Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
July 2013 • Volume XI Number 11
“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. As we hear His divine call we will behold His glory. How can we not see His glory? His glory and call cannot be separated they are one in the same. In reality the clearer and more distinct we can hear God’s call in our thoughts and spirit the more of God’s glory we shall be able to behold. Rarely (even in the Scriptures) does God speak in an audible voice, but He speaks to our mind and heart in a small still voice. In the Book of 1 Kings God told Elijah, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:11-12) We look for God in the great wind, the earthquake, the fire, all of the flashy signs of God, but He is not found in them oh no God is found only in the small still voice that speaks to our thoughts and spirit. The more we can be quiet and still the more we will be able to hear His call and that small still voice. As we hear and go we will discover (we do not find things in God we discover them) two central truths; we are taught by Him and we have not been sent by men, but by God and by Him alone. In
John Jesus tells us, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” (John 6:44-45) No man can come to the Father (be saved of their sins) unless first the Holy Spirit draws or convicts them of their great need of a savior and their need to be saved from their sin. Now notice verse 45, “And they shall be all taught of God.” Does God have a school? Yes most assuredly. The school is our hearing, “Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” until then we have no ears for understanding. The Father Himself will teach us, through the Holy Spirit, what we need to know, but hearing is not enough there must be learning. Both hearing and learning is required to come to the Father. Sadly many people today hear the word of God every Sunday, but walk out the door rejecting what they have heard. Learning is achieved when we receive and understand what has been said. The other central truth in this section is we are sent by God and God alone. In Mark we read, “And he (Jesus) ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,” (Mark 3:14) Jesus today is still in the business of ordaining people to go out and preach. A degree from some Bible School or seminary is not required to go and preach the word of God. I am not sure why there is such a great push for everyone to go to Bible school. Paul shared this truth with us in the Book of Romans, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Roman 10:14) I do not see the mention of Bible School in this verse. I think it was Francis of Assisi who said, “preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” Our life and actions speak louder than any message we can preach. Yes preaching must happen, but our Christian witness carries much more weight in the eyes of the lost. Lastly never forget who has called you and who has sent you. Paul chides the Church at Galatia (and us) with this verse, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) If we try to please man we do not know who has called us. If we try to persuade men we have not heard the call of God for our lives and thus, “we shall not be a servant of Christ.”
Next month we begin to look at how the call of God can come under diverse circumstances. Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
What Spirit Are You Of
In the First Epistle of John he exhorted the Church at Ephesus (where the weight of early and strong Christian tradition puts John at this time in his life) to do something unheard of in the church today. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3) Most Believers do not have the ability in God to “try the spirits whether they are of God:” I think I am going to try real hard to replace the reference Christian in my vocabulary with Believer. Almost everyone we talk with today call themselves a Christian and we all know that is not true. But, a Believer is one that is presently and continually giving of himself to God in faith and living in a vital relationship with Him. Only those who do so can partake of the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God that are hidden in Christ Jesus. It is no wonder many Believers struggle with areas in their lives they do not possess the ability in God to “try” or judge the spirits. Without a trying or judging of the spirit there will never be a separation from ungodliness and unrighteousness. Why do we think we are not to judge things and people? Judgment is a big part of our everyday natural life. I will wear this shirt, no I will not wear that one. I like this food, no I do not like this food. I will buy this car, this house, the list goes on. Judgment is critical to who we are and to who we hang around. Why would we not use judgment in our spiritual life? How can we serve the Lord if we do not have the ability to know the difference between things that are Godly and things ungodly, between things righteous and things unrighteous, between the clean and the unclean things? There is a critical need within the Body of Christ to be able to judge righteous judgment and then separate ourselves from the things that are not of God. God commanded Moses, “Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD. 3Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 22:2-3) Now God here was speaking to Moses who was to speak to the Children of Israel through the high priest Aaron, but this truth is still in effect today for us. I would say even more so today. Remember the lessons learned recorded (1 Corinthians 10:1-10) in the Bible are examples (from the Children of Israel) for our benefit and learning so that we would not make the same mistakes. Paul writes, “Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-1) What will prevent us from falling? Heeding the “examples” (lessons), thus having the ability in God to be able to judge people, situations and circumstances in our lives so that we will be able to separate ourselves from ungodly things and walk with the Lord. One year Karen and I had to make a tough decision, either stay at the church we have been attending for over five years or separate ourselves from them because of grossly ungodly behavior from the leadership. To be able to walk with God we had to separate ourselves in spite of the love we had for many. How will we be able to judge big things in our lives if we fail to judge little things? We all know (I guess) what lying, cheating, stealing, murder, and adultery look like, but what about the areas that are not frank sin? How will we be able to put the mind of Christ on and know what God wants if we daily read the newspaper and watch TV, cannot keep our mouth shut, cannot keep our thought life pure from evil fantasies and lustful desires; instead we are taking on the mind of the world. Oh no my friend we must even judge these non sin areas in our lives and separate ourselves. God said, “Be ye holy for I am holy” and He meant it. We can see the reward (something we get from God out from our behavior) of not judging areas in our lives, “having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence:” a very strong price to pay for disobedience indeed. It is no wonder the church, especially in America, has entered into an unholy alliance with politicians for power, influence, favor, and money. I have seen this happen over the last ten years, the church has forsaken God as its source and turned to the arm of man to provide all it needs. Paul in Philippians writes, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Now it says “need” not needs. Prosperity driven emotional, self-seeking, selfish Christians (not Believers) read needs into this verse. Needs are things; buildings cars, clothing, ministry, but “need” is what God knows you are in need of and what only God can provide. Please know the “riches in glory by Christ Jesus” is much more than having our fleshly wants and desires satisfied. The “riches” of Christ Jesus have nothing to do with earthly things, they are things of the Spirit of God; wholeness, health, and completeness in God. Yet the church of today goes after these earthly beggarly things with a great fervor while dismissing the real spiritual things of God. And why? The church of today lacks the spiritual ability to judge things and then separate themselves. In God there is a process; judgment then separation. If you want to be able to operate and function with God you will need to be able to possess His Spirit and wisdom to be able to see what is moving in lives and situations so that you can quickly move away from them if not you will get sucked into them, stumble out of the way everlasting, and get off track. Some my friend never recover or get back on track, take heed, “take heed less he fall.”
But here in 1 John, John exhorts the Church to never put their personal commitment and their trust in everything, and yes that even means the church. I could tell you countless of stories where someone put their total commitment and trust in a so called man of God, well . . . I am sure you have your stories too. We must never commit ourselves to every person Jesus never did that. In this world and sad to say in the church there are many misleading elements not to mention the so called biblical teachings. Great deception is found in false prophets and those who appear to be of God. These prophets and men of God are to be tested to determine their source because many false prophets who have the spirit of anti-Christ (against or not of Christ) have gone out into the world. John says, ““Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Now John is not talking about demons as many teach, oh no John is taking about men. “Try (test or judge) the spirits” to see what is their source. How will they know a false prophet from a real prophet if they cannot judge their spirit? Signs and wonders, what most people in the church go after, will not be a measuring stick of their source. Did you know there is probably more false and even demonic spirits operating in most churches during Sunday services than a true spirit of God? One of the greatest I often see is a religious Jezebel spirit. Remember, the one that shouts the loudest, jumps, the highest, and rolls the longest is probably not in the Holy Spirit, but their spirit. When the Spirit of God comes to man it always brings man down into a place of inactivity. The Spirit of God shuts man’s feelings and emotions down. We will not feel like standing to our feet and shake our fist as our head bobbles to and fro, but just be thankful to be alive, quiet before Him. John to receive the Book of Revelation, fell at the feet of Jesus as a dead man, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:” (Revelation 1:17) What a godly place in God dead at the feet of Jesus. Most of Chapter three of 1 John deals with the manifestation of sources that is the manifestation in men so Chapter three serves as a background and guide for Chapter four to be able fulfill the exhortation to try or judge the spirits. Now it is not hard to be able to try or test the spirits. John is not telling the Church or us something spiritually hard to do. You know we make this wondrous walk with the Lord so difficult by making everything we do spiritual. Far too many Christians today (in the world corporately) are looking for a demon under every rock instead just walking with the Lord in a simplistic and holy way where we just get to know Him in a personal way (as we know other people), and just allow God to speak to our heart. But no everything is demonic, the devil is doing this or I am taking back what the devil stole. Mule muffins! Our focus is to be on the Lord he will take care of the devil if we take care of Him in our lives. My friend it is not hard to determine the source of people. All we have to do is keep our mouth shut and our eyes and ears open.
This ability to judge things became very critical to my ability to pastor our Church in Germany. Most if not all of our members were non-Americans. Now I know Americans quite well, but now Africans, Europeans, Asians, and the like not so much. When two ladies were brought before me to settle a dispute or circumstance I could not rely on my natural ability to determine who was right and who was wrong in this situation. I had to judge by their spirit, not by the Holy Spirit, but by the spirit they were of. And I always found the one who was of the spirit of Christ (not anti-Christ); humble and lowly of heart, not taking a threatening or accusing approach, but open to correction was innocent or blameless in the situation. What a wonderful guide to have to help people who could not control or help themselves. And let me tell you when you get people from all traditions and nationalities together problems will come. The key is to identify what is their source? Is their source God or the gods of this world? If you can identify someone’s source then you will be able to know who and what they are made of. This ability to judge or try their spirit also helped me to pass judgment. The one who is soft-hearted to the leading of the Holy Spirit will not defend themselves. A strong word of correction is not needed. But the one built on themselves, usually justifying themselves at the others expense, must be dealt with much more severe because of their hard heart and callous words and emotions.
This need to “try (judge or test) the spirits” also became critical for my success of knowing who to trust and who not to trust with the things of God and our Church. This also was a big sticking point with my associate pastor. Joseph was from Nigeria a great friend and a man who loved the word of God. At first in our relationship we walked together, agreeing on many things and God did many wonderful things for us, but as time went on and as the church grew there was a big push by Joseph to open the Church to Ministers (who said they were pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists) from Nigeria and west Africa. It became painfully obvious unless we could work this out separation was inevitable. I have seen too many of these so called ministers from Nigeria and Ghana in operation in other churches (both in Africa and Germany), I have seen their source and know their motives and could not allow them to minister in our Church unless we both (Joseph and I) talked with them and we talked together well in advance of the service. Well, this became one wedge that grew between Joseph and I that ultimately ended in us separating ourselves from each other and me and my family going back to the States early. Judgment then separation is the process God is looking for in mature Believers. How could I allow them to minister when their motive and intentions were to make money? And they were good, very good at manipulating people into giving them money. Most religious people are smooth and well spoken, gifted speakers, but they are not broken speakers, the ones God uses. But God does not operate this way, we must have the ability to “try,” to test, and even judge the spirits of men, by the Spirit of God, to know what spirit they are of. Paul commanded Timothy, “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Titus 5:21-22) Never allow someone to pray for you that you do not know. Wait, watch their character, get to know them first, judge what spirit they are of, find out what their source is. If you do not know what spirit they are of you could be opening yourself up to some really bad spiritual things. Remember, either we are filled with the Holy Spirit or we will be filled with some other spirit. What spirit are you of?
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Dealings and Judgments
Dave and I visited a local church recently and in their church flyer was a prayer list; wow I was shocked. That was the biggest prayer list I had ever seen. There were maybe 70+ people on their prayer list and maybe 25 in attendance counting us. I wondered if all the illnesses, cancer, and financial problems are God’s way of dealing in our lives? Those things Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17 calls “light afflictions, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” Those things we are appointed to by God, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3) What a wonderful appointment, but nothing will get our attention faster than our health and our wealth, two biggies. Now most of you know I wouldn’t EVEN suggest that all these people did anything to “deserve” these hardships, no sir. Our friend Job lost everything in ONE day. I think God was rather proud of Job and of his humble heart condition to let Satan tempt him so. Did God not love Job? We know He did and yet when we suffer that’s the first thing that goes through our minds. Either I sinned or God doesn’t love me. Look stuff happens to the best of us; have it be financial, mental, physical, family—whatever. What we call bad “stuff” is going to come our way. God wants to see how we deal with it or maybe He wants to knock off a few rough edges, remember He IS the potter and we are the clay. When I was in the Navy a lady came by that had MS. I’ll never forget her for two reasons: one she looked like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two although bed ridden she always had such an expression of peace on her face. You couldn’t mistake that for anything. God forbid I should ever be that ill, but I would like think I too would be able to have that peaceful countenance, calm composure, and keep a smile on my face.
Last week a friend of ours relayed how he and his wife (who had cancer and is in remission) now live by the moment. They now enjoy the little things a lot more. I think that’s how we’re supposed to live. We are to have an attitude of gratitude no matter the situation and take things one day at a time while we stop and look at the birds, trees, and flowers. We live in such a wonderful world that God made (too bad its run by idiots) and He so wants us to be conformed to the image of His Precious Son Jesus Christ. We’re not really given a lot of time to accomplish that (70+ years is but a snapshot when we look at eternity) and blessings although while nice—won’t do this for us. Oh sure we like when God blesses us here and there who doesn’t? But do blessings really make us grow up? When was the last time a good blessing moved you closer to the LORD? Now ask yourself what happened when God allowed a good trial into your life? That’s right you moved closer to the LORD. Spiritual growth (moving closer to the LORD) in the many churches Paul visited was his main desire for the people. In Ephesians Paul shares, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15) Blessings will do things for us, but not like suffering does. Suffering makes us grow up real quick. God is there with the humble and God is there with those that suffer. Suffering softens our heart towards people who are in greater lack than us. Suffering requires us to have a greater dependency on God. Suffering (by way of God’s chastening, dealings, and judgments in our lives) is God’s main tool in our lives to help make us look like His dear Son Jesus Christ. God help us to bear those burdens like Christ would. Let us never ever doubt His love for us no matter what the doctors say or what the bankers tell us. If He didn’t love us—quite frankly He wouldn’t even bother.
The writer to the church at Rome said, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:6-8) You know if we reject God’s dealings and judgments in our lives than we are not His children. He does love us so much we know that for sure. God bless you all let us look forward to that day when we resemble our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov, Emil Nedelchev, and Roger and Gale Dine missionaries from Australia. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
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. They are still standing by God’s grace.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our 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. Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
9. Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria
10. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
11. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be 23 July 13
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Home: (910) 741-0489
at 7:00 pm, please RSVP
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
July: Local ministry
August: Local ministry
September: Local ministry
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
The AuthorHouse link below will lead you to our latest book, “Thoughts for Consideration.” Just copy it into your web browser and return. Also you can purchase two of our other books “Adventures with God.” and “God Still Performs Miracles: A Book of Personal Encouragement.”
http://www.authorhouse.com/AuthorCenter/Protected/BookHome.aspx?bookID=61464
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.
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.
