(05/24/2018) What May We Request?

Today, reply is on covetousness, lust, acceptable prayer, and showing respect to divinity.  More correct than prayers that the character, personality, and challenges for ourselves, or other persons be changed are prayers that ongoing works of GOD be completed; that the benefit and value from GOD in disappointments, hardship or suffering be made bearable and understandable; and that GOD’s will be done.  Building a relationship of full trust between the Creator and the created also demands self-exposure by the living, and their putting away of disguises, lies, and masks.  Sinners are correct to offer themselves to GOD through heartfelt and honest communion, acknowledging duty, praise, rejoicing, sacrifice, and unselfish service.  All things, anything, and everything are not acceptable to Deity.  Where Israel requested a king to rule over them as practiced in other nations their prayer was called “sin” for it denied divine order and the sovereignty of GOD (see 1st Samuel 12:  8-25, King James Version, KJV).  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 86 points, a member since May 19, 2018) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:


Can we pray for anything we want?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  (Psalms 19:  12-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); Divine Delay and Prayer? (03/22/2017); Intercession (12/27/2013); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013)


“?”, for Christian believers, starting up and keeping a correct relationship with GOD is the most important thing.  Therefore, born-again believers approach prayer as conversation and exchange with GOD by displaying gratitude, humility, respect, and restraint more than by trying to expose every aspect of their desires, feelings, personhood, problems, and private thoughts.  Foremost should be petitions and requests for godly responses, and the sacred supplies that come from GOD only, and not mankind.  Included are comfort, holy boldness, discernment, forbearance, forgiveness, spiritual gifts, guidance, healing, instruction, mercy, miracles, salvation, understanding, and willpower.  Those who habitually cuss, use foul language, and swear in their day-to-day relationships with others should seek to use speech that is circumspect, yet heartfelt; plain and simple, yet, thorough and true.  The wrath of GOD is triggered against all who approach his majesty to dispute his sovereign will, and who show themselves to be over-familiar and presumptuous.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 28:  9, King James Version (KJV):  9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

(2.)  James 4:  1-3, KJV:  1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  2 Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

(3.)  Luke 12:  13-15, KJV:  13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Luke 12:  27-32, KJV:  27 Consider the lilies how they grow:  they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?  29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:  and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.  32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/17/2015) Should Christians Cuss?

Today, points are shared on how Christian children are to respond to the use of foul language by their own parents.  Many Christian believers feel pressured to disregard and tolerate verbal behavior of family members, loved ones, and other close associates who continually curse and swear.  Some use profanity with the idea that it is plain, colorful, and easy to understand.  Many began their habits of foul speech, profanity, and vulgar language because they wanted the appearance of being adult, self-confident, and unafraid.  Later they indulge swearing as “being myself,” or staying authentic, comfortable, genuine, honest, and “keeping it real.”  There are those who present foul-mouthed behavior as a form of addiction just like alcoholism, drug use, gambling, smoking, and lying.  It is no longer a matter of choice, or conscious and voluntary behavior they can terminate simply by applying their own will.  Such persons often condemn public displays of courtesy, gentleness, restraint and self-control as being false, fanatical, insincere, motivated by fear, opposing personal freedom, “putting on airs,” soft, stiff, twisted, unnatural, unnecessary, and weak.  Only the peculiar operations of GOD that come by the Holy Spirit can establish the permanent transformation of the addict as a new creature in Christ.  The many difficult challenges that come against the children of believers include that—without being adults—children also must demonstrate faith in GOD through their acceptance of authority and duty as well as by having to wait quietly, and to endure persecution, and suffering.  For this reason, the young also must be instructed to understand that none are exempt from the burdens and trials that are the normal course of life.  Children further learn to maintain their integrity and independence as mature persons by being in extended relationships, and meeting various trials, where they must manage expressions of anger, bitterness, complaints, disappointment, fear, pain, and sorrow.  For even where they are gifted from GOD, minor and adult children rarely are capable of responding to all the complex emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of their parents as though they are on the same level as equals and peers.  More important than speaking well, using good grammar, or even speaking in tongues, believers should always speak truth, and operate fulfilling sacred purpose as representatives and spokespersons for divinity.  However, the skill to do this consistently and continuously is acquired only by practice and gradual growth. As believers gain in sacred knowledge, become free of fornication and pride, are deepened in conviction, and adopt the new life style as one who is saved, others should see changes in what they have to say, and how they go about saying it.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (Level 1 with 118 points, a member since December 12, 2014) posted the following:


Should Christians cuss?

my mom is a Christian and she cusses up a storm. I tell her all the time that it's a sin and quote bible verses that say not to cuss but she ends up finding a way to publically humiliate me and makes fun of my anxiety or tells me that I need to die. she talks about people like a dog but then goes to church and praises god. It really ticks me off because everyone thinks she's all righteous and don't even know that she cusses. at church she's a Christian but at the house she's not and she still ends up saying that i'm the one that's going to hell and a hypocrite? I aint even Christian or at least I think i'm not but anyways should a Christian cuss?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:  25-32, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014); Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014); Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014); When Children Embrace Church? (08/18/2014); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); The Bible and Stupid People? (07/17/2013); Destroying Justice? (07/18/2013)


“Anonymous”, often the key to overcoming as a Christian believer turns on our applying discernment (i.e., using ones own sacred content as a standard to recognize, respond to, or resist any ungodly spirit within events, messages, other persons, etc.), as well as correctly identifying our own spiritual needs, and remaining fixed upon our sacred (not our worldly) priorities.  Believers have no duty to change anyone; and the change they themselves experience is by willing submission to GOD.

Those who are born-again also must change and “grow up” again.  Their faith and trust in Christ as ones own redeemer and savior must increase, and become full and stable (we say, mature, perfect) over time as they continue to meet life experiences upon the earth.  Believers will be challenged by many of the same limits and tasks common among those who disbelieve.  However, believers are endowed with spirit content from the makeup of Deity that make it possible for them to endure and overcome.  Included are balance, forbearance, forgiveness, humility, longsuffering, love, patience, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In the same way Jesus was careful not to challenge his parents following the incident at the Temple (where he became separated from them when disputing with the priests and elders), children in the Lord must continue to obey and respect their parents.  All must develop restraint, self-discipline, the ability to “hold their tongue,” and withhold judgment of their parents.  What a child can not say to their parents, they should not say about their parents.  This is specially so with their friends, and those outside of the family circle.  Gossip and slander are tools of the devil that always result in unforeseen damage and destruction within the home.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, while children are to minister to their parents (we say, serve) they are accountable for neither the damnation, nor the salvation of their parents.  As the spirit of GOD is present within their sons and daughters, multiple sacred works may go forth invisibly and silently; including cleansing, correction, healing, and regeneration.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/10/2014) Freedom of Foul Speech?

The ministry of Jesus as one of obedience, and the use of cursing and foul language in the Bible are topics, today.  Also, there is more on why believers fear death.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Randy” (Level 1 with 81 points, a member since September 07, 2014) posted the following:


If Jesus can say damn can jesus say **** if he wants to? 

if not then what scripture in the original bible divides his speech his heart and his spirit? cursing swearing and being filthy and froward are three different things from saying damn. or what is technically considered cussing. unless you claim god a liar for cussing and king david. but they werent filthy just truthful.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014)—(5.)  Although believers are accounted as “new creatures,” we will continue to have many traits that are finite and human until the appearing of Christ to harvest the earth.  Thus, it is not that we have not been blessed by GOD, it is that we fail to grasp the enormous measure of our blessings.  Many believers are concerned at having to continue in the flesh, and, despite their baptism and redemption, having to reside upon the earth as imperfect until the Advent.  Such believers correctly and soberly confess themselves capable of backsliding; and acknowledge the truth that there is a chance a person could lose their salvation before their death, and the return of Jesus.  Unintentionally and unconsciously, over and over mankind exalts carnal things, material things, simple things.  In humility and trust, believers do not fear that the Father or Son will betray, deny, and destroy them—GOD will not go back on his word.  Instead, in addition to the finality and irreversible aspect of death, dying appears fearful and threatening because believers continue to be stirred by realizing it is only our own nature, our own persistent desires, our un-confessed sins, and our disguised and hidden weaknesses that can separate us as the created from the Creator.  See again Psalms 27:  1, Isaiah 57:  1-21, Luke 12:  4-5 and Romans 13:  7-8, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  (James 3:  7-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bible and Stupid People? (07/17/2013); Destroying Justice? (07/18/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); A Text for Lives Today (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012)


“Randy”, here are a few points important to those who rely upon the Gospel, and word of GOD spoken by Jesus for redemption and salvation from sin:

(1.)  Jesus did not appear in the earth as an expression of curiosity, self-promotion, or self-will.  Jesus was sent to further make known and visible (we say, to reveal) the fullness of divinity we refer to as “the GODhead.”  Jesus operated in the occupations of messenger, minister, prophet (we say, spokesperson), and servant.  Therefore, he did not speak according to his own personal agenda and private opinions so much as he proclaimed doctrines, promises, and teachings in obedience to the Father.

(2.)  As one in flesh and bone, Jesus was human in form.  Jesus was divine in spirit, for he was born and developed from the same sacred substance that was breathed into Adam at Creation.  Inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD were imparted to Adam and to Christ, who is called the “Second Adam.”  Included were faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(3.)  As an organ or member of ones body, the tongue must be guided through ones Spirit.  Where sin rules, the intent, purpose, and thoughts of men are more easily expressed by cheap talk, coarseness, gossip, lies, malice, obscenity, threats, violence, and vulgarity.  The high purposes of GOD are addressed through speech that comforts, encourages, explains, heals, and urges to positive action.  While most of mankind’s lowest and meanest attitudes and behaviors are the focus of salvation, none have part in the process of salvation.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  In the same way Jesus did not speak of himself (i.e., on his own authority; without permission), the Spirit imparted to mankind on behalf of Jesus (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) does not speak of himself, and must operate in accordance with the will and way of Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
 Washington, DC

(08/01/2013) Sacred Writings Profaned?

In recognition that the advertising policies here no longer complement the daily study of holy writings and the expression of faith through spiritual contemplation, the present title with banner will be replaced:

 

“THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
A daily sacred writings blog hosted by WordPress.com”

And will now be shown as:

 

“THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
A daily Internet advertising site hosted by WordPress.com”  

(08/01/2013)