”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)
Greetings again my Brethren. Karen, five other folks and I just returned from three weeks of ministry in Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. In Ukraine alone we travelled over 2,300 miles, visited six cities, all in seven days at great peril for our lives all from the back seat of a nine passenger van. The ministry in Romania was rich and full as always, in Ukraine it was surprising, and in Bulgaria well . . . it was disappointing except for the times when we went to the villages. Now to be honest we did not visit Pastor Yanko’s church in Silistra where I always find the presence of the LORD. But, what a presence of God, what a love for the word of God in the villages. I would like a take a break for a month or two and share some thoughts I shared in Ukraine. Now open up your spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. “We must come to the word of God without a biased heart, no preconceived ideas a blank slate to write on our heart. In Psalms 42:7, David writes, “Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” A deep desire for knowing Him with us that reaches out to God. And as we respond to God’s call to us we will come to know Him. Open your spirit! Do you hear His call tonight? One of the things that will drown out the call of God in our lives is a love for the world and ourself. In 1 John 2 John writes to his “little children,” “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17) The only reason John tells us not to love the world is because if we do then the love of the Father is not in us. We cannot be saved. We cannot love the LORD and the world. We must hate one and love the other. No neutral in God! Either we are moving forward in Him or we are moving backwards. Either we are moving into God or we are moving out of God. Now it says love NOT the things in the world too. Things like: technology, cell phones, TV, social media (Facebook etc.) even so-called Christian media on You Tube, etc. Love not these things, but fall deeply in love with Christ and His word. We are NOT to love the distractions of the world: sports, cooking, work, hunting, fishing, fashion, movies, etc. Either we love them and give ourself, time, and resources to them or we give ourselves to God. We cannot give ourself to both. John knew this. To prevent these things and distractions of the world from overwhelming us spiritually we must allow God to silence these things in us through His dealings and judgements. Silence our hungers and thirst which is best seen by our words, our desires, and our thoughts. Do you know where the sea of glass is? In Revelations John writes, “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:” (Revelations 4:6) Do you know where the sea of glass is? It is a sea which is smooth; it is never disturbed by waves. We never see a storm on the sea of glass; it is calm. This is the condition before the throne of God. It is not in the world. We can so relate to the rulership and dominion of God, so live in Him that we live in tranquillity, even through a storm. Now that is not denying the storm. We can have peace in time of war and we can have war in a time of peace. We can be in a storm when everything is calm or we can be calm when everything is stormy. We can even be alone in a crowd. It all depends upon where we are in the life of God. It all depends upon which is gripping our heart, the storm or the faithfulness of God. There is a place of silence in God that brings us to nothingness. A place where we have nothing to say. There are three types of silence: a silence of words, a silence of desires, and a silence of thoughts. The first is perfect. The second is even more perfect and the third is the most perfect. In the first, the silence of words, there is virtue (strength) that is acquired. In the second, the silence of desires, quietness is obtained; and in the third, the silence of thoughts . . . this is our goal: the internal recollection of all of our senses. To lay hold of the silence of thought is to arrive and abide at the center of our being where Christ dwells. Not by speaking, desiring, nor reasoning do we reach the central place of our inward walk, that place where God speaks to our inward man. It is there that God communicates Himself to our spirit; and there in the inner most depths of our being. He teaches us Himself. He guides us to this place where He alone speaks His most secret and hidden of His heart to us. We must enter into this through all silence if we would hear His divine voice within us. Forsaking the world will not accomplish this, nor will renouncing our desires. No, not even if we should renounce all things created. What then? Rest is God’s major goal in our lives is found only in this threefold silence, only before an open door where God may communicate Himself to us. It is in that place He can transform us into Himself. This transformation of our soul consists not in speaking to God nor in thinking on God, but in loving Him greatly. And how is this love acquired? By means of a perfect resignation to God faithfulness to us and this threefold silence. This tremendous truth of the faithfulness of God can carry us through a wilderness, even a war. This anchor can hold us steady through life’s storms. This enlightenment can take us safely through the darkness. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
A Life of Prayer
One of the things the LORD is impressing on me for some time is to increase my time of prayer. Prayer should be a natural function of our everyday life and at the very heart of our relationship with our LORD. The heart of our prayers should always be the expression of our love for the LORD, and of our desire to personally know Him. The LORD said in Proverbs, “I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” (Proverbs 8:17) I can think of nothing more important in our walk with the LORD than to spend more time in prayer. Our need is not to be better informed about the methods and principles of prayer, but rather to be stirred to spend quality time in prayer. Our prayers should always include the expression of our total dependence upon the LORD. We were created to live in a dependent relationship to Jesus – to look to Him in an attitude of worship and prayer for all things. “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) My friend read it, believe it, come to know it! Prayer is the means whereby this dependent relationship finds its outworking and completion. It is through this union with Jesus in prayer that the LORD meets our needs. Thus, prayer is at the very heart of our Christian experience and growth. If we are searching for some new revelation, personality, or fad to follow we will find it and then be easily led into some form of deception. The foundation of our spiritual life must be established on an active, personal prayer relationship with Jesus as being the LORD of our lives and all that pertains to us. Our calling is to work WITH the LORD rather than for the LORD. Therefore, there must be a time of preparation before we can be effective in serving the LORD. Doing the things (ministry, etc.) God needs for us to do will follow as the normal outworking of a life of prayer and communion with Him. If this were practiced as the LORD taught most of the problems that we have in our Christian experience would vanish. At this critical hour in which we live the LORD is calling His people apart, to serious times of prayer. Throughout the Body of Christ the glitter and charisma of personalities and special ministries must fade away. At the same time the door into the prayer closet is opening wider for those who desire something more from the Lord and are willing to enter and pray. It is here that the battle must be won. We begin by acknowledging our relationship to our Heavenly Father and worshipping Him. Only then can we pray for His will to be done and share our needs. Prayer is more than telling the LORD what we think He should do, and all the wonderful things that would happen if only He would do as we ask. Real prayer begins when we enter into such communion with Jesus that the Holy Spirit can pray the will of the Father through us. There are three different and distinct patterns or forms of our prayer life. The first is duty prayer where we pray over our food, prayer before we close our eyes at night, opening and/or closing a church service, meeting all of the traditions and responsibilities that man defines we must do in prayer and yes these are fine, but the LORD is looking for more. The next is a prayer life where we stop our living to pray. Where we “get alone” with the LORD, where we go into our prayer closet and spend time with Him. Fanny Crosby wrote a song, “Sweet Hour of Prayer” today it would be titled “Sweet Five Minutes of Prayer.” Most Christians spend on average (from recent surveys) less than 10 minutes a week in prayer. Jesus received direction and power from the Father when He prayed. Time and time again Jesus would separate Himself from the disciples and His living to receive from the Father. So I ask are the servants greater than the Master? As important as having a prayer life is the LORD is still looking for something more in our lives and that is a life of prayer where we do not stop our living, but 24 hours a day prayer comes out of our lives. This is how we can “pray without ceasing” as Paul instructed the Christians at the Church in at Thessalonica, “Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) If we can get to this place in God He then will be able to bring us into righteous living one of His grand goals in our lives. Ah righteous living where we just live righteous like breathing. No one has to think about breathing we just breathe it is automatic, well in righteous living we do not think about doing right or not sinning we just live and our living is righteous. Our living (words, and deeds) automatically become righteous and there is no condemnation in our lives, but if we get off track then the precious Holy Spirit will help (sometimes this can be very painful) get us back on track. This was the attraction (and not the miracles) of Jesus that drew the people to Him as He walked this earth. Righteous living will lead us to a greater love for God (always the beginning of all things in God) and a greater understanding of who we are and how we fit into the LORD’s big picture for our lives. We need not wonder about the LORD’s big picture for the world until we can learn of what God has for us. We then can learn about ALL God has for us and in ALL matters taking hold of the willingness of the LORD not overcoming His reluctance. An area many Christians have trouble with. Be careful our wants (even in God) will get us in trouble sometimes faster than sin. He may reluctantly give us something that we continually press Him for to our own hurt. Note the children of Israel who pressed Him for meat, rather than being satisfied with the Manna that He had provided. The Palmist said, “They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” (Palms 106:15) God gave them quail, but they needed something for the soul. Their trade was something physical (meat) instead of something spiritual. And why? They “soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel.” In other words no time spent inquiring of God. The result then was they “lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” So, God answered their request for the physical (the meat), but “sent leanness into their soul” to give them a hunger that the quail would not satisfy. God has His ways of getting our attention and usually He will use physical means to touch our spiritual lack. What a cry we hear in the church for physical healing and financial blessings when in reality the problem is the lack of spiritual understanding and discipline. There are no shortcuts or push-button methods of entering into His presence. Prayer means spending quality time with the LORD. When the LORD’s people come to an understanding of the value of having a set apart place of prayer for communion with Him and often enter into this place they will be on their way to a life of fruitfulness in His purpose. That way is the same way Jesus walked a life of prayer and relationship with His Father. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Don’t Be Deceived
Paul writing to Timothy while he (Paul) was in prison states: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing whom thou hast learned them: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:12-17) I just love Paul he shoots straight from the hip and doesn’t sugar-coat anything. Folks, if we—and I don’t care how long you’ve been a Christian, do NOT keep our noses in the Bible, and watch who we hang out with, we will be deceived and led astray. I’ve seen it happen. Somebody appeals to our vanity—and that’s all it is and before you know it, you’re off the straight and narrow, rubbing elbows with folks that aren’t who they seem. Stay on course!! When people flatter us that should be a red flag, move away!! We cannot change anyone’s heart, we cannot make people think or believe correctly especially if they don’t read the Scriptures for themselves. If they aren’t in the Bible themselves, they’re just following the denominational line—whatever that is. While in Ukraine we were told of a denominational leader who supposedly sold his home, to support refugees. Ok, so what is he living in now? How can he possibly afford a gigantic complex for his church? Where’s he getting his money from? Things just don’t add up. But, for those who are bamboozled by this guy they’ll just go lock step and follow this man. Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) Jesus made Himself of no reputation, but became (a process He learned) a servant, He humbled Himself. Don’t be deceived, know what you believe and who you believe. Read your Bible there’s too many people out in the world willing and waiting to deceive us for their personal gain. Judge righteous judgment, STAY IN THE WORD. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NOT 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 Brother John Vlad as the Director of 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.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETING:
21 November 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:
November: Local Ministry
December: Local Ministry
January: 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:
Website:
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 feel free to contact us with the above information.
