(11/25/2015) Called To Be Servants?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the character and nature of servitude as disciples of Christ.  Balance, circumspection and modesty are to be shown by the “born again” believer.  Those having new life will resist pursuing worldly ambitions, covetousness, and self-promotion just as they will avoid boasting, showing off, and vainglory.  All Christian believers are to discipline themselves and maintain self-government while answering the sovereign reign of GOD over all.  As servants and stewards within the household of GOD, Christians are by no means to feel disgraced, or made a fool of when addressing the needs of others, for they truly are divine agents and representatives of Jesus Christ.  Even when employed in secular jobs and worldly occupations, believers are to excel at what they do as their acknowledgment and expression of gratitude for life from GOD as well as their own gift and offering in thanksgiving to the Lord.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the comments appearing below:  Psalms 100:  1-3, King James Version (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.  Also, Colossians 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  1st Corinthians 7:  21-23, KJV:  21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it:  but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.  22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman:  likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.  23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “nathan b” (Level 2 with 306 points, a member since February 26, 2009) posted the following:

 

Is it bad for me to be a servant?

Im just wondering I know I am not a leader and in fact i dont like being 1. I genuinely enjoy serving other people. Not in a religious sense no but in a practical sense. If someone ask me to do something i genuinely enjoy doing said thing for them

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the end of all things is at hand:  be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:  for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 4:  7-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015); It Comes With the Job? (01/11/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Religious Bosses? (07/08/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014)

 

“nathan b”, while Christian believers are called to receive place as joint-heirs, kings, and priests of a divine kingdom with the Lord, all are to continually display the dutifulness, humility, trustworthiness, and zeal that characterize loyal servants.  Just as expressed and preserved through the traditional marriage vow, to obey is one of the highest expressions of love, for in obedience one puts aside their own desires and will to perform the will of another, and to ensure their satisfaction and well-being.  Called and recruited to serve is to be understood as being granted intimate access to those who are anointed and sanctified (we say, holy).  The servant is acknowledged and elevated by the privilege to freely express allegiance and devotion as well as by multiple opportunities to gain merit and earn reward.  The principles believers and disciples are guided by include commitment, dependence, exclusive focus, honesty, perseverance, reliability, respect, self-esteem, and unselfishness.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 65:  13-16, King James Version (KJV):  13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry:  behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty:  behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:  14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.  15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen:  for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:  16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

(2.)  Matthew 20:  25-28, KJV:  25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.  26 But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;  27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3.)  Matthew 23:  8-12, KJV:  8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.  9 And call no man your father upon the earth:  for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  10 Neither be ye called masters:  for one is your Master, even Christ.  11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 56:  4-7, KJV:  4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;  5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters:  I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.  6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;  7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer:  their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/16/2015) Judgment Begins at Believers?

Accountability, judgment and sacred privilege are themes, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 12,037 points a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why does the bible say that judgment begins with the house of believers?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:  and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.  (Luke 12:  42-48, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); Holiness (07/01/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); A Pillar and Ground? (04/13/2014); Palm Sunday (04/14/214); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014)

 

“Breakthrough”, every Christian believer has been “recruited” to serve in covenant relationship with a Deity who practices judgment.  Some are spoken of as fishers of men and laborers, others as apostles, prophets and stewards.  Despite differences in their duties and preparation, all have been endowed with divine gifts that include atonement, sacred knowledge, law, prayer, promises, prophecy, eternal purpose, and revelation.  In the process from GOD mankind is to discover their own humanity as well as the divinity of GOD.  Many Christian believers have posed your question and similar ones on why bereavement, hardship, persecution, and suffering seem to characterize being part of the church.  Here are some points from the holy writings that you may find helpful:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 8:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.  2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.  3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.  4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.  5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  6-9, KJV:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

(3.)  Job  35:  8-14, KJV:  8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.  9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry:  they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.  10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;  11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?  12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.  13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.  14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

(4.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

(5.)  John 10:  9-16, KJV:  9 I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  11 I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:  and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.  13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

(6.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-12, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

There are many other Scriptures that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a permanent part of ones own sacred knowledge.  (For example, (7.)  Revelation 21:  5-8, KJV:  5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/18/2014) About the Second Coming?

Today, a few points are shared about the second coming along with more on the judges who condemned Jesus.  A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Royal Gabriel” (Level 1 with 51 points, a member since 12 July 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:

 

Question about the second coming of Jesus?

If Jesus returns, wouldn’t a lot of people deny him again like they did in Jerusalem? And if he does return how will he be able to adjust with our lifestyle with regards to technology? All of us use cars, cellphones, and computers, which for someone who lived over 2000 years ago, would be extremely difficult to comprehend, let alone make use of.

OR is he being taught all of this stuff in heaven by God?

The second coming just seems so hard to believe…

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014)—Caiaphas and Pilate, the entire line of kings who ruled in Israel, and all believers today may be understood as servants and stewards entrusted with GOD’s treasures in the earth.  Provisions to atone for violations of divine law (we say, sinful acts or simply sins) are recorded in the Bible that extend to offenses committed in ignorance by priests, rulers, and the people (see Leviticus 4:  1-35 and Luke 12:  42-48, KJV).  As a result, many mistakenly agree that Caiaphas and Pilate are “saved” by the law.  However, these statutes are conditional, and extend only to those who have already accepted a place in covenant with GOD, and who turn again to GOD in repentance.  Without repentance that appears by operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ, no person apprehends the atonement and forgiveness that, in fact, are available.  Those used by GOD in demonstrations of divine wrath against sin are not condemned out of hand for defiance, disobedience and rebellion.  It is their failure to return to GOD that is most damaging.  Like the earth that swallowed Dathan and Abiram, the great fish that swallowed Jonah, and the Angel David saw standing over Jerusalem with drawn sword, the instruments that perform divine will in judgment are in the position of agencies and tools of GOD, and are not regarded as the children of darkness and of disobedience.  See Ephesians 2:  1-9, Ephesians 5:  5-7 and Colossians 3:  4-13, King James Version.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:  and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  (Matthew 24:  27-31, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Like a Thief? (12/01/2013);  Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All? (12/03/2013); Is Science the Right Tool? (12/04/2013); The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)

 

“Royal Gabriel”, most Christian believers depend upon the Bible for their knowledge of the second coming.  A spirit from GOD is bestowed upon believers that makes it possible for them to receive and understand sacred knowledge.  Careful study of the many descriptions, proclamations, promises and prophecies then results in clear understanding, certain hope, and correction of errors.  Even so, here are a few points that can be shared with all:

(1)  The purpose of Christ returning from heaven is to harvest, and completely take away from the earth all who have ever been his believers and followers through the many divine ministries to mankind.  Those who have been long dead will be restored to life, and along with the living all will be permanently changed before they are carried into the celestial presence of GOD (we say, heaven).

(2)  Christ now is consecrated, sanctified, and serving as the High Priest of the Temple in heaven.  The Savior will not set foot upon the earth at his appearing, because the soil is defiled from innocent blood that has been shed because of sin.  Worldwide, all will be alerted to his coming by a trumpet blast, and the shout of an archangel.  Only those already certified through judgment, and who are already his will be lifted up to meet him in the air.

(3)  Once joined with Christ, those raised in what is called the “first resurrection” will begin their work as priests and kings completing final judgment with Jesus, assigning ownership to property in the earth made new, and preparing to reign and rule throughout eternity.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4) divine judgment is not based upon ones material belongings, their ownership of property, their wealth or social status.  There is no angel or devil that accuses us; all are judged from the books of life.  The sacred records of attitudes, behavior, conduct and events make visible the spirit content of created beings and living creatures.  Born again, believers in Jesus Christ receive a fresh endowment of divinity, such necessary spirit content as faith, gratitude, holiness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Therefore be ye also ready:  for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  (Matthew 24:  44, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/18/2013) Traditional Marriage?

Adam and Eve, arranged marriages, and the world system are topics, today.  Also, there is more on being good stewards.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Anon” (Level 5 with 6,115 points, a member since March 7, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why don’t Christians practice traditional marriage as God intended?

Traditional marriage = arranged marriage. Did God give Adam a choice between Eve and other women? No, he did not.

Additional Details

And he certainly did not require Adam to get down on one knee and ask for Eve’s permission.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  On Being Good Stewards (12/16/2013)—(6.)  Stewardship pertains to all the resources for life from GOD, and not merely to money and finances.  Our abilities, intellect, skills, and talents come to us as investments from GOD, and should provide a return to GOD in such aspects as honor, glory, obedience, reverence, thanksgiving, and worship.  Believers in Jesus are to provide leadership as stewards in the home, the community, and the workplace.  (7.)  The work of a sacred steward is the ministry of a prophet and spokesperson from GOD, for the steward is an agent and mediator specially appointed to regulate and distribute from the divine supply.  Because believers receive from godly abundance, and are commanded to serve all who are needy, we are often shocked and shaken (as were the apostles of Jesus) to find that we ourselves do not have enough for all.  On the one hand, we know whatever we give, or spend in our work as stewards, is to be understood as “on loan” to GOD, and the Almighty will repay.  On the other hand, renewing our supply may not be done immediately, and according to any human payment schedule.  Thus, in addition to giving over material goods and resources to the needy, the steward must continuously practice and provide to GOD acknowledgment, attention to detail, dutifulness, faithfulness, gratitude, humility, longsuffering, patience, praise, truthfulness, and worship.  Believers are correct to challenge themselves, push themselves, and so far as possible answer every request.  Yet, believers are to avoid “beating themselves up,” and “charging GOD foolishly.”  Where we find ourselves with only five loaves and two fishes, and are unable to multiply and share with a multitude of thousands, our readiness to serve and act with faith is not to be reduced or weakened.  The miracles of feeding five and then seven thousand began with an act of creation to establish divine order (seating everyone in groups of fifty).  Just as when we began, our focus is to continue uninterrupted upon the spiritual gifts, and upon the eternal and unseen things.  We must not forget that, in the process of GOD, by giving to just one, a blessing may come upon all (see 2nd Corinthians 5:  14-17 and Romans 5:  12-17, KJV).  Also, see Proverbs 19:  17, James 1:  27, James 2:  15-18, Matthew 16:  9-11, Luke 6:  1-15 and 25-41, 1st John 3:  16-18, 2nd Corinthians 4:  15-18, King James Version.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?  And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,  And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.  They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.  And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery:  and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.  His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.  But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.  (Matthew 19:  3-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists (06/14/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Why Courage? (10/14/2012)

 

“Anon”, here are a few points that have been useful for understanding of marriage among many Christian believers:

(1.)  Marriage as a social institution is defined and structured by the “world,” and is distinct from marriage and holy matrimony that conform to divine law, and sacred presence in relationship.  Mankind has created and developed the world as a system of interconnected beliefs and practices that make contact and exchange easier, permit communication, and promote survival.

(2.)  GOD, who is spirit, has created and put forth mankind as well as the material sphere for human existence (i.e., the earth), while mankind, not GOD, generates and puts forth the world.  Although many of the patterns, rules and standards that make up the world speak of GOD and spirit, they do so using the frameworks of time, space and finite awareness. 

(3.)  What the world calls the “marriage” of the male, Adam, to the female, Adam (as she was called by GOD), can not be properly understood using only the tools of the world—and the same may be said for family, incest, love, parenting and populating the earth.  Thinking after the world, many fail to realize that both marriage and divorce are emblems of divine authority (what GOD has joined together, etc.).  The world defines good/bad, real/unreal, right/wrong, true/false and many other aspects of its own existence centering only upon flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sense such as hearing, tasting, touching; and mental activity such as desire, imagination, reasoning, recall).

There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  ( For example, (4.)  Eve—the name given by the male to the female—means “mother of all living.”  While Eve gave birth to her own kind, and first accomplished human reproduction in the earth, Eve was to be a “caretaker” of all, not the one to give birth to every species and kind upon the earth.  In fulfillment of divine purpose, Eve was to be a “life companion” to Adam, that would not separate Adam from GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(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 😀

 

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

 

(09/12/2013) God Bless America?

     The accusation that GOD only blesses America is examined, today; and there is more on why GOD does not “tell all.”  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Johnny Three Tears” (Level 5 with 5,016 points, a member since March 27, 2012) posted the following:

Why does God only bless the United States?

If its the one true religion why is it that only the U.S. embraces it.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Why Does GOD Not Tell All (09/11/2013)—(5)  Dominated by sin and flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotions and mental phenomena), created beings and living creatures do not correctly process sacred knowledge.  As with small children, their cooperation is often best secured through demonstration, direct action, and silence.  Repeatedly, when given information from GOD, the living have become overwhelmed by anger, bitterness, doubt, fear, self-examination, and uncertainty.  Animal and human intelligence are organized to fix upon differences, traits, and similarities among objects of focus.  Secular knowledge therefore centers in applying standards, calculating measures, and imitating or reproducing things created by GOD.  Facts and items that excite attention and appeal are categorized, grouped and inter-mixed as recurring patterns.  However, divine truth is being imparted to mankind that requires spiritual discernment, the use of divine substance to recognize and operate using only other material that possesses divine content.  For this reason we say, a person “must be born again.”  There must be change and transformation at every level of a person’s life process.  Included are imagination, inquiry, handling newness, recall, and experiences of ongoing thought.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.  And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?  And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived:  for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near:  go ye not therefore after them.  But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified:  for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.  Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.  (Luke 21:  6-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Godly Take on Guns (01/18/2013); It Is Finished (01/19/2013); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong (09/28/2012)

     Johnny, here are a few points shared among Christian believers that help us to recognize the righteousness of GOD as he operates, and uses various nations:

(1.)  GOD is a spirit, and must maintain relationship with created beings and living creatures through the spirit substance that makes up and establishes divine person as well as by using tools that respond to the finite frameworks of flesh, such as time and space.  Included among the inseparable aspects of divinity are faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.

(2.)  The many people around the world voicing anger, bitterness, covetousness, envy, fear, and hatred of the United States are not operating under the influence of their own divine content that was bestowed upon them by GOD.  They are moved by sin.

(3.)  The divine law states that to whom much is given, from him much will be required.  Where GOD blesses a nation (or a single individual) they are anointed and endowed to serve, and share with others.  They are stewards in the divine household; and what they appear to have is temporarily under their hand as if loaned to them by GOD. 

(4.)  Among believers, it is not required that every member have the same gifts and talents.  That a blessing is present with one, makes the blessing available and present for all.  Also, the tide lifts all ships; both the great and the small benefit as GOD blesses any one ship upon the sea.  Infidels, outsiders and unbelievers attack the people of GOD at every opportunity displaying hate, resentment and unbelief because they cannot comprehend of themselves, as mortals who must die, mankind may possess nothing.  GOD is sovereign; the earth is the Lord’s (Psalms 24:  1, KJV).

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (5.)  Many Americans now reject the notion that the U. S. must serve as “leader of the Free World.”  America did not take up that mantle through a democratic election.  It was bestowed by grateful nations offering their encouragements and respect; and was won though the execution of difficult duties—things that absolutely had to be done (like it, don’t like it) despite the cost and losses encountered.  While America can name no successor among other nation states (Canada? China? Mexico? Russia? Syria? Venezuela?), presently, many Americans want to resign from the leadership role—or at least have a moratorium or sabbatical from the role of fifteen to twenty years.  Certainly, others would be placed under duress, yet present domestic needs of the American people appear to justify an isolationist attitude.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC