Waiting on God – His Characteristics
December 2020 • Volume XIX Number 04
”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. Wow where did 2020 go? Some would say good riddance to 2020, but I will not go that far. Yes 2020 was a challenge, but what did you do in God to handle that challenge? Did you draw closer to the LORD in 2020? If not why? What was your focus the pandemic or the LORD? All questions I believe it would be good to answer before 2021 arrives. Speaking of that I would encourage you to spend some extra time with the LORD before 2021. I like to take the last week of the year and focus my attention of what the LORD is telling me for the next year. What he wants me to do. Of course we should be doing this all year along, but right before the new year is always a good time before it is too late.
Okay let us finish up with the last thing we must overcome to be able to respond to the LORD’s call and that is material claims. God is not going to be able to use us if we have a long list of things in our lives tagging along. We must allow the LORD though His dealings and judgments in our lives to sever these things that easily beset us. In the Greek it would be said, that so easily causes us to stumble and fall out of the way the LORD has for us to go. In Hebrews I believe to be Paul tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews12:1) Of course that great cloud of witnesses is all that have gone on before in the Scriptures and who maybe have not laid aside some things or it may be the host of Angles as some say, or even the Saints who have gone ahead of us, but in any case. It is our responsibility, The LORD has asked us to or we read “let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset” and of course the word “us” was added. Yes there are some things we have overcome in our lives to be used of God. In Mark there is a wonderful encounter Jesus has with a rich young ruler. This man had it all, he was rich, he was young, and he was a ruler. What else could a man ask for? Well this rich young ruler came running after Jesus. He even called Jesus “Good Master” we read, “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:17-23) The rich young ruler was looking for eternal life not to be a server, but here Jesus show the rich young ruler just how religious he was then He takes it a few steps further. Jesus said yes it is true all of these things you have done, but “One thing thou lackest: go thy way.” Before Jesus said this to the rich young ruler he thought he had done everything, there was nothing else he lacked to do, but he was wrong, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way.”, The rich young ruler could not sell out. Now I believe he could have maybe sold “what thou hast” to the rich people, but that was not what Jesus said to do, oh no Jesus said to “give to the poor.” The rich young ruler could not do this he could not sell out totally to what Jesus wanted him to do so this encounter ends with these word, “And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” Maybe he could have been a disciple maybe one of the original apostles, but sadly this is the last time in the Scriptures we hear of this rich young ruler. My friend to be used of God we must totally sell out, maybe not or maybe go sell all of our earthly possessions as Jesus told the rich young ruler but in our heart we must be willing to give it all up to be used of the LORD. That means maybe all of our earthly wealth, our authority, our influence I do not know, but Jesus knows what we have to give up to be used of the LORD because it is what we are holding on to is stopping us from being used. Make no mistake my friend to be totally used of the LORD it will require us to be totally be sold out to the LORD. In Luke Jesus drives this point home quite well, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33) Did you get that? Pretty strong words here from Jesus that we must heed before we open our big mouth like the rich young ruler, “whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
Next month we will start a new section looking at some areas we may not think about. 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:
The Comfort of God
In the Psalms, 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. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:1-4)Now I will be honest when I have read these verses from the Scriptures in the past I have not had total comprehension from the LORD. After all how can a three foot piece of metal used for measuring and a six foot long staff made of wood used for herding bring comfort to someone? How could a piece of metal and a piece of wood bring the comfort of the LORD to us? Yes I do understand how discipline of the LORD comes to correct us and as it corrects and realigns our expectation with what God is looking for in our lives there comes a calming and relaxation of our spirit, but how does metal and wood bring comfort? Well as God always does in His time and in His way He always brings understanding. Pastor Victor Foster and I spent 10 wonderful days on the road in ministry of which seven were in steamy Hyderabad, India and surrounding cities and villages. What a wonderful time we had as we traveled over 1,830 miles on India’s treacherous roads. On each trip out from Hyderabad we saw the aftermath of deadly accidents; vehicles rolled on their side in the fields or in gullies, car crushed by buses, and even dead bodies laying on the road from a recent accident. God was very gracious to us as the miles clicked by and if you couple the high temperatures: 101 to 105F during the heat of the day with 100 to 120% humility with the ever present danger (we had a few encounters) from the Hindu and Islamic extremists, God was greatly looking out for us. But as we were driving to the BHG Conference (one of four) in Raghunathapalen we came upon a TATA truck and in the back was a load of about 25 goats and a shepherd. In the hand of the shepherd was light weight wooden switch and as the goats would get excited and try to jump out of the back of the truck the shepherd would pop the goat on top of its head. The goat would calm down and get back into his position in the herd. As the shepherd quieted one goat another goat would rise up in fear and alarm and the good shepherd would pop him on the head and quiet its fears. One goat after the other tried jumping out of the back of the truck, but the loving shepherd knew if they succeeded they would be killed on the road so the good shepherd used his wooden switch to comfort the goats. As I watched this play out in front of me the LORD brought Psalms 23:4 to my memory and said, “see how I can comfort you, even if I need to use a switch?” In the speaking came the revelation knowledge of what I was watching the shepherd comforting the goats as God brings comfort to us with His rods and His staff. Now I would believe God’s rod is not three feet long nor is His staff six feet long. God uses difference measuring sticks in our lives to comfort us. Peter tells us to, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) I wonder what “the mighty hand of God” looks like? In the life of Joseph “the mighty hand of God” was his brothers. As a matter of fact “the mighty hand of God” can be anything God uses to humble us, because like the good goat shepherd in the back of the TATA truck, “he careth for you.” God has His ways and means to comfort us, but all come by way of us humbling ourselves before the LORD. If the goats would not have calmed down the good shepherd would thump them harder on the head until they got the message, relax, calm down, all is well. So too in our lives God is saying, “calm down, relax all is well no matter the situation or circumstance in your life. I see the world situations they are of my doing, I know what I am doing, fear not, be of good cheer, all is well.” But we will never hear this message of comfort if we cannot endure the occasional pop on the head by the LORD by one of His rods or staffs. We do not like to be corrected or disciplined, but David seemed to look forward to it. maybe he knew something about God’s correction and His comfort. David knew of the “valley of the shadow of death” time and time again God delivered him from things in his life. It seems the comfort of the LORD leads right through the “valley of the shadow of death.” Even the restoring of our soul and the leading in paths of righteousness for His name sake come out of being comforted by the LORD. Strange how this works in our lives, well not so strange if you really think about it God is God and we are not. As we traveled the many miles, as the temperature soared, and as we encountered obstacles in our way yet in the back of my spirit I could hear the Holy Spirit speak words of comfort to me. It was the miles, the heat, the obstacles, and so much more that enabled the Holy Spirit to speak comfort to me. Strange how we reject such dealings from God, but expect to receive comfort from the LORD. Well God does not operate that way. It is like God’s mercy and His judgment. We want God’s mercy without His judgment, but without judgment God will never know how much mercy to give. So too with comfort. Without the fears, problems, hard times, and even times of suffering persecution and loss, God will not know how much comfort to give us. Collectively my fear (as David felt all along his way) was I would not return to my sweet and beautiful wife. You see the last time I was in India was back in 2006, then I did not leave in victory. In my opinion I left with my tail between my legs, sick (high blood pressure), and in great distress due to my weight, but now nine years later and in better shape I left in victory, hearing God speak as we traveled well over 20,000 miles (planes and ground vehicles) “come and go as planned” and then as the airplane touched down at the airport in Raleigh, NC after 20 hours of flight, “mission complete.” Mile after mile, moment by moment, and second by second I would hear God speak comfort to me by Him saying, “come and go as planned” or “all the way home” then He would speak, “all is well my son.” What wonderful words of assurance and comfort spoken to my spirit, no matter the situation and circumstance we found ourselves in, I would beseech the LORD and with a resounding, clarion and comforting call I would hear in my spirit, “come and go as planned” and we did. Yes David knew something about comfort and on this trip to India this David too learned something about the comfort of God.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
What’s in Your Obit
Recently three folks we knew died. One a close friend, the second an acquaintance, and the third a man whom we’ve been praying for (a third party acquaintance) died. In all three deaths I searched the obits and read their life’s stories and while I was at it I read other obits and you know it’s kind of sad when a person dies and their life is summed up in a few measly paragraphs. A few of the obits mentioned GOD, Jesus, or “gone to be with the Lord,” etc. But what did their life stand for? Now I’m not talking about our friends and acquaintances, but the other obits that I read which said the deceased liked this, they liked that, but none of that matters in eternity. What did their lives stand for? So I started to think of my obit and how will that read? Spiritually I’ve always wanted the truth–but in practicality, in my personal life not so much. But IF we really desire the truth about things and IF we pay GOD any mind HE will show us what’s in our hearts and mind–and it ain’t pretty, truth about ourselves stinks! But a heck of a lot of us like to deceive ourselves that we’re so great! Very few people want GOD to show them the truth about themselves so they can grow the heck up. (And that’s a fact Jack) Anyway, what is in Karen’s heart, what do I think of myself? (I dare not say!) I’ve got plenty of in-laws and out-laws that will give you an earful! However as we go on with Jesus, HE will show us our true heart (if we want to know) and IF we truly want to be like HIM. I have a scripture that hangs on my high-boy that pretty much sums up how I feel about myself: “As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.” (Psalm 17:15) So what will people say about you when you kick the bucket, die, pass away, graduate…etc. whatever term you prefer. “He liked sports,” “she loved her family,” “he ran a successful business” etc. etc. Great! But how many people did you tell about Jesus (gulp)? That’s what really matters. “She worked tirelessly for her church..” but, did she talk about Jesus to anyone? If we don’t tell others about Jesus our lives are all for naught. “He loved race cars.” Great, won’t matter in eternity. What did he do with Jesus? Did he believe in Jesus? Did he tell people about Jesus? How many people did he lead to Christ? If he didn’t believe in Jesus during his lifetime he or she will have an eternity to think about how stupid they were to reject Christ and my friend eternity is a l-o-n-g time to realize your life was a complete and utter waste without Christ. Sometimes when we’re watching an old movie or TV series I’ll Google an actor’s name and read about them—most of the time not one word about GOD or Jesus. Very, very few actors profess Christianity. Oh they had fame, and fortune, some had good looks, some were suave and debonair but, did they have Jesus? One thing for sure is those that rejected Christ may be burning in the fires of hell as you read this. Many of the old actors led double lives appearing wholesome on the outside but, not so much on the inside. I can’t watch some of their movies knowing now their lives were complete lies. I’ll be truthful, I don’t witness as much as I should. I should speak much more about Jesus, so much that the Believers get happy and the non-believers cringe just seeing me come their way! Devils would pull their hair out (if they have hair) — oh no she’s talking about Jesus again. Hopefully I have more time left to rectify this. There’s only two things I want out of this life before I croak: I want my family to be proud of me and more importantly I want to hear, “well done thou good and faithful servant” from Jesus. Nothing else really matters. What’s in your obit?
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:
08 December at 7:00 pm
and
22 December at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
December: Local Ministry
January: Local Ministry
February: 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.
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