BEHOLDING HIS GLORY
July 2023 Volume XXI Number 11
”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 with looking at the diversity (many) of divine communications between God and man. Last month we looked at dreams, wow did I get some comments on that. Now I have been walking with the LORD since I was six years old, at different levels of course, and in those 62 years I have only had two dreams I would say were from the LORD. So no, I am not going to interpret your dreams I do not feel qualified nor is there any man alive today who should say they are qualified. Ask the LORD, if the dream was from Him He and only He holds the interpretation. We have the Holy Spirit Joseph (and others in the Old Testament) did not, but was given this ability by God. We who have the Holy Spirit then know if a dream is from the LORD and even the interpretation at times. So, this month we will look at another very mysterious and controversial way God communicates with man (which gets many Christians and some believers I know off track) and that is by Angels. Now from the start I am going to let you know how I feel about Angels, they are “ministering spirits” that should not and MUST not be worshipped as many Christians and some Believers I know do. There is a huge cult out there in Christiandom that worship Angels which is not correct. In
Hebrews (I believe to be Paul) writes of Angles, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14) Paul got it right, because the Church at Rome was exalting Angels and teaching Angels were greater than Christ. This is the way Paul starts out the Book of Hebrews, correcting the Church at Rome. Paul writes, “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:4-8) I hope you are getting the pictures. Angels are just spirits with no redeeming ability or value to save man. My friend DO NOT
get caught up in the net of Angel
worship it is as evil as sin itself. Now with that said, Angels do have place in God’s purposes and plan for man. One of the best examples I can think of is in the Book of Acts. Let me fill in the details before we read the verses. Paul was on a ship headed to Rome for a date with Caesar and an Angel spoke to him to reassure him that certain things will happen like the ship he is on will sink, all of the cargo will be lost, but not one soul (that would include him) will be lost. So now we find ourselves at Acts 27: 21, “But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:21-25) Again Angels are “ministering spirits” for us from God. They are to help us so this is the reason we are not to worship them. It is God we are to worship and not heavenly beings. We know the greatest Angel God created was Lucifer (Satan, the devil) who tried to exalt himself above God. In Isaiah we get a good look at Lucifer, “Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:11-14) Is this not the ungodly spirit of Angel worship? Did you know we shall judge the Angels? Paul told the Church at Corinth, who also had an Angel worship problem, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:3). The bottom line is yes God does use Angels to help us. Many times in the Bible Angels were used to fulfill God’s plan as they pertain to His servants on earth. They were created and have no soul, they cannot sing saved by grace by the blood of the Lamb as we can. We as humans for now are set a little lower as Jesus was, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9) But, someday I believe to be soon we will judge the Angels.
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Power for Truth
We had returned from 14 days in
Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania and while away my mind was often on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It seemed to me the nominal church and the many denominations in general have seem to put the Holy Spirit up on the shelf so He could just watch. In Corinthians Paul writes (and this verse really scares me), “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) The word “castaway” here means not to throw away, but to be put up on the shelf so that you can watch. It is sad to be put up on the shelf and not be used of God, but having to watch what is going on and not being able to engage with what God is doing could be a fate worse than death to some people. I hope this never happens to anyone I know, but if it does it is because the choice was made to not get involved with what the Holy Spirit is doing. Today it seems to me the Holy Spirit is used for miracles, prosperity, to soften life’s hardships, things to feed our flesh and senses, but these are not God’s intentions in giving us the Holy Spirit. God’s intention for the Holy Spirit was to give us power and boldness to stand up against the wiles of this world and to be able to speak the truth in love. It was given not for material and physical things of life, but to be able to stand with boldness and persistence in direct opposition to the world’s way and system of doing things. But “truly” truth today is lost to a world that is full of its self and full of what self wants to do. No one hardly wants to hear or even know the truth, most people would rather hear a good lie it is much more entertaining. Maybe that is why churches today would rather entertain people instead of telling them the truth as they do not have the stomach for the truth. Paul told the Church at Ephesus, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16) Sadly today even in the church we cannot speak the truth, even in love without being called a racist, homophobe, or just a hater in general. And why? People do not want to “grow up” into Christ. They want to make up their own truth so they can do, go, and even vote for candidates who resist the Holy Spirit and reject the word of God. We saw this in the election of 2016 and 2020, many so called Christians voted for candidates like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden who would stand and shake their fist in the face of God and His word so that they could support a social ungodly agenda that is in direct rebellion to God and His word. I for one will mark these so called Christians and keep my distance. At the heart of this rebellion is the rejection of the Holy Spirit Himself. It is not about the ungodly agenda of Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden and those who supported them, but about the deception to the truth of God and His word. Paul told the Church at Corinth (do you not know
both churches were really messed up?), “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”(1 Corinthians 2:13-14) The natural man (or the carnal, fleshly man) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, which is the Holy Spirit. Why does the “natural man” NOT receive the Spirit of God, because of open and willful deception. It has to be willful and open for God would not intentionally deceive someone from the truth. Growing up as a child in mostly Pentecostal churches I remember the power of God suddenly dropping unannounced and in a holy and sovereign way, people were crying, repenting, asking each other for forgiveness, but it has been a long long times since I have seen such a manifestation of God. I know God changes not so I guess is it man who has changed to be able to receive the things of God. Some time ago I asked the LORD why the manifestation of His power is not seen today as it was in times past and He told me my people have lost the love for the truth. Not that they did not know truth they do truth is something we all know when we hear and see it, but what is lost is a love for the truth, this brings with it a respect and reverence for God and His ways. You know most pastors and Christians are not operating in the intent of the Holy Spirit where they wait to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church or even their family. Most pastors are busy caring for the people (hospital visits, weddings, funerals, etc.) and find little time to wait before the LORD to hear from the Holy Spirit instead they get an old word from someone else online or worse in some Bible commentary or teaching notes. They too have rejected the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in Acts, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) It is interesting to know the word “witness” here means martyr. God gives us power to lay our life down for His sake. Do not you know we need power to die to our self, our ambitions, even our deception? Well this will happen “after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Which means we need the power from the Holy Spirit. In John Jesus Himself tells us, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you
into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:7-13) This is truth Jesus said. How can we expect to make decisions in our lives, our families, in our world without the power of the Holy Spirit? It is no wonder most churches and this world is so messed up they reject the power and all of the benefits the Holy Spirit offers. How can things in America and this world and even individual lives ever get straight? By the injection of the power of the Holy Spirit as we walk in the truth that comes from the power. The depth of the Holy Spirit’s power is unlimited it even goes beyond our ability to reason and think. In Luke (Jesus again here) we read, “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12) Now I know what Jesus was saying here. There has been times in my many travels that I have been at a loss for words when before authorities then suddenly out of nowhere God would speak to my mind what to say. Things I would never have thought of or dared to say. Things that cover the situation and make a way where seemed none. Notice it says, “shall teach you in the same hour” there is a process you go though to allow the Holy Spirit to teach you (and it can be painful at times) to be able to be quiet to hear Him leading and guiding you. I am amazed how the early church was used of God. They did not have the 100s of versions of the Bible, a church on every corner, or 24/7 so called Christian TV telling you what to do in every area of your life. We seem to find comfort in other people when in fact they too suffer from the same problems and issues that plague us. We think because they are on TV they have some special in with God, when this is so far from the truth. The special in is not with people, but with the Holy Spirit. Where did Jason find this ability? “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;” (Acts 17:6) Only in the power of the Holy Spirit! Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Get Off the Fence
There comes a point in time in everyone’s life where GOD wants to know if we’re really serious about Him or not. There comes a point in time, in our lives, and we will know it, when we either will fish or cut bait as my wonderful husband says, in regards to the LORD. There will come a point in time when GOD wants us to come a little closer, to draw near, to go a little further along with Him, and maybe let go of a few things in our life that are displeasing to Him. This is the condition for God to draw near to us. James writes, “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) There must come a time in our lives when we have to get off the fence and stop walking in the middle of the road. Are we faithfully trusting Him, or no? Do we really want His best for our lives and family or is it just convenient to leave things as they are hoping GOD will right things or turn a blind eye? IF we do what GOD wants will it “rock the boat” in our lives and get people upset at us or will it please Him? Let me put this as plainly as I can, it’s better to tick off people than to tick off GOD. Right decisions aren’t always easy. And you know sometimes we have to make hard, conscience, but Godly choices. So, do we want GOD’S will in our lives or no? If we’re busy balancing ourselves on the fence we’re not too concerned with His will, are we? Nobody said it would be easy God never promised us a rose garden, but it’s for our own good. Paul in Romans says: “Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8: 12-15) I hope you got that. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit, thus we won’t be straddling the fence with a puzzled look on our face. Let me give you an example of fence sitting. There’s a certain country singer who has a large gay following. Now this singer has no problem singing Christian songs, along with their secular songs, and I believe they even profess to being a Christian. In an interview in People magazine, they said “We love the fact that they are who they are (gay members of their family and friends) and we nurture that. We don’t try to make them feel separate or different we embrace it.” Also, “I certainly know that the gay people I know are the most sensitive and most caring of all.” Now this person is seriously deceived and knows not the Bible. Oh yes, it sounds so nice and flowery, loving and kind, but wait a minute. In the Old Testament the Bible says: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22). And in Proverbs the Bible also says “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15). The New Testament has a lot to say about homosexuals, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves
that recompence of their error which was meet.” (Romans 1:24-27) Look, as Believers we are not to harass or make anybody’s life miserable. We can pray for the salvation of their souls, but to “nurture and embrace” that ungodly lifestyle, don’t think so. I don’t care if they seem like the sweetest people on the face of the earth! Stay away from them and keep your children away from them. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and hang on with my fingertips, in regards to GOD and His will for our lives it does NOT matter one iota about your feelings or their feelings. Our feelings are just like the wind, here today gone tomorrow, up, down, sideways. Our feelings on anything doesn’t matter. AT ALL. God is not trying to make us happy, rich, or famous, He is trying to conform us into the images of His precious Son Jesus Christ. One of the biggest lies of Satan is this “feelings” thing. Oh, I feel this or I feel that—-we are in control of our feelings. GOD isn’t going to be manipulated by our “feelings” and we’re not to be manipulated by other people’s “feelings,” we don’t have to be swayed by our own feelings. In fact, people who are swayed by their feelings are, well, let’s just say are deceived and gullible when it come to the word of God. Either we jump off the fence and follow GOD and His ways or we don’t. Feelings don’t matter! Now I just used the above as an example, there’s excessive drinking, lying, rebellion, laziness, watching godless videos, gluttony, fornication etc. all sorts of things that we continue to do and hope GOD turns a blind eye, but you know what my friend, He does NOT He is taking notes. Time to get serious folks. James also says, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) not some of his ways, but it says all. Now when the Bible says “all” it means “all” not some or a few, or even in the point of discussion, but “all his ways.” Because one thing leads to another and my friend sin is a slippery slope. If we think we can get away with something and God will turn His head and hold His nose, then maybe we can get away with something worse. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21:34-35) Get off the fence!! Get your nose in the Bible, spend time with the LORD, get rid of those things that the LORD is telling you to get rid of, what are you waiting for? Get off the fence! 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:
25 July 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:
July: Local ministry
August: Eastern Europe
September: 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.
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