BEHOLDING HIS GLORY
April 2003	Volume I Number 08

”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. More on faithfulness. Again, faithfulness is one the greatest quality of God He is trying to work in us, and if He cannot work this in us, He cannot use us, we have disqualified ourselves for His service. As we behold His glory we will see His faithfulness to us. Our eyes and understanding will “truly” be enlightened to how we are to be faithful to Him, (first) our spouse and family (second), the Body of Christ (the church) (third), and our responsibilities as a Believer in the world. In Luke Chapter 16 verses 10-12 we hear Jesus sharing on the importance of faithfulness and find three areas of faithfulness God is watching us move in. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10) The first is “that which is least” of things. The word “least” is translated little or insignificant. Faithfulness in little things is what God is looking for in us. Not the big things we think are important to God; like how much money we give, how long we can speak in tongues, or pray, oh no, God is looking at the little things, those things we think have no bearing on our spiritual growth and development. Do we lie, do we cheat, or steal? The little things. Because He knows if we will be faithful in little things, we will be faithful in big things then He can trust us with His things. The condition for having much in God is to be faithful (first) in little things. At the same measure we are faithful to Him in little things He will give us His things no more no less. This is a spiritual principle God operates through. God is always watching us to see how we operate with the things He gives us. Many say, why does God allow bad things to happen to Believers, well God wants to see if we have learned anything. God will not give us anything else unless we function correctly with the last thing He gave us. Our obedience and correct operation is a qualifying and approving for the next thing God has for us. Thus, the condition for receiving the next thing God has for us is up to us not God. He has it for us it is His intention to give them to us, “He knows how to give His children good gifts,” but we must correctly move and operate in the last gift to receive the next. I wonder why we think God is suppose to just give us whatever we want? Just ask and He must give it to us. Well this is wrong thinking out from wrong teaching. (It does matter who your teacher is) Even the natural world does not operate like that. We must be “faithful in that which is least” so God can give us His goods. More on faithfulness and verse Matthew 16:11 next month.

ARTICLE REVIEW:

LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

As I was thinking about the faithfulness of the Lord to me, my family, and the church during 1999, a verse popped into my mind; "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) What a wonderful promise from the Lord, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." I wonder where the end of the world is? I am not absolutely sure, but I am sure the Lord knows and He will go there with us. When I was leaving Silistra, Bulgaria I believe I was at the end of the world, because the Lord was definitely with me. Often when we are at the end of our rope, when we are at the end of our strength, abilities, and plans God is there to fulfill His promise to us. The end sometimes is a good place to come to. Actually by this verse, "the end of the world" is the place where God definitely promised He would be with us. Many desire for God to be with them and they with God, but do not desire to go to the end of world where God is waiting for them.

So, Pastor Yanko and Maria my translator took me to the Bulgarian border where I was to take a taxi into Romania and on to the international airport in Bucharest. Well, the Bulgarian taxi driver drove me across the border into no man's land and told me to get out. I was not sure why, but I had no choice but to be obedient. In the distance I could see the Romanian border, so I got my bags, thanked him for the ride and gave him 50 DM. I walked over the bridge and down to the control point. I thought to myself, how good it feels to drop my load for awhile. A Border Guard quickly came up to me and asked for my passport. Cheerfully I retrieved it and handed it over to him. He took it from me and disappeared into the darkness of the doorway. I did not know I was at the end of the world. Usually at most borders I get a transit visa stamped in my passport and then I am quickly about my business, but this was not the case today. After about 30 minutes a man in a very fancy suit came out of the darkness of the doorway and looked me up and down. I will never forget the long hard stare he gave me. A cold chill ran up my back and I shivered. He walked across the road and disappeared into a side door in a building up on the hill. I stood there in disbelief, what is going on? I was at the end of the world and I did not know it. Suddenly a window opened up and I heard some of the most blood curdling screams I have ever heard. The hair on the back of my neck stood at attention. Again and again I heard the sounds of a man being beaten. Strike after strike, blow after blow, the man cried until his cries turned into whimpers. I prayed, God have mercy on this fellow. The window closed and in a few minutes the man in the fancy suit appeared again. He slowly walked down the hill and looked at me again, hard and long he stared at me with distain. He turned and again disappeared into the darkness of the doorway. It suddenly hit me, why this fellow hated me so. The air war in Kosovo was still going on, and I an American in Romania was not welcome. That poor fellow in the building across the road took a beating for me, my heart dropped within me. The man in the fancy suit was showing me what he could do to me. But he did not see the Lord standing beside me nor did he hear the Lord whispering in my ear, "David, peace be still, lo I am with you even unto the end of the world." In a few minutes the Border Guard came through the darkness of the doorway and handed me my passport.

You know God today is speaking to us, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." In this head long run into the 21 Century, God is speaking peace to His children, peace be still, I am with you no matter what happens in your life, no matter what you are facing. Peace be still, do not be moved by what you see or hear! I am standing beside you, is there anything too difficult for me? Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6) Oh! what a promise, from the Lord. Oh! how He has kept me and my family over the years as I have traveled sharing His word and love. I am so excited, in my spirit is an expectation like I have never had before. Year 2000 is the beginning, not the end. And to think that He is with me always is all I need. Written by Pastor Dave Stahl

CURRENT NEWS:

Back around Sep 2002 when Beholding His Glory was birthed, God gave me a word, for me, my family, and church regarding “separation,” but little did I know the fullness and to the extent of this. We all know we must separate ourselves from worldly thinking and ways, and yes even from those who walk not according to God’s word, so that we will be able to walk in God’s provision for our life and our family. Jesus came with a sword not with peace (please see Matthew 10:34-39) so that He could bring us to a place where we would willingly choose Him and separation ourselves unto the Father. But separation means just that, separation. And, now today I can see another dimension to His word to me, for possibly in the near future I can see a separation from Germany and a return for us back to the States. We are in great peace with this possible move. Whatever He chooses is fine with us. I do not know where we will live and what we will do. All I know is God loves us and He is ever leading us. And, I am to keep alive Beholding His Glory when I return. For all who has been supporting me both financially and with your prayers, the best for this ministry lay ahead and I would like to encourage you to continue with what God has laid on your heart. More on this matter in future editions. Always know, Godly separation does not account for our feelings, but for our obedience to God’s desires. Karen my “sweetheart” and the kids are doing wonderful and send their greetings and love.

FUTURE SCHEDULE:

April: (open)

May: Nairobi, Kenya with Pastor Joseph Mutua and Adis Abebe, Ethiopia with Pastor Esayas

June: (open)

July: New London, CT with Pastor Doug Price then Bukoba and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania with Pastors Israel, Swai, Andrew, and others

If God moves on your heart to bless the ministries I visit and share God’s love with them I would be honored to make it possible for God and you.

NEEDS NOT WANTS:

Items for the printing service and new church building in Bulgaria is still before us. Also in Constanta, Romania Ciprian Bozdog, head teacher, at the Lighthouse Church’s Bible School has started printing Christian books. This is a very important area of ministry in Eastern Europe. Please keep these two ministries in your prayers and financial support. Bill and Charlene Pepper in Alaska still needs support to continue ministry efforts in Peru, China, Mongolia, and many more countries. My special friend Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support. He has launched out to start another Deliverance Church and has experienced loss to his home and land, there still is a price to pay for those who would share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 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:

American Address

CMR 480 Box 517

APO AE 09128

German Address

Pastor David Stahl

Ulmenweg -5

71706 Markgroningen, Germany

++49-7145-931152 (Voice)

++49-7145-931153 (FAX)

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