Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
November 2010 • Volume IX Number 03
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Thoughts for Consideration
Greetings again my Brethren. Lately in the Thoughts for Consideration we have been using words not often used in our day-to-day language maybe that is the reason we fail to recognize these essential attributes of God. Man likes to know new things especially if it is going to tickle their ears who cares about things of the past tell me something new. Well the past is where the attributes of God are found and if we desire to be like His precious Son Jesus Christ and come to know God and Him personally we must embrace the past, but be looking forward to what God has for us to do. Not looking to the future, but looking to the future God has for us. Paul knew this when he said, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . . .” (Hebrews 12:2) Do you see the difference?
Let us this month look at the essential attribute of God of Him always being omniscient; which means to know all things. Now we say we believe God is omniscient, but we really do not believe that because if we did we would really take heed more to ourselves and be ever watchful to our mouth and heart condition. We would be concerned more about the things of God than the things of this world. I cannot believe the number of Christians I know that dig their heels and lives into the earth and the earthly things. More concerned about buying property, cars, clothing, planning for their earthly future, but the Bible I read says this earth is not our home, yet we make our living as comfortable (at the expensive of sharing the Gospel message) as possible taking advantage of every earthly ease. Jesus told the disciples (all 82) and us, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) What a promise “tribulation” from God, but it is just as much of a promise as He loves us or we all are going to heaven. They did not believe Jesus either, but they did later then they were tortured and put to death. If we really believed God knows all things we would not lie so much or try to take advantage of our brothers and sisters. How can we say we believe God is omniscient, yet we secretly steal and plot against our friends, secretly lust after others spouses and friends, and the list goes on and on to our shame. If we really believed God knew all things we would live our lives to such a degree we would have nothing to be ashamed of before God or man. When we are wrong and we know we are wrong, our heart condemns us why? Because God is greater than our heart and the wrong we did against Him and because He (God) knows all things. John shares the importance of this very thought, “And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (1 John 3:19-22) Well, I am not sure if some believe these verses either. But one thing for sure God is watching and there will be a change in the lives of those who really believe. Next month we will look at God’s essential attribute of Him being omnipotent.
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Contending for the Faith (Part II)
In the Book of Luke we find the powerful story (and a vivid reminder to what we are to be) of Jesus at age 12 in the temple teaching the teachers. By my count Joseph and Mary had missed Jesus for five days. A one day walk from Jerusalem and another day back to Jerusalem, then three days of looking for Him in Jerusalem. Then on the third day in Jerusalem they find Jesus calmly talking with the teachers, “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (Luke 2:47-48) While living in Stuttgart Karen purchased a wonderful very old huge painting we got from a Catholic Rectory in Wurzburg, Germany that captures this scene perfectly. The painting is so good you can imagine (from the faces and bodies on the painting) the teachers in great amazement, their eyes are widened, their hands are stroking their beards, and some have tilted their heads, but the greatest expression of amazement is the satisfied look on all of their faces. But not only were the teachers amazed, but the Bible says in verse 48, “when they (Joseph and Mary) saw him, they were amazed:” I do not know about you, but if I would have lost my child for five days I think I would have been more than amazed. It looks like Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father) and Mary were almost in tears and exhausted when they finally found Him. I am sure their emotions ran the complete gambit of fear, sadness, loss, and all the rest of emotions we feel at times like these. I remember one Wednesday night my parents forgot me at church and raced back to find me asleep on the pew where they left me. But instead of Jesus saying dad and mom I love and missed you all so much or thanks for loving me enough to come back for me Jesus says, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:49-50)
Not only did Joseph and Mary not understand what Jesus was saying, but the teachers, the transcriber of the KJV (from Greek to Latin), and most Christians in the church of today did not understand what Jesus at age 12 was saying. If you look at the Greek version of the Bible you will not find the word, “business” it does not appear in Luke 2:49, the verse ends with the word “Father.” The word “business” was added during translation to complete the thought and to make sense. If you look at any Bible program that uses Strong’s numbering system you will find the word “business” and “Father” is the same Strong’s word #3962. Unfortunately, it was added to finish a thought that Jesus was not making and has blurred our thinking from a very vital principle we must understand and adopt into our every day life. If Jesus was talking about His father’s business Jesus would have been talking with carpenters since Joseph was a carpenter. When we read the Scriptures we must pay very close attention to capital letters and pronouns. These little letters make a big difference between talking about THE God or a god. Also please know some Bible translations do not capitalize, please take heed my friend to what Bible you use. I have always found the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible to be the best for teaching and studying; Strong’s numbering system and other study tools is based on the KJV and the relationship between the Greek and KJV to me seem to be more compatible and complete. Today I carry the New King James Version, not because it is better, but because my Mother gave it to me in 1994. Now please notice the Holy Spirit used the word “Father” not “father,” big “F” which means the Bible is talking about Jesus’ Heavenly Father and not His earthly father. We Americans must learn again what most of the world already knows that words do matter and so do letters. We seem to say what we think and if wrong oh well no problem, well my friend the rest of the world does not see things the same way as we Americans. Over the years God has taught me to measure my words with regards to promising to do things for people. God has taught me to take heed when I speak with people in authority. Minding my words during a border crossing could be the difference between passing on in peace or spending some time in jail.
Now Jesus was not even talking about being about His “Father’s” business. Oh no, Jesus was talking about something more important and something more critical for us to understand and become. Remember, our wondrous walk with the Lord is not about working and doing, but is about becoming. In verse 49, Jesus said, “ . . . I must be about my Father.” (Luke 2:49 (Greek) or I must be about becoming something and not about doing or working. Jesus was not talking about working He was talking about becoming like something. So too in our lives we must be about becoming something in God. And what we must be about becoming is the same thing Jesus desired to be about becoming like His Father. Jesus was saying, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father? Jesus was saying He must be about becoming like His Father. In all of His earthly existence this was Jesus’ one and only desire; to look and act like His Father. Everything Jesus did was to look like His Father. Jesus only said and did the things His Father told Him to say and do. What a perfect expression of the Father (like Jesus) when we too say and do only the things the Father tells us to say and do. Jesus and the Father were so complete in this unity of purpose around 20 years later Jesus gladly proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:6-10) The disciples still did not understand what Jesus was saying just like His parents when Jesus was 12 years old, “And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:50)
Jesus, the Son of Man, did not come to start a business, He came to seek and save (Luke 19:10) that which is lost. Jesus came so that we could have the life of God (John 10:10) not so that we can open Christian Book Stores that sell everything from Bibles to furniture to stickers, costume jewelry, candy bars, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message? Why do Christian singers have their own awards program on TV? One is called the Dove Awards and the statue represents the precious Holy Spirit. How could we stoop so low as to insult and grieve the Holy Spirit so? Is this the best the church can do with the Holy Spirit? They act and look like the world and suffer from the same drug problems as worldly singers do, maybe they are still of the world? Like the world they have amassed millions of dollars living in big fancy houses just like the Christian TV celebrities. TV religion is a multi-billion dollar a year business. Just watch the TV celebrities on TBN and the rest of the Christian programming around the world selling their DVDs, CDs, Bibles with their names on it, latest self-help book, or their special offer of the month. And if you know the right spin doctor (who knows how to manipulate people) big and even local churches can get involved in a piece of the action. What have we done to the Gospel message? My friend the Gospel is not for sale. Jesus paid dearly for the Gospel message, He paid with His life. With each drop of His blood, His sweat, and His tears Jesus paid for our salvation. And now we are selling the Gospel message as fast as we can print Bibles and make DVDs, CDs, toys, robes, license plates, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message?
The Bibles warns us, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23) Now the word “Buy” in this verse has nothing to do with our concept of merchandizing for a profit, but is Strong’s #7069, to get, acquire, create, or possess. For example: of God originating, creating, redeeming His people or of acquiring knowledge, wisdom. And the word “sell” is Strong’s #4376, to sell for earthly profit or to sell for money. Here in this verse the Bible is telling us NOT to sell truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It is the same concept we see in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) Here “therefore get” is Strong’s #7069, the same word for “Buy” in Proverbs 23:23.
My friend Jesus did not come to feed people and make sure everybody has a full belly and something to drink. As much as we would like to think that is true (because that is all we hear from the pulpits today) that is simply not true. Nor did Jesus come to address the political and social issues of the day. Jesus never got involved with the hot button issues of the day like slavery, genocide, maltreatment of women, killing babies still in the womb, and the rule of the government over the people. I guess it is true “ . . . there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Jesus did not come to make us all happy, rich, or famous. For the truth to be known the Father is not really as concerned about our happiness as much as we think He is. God’s number one concern in our lives is for us to allow Him to conform us into the image (icon) of His precious and wonderful Son Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come to take us all to heaven some day. The Bible says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) I wonder what all of those Christians who are into heaven are going to do when heaven passes away? Now please do not worry I am planning on going to heaven and I hope I see you there, but I am not into heaven my friend I am into Him, Jesus the word (John 1:1) of life that “shall not pass away.”
My friend we must be (like Jesus even at age 12) about being like our Heavenly Father. We must (like Jesus) be able to become the express image of the Father by speaking only those things the Father tells us to say. By doing only the things the Father tells us to do. This is God’s intention and desire for our lives. This was Jesus’ prayer and hope for us, the church the Body of Christ, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” (John 17:21-22) We will never be able to be “one” (unity) with the Father as Jesus was. We will never be able to receive the glory the Father gave Jesus and now Jesus desires to give to us, if the “business” of the Gospel continues to take precedence in our heart and lives. “Buy the truth, and sell it not;” if you desire the life of God.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Your Confidence
Our confidence in God gains ground in our lives over a period of time as we walk correctly with Him and here is the key as we walk in His statutes and limitations in our lives. True confidence is born out from a relationship where we see just how faithful our God is. This revelation of God has to be worked into our lives and we must keep our thoughts from getting all worked up into a tizzy where they can run-a-muck. We can’t control all our thoughts and circumstances that come our way, but we certainly don’t have to dwell on them when they come.
Our confidence in God must be stronger than our fear, anger, sorrow, etc. From the Book of Proverbs, Solomon shares these words, “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:25-26) My friend our confidence in God is to be so rock-steady, no matter what comes our way, we will not be moved, we will be like a tree planted (Psalms 1:3) by the rivers of waters and not be shaken. Has Jesus not told us He will raise us up from the dead to be with Him? Can God not raise us up even though we may be a worm feast or ashes to be scattered to the four winds? Do we not believe God can do these things? Has God not demonstrated His love for us? Has God not said He will not give us more than what we can bear? Brethren let us move on in confidence in the Lord our God. There is no backing up in the Lord we must go forward never backwards.
A long time ago I met a woman who was ill and bed ridden with Multiple Sclerosis. She was a pretty lady and she reminded me of Jacqueline Kennedy. She had such a peaceful, serine expression in her eyes no doubt she’d been through the mill with doctors and hospitals. But like water she made no resistance to obstacles in her life, she just moved around them or though her heavy circumstances as best as she could without complaining or bellyaching. She had her confidence not in herself, but in God unto the end. Like Paul she was confident of this one thing, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6) Did you know God will throw all kinds of things our way to see how we handle them? Will we moan and groan, kick and scream like spoiled children, or take what comes our way with the grace we have allowed God to work in our lives. Will our confidence in God be such that no external or internal circumstance or situation will shake us? Many of us have faith in God, but what we lack is the confidence in God. Do we have enough confidence in God to walk into the fiery furnace, to suffer the loss of friends and family for the sake of Christ, and yes even our own lives. Paul encouraged the Church at Corinth, “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” (Hebrews 3:14) We will never be able to partake (2 Peter 1:4) of all of God’s precious promises, His divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust unless we first partake of God’s confidence.
Brethren God is watching, are we going to take whatever comes our way with grace and dignity as our precious Lord Jesus Christ did. Confident that God knows best or are we a bunch of spoiled brats demanding our own way. Where is your confidence?
By Karen Stahl
THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD
By Michael Olufemi
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5)
You can repent of not evangelizing; there are many sinners in and around you who need Jesus Christ, “I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repented; more that over ninety and nine persons which need no repentance.” (Luke 16:7) Jesus Christ is Our good Saviour. It is a fearful thing to be in darkness because of disobedience. Saul as King died with his children for disobeying God, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession.” (Hebrews 4:14)
Love is the First Spirit
“But this thou hast thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes which I also hate.” (Revelations 2:6)
The Nicolaitanes of old are now the Pentecostal prosperity pastors of today. “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) and “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophets.” (Revelation 16:13) The three spirits are lying spirit, spirit of deceit and spirit of greed, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23)
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)
The paradise of God is a place reserved for us to receive our daily manna from Our Lord Jesus Christ. “They are new every morning great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23)
WISDOM
And unto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna write: These things saith, the first and the last, which was dead and alive.” (Revelation 2:8)
Smyrna is the place of suffering afflictions and oppression. Love suffereth long and is poor. Jesus is the first to die for love for man and He is alive in the believer but dead to the world, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more, but ye see me, because I live ye shall live also.” (John 14:19)
I know thy works, and tribulations and poverty (but thou are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9)
Man is three entities: Body, Soul, and Spirit. The three are interrelated and detachable (present in body but absent in spirit.)We are to love God with all the three, “And thou shall love The Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Tribulation is self love. Poverty is love without the Spirit of wisdom. The Spirit of wisdom is different from the word of wisdom. The Spirit of Wisdom is for those whose love is of the Seven Spirits of God. Spirit of love without the Spirit of wisdom is poor, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3) The wisdom of God is from God in heaven, “Blessed be the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.” (Ephesians 1:3) When we are connected to God in relationship and communication, tribulation and spiritual poverty can never be our portion. Although in the world we are not part of the world. Inspiration from heaven is ours, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from The Father of lights with whom is no variance, nether shadow of turning.” (James 2:17) The way God works can only be understood by the Spirit of wisdom from God. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17) and “For the lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”(Proverbs 2:6) Wisdom and love are interrelated I love them that love me and those that seek me early shall find me. “For wisdom is better than rubies and all things that may be desired are not compared with it.” (Proverbs 8:11) Wisdom is substance and has qualities Proverbs 9:11 “Wisdom hath builds her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.” (Proverbs 9:11) The pillars are on the Love foundation laid by Our Lord Jesus Christ. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
THE SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM ARE:
Knowledge
Understanding
Justice
Equity
Discretion
Instruction
Interpretation
More next month on the Seven Spirits of God.
NEEDS NOT WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and Pastor Yanko. Times are troubled in Bulgaria and need much prayer.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor Marcel at St. Andrews Church. St. Andrews is still a key brick in the wall of God to the nations of Eastern Europe.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support. Kenya has seen much change and experienced much upheaval, they need your prayers for safety.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs your prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Financial support for the printing of “Wandering in the Wilderness: Call to Ministry.”
8. Pastor Metin Mintaz and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
9. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
10. Major Robin McIntosh, Chaplin, Gatwick Airport, Salvation Army, London, England.
11. Monthly financial support Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
12. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
13. Pastor Sharief Ramsis, Khartoum Evangelical Church, (his Church) and their feeding and lodging ministry of the 1000s of children from the famine and war regions.
14. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), Mashuli Etienne, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda, and the plans for a Bible School and K-12 school.
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
I am still available to share what God has given me at churches and/or home groups. If God moves on your heart to support BHG or other ministries we personally know we would be honored to serve as a go between. Remember, if we want a blessing from God the spiritual principle is we must bless others. Remember, God is to you what you are to God.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
David and Karen Stahl
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Phone:
Home: (910) 741-0489
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
Ministry E-mail: dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Personal E-mail: mtnebo@hotmail.com
Online:
Beholding His Glory Website
Beholding His Glory Blog
Our latest book, “Thoughts for Consideration” has been published by AuthorHouse, where you can also purchase it online. You can also purchase two of our other books “Adventures with God” and “God Still Performs Miracles: A Book of Personal Encouragement.”
Please take a minute and take a look, they all make for a great encouraging gift, giving hope and sharing God’s love through a deeper teaching that someone can enjoy again and again. All of our books can be purchased at all book stores like Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Book-A-Million, and etc., any Christian Book Store that orders, and all book ordering on-line companies like Amazon.com. Or if you are like me from the old school just contact us, we will let you know the price, and then we will mail it out to your home address. Postage and handling is on a case by case basis.
We are projecting to use the royalties for: our maternity clinic in Aveile, Nigeria, radio station in Katmandu, Nepal, TB clinics in Ethiopia, and Lord willing the Bible Schools in Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo, and to help publish more books. We have five more books at different stages of production. If you know someone you think would enjoy receiving this newsletter or if you receive this newsletter and do not wish to please let me know. Contributions to this ministry is always appreciated and needed the more time continues. Please feel free to contact us with the above information. The cost is great, but the cost for not supporting to others is even greater. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.
