(12/19/2017) GOD Protects the Faithful

The Shepherd David Triumphant (1895) by Elizabeth Jane Gardner

Today, thoughts are shared on David the shepherd boy, divine protection, and sacred process within covenant relationships.  What Christian believers once regarded as their need for divine interventions and protection will become permanently changed, for Christians all are in an ongoing process that transforms their consciousness, and the operations of their self-will.  The full revelation of divinity to mankind requires both that humanity endures suffering and that GOD also suffers incarnate (i.e., using flesh and material form).  In place of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, born again and developing believers are to abide in the assurances from GOD through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Sacred events (miracles) are hidden amidst the disasters.  Loss, tragedy, and suffering are overcome when properly seen in the light of unchanging principles, sacred promises, and prophecies that are still unfolding.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:
 


Christians, why does't god/Jesus protect the faithful? and in times of suffering, he suffers with you, but does nothing to really help.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  (Romans 8:  26-32, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); The Greatest Weapon? (12/17/2015); GOD is Faithful (12/03/2015); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); His Authority in Judgment? (10/03/2014); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014)


“Anonymous”, at a time when we have multiple incidents of violence occurring in churches, the revelation from GOD declares that he is faithful; and the focus must be that his created become faithful as well.  When David—the shepherd boy who was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to later reign as king over Israel—was attacked by a lion and by a bear, GOD did not intervene to deliver David by slaying the two beasts for the boy.  So to speak, David was to do for himself what was required, and what he was equipped to do.  David had prepared himself for such a confrontation by practicing long hours to develop accuracy and power with the sling shot, a military weapon of its day.  This skill also would later be used by David in praise to GOD on the battlefield against the giant warrior Goliath.

Where sinners first approach Christ, many are anchored in appetite, lust for material things, carnal reason, and ambition for social standing.  The “mechanical” and routine challenges of life are often thought of as suffering (e.g., bereavement and having to complete mortality; having to buy food repeatedly; paying for shelter by a mortgage or rent; arriving to work on time; keeping ones word in a relationship; having to endure the enmity of friends).  More correctly, Christian believers are to acknowledge that those things are for preparation.  Mankind and other finite, created beings and living creatures are being used by divinity to make the character and substance of GOD knowable, known, accessible, approachable, and even, visible.  It is the integrity of the living to exist as interdependent, self-aware, and separate from GOD by having discrete consciousness, personhood, and self-will (willpower).  

The divine protection most needed by mankind is not against the Adversary (the Devil), for like David, born again and developing believers are all disciplined and equipped for violent confrontations.  Thus, the shield that only GOD may provide includes atonement and propitiation; protection against corruption (decay, defilement, rot) of ones life essence (breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; discernment (ability to apply and use ones own spirit content as a standard to recognize and respond to deposits of divine spirit within sacred law, events, oneself, other persons, practices, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.); sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge that exposes the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of divine law, the law giver, and the fullness of Creation; and judgment that annuls the second death.

The divine process for mankind is one of transformation that includes resurrection from the dead.  The grace of GOD is to be acknowledged as sufficient for mankind; and the sacred need of the living is more for assurance and sealing, rather than deliverance, protection, and rescue by emergency response teams.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  James 4:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

(2.)  Isaiah 54:  17, KJV:  17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  21-22, KJV:  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 10:  27-29, KJV:  27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/22/2017) The Lion of Judah

Today, reply is made to a question on Jesus as the “Lion of Judah.”  The many titles to acknowledge and honor Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of divine proclamations, promises and prophecies regarding divine Judgment and the rule of GOD over all existence include Alpha and Omega, Faithful and True, the Branch, the Holy One, the King of the Jews, the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, the Lamb of GOD, Messiah, Prince of Peace as well as The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Risen Corey” (Level 5 with 7,724 points, a member since September 14, 2015) posted the following:

What is the Lion of Judah?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!  Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words:  but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.  Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.  For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them:  so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.  As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.  Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.  (Isaiah 31:  1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Sure Mercies of David (09/19/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)

“Risen Corey”, Christian believers speak of Jesus of Nazareth  as being the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.”  There are multiple streams of sacred covenant between the Creator and mankind that blend and come together proclaiming Jesus to be the Son of Man (Adam) and the Son of GOD who fulfills eternal promise and prophecy.  Included are the words overheard by Adam and Eve that were spoken to the serpent and that ignited their hope for forgiveness, resurrection from death, and restoration to everlasting life.  Others, such as the promises to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, and Moses, clarify and crystallize the divine intent to rule through created beings and living creatures using the frameworks and elements of their existence.  From Adam, there would be an embodiment of divinity (we say, an Incarnation) whereby Deity would appear and operate upon the earth.  In preparation for this, a people would be established in covenant relationship, that first would appear as a household, then a tribe, then a nation, then a dynasty that would become the primary device to introduce the divine ruler, the Messiah.   In contrast to Satan—described as a roaring lion going to and fro upon the earth seeking whom he may devour—Jesus is called the “Lamb of GOD that taketh away the sin of the world”.  Even so, he is honored as the Lion of Judah who appears as the warrior that dares to embrace the full revelation of GOD on behalf of all who have ever existed by opening the sealed books of heaven.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  14-15, King James Version (KJV):  14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:  15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

(2.)  Genesis 49:  8-11, KJV:  8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise:  thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.  9 Judah is a lion’s whelp:  from the prey, my son, thou art gone up:  he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?  10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Revelation 5:  1-14, KJV:  1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.  2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?  3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.  4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.  5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:  behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.  6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.  7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.  8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.  9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:  for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:  and we shall reign on the earth.  11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders:  and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;  12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.  14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/08/2012) An Attack Upon Creation?

      The motive to destroy Creation, and more about holiday displays on public property are considered, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Diet Cola” (Level 7 with 27,183 points, a member since August 22, 2007) posted the following:


Does the Devil want to destroy Creation?

Does he want to destroy animals and the planet as well as Humans?


THE BATTLE AXE: Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012)—Many who charge that religious displays on public property violate constitutional and other provisions in the law, do so falsely, selfishly, and with malice that derives from disbelief and ignorance. By public-sponsored displays, communities may declare the presence of civic pride, commitment to growth, consensus, shared purpose, solidarity, and strength. Such displays may not be regarded as preferential treatment to a minority, or as imposed worship. Given there is no criminal intent, motive to proselytize, or systematic attack against reasonable constitutional and municipal limitations, a community’s public acknowledgement of practices among faith-based and religious organizations within the boundaries of its jurisdiction should be held as lawful and appropriate. It is a legitimate goal for a prospering community to signal the presence of inclusiveness, pluralism, religious liberty as well as custom and tradition. There are two parts of the single statement known as the “religion clauses” of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Establishment Clause (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion) appears with the free exercise clause (or prohibiting the free exercise thereof). In a healthy community, for example, simply placing a menorah or any other symbol of a Jewish observance upon public property is not automatically a demand that residents attend synagogue any more than the presence of public schools denies parents a right to enroll their children in charter, parochial and private academies. Where the issue is raised of unfair public funding, the burden to the individual tax-payer often amounts to cents and pennies rather than dollars. When it is correctly a public benefit, goals that everyone safely enjoy the holidays together should always override efforts to destroy, divide and disparage celebration.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1st Peter 5: 6-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Adversary? (12/05/2012); “Soul” Food (12/06/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); Coveting the Throne (03/07/2012); Too Many Interpretations? (03/08/2012); A Partnership (11/05/2012); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012)


      It is not the primary purpose and work of a believer’s ministry to “explain” the mind and motives of other created beings and living creatures, or to give instruction regarding those in rebellion against divine law (e.g., apostates, atheists, demons, unbelievers). Yet, the full revelation of GOD to mankind requires awareness of judgment, of salvation, and of sin. Consider the following:

      A group of schoolboys all laugh and think it fun when they “get away” by running from the scene after a window is smashed while they are playing baseball. They are immature, thoughtless, and unaware of both their shared accountability and the far-reaching, “unintended” consequences that may result from their deed: Because of the broken window, a person’s health may be ruined through cold air, drafts, or the access to insects. Someone could be permanently blinded by flying glass that suddenly struck them” in the eye directed by an unseen cause, and, as it were “from out of nowhere.” A small child easily could be given a concussion by the baseball traveling like a missile with terrible velocity.

      Similarly, those spirits presently in rebellion against divine authority do so as beings who lack foreknowledge, insight, wisdom, and sacred vision. The measure of knowledge instilled at their creation within angels and other beings of heaven was set as unchanging, and did not include awareness of sin, repentance, and the ability to comprehend or project the full aspect of holy revelation. Fashioned to serve and exercise authority within a peculiar sphere, those having lost their first estate through sin, seek to continue as if still in heaven. However, these must realize the presence and damage of sin by the changes to themselves, and the conditions of their existence. Sin opposes existence for divine law, the holy law-giver, and all that has been put forth by GOD.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, those living in heaven only respond to GOD through faith as must mankind and the living spirits upon the earth. However, through the ministry of Jesus Christ, humans now receive added supplies of faith, and continually grow and improve through experience that nourishes their ability to detect and apply sacred truth. By the example of the church and mankind, the host of heaven is to be cautioned, confirmed in humility, and corrected through righteousness, rather than through mere punishment and scourging.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC