Waiting on God – His Characteristics
February 2020 • Volume XVIII 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. Well the first month of 2020 is in the books and man is this world crazy and getting crazier. I find myself saying can things get any crazier? Well the answer to this question is yes, yes 1,000 times yes. Sometimes I am at a loss for words, yet within me is a hope for the future and a hope and prayer for my family and friends who do not know Jesus Christ as their saviour. All we can do is speak the truth in love and live a Godly life (to the best of our ability in God) before them and leave it all in God’s capable hands.
Okay let us get back to the LORD’s Call as we continue to look at the specifics and that which is emphasized in Revelation 3:20-22. as reminder here are the key verses: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 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. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelations 3:20-22) last month we looked at “my voice” or the recognition of God’s call as we looked at Samuel responding to Eli instead of God. How often we miss God’s call and respond to an earthly call or message. Now do not say you have never done this because we both know we have and that includes me too. But here in verse 20 we read, “my voice.”Here God is looking for a response from us in the hearing. Now let this thought sink deep into our spirit, neither hearing nor recognition are enough without a response. In Exodus when God called Moses into service we see this play out in Scripture beautifully. We read from Exodus 3:4, “And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place where on thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” (Exodus 3:4-6) Here God makes His approach to Moses (first) and then waits for a response. Then “the LORD saw that he turned aside to see.” I wonder what would have happened if Moses had not turned aside? I wonder what would have happened if God had to speak a second or third time to Moses to get his attention? But when Moses turned aside God spoke. When Moses stopped all of his running around and struggles God could get his attention. “Moses, Moses” and Moses replied, “Here am I.” Now God knew where Moses was, He did not need Moses to tell Him where he was. Something much more powerful was moving here than Moses letting God know where he was. When I minister in India I never wear shoes to church, usually slides or slippers and socks, because before you stand behind the pulpit or the desk you are to take off your shoes, you are standing on holy ground behind the pulpit. I am not sure if this is true, but it is a custom the Indian pastors follow and I am not going to try to convert them against what they believe in this area, so be it. But here God was calling Moses into service for the rest of his life and then some. And God wanted to see if Moses would take up the call in obedience. Taking off one’s shoes expresses giving oneself entirely to the meaning of a place, concept, or service, to let our personality get its standing and take up its position entirely and directly on it without an intermediary. It is a sign of total surrender to one’s will and ownership to one’s self. And as a matter of fact, here God and Moses (according to Jewish customs and laws) was entering into a real estate deal. When a Jewish man buys land from another Jewish man the transaction in done is their bare feet. They take their shoes off signifying neither of the two will run out on the deal. But here God wanted Moses to take his shoes (sandals off) signifying he was committed to the deal. We see this also in Ruth, “And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. 7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. 8Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.” (Ruth 4-6-8) Taking off one’s shoe, removing something that was part of the person and giving it to another, symbolically expressed ceding one’s right to ownership. The emphasis was on the act of concession. The act of removing the shoe was central, that of giving it to another.
Next month we will continue on in Revelation 3:20-22 and look at, “to sit me with me in my throne.” 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:
Little is Big
Funny how we think big things are important. Not too many people want a small house, but when the tax man comes or the utility bill arrives we wish for smaller footage or when the house needs sided or painted we then question our judgment in the need of a big house. When we had four kids we needed a big house, but as our numbers decreased so did our nest. We have been conditioned by the world to think bigger, stronger, faster, etal is better, but not so in God. In God little is big. All you have to do is look at all of the examples in the Bible compare size to ability and function. David a little (at age 16) ruddy shepherd boy stood before a man standing 9 feet 8 inches and defeated him in battle and who can ever forget the example Jesus gave of the mustard seed? Did you know one almost microscopic mustard seed can grow into a bush over seven feet tall and as thick as a bird’s nest? In God size does not matter (even little is big), but what matters is how we do things. Do we do things (even for God) with the right heart condition, with the right attitude, and for the right reason with the right motives? This is what God is looking at not our size, ability, or even power He gives us. Even our faithfulness is closely scrutinized in this area. In Luke we read of Jesus teaching the disciples, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12) Did you get that? “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” God is closely examining us not in the big things, but in the little things because God knows little is big and if we can be faithful in the little things then we will be faithful in the big things. Now the opposite of this truth is true also. If we are unfaithful in the big things we will be unfaithful in the little things, those things we think are insignificant, but did you know the smaller the issue in our lives the closer God is examining and inspecting it. If we have not been faithful with “unrighteous mammon” (money, treasure, and wealth) who will commit to our trust the true riches (peace of mind, health, hope, salvation, wisdom, righteous judgment, etc.) which are not earthly money and wealth what we seem to go after hard in our lives. Who can give us these things: peace of mind, health, salvation, wisdom, righteous judgment if not God? No man can give us rest in a storm or peace of mind when all seems hopeless. Only God can give unto us these riches these “true” treasures that will keep us steady and sure when all seems lost. Who can give you “your own” if not God? But to get “your own” (from God) you first must be faithful with another man’s. A steward is someone who manages another man’s money and resources. Often times before God can trust us with “our own” we first must be scrutinized by God how we handle another’s man stuff. Now please notice it did not say another man’s car or house, but it was left unqualified leaving us the option of filling in the blank. Make no mistake unless we can be faithful to care for another man’s house God will not give to us our own house. When we came back from Germany we rented a home for seven years and we purposed to care for this home like it was ours, nay better than our own home because the condition is if we want our own home (which we have a very nice home now) we must take care of another man’s. I hear many Christians pray for a home, well again the condition is to take care of whatsoever you are staying in first and then God will decide when you are to have your own home. This little is big in God really reaches all walks of our Christian living.
We often think the crown goes to the winner race of the race because they are the biggest, fastest, strongest, or best looking well that is not what God is looking at nor it is the way God awards His prizes. In 2 Timothy we read how God awards His prizes. “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:4-5)Now the word “lawfully” (Strong’s #3545) is an interesting word that means within the framework of the law or the way things ought to be done. In God the crown is awarded to the victor (at the end of the race) to the one that runs the race within the framework and rules of the race. It does not matter if you are the best and brightest, the biggest (remember little is big), or the most beautiful it does not matter, the reward is given to the one who runs the race according to how the race is to be run. Jeremiah tells us not to glory in our own wisdom, in our own might, or in our own riches. “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23) This is why we must not trust in our wisdom and glory (God gets all the glory, His glory) nor in our might, but trust in the LORD with all of our might and lean not to our own understanding. God does not delight in beauty, strength and power (He gives them to us), but He does delight (when we possess these character traits) in lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. We often think just because God is using us to minister to 1000s even 10,000s of people around the world He is happy with us, well that is so far from the truth. You can ask Samson, Jonah, and the list can go on if God was happy with them. Just because God is using us does not mean He is happy with our character. I have lost great relationships with people (whom I truly love) because I have dared to speak up about character flaws they have asked me about. Take heed not to tell the truth (if you value their friendship) to someone who cannot handle the truth. I would recommend trying to find another way to answer their question without lying. I never found the words and counted on 30 years of knowing each other (as we traveled many places in the world in ministry) to cover any offense I might have caused, but in the end I lost the relationship and others who have had their heart poisoned against me by half truths. You will know you are in the right when someone uses Scripture to justify themselves and deceiving others to shun you. Knowing this I rest in the truth and knowing I still love them no matter what happens I can sleep at night, look at myself in the mirror in the morning, and thank God for another day where my “friends” will look toward reconciliation.
The longer I go with God I see the great wisdom of the Book of James. James has a lot to be said about the tongue, offense, and issues that divide out the Body of Christ. In the first Chapter James writes, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all.” (James 1:3) WOW “in many things we offend all.” Now there are just some people no matter what you do and say will be offended with you these you just have to let go of and let God deal with them, but here James was talking about the rational thinking people you may offend. Even here little is big. James is saying it is best to be little in doing and saying things (not involved with a lot of things) we then will not have the opportunity to easily offend. “Brethren be not many masters” or do not have a lot people under you in business or even at church because we will be held to a higher standard by God in how (not what) we handle them. The folly of thinking more and bigger is better is exposed. God created us to live our lives focused on Him. His purpose from the very beginning was that we should be “God-conscious,” and not “self-conscious.” Until Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they were so unconscious of self that they did not even consider their own nakedness. But after their disobedience they became fully aware of themselves and wanted to hide from God. Their focus had shifted from God to self. Self-consciousness is just another way of saying self-centeredness and self-centeredness really is the root of all grief. People grieve or are unhappy for a lot of reasons. But, if they analyze it they would find that it is always the result of self being deprived of a want, so too here little is big. The more we make little things bigger than what they really are the more we will get off track and there is nothing little about that. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Stop Lying
As Christians we’re not supposed to lie and yet we lie to GOD and our selves all the time. In the Book of Revelation there is a verse that scares me. We read, “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.” (Revelation 21:8) If you look at the list of folks, “the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters” man are they evil, but the verse ends with liars. Does GOD consider and compare liars as bad as “the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters.” Well we would not, but apparently GOD does. GOD hates lying.
But now let us take this thought a bit deeper. Sometimes if we’re going through a hardship or illness these things can wear on us and keep us from GOD. Be honest with GOD, whatever trial it is seek his face and tell Him you don’t want this thing (you fill in the blank) to separate you from HIM. Recently there had been one particular time where I was in a lot of back and hip pain, and frustrated with my current situation. I was in tears and I knew it would drive a wedge in our (God and me) relationship, so I asked that the pain not be so bad that I would forsake Him. And you know what, since then it’s been bearable. Let’s be honest with GOD. We just sometimes can’t handle things. Whatever it is mentally, physically, emotionally, be it an attitude, a perceived wrong on someone’s part, sickness, inaction on GOD’S part, confess and repent! GOD is just a prayer away. We have precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) from the Bible that He will not forsake us (Matthew 28:20), but we must be honest and keep our hearts right before Him no matter what the trial. Brother Peter helps us here, “And be clothed with humility: for GOD resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all you care upon him for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5: 5-7) I wonder what the “mighty hand of GOD” looks like? Could it be a person, a trial, circumstance, or maybe it is a sickness. In Joseph’s life ultimately it was his brothers, Potiphar, and the Pharaoh, but in all cases first it was the situation Joseph found himself in. In these situations he had to humble himself before GOD and His wishes for Joseph. Brethren, we must believe the above scripture, and hold on to that as we go through whatever trial in our lives. Read your Bible, see all the promises of GOD to us, and how he loves us. Things will get better. GOD Bless. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in SilistraPastor(s) Yanko, Marcho, and Emil. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
- Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and Ian at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
- In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu 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.
- 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:
11 February 2020 & 25 February 2020 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
2 February 20 232 Everett Drive, Sneads Ferry NC in Chadwick shores 11:00 am
9 February 20 232 Everett Drive, Sneads Ferry NC in Chadwick shores 11:00 am
16 February 20 232 Everett Drive, Sneads Ferry NC in Chadwick shores 11:00 am
23 February 20 232 Everett Drive, Sneads Ferry NC in Chadwick shores 11:00 am
POCs are Freddy Everett (910) 545-7918 or David Stahl (910) 382-9287
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
February: Local Ministry
March: Local Ministry
April: Local Ministry
ROCK FELLOWSHIP ON THE RADIO:
On WJCV Jacksonville, NC
1290 AM or 98.3 FM
Every Sunday morning at 9:00 am
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.
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