Today, a response is made to encourage accountability, healing, holy boldness, and new strength throughout our communities. In times of crisis, hardship and suffering, caretakers, parents, teachers and others who are close must not fail to share with our youth the very beliefs and understandings teens often find most difficult and strange. Christian believers rely upon the sacred things imparted to us from the makeup and substance of GOD for the comfort and reinforcement we need to carry on and to persevere. It is not always a matter of asking for, or expecting sudden changes and miracles (we say, sacred events) so much as it is one of ourselves realizing and helping others to recognize that GOD continues to be an active presence among us who becomes “visible” through his creation and those who are vessels of divine spirit. The living become the offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD, heirs with Jesus Christ, and saints within the divine kingdom through divine DNA, so to speak.
Those “born again” must “grow up again” by enduring “growing pains” and meeting the same life challenges as all others on the earth. There must be discovery, gradual growth, fellowship with other believers, unselfish service, and becoming mature. In addition to faith, developing believers receive inseparable spirit content from the makeup of divinity that includes balance, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that may already be familiar from the Bible and from four contemporary music ministries:
(1.) 1st Thessalonians 5: 11, King James Version (KJV): 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
“Be Grateful” (Original, 1978) Walter Hawkins, Lead by Lynette Hawkins Stephens, written by Walter Hawkins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-UdwIHSyqo
(2.) Psalms 23: 1-6, KJV: 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
“No Need To Fear” Wintley Phipps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=359&v=eV37H4sjbok
(3.) 2nd Timothy 1: 7, KJV: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
“Worth” (Official Music Video) Anthony Brown and grouptherAPy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX59fjowutw
(4.) Psalms 100: 1-5, KJV: 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
“Be Grateful”
Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Roots at the Terminal 5 in New York City, on 23 September 2010.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd8LsuqzHpY
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD 