”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. Over the past few months we have been looking at the diversity of circumstances God can use to speak to us. One of my favourite’s is the wilderness, that difficult time in our lives when we think God may have abandoned us or a time of dryness to where we do not feel the presence of the LORD. But, in reality God was right there all the time working more than feelings and emotions into us. He was working His word in us, teaching us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. He was teaching us, “Who is he coming up from the wilderness leaning on His beloved.” (Song of Songs 8:5) God was teaching us how to “lean” on Him, teaching us His ways and not our ways. So, this month we will transition some what from circumstances to instruments. This month we will begin to look at some of the many diverse instruments God uses to communicate His ways and words to us. If you think God ONLY uses the Bible (which He does mainly as He speaks to our spirit also) to communicate His ways and word you would be wrong. Now, I am not talking about musical instruments, oh no, but I am talking about instruments in the sense of a capability or lack of an ability to be used to communicate with us. For example: I would like to look at timidity or being timid as a child, deer, or a flock of birds is timid. In the Book of Jeremiah we read of the Prophet Jeremiah’s (the weeping Prophet) call to be a Prophet. “Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:4-9) When we think of children seldom do we think of them as a minister of the Gospel where God would use them to preach or teach, but when it is all said and done God is not above using anything or anyone who makes themselves available. Ability is NOT the criteria to be used of God, oh no, availability is and even if you are a timid child. Here we see Jeremiah talking with God and making excuses like Moses (Moses was timid too) tried, but God wanted nothing to do with their excuses. God told Jeremiah before he was formed in his mother’s belly, “I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” I am sure Jeremiah thought God must be crazy, but as Jeremiah grew in stature and in God he quickly saw the handy work of God’s power and authority in his life and the timidity as child-like soon disappeared. Same as with David. At the ripe old age of 16 David was anointed King of Israel, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:13) What do you think David thought? WOW, King of Israel where is the palace? Do you think he was a bit timid? But no, David went back to tending sheep where he slew a bear and lion with his bare hands. Do you think he was timid after that? No, it was this experience killing the bear and the lion that gave him the confidence to go after Goliath. “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:34-36) Do you see something good developing here? Yes, we may be a child and yes, we may be timid, but timidity and our youth should never stop us from doing the LORD’s will for our lives. “Therefore, David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.” (1 Samuel 17:51) Do you think David was ever timid again? Do you think he ever thought God was not with him? Even the young boy who gave Jesus two fishes and five barley loaves. John writes, “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9) What do you think the “lad” thought when Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves? Do you think he was timid ever again? He just gave Jesus what he had and Jesus did the rest. God will use anything we have to do whatsoever He wants done if we give it to Him. So, we see timidity is no excuse to be used of God. God will use timid people if they want to be used after God works in their lives to get rid of the timidity. John writes, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelations 21:8) Take heed my friend, the word “fearful” is translated timid. So, the timid, “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
More next month as we continue to look at the many diverse instruments God can use to communicate with us. Are you there my friend? In tough situations and circumstances? Have you heard His voice? Listen closely and you will. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Total Submission
Now let me start by saying I am not there — total submission, but as long as I have a heart to get there all is well with my walk with the LORD. You know I am not sure if we will ever come into this intention of the LORD for us in this life. One of my favorite verses in the Scriptures is found in the Song of Songs. It reads, “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? (Song of Songs 8:5) Now there is a particular quality about the one who is coming up from the wilderness that attracts special attention. They are “leaning” upon her “beloved.” This position of leaning demonstrates a critical truth that must include our walk with the LORD wherein we have become completely dependent upon Him. Something has changed during their time of being in the wilderness which has resulted in them becoming totally submissive upon the LORD. Throughout Biblical history the LORD often uses the wilderness to teach and purify His servants in order to qualify them for His purposes. The wilderness speaks of a barren and desolate area, but if one looks close they will see a well watered place of God’s bounty hidden in hardships, confusion, uncertainty, and yes even failure. It is a place where inner needs become intensified as they seek satisfaction and there is no availability of things necessary to meet these needs. Here needs can only be met through an internal soul searching, reflection, openness, and an utter dependence on the LORD. In Genesis (which may be a spiritual arrangement) we read where the LORD planted a garden in Eden supplying everything that could be desired by man. It provided an environment of both beauty and provision – complete beyond imagination. “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:8-9) Adam and Eve then were placed in this garden and God commanded: “. . . of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17) This made them totally dependent as they were required to obey the word that the LORD had spoken to them. Now the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was fair game for food. After all God did say, “every tree of the garden you may freely eat” and that included the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but God added if you eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil “in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.” Our total submission to God always comes with choices the LORD has arranged things this way. Strange how the LORD sets this arrangement up to measure our faithfulness. The Scriptures are full of examples where the LORD gives us choices. One is found in Deuteronomy where God sets life and death before us on which all of mankind balances. “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;” (Deuteronomy 30:15) God said look at life here look at death I set them both before you, now you choose. We choose in word and in our deeds. For Adam and Eve the only restraint to their eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the word that the LORD had commanded them that they were not to partake. This tree was in the midst of the garden. It was very desirable and easily available to them. Eve had observed that the fruit of this tree was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired (Genesis 3:6). I wonder how Eve knew this? Herein was Eve’s problem the fruit of this tree was very appealing. However, she knew that God had said no. As we know the attraction was so enticing and the fruit seemingly so desirable (sounds like today) that Eve disobeyed and partook. Yes, we can blame Satan to a degree for Eve’s disobedience, but Eve carried her disobedience to the next level when she gave Adam of the fruit to eat and he did. Strange the Serpent did not tempt Adam only Eve. Why then did Adam eat? Only God really knows (I was not there), but maybe Adam knew the penalty of death hanging over Eve’s head and he loved her so. All of the other animals in the garden had a mate again I do not know, but through this act of disobedience Adam and Eve forfeited their position of total submission upon the LORD not only for them, but for all mankind. Adam (and Eve to a certain degree) made a willful, conscience choice to eat of the fruit. They failed to overcome their fleshly desire in the test that had been placed in their pattern of life. As a result of this the process of death entered their being and they no longer “leaned” upon Him. Along with this they lost all that would have developed on their behalf had they been obedient and overcame in this testing. I wonder what the Garden of Eden held for mankind and the world if Adam and Eve would have passed the first test for man. The Scriptures are silent concerning what might have taken place in their relationship to the LORD had they chosen to remain submissive and obedient to Him. The only clue that we have as to what might have been is to consider the outcome in the testing of Jesus in the wilderness. Ah the wilderness again. Jesus took upon Himself, in human form, the identity of a second Adam and then faced a test that was similar to the one that the first Adam had faced. “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungry. 3And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If You be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, 4It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:2-4) Jesus overcame in every situation where the first Adam failed. Jesus was an overcomer where Adam was not. An overcomer is one who submits to the LORD and then abides in a “leaning” position upon their Beloved. This is an indication of their complete trust in and dependence upon the LORD and it is the result of having become obedient and submissive to the will of the Lord. We just choose correctly as automatic as breathing. Our becoming an overcomer means that we are rising above all that is less than the LORD’s revealed or known best. It involves our facing the test of the wilderness and remaining dependent upon the LORD for provision. Adam and Eve were tested concerning the possibility of their becoming overcomers, but because of the desirability and the attraction of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they choose for their own seeming good and failed to overcome. All spiritual gain must be tested if it is to abide and become productive. Adam and Eve failed their test while abiding in a perfect environment and entered death. Jesus had to face a similar test in order to qualify for the place in life that Adam had forfeited. In contrast to the perfect environment of the Garden of Eden Jesus faced Satan in the barren environment of a wilderness that provided nothing. “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungry.” (Matthew 4:2) There was nothing available that could satisfy the intense hunger that Jesus felt. Then Satan appeared to Jesus and suggested that He turn stones into bread in order to satisfy His gnawing hunger. There was nothing inherently wrong with turning these stones into bread, except that God had not said to do so. Jesus refused to act and waited for supply from His Father. Had Jesus exercised His Deity in order to provide for His own need He would have become independent. He qualified by remaining in a place of total dependence upon His Father for provision. This was exactly where Adam and Eve failed. The sin of Adam and EVE was not eating the fruit, oh no even when we sin it is not the act, but the intention of our heart. Sin is to miss the mark, to know right, but do wrong, to do that which God said not to do. The sin of Adam and Eve (especially Adam) was they thought they could be independent from God and do as they felt best. They could decide for themselves what was right or wrong. Jesus confirmed His complete dependence upon God when He said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Jesus refused to act apart from a word from the LORD and came forth from the wilderness in the “power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). Power in God comes by allowing God to work in our lives helping us to make right choices. We also will be tested, as Jesus was “if” we desire to come into a relationship of total submission. Those who choose to abide in this position of will then be led by the Holy Spirit into a specially prepared wilderness where we will develop a deep inner hunger (maybe even a dissatisfaction) along with an intense desire (even a frustration) in some area of our being. Then at a critical moment when it seems to us that the LORD is no longer interested in our problem and He is delaying His answer the enemy will be allowed (like with the Serpent) to come and tempt us. He will try to provoke us to act in some way to produce or to bring about the satisfaction that we desperately long for which is presently apart from the LORD’s provision for us. If we will steadfastly refuse this temptation and stand fast, in due time, the LORD will feed us. If we will be patient during our times of being tested and wait for the LORD’s provision for us then it can truly be said: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” (1Corinthians 2:9) Maybe even some of the things in the Garden of Eden God intended for Adam before his disobedience. The first Adam failed and lost his place or position as an overcomer. This was regained by Jesus who overcame as the last Adam and now we too can become an overcomer. Jesus was faithful in maintaining His place of dependence. There is no greater joy than that which comes from making a determined choice to become dependent upon the LORD and then to faithfully abide in this newfound place of total submission until the greater day comes. Now we can no longer blame Adam, Eve, or even Satan for us not coming to total submission to the LORD. He is waiting. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
No Turning Back
Jesus, when He sent out the twelve Disciples said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:32-39) My friend, verse 38 is very sobering, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Part of the definition of the word “cross” is exposure to death, and self-denial. WOW! In this narcissistic, self-indulgent, anything goes society, with all of it’s distractions EVERYWHERE what a job it is to, as our special friend Master Guns says, “Stay focused, stay on point.” How right Master Guns is! On the way home from Craven Prison recently a Pastor on the radio put it this way succinctly, (paraphrasing) now is not the time for us to buy new houses and cars, store up food, or even to worry about the future, but now is the time to tell people about Jesus! How true. Listening to the news even for 15 minutes is depressing and worrisome. Who doesn’t want to buy a bunker in the hills somewhere, and store tons of food and hide!!! Folks, it’s up to us to keep on track, to stay focused, to stay on point. Jesus can’t do it for us, oh no He’s done enough for us already, He has done His part and is counting on us, through His power and strength, to do our part. In Luke 9:62, Jesus also said, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Or fit for the Masters use. And why? Deception and distractions. Paul in Galatians encouraged the believers to trust in faith NOT their works, see Galatians 4:9. Peter in 2 Peter 2:19-22, warns the young church about false teachers even as did Jesus, see Matthew 24:4-5. Does this sound familiar? False teachers abounded then as they do now. King Solomon tells us, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). Well, what about cell phones and computers? All of those are forms of communication and information, at a higher rate of speed than in times past, are nothing more than deception and a distraction to our spiritual growth and development. I don’t know about you, but I do NOT want to be googling something on my stupid phone and miss the return of Jesus. The more we go after technology the less of God will be in us. A cell phone, a computer, TV, and social media (like Facebook, X, You Tube, Tic Tok, etc.) are some of the biggest time wasters in our lives. Let’s get them under control before it’s too late. Focus, if you have time to play on your cell phone or computer then you have time to spend with the LORD. Let us endeavor to ease up on our cell phone, computer, and TV usage. Then we’ll have plenty of time to:
1) Read our Bibles more.
2) Spend time with the Lord more.
3) Pray more.
4) And watch who we hang out with. It’s better to be alone than with ungodly people. Because ungodly people will drag you down faster than you can pull them up. Including FAMILY! Besides, IF you’re a real Believer you’ll never be alone anyway, you’ll have Jesus and you can’t do better than that! 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 MEETINGS:
18 June 24 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:
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.
