(05/12/2020) Spiritual Integrity and Maturity

Today, reply is on the widespread error among those outside the body of Christ in describing authentic Christian behavior as “weakness”. As sinners and those joined through secular knowledge, the world, and the flesh, men are unable to correctly discern the aspects of exalted majesty and power that appear within all sacred process and the spirit substance from GOD. While forbearance, mercy, and righteousness are continually displayed, they remain unseen because they are spirit and apprehended through faith. Born-again Christian believers must undergo many years meeting life challenges on the earth to arrive at full sacred development and edification. More than this, believers are fully transformed and perfected only following final judgment, and becoming joined to Christ as immortal. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, King James Version (KJV): 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,412 points) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say that you have to let others treat like a doormat?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. (Nehemiah 8: 9-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing That Nourishes Growth (04/21/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); Spiritual Combat Against Sin (10/11/2019); Acknowledging GOD Displays Maturity (04/10/2019)

“shoeshopper3”, authentic and mature Christian believers practice “turning the other cheek” as a prophetic and spiritual work that makes present and visible the life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from divinity (i.e., the divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that was imparted to mankind in Creation, is bestowed as rebirth that comes by fire and water baptisms, and can be recognized as the shared “resurrection life” of Jesus Christ. The follower of Christ is to provide more than just a social display of friendliness, nonviolence, patience, or tolerance. The integrity of mankind as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD is to be demonstrated and proclaimed. Those who are born again, and who exist as vessels containing inseparable aspects of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The sovereign will of Jesus Christ is to exist and have rule within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of the believer. Thereby, forbearance, forgiveness, and mercy to those who are found guilty in divine judgment may appear. Born-again believers must “grow up again” while living on the earth to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). There must be discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, worship), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and the endurance of suffering. Only in maturity are accountability, balance, commitment, consistency, sobriety, stability (the immutability of GOD), and unselfishness regular fixtures within a believer’s lifestyle and daily routine. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of William Murphy:

(1.) Ephesians 4: 17-32, King James Version (KJV): 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 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. 29 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. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 13: 4-9, KJV: 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywl595L6m9Y.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:12 PM, May 11, 2020 @ https://kaiserswest.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/heart-luke.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/15/2016) Life Is GOD's Intent

Today, focus is on bereavement, and the opportunities for service that are gifts from GOD and from the deceased.  In Christian belief, the dead may not communicate with the living; and the dead do not praise GOD.  While some, like Jesus, died, were carried through resurrection and are now alive, most of the dead are believed still in the condition of burial and internment where their divine spirit content is separated from their body.  Those having salvation as Christians are not to practice keriah (i.e., shaving to remove body hair; rending or tearing ones garments to display grief, outrage, shock, and dismay) or use scarification and tattoos (i.e., cuttings in their own flesh) to indicate mourning and remembrance of the dead.  Bitterness, complaining, hopelessness, and wrath are not to appear.  Through ignorance, many continue to spread death in the form of feelings and thoughts because, rather than promote hope, life and trust in GOD, their emotional focus fosters despair, sadness and sorrow.  Offering glory, honor, prayer, or exaggerated attention to the dead is a form of idol worship.  Thus, a requiem mass or memorial service is never to worship the dead.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Why is it a sin for me to pray to my dead mother, my dead sister and my dead father?

The belief that this is a sin seems very cruel and heartless to me


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); The Dimensions of Death? (04/24/2016); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion  (09/03/2012)


“Anonymous”, the mature expression of love is always challenging and—more than affection, gentleness, or kindness—often requires such elements as “holding back,” self-denial, self-discipline, silence, and restraint.  Because divinity demands exclusive commitment and devotion, focus upon ones spouse, siblings, parents, children, and others can come into view as adultery, betrayal, “cheating”, and “whoring after idols and false gods.”  Because the goal of Creation is life, the death of loved ones are intended to make us stronger, not weaker, and more fit as divine companions.  The responses of GOD to our need when we first lose a loved one seem directed to breaking off bereavement.  It is as if the Holy Spirit comes in and says, Roll up your sleeves; let’s get to work.  Believers are to become active in unselfish ways that maintain their place with Deity and with the living, rather than mope and pine in isolation.  Survivors are to comfort others who mourn and encourage their expressions of hope, joy, love and respect.  The heir is granted a double portion of the estate to complete the “unfinished business” of the deceased.  With the sad occasion of burial and internment there usually also is a small feast to celebrate the departed.  The death of any who are close is always their last, great gift of life to us, for it carries us into new levels of emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth by calling forth maturity and strength.  Nonetheless, consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)   Leviticus 10:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.  2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.  3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.  4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.  5 So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.  6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people:  but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.  7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die:  for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

(2.)  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Psalms 50:  16-23, KJV:  16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?  17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.  18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.  19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.  20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.  21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself:  but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.  22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.  23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:  and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/10/2015) Strong Families?

Today, focus is upon childbearing, family, and marriage as devices to maintain modern cities and nations.  Just as all the problems within such urban centers as Baltimore (MD) and Detroit (MI) may not be blamed upon a single class, ethnic group, or political alliance, neither should they all be attributed to broken homes, dysfunctional families, and single-parenting.  The quality of life among us yet depends upon the quality of our shared communication and exchange while prosperity continues to vary according to how we acknowledge divinity.  The nature of law is forward-looking and promissory.  For a truly useful public dialog to occur, we must be careful to declare what we mean by “strong” families along with more precise statements to describe “success”.  For Christian believers there can be no success through the things that promote complaining, hate, selfishness, and ungodliness with hidden and open violence in our society (e.g., passive aggression, domestic violence, child abuse, riots, corporate raiding).  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the discussion appearing below:  Proverbs 29:  18, King James Version (KJV):  18 Where there is no vision, the people perish:  but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.  Also, 1st Timothy 5:  8, KJV:  8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  Proverbs 3:  9-10, KJV:  9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.  10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.  Proverbs 11:  9-11, KJV:  9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:  but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.  10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:  and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.  11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:  but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Elliot” (Level 7 with 43,799 points, a member since April 11, 2011) posted the following:


Is the real problem in places like Baltimore and Detroit that so many children are born out of wedlock, and kids need strong families...?

in order to achieve to success?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom:  and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.  And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.  And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom:   but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.  (Genesis 18:  16-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015); Secular Israel? (04/08/2015); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); Family and Beliefs of Children (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/20/2014); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013)


“Elliot”, we can regard the family as one of many social groups.  Few of the problems for modern cities, communities, and nations can be directly traced to such elements as family size, gender dominance (matriarch or patriarch), and the absence of behavior models and emotional nourishment from specific relationships and roles (e.g., husband, wife, son, daughter, parent).  On the one hand, all such things have an impact upon the intended benefits of family life.  On the other hand, the demands and provisions from larger social groups (e.g., gangs, sororities, the military, the workplace) may counterfeit, replace, supplement and surpass the contributions of family.

Instability and weakness within families can not be described or remedied in the same way as instability and weakness in multi-family groups.  For these two types of association, the operation of such elements as aggressiveness, authority, fear, intimacy, respect, and trust may be entirely different.  In general, we assume the benefits of family for its members to be growth, learning, protection, and security; and these are to be carried over and maintained at the level of every larger community.

For Christian believers, a great part of our expectation for families have been generated through what we see from the model of Israel in covenant to divinity.  Continuity and stability for a nation are most completely established through law addressing such elements as birth order, prenatal care, dynasty, inheritance, marriage, and management of sexual appetite.  Correctly understood, however, increase and  prosperity for Israel resulted from their being in a continuing contract as instruments of divinity for revelation to all mankind.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, we could agree, perhaps, that what children need from the family unit is an inner sense of value and worth that comes by unconditional acceptance, love, and knowing you have permanent membership.  To save the cities, the young must be taught to acknowledge their duty, their ownership, their opportunities, and the tools they are being given that are to be mastered and applied.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/04/2014) The Inward Man Renewed?

A brief Scripture study is shared today focused upon the renewal of believers through the operations of the Holy Spirit, and by praise, prayer, and service.

SOME THOUGHTS ON

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

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.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  15-18, KJV)


2nd Chronicles 15:  7-9 (KJV)  7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:  for your work shall be rewarded.  8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the Lord.  9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon:  for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.


Psalms 51:  6-12 (KJV)  6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:  and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.  7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:  wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.


Psalms 103:  1-6 (KJV)  1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;  5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.


Psalms 119:  74-76 (KJV)  74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.  75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.  76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.


Isaiah 40:  28-31 (KJV)  28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.


Isaiah 41:  1 (KJV)  1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength:  let them come near; then let them speak:  let us come near together to judgment.


Jeremiah 31:  32-34 (KJV)  32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:  33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.


Lamentations 5:  19-21 (KJV)  19 Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.  20 Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?  21 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.


Romans 12:  1-2 (KJV)  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.


Ephesians 4:  22-27 (KJV)  22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  26 Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  27 Neither give place to the devil.


Colossians 3:  9-11 (KJV)  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.


Titus 3:  3-7 (KJV)  3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


Hebrews 6:  4-8 (KJV)  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:  8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.


Luke 11:  2-4 (KJV)  2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  3 Give us day by day our daily bread.  4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.  And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.


There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  Most of you have not yet responded, however, I again invite readers to add any verse or passage from Scripture that they would like to share in the comments area (see below).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the workings of the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth, and the Testimony of Jesus in you.  Grow in grace.


Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:  6-7, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC