Waiting on God – His Characteristics
October 2020 • Volume XIX Number 02
”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. Last month we started looking at the things in our life we must overcome in our response to the LORD as He sends us to overcome! Boy does that sound great. Did you know the verb form to overcome is victory? John tells talking about Jesus and then sets the stage for inheriting all things from God, “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:6-7) Please notice we do not inherit all things from God just because we are saved or we have served Him for years or we have been used mightily. Oh no, the condition we must meet to receive all things, the things God has prepared for us is to overcome. Not too many Christians want to be in the fight they think God is going to do all of the work all they have to do is believe in Jesus and He will take it from there, wrong my friend. Even believing is not enough. We were in the commissary last week and spoke with a sweet much older lady who we see every Saturday. Karen and her usually talk, but this Saturday she opened up talking about the Bible. And made the statement all we have to do is believe and I said yes, but it is much more than believing, even devils believe. James tells us, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19) I then said I know some churches (I guess that hit home) that do not believe the Bible as it is written or even believe the Gospel message. I then began quoting, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7) and told her we must allow God’s word to dwell within us and she then diverted the conversation to, “I have been going to my Methodist church for 60 years. Enough said. She is a wonderful, sweet lady, but I am afraid she knows little to nothing of the word of God. 60 years of faithful attendance will do nothing for her to be able to inherit the things God has prepared for her unless she is an overcomer. Not too many Christians are overcomers. Did you know to be an overcomer we must go over things in our lives? Not under or around them, but over them. We are not called undercomers, but overcomers. We must in victory overcome those things in our lives that would keep us from inheriting the blessing God has for us. You know when I was younger we would sing a song, “Abraham’s Blessing Are Mine.” Everyone would get all worked up jumping and dancing, Abraham’s blessing are mine! Well one day it dawned on me. I do not want Abraham’s blessings I want the blessing God has prepared for me. The song is spiritually wrong. I cannot inherit Abraham’s blessings they are reserved for him like his crown. Now please know Abraham’s or my crown will be inherited. The things God has for us are to be inherited and if we fail in our life to receive our crown it will not be lost oh no God will give it to someone else. Yes to be used of God in His call for our lives we must overcome social claims. Last month we looked at occupational claims, but social claims may even be harder. We humans in 2020 are so social. We even have social media that is destroying the amount of God in us. The more we go towards the world and technology the less of God will be in us. Make no mistake my friend God is calling us into service and He does not want to hear any excuses. He knows what he is doing and He knows who He is calling. In Mark 1:19-20 we see the call of James and John the sons of Zebedee the sons of thunder, “And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.” (Mark 1:19-20) The brother did it right. There was no second questioning or “who me?” just a recognition of who was calling them and immediate obedience to the call. I liked that so much let me say the again. A recognition of who was calling them and immediate obedience to the call. Do not miss the first step recognizing who is calling. All throughout our lives we will get calls some on phones and more importantly one call for commitment and dedication to someone or something. The call of the phones probably not as important as the calls into service. Make sure, make sure, take heed the one calling is of God and knows where He is going. I have seen so many Christians gather a group of people together to glorify the LORD, well that is good, but what is next. Sadly they have no direction or plan to execute from God. If God is not saying it then He is not sending you. And once you hear and know the call is of God give an unmeasured amount of time and energy to God and His plan for your life. Here is where the overcoming happens. Of course the biggest thing probably you will have to overcome is your self
Next month we will continue to look at some things in our lives we MUST overcome to be able to answer the LORD’s call in our lives. 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:
Our Direction
When God formed man and breathed life into him He placed within man an objective, a direction you can say for his life. This direction is like a prize (we all like to win a prize) that is placed before us as a goal to be reached. Paul gives us a clue to the direction we must take if we desire to walk with the LORD, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) Now some Christians make heaven their direction, while others will make ministry their directional focus, or their prayers and efforts on their work. Whatever we may do or accomplish in life all this is never to be our direction to which we are to attain, if so then we have lost the prize. Rather it is the means by which the LORD develops in us to come through to the goal that He has placed before us. As a present reality this prize for our lives is calling out from deep within us to stir us to attain to it. This is why Paul prayed, “…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12) All of the “things” that we do for Jesus are splendid, but we are not to become so involved in them that we lose our perspective and sight of the prize. To win the prize we must maintain proper direction and focus as we press toward the mark. These “things” will eventually pass away therefore, we must only become involved enough to get from them that which the LORD intends. We are to grow spiritually in the grace and knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ and yes this happens as we endure God’s dealings and judgments in our lives, but we must never allow our direction or objective ever to be the dealings and judgments (suffer for the sake of suffering) or what we want (a mansion, a harp, a crown, etc) to have in God. I hear many denominations sing songs about going to heaven and getting a mansion just over the hill top, but what are they going to do when heaven goes away? Jesus told us, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) In Revelation John tells us, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1) Heaven is not my final home, but for those who are not expecting anything else after heaven they will not be ready nor will they able to move correctly in what God has for us then. The Bible I read says God is going to create a new heaven and a new earth and yes we are going back to the earth and going work, “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” (Revelation 21:24) And in Isaiah, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:17-24) For those who are not ready for this new life they will not be able to function and move with God in what He is doing. Our direction need not be into heaven and all of His rewards, but Him and Him alone. I am not into heaven (now I am going and I hope I see you there), but I am into Him my eternal abode back to His heart where I came from. You know in a schoolroom there are many books to study, but these are not the education we seek they are merely the means that helps to produce it. We receive our education by becoming a reacting agent and allowing all these factors to play upon us. It is like our ministry, for through it, the LORD is doing something creative within us. You know God will never ask us how much work we have done for Him, but He will ask what has that work done within us and all of this will be registered upon our immortal spirit and will do something within us that we will not be the same as we were when He first saved us. There is to be within us a progression, our spiritual development and growth toward spiritual maturity. I am saved, but how far have I come into this process of becoming like God’s precious Son Jesus Christ, which is God’s goal in our lives. Well if heaven or ministry is not to be our prize then when we press forward (or plod on) what then is to be held up before us toward which we can focus our daily living? It is not a “thing,” but a what — God’s glory. Paul tells us, “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and Peter helps us here, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever.” (1 Peter 4:11) The LORD has placed before us the “glory of God” as the direction that will require all that we are and have, to be submitted to Him. To glorify the LORD fully was the first vocation which was placed upon man when God created him. We are to “glorify God” in all we are and do. God made man and placed him in a garden, set apart to bring glory to Him, not to help Him do something. Man was made to glorify God. But we are born sinners and come short of this. Sin comes from a Greek word which means, “to miss the mark” the failure to do that for which it was made. Man was made and pointed to hit the bull’s eye (the glory of God), but he has missed the objective for which it was designed. This is sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Why are we sinners? Because we have come short of the glory of God the thing for which we were made. Whenever God does not receive the glory that should come to Him we sin. Man was made for a “mark” called the “glory of God.” How then are we to glorify God? If we are willing to abandon ourselves in the very root of our being to Him, God will take us into His possession. After God formed Adam He placed the benediction of His approval upon him, because He was well pleased with the arrangement which He had made our being limited and dependent on Him for life and Him alone. The instrument (Adam) was there, but it had not yet moved out where it could glorify God. The LORD says, I will now push you out into an arrangement here on earth and make a new law in the realm of spiritual living (Genesis 2:16-17), the law of testing and proving. This is the only way to develop and bring us to a place where God’s glory may be released. You know our nature is a gift. We become a partaker of His divine nature purely on the basis of a gift He gave us. God gives us salvation, but He cannot give us a Christian character. We have to develop it. We are to grow and learn to subject our emotions and feelings continually to all the arrangements which God has placed in our life activities and as we do the will of God He is automatically glorified, for He is glorified whenever His will is done. Whenever God acts in a creative mood it is to His glory. He made the heavens, the seas, and man all that declares His glory. What is our objective in living? It is to glorify God. How can we do it? By accepting the will of God in our life directions. Therefore God knowing who and what we are places within our direction of life all the material that is necessary to reshape, recast, and make over that which He desires us to be. God can take the most disturbing things in our lives and make them become the means of us giving God glory. God’s objective is that through all the things that He subjects us to He is conforming us into the image of His dear precious Son Jesus Christ. He is approaching us because of His Son and what He sees in Him. He is tracing upon our spirit that we may be conformed to His image. For one day He will take us not just to heaven, but to be His (Ephesians 2:22) eternal habitation. When we see this we will be able to accept the trials, the discipline, the testings, and provings; for we see that this is the will of God and through it He will trace upon our immortal spirit the image and likeness of dear His Son. Only then will we find the satisfaction and fulfillment for which we were created and only then can we render the glory that is due Him.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Faster, Quicker, Better
Wow, my second hip surgery was coming up fast and of course so was the what ifs, so let the mind games begin. The night before my surgery we had a hurricane come through that knocked out the electricity at the hospital I was to go to. I knew because the morning of the surgery a nurse called and told me I’d be rescheduled as the hospital was operating on emergency generators only I was disappointed, but surprised when I was quickly rescheduled for the following week. Ok, I was all set to go. I was hoping this surgery would also go off without a hitch as the first one did and I’d be back to walking and standing straight again. Actually, I couldn’t imagine how it could possibly go better than the first one—but it did! It was either the night before or the morning of that Dave told me the LORD said, “this surgery would be faster, quicker, better.” And He said it so shall it be. Our par is to believe it. The Doctor was faster this second time, can you believe only 37 minutes to replace a hip verses 55 minutes the first time. Well God did say faster. If God says it then it is going to happen, if not then I would NOT count on it. No standing on the promises (which one?) or claiming it. I woke up faster in the recovery room and was knocking out my goals to get out of the hospital much quicker than the last hip. Again the LORD did say quicker. I healed quicker and moved around much better than the first time also. GOD said it and it happened. This is a truth we must embrace, if God said it then it will happen. Just look at the Book of Genesis, GOD said something 23 times in the first Chapter and it happened. This is a foundational truth we must build our lives on. There was one small glitch where my suture removal was delayed because of contact dermatitis (my fault) which scared me to where I even packed a small bag thinking I might have to go back into the hospital. I saw the PA who fetched the Doctor, but praise the LORD I just had to do a few minor things and had my stitches taken out the following week. It was only a small delay, a big smiley balloon from Dave made it all better. As with the first surgery I am grateful for GOD’S faithfulness, great health insurance (thanks Dave), and a great Doctor, Praise the Lord!!!! Can one ever say enough for GOD’S grace, love and faithfulness? Hosea shares of GOD”S faithfulness, “And I will betroth thee unto me for ever: yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.” (Hosea 2:19- 20). Thank you Jesus. GOD Bless, study your Bibles, and spend time with HIM.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- 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.
- 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:
13 October at 7:00 pm
and
27 October at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
October: Local Ministry
November: Local Ministry
December: Local Ministry
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.
