Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
January 2016 • Volume XIV Number 05
“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. Well another year is at hand and life continues. I am amazed at how time passes. When growing up the lazy days of my youth would seem to take years to pass, but now years seem to pass in days. And the promise of the return of Christ is yet unfulfilled. It has been only in the last few year I have changed my mind to where now I believe I will live long enough to see the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. In the past I felt sure that I would never have seen the return of Christ, but now I am not convinced of this. Man continues (me too at times) to fall away from the truth at an alarming rate, daughters and sons rail against parents, nation rises against nation, events in the world are shaping up for a herculean battle of good against evil in which good wins the field for ever. Now please do not write me or call and ask when I do not know, but this I do know Jesus Christ is coming back as He said and I believe it will be much sooner than we expect maybe in the next few years, but I do not know for sure.
Okay back to our series. Let us continue to look at Moses as he became a “nobody” to become a “somebody” in the Bible and in the heart of the Israeli people. Even still today nobody is loved anymore than Moses. This thought is so true in our lives if we desire to be a “somebody” (especially in God) we must become a “nobody.” As a matter of fact the better of a “nobody” we can become (it is a process of learning to humble ourselves and learn of Christ) at the same level we will become a “somebody” no more no less. So this month we conclude looking at a part of Moses preparation for the call of God in Moses life, God had to reveal Himself to Moses. This month we will look at His purpose or what God does. In Exodus 3 verses 8 and 9 we see God showing Moses his (that is Moses’) purpose in why God has called him into service. “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; 8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. (Exodus3:8-9) Unless God can show us our purpose in this wondrous Christian walk and in the things He has called us to we will never put our whole heart into the service. God shows Moses His (that is God’s) heart and concern for the people to get buy in from Moses in verse seven then goes right into Moses’ purpose in all of God’s master plan in verse eight. Now Moses knew where he stood in all of this and what role he would play in helping God fulfill His word. So to in our lives. Please do not read this story and think God is talking to Moses alone oh no. Yes here the conversation between Moses and God is happening, but at the same time God is speaking to us in areas. We may not be called to deliver people the Israeli people out of bondage, but we have been called to deliver our self and others out of darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus Christ. We must read stories and parables in the Bible and then ask what is God speaking to me in this story. God never does anything singularly in all applications He is doing many things at the same time and in His word a thought blossoms and a green shoot of truth comes forth to grow into a mighty oak tree. The last and probably the most mysterious part of God’s nature He must reveal to us is His sovereignty or what He can do. Now I do not know about you, but this my friend is far beyond my ability to understand God, but God must be able to get through to us what He can do especially if it is beyond our ability to comprehend how He is going to do something. In Verse 9 and 10 in Exodus 3 we read, “Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:9-10)
Again God shows Moses his compassion for the people to get his buy in and then show him His sovereignty and here it is, God is God and we are not. Notice in verse eight God says, “I am come down to deliver them out” and then in verse 10 God says, “I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” Well, which one is it, God will deliver them or God will send Moses? Can you believe both at the same time. God will do the delivering as Moses goes (a choice Moses made) to Pharaoh. Funny how God’s sovereignty is always tied to man’s choices. Maybe God could have found somebody else if Moses would have said no, but Moses did not. God revealed His sovereignty and purpose, but first God revealed His compassion and concern to get his (Moses’) buy in as God revealed His purpose so He could reveal His sovereignty. At the end of the day God’s sovereignty (as all of His parts of His character and nature) belongs to God we only get to reflect them as we peer into the wonderful glory of who He is as we gaze into the glass (a mirror) of His character and nature of the glory we can behold.
Next month we will begin looking at how Moses a “nobody” raises four objections to his call each of which God has a reply. When God calls we can either say, “yes LORD” (what God is listening for) or come up with an excuse to which God wants no part of. Listen closely my friend do you hear Him call now?
Written David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
What We Leave Behind
After my father’s funeral Karen and I had to travel back to Fayetteville (about two hours by car) to get some important papers so I could start my father’s Veteran Administration benefit (a widow’s pension) for my mother. But now that I think about it even when my father was still in the hospital (the last two or three days near his earthly end) I started thinking about all of the things we hold near and dear in our lives, while we are alive and well, that have little use to us when on our death bed. All of the things we prize as our own, all of the things we work so hard for all of our life have no value to us when it is time to stand before God. And make no mistake my friend we all have a rendezvous with God some day to give account of our deeds on earth. After his death as I looked around my father’s office (he had a bed in his office and Karen and I would often sleep there) and around the big house he built all I could think of was how my father’s things have out lived him. When my teacher Charles Haun died in July 1996, he gave Jake Luffy some luggage and I thought I wonder who has Charles’ Bible? Even something as important as our Bible probably will outlive us. How strange and surreal it was to see his lift-chair in the living room, all of his U.S. Marine Corps mementos, and all of his John Wayne things yet he is no more. Now memories of him and these things will keep him alive in our heart as long as we are alive, but for him all of these things are behind him and I thought only the things he did for the Lord are his today everything else was lost the day he departed the earth. So too shall it be with us. Please understand me well here, I am not saying we are not to collect things, even nice things, but what I am saying is what we collect will be left behind when we leave this world and only the things we do for God will have any eternal impact in our lives. Then the words of Jesus came sharply to me, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) From these verses the Lord drew my attention to the word “treasures.” We all know what treasures are right: gold, money, land, jewels, well that is not what Jesus was talking about. How vain and pompous we can be at times to presume to know what the Scriptures are really saying without taking time to study them, not to mention our selfishness and greed to go after the lucre of this world. Oh Lord forgive us here. But, if you look at the word “treasures” (Strong’s #2344) in both verses 19 and 20, it means “the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up.” The third meaning of the word I believe is more what Jesus was saying “storehouse, repository, or magazine (for ammunition)” suddenly all of this began to make sense to me. “Treasures” are not things of wealth they are the place to put things of wealth in. Now in verse 21 we find out what the place in which our precious and costly things are to be laid up or stored, our heart. Jesus twice referred to “yourself.” We are not to lay up our gold, land, jewels, etc., and all of the things we accumulate over our many years, but we are to lay up the true riches the true treasures of God: His joy (not happiness which is situational dependent), peace (that passes all understanding), mercy (where we really forgive our enemies), longsuffering (enduring even the unlovely of God’s children) , wisdom (knowing when not to speak), meekness (gentle and lowly like Jesus), forgiveness (extending mercy when grace will do), and so much more in our heart. Solomon said it this way, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:20-27) We are to lay up those things that are of eternal value. It is only the things we do for God while on earth that are of any real value. What are the things we are putting into our heart? Are we after things of this world or after things of God? Believe it or not the answer is easy to see. All we have to do is take a good look at what we say, who we hang around, what we go after in life, and how we spend our money? Our check book can be a real revelation of our faithfulness and dedication to God. Out of our mouth speaks our heart. If I want to know you all I have to do is just let you run off at the mouth and you will tell me what is in your heart and the reverse cutting edge of this truth what is not in your heart. What we allow in our heart will be what we shall be. What shall we leave behind when we are gone? What will our legacy be? Our legacy and what we leave behind will be what we have put into our heart. Also in Proverbs we read, “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Proverbs 23:6) In the Greek the beginning of verse seven is translated, “as a gate swings wide open to, so is he.” The “gate” here is our heart and all throughout the Bible our “gate” (our heart) is always a place of decision. And whatever we allow behind our heart (our gate) we shall be that. Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate” and is not Jesus standing at the door (our gate) of our heart knocking to enter in? Make no mistake my friend whatever we allow behind our heart, whatever we fill our heart up with we shall be that (and only that) and that is what we will leave behind when we depart this world. Another area we can gage our self is our testimony. Now do not ever think our testimony is what we say about our self or even about our relationship with the Lord, oh no my friend. Our testimony, our real testimony is what other’s see and hear (and say to a certain degree) of our lives. I could tell you how intelligent I am, how skinny I am, how charismatic I am, but the truth will be known when you see and talk with me. Many denominational Bible teachers twist Proverbs 23:7 to say, “whatever we think in our heart we will be that” how foolish. This is the folly of the positive thinking doctrines. I can think I am a car all day long and even sit in our garage, but that will never make me a car. Our testimony is what others see us do and hear us say. This is the testimony we will leave behind when we depart this world. How much of our lives were consumed with caring for people, sharing the Gospel message, feeling pain when someone you knew hurt, and wanting to know God and His ways?
Let us take Paul’s words in Ephesians to heart when he said, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (Ephesians 5:14-19) Please notice we are to be filled with the Spirit and making melody in our heart, not in church or on some TV program, adding to our treasure box God’s real “treasures.” Today let us not be so concerned about collecting things, laying up things for a rainy day, or our 401K and money market accounts, but let us be concerned about filling our storehouse with eternal things, things that have impact in this life and our next life to come.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Religion
Did you know the word “religion” in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is only mentioned 5 times. And did you know the word “religious” is only mentioned twice! I wonder why so many strive to be so religious? The most well known verse in the KJV is, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27). The job of what we call Christian religions and denominations is to point people to GOD however, our relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ (what James was not talking about) is on us, this is our responsibility. There is a big difference between religion about God and relationship with God. Both are needed, but salvation is not found in any denomination or religion, oh no it is only found in Jesus and His shed blood at Calvary alone. It astounds me how some denominations and religions are so narrow in their views as to who is worthy enough to associate with them in church or community matters. Perhaps I’m a simple minded person but, hey aren’t we all on the same team? A real love for Jesus should be what we all as Christians have in common. That being said aren’t His teachings supposed to be commonly accepted by all Christian religions as well as other teachings in the Bible? Denominational and religious beliefs DO NOT supersede the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. This is how we can judge (oh I said that five letter dirty word) which church to attend by how well such and such religion or denomination lines up with the word of GOD, but at the end of the day it should all be about Jesus. It behooves us to take responsibility and read the Bible for ourselves if not we will be deceived by the well represented religious lie. It also behooves us to cultivate our relationship with the LORD so we will attend the right church — the one the LORD wants us to go to. We need to be so in tuned with Jesus that if He says go here we go here or better yet if He says don’t go here we don’t. My brethren GOD has allowed many religions and denominations to continue to provide an opportunity for correction to come to many churches. This is what we saw with the Church in Corinth and others. As odd as it may seem God today allows things not of Him to go on in the churches, denominations, or religions till a Paul can come in and bring correction setting things in order. Again this is why it is important to go to the church HE would have us go to. To be so set in our ways and say “no GOD I’m going to this church” (when HE wants you to go elsewhere) because everyone in town goes or my family went there is plain disobedience and rebellion. A slippery slope indeed. Do we want GOD to guide us? Do we not want to please the LORD? Let us take heed to our brother Paul’s admonishment in 1 Thessalonians, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-23) This all does not sound like a bunch of religion to me, but words to live our lives by in holiness, integrity, and truth before our brothers, sisters, and God. GOD Bless you and remember the best is yet to come.
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 26 January 2016
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
January: Local Ministry
February: Local Ministry
March: 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.
