”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. CORRECTION: Before I get going I would like to submit a correction from last month’s newsletter. I received a call from wonderful pastor friend Gary, who told me the word “whale” does appear in the Bible, in Matthew 12:40. Thank you Brother Gary, but after closer inspection I found two other places in the Bible where the word “whale” appears: Job 7:12 and Ezekiel 32:2. I really stand corrected.
Well, here we are in the year 2025. When I was growing up I always seemed to gravitate more towards philosophical music not the heavy metal hard rock sounds, but music that made you think. In 1969 Evans and Zager wrote a song called, “In the Year 2525.” On 12 July 1969 it was number one for the last six weeks and in just eight days Apollo 11 would land on the moon changing life on earth forever. I always like that song, maybe because it talks about God and His judgment, and if He is going to come (and He is) He ought to make it by 7510. And now we are in 2025 and yes life only seems like yesterday. This month I will turn 70 years old only seems like yesterday. One thing for sure if you did not like the way 2024 went you cannot do the same things you did in 2024 and expect different outcomes in 2025. Many would say this would be insanity. Oh no, to have a better year in 2025 there must be change from 2024. Change is constant in God if we desire to grow spiritually. We cannot just be a sinner saved by grace, of which we are. Yes, we come as we are, but God’s intention is for us to change and not stay as we come. We must understand the power of the Gospel message to change us to be more than a forgiven sinner. In 2025 we must embrace the revelation knowledge that the same God who saved us can keep us, not forgetting the cross, but letting the message of the cross of Christ work in our lives so we can say, “yea LORD,” “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Okay let us continue to look at more diverse objects God can use to communicate with us. This month we will look at one of the mysterious and at times not so comfortable, the elements. In Luke 8:23-25 is a wonderful story that we all, at times, can identify with. “But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 24And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:23-25) One thing I like about these stories in the Bible is the spiritual side of the events. I highlighted some segments, some broken bread in these verses that talks about how God used the elements, the wind, the storm, and the waves to get the disciples to a place in themselves where they thought they were going to perish on the sea. I think this is place God desires to get us all to. A place, usually of our own making, where if He does not save us then we shall perish and just in the nick if time Jesus comes through and saves the day. Now there are a number of truths we can draw from this story that will help us with our daily living, like the elements themselves. God often will use the wind, the waves, maybe the darkness, a sinking boat, a financial situation, and I think one of His favorite, often sickness to engage our self-preservation emotions. Now, God does not do this to be mean or see if He can get us to cry, oh no. God will use these things in our lives to get our attention, to get us to think outside of our self and our circumstances and to really see without Him we can do nothing. Here in Luke it worked. Poor Jesus trying give His moral body some rest and a storm comes up. Now did God the Father cause the storm? Maybe so. Or maybe it was just a storm, like storms in our lives not caused by God, that came up, but at any rate the fear was real, “and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish.” Boy, does not sound likes us sometimes? Now, that would be a good place to say Amen. A point over looked often in this story is Jesus never left them. A lot people say Jesus let them alone while He slept. No, He was right there as He promised, “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” I really believe Jesus knew this storm was coming maybe He caused the storm, but I also believe Jesus wanted to see if the disciples had learned anything. Often times in our lives when storms come our way they are not for destruction, but for correction and learning. God wants to see if we have learned anything, if the truths of the Word of God have been established greater in our heart and lives. See if we are going to cut and run at the first sign of troubles and persecution or stand on His word knowing the storm (no denying that) is real, but we can ride it out as long as He is with us and we are with Him. Not sure if the disciples learned this yet.
Next month we will continue to look at other diverse objects God can use to communicate with us as we look at the elements. 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:
Being Chosen by God
Jesus tells us in Matthew, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) But, did you know not just anyone can be chosen by God oh no, only those who God has called (and that is everyone), but the choosing part is not up to God but up to us. Like salvation is not for everyone. It has been extended to everyone, but salvation is for only those who respond to the draw of the Holy Spirit. Another way to express this verse is “many are called, but few will pay the price in order to be chosen.” Being chosen is based on our submission and commitment to a process of qualifying or overcoming as we choose God. This qualifying process is out from us allowing God’s dealings and judgments in our lives. Basically we are chosen because we have allowed God to so work in our lives. Within the Body of Christ are two levels of relationship to the LORD. One can be saved and not become an overcomer, but one cannot be an overcomer without first being saved. Thus there is a church within the church. The first level is made up of all those who are satisfied with the fact of being saved, but seek to go no further. These are saved (as God judges not me), but view their salvation as being like salt that only flavors rather than permeates their lifestyle. They are satisfied with the promise of a future heaven, but have stopped short of the full work of the cross to bring them into spiritual maturity. This is the majority of the folks in churches today. This is why Jesus said, “but few are chosen.” You know I still shake my head in bewilderment at this group of people. The second level is made up of those who are being moved upon by the Holy Spirit, especially at this present time. These have a heart toward the LORD and can say with David, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4) They have taken up their cross and have submitted their lives and all that pertains to them. They have answered the call and are being dealt with and are qualifying to become His Bride for future things to transpire. How strange to have these two groups in the Body of Christ. How strange to make such an analogy “a church within the church,” but even stranger is the heart condition of the first group of people who have little to no desire to go further in the LORD. I wonder where they got this concept from? I wonder where they got off track? Today the denominational church (we really know we are the church) is off track and probably has been heading off the rails for about 2,000+ years. The commission of the 12 disciples was simple, to teach the people what they have observed. Jesus lays down the marker when He said, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20) All the disciples had to do was teach the people what Jesus commanded them. That was it. No churches, no denominations, no religions, no special services, no rituals, no special offerings, no, no, no, and no. I wonder if churches today could make it without their denominational headquarters? Now I am not beating up the disciples I know there is safety in numbers and if you pool your money you will have more buying power, but Jesus did not tell them to establish a church. Not sure what I would have done, but in the upper room (Acts 1:13-15) good things happened without being a church. Then on the Day of Pentecost the 120 disciples suddenly had 3,000 new friends. Luke writes, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:41-47) Still, no mention of the word “church” till verse 47, which is Strong’s #G1577 and means assembly or congregation or group of people. I always find it funny when someone tells me they are an Acts Church and I ask if they fulfill the requirements in verse 45. At that point the conversation usually drops off. But, the people (the Christians) were still going to the temple, they continued in the “apostles doctrine” (what the disciples observed and taught of Jesus), broke bread house to house (went home to home sharing Jesus), but something happened that changed all of this. In Acts 6 (just a short four chapters) we find, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4) Now I am not beating up the disciples or the early leaders, but they did something that moved them and God away from the open expression of what we call evangelism within the people and community of their day to a closed fixed organizational structure and anytime that happens there will be confusion, strife, and chaos. The more flesh you corral the more flesh will rebel. We must remember most of the New Testament is about correction and relaying a spiritual foundation. When Paul or Peter talks about a character flaw or a spiritual issue it is because it is either moving or not moving in the Body of Christ have it be in: Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, Philippi, Thessaloniki, etc. We see this play out in Acts 6. Here the disciples are serving tables (a good thing to do in its place) and putting up with murmuring instead of doing what Jesus told them to do, “teach them to observe all things I have commanded you.” As I read the New Testament I see a progressive movement away from what God originally established in Acts. There is a divine spiritual principle moving here. As much as we curry God’s influence and presence, strangely enough the longer man handles the things of God the less God is moving in them. This is because we start to inject our thoughts and desires, our beliefs and mix them with what God wants. The disciples walked and talked with Jesus they all stepped off line at the same time, yet now in the world we have 1,000s of denominations and doctrines that have nothing to do with the things the disciples observed. From the start the Believers met in homes, grottos, tombs, fields, and heard the word of God from every day common people who led the folks and for some reason they moved away from this and started something totally different than what Jesus asked. I believe Jesus wanted a more loosely defined organizational structure. Since the disciples were still going to the temple did they model the Body of Christ after the Temple? Probably so. I have always wondered if the disciples continued to sacrifice in the Temple? Probably so for a while. Are they bad or evil? No! Does God hate them? No! But for sure over the years we have gotten further and further off track (I believe) to where we find ourselves today, merchandizing the Gospel and selling power and influence. I wonder what the Body of Christ would look like today if we stayed the course with what Jesus wanted? I would say for the most part the Body of Christ has been organized into small (50-100 folks) churches with a dedicated pastor (like the one where Karen and I had attended) with a struggling congregation trying to make miracles from a limited budget. I believe God really enjoys these folks. I think God likes it when we struggle and see our dependence on Him. His call to us is not to freedom, but to dependence on Him. The more we see our need for Him the more we will be successful for Him. You know in all of my years in ministry I never received a salary for doing what God has asked me to do. When I travel overseas and speak God pays my way. God puts us up with some of the most giving and amazing people I have ever met. My friend if God wants you to do something for Him no need to become a beggar and twist arms to get money to fund your agenda. I have been amazed over the many years how God provides for what He wants to be done. God calls us and if he calls us then He will provide the means to do it. When I pastored in Germany I could have a taken a salary, but how could I feel the day to day struggles of our working men and women without working myself? Even the disciples in the Bible worked for a living. The danger in taking a salary is subtle. Pastors who take a salary are often beholding to the board and/or the people who pay their salary. Very few pastors I have met in my life have the courage to reject the control that comes with the money. I think we have missed the boat in so many areas when we come together to worship God around a collective agenda of a man, to evangelize for a cause, for an idea, push a denomination or religion while missing the point of the Gospel message — to go and tell the good news of the Gospel on a day to day basis house to house, to the unwashed masses face to face, one on one. “Ministry” has become so high tech and high touch. On “X” once called Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat all of the social media sites. Like me on Facebook?? How about are you saved from your sins?? Why do we care for and feed huge buildings, complexes, and networks while the people in the pews stare in hope (as their tithes and offerings hit the plate) that their monthly sacrifices are making a difference? As I said, the early church met in buildings of opportunity, but now we have freshly cut and manicured lawns, well-watered, that most people in the world would die for the excess water to drink. Being called must be more than meeting our physical needs. More than a building, an organization, more than a routine of yearly events that no one really knows why they do it, more than weekly services that have little impact in lives, even more than seeing how many souls we can notch on our Bibles. Being called by God means one thing: honest, dedicated, commitment service to God and man in the way He wants things to done. One of the greatest enemies on the battle field is mission creep and I am afraid the Body of Christ has suffered much loss from it. What does the future hold for the Body of Christ? Only victory. But I cannot say that for the church. We need to get back to the call of God and let all of these other things fall by the wayside. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Go Along For The Ride
We miss a lot of good opportunities in our lives, most of which the Lord orchestrates, by refusing to just go along for the ride. We’re a stubborn lot, we want what we want, when we want it. But, by going our own way we miss out on: 1) What GOD wants to do in us, or 2) what GOD wants US to do or say to other people. We miss a lot because we won’t just go along for the ride. Now, I’m speaking mostly to the married ladies out there. Be cognizant of going along with your husband and not off doing your own thing. Sometimes I go fishing with Dave not because I like fishing, but because he wants me to go. Now, if he gives me leave to stay home I will, there’s always something that needs done in the house. Mostly though where one of us is the other is not too far off. Separate vacations—forget-about-it. Spare me your reasonings. In Genesis God said the two “shall be one flesh.” “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23-24) My friend, we can’t be one flesh if he’s going one way and you’re going another way. Just smacks of selfishness to me. There have been so many times in my selfish, self-centered life where I didn’t want to go and do, but I did, and I’m glad I did. It got me out of my comfort zone and out of my self-centered little snit. As Christians we’re to be GOD’s hands and feet in an unsaved world. I’m not talking about big, grand opportunities, it’s often just going along with whatever, to be a little help and blessing. If we’re not obedient in little things, we won’t be obedient in big things. Besides we’re not supposed to (as Christians) be selfish always worried about what we want to do, go where we want to go etc. etc. How many women put the kibosh on having a Bible study in their home or don’t want to go to this church or that church because they —fill in the blanks—. It’s just selfishness, and maybe even rebellion. Best watch that attitude. I know this thinking. “I’m going to do what I feel is right (what I want to do) and GOD will bless me.” NO GOD blesses only those that are walking in obedience to Him and obedience to their husbands. Don’t deceive yourself. If married we are a team and we’re supposed to support our husbands, go where he goes, and yes that means squashing our desires and wants, getting out of our comfort zone without being a bitter, nasty martyr about it. Oh, what drama queens we can be!! Let us endeavor to just go along for the ride as sweetly as we can and be prepared to maybe share Jesus with somebody along the way. Just go along for the ride. GOD bless, read and study your Bible, start the year off right! 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:
21 January 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:
January: Local Ministry
February: Local Ministry
March: 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.
