Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
December 2015 • Volume XIV Number 04
“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. Let us continue to look at God’s character so we can align ourselves to what He looks like, How He moves, how He operates and yes even how He loves. Unless we can become like Him (as seen in the person of Jesus Christ) we will never be able to do the things He does. So many Christians today want God’s power, but do not want to align with His nature and character. Will a father give his disobedient children his goods? I think not. Well God is no different. did you know that God’s number one focus in our lives is not how long we can speak in tongues, how much money we give to the church, the hours of long hard work given to the church, or even how much we sacrifice, oh no God’s number one focus (also is God objective) in our lives is how much we look like His dear precious Son Jesus Christ. To be able to represent the King we must act like the King and for us to act like the King we must allow the King to reveal Himself to us. This month we will look at two more areas, His identity and His compassion. Nowhere in the Bible do I believe God’s identity is defined more than in Moses first meeting with God on Mount Sinai. In Exodus we read, “And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” (Exodus 3:3-6) Right from the start we see the nature and character of God in action. When Moses turned “aside” God called Him. Whenever we make time for God He will make time for us. God was watching and waiting for Moses to spend some time with Him. One of God’s identity is of a loving Father who wants to spend time with His children, if only they would stop and find time for Him. Our four kids are married and off to their lives with their spouses and family, but that does not blunt the hole in our heart that is filled when they come for a visit. Our heavenly Father is the same and when we come He lavishes us with His gifts. I find it interesting that Moses knew who he was talking with from the start because his response was, “Here am I.” As a “father” would do God gave Moses a test to see if he could be obedient and receive what the Father had for him. His test was to take off his shoes making him a slave, only non slaves wore shoes. What a picture of God’s love and His identity. God gives Moses his reward, “I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Knowing these names told Moses all he needed to know of God. He knew of the greatest of these men and how God provided for them and if He did it for them then He would do it for him. That was all he needed to know of God and who He took care of. I really like Moses’ response, “And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” Moses knew who he was talking to and his sin of killing the Egyptian and others was before him and he could not stand. What a wonderful position to be in when God speaks to us. This is what God said of Moses, “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) (Numbers 12:3) Here God is thinking (what the parenthesis mean) to Himself about Moses. Oh that God would have such thoughts for us, well for this to happen we will have to have a heart dealt with by God like Moses’ was. And second we see God’s compassion moving here. In verse seven of Exodus 3 we read, “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; ” (Exodus 3:7) God told Moses He has seen the affliction, heard their cry, and knows their sorrows for the last 430 years, a lot to be said about the longsuffering of God here, but now God has decided to intervene in the situation. Compassion is a quality that comes out of strength. It take great strength to give compassion where lives are affected for the better and real change can happen. Most people want a quick fix (me included at times) to problems that only lead to other and bigger problems like throwing money at problems that build a dependence (like welfare) on the system to take care of them instead of allowing God to lift them up by their boot straps and make a real change in their lives. Here God moves on the behalf of Moses and the people he will lead out of bondage, but as we see as Exodus unfolds their belief and thinking was still in Egypt to provide life for them. Surely 430 years was a long time. God’s type of compassion always makes a difference in the situation if we can apply our faith and belief toward God. Yet God is still there for us as He was for Moses, this my friend is nice to know.
Next month we will continue to look at more areas Moses had to allow God to reveal to Him (of His character) by way of preparation for ministry. Think not these areas are just for Moses, oh no. All who would be called into ministry MUST allow God to reveal them for the work of God to come. Do you hear Him call now?
Written David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
By The Sting of Death
I dedicate this article to the loving memory of my father John E. Stahl Sr. who died 3 Jan 2010. Dad I love and miss you so very much and know I will see you again. You have impacted my life is so many ways. In ways as a guide-on to model my life after; in being a Godly man, husband, father, grandfather, and even a great grandfather. In ways I am sure I will only learn about in time, as life takes its heavy toll on me as it did on you, oh may I be found to be brave and faithful in God to endure to the very end without complaining or asking for pity like you did. Dad I am so proud of you and so proud to be called your son. While I was at the viewing and sitting during the funeral I thought, all of these many people came today to see my father because he has died. Today in our society we use terms like passing, crossing over, set free, etc. to express what the Bible calls death. We do not like the term death, but did you know the word “death” appears 342 in the KJV of the Bible? Now do not feel bad if you use these terms even Jesus tried sugar coating death with the disciples. In the powerful story of Lazarus in the Book of John we read, “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:11-14) Jesus had much to say about death in the Gospels. As a matter of fact the number one topic Jesus spoke about was sin and the second most discussed topic by Jesus was life and death. When you really think about it life is all summed up into these three topics. Paul too often spoke of death. In 1 Corinthians Paul asked the questions, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56) Death is our last fear to conquer and this is why we all must allow God to change us, to change our character, our thoughts, and heart condition so that we will have the inward strength to endure the conflicts and battles that war within our spirit, heart and mind. I also believe God wants us to feel the sting of death in our lives. A funeral is one time appointed by God for us to feel the sting of sin (death) in our lives and reflect on it. Today we make funerals a happy and joyous time, let us celebrate the crossing over of our dear departed, well in doing so we turn away from the prick of the Holy Spirit gouging into our spirit and soul. We (mankind) do not like to be unhappy or know grief we even make up songs instructing ourselves we are to live our entire life in total happiness, but Jesus was called a man of sorrows. Speaking of Jesus Isaiah said, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.’ (Isaiah 53:3) Well who wants to be acquainted with “a man of sorrow” when they can be happy? And something as noble yet mysterious as death, it is easy to turn our heart and spirit away from the sting, the pain and overwhelming ache in our heart that comes with the loss of losing our father, mother, brother or sister. In doing so we are rejecting God and His plan to draw us unto Himself. You see when we embrace the sting of death (our sin that could separate us eternally from God) we expose our weaknesses, our need, and our infirmities, all of those things within us that can only be satisfied by God whereby allowing God (and God alone) to minister to us and bring us into the truth and the life of God in the next verse, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) It is only as we allow God to work in our lives can we ever hope to come into “the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” At the same measure we can embrace the sting of death, at that same measure we will be able to walk in the ultimate victory God has purposed and planned for our lives. I often wonder why some people start walking with the Lord then turn away? Well I am coming to the conclusion they (those who walk away from God) have never really understood the depth of what sin has wrought in their lives. I am convinced the more we understand the damage and destruction sin does in our lives the more we will be able to correctly understand the message of grace. My friend we are to be devastated (oh blessed devastation) when we come to the realization of who we are and how much we need Jesus to save us from our sin. I am afraid the sinner’s prayer (which is found no where in the Bible) lightens the sting of death and has watered down the true conversion process. Oh Lord have mercy on us for our waywardness here. I would like share some outstanding words Cathy McHenry, (a wonderful lady friend of our family) penned to Karen and I and then passed them along at the funeral, now she knows what she is talking about because she lost her son only two years and still to this day knows the sting of death all too well. “God’s peace is not escape from reality. We are not mentally removed from feeling pain or struggling. Peace is not a stupor that that dulls our senses. It is not an elimination of responsibility for addressing hard issues and difficult circumstances. Rather, peace is an undergirding rock-solid foundation so that no matter the tears we cry or the sorrow we feel, deep down inside we know with an abiding assurance that God is with us. God is in control and joy of the Lord is going to emerge far greater than any depth of agony we may be experiencing.” Now my father has the victory Paul was talking about in verse 57. I feel my father was ready to meet the Lord. When Mrs. Gertrude Ellis (and her daughter Jenny) would bring her white guitar by his home and sing the old hymns of the church he would sit there and big crocodile tears would come streaming down his face as my Mom’s (who at eh time had Alzheimer’s) feet would bounce in-time, in the Spirit, with the music. Thank you very much Mrs. Ellis for loving them enough to ease their pain and bring to them once again the joy of timeless truths. But before my father’s eyes closed in death the Lord prepared me months before hand so I would know I was to go to the ICU and make sure it was well with his soul. What a joy it was as big crocodile tears now streamed down my face as I prayed with my father as the ventilator pushed life into his body. Now for sure my father had the victory over sin, hell, death, and the grave.
Most of you all did not know my father was retired, after over 30 years of service to God and Country, from the United States Marine Corps serving in World War II, Korea, and Viet-Nam with great distinction and valor in all three wars. And in 2008 the United States Marine Corps honored him as the 64th recipient of the Hard Core Warrior Award. In the Marine Hymn the last verse goes like this, “Here’s health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve; in many a strife we’ve fought for life and never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven’s scenes, they will find the street are guarded by United States Marines.” I am sure when my father stood before God (as we all shall do some day) God said, “well done Gunny thou good and faithful servant” and my father standing at attention with a hand salute said, “thank you sir, reporting for duty.” I love you Dad! Karen says, she will see you later you ole fox and from me, Semper Fi.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
If it be Thou
I read something interesting in the Bible and wanted to share what the Lord showed me. In Matthew 14:26-29, we read the account of Jesus walking on the water to the boat where the disciples were and Peter walking on the water to go to Jesus. Now I’ve heard all kinds of sermons on Peter walking on the water, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard one talk of his (Peter’s) lack of faith. Yes that’s right Peter’s lack of faith. You see Jesus had just said, “be of good cheer: it is I be not afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). Apparently that wasn’t good enough for Peter, he still doubted it was Jesus, because he said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (Matthew 14:28). So Jesus pretty much had to bid Peter to come out onto the water (because Peter said “IF” it be thou) to prove that He was who He said He was. If Peter had faith that it was indeed Jesus as the other disciples believed he wouldn’t have asked for a sign. Perhaps if the others doubted they would’ve said us too Lord, bid us to come onto the water also. What is interesting to me is that all this happened after Jesus fed the 5,000 with the loaves and fishes (see Matthew 14:19-21). Prior to that Jesus had cast out a devil (see Matthew 12:22). And prior to that Jesus healed the man with the withered hand in the synagogue (see Matthew 12:10-13). After He left the synagogue He healed a great multitude of people who followed him (see Matthew 12:15). Before those He cast out more devils and healed more people with sicknesses and diseases. In Matthew 9, Jesus healed two blind men, the woman with the issue of blood, and raised the dead girl—daughter of a certain ruler. Previous to that while in a boat sleeping the disciples woke him up because of rough seas saying, “Lord save us we perish.” (Matthew 8:25). So as we can see working backward in Matthew besides the miracles and the many teachings in between one has to wonder was Peter even there? If he was then what on earth was he thinking? But in all fairness to our Brother Peter I doubt if any of us today would’ve fared much better. We have the Bible now and can read these accounts from the many people who wrote and translated early writings. Most if not all accounts were written years later through the impartation of the Holy Ghost reminding the disciples what to write. This is a good example to us; can we not take GOD at his word? Can we not trust Jesus for our salvation? Can we not read all these miracles in the Bible and not have faith to believe? Brethren the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). We must believe that GOD is GOD and we are not. We must believe—no matter what that GOD has the best intentions in His mind for us. Unfortunately we won’t always get our way. It’s important for us to go GOD’s way. It’s important for us to align our thinking with GOD’s thinking. And if GOD says something to us —well brother you can take that to the bank! Because GOD is faithful, GOD doesn’t lie, or play jokes on us. So back to our story. Peter is walking on the water and what happens? Everything is good until he notices the waves and he panics and starts to sink! What does Jesus say to him? ” O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.” Matthew 14:31. Folks this is why we keep our eyes on Jesus and faith in Jesus, Don’t worry about the waves! Let us hold fast to GOD’s report. He has the last word anyway. In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews we read, “Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the Living GOD. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today: lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3: 12-14)
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 22 December 2015
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
December: Local Ministry
January: Local Ministry
February: 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.
