Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
February 2011 • Volume IX Number 06
“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. As we behold the glory of God (the things we have allowed God to work in our heart and lives) we are allowed to take a deep look into eternity through He who is eternal. This month I would like for us to take a good look at God’s attribute of Him being eternal. Now we have a hard time with eternity. Sometimes I have a hard time planning for the next day, but God knows the beginning to the end, He is eternal. Man’s perspective is of the earth: three dimensional, a flood of emotions and other areas in our lives that needs to be dealt with by God, four defined seasons, and a defined end to human life (as we know it), we see it play out in the news and read about it in the obituaries. Man is of the earth, but God not so. God inhabits eternity and the earth at the same time, he is omnipresent. Did you know the devil is not omnipresent? God knows no bounds of gravity, knows no time, knows no shape (He is a Spirit), nor knows no dimension. Everything God does has eternal purposes, even saving us. Isaiah shares this thought better than I, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15) God Himself told us in His precious word, He is eternal and He even helped us get our mind and heart around this word eternal when He told us where He dwells and to whom He dwells with, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit” Moses knew this truth when he made His choice to turn his back on the pleasures of Egypt, “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)
Moses chose to see He who is invisible, He who inhabits eternity. Unless God has been had the opportunity to work in our hearts and lives, through His judgment and dealings, we will never be able to behold His glory and we will never be able to see He who is eternal. God’s eternal attribute is tied to His glory. Man tries to copy God’s glory (through religion, sports, and even the talents and abilities God gives us), but this my friend can never happen; unless man has been changed by the power of God the best he will even be able to do is be of the earth. He will live and die of the earth. Please notice where the eternal God dwells, “with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” The condition to be able to see He who is invisible and into eternity is to have a humble and contrite spirit. The word “contrite” means crushed and ground to powder. Not much self-exalting going on when we have been crushed, yet these are the folks that God dwells with. David said, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17) We often sing songs (we call praise and worship) asking God to come and minister to us, well IF He comes what will He minister to? Our flesh, oh on God desires to kill our flesh. Our emotions, oh no God knows they can run wild and even run us right out of Him. Maybe our intelligence, oh no God knows our mental assent through our intelligence can never get us to His heart. When God comes (we do not go to Him) to minister to us He can only minister to the life of God we have allowed Him to develop in us. And the life of God is not developed in us in a song service or working for God, but through difficult times of God’s dealings, God’s judgments in our lives, showing us who we really are compared to His precious Son Jesus Christ enabling us to correctly operate in the eternal things of God. Please let us have this desire in 2011. Next month God being immutable another attribute of God.
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Right Thinking Righteous Living
I The battleground for righteous living in our lives is our mind. Righteous living, where we just automatically live righteously, is a place God desires all of His children to come to. We do not have to stop and think I must breathe now oh no breathing is automatically built into us, well this is what God wants to see in our lives we just do the right thing automatically every time. For this to happen we will need to have the mind of Christ in us which comes by way of God’s discipline and correction that enables us to walk on the straight and narrow path of righteous thinking which leads to morality, godliness, and holiness. Now many Christians say, it is impossible to have the mind of Christ, well my friend this is true if we read the news paper and watch TV more than we read the Bible and spend time with the Lord. Paul encouraged the church at Philippi, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5) while appealing for a spirit of unity and steadfastness, but warning the church against dangerous heresies (like we see today) that were threatening them, probably Judaism and Gnosticism. Jesus too had to endure God’s discipline and correction. First He learned at the hands of Joseph and Mary and then His Heavenly Father. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5:8-9) Please notice the Bible says Jesus was “made perfect” through or “by the things which he suffered.” Suffering always teaches us something about obedience and if we gain the lesson God desires to teach us we will gain the mind of Christ in some areas. But, we will never become like Christ (God’s goal in our lives) if we do not have the ability to think like He thought. Believe it or not God desires for us to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. The question is not do we want the mind of Christ, most Christians would say yes, let me have it, but the question is do we desire and will we endure the suffering (God’s dealings and judgments in our lives) to be able to hold the mind of Christ? Not too many takers now. I am afraid that answer is a resounding no especially in the church in America. Sadly, the church in America has allowed the world to influence it, because it has drifted from Biblical doctrine and gone after denominational doctrine, traditions of men, and religious church activities, to such a degree they (the churches) do not recognize how far they have drifted away from God’s highway of holiness. The church now has become a snapshot of the world and the world my friend is ugly.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Pal or Parent?
By being our children’s “pal” instead of their parent we do them a grave disservice. The easiest thing in the world is to want to be our kids ‘pal, but as Christians we are held to a higher standard. Pals don’t correct each other, they support and comfort one another, and they try not to offend each other to a degree. There’s no authority in a pal relationship you’re both equal. God expects we parents to be the authority figure in our kids lives to extend the arm of correction to our kids. Being our children’s pal enables them to put forth the least amount of effort to get by and will bring shame to their parents, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Proverbs 29:15) Whereas a healthy respect and fear of parental disapproval will propel them further in life to fulfill the potential God wants them to live up to. Kids don’t need pals, they need guidance and a strong authority figure to respect and fear. If a child doesn’t respect a parents God-given authority how are they going to respect other authorities in their lives? How can they respect civil authorities, teachers, police, etc., etc. If we don’t expect and demand that they respect we parents at home? Ultimately how will they respect the authority of an invisible God? Respect is learned; it doesn’t come naturally, it has to be taught. It must be drilled into our children’s head. I’d much rather be a pal to my kids than an authority figure. I have found that it’s much easier to discipline kids if there is that respectful distance. The old saying familiarity breeds contempt is true. We don’t have to let our kids get too familiar and palsey walsey with us. If we don’t learn this lesson of respect and teach it to our kids woe unto us as we stand before God. Don’t even look for a pat on the back if you fail on this very important issue. It is imperative that wives respect their husbands, that respect or lack thereof can set your kids up for either success or failure. It took me a long time to learn this. I caused a lot of pain and strife in our family, and untold heartache to my husband because of my lack of respect. Be an example of a respectful wife to your children or YOU will reap a bitter harvest. And please respect isn’t just letting your husband say the grace at the table – don’t even play that phony game. Or say your husband is the head of the home when everybody can plainly see the opposite is the truth- shame on you. Our husbands are not here to step and fetch for us. We are to adapt to them and their schedules not the other way around! He is the head of the home and responsible to God Himself for the family. We women don’t always know what’s best – though we often act and think we do. The Bible says Eve was deceived, “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (1Timothy 2:14) The husband’s word should be law and the respect afforded him is NOT contingent on him being right or wrong. Respect is a deliberate and conscience decision to act in such a way as to honor the husband that God has given you to take care of. It is not honoring to a man for his wife to be in the pulpit either especially when he is not. God holds him responsible for ALL that goes on in the family. Our job as wives is to respect our husband whether he is wrong or right. It doesn’t matter. The respect must be there. God will deal with a husband if he is way off track. It may take a while, but that’s God’s job NOT the wife’s job. The wife’s job is to be obedient to her husband.
Anyway, back to the kids, if our kids don’t have respect and awe for us parents they won’t have any respect and awe for God. They’ll have this entitlement mentality that God loves them unconditionally (God is our pal) and they certainly won’t have the respect and awe of what was done on the cross for us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is why teaching our kids respect is of the utmost importance, along with obedience the two go hand in hand. Let your children see you address others by their formal names/title, how else will they learn if they don’t see you demonstrate it? If a policeman pulls you over, don’t start justifying yourself or be disrespectful. Yes sir, or no sir—comply with what he wants calmly and respectfully. Don’t grouse or henpeck your husband. Differing of opinions should be discussed out of ear shot of the kids. Keep your attitude right. God cannot and indeed will not move on our behalf if we act like idiots to those in authority over us—including our husbands!!!! Respect is a heart condition, however we must be lowly enough as Christians so when we are disrespected we don’t retaliate back. A person who doesn’t respect their parents will have a very hard time respecting their spouse and authority figures in their life. And this lack of respect will be passed down to their kids. Let me add a side note here and repeat that a respected parent will get more results with their kids than someone who is a pal to their kids. Mom if you’re a pal to your kids; STOP IT!! You are putting your husband in an awkward position of being the tough guy to always discipline the kids when they get out of hand. When the time calls for swift and hard parental action you’ll be too weak or too busy being a pal to do what is right and necessary—then it’ll be up to dad to be the big bad heavy. Not quite fair is it? The kids should respect both mother and father and the two should be on the same page concerning their kids, for you who feel “Well I don’t have to be respectful because….. (fill in the blank), be careful you are on dangerous ground. God is counting on YOU to raise those kids right, don’t let Him down.
Written by Karen Stahl
DEAR FRIENDS:
Back in January I heard many people speak blessing over other people and what they would like to see happen in the coming year, but that is not the way God operates. It is our commitment and dedication to God that will carry us throughout 2011 and beyond. It is our commitment and dedication that carries us in God, not His power and authority. We will only go in God (and even in God’s directed ministry) only as far as our commitment and dedication will carry us. Never forget when God speaks (especially in His spoken word) it is God intention for our lives. The reality of God’s word coming alive in our lives is up to us, not God His speaking is His intention what He desires to see in our lives. But whether or not it comes alive is up to us are we willing to meet the condition. Jesus says, “all things are possible” and this is true as long as we walk in the condition God has established for us to meet to be able to operate in the truth of all things being possible. We think God is going to supernaturally come and make us feel good, make us rich, or popular, but again that is not the way God operates. He comes as long as we do our part in meeting the condition of His appearing. Any other thinking is a humanistic, selfish doctrine where our self is the focus of attention. Please do not allow 2011 to be a ordinary year, God expects more from us. God expects us to operate in the truth (we have our part to play in God’s word) and power of His word in 2011. Let 2011 be a year in God (through your obedience and commitment to God) like no other.
Last year was a lean year financially, as God said, for BHG. I thank God for the folks that have had a heart for what God is doing through BHG to the world and in the lives of the people who are committed and dedicated to BHG. In my spirit I feel God is saying 2011 will be like 2010, but more dedication and commitment will be needed to get what you got last year from God. I feel resources will start flowing for the clinics (both in Nigeria and Ethiopia), radio station in Nepal, and yes travelling again, but not at the every other month schedule as in the past. God wants His best for our lives, but never forget God’s best comes out of our obedience not our wanting or religious practices.
NEEDS NOT WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and Pastor Yanko. Times are troubled in Bulgaria and need much prayer.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor Marcel at St. Andrews Church. St. Andrews is still a key brick in the wall of God to the nations of Eastern Europe.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support. Kenya has seen much change and experienced much upheaval, they need your prayers for safety.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs your prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Financial support for the printing of “Wandering in the Wilderness: Call to Ministry.”
8. Pastor Metin Mintaz and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
9. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
10. Major Robin McIntosh, Chaplin, Gatwick Airport, Salvation Army, London, England.
11. Monthly financial support Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
12. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
13. Pastor Sharief Ramsis, Khartoum Evangelical Church, (his Church) and their feeding and lodging ministry of the 1000s of children from the famine and war regions.
14. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), Mashuli Etienne, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda, and the plans for a Bible School and K-12 school.
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
I am still available to share what God has given me at churches and/or home groups. If God moves on your heart to bless the ministries I visit and share God’s love I would be honored to make it possible for God and you. God told Abram, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.” (Genesis 12:3) If you want a blessing, then bless someone. 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:
Ministry E-mail: dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Personal E-mail: mtnebo@hotmail.com
Online:
Beholding His Glory Website
Beholding His Glory Blog
Our latest book, “Thoughts for Consideration” has been published by AuthorHouse, where you can also purchase it online. You can also purchase two of our other books “Adventures with God” and “God Still Performs Miracles: A Book of Personal Encouragement.”
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.
We are projecting to use the royalties for: our maternity clinic in Aveile, Nigeria, radio station in Katmandu, Nepal, TB clinics in Ethiopia, and Lord willing the Bible Schools in Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo, and to help publish more books. We have five more books at different stages of production. 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. The cost is great, but the cost for not supporting to others is even greater. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.
