Waiting on God – His Characteristics
May 2020 • Volume XVIII 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 God’s knocking. Did you know God must have a big hand while at the same time He must have a small hand. In 1 Peter we find God’s hand can be quite big. We read, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1 Peter 5:5-6) In the life of Joseph the hand of God was his brothers, Potiphar, and the King of Egypt. What a mix of fingers to bring the will of God forth in Joseph’s life. But at the same time God’s hand could knock on Joseph’s heart. So too in our lives. God allows things into our lives for us to submit and come under so that we will hear and feel His knocking on our heart. God is good at knowing the things in our lives that we need to submit to, why He even brought them into our lives. And why? So we will slow down, stand still, so He can get our attention as we hear His knocking on our heart’s door. This knocking is very diverse and even reaches down into our sense of need. We often say we need this or we need that, but really all we need is more of God in our lives. He knows what we need. God knows what we need, right? We must believe God knows what we need. The more we believe He knows what we need the more we will faithfully serve Him and even sin less. In Matthew we read, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32) We believe this, right? We see this same thought in John, but from a spiritual prospective, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39) Now Jesus was not offering a big gulp of water, but a big drink of the Spirit of God that dwells within Him. It was no accident Jesus used water as a symbol. How important is water to life? I have been in the desert many times without proper water reserves and have thirsted for hours. One time it took God dropping into my heart Psalm 23 to save my life. David said, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2) The words “he leadeth me beside the still waters” is translated “He brings me from one watering hole to the next” or “from one place of provision to the next.” How important is water to sustain life? Only second to God. God knows our frame, He knows our weakness, He knows our need and he always makes a way for our needs to be met. What do you need? More of God. Do you hear Him knocking? Not only does God knock on our heart’s door, but He also draws us. There is a difference between knocking (seeing if someone is at home) and drawing (come right in and sit a while with me). Also in John we find how God draws us unto Himself. Ready read, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” (John 6:44-45) Now it says “no man” that means women too. There is only ONE way to the Father and that is through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. I am not even going to mention the other ways (it is a waste of our time) people try to get to God, no no no my friend, Jesus Christ is the only way we can get to the Father in heaven. Now here is the long pole in the tent, no person gets though Christ (the door, the gate, etc.) “except the Father which hath sent me draw him:” WOW the Father must draw us before we can be saved. So how important is it to be able to hear that small still voice of God speak to our heart or and feel the gentle rat-a-tat-tat on our heart? Some Christians believe God knows who He wants to be saved and the others, (Calvinism) well they are on their own. I do not believe that. The Bible I read says God wishes none to perish. Brother Peter helps us again, “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) But millions upon millions of people do. And why? They have rejected God’s drawing in their lives. Some have walked away from God after He has touched them in wonderful ways. How strange this could be, but not so strange if we do not take heed to our walk with the LORD and drink of Him.
Next month we will continue to look at more of God’s knocking. 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:
A New Old Story
In what many Christians called the “Christmas” season (word and principle not found in the KJV of the Bible) the LORD really opened up the old story from Jesus’ birth found in the second Chapter of Luke. I can hear that old hymn of the church, “tell me the story of Jesus write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious sweetest I ever have heard.” Oh I have read it 1,000 times before, but this year it really seemed to come alive to me, it became a new old story. Now Karen and I do not celebrate “Christmas” (trees, lights, and all of the trimmings) nor do we do presents after all it was not our birthday. How selfish and self-centered to think I should get a present on the 25th of December (the day Christians world-wide collectively agree on to celebrate Jesus’ birthday) because Jesus got some, but we do celebrate the birth of Christ in our heart and on our lips, yet this year it was quite different. I pondered wondering why this year the story of Jesus’ birth was different than in the past then it dawned on me, we (Karen and I) were not looking for Santa Claus and all of the trappings that come with him we were looking at Jesus and all of the life that comes with Him. The writer to the Hebrews shares these words with us, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). I am convinced because Karen and I were more concerned about seeing Jesus (and not caught up in the Yule Tide season) our vision, our perspective of life, reality, what is really true and important became crystal clear to our understanding which always brings greater revelation to our life. There is a not so strange truth that says; we always go after what we are looking at. If we can see it and we want it then we go after it with all our heart. Well guess what my friend Jesus is looking for those who are looking for Him. Jesus is looking at us to see what we are looking at and make no mistake whatsoever we are looking at we will go after.
In the story of Jesus’ birth taken from Luke we find these precious words, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14) These words my friends is the hope that mankind hangs its hat on. These words are the beginning of the redemption and salvation with no end that God has for man as they are preached, “to all people.” We see this truth also in Matthew in the words of the baby laying in the manager when He became a man, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ” (Matthew 28:19-20) This year (because we had no real distractions in our lives) the message really hit me — the light came on in a new way. What a truth to comprehend for man; God is no longer angry with man. Yes Jesus was born in Bethlehem (the city or house of bread) in the City of David, but because of His birth and death God’s anger towards man was satisfied. It is no wonder the angels were praising God. This was the good news the Angels were sharing with the Shepherds. The anger from the angry God of the Old Testament has now been satisfied with the birth of Christ and the entire world which groans and travails at times could sing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will towards men.” Notice the angels were in the heavens where God is, but they were saying “fear not,” your fear of the angry God of Mount Sinai is over and now I bring you from the heavens (no Hebrew word for heaven), “good tidings of great joy.” God is no longer mad and now, “good tidings” and “great joy.” What a powerful message of reconciliation and restoration if we can wrap our heart and thoughts around it. And notice, “on earth (now the angels were in the heavens) peace, good will towards men.” Now it did not say, peace and good will between men, but it said, “peace, good will towards men” that is to say from God to man. God was saying the war is over! Jesus has been born and now, “Glory to God in the highest.” What a deep truth that many need to hear, but it seems they miss it year after year.
In 1847 a French Poet named Adolphe Adam composed a poem for a Christmas Night Mass entitled, “Minuit, Chrétiens” or what we know today as the most well-known and beloved Christmas Carol “O Holy Night.” Then in 1855 John Sullivan Dwight created the singing version and tune we so love today, but here is the lliteral English translation from Adam’s poem:
Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Saviour.
People, kneel down, await your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
May the ardent light of our Faith
Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Guided the Oriental kings there.
The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The Redeemer has broken every bond:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.
People, stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!
I think Adam got it right and knew something Dwight did not. Now it is important to know there is no “Holy Night” as there is no land in the world that is Holy. I wonder why we call Israel the Holy Land? Land and a night can never be Holy, but there is a Holy God (who wants us to be Holy also) who loves man very much so He sent His most beloved gift to die on a rugged Roman cross to reconcile mankind back to Himself. What a powerful message do not miss it! Next year I would recommend not looking for Santa, his reindeer, gifts under the tree, and the Christmas message, but keep your eyes on Jesus and on the story of the ages, now that is a old story that never gets old and is worth sharing.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Our Problems
I read a verse a long, long time ago that really made me sit up and take notice, it was in Proverbs, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:19) I guess I was going through something and was trying to find some comfort in the Bible well it wasn’t exactly comforting, but in my Dad’s words it helped me “shape-up or ship out.” Most, not all, but most things that bother us in life are petty in comparison to the REAL biggies in life. How many of our problems are just a result of our wrong thinking? Do we come home at the end of the day and reach for a glass of wine to mellow us out from the days problems? Now I have nothing against a glass of wine here or there, but when we’re dependant on a few drinks almost daily we’ve got a problem. This is how the world deals with problems, but we are not to be of the world. Time to stop cold turkey. If anything we’ll never learn to deal with any hardship or problem under the buzz of any kind of alcohol (or illegal drug for that matter) just a fact. Anyhow we come home at the end of the day sometimes we lash out at the kids or our husbands, our wives over some goofy infraction, frustration, or maybe life just ain’t going our way, and we sulk. Please read the above scripture, no offence, but perhaps your inner strength is small. Paul in the book of James admonishes us, “GOD RESISTETH (flow in the opposite direction) THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Now think, are we humble? Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:6-7) Now think, put the bottle down, stop being angry, quit yelling at the wife/husband and kids and realize you ARE NOT the Captain of your own ship!) Draw nigh to GOD and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners: and purify your hearts ye double minded. (James 4:8-9) Now think this is our job not GOD’s job? Again James tells us, “A double minded man is UNSTABLE in ALL his ways.” (James 1:8) Also in James, “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:9-10). Therein is the crux of our problems WE like to lift ourselves up. Life is not going to go our way. Crap is just going to happen if you’re a Believer who really tries to follow Jesus and wants to follow GOD. As the bumper sticker says, “crap will happen.” It takes time for us to grow as individuals in our character. Please know my friend Jesus died for our sins, we have to work on our character, but it takes time to learn that GOD is there and won’t let us down. He may not always pick us up and dust us off, but He IS there! It is only by going through circumstances that we learn to depend on GOD and realize this too (whatever it is) shall pass. Sometimes we have to let things go, OUR wants, OUR hopes, OUR dreams, OUR unforgiveness, OUR anger, OUR frustration, OUR plans. Sometimes we have to make the conscience decision to forgive someone, they’ve ticked us off to the inth degree or offended us to the inth degree, but we are commanded to forgive. And if we don’t forgive FROM OUR HEART then GOD won’t forgive us, see Mark 11:25-26. Jesus died for our sins so we may boldly go to the Father and ask forgiveness for our sins, so who are we not to forgive someone else their trespass against us? You’ll notice in the above verse there was no exceptions or provisos. GOD wants us to grow up, and learn how to handle life’s frustrations, sometimes we just have to let things go, forgive and forget, and let GOD do His perfect work in us and other people. I’m reading about King David now and I’m amazed at how he refused to retaliate against King Saul. Although given by God two golden opportunities to do so David never touched God’s anointed. David knew His place in God. And yes King Saul was after David almost from the get go. Although Samuel anointed David to be King while he was still a youth he didn’t step up to the throne until after King Saul’s death. David knew three things: 1) He knew GOD, that GOD had helped him, and was with him. 2) Spiritual authority. Saul was the anointed King at the time it wasn’t David’s time to fleet up yet. We like to raise ourselves up though don’t we? But not David he waited. 3) Humility. He knew Saul was the king and he waited until GOD lifted him (David) to the throne. That took years and many hardships and many opportunities to learn how to be king. Brethren the Scriptures has our fellow Believers (and non-believers) in them for us to study and learn from. James again helps us, “Take my brethren, the prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” (James 5:10) There are many great lessons for us in the Bible, if only we read it! Now think is your life terrible? Have you lost everything in one day? Job did. Read that account. Paul (who went through the wringer) yet said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound, everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4: 11-12). Study do not just read the Bible. Keep humble, because as soon as we lift ourselves up—we’re out of GOD then the troubles (learning opportunities from God) starts and we may begin to drift away oh so slowly and almost imperceptibly. Keep humble my brethren, trust in the LORD who has good intentions for us in our lives, and yes we will have problems in life, but when we make it to the other side we will see in amazement that GOD was there all the time, only we just didn’t hear or see His hand. GOD bless, spend time with the LORD.
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:
HGMs for May will be 12 and 26 May at 7:00 pm.
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Local Ministry
June: Local Ministry
July: Local Ministry
ROCK FELLOWSHIP AT SNEADS FERRY
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May at 232 Everett Drive (in Chadwick Shores) Sneads Ferry, NC at 11:00 am
Email: charliegolfone@outlook.com
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.
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.
