Waiting on God – His Characteristics 

August 2019 • Volume XVII Number 12

”But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. “ (2 Corinthians 3:18)

THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Greetings again my Brethren.  When we hear the LORD’s call many things happen inside of us. Often we will have no idea of that which is moving in us now, but if we are faithful and submit to the LORD’s will in the future we see what was planted in us when we heard the LORD’s call. I remember my good friend and mentor Bill Pepper’s words to me when I pastored a Gemeinde (German word for assembly or gathering) in Germany, “In the future you will see what you have planted in the people now.” His words were spoken then in darkness until I began to see what was growing in the people. One by one,  fruit by fruit, attitude by attitude things began to pop out in the lives of our folks.  Some things not so good, but most things good.  After all there is a divine spiritual principle that says whatsoever is planted grows.  We plant or someone else plants, we and/or others water, and whatsoever was planted grows. The call of the LORD may make us feel brave, to stand and fight the enemy while a different part of us may feel afraid to run away as fast as we can move our feet.  Many emotions will fill our heart, but one thing for sure these emotions will come into direct conflict with other people. Anything we do for God will be rubbed up against people.  I promise you all that we do will be judged and scrutinized by our friends and especially our family so worry not what they say, but be more concerned what the LORD says.  We cannot stop people from talking about us for whatsoever is in their heart about us will come out their mouth in time.  The old adage: “you cannot stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop the bird from building a nest in your hair” applies here. We cannot stop people from talking, but we can be a Godly example before them and before the LORD.  And it is our example we set before men (not allowing the bird to build a nest in our hair) is what the LORD is looking for in us.  Make no mistake my friend when we turn towards the LORD we are turning towards conflict with others and with their interests.  Now do not think we are just talking about conflict with sinners and the like, oh no we are also talking about conflict with Saints and the like.  Not everyone is going to think you have heard from the LORD especially those who think they are senior to you in the LORD.  I find it comical how people think they are deeper in the LORD than other people like there is some rank structure in God.  They think after 10 years (or so) of serving the LORD God has given them His power and authority over other people and they think the people they think are under them must obey them.  When I was in the Navy we would wear our rank on our collar or sleeve.  There was no question who was senior to whom.  All we had to do is look at someone’s collar or sleeve then look at yours.  But not so in the LORD.  God does not have a rank structure, He has no rank to wear on our sleeve or collar, oh no my friend God’s rank is worn on our heart and the senior rank is a private no rank, but a servant to all. If we get this wrong God cannot use us.  We will disqualify ourselves for service, no matter how big we get in church or denominational circles it will not matter because it is not what man says about us  that counts, but what God says about us.  I had a great friend in the Navy (we both  were Officers) named Val Castillo and we signed Navy emails and even official correspondence with the acronym “PILA” or Private in the LORD’s Army to remind us that the highest rank in God is a private.  If we have this attitude of a servant then when hard times come (and I promise you they are coming) and when people are railing and chiding us their words and deeds will have no place in us to take root nor affect our heart. John tells us in Revelations these times are coming, but for those who “overcometh” (bad times are coming our way)will I (that be the LORD)grant to sit with me in my throne.””  We read,                  “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”  (Revelation 3:21)

When we turn towards the LORD we can either reject the LORD’s call (and get along with the world and those in the world) or embrace the LORD’s call and suffer the persecution, affliction, and troubles that comes with it. Will we embrace the shame of the cross or freely give ourselves to the distractions and trapping of the world.  It is our choice.  But remember the promise the LORD gives us in Revelation, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”  This is the relationship the LORD wants to have with us to identify with His suffering and loss so that we can be rewarded  by Him and Him alone.  The LORD’s call brings conflict with other and ourselves true, but also it brings rewards beyond our wildest dreams.

Next month we will look at another specific response that is  emphasized in the LORD’S CALL as we look at our response. Do you hear Him calling? Please know God is calling. 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:

                    No Cowards in Heaven                                                                                  

God cannot use cowards in His army and they will have no place in the Kingdom of Heaven.  In the Book of Revelations John tells us, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  (Revelations 21:8)  I am amazed the company the word “fearful”keeps in these verses the, “unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:”The word “fearful”here is translated coward and my friend no coward will make it to Heaven. If you are fearful or timid, if you cannot stand up for or stand your ground to what you believe in word or deed God will not allow you into Heaven.  Actions matter, but our words matter more to God when we say we are going to do something and then not do it. As Christians we must measure our words.  How many times have we said something not really meaning it?  Or how many times have we backed out of our promise because it was not convenient or we did not like the possible outcome or we were just afraid.  I have been there and know God is not pleased when we do not measure our words when speaking. In the Book of Thessalonians Paul equates the word “fearful”with being “feebleminded.”“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:14)This word really hits home to what the Holy Spirit is talking about. Someone who has a feeble mind (or feebleminded) is unstable, not committed, or dedicated in all their ways even though they think and say they are.  Their mind is feeble, sick, not well, or unhealthy.  Paul even goes further than John here; the word “feebleminded” isStrong’s #3642, fainthearted or cowardly. No feebleminded, fearful, or coward will make it to Heaven.  In the past I would plan for months with brothers to travel abroad in ministry, but as we got closer to leaving they began to listen to voices (of seemingly everyone) of people who put fear in their heart and not the voice of God who puts truth and knowing in our heart, thus they turned their back on what God wanted for their lives. Now please know I am not trying to beat up on my friends and brothers or make them feel bad, but I am trying to draw a parallel from a real world, personal experience (in a hope to prevent the loss of spiritual growth and development in lives) and how the word of God directly applies in this situation. The saddest thing though was they thought they were turning their backs on the trip, but in reality they were turning their backs on the work God so desperately wanted (and still wants to do) in their lives. I told (and they knew it too) them the next level of spiritual growth and maturity in their lives leads through a successful completion of that trip. They knew this from the start and voiced it to me time and time again, but in the end the projected work God wanted to do in their lives was not enough to entice them to get over their self image of who they thought they were in God, their fear of losing their family, their comfortable lifestyle for awhile, their ministry, and possibly losing their lives for the sake of Christ. Unless God can bring us to the place where we are willing to sell out totally (Jesus could not do this with the Rich Young Ruler Luke 18:18-25) where we are willing to put our life on the line then God cannot use us as He so desires. Getting over the fear of death is the last great hurtle and obstacle before we can abandon all for Christ. What else than our life is held in such high esteem? We would gladly give up our precious treasures and even other people, but when our skin is on the line our flesh screams, “I want to live and do what I want to do” even at the sake of spiritual growth and development.  God must be able to give our desire for life (both physical and spiritual) a death blow where we value more what God wants for us and our family than what we want for us and our family. Satan knew what he was saying when he said, “And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.” (Job 2:4)  Make no mistake my friend when our skin is on the line (again I have been there) we will say (even make deals with God) and do anything to save our skin.  But there will be no cowards in Heaven all will be skinned by God.  In the Book of Luke Jesus gives us His standard for those who would be approved or qualify for ministry. “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, ²⁶If any mancome to me, and hate  (Strong’s #3404, to hate, pursue with hatred, detest)not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficientto finish it? ²⁹Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold itbegin to mock him, ³⁰Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. ³¹Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? ³²Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. ³³So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. ³⁴Salt isgood: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? ³⁵It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; butmen cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”  (Luke 14:25-35)  The word “hate”in verse 26 is the word we all know as hate. “Hate”means just that hate. Now Jesus was not saying we must detest our family to follow Him, but He was saying we must “hate”with a great passion turning our back on Him. We must hate NOT bearing our cross (enduring life’s many situations and problems, our character shortcomings, and even sin areas in our lives) then we can be His disciple. Here the word “hate”talks about the intensity of the hatred and not the act of the hatred from our heart. The message Jesus is sharing in these verses is for us to count the cost BEFORE we embark!  To measure our words because words matter; our words speak of our integrity and character. Cowards have no integrity, they have no commitment, and would never think of losing something for someone even for God. Please notice the end of verses 26 and 27 “cannot be my disciple.”We may have asked Jesus to forgive us of our sins and on our way to heaven, but that is NOT Jesus’ criteria for becoming a disciple.  Unless we turn our backs on the world and all (in favor of Him) in the world we will never be a disciple of the LORD.  Unless we endure difficult situations (like many hours sitting on plane) in our lives, deny our self of time spent with family, give up our “good life” of ease for awhile, or plainly lose whatsoever is asked of us so that God may win we cannot be His disciple. There is a spiritual truth that most Christians have either forgotten or never heard, you cannot save yourself and someone else someone has to die, someone will have to lose their life. John tells us, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. ²⁵He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. ²⁶If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will myFather honour. (John 12:24-25)The word “hateth”is the same word used in Luke 14:26. In God if we love our life on earth we will lose our life for all eternity, but if we hate or deny ourselves while on earth we will find our life for all eternity. Losing come first, finding comes second. Not too many Christians want to lose their life, but this is another requirement to be a disciple of Christ. God knows when He can get us to lose something of our self the loss makes room for more of His glory to be deposited within us.  This is why God measures our gain in Him not by what we add to our selves, but what we can lose of our self.  What of the world can we lose that is in us?  What of our carnal selfish nature can we lose so that we can be conformed more into the nature of Jesus Christ. Loss makes room in us for more of God. The more we lose the more we gain in God. Then Jesus goes into counting the cost, measuring our words and actions.  Verse 33 wraps it all up, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Again cannot be my disciple not that your sins are not forgiven and on your way to Heaven there is a huge difference. If we do not count the cost (do not measure our words and actions) in God before we plan to do something we are like salt that has lost it savour not fit for the dunghill. You know God is watching our actions and listening to our words; whether they be salty (full of life in them) or unsalted (no life in them) and the production is based not on God’s abilities and power, but on our words and actions.  Are they full of life or do they leave a bad taste in the mouth of God, His people, and the world.  My friend there will be no cowards in Heaven only people of courage and faith in God. How gracious is God’s longsuffering and faithfulness? The answer is only seen in the second, third, fourth . . . chance to grow in the “grace and knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ”if not then we are cowards.

Written by David Stahl

THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:                              

What the Bible Says About Child Raising 

Regarding the raising of children, the Bible says, “Withhold not correction from the child: for ifthou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. ¹⁴ Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. (Proverbs 23: 13-14).  Now I know a lot of people take issue with whacking a child on the butt sometime, but usually these people are either religious or liberal, both think they know more than GOD, isn’t that interesting.  Child rearing ain’t a game to GOD, HE takes it very seriously. Our liberal society frowns on spanking children and I understand partly why because of all the fruitcakes out there that beat the heck out of their kids for stupid reasons. I will tell you this if you don’t get instant obedience by the time you child is five—look out. You’re in trouble. Proverbs, one of the wisdom books,  has a lot to say about child raising, “Foolishness isbound in the heart of a child; butthe rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”  (Proverbs 22:15)If you do not snap them up by the time your child is 13 they’ll be telling you to go to hell. Sometimes yes, you have to pop children on the rear end. They need to know there are negative consequences for their bad behavior. Good behavior should be rewarded and so should bad behavior. Kids need to learn they don’t run the world, the world doesn’t owe them anything, and the world does not revolve around them. Now are we to spank our children over every little infraction of the house rules? Don’t think so. Time-outs and taking away toys or privileges can work.  Positive re-enforcement for when they do well helps greatly. The main thing is to be consistent. No we don’t have to micro-manage our kids, but jeez-louise get a hold of them and train them. There’s nothing so pathetic as a parent trying to reason with a toddler about running into the street, playing with the stove, or pulling the cats tail. Swift and sure action (an age appropriate time out, a spanking, or the cat biting junior) is sometimes needed. No one wants to see a child beaten, bruised, or battered this is done from parents who themselves lack discipline and have absolutely no wherewithal as to how to raise a child. There’s always some slob in the news  who  (GOD forbid) killed their child or battered the kid so bad as to warrant social services to intervene. This IS NOT GOD’S intention. But children occasionally need a spanking. Children need boundaries, love, and discipline. We cannot let our children act anyhow. People that don’t love their children will not discipline them. Again in Proverbs, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”  (Proverbs 13:24)That’s what the Bible says, not me.  Oh they say they love them, but if they’re not teaching them right from wrong and how to behave in civil society—one has to seriously wonder about their brand of “love.” Most importantly teach them about God and His ways. I like to visit a local website that sells many different things and on occasion I’ve seen ads for people selling their pet because junior is being mean to the pet. I kid you not. Oh how tempted I am to tell these folks to train their little monsters, ummmm, I mean children. But we all know it wouldn’t be received, at all. A child that’s mean to the family pet is not going to have a problem being mean to a sibling or anyone else for that matter down the road. GOD forbid this behavior should escalate to more criminal activities. Woe to the parent who out of a FALSE worldly perception of love doesn’t correct their children (no matter what age—of course when their in their 30’s spanking is out of the question!) Folks GOD’S word tells us how to raise our kids —read it!!! The Bible also says to raise a child in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Paul lays down the commandments for parents and children here in Ephesians, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ²Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  (Ephesians 6:1-4)  A tall order indeed. As well as not accepting bad behavior from our little tykers we must not allow our child to nurse any attitude that is ungodly. Nip-it just nip-it in the bud! Our attitudes will send us to hell as surely as any sin will. GOD Bless, and read, read, read your Bible.

Written by Karen Stahl

NEEDS NO WANTS:

1. In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in Silistra Pastor(s) Yanko, Marcho, and Emil. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed. 
2. Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and Ian at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu 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. 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.

NEXT HOME GROUP MEETING:

13 August 2019 & 27 August  2019 at 7:00 pm

At 232 Everett Drive

Sneads Ferry, NC  28460

7:00 pm please RSVP

Home:  (910) 741-0489

NEXT SERVICES FOR THE ROCK FELLOWSHIP AT SNEADS FERRY

4 August 19 232 Everett Drive  NC 28460    Drive Stahl’s home 11:00 am

11 August 19 232 Everett Drive NC 28460    Stahl’s home 11:00 am

18 August 19 Sneads Ferry Community Center 11:00 am

25 August 19 Sneads Ferry Community Center 11:00 am

POCs are Freddy Everett (910) 545-7918 or David Stahl (910) 382-9287

FUTURE SCHEDULE:

August: Local Ministry

September: Istanbul, Turkey 

October: Local Ministry

I  am still available to share what God has given me at churches and/or home groups.  If God moves on your heart to  support BHG or other ministries we  personally know we would be honored to serve as a go between. Remember, if we want a blessing from God the spiritual principle is we must bless others.  Remember, God is to you what you are to God.    

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Address: 

David and Karen Stahl

232 Everett Drive

Sneads Ferry, NC  28460

Phone:

Home:    (910) 741-0489

Mobile:  (910) 382-9287

FAX:     (910) 741-0489

 

Email:

dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com

Website:

www.www.beholdinghisglory.com/

Blog:

http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/

NEW OFFER

Booklets on Spiritual Authority,  Spiritual Leadership, Prayer, Body of Christ, and Righteous Living the Four Anchors of God are now available by contacting us and requesting one.  You can see them on our home page.  Get one now.

The Author House 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.