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?  And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?  How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?  I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?  And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.  (Job 7:  13-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Creator is Different (10/31/2017); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); The Quality of Life? (03/29/2017); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); Life Is In Blood (12/08/2015); All Is Vanity? (07/28/2015)


“Esmeralda”, here, are some points to consider that might help many avoid spiritual confusion:

(1.)  As mature thinkers, we usually attribute “motives”, “purpose”, and “reason” to living individuals who display intellect and mind.  When you ask, What is the reason, we tend to respond, The “reason” given by whom?  Whose reason?  And, Are you asking us to tell you GOD’s reason?  Are you really ready to accept what someone else will tell you that they have received from GOD?

(2.)  As a matter of human expression, there might be countless responses that describe specific aims, goals and objectives of the living, yet, do not answer such features as a desire “to exist” or “the will to live” (that we often deal with as though it means the same as “intent”) among the living. 

(3.)  Everything that exists does not have life; thus, a cadaver or corpse may exist.  A “living soul” requires life essence (i.e., breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD as well as a material form such as the human body. 

(4.)  Resurrection of the body as a Christian belief, acknowledges that ones spirit continues on some plane of existence such as limbo or purgatory—that is not a sphere of life such as earth, heaven, the universe—even though the material body has been destroyed.

(5.)  For mature Christians, created beings and living creatures exist as emanations and expressions of divine order, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  Where the living have received fresh endowments of the inseparable aspects of spirit imparted from GOD, they will “appear”, display sacred image, and serve as divine offspring (we say, joint heirs with Christ, the children of GOD).

(6.)  Completeness, existence, life, person, and presence are important aspects of divine fullness.  Where we understand our own desire to call out and hear an echo, many of us also understand why GOD would prepare mankind to be an immortal, incorruptible companion.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  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

(07/28/2015) All Is Vanity?

Scripture points are shared, today, to clarify King Solomon’s prophetic use of the terms vain, vanity, and under the sun.  Solomon, Job, Jeremiah and others throughout the holy writings take up the themes of aging, life’s brevity, arbitrary change (we also say, evil; unasked for, unintended, unnecessary, unplanned change), death, inheritance, mortality, and sin as fixed conditions that introduce despair, frustration, injustice, imbalance, impracticality, and ungodliness.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Risa” (Level 2 with 982 points, a member since January 18, 2010) posted the following:


What did Solomon mean when saying that everything is vanity under the sun?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.  For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.  Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing:  this hath more rest than the other.  Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good:  do not all go to one place?  All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.  For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?  Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:  this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.  That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man:  neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.  Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?  For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?  (Ecclesiastes 6:  3-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Life That Endures (10/14/2014); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)


“Risa”, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, doctrines, events, objects, persons, things, and traditions labeled vain lack divine spirit substance, therefore, they are ephemeral, fruitless, pointless, short-lived, temporary, transient, unable to provide salvation or satisfaction, unproductive, and a waste of time.  A vanity may be an idol or man-made object that is worshiped as containing a god, or serving as its agent and representative.  The phrase under the sun means throughout the earth, everywhere within the sphere of life for mankind, among the living.  Despite what appears to be a rant from the King, Solomon is called “the Preacher” because, in addition to prophetically describing the human predicament—that apart from the Creator, the creation is finite, limited, and without eternal purpose—Solomon points out the brevity, injustice, and repeated frustration of mankind’s expectations generated by flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotion/mental functions, mortality).   Following are some Scriptures to consider for a complete Christian understanding of Ecclesiastes and other writings where the terms vain and vanity appear:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 5:  11, KJV:  11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain:  for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 32:  45-47, KJV:  45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:  46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.  47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life:  and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

(3.)  1st Samuel 12:  20-22, KJV:  20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not:  ye have done all this wickedness:  yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;  21 And turn ye not aside:  for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.  22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake:  because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

(4.)  Psalms 89:  46-48, KJV:  46 How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?  47 Remember how short my time is:  wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?  48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

(5.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-15, KJV:  12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ:  whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

(6.)  James 1:  25-27, KJV:  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Jeremiah 10:  14-16, KJV:  14 Every man is brutish in his knowledge:  every founder is confounded by the graven image:  for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.  15 They are vanity, and the work of errors:  in the time of their visitation they shall perish.  16 The portion of Jacob is not like them:  for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance:  The LORD of hosts is his name.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/20/2013) Understanding Peace?

Divine peace is the topic, today; and there is more on questionable displays of the Holy Spirit.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “strueimage” (Level 1 with 38 points, a member since 24 January 2012) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


In what way does “the peace of the Christ” control in a Christian’s heart?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013)—Correctly understood, no believer (either clergy or layperson) has authority to control, exploit, or manipulate the deposits and gifts from the Holy Spirit that exist in, and work from within a fellow believer.  Someone who is host to the Holy Spirit continues having ability to operate with awareness, discernment, intellect and self-will; therefore, that host remains accountable for their own behavior, choices and conduct at all times.  While the believer may not control the imparted Spirit from GOD; neither may the Holy Spirit control a believer as though he or she is an unfeeling, unthinking machine.  The host repeatedly must make the choice to acknowledge and yield to promptings by the Holy Spirit.  Just as the Holy Spirit may not be named as the cause of sins a host might commit, neither should the Spirit be accused, or condemned as the cause of carnal and worldly behavior performed by the host.  Under the power of the Spirit, believers may experience trances, or visions, and may perform involuntary acts (as when one collapses as though “slain” in the Spirit; see Daniel 10:  8-11, KJV).  Even so, believers are to prepare themselves and others for such sacred events, and when possible, establish beforehand the duration, location, and times when such events will be manifest to chosen witnesses.  Satan is often mistakenly accused of sending hypocrites, false prophets, and those in confusion who display counterfeits of the Holy Spirit, because fear and misunderstanding are increased by out of control behavior.  The spirit of any true prophet is “subject to the prophets.”  This does not mean one who prophesies is subordinate to another church member through hierarchy.  Rather, it states that every prophetic demonstration must meet a criteria of agreement, consistency, harmony and relevance to earlier divine proclamations and prophecies—those fulfilled as well as those continuing in process, and those the church must await.  The Spirit and the Word always agree.  (See 1st Corinthians 14:  1-40, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:  and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  (John 14:  21-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); The Dove (12/28/2012); Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion (11/07/2012); The “Lake of Mercy” (11/03/2012); Seeking and Being Sought (11/04/2012)


“strueimage”, here are a few points that strengthen Christian believers:

(1.)  Where the “peace of Christ” means the same certainty, confidence and security that was experienced by the Savior during his ministry upon the earth, there must be rebirth of the believer through operations of GOD described as baptism, cleansing, and death.  As new creatures (still in flesh and mortal, yet, containing added and fresh endowments of divine substance), believers are free from the human predicament that results by the operation of sin.  Included are release from conflict between and among such features as doubts, fantasy, knowledge, imagination, instinct and intuition as well as lack of clarity and inconsistency for desire, goals, hopes, and needs.

(2.)  In the world, today, many are emotionally and psychologically destroyed by continually seeing the differences between what things are, what things were, and what things can and should be.  By the peace of Christ, believers are made free of the frustration that comes from lacking all the necessary skill to put into practice and implement every aspect of good.  It remains that sin cannot be eliminated by the operations of human intellect, logic, reason, and science.  Through inseparable spirit content from Christ (such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, love, wisdom, wrath against sin) ones awareness and nature are being perfected and transformed.  Bitterness, distrust and resentment are removed; and there is reconciliation to GOD, and to divine law.  Because they correctly comprehend multiple divine operations and sacred purposes that demonstrate the justice and righteousness of GOD, believers embrace acceptance of their dependence, and have no quarrel against restriction to finite limits.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Peace that is an aspect of being and existence is more than simply inactivity, feeling, quiet, and stillness.  Divine peace does not “control” or manipulate behavior and conduct; cannot be mandated or negotiated by councils of men; and does not fade, or go and return as an element in the framework of time and space.  Like the knee or the elbow are parts of ones body always present as a feature of their movement and full person, peace from GOD through Christ is ever-present as believers interact with the Divine Person and with others, their peers in the earth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC