Today, reply is on
discernment and recognizing chance occurrences as different from divine
responses and answered prayer. The frameworks of time and space promote the
concepts of goals, random order, and the independent existence of operations
that use numbers to describe secular reality (e.g., amount, dimension, sequence,
statistical predictability). However, these are often useless where sacred
knowledge and spirit truth are to be shared. Similarly, as tools to
establish belief and conviction, conjuring and magic fail when used to establish
the actuality of GOD (thus, the prophetic demonstration performed by Moses
before Pharaoh, casting down his staff that became a snake, is followed by
calamity and plague, divine displays of judgment and wrath against sin). The
immutable and unchanging aspects of divinity serve as fixed points of reference
for created beings and living creatures that can not be altered or manipulated,
and are “anchors” during times of confusion, tribulation, and turbulence that
include sudden occurrences and unpleasant surprises. Redemption and salvation
through Jesus Christ are not a matter of “luck”, or being chosen out of a hat at
random like a raffle ticket. Multiple acts of self-will are required from
sinners such as acknowledging divine judgment, making deliberate choices,
heartfelt commitment, continuous communication and exchange in prayer,
discovery, painstaking effort, focus, forbearance, forgiveness, rebirth,
repentance, unselfish service, sacred studies as well as suffering, waiting and
careful work. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jay” (Level 1 with
95 points, a member since November 14, 2017) posted the
following:
God s work or just a coincidence?
My family and I were at a Premium outlet yesterday.
We arranged a time to regroup back then departed out ways in the mall. When it
was time to regroup back, eveyone but my mom arrived. We waited for a while then
started to search. I walked around the outlet for around 15 minutes and did not
manage to find her. I bumped into my other brother searching but my mom was
nowhere to be found. I decided to pray (I m not a strong Christian but my mom
tells me to pray in times of trouble) that my mom will appear so that we can go
home. Immediately, she popped up leaving me speachelss... I told her to wait in
the car while I search for my brother who is somewhere in the mall still
searching. Again I decided to pray (I was thinking if he showed up, this would
be scary) and he popped out of nowhere. Is this God s work or a coincidence? I
know this is a silly question but I am truly amazed and wonder if there really
is a God.
THE GOLDEN ARROW:
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. 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. 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. (Ecclesiastes 9: 10-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Standing
On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); Leadings of the Spirit (11/05/2017); GOD Is Imparting
Truth (10/30/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); Miracles Are Not
Everlasting (07/18/2017); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving
Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD
(10/30/2012)
“Jay”, the process GOD is using in our lives is one
of revelation and making divinity known, not one of creating mysteries and
puzzles, or hiding the truth. During a person’s lifetime they will have many
experiences where the cause or source is hidden and obscured, and that will be
difficult to explain. Often, random, strange, and unfamiliar events trigger
behavior, fear, and reactions that are no less than idol worship (attributing
divine power to man-made things, things in nature, and other persons),
superstition (belief that one may influence outcomes of events by charms,
spells, etc.), and fascination with the occult (such things as banshees,
Egyptian mummies, and ghosts). Consider again how Moses was on his way home
from the day’s work as a shepherd when, out of curiosity, he stopped to get a
closer look at a strange sight. In fact, he allowed the sheep to continue on
without him in order to see what appeared to be a bush that had caught fire.
When he turned aside, Moses did not intend to pray or have a religious
“time-out” so much as to see why there was no smoke or ashes from a burning
bush.
In agreement with the holy writings, Christian
believers expect sacred events (we say, miracles) intended to make known the
active presence, character, and purposing of divinity (1) will repeat
earlier and recorded divine works (what God has done God can do); (2) will
promote such responses as expressing gratitude, obedience, reverence, and
thanksgiving; (3) will restore peace of mind by resolving conflicts and settling
disputes; (4) will expose error and sin that seem natural and normal, yet, are
contrary to human and divine nature; and (5) will be “marked” and have a divine
“signature” that declares the author’s name (i.e., proclaim it is an act of
GOD).
Born-again believers are to practice discernment
wherein their own endowment of imparted spirit from the makeup of GOD is used as
a standard to recognize and respond to deposits of divine spirit that reside
within events, other people, prophecy, the holy writings, etc. Water baptism
depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit. Thereby, a
sinner becomes a vessel containing divine spirit, and is accounted an offspring
of GOD, a joint-heir with Christ, and one who bears holy seed that must become
ripe for harvest (the return of Jesus Christ).
Many mistakenly turn to Christ because they are
seeking material benefits, good fortune, and selfish gain. Just as there are
divine gifts that operate in ones consciousness (e.g., a word of knowledge, a
word of wisdom) there are operations of human mind that include instinct,
intuition and premonition. Also, there are such things as “chance”,
“likelihood”, “possibilities”, and “probabilities”. Even so, divine acts will
carry out the divine will; will be in harmony with natural and divine law; and
will fulfill divine proclamations, promises, and prophecy. Thus, Christian
belief does not endorse psychic powers, sorcery, wishing, witchcraft, and those
who claim they have “luck” (a presence that influences the outcomes of
events according to their own desire). Here are some points using language from
the Bible:
(1.) 1st Samuel 15: 22-24, King James Version
(KJV): 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great
delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as
the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath
also rejected thee from being king. 24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I
have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their
voice.
(2.) Romans 8: 13-17, KJV: 13 For if ye live
after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the
deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we
cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may
be also glorified together.
(3.) Romans 8: 27-29, KJV: 27 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. 28 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. 29 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.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined,
and made a part of our own spirit makeup. (For example, (4.) 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
Deception, discernment, magic and miracles are topics, today, along with more on faith that is given by GOD. A “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “Maurog IV” (Level 7 with 73,842 points, a member since May 24, 2011) posted the following:
What's the difference between magic and miracles?
If you see someone do it, can you tell if it's magical or miraculous?
Additional Details
If I see someone walking on water, or multiplying groceries, how do I check if he's God-powered or magic-powered, I mean. Do I just ask or something?
THE BATTLE AXE: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014)—(5.) In the same way a believer’s personal (we say, private) opinion, or viewpoint has no value as the “official” divine doctrines and teachings from Christ, ones own heartfelt beliefs, convictions and passion do not have the same importance and worth as faith that is imparted from the GODhead. Divinely supplied faith is spirit matter, rather than the products of emotion, imagination, intellect, and reason. Until they “grow up again” believers reborn through baptism operate with faith as an added or optional feature within a full mix of their own finite, and human attributes. Thus, their faith at first expresses mostly carnal desires, doubts, worthless goals, vain hopes, self-will, and uncertainty, that does not carry out, demonstrate, or display the will of GOD. Even so, GOD does not deny or reject the faith that may reside within believers, for it is his own sacred person, and substance (we say, the divine nature, the image of GOD). See Genesis 1: 26-28, Matthew 26: 42, Luke 11: 2, Romans 10: 13-17, Hebrews 11: 6 and 1st Peter 1: 18-21, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? (Judges 6: 12-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Magick and Prayers? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012)
“Maurog IV”, here are a few points to consider that have been useful among Christian believers to avoid deception and spiritual confusion:
(1.) In addition to covenants, genealogies, judgments and promises, the divine record shared among believers (i.e., the Bible) documents instances of magic, sorcery, and witchcraft along with notable miracles performed by the agents and witnesses (we say, apostles) sent by GOD.
(2.) In the Book of Acts, Simon Magus, a powerful sorcerer of Samaria, was so impressed by the preaching and miracles of the evangelist (Deacon Philip), he was baptized and joined the early church as a member. Later, when Peter and John appeared, laying hands on the believers that they might receive the Holy Ghost, the sorcerer was so awed, he offered Peter money for the secret to the trick. The unsanctified former wizard could not tell the difference between magic and miracles.
(3.) Miracles are sacred events in support of divine operations such as atonement, covenant, judgment, prophecy, rebirth, revelation and sanctification. Miracles must be discerned (i.e., examined and legitimated) by using spiritual things to focus upon all the genuine spirit content an event may impart. Both the holy writings, and the Spirit from GOD that resides within believers then are sacred tools and standards for assessing life experience, identifying divine process, and recognizing eternal purpose.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example (4.) Miracles appear in association with faith, yet, are not spirit substance as is faith. Miracles appear using flesh and material objects in open and “public” settings. Faith is itself an aspect of full divinity, and continually affirms and interacts with such other spirit matter as holiness, longsuffering, love, divine wisdom, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. (Ephesians 6: 23-24, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
I may have come to the finish of this work; opposition has risen to dangerous levels. Readers have been given a reasonable opportunity to grow and share using my work for many years. In addition to an archive of 150 postings at “Yahoo! Pulse” that are now no longer available, 255 documents previously posted are missing from thoughts.com, including three full-length bible-based books that were shared in serial presentation. WordPress.com continues to display only some 490 articles. Even though I used three different Internet sites to post yesterday’s presentation, not one was able to display my documents with all the usual formatting. It may have been a result of the storm. Today, I focus on what it means to be GOD-fearing. Also, there is more on magic and prayers. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Garrett” (Level 2 with 809 points, a member since May 6, 2012) posted the following:
Christians, is it good to be "God-fearing"?
(Mark 12:28-30) 28 Now one of the scribes that had come up and heard them disputing, knowing that he had answered them in a fine way, asked him: “Which commandment is first of all?” 29 Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, 30 and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’
It seems I always here people saying "I will raise my kids to be good, god fearing adults" Or something to that extent, telling people it's good to be god fearing.
However if the above passage point's towards saying that is not the right thing.... What is your opinion?
THE BATTLE AXE: Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012)—The various forms of magic (e.g., angel magic, candle magic, crystal magic) all allow and introduce (1) deception, lying and manipulation of truth; (2) the influence of sin over self-will, (3) surrender of ones own will in obedience to aggressive and hostile powers outside of oneself, and (4) destructive competition among themselves by beings in hierarchies of authority and dominion. Traditionally, the focus of witchcraft has been securing beauty, longevity, and control of storms and weather events as well as sexual initiations. A male witch is called a “sorcerer”; and as heads of covens, the berserks exercise terrible power and specialize in corruption, cruelty, death, deception, massive destruction, wickedness, and violence. While they are often compared to pimps in prostitution, they are, in fact, off the scale. The operation of godly prayer is to achieve and bring about change within ones own attitudes, behavior and understanding, and is not intended to gain control over others or permit manipulating the outcome of natural events and social exchanges. Saying this another way: Prayer gives full glory, honor and power to GOD over ones own being and substance, and is counter to sin, the influence that may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures that opposes the existence of divinity. Sin operates upon awareness as denial of divine being, sacred law, and everything that exists as created by GOD.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 1: 6-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christian Modesty (10/15/2012); Why Courage? (10/14/2012); Binder 13: Where Is My Fear? (10/10/2011); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010)
Fear of the Lord (also called “awe” and “reverence”) is an important aspect of full awareness and devotion to GOD, and always appears where there is right relationship between the created and their Creator. While many seek personal relationship with GOD, there must be a peculiar distance and separation that affirms the majesty and sovereign nature of divine person, and that generates balance, maturity and stability. Fear of the Lord is counter to arrogance, presumption, pride, and self-promotion.
Fear—anticipating damage and loss; anxiety; feelings and emotions of being under threat; lack of confidence; uncertainty—is generated from the flesh (appetite, sensation, and mind), where fear of the Lord is produced by an imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures declare that “fear is torment” referring to being afraid and scared, conditions that often result from dreams, fantasy, imagination and projection, aspects of mind that lack both sacred content, and material substance. Another name given “fear of the Lord” is “love”, and perfect love (developed, mature commitment) casts out fleshly fear (see 1st John 4: 8, KJV).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, fear of the Lord is not expressed by avoidance, denial and running from the things given by GOD, and should characterize response to having access and structuring ones approach to GOD. Correctly understood as consciousness derived from multiple divine operations, fear of the Lord includes such elements as confession, humility, obedience, respect, surrender, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Comparison of magick and prayer is the focus, today, and more is shared on forgiveness of all sin allowing all to go to heaven. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Zia” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since July 24, 2011) posted the following:
Is a prayer equivalent to magick (used in Paganism?)Christians, Muslims, etc use prayer.
Some pagans, like Wiccans, use magick...
Is it the same concept, different name?
THE BATTLE AXE: Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012)—
All who have been forgiven through Jesus Christ have a special opportunity to approach GOD through fasting, meditation, prayer, service, study and supplication. As those for whom atonement has been made, believers are spoken of as “under the blood of Jesus,” where the blood is the life (i.e., the mechanism that carries being, animation, existence, presence and sacred substance to all the parts of the body). As an incarnate presentation of divinity, Christ determines resurrection for those whose mortality has been completed in covenant with him through faith, obedience and sacrifice. The place intended for mankind is the earth made new, and the Holy City from GOD, the New Jerusalem. Those who were forgiven, yet denied Jesus Christ as their salvation, will have no part with the heirs of eternal life.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8: 5-13, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Double Standard? (10/12/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); Thoughts On Faith And Miracles (01/25/2012); Sin Against The Spirit (01/26/2012)
Here are some thoughts I have permission to share as a son of GOD through the provisions of Jesus Christ:
For mature Christian believers, prayer derives from the indwelling spirit of GOD, and is an operation whereby the Spirit substance within created beings or living creatures asserts agreement and oneness with GOD while also acclaiming the exalted status of divine person. Where such elements as enchantment, idol worship, spell-casting, the use of familiars, and wishing appear, self-will operates to increase autonomy, independence and power without acknowledgment of GOD. While there are rejection of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation), the mind (e.g., desire, logic, reason) and the natural world, demigods and false gods are appealed to and reverenced indicating the presence and dominance of sin.
Magick conforms to peculiar laws and regularities, as do divine healing and miracles. However, the function and purpose of magic typically does not include revelation of sacred person, fulfillment of spiritual purposes, and the accomplish of divine will. Where there is genuine manifestation of truth from GOD, each event or occurrence must amplify and clarify the things already documented as Scripture. Thus—despite marvels and wonders—all are able to see the operation of GOD among mankind as displaying consistency, integrity, righteousness, soundness, and utility. The practice of magick may include incantations (calling spirits into presence), petitions (making requests) and praise (declarations to acknowledge authority and power); however, many dimensions of godly prayer do not appear. Included are such elements as acknowledgment, confession of sin, dispelling fear, forgiveness, intercession, repentance, re-dedication, and supplication (bending to divine will).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the transformation of consciousness that one must undergo to accomplish full submission to GOD begins at being “born again”, and must go forward as growth and learning that entails multiple changes of ones inner nature. While death and rebirth are instantaneous arriving at complete trust and understanding is gradual. Such elements as fellowship in worship assemblies, practice of sacraments, study of Scriptures and private prayer are major mechanisms for supplying believers with both a new mental awareness, and new spirit content.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
