Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
August 2015 • Volume XIII Number 12
“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. Next month BHG and all who have financially supported, physically gone in ministry, and those who have prayed (just as important) for BHG will celebrate our 14th year of ministry to the world for the glory of God. It is true time does fly and as I look back in the rear view mirror of our lives my heart’s desire is for the LORD to be pleased with what we have done with what He has given us. This month we will continue to look at Moses (look at the glory he beheld) when God first called him to deliver His people. You know it is the time between being called and us answering the call that will mean success or failure in our lives. When God speaks to us we think all that has happened in our lives has enabled us to be at the right place and the right time for God, well . . . maybe to a certain degree. I can see in my life how things happened or I should say how God arranged things. In my early years I should have been killed many times, but God had a plan and then when I joined the US Navy how God moved us around to meet specific Godly people to put spiritual things into us and the many churches we helped start, even my education was God’s purpose to land us in Germany. I marvel at the “way” God planned for our lives. Moses was no different. Did you know Moses’ life can be divided into three 40 year periods. The first 40 years Moses was raised and became a ruler in Egypt, the second 40 year period we find Moses on the backside of the desert (watching Jethro’s his father in law’s sheep) learning how to forget what he learned his first 40 years so God could use him. And the third 40 year period God using him to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage to the edge (Moses never made it because of disobedience) of the promsied land. Wow 80 years of training for 40 years of service. You know too much of the world’s knowledge will prevent you from hearing from God. Either we will listen to the world and allow the world’s thinking to sway our life or it will be God’s education and His knowledge that will guide our footsteps. In the end Moses choose right. In the Book of Acts we read, “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:” (Acts 7:22-24) Moses one day would have been the Pharaoh of Egypt (the world at that time), but he chose right he chose God’s plan instead of his plan. The plan of God was made known to him and now he had to act. Moses knew (not sure how God did not tell him until later) he was to deliver his people, but he chose to use his self strength and means instead of God’s, “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens a: and he spied n Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.” (Exodus 2:11-14) God has His ways of uncovering our failures. All of the wisdom of Egypt was not enough to equip Moses for the work of God. All of Moses’ self-sufficiency was not enough to be used of God. So too in our lives. If we desire to be used by God when He calls our self sufficiency must be stripped away by God. We cannot do it God must be the one that deals with our selfishness, our arrogance, our pride, our ambitions. When I worked in the operating room I remember how doctors talked about removing cancer, “always take more tissue than what you think is enough and never think about you having to close the wound, no sacrifice of tissue is too big.” There must come a time in our lives when God can take us to the desert (what I call the wilderness) to kill our self life. If not we will never be able to do that which God has called us to do. We will never be able to lead people out of darkness and into the glorious light of God. As we will see in Moses’ life it was very painful (and will be also in our lives) he went through many dealings and judgments about himself before God was able to use Him. We think our smarts and talents will make us the leader God wants, well my friend not so in God. God makes His leaders in the crucible of judgments, soul searching, His dealings about our character and honesty, and as we are dipped in the fire of God’s refinery the dross and impurities in our lives are burnt away and we are left with only God’s verdict about us ready for the Masters use. Moses’ first attempt to deliver God’s people was carried out in the impetuosity of the flesh and not in God. Funny how people are unaware of God’s purging process in our lives. I am afraid this part of Christianity is not discussed when people are encouraged to walk the aisle because if they knew they may think twice about accepting Jesus as their personal savior. But I think God would like for the people to be able to see the entire deck of cards before they play that way they will be able to make a real informed decision and know what they are getting themselves into.
Next month we will continue to look at Moses now in the desert (the wilderness) to be drained of all of his self sufficiency. Do you hear Him call now.
Written David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Waiting on You
A few years ago Karen and I traveled to Panama City, FL to keep Abigail and John (our grand kids) while Daniel our son had a hernia repair. This was our third trip to Dan and Sarah’s place so we knew of the pleasures awaiting us when we arrived; our grand kids, Sarah’s great cooking and hospitality, time spent with Dan is always a reward for us, and yes the short walk from their home to the Beacon Beach Marina and then the long walks along the white powdery sand beach. Every day, twice a day, we would take the kids and the dogs (they need their exercise too) and go for a walk. We really enjoyed our walks, the exercise the great weather, the sandy beaches, God really did a masterful job when He made the beaches and scenery around Tydnall Air Force Base housing. Well on this day we walked over to the pier that goes out in the water about 50 yards, just enough to be able to throw out a line and not be able to clearly see the bottom. The pier is about three quarters of a mile from Dan and Sarah’s and since the weather was nice we decided to walk down to the marina another mile and a half. At first I did not want to walk down to the marina, but suddenly there were swells (this is the only way to describe it) of desire to walk down to the marina, so off we went. This was a strange feeling indeed so I knew God had something great in mind for us that morning and I also knew I needed to just go along for the ride. We walked the distance with two kids and two dogs in tow without any difficulty yet I was puzzled, after all God has something great in store for us. As we rounded the beginning of the parking lot that leads to the marina club house and restaurant, the really nice sail boats moored along the floating docks, and the causeway where we often fish, the Lord directed my attention to an object laying in the middle of the parking lot. As we continued to walk it seemed as if the Lord was directing my path right for the object so I just went along with what the Lord was doing. As we got closer I could see it was some type of camera, well when I picked it up it was more than some type of camera it was a Sony 10 megapixel with all of the bells and whistles. I will be honest I first thought, wow God gave us a new camera (I even told this to Karen), but Karen’s good Catholic upbringing kicked in and she said Dave you cannot keep that camera it is not yours. And I said yeah you are right and just then the great thing God lined up for us that day was revealed when the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “I was waiting for you to come by and find it, I knew I could count on you to do the right thing.” Sheepishly I relied yes, Lord thank you and walked over to the marina club house and gave it to the lady who runs the place. I do not know what she did with it and it does not matter I did that which was right before God and man. She could have kept it for herself or she could have asked some of the people who live on the boats at the marina or she even could have asked some of the fishermen who come by to put their boats in the water, but again it does not matter I did that which was right and now finding the camera’s true owner was not my responsibility I did my part. I later mediated on this and thought what if I would have kept the camera? Why would God have me find something as small and insignificant as a camera? Never forget God will check us out to see how much of His character and integrity in us. God is more concerned about how much of his character and integrity that is in us than how long we can pray, prophesy, or praise Him. It has been my observance over the many years of being a Christian those that are more concerned about praying, prophesying, or praising God have developed only a little bit of His character and integrity.
Now the answer to both of these questions can be found in a wonderful parable Jesus shared with the disciples recorded in Luke. I like to include verses eight and nine, the words are so telling to the deception and worldliness of the unjust steward. Here in Luke we read, “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. 9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” (Luke 16:8-9) Here the Lord commends the unjust steward because he had done wisely far greater than the children of light. And did you get that, not everlasting life, but “when ye fail (what a promise from God), they (the children of this world) may receive you into everlasting habitations.” (Strong’s #4639, shade caused by the interception of light, an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object, a sketch, outline, adumbration) If we willfully enter into such a relationship (our choice) then we will be brought into an everlasting shadow of the true substance for the things of God. Here Jesus is giving them a choice; they can make friends with the children of the world because they are better at handing money and earthly things or (now this really sets up the next three verses) “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10) Faithfulness in the least is one of the greatest qualities God is looking for us to develop. God is looking for us to be faithful in little things, not big things, but little things. Things we think have no bearing on our spiritual growth and development. We may think something is insignificant, but my friend God sees it as important. God will look into the least of things He finds us moving and operating in. He will scrutinize (closely examine) us in these things to see how we behave in the least, not in the greatest. Just like with the Sony camera I found (I could have kept it and no one except God and Karen would have known), but God wants to know how faithful or unfaithful are we in those little things. God gives us things, He brings us into little difficult situations so He can see us operate in the insignificant things.
Did you know God is also looking for faithfulness in unrighteous mammon? “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (money, treasures, and riches), who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11) If we are not faithful in that which does not apply directly to God’s righteousness then God cannot and will not commit righteous things into our hands. For example, we can not say a car or money is righteous. These things are not classified in the righteous category. In fact often we use these things for unrighteousness. Here Jesus is saying draw the contrast of the spiritual and material realm. If we have not been faithful over these unspiritual things that we have been given; who is going to commit to our trust that which is spiritual and righteous? Is God going to commit to us that which is spiritual if we cannot be faithful, to use unrighteous or unspiritual things for God’s glory, in the least and that which is unspiritual. If we handle correctly the unrighteous things we then can be trusted by God to handle the righteous and spiritual things. I truly believe God is more concerned about the unspiritual and unrighteous things we do than the righteous and spiritual things.
Never forget God’s goal in our faithfulness is for us to be able to receive from God. “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12) If we become faithful in the least then God can commit righteous and spiritual riches, even our own things. He commits His things to our keeping, to our trust, to our investment. He pours into our lives, because He has found us to be faithful. The condition to be able to receive your own things is to be “faithful in that which is another man’s.” Do we take care of “another man’s” things when we borrow them? Do we return something back in better condition than what we received it? And to think God wants to give us His things. Here Jesus tell the disciples, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” (Matthew 25:14) The servant (us) did not get their own things (goods), it was the goods of their master. The Master is the Lord, he comes and He calls the servant and says here are My goods, I entrust them to you, to your keeping, to your working. You take and carry them. These goods will now be your responsibility. Remember how we respond to the testing of the Lord will be the difference between God not trusting us or God being able to give us something greater in our lives. God will not trust to our keeping anything of spiritual value unless we can prove ourselves and qualify for the next thing God has for us. I hear many Christians pray, “come and bless me, God give me your best.” (they do not even say please) And they will really try to twist God’s arm praying in the name of Jesus. Well, God does not operate that way. Anything we get from God is out from our obedience and faithfulness to Him and those He calls friends. Nothing is free in God, our salvation was not free it cost Jesus His physical life, but more costly His heavenly life. This thought always amazes me, how could Jesus who was before time eternal, who laid the foundation of the universe could empty Himself of all of His heavenly divinity and put on earthly humanity. This to me seems more amazing than dying on a cross for our sins which He did thank God. After all, many people have been crucified and died, but only one man, “the man Christ Jesus” became God in the flesh, lived a sinless life, was crucified for our sins, was buried, and arose from the dead (according to the Scriptures) in great power and authority giving us a hope and purposed end for our lives.
When I found the Sony camera God was counting on us to do the right thing. He knew who He sent by and He knew He could count on us. I often teach on a spiritual principle that God desires to bring into our lives, righteous living. What a wonderful thought a life of living in which everything we do is righteous. Well this is God’s intention for our lives, living where everything we do and say is righteous, it becomes automatic like breathing. We do not have to think to breathe it is an automatic process in our lives. Well this is what God wants for our lives, us so plugged into Him so that His love can grip our heart to such a degree all we do and say becomes righteous. All of our relationships are righteous, we have no desire to take advantage of someone, but desire to see them push forward in the God, true biblical prosperity. It is hard to believe this is what God wants for our lives, but it is true. Are we not sons and daughters of God? Was Jesus not this expression of the Father? Yes and yes, this is God’s intention for us to be able to work in our lives to such a degree where we come into a righteous relationship with Him and others. Until then I guess God is waiting on us.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Trust God
Our faith and trust in GOD has to go way beyond our circumstances, what we see, what we feel, and our past experiences. Now that is a very bold statement we all need to hear. When Sarah over heard an Angel telling Abraham she was going to have a child Sarah had more than a tad of doubt in her mind. After all she was well past child bearing age. She most likely didn’t know of anyone else who was pregnant late in life. Yet GOD gave them a miracle baby in Isaac . (see Genesis 18:9-14 and Genesis 21:1-8) Along their travels we see the trust Sarah had in Abraham. Not once, but twice Abraham told Sarah to say she was his sister as he feared for his life thinking he would be killed for the sake of his wife as she was a very beautiful lady. Sarah went along with what her husband said and GOD protected her for both their sakes and let no hanky panky come to Sarah (see Genesis 12 and 20 ). The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Just like Sarah we need to have faith and trust in GOD to guide our husband’s decisions. Our faith in GOD must be greater than our distrust in our husbands decision making abilities. To undermine our husband’s GOD given authority in the home teeters on the edge of open rebellion to GOD Himself and shows a lack of knowledge of spiritual authority. Can GOD not give our men the wisdom needed for a particular situation? The Bible states, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:13-14) Ladies sometimes the things we think are right, really are wrong! And the things that seem harsh and unfair in GOD are not. In the Book of Proverbs Solomon shares, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Ladies we have to back off and let the men lead. They have the GOD-given authority and responsibility for their families and GOD does not want to see them fail! He will guide them and us if we take our hands off the situation and totally trust HIM no matter what. GOD is NEVER wrong, let us endeavor to keep our eyes on GOD and NOT on the situation. Let GOD be GOD to lead, it will all work out in HIS time. GOD Bless.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov and Emil Nedelchev. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and George Ritisan at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School and the Faru (Lighthouse) Church.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and 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, Cathy, and 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.
12. Money for an industrial strength potato peeler at the Mission School in Romania.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be TUESDAY 25 August 2015
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
August: Local Ministry
September: Local Ministry
October: 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.
