Topics, today, include corporate identity, Native Americans, racism, and slander. I expand upon a comment I shared in response to a television news report where a Federal agency having oversight on trademarks announced a ruling on the legitimacy of a name used among professional athletes. The following statement was posted on my Facebook page (06/18/2014):
REDSKINS family, What’s In a Name? Given the issue is racism, it is vain (a waste of time; pointless idolatry; bollix, BS, and talking smack) to quarrel about the name of an athletic team, and offer no solutions that include dialog; learning, living, sharing, and working together; or correctly identifying goals, consequences, and opportunities for change. Invite team members to live among the peoples during off season; have team members open their homes and teepees. Offer space for training camps, sponsor education programs, however, do not keep promoting sanctimonious drivel. Lead by example and hard work in projects for genuine change. Offer a vision of the future, instead of continuing to rue the past. Just like Federal copyright registration is only ONE way to establish and protect ones ownership of patents and other intellectual property, trademark registration is not the only way to validate ones lawful ownership of logos and similar material. At best, those insisting they have a “cause” have missed the mark by choosing the wrong target. Be encouraged!
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5: 9, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013); Bible Authors and Truth? (06/19/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)
For many years now, my life has been hidden in Christ; and I have been working to be known as a full-time Christian writer. Sanctified, and set apart by the work I do, I can not now say that I personally know a single entertainer, government official, head of state, politician, college or professional athlete, corporate executive, or television evangelist anywhere in the world. I do not have Jewish friends with whom I study Siddur, Torah, or observe the Sabbath. Nor may I say, I personally have friends who are Native Americans. Even so, it has been my duty to humbly offer intercession and prayer on all their behalf, on behalf of Jerusalem, on behalf of all Israel, on behalf of Washington, DC, and on behalf of all America. With this in view, and saying what’s been said another way, I share the following counsel as one who is impartial and unengaged:
The Great Spirit, who is maker and keeper of the buffalo, who wears a rainbow about his shoulders, who hides his laughter in the rivulets and streams, the One who is Father of all pure waters, is not pleased to see new war being made upon the basis of old wounds. Some youth who have not truly known the battles whereby they have been brought forth accuse him of their hunger and thirsts that are not yet quenched. They grumble and moan as though the earth now shrinks and wastes away because He no longer marks a trail for justice and for truth. The One who marked a path for the rain, the thunder, the lightning, and the hail, also is He who marks the path for peace.
Do not be deceived. Corporations do not operate as sovereign states, or nations; and are not living entities or peoples. Renegades and outlaws often infest them, who seek little more than 30 pieces of silver (in Bible days, the price of a dog, and the price of a whore). Just as the NBA showed itself absurd in response to recent events (racism will not be ended by the sale of a team, and the change of its ownership), the NFL will show itself inept. Arguments made on the basis of emotion and feeling are not the same as those rooted in law, principle and vision. Response by the American games establishment has become as predictable as the attitude of Congress against the President of the United States whenever the Chief Executive responds to any domestic or international crisis.
Historically, racism is a disease that plagues both those operating as though superior as well as those who see themselves as victims. The symptoms of racism always appear as denial of accountability, denial of ones involvement, and denial of gain and any continuing benefit from negative conditions. There is no genuine grasp or understanding of the work that must be done for correction, for the victims recovery, or for the continued survival of all. There is always refusal to respect the integrity and value for the culture, lives, and traditions of others. Therefore, racism spreads as a poison of discontent, hate crimes, ignorance, indifference, false claims of innocence, and, finally, violence.
Genuine nobility and peace will never come through short-sighted protests. They must come by all who live drawing closer, not by their moving far apart. Because it is not yet truly in their spirit, neither “Hail to the Redskins,” nor “Hail to the Oneida” will be the same as “Hail to the Peacemakers.” The echo and the whisper are cousin to the shout; what was taken as a slogan was not to be forgotten: Blessed are the peacemakers. The wisdom of the eagle is not to fight the currents of the air, or to seek to lift himself by his own power and strength. The air will do the lifting where the eagle will yield and turn according to its prompting. What he wants is not forbidden, or withheld from him. He must know, he will never soar to see the fruits within the valley, or serve as spirit guide to those who wear the feather, by beating against the power of the winds.
So far, arguments against the continued use of “REDSKINS” seem all on the level of “common sense.” As a result, what we have heard up to this point seems no different than the complaint that “Mother F…er,” “SOB” and similar invective are libel and slander against all women, and must be expunged from our language. Where arguments against the team name go to the level of law enforcement, judicial action, and public tribunal, the community correctly expects a clear and detailed presentation of evidence for accountability and involvement in direct damage, for criminal intent as well as for malice and motive.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the cry of the eagle is followed by silence. Many are still listening to hear invitations to cooperative action. Could there be peace and a broken arrow through proposals and requests for support to the national Native American museum in Washington, DC; for grant programs to develop curriculum and research in anthropology, Native American studies, history, etc.; or for funding action programs like those of the Peace Corp to ensure resources and services for Native American communities? Clearly, few are now upon the proper path that leads to peace, and until we walk again in brighter light, all America will keep drinking shame like water.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. (Matthew 13: 51-52, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label teams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teams. Show all posts
Friday, June 20, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
(04/12/2014) Kill the Blog Writer!
Today, I continue using spring training, and other ideas from baseball to spark insights on how to behave in the public forum as an educated person who brings value to the conversation on Christian belief.
THE BATTLE AXE: Spring-training (04/11/2014)—For full Christian belief, there is only one message; and so, the process of acquiring perfected belief is simple, yet, profound (we say, deep; far-reaching in application, consequences, and effect). Using familiar language, that of baseball, we can make an analogy to the Christian work of salvation, and to generate parables to convey various points. For example, just as everyone who is fit to own a season ticket, or watch the game from the bleachers is not fit to play shortstop or center field, everyone who reads a book or has an opinion in a public forum is not fit to speak as a person having correct knowledge and a right relationship with GOD, or is a believer having place in the church of Jesus Christ. There will always be those who neither “know the game,” nor play it, yet, who show no respect to those who can, and do. Also, making the roster for a Series-bound team will require more than athleticism, physical strength, and stamina; there must be “chemistry”, and a good fit. While homerun hitters and sluggers are important, those who master the automatic outs—laying down a bunt to advance the men on base, countless foul balls to work a pitcher’s arm before granting him the strike, and willingness to deliver the in-field fly (some say, a pop-up, a sacrifice) that allows a runner to sprint to the next base—are often the true heroes of a game. To reach ones highest level of value, repetition of the fundamentals such as control of power, stance, and timing can never be regarded as “boring.” The player who insists upon breaking bats, destroying the dugout, having locker-room hissy fits, throwing the punch that causes a brawl, and going nuke in anger or frustration, is quickly understood to be a distraction from the mission, a candidate for trade or release from contract, a liability to the owner and his teammates. Just as the box scores, standings, overall stats and win/loss record all must be used together to describe a team’s performance, believers must master using the language, precepts, principles, proclamations, and prophecies contained within the Scriptures for the most correct appreciation of salvation for mankind through the operations of GOD, of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3: 7-12, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, there are many rules that govern play in baseball, and disputes frequently arise regarding their correct application. In addition, there are recurring situations that demand input by a neutral, third-party having a privileged and intimate view of all action and exchange on the field (we say, umpires). Unlike team coaches and managers, the officials tend to remain unknown, having no trading cards, celebrity or popularity among baseball fans. Despite the continuing malice toward officials (Kill the ump!) with accusations of incompetence and cheating, umpires must fearlessly hold to their commission as guardians for the game, and as the caretakers who further establish its full integrity, and value.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Spring-training (04/11/2014)—For full Christian belief, there is only one message; and so, the process of acquiring perfected belief is simple, yet, profound (we say, deep; far-reaching in application, consequences, and effect). Using familiar language, that of baseball, we can make an analogy to the Christian work of salvation, and to generate parables to convey various points. For example, just as everyone who is fit to own a season ticket, or watch the game from the bleachers is not fit to play shortstop or center field, everyone who reads a book or has an opinion in a public forum is not fit to speak as a person having correct knowledge and a right relationship with GOD, or is a believer having place in the church of Jesus Christ. There will always be those who neither “know the game,” nor play it, yet, who show no respect to those who can, and do. Also, making the roster for a Series-bound team will require more than athleticism, physical strength, and stamina; there must be “chemistry”, and a good fit. While homerun hitters and sluggers are important, those who master the automatic outs—laying down a bunt to advance the men on base, countless foul balls to work a pitcher’s arm before granting him the strike, and willingness to deliver the in-field fly (some say, a pop-up, a sacrifice) that allows a runner to sprint to the next base—are often the true heroes of a game. To reach ones highest level of value, repetition of the fundamentals such as control of power, stance, and timing can never be regarded as “boring.” The player who insists upon breaking bats, destroying the dugout, having locker-room hissy fits, throwing the punch that causes a brawl, and going nuke in anger or frustration, is quickly understood to be a distraction from the mission, a candidate for trade or release from contract, a liability to the owner and his teammates. Just as the box scores, standings, overall stats and win/loss record all must be used together to describe a team’s performance, believers must master using the language, precepts, principles, proclamations, and prophecies contained within the Scriptures for the most correct appreciation of salvation for mankind through the operations of GOD, of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3: 7-12, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, there are many rules that govern play in baseball, and disputes frequently arise regarding their correct application. In addition, there are recurring situations that demand input by a neutral, third-party having a privileged and intimate view of all action and exchange on the field (we say, umpires). Unlike team coaches and managers, the officials tend to remain unknown, having no trading cards, celebrity or popularity among baseball fans. Despite the continuing malice toward officials (Kill the ump!) with accusations of incompetence and cheating, umpires must fearlessly hold to their commission as guardians for the game, and as the caretakers who further establish its full integrity, and value.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
(12/17/2013) On Being Good Stewards
Charitable and holiday giving, and our roles or service as godly stewards are topics, today. Also there is more on attending ministry events unaccompanied. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “angelica” (Level since December 16, 2013) posted the following that was originally asked on Yahoo Answers Philippines:
God creates us to be stewards.. How could we be a good stewards?
HIII.... yeah i know god created us to be stewards but how could we be good at it?......
PLEASE someone answer this... This is so Hard .... PLEASE PLEASE i am begging you :'(
Thank you in advance if you answered seriously :D
THE BATTLE AXE: Going It Alone? (12/16/2013)—The disciples of Jesus were trained to go out in pairs. This is in line with legal requirements for testimony in judgment and determinations of truth (in the mouth of two or three let every word be established as in Deuteronomy 17: 6 and 19: 15; Matthew 18: 16; 2nd Corinthians 13: 1, KJV). Using pairs promotes teaching through demonstration and dialogue. Additionally, wisdom dictates the use of large groups and assemblies when making decisions that would have long-term and widespread impact. Government and rule will best prosper through collective strategies (see Proverbs 11: 14, Proverbs 15: 22 and Proverbs 24: 6, KJV). Also, there are Scriptures that promote teams of two as having needed advantage, while teams of three are stronger and more difficult to divide or separate (see Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12, KJV). A pair along with Jesus or his agent, the Holy Spirit, is able to function in dialog and council. Such teams are mechanisms for individual members to receive added information and guidance, correction, encouragement, and immediate response to concerns. With their unique contributions, team members are equipped to respond against unanticipated, unintended, and unplanned for challenges, events, and setbacks (see Isaiah 9: 6, John 8: 12-19 and 28-32, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14: 15-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); GOD Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star (12/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“angelica”, I have been having a tough time responding to the “Christmas spirit” of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday selling along with choosing a gift for my sisters upcoming 50th Anniversary, and the many end-of-year fund raising letters and requests from school alumni organizations and charities that I try to monitor and assist. At the moment, I feel paralyzed, frozen, and unable to give anything, to anybody, or encourage the holiday season at all. Even so, here are a few points you might find helpful:
(1.) Where the duty of a steward is to oversee household finances, the flow of money and necessary supplies, the keys to success are called “discipline,” “advanced planning,” “staying on budget” and “sticking to ones plan.” When you reach your limit, you plain have to accept it.
(2.) Success when serving GOD always requires we be alert to opportunities that call forth and apply divine gifts. So to speak, “When you got ’em, take ’em out and smoke ’em.”
(3.) Even when you may not give or share materially, you should continue to participate spiritually. Rejoice; keep a positive attitude; speak comfort and encouragement. Exhort to correct action. Acknowledge the giving and works of others.
(4.) Often, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Similarly, the Spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. We cannot personally answer every homeless person we may encounter on the streets; and we may have to be satisfied by our gifts to organizations and volunteers who maintain that as their ministry. Instead of weeping at what we may not do, we are to rejoice in what others are accomplishing.
There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) The poor are always with us, however, not to depress us, send us on guilt trips, or shame us. They are to touch our hearts in an experience of divine love from within ourselves. They are to call forth compassion, pity and respect from the deep wells of our inmost person that otherwise would not be stirred. They are to challenge us to continue mature and unselfish efforts in support of life. They are to further connect us to GOD in praise and prayer.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
God creates us to be stewards.. How could we be a good stewards?
HIII.... yeah i know god created us to be stewards but how could we be good at it?......
PLEASE someone answer this... This is so Hard .... PLEASE PLEASE i am begging you :'(
Thank you in advance if you answered seriously :D
THE BATTLE AXE: Going It Alone? (12/16/2013)—The disciples of Jesus were trained to go out in pairs. This is in line with legal requirements for testimony in judgment and determinations of truth (in the mouth of two or three let every word be established as in Deuteronomy 17: 6 and 19: 15; Matthew 18: 16; 2nd Corinthians 13: 1, KJV). Using pairs promotes teaching through demonstration and dialogue. Additionally, wisdom dictates the use of large groups and assemblies when making decisions that would have long-term and widespread impact. Government and rule will best prosper through collective strategies (see Proverbs 11: 14, Proverbs 15: 22 and Proverbs 24: 6, KJV). Also, there are Scriptures that promote teams of two as having needed advantage, while teams of three are stronger and more difficult to divide or separate (see Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12, KJV). A pair along with Jesus or his agent, the Holy Spirit, is able to function in dialog and council. Such teams are mechanisms for individual members to receive added information and guidance, correction, encouragement, and immediate response to concerns. With their unique contributions, team members are equipped to respond against unanticipated, unintended, and unplanned for challenges, events, and setbacks (see Isaiah 9: 6, John 8: 12-19 and 28-32, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14: 15-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); GOD Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star (12/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“angelica”, I have been having a tough time responding to the “Christmas spirit” of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday selling along with choosing a gift for my sisters upcoming 50th Anniversary, and the many end-of-year fund raising letters and requests from school alumni organizations and charities that I try to monitor and assist. At the moment, I feel paralyzed, frozen, and unable to give anything, to anybody, or encourage the holiday season at all. Even so, here are a few points you might find helpful:
(1.) Where the duty of a steward is to oversee household finances, the flow of money and necessary supplies, the keys to success are called “discipline,” “advanced planning,” “staying on budget” and “sticking to ones plan.” When you reach your limit, you plain have to accept it.
(2.) Success when serving GOD always requires we be alert to opportunities that call forth and apply divine gifts. So to speak, “When you got ’em, take ’em out and smoke ’em.”
(3.) Even when you may not give or share materially, you should continue to participate spiritually. Rejoice; keep a positive attitude; speak comfort and encouragement. Exhort to correct action. Acknowledge the giving and works of others.
(4.) Often, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Similarly, the Spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. We cannot personally answer every homeless person we may encounter on the streets; and we may have to be satisfied by our gifts to organizations and volunteers who maintain that as their ministry. Instead of weeping at what we may not do, we are to rejoice in what others are accomplishing.
There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) The poor are always with us, however, not to depress us, send us on guilt trips, or shame us. They are to touch our hearts in an experience of divine love from within ourselves. They are to call forth compassion, pity and respect from the deep wells of our inmost person that otherwise would not be stirred. They are to challenge us to continue mature and unselfish efforts in support of life. They are to further connect us to GOD in praise and prayer.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, December 31, 2012
(12/31/2012) Will GOD Bless My Team?
Whether GOD responds to
prayer asking victory for competing athletes, and more on the perfection of the
law are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Oscar Manuel
Perez” (Level 3 with 1,920 points, a member since April 9, 2011) posted the
following:
May God bless Dallas Cowboys, my team. LOL, will you pray for me, lol?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012)—In the terms of its unique purpose, the law is perfect, and accomplishes every aspect of its divine intent (Romans 7: 12, KJV). The law only fails where we ask from the law what the law has not been designed to do. While the divine law is an inheritance for the people of GOD that establishes a level of security, the law does not automatically bestow real property (land), social position, and worldly wealth. Those who are accounted as faithless or godless may usually also be regarded as lawless. The law cannot eliminate sin; however the law may illuminate and make the presence of sin known where sin would be otherwise invisible. Law does not control and influence where the carnal mind has dominion; for the carnal mind consists of mechanical operations of the flesh (such as appetite, imagination, sensation, and fantasy), and is not subject to the Spirit of GOD (see Romans 8: 5-14, KJV). Thus, in accordance with the Gospel, the law of GOD is for those sinners seeking change, repentance and the righteousness of GOD (1st Timothy 8-10, KJV), and provides guidance as a standard of correction, rather than a rod for condemnation and punishment.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (Romans 8: 28, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Gangs? (12/02/2010)
You will probably find the answer from mature Christians to be somewhat disappointing. Blessings from GOD are provided so that believers may carry out and perform divine intent; and divine blessing pertains to spiritual rebirth, growth, and perfection of Creation. As with human warfare and struggle on the battlefield of blood, GOD is active and present during athletic competitions through the commitment and faith of the individuals that make up the units in conflict, the team or sports organization. The depth of each man’s personal relationship with GOD will shape his attitude, his effort, his obedience to coaching, and his being in sync with others.
The answers of GOD to prayer for victory may be seen in the healing of injury, or that participants may bring to the game soundness of body and clarity of mind. Even so, the divine purposes focus upon the forgiveness of sin, the revelation of divine person, and the sanctification of both heaven and earth. A divine judgment is now in process that does not focus on human behavior and conduct, or how men entertain themselves in the earth through the flesh. The Gospel of Jesus Christ exhibits the standard for the searching of our lives; and the emphasis is upon the divine content of ones spirit, rather than diet and foods, sexual behavior, and verbal exchanges. The imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD is not a spirit of combativeness and competition. The church and kingdom of GOD are built up and edified only by a holy spirit of cooperation.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many say “luck” favors those who are well prepared. GOD favors those who are dutiful, faithful, holy, obedient, reverent, righteous, and wise. To the extent the games center in covetousness, ego, pride, and self-promotion, the games must be understood as idolatry, ungodliness and whoredom.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
May God bless Dallas Cowboys, my team. LOL, will you pray for me, lol?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012)—In the terms of its unique purpose, the law is perfect, and accomplishes every aspect of its divine intent (Romans 7: 12, KJV). The law only fails where we ask from the law what the law has not been designed to do. While the divine law is an inheritance for the people of GOD that establishes a level of security, the law does not automatically bestow real property (land), social position, and worldly wealth. Those who are accounted as faithless or godless may usually also be regarded as lawless. The law cannot eliminate sin; however the law may illuminate and make the presence of sin known where sin would be otherwise invisible. Law does not control and influence where the carnal mind has dominion; for the carnal mind consists of mechanical operations of the flesh (such as appetite, imagination, sensation, and fantasy), and is not subject to the Spirit of GOD (see Romans 8: 5-14, KJV). Thus, in accordance with the Gospel, the law of GOD is for those sinners seeking change, repentance and the righteousness of GOD (1st Timothy 8-10, KJV), and provides guidance as a standard of correction, rather than a rod for condemnation and punishment.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (Romans 8: 28, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Gangs? (12/02/2010)
You will probably find the answer from mature Christians to be somewhat disappointing. Blessings from GOD are provided so that believers may carry out and perform divine intent; and divine blessing pertains to spiritual rebirth, growth, and perfection of Creation. As with human warfare and struggle on the battlefield of blood, GOD is active and present during athletic competitions through the commitment and faith of the individuals that make up the units in conflict, the team or sports organization. The depth of each man’s personal relationship with GOD will shape his attitude, his effort, his obedience to coaching, and his being in sync with others.
The answers of GOD to prayer for victory may be seen in the healing of injury, or that participants may bring to the game soundness of body and clarity of mind. Even so, the divine purposes focus upon the forgiveness of sin, the revelation of divine person, and the sanctification of both heaven and earth. A divine judgment is now in process that does not focus on human behavior and conduct, or how men entertain themselves in the earth through the flesh. The Gospel of Jesus Christ exhibits the standard for the searching of our lives; and the emphasis is upon the divine content of ones spirit, rather than diet and foods, sexual behavior, and verbal exchanges. The imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD is not a spirit of combativeness and competition. The church and kingdom of GOD are built up and edified only by a holy spirit of cooperation.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many say “luck” favors those who are well prepared. GOD favors those who are dutiful, faithful, holy, obedient, reverent, righteous, and wise. To the extent the games center in covetousness, ego, pride, and self-promotion, the games must be understood as idolatry, ungodliness and whoredom.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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