”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. In the Old Testament Book of Joel he writes, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” (Joel 2:28) Now, I nor anyone else know what time Joel is taking about. You can plug and play this verse into about any horrible time in history. Sadly, many of the so called end-time prophets say Joel is talking about the last days, but the disciples thought they were living in the last days thinking Jesus would come back in their life time. When it is all said and done it matters not when Christ returns, we just need to be ready. We should live our lives as He will come at any second and we will never be wrong. But, this verse talks about visions what we discussed last month and dreams our subject for this month. Dreams has always been one of the main ways God has communicated with man. The Old Testament is full stories, but did you know the New Testament is full of dreams? In Matthew we find where an Angel (next month’s topic) spoke to Joseph (Jesus’ earthly step father) about Mary (Jesus’ mother). “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:20) Even the birth of Christ Jesus, Himself was communicated to man through a dream. Dreams are often used to warn people of danger or the dangers of getting off track with God. Here in Matthew 2:12 we see where the “Three Wise Men” were warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod because Herod was an evil man and wanted to do them harm. Matthew reads, “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” (Matthew 2:12-13) There probably was more than three wise men, but we say three because of the three gifts given to baby Jesus, the gold frankincense, and myrrh. In those days the more men in a caravan the safer the caravan was. Servants and slaves did all of the heavy lifting caring for the camels and equipment so I feel sure it was a large party of people. In verse 13 we see where the angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph, again by
way of a warning to take his young family to Egypt. Again, in Matthew 2:22 the angel of the LORD spoke to Joseph a third time, “But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:” (Matthew 2:22) This time was a for-telling (prophesy) for Joseph and his young family to return back to Israel so prophecy can be fulfilled. Verse 23 reads, “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” All along Jesus’ early child hood God used dreams to keep the promised Messiah (Jesus) alive until it was time to die. Knowing God is not a respecter of persons He too will give us dreams. I am sure if I ask have you ever had a dream from God many would answer yes and some would answer no. Dreams from God does not make us more spiritual than others or make us more important to God than others. They are just a means to communicate a certain concern, truth, or need to man in a way they will know it is from God and not themselves. In my life I can remember three dreams God gave me. Now most dreams we have at night are from the cares of the day, but a dream from God you will know it is a dream from God, because it will haunt you, it is of the Spirit of God and it will vex your spirit letting you know something is moving in the spiritual realm. Remember, things happen in the Spirit before they happen in the physical realm. One dream I can tell you about was about a good friend, Florian, a Romanian who helped open up Romania to me. Florian was a member of the Chapel at Robinson Barracks in Germany when I was the Pastor, but Florian also was a rascal. Florian had five passports and travelled from country to country doing things that God would not be in favour of, if you know what I mean. Well, one night I had a dream Florian was laying by the side of the road with all of these large rocks on him and I looked at him, thinking he was dead, and he rolled his head towards me and said, “oh Brother!” I knew without a shadow of doubt this dream was from God to warn Florian. So, I told him of the dream. He told me he was going to go and make a big haul and then maybe return to Romanian. I told him there is danger for your life ahead. Well, for about four months Florian disappeared. Then one day when the LORD said not to go to work I heard a knock on the door and it was Florian and the first words he said was, “oh Brother.” The story he told us where he had to hang (and yes he had rope burns around his neck) himself with a sheet to escape, naked was amazing. Dreams from God are real. The challenge is to know which ones are from God.
Next month we will continue looking at more divine ways of diverse Godly communication. He is speaking to us, but do we have the hearing ears to hear what the LORD is saying to us? Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Real Prayer
The things of God are a mystery. Well that is not me talking, but Paul. In Ephesians we read, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:19) Jesus Himself said in Mark, “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” (Mark 4:11) which is not a place, but a heart condition of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. I wonder why we think we have figured out things in God and even act like we know when in reality they are darkness to our understanding. I wonder why we cannot be content in knowing that God and His ways are a mystery and with each unfolding revelation we get to know Him and allow Him to work in our lives. Believe me my friend He has the ability to open up like flowers the mystery of Godliness if we want them. I thought I had a handle on prayer, but God took me to India and stripped me of my strength and health to show me prayer is, ” . . . not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) and one of the biggest mysteries of God is prayer. Now I will be honest I do not know how God answers prayer and if we all are honest we all will agree this is true. How does God heal bodies, change lives, and mend souls by our mere words and concerns? I am convinced the longer I go in God it does not matter what I know, but what matters is who I know. I will know what matters if I know the one who answers prayer and that is enough. The how becomes not important. Now God is always good at helping us to understand Him and His ways and as we look at the mystery of prayer He does not fail us. To understand this mystery there must be an understanding of a few other elements moving, like our faith, hearing from God as he speaks to us, and a holding on till we see the answer come forth in our lives. I have written many articles on faith and the perseverance required to see our faith come to an end in whatsoever we are believing for, but the biggest element seldom touched on is God must speak for something to happen. We see this divine spiritual principle from the first verse in Genesis, “God said” something and it came to pass. Without God speaking nothing happens. This is a vein of truth that runs the length of the Scriptures and is a key in our lives if we want to see the supernatural. God must say it, we must believe it, and we shall see the glory of God. In John we find this divine spiritual principle, “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Here we find the rule of threes how faith operates and the foundational truth,(1) God must speak it for it to happen. Many Christians come to the altar for prayer looking to be healed or delivered when
God is not engaged (for whatever reason) yet and they go from the altar unhappy, bewildered, and some even bitter because God has not engaged. It is not about believing that is second God must speak first His intentions and will to us. Then (2) we believe (our faith kicks in) and (3) we shall see the glory of God. One would ask how does our faith kick in? Well Paul helps us here and guess what it is in God speaking. In Romans we read, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) Now the word “cometh” was added (why not in italics) during the translation. So let us read Romans 10:17 without “cometh.” So then faith by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Did you get that? Faith by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Now please know there was no Bible (as we know it today) in Paul’s day so Paul was talking about hearing (the Holy Spirit speaking to us) from God not reading the Bible. In the Greek we read the verse, “So then faith by hearing a word of God.” (Romans 10:17 (Greek)) Same concept and application, God must speak. Until God speaks healing (or whatsoever) will not happen. Again, it is not about holding on, standing on the Scriptures, or just raw believing, God must speak it. I can believe I am a car and sit in my garage and go beep beep, but that will never make me car. How could things operate outside of God’s will and knowing? Charles Haun (my Bible Teacher) tells the story of one night God spoke to him that one lady would be healed that night at the service so Charles told the pastor. That night the pastor invited all those to the altar who wanted to be healed. A large crowd of people came forward, but Charles remembered the LORD’s word, one lady. With each person the pastor began to pray for them and if it was a lady Charles would step forward. When it was man Charles stayed back and the pastor worked himself up into a good sweat. Finally, a lady was the last person in line and Charles stepped forward, laid hands on her and bang she was healed of her migraine headaches she had for the last five days. Just that simple. You know the last thing I want (when I cannot hear from God) is someone to pray for me who has not heard from God. The LORD said one woman, all others went back to their seats confused and dismayed. Coming and asking without Him speaking does not move God’s heart to do things for us. Healing and such is His intention, but does not happen outside His purpose and will for our lives. Why does God wait, I do not know. One thing I have learned I am not God. Often times God is working arrangements beyond our knowledge or working things in us or out of us to meet His purpose and plan for our lives. I think in the times we come for prayer (which is not bad) without hearing from God is for our emotional need, uplift, and encouragement till God’s speaks. David did this in hard times when things were not going his way he would encourage himself in the LORD. We read in 1 Samuel when the people wanted to stone him (rather distressful to me) because the people were grieved. “And David was greatly distressed; for
the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) I think a lot of times we feel we have nowhere to turn so we just beseech the LORD for relief from a burden or problem in our lives and to our surprise God is not engaged, but at times it does make us feel better. And it is not God needs to know what is going on (He knows all things) oh no it is we have a need within us to tell Him. We often think we need to tell Jesus all of our problems as the song says, well guess what Jesus already knows. He may even have been the one to give us that problem. After all problems can be our servants if we allow them to grow us spiritually. The LORD knows “all things” even our problems and wants us to come to realize He knows what we are going though and He is right by our side as we go through the shadow of the valley of death. In us there is a desire a need to tell Him, but as we grow in the LORD and are established in Him we will not be so fast to run down to the altar. We will be strengthened with might in the inward man able to withstand some things. Real prayer always ends with inward strength (not needing to be rescued again and again) and an inward peace that says, “if I perish I perish.” Now that is a mystery. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
How Far Will It Carry You?
Recently there was an alleged “move of GOD” at a college. Why I say alleged, is because there were many people involved with the so called “move” who have not authenticated God’s involvement. But for sure people like a swarm of bees swarmed the campus buzzing about. Many had gotten into their cars and drove up to the college to see for themselves what was going on or warming their hands, spiritually, at another’s fire. My friend we are not to travel the world to find a move of God, oh no, we are to love God enough and build a fire for Him out of our relationship. Peter found this out the hard way. While at the same time in my daily reading I was in the Book of Mark and I was astounded by the magnitude of people that flocked to see Jesus. Lets be frank, no one up until that time did so many miracles in so many places, spoke with absolute authority and love, (sometimes annoyance!) with consistency during His three years in ministry. Oh, there was plenty of miracles in the Old Testament, but when Jesus came on the scene everything was just so electrifying, amazing, and constant. But, the point of the article is this; will a blessing or a miracle hold us? Will it make us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I think sadly the answer is no. A blessing or miracle from GOD will only carry us for so far, for only so long, and it also doesn’t mean we learn
anything at all from it. All those people who thronged Jesus wherever He went how many of them were truly converted? Most of them followed Him to see what miracle He would do next. Jesus consistently healed throngs of people except when He went to His own village and then just a few folks. In Mark we read, “But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.” (Mark 6:4-6) isn’t that sad. A point here. Because of their unbelief in Jesus, He could not do “mighty works” so that reduced Him to only teaching. Could this be the same reason today we do not see “might works” yet hear tons of teaching something to ponder. I am sure where ever Jesus was and all throughout Israel exciting times were at hand. All the miracles and healings and yet the religious rulers of the day, did not see Jesus as the precious Son of GOD, but plotted FROM THE GETGO to kill him. My friend GOD wants us to want HIM, not just His blessings, His healings, or miracles, and yes at times we do need a touch from the Lord. Yes, He knows we are weak and frail, our bodies hurt, our emotions drained or in an uproar. But He wants us to just want Him. How do you feel when someone comes to you and you know they just want something from you? No friendship, no fellowship, no hey how are you doing, just hey can you…… well, GOD is no different. My friend God is not some blessing machine, oh no, He is a holy and righteous GOD and we need to be hanging on to His dear Son Jesus for dear life because it’s all about Jesus and not about blessings or some “move of God.” Take heed my friend. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24) Not really sure what happened at that college in Kentucky, but I do know Jesus is our righteousness. He is our salvation, He and He alone is all we need. If we line up with Jesus and the word of GOD our needs will be met, but until then, let’s get off the bless me bless me train, because that won’t carry us too far. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in Silistra Pastor(s) Yanko, and Marcho. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and in Agigea Pastor Jacob as the interim Director for the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
3. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian
at Gospel Assembly in Sankaraguptham, India.
4. Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
5. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
6. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
7. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
8. Christian and Ina Kopjar Missionaries to the County of Liberia.
9. Brother John Vlad, (serving as the Operations Officer), his wife Cristina, and three daughters aboard the international ministry ship Logos Hope.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETINGS:
20 June 23 at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
(910) 382-9287
BEHOLDING HIS GLORY ON THE RADIO:
On WJCV Jacksonville, NC
“Pebbles of Truth”
1290 AM or 98.3 FM
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7:30 am
FUTURE BHG SCHEDULE:
June: Local ministry
July: Local Ministry
August: 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:
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
mtnebo@hotmail.com
Website: www.beholdinghisglory.com/
Blog: http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/
FREE OFFERS
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 free to contact us with the above information.
