Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
February 2016 • Volume XIV Number 06
“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. I do not know about you my friend, but every time God asks me to go somewhere or do something I am not so ready to respond. Sometimes like Moses God must get my attention that I may know it is God and not me with a good idea and so that I will buy in to what God wants me to do or the place where He wants me to go. You know we read about these great spiritual men and women in the Bible and often think they are above the same feelings, disappointments, and temptations, but in reality they were no different than we are. They hurt like us, they cried like us, they felt pain and heartache as we do, and yes we like them have excuses for everything we do not want to do, even for God. Moses was just like us. When God shared with Moses His plan to deliver the Children of Israel from Egypt Moses questioned God’s choice as to whom the leader of the band should be. “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” (Exodus3:11-12) Now at first read you would think Moses was just being humble, but if you take another read and then read on into the 4th Chapter of Exodus you find Moses is full of excuses and reasons why he thinks he is not qualified. Well Moses was right he was not qualified he will never be good enough (nor will we) to do what the LORD wanted him to do that was not the issue. The issue was God called him not based on His qualifications, abilities, or talents, but on God’s good pleasure. If you really take a good look Moses was chosen because of his lack of qualifications, talents, and abilities even though he was a mighty man of war and leadership. John tells us in the book of Revelations, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) That is right those “all things” include man and God’s plan for each and every man’s and woman’s life. God chose Moses to be the deliver because it was God’s plan for his life and now it was Moses choice to accept or reject God’s call. Yes Moses was full of questions, but God had answers for each question. Moses asked, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh” and God ignored his question, but gave him something better than an answer a promise that no matter what happens, “Certainly I will be with thee” He (the Almighty God of the universe) will be with him. So to in our lives when God calls us into service He will not leave us nor forsake us. He said, “Certainly I will be with thee.” If you cannot hear His call then you will not be able to hear His promise, but His promise rings loud in our ears, even louder than His call. Well Moses’ lack of qualifications did not work so Moses changes tactics and tries an end run, “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:13-14) Now this is big. In the Jewish tradition knowing some ones name gives them power over the person they are talking with. We today say what is in a name, well to a Jew the name tells everything about a person. The name tells what tribe they are from, who their father is, where they are in the social fabric of the local society, and with all of this information you can form an opinion to who this person is and more important is this person an enemy or a possible ally. This is what Moses was doing when he asked God, “What is his name? what shall I say unto them?” Looking for information so that he can hold power over God, well God (knowing the Jews customs and ways) wanted nothing to do with that and relied, “I AM THAT I AM. I cannot begin to tell you the number of sermons I have heard on these five words . . . well I guess I will not go in to all of that. Moses was doing the same thing as he questioned God’s qualifications for him here in these verses he questioned God’s knowledge of whether Moses had the subject matter to be the deliver for the Jewish people. This Moses (even though Jewish) raised in the lap of luxury, in the hall of Pharaoh, living a life of privilege, but who is his father? What tribe does he come from? Again God ignores Moses approaches and answers him with an unconventional response, “I AM THAT I AM: ” His name did not matter, but what mattered was Moses was to tell the people, ” I AM hath sent me unto you.” That was an issue of clear obedience cut and dry. When God speaks to us let us not look for the deep spiritual truth, but hold to God’s simplicity in all we do.
Next month we will continue to look at how Moses a “nobody” raises two more objections to his call each of which God has a reply. What is in our heart to object when God calls. Listen closely my friend do you hear Him call now?
Written David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
All The Way Home
I am reminded of a story about a missionary couple that faithfully served for 30 years in Africa to many small villages. Now they arrived back in the States (again after 30 years of dedicated loyal service to God) the same day President Teddy Roosevelt returned from a two week hunting trip to East Africa. The husband of the missionary couple looked out at the dock and saw the bands and a parade (thinking the commotion was for them) folks with signs and streamers welcoming President Roosevelt back from his two week hunting trip. And the wife hearing the great commotion came up on deck to see what was going on. She too thought the parade, the bands, and all of the commotion was for them after all they served God faithfully for 30 years, sacrificed, endured sickness, and shame, suffered greatly for the Gospel message, but like her husband quickly learned all of the commotion was not for them, it was for President Roosevelt. Seeing this she got offended at the people, President Roosevelt, her husband, and God. So as the band played on and as the people marched and cheered the missionary couple quietly slipped off the ship and no one noticed. For some time the wife was very offended at every one so the husband asked God why after 30 years of dedicated faithful loyal service they did not have a wonderful home coming like President Roosevelt, after all they were gone 30 years and he was gone for only two weeks, they laid down their lives while he had a good time hunting it did not seem fair! God replied, “you are not home yet.” What a powerful and relevant truth for today that is contained in this short story. My friend we must take heed to ourselves to run the race God has placed before us (not some ones else’s race) and to run the race all the way home. In God there is no prize for second place. Unlike today in most races here is a first, second, and third place or worse everyone gets a medal or ribbon for just competing. In God my friend there is only us winning or losing the race. If we win we get the prize maybe heaven I am not sure, but for sure whatsoever God desires He will give us. And if we lose the race well, again that is up to God maybe Hell I’m not sure, but for sure I believe it will have something to do with separation from God. We say sin separates us from God, well I am not so sure about that. For this statement to be true it must meet the conditions of apathy, distractions, and total neglect of God’s word. I would say our sin is a greater occasion (we even know this instinctively) for us to draw closer to God and for God to draw closer to man, so our sin can be dealt with and it is only our total rejection of God’s continual drawing in our lives by the precious Holy Spirit that will separate us from God. Separation from God is not God’s intention, but ours.
In Paul’s Epistles, time and time again, he drives these two main points: we must take heed to ourselves to run the race in God correctly and to run the race all the way home. In I Corinthians Paul compares our mysterious daily walk with the Lord to a foot race. Now everyone who listened to Paul knew exactly what he was talking about. Jesus was the Master at using basic elements of life (bread, wine, seed, etc.) to explain deep spiritual truths. Even though Paul never heard Jesus speak during His earthly ministry I believe this was something Paul received (Corinthians 11:23) by the Spirit and if Paul received it by the Spirit then it is there for us too. I can almost imagine the faces of the listeners when Paul says, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) I can see the eyes of the people get real big when Paul talks about the prize, like today. Not too many people enjoy the race for the running, oh no it is the prize they run for. Who enjoys the work for work’s sake, oh no it is the payday we work for. Paul tells them the earthly prize is a corruptible (probably a real gold laurel wreath) crown. Now the winner of this race gets the crown from being swiftest of foot and the strongest, but not so in God. In God the prize goes to the winner of the race who is not swiftest of foot, but to he who “strives lawfully” or runs the race within the framework of the rules. In God we must run the race according to how God wants us to run (maybe uphill all the way) our race (not someone else’s) and we must run the race according to the rules (within the laws and framework) God has established all the way to the finish line, all the way home. In 2 Timothy Paul instructs Timothy, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:5) The word “lawfully” here is translated from the Greek (Strong’s #3545) as framework or anything that is established and agreeable to the law. We must run our race in God not quickly, but slow and deliberate, with much patience and long suffering, gentle, not giving offence unless God is in it, yet with singleness of purpose, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:,” and most importantly with great discipline and subjection to God and man so that after the race when we cross the finish line we are not a “castaway” or disqualified because we have run the race unlawfully. The fastest, inconsiderate, and strongest in God do not win; the slow, thoughtful, and weakest hold the eternal crown in God. I find it amazing how many in the nominal church today (especially the ones you see on Christian TV) think being anointed and favored by God will ensure success and prosperity in God, well my friend being anointed and even favored by God will not get you across the finish line correctly (lawfully) in God. Great men of God like the Priest Eli, King Saul, King David, Peter, and others lives were anointed and highly favored by God, but their lives were marred and marked with emotional turmoil and spiritual failure in spite of having great revelation of who God is. One Sunday a visiting pastor introduced him self and I to him and he replied, ah David who danced before the Ark, whereby I replied no I am David Stahl and I do not dance. David’s life, all throughout, the Scriptures revealed him as a man that allowed his emotions to get the best of him. Some churches sing, I want to dance like David danced, well to dance like David danced you will have to go through the things David went through. Not to many Christians today want to go through the things David went through oh no, they just want to dance. Take heed to your emotions my friend they will lead you out of God faster than sin. Why do so many Christians want to hear about and watch miracles on Christian TV? Would it not be better to be the vessel God uses to perform a miracle? The obvious answer is yes, but take heed my friend the price you will pay to be used of God will cost you all of your selfish and self-seeking carnal nature and character something we dearly seem to cling to for life, but God does not want us to live He wants us to die. Because the more we can die the more God can live through us.
Even the revelation of God will not prevent us from sinning and having character flaws nor does it keep what we call bad things happening to us. We know of a father in the Lord to 10,000s of Christians. Far senior in the Lord to me who wrote many books and articles, had an extremely deep revelation of God, started a Bible School, held many conferences and seminars, was highly exalted and esteemed by some of the greatest preachers and teachers of today, but a few years ago it was discovered (the Bible says your sins will find you out, oh me) for the last six years he was having an adulterous affair. Many were stunned and angry, many turned their backs on him, and his ministry was dashed, but thank God for grace. Was what he did wrong? Yes by all standards, but without the grace of God there go the rest of us. Now please, understand my point here I am not beating him up, oh no (he was my teachers contemporary) but please know a deep revelation of God does not prevent us from stumbling and falling out of the way. We think the deeper someone is in God the more righteous and God-like they are, well that is absurd. It is the things of the heart, the Godly character that keeps us in the straight gate. God is more concerned about our character than all of our spiritual ability and all of the service we do for Him.
We have another friend and senior in the Lord who has an almost magical approach in sharing the word as he weaves the Scriptures in an unusual matter bringing clarity and understanding like none I have heard, but when you get to know him after awhile you quickly learn his revelation does not line up with his character. We have traveled to many nations together sharing the wondrous Gospel message, he was always out in front and me in a more junior servant role. I had no problem with this relationship and still do not. He needs to be always at the center of attention, the focus of discussion always centered around what he wanted and that was fine with me. But, when work was to be done he seldom was to be found lifting a bag (even his own) or reaching out to help another. He always wanted to eat at the finest restaurants, order the best portions, and then he wanted to split the bill evenly. If you objected and wanted separate checks he would make a big deal about it. These examples my friend are signs of being a taker and not a giver. Now I have known this friend (I still call him friend, but that is not the case on his side) for over 30 years and as strange as it may seem his character flaws do not change the affection and respect I have for him. I know I am not perfect and I too have character flaws (Karen tells me which is a good thing because truth is to keep us humble), but when God brings us face-to-face with areas (character issues and sin) in our lives that need to align with God’s word we must not reject the message nor the messenger. My intent in all of this was to just to bring it to his attention , but the Lord directed it. Who does Dave Stahl (my junior in God) think he is to say such things? Sadly instead of seeking to find the truth in our 30 year relationship he quoted Scripture a typical reaction by someone who knows they are wrong and said he was going to avoid us, another typical reaction by someone who is wrong. This is not our wishes, but we all make choices have they be righteous or unrighteous, holy or unholy and out from these choices we must allow God to deal in our heart and lives to reveal the truthfulness in us about our choices.
In Matthew there is a verse that plainly scares the pants off of me. Jesus shares with the disciples, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25Behold, I have told you before. 26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” (Matthew 24:23-26) Did you get that? “insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Now I do not consider myself to be “the very elect,” but if “the very elect” are deceived what chance do I have? What is the call of the apostate church? Come over here to our church or denomination we have the answer you all are wrong. Christ is over here, no He is over here; well Jesus’ reply was “believe it not.” How will we not be deceived? It is not about knowing where Christ is, but having His words abide in us. “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (1 John 2:24-25) Walk in the things you have heard, seen, and touched things you actually know from the beginning and all the way home.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Lazarus Come Forth
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus is only found in the book of John. Which I find interesting, because it was such an important occurrence in the life of Jesus, Mary, Martha and the Jews at that time. Mary and Martha both told Jesus that if he had been there with Lazarus and them, their brother wouldn’t have died. (see John 11: 21-32) Both knew enough about Jesus to trust in him to heal their brother. But they didn’t believe enough in Jesus then and there to even consider him raising Lazarus from the dead. They sent for Jesus when Lazarus was sick (see John 11:3) most likely hopeful Jesus would come (in time) to heal their brother. Jesus however waited a few more days after receiving the message then went to see them. He knew Lazarus had died and he was to raise him up (see John 11: 11-14) from the dead. No big deal for Jesus, no frantic rushing around. Folks, GOD is not in Heaven wringing his hands over anything that’s going on here in our lives and on earth. GOD has a plan, a motive, and our job is to keep our eyes and heart on Him no matter what comes our way. We must believe who Jesus says He is and that He knows what He’s doing. Our faith, trust, and belief in Jesus MUST be more than Mary’s and Martha’s belief. Why they didn’t even consider that Jesus could raise their brother Lazarus from the dead. I think that may be one of the reasons that Jesus groaned in His Spirit (see John 11: 33-38) because of unbelief not only from Mary and Martha, but the Jews who were there present. Jesus knew His time was just around the corner to be crucified what more could He do to make people believe? All the signs and wonders He did, all the miracles, and the great things GOD wanted Him to do so people would believe and trust in Him, and His time was coming to an end. Remember most of the signs and wonders weren’t even recorded. It was as when GOD did all those great things for the children of Israel and they still had a hard time believing Him. ” . . . and anger also came up against Israel: because they believed not in GOD, and trusted not in his salvation.” (Psalm 78: 21- 22) and “For all this they sinned still and believed not for his wondrous works.” (Psalm 78: 32). God has bent over backwards for human kind to ransom as many souls as possible from the fires of hell through his precious son Jesus Christ. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead many of the Jews that were there believed on Him and others ran right to the Pharisees and ratted on Jesus. The Pharisees then plotted to kill Jesus and later on plotted to kill Lazarus! John tells us, “But that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death: because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away , and believed on Jesus.” (John 12: 9-11) And yes the Pharisees were beside themselves: “What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” (John 11:47- 48). Salvation was right under their noses, right in front of their faces, straight from the prophesies of the Old Testament (which they knew about) yet they rejected Jesus. Caiaphas a High Priest said unto them, ” Ye know nothing at all. Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” (John 11: 49- 50). Friends it will not end well for those that reject GOD’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. No matter what comes our way we can fully trust and believe in Jesus yes even raising us up from the dead.
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. Thank you for the monies received for the industrial strength potato peeler. We will be sending it to the Mission Bible School soon.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be TUESDAY 23 February 2016
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
February: Local Ministry
March: Local Ministry
April: 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.
