Waiting on God – His Characteristics
May 2018 • Volume XVI Number 09
”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 some thoughts and scriptures on the proper characteristics of our waiting on God. last month we looked at early, daily, and watchfully all critical to our success in God and to our success in our waiting on God. Often in my mind (as funny as it may seem) I think of the waiting on God as a waiter stands at attention in a smart waiters suit with a white towel draped over his arm. The look is forward and respectful at the beckoned call of the master of the feast. With the master’s mere whim or whisper the waiter springs into action to unflinchingly obey every command. How wonderful that would be in our lives, but often we find it hard to spend five minutes (the average most Christians pray a day unless in a bad situation) in prayer. Maybe we should think to pray and wait before we get in dire straight. I guess God understands our nature because He also knows the best view of Him is often at the bottom of the barrel where all we do is look up.
The next and fourth characteristic we will look at is continually. In Hosea we read, “Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial 6Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” (Hosea 12:5-6) This continual waiting should be a mode of life and not merely a temporary expediency in time of need. The Psalms has much to say about doing things and having things in us and around us continually happen. Probably most recited is, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalms 34:1) We really like that verse when things are going great, but when things are not going so good what do we say about, “For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.” (Psalm 38:17) or “My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” (Psalm 42:3) In these tough times and as we wait on God He is there and responds to us and our needs as we cry out, “Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” (Psalm 40:11) If we wait for Him we shall hear His voice. The fifth characteristic in the group of 10 is objectively. In Lamentations Jeremiah’s writes, “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29 He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope. 30 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach. 31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:” (Lamentations 3:25-31) These are some very hard words to endure to learn the truth of these words. God has a learning object here in these verses that can only be realized as we quietly wait, but first we must, “bear the yoke, sitteth alone and keepeth silence, put our mouth in the dust (not much talking with a mouth full of dust), and give his cheek to him that smiteth him.” Then “the LORD will not cast off for ever.” This waiting MUST have a definite purpose with Him being the principal objective. The sixth characteristic is expectantly. Back in Psalm we read, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 62:1, 5-6) This waiting is with a confidence and active expectations and not in a state of mere pious wishing. Far too many Christians lack a real relationship with the LORD and substitute other things for the work of God in their lives. Instead of developing a relationship with the LORD whereby one can come into a heartfelt place of expectation (really able to count on God) based on God’s word they substitute the process and the outcomes with something much less. The waiting is too hard and can be painful at times so I will just wish something good happens. We seem not to be willing to endure the work of God (His dealings and judgments in our lives) in our lives so we have to settle for something less to calm our nerves and still the ocean that rages within our soul. I have seen this play out in so many lives and have even felt this play out in my life. God has something better for us yet we are not willing to go through the things needed to be able to receive what God has for us. Sadly many Christian denominations teach God is a Santa Claus or sugar daddy with a magic wand and He bopps us on the head and presto changeo we have or are what we are wishing for. Not so in God. This expectation comes out of real endurance and often pain. It comes out of a real understanding of who God is, who we are, and what He wants to do in us based not on our good works, but based on what He has done for us on the cross. Wishing never rises to the expectation of touching God’s heart.
Next month we will look at the remaining four characteristics so we will learn to properly wait on God. Walter Beuttler said if you build God a temple He will inhabit it. Have you built God a temple? If you do He will abide and wait for you.
Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Our Character
God has really been pressing me on my character. I know the word character is not in the Bible (KJV) verbatim, but the entire word of God speaks about what God expects our character to be. My friend it is our character not our natural abilities, God-given skills and talents, or even our spiritual growth and development, oh no God is concerned about our character: how we treat our fellow man, what and how we hold things in our heart, are we honest or do we take advantage and manipulate people and situations for our benefit, do we have a simplistic view of God and how He relates with man, these and so much more as it relates to our character God is very concerned with. I like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his “I Have a Dream Speech” he said these words, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Now Dr. King could have used anything else instead of “be judged by the color of their skin” this was an issue that was at the heart of the civil rights movement, but please notice Dr. King wanted people not to be judged by the color of their skin or anything else, the criteria to judge someone was their character. This is the same criteria God will use to judge us when we stand before Him. God will not judge us according to the number of songs we have written and dance (Michael Jackson found this out) to, how much money or land we had, or how many houses or cars we owned. I wonder why we go so hard after these earthly things and neglect investing in our character? We always go after the things we think are important and will benefit us. Many Christians think a good character is of little to no value, but my friend they are dead wrong. It is our character that God is gravely concerned with not our personality or our outward looks. It is the inward man God focuses on and wants to see us develop, but we seem to put in little effort in developing a Godly character.
This character issue touches every area of our lives. I have seen this truth over the last 57 years of being a Christian. Now I will be honest I have not had the best of character all of my life, but I see the importance and desire for this transformation to happen in my heart and mind which will manifest outwardly in my character. I have seen this in the lives of people I considered to be mentors and fathers in the Lord, but in time and in the end I have seen the true character of these folks manifest and I was greatly disappointed. I have seen so many areas of my life where I have allowed these folks to persuade me, where I followed their advice and in retrospect it was to my disadvantage. Please be very careful in the people you commit yourself to. Jesus never committed Himself to anyone, only the Father had Jesus’ total reservation of commitment. Even in prayer we must be careful here. I remember when I pastored in Germany many Bishops, teachers, preachers, pastors, mighty men of God who would come to our church (mainly to collect money to take home) and want to pray over me, well I said no. I did not know them from Adam and they would get offended this also caused a separation at times between my associate pastor (a Nigerian) and I, but that was okay because Paul in 1 Timothy tells us, “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:21-22) That also means we should not allow someone to lay hands on us. I have shared before in a few other articles about a wonderful (I will still call him my friend because I still love him and I hold no anger in my heart towards him) friend we have known for over 30 years, but got offended at me and has broke off our relationship. Can you believe he even stopped sending me his newsletter? (since 1996 before we moved to Germany) I know why he has been writing about us (Karen and I) to his (and our) friends. That is okay he needs something to pout in his newsletter. After all he said it is okay to talk about someone as long as you do not use their name. Is this right? No my friend I do not believe that is so. He has separated himself from me, my family, and the many people who would come to our monthly home group meeting quoting Scripture to justify his separation like, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Roman 16:17-18) Please know when you have to quote Scripture to justify yourself and your actions you are dead wrong. I am kind of puzzled though, I know he cannot be talking about me here, well I do have a big belly, but my “good works and fair speeches” have deceived no one. My heart is still towards him and sharing the Gospel message as we have done around the world for many years. But I am not surprised his parting shot to me was to tell me how he would come down to our home and share the word of God and sometimes not get any money. His character speaks loud and clear of his true heart condition for money and not so much for the sharing of the Gospel. After all out of our mouth speaks our heart. But we all are like this at times right? I know often I am. True character is not concerned about what they will receive in exchange for service to God, but is concerned about how much of service they can be to God.
I have seen this character truth play out in the churches we (as a family) attended. Remember the character of any given church will always reflect the character of the pastor and the people. I am reminded of a non-denomination church (that was started in our home) in Henry Country outside of Atlanta, GA that went United Pentecostal Holiness after we left for Germany. My three sons (Dave, Dan, and Joshua), Clyde Waldron (the pastor’s father), and I literally raised the walls of the building we were building to meet in, everybody else was busy that week. I have never seen such a group of people that grumbled, bellyached, and complained yet God worked in the lives of our children, Karen, and I preparing us for ministry in Germany. God can work in our lives anywhere if we give Him opportunity. God expects us not to retreat from God’s standards even to save the world. But this is what the church (especially in America) has done. We have compromised the truth of the word of God to pedal a humanistic, prosperity message, we have jazzed up the hymns (what a supreme insult to the writers like Fanny Crosby and Horatio Stafford) to make them more enjoyable to the younger population instead of telling them the true history how the hymns were birthed out of great loss and hardships. We have dumb down true and honorable service to God, by making everything a ministry. After all everyone in church must be doing something for God, right? No everyone (in church or not) is to be allowing God to work on their character. This is God’s grand goal in our life to allow God to conform our character into the same character and image as was in Jesus Christ God’s precious Son through the transforming power of God. Not allowing God this opportunity and right of way has everything to do with a lack of character in our lives. In the past, Karen and I went to a non- denominational church in Jacksonville the message is usually right on and their music is not too humanistic or self-seeking like most churches, but I cannot believe (like most non-denominational churches) they have a “them verses us” thinking. Not everyone else is wrong, but everyone else needs to be like us and if not then they are probably going to hell. It is the absolutes of the Gospels (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – saved by God’s love and grace) that must be followed and agreed upon not the optionals (outward adorning, doctrines and rituals of man, church traditions and ordnances), but sadly most churches have made the optionals the absolutes and the absolutes the optional. And again this is because of lack of a Godly character in the people. I thought we are one Body, one Spirit? Paul taught us, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:2-5) Whatever happened to those verses (from the Bible) in the church today? I guess we think there is going to be a black and white section in heaven or a denominational or non-denominational selection. What are we doing? We are fracturing the Body of Christ for political and financial gain in the world.
Now after reading this article many Christians would say, Dave Stahl you are being too critical (I have heard this before) with regards to the Christians and the church, God is in control. It does not matter all we have to do is just keep loving the Lord and people and things will work out fine, well it is true we must keep loving the Lord and people, but God expects much more of His children than this Pollyanna, lazy attitude. God expects us to speak the truth in love so that people will grow up in God and become able to shoulder some responsibility and accountability. Paul scolded the church folks at Ephesus when he said, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16) But this is not what we find in most churches, who wants to grow up when we can stay a baby and get by with messing our spiritual pants? No responsibility, discipline, or accountability just do and say whatever we want to do and say. Well this is not God’s intention for us. God’s intention is for us to grow up and come to a place of maturing where we can join with Him in the yoke and plow the field of life together.
As I said recently God has been pressing me on my character and as He presses us our spirit is always more attuned (if we allow it to be so) to what the Holy Spirit is bringing into our lives. Here are two statements by two wonderful friends in my life that the Holy Spirit quickened to my spirit when I heard them. We had Pastor Victor O. Foster (Pastor of Ecclesia Ministries in Richlands, NC) and His lovely wife Luvenia over for dinner and as we were talking he said, “listen not to my words, but look at my life.” What a profound statement about character. Words are cheap and often clumsy, but our life is the truth about ourselves. And then there is Mr. Russell’s (a retired SGTMAJ from the U.S. Marine Corps) words and he said, “I have gotten much further in life with manners than with money.” How simplistic, but oh how true. We think money is the key that opens unto us the abundant life Jesus talks about in John 10:10, but not so my friend it is the silence of the heart before God and the character of Christ knowing we are ever becoming like the Father. Money my friend cannot buy this, but a Godly character can. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Will You Be Saved?
The Rich Young Ruler had it all going for him: he was rich, he was young, and he was a ruler. What else could someone want? And although religious he was not quite ready to totally sell out to Jesus. If he was he would’ve done as Jesus said and sold all to follow Him. What a contrast compared to what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians , “Yea doubtless and I count all but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. And be found not having my own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith of Christ the righteousness which is of GOD by faith: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Philippians 3:8-10). Jesus knew the Rich Young Ruler’s heart , well intentioned, religious, but not quite ready to sell out. Isn’t that just like the heart of man? I’m reading the Old Testament now how I enjoy the Bible and wonder how and why GOD puts up with us. I’m serious! Time after time the children of Israel turn their backs on GOD and GOD allows their enemies to smite them, put them in bondage and then after a while Israel would come back begging GOD for help. And HE does!! GOD’S longsuffering towards us amazes me. It is out of HIS long suffering that idiots (who don’t believe in HIM) and foolish mockers are still alive. GOD wishes NONE to be lost, no not one. Brother Peter tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) The question is not can we be saved, but will we be saved? Daily GOD gives ALL people the chance to repent, to give their hearts to JESUS and travel down life’s pathways following the LORD and hopefully growing in the grace and knowledge of Him till we die and continue on the other side. Yes that is right the other side. Earth is just the beginning of knowing God. Daily the earth screams of GOD’s existence. Paul tells, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22) Daily GOD works to draw people closer to HIM, yet daily we smack HIS hand away because we want to do things our way. Even in our salvation from sin we want things our way too which is pretty ridiculous if you think about it. Isaiah tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) There’s only one way to salvation—through Jesus Christ. Faith in the death, burial, and resurrection (the Gospel) of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. John tells, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Do we absolutely believe in what Jesus said on the cross that “it is finished.” “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30) No need for another sacrifice or continued religious rituals. Do we absolutely believe that our salvation is through the shed blood of Jesus (not by works less any man would boast) and that there is NO other sacrifice or works are needed to be saved? In Acts after numerous arrests and hardships Paul is brought before King Agrippa where he tells him of his conversion on the road to Damascus and of Jesus. After hearing what Paul said King Agrippa (unless he changed his mind down the road) said some of the saddest words in the world and words that he will regret if he didn’t repent. He said, “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28) Then Paul said, “I would to GOD that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” ( Acts 26:29) That was the last words recorded in the Scriptures from King Agrippa. And you? The question is will you believe and be saved?
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- 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.
- 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.
- In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Marcel at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
- Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
- Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
- Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
- Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
- Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
- Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETING:
3 May 2018 at 7:00 pm
Special Guest Pastor Marcho and Tsetsi from Silistra, Bulgaria
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Katmandu, Nepal
June: Local Ministry
July: 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:
dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Website:
www.www.beholdinghisglory.com/
Blog:
http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/
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.
