BEHOLDING HIS GLORY

BEHOLDING HIS GLORY

April 2006

                                                  Volume IV 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.  Let us continue to critically look at our need to move with God correctly and to allow God to build His concepts and principles into our lives.  I am always amazed to hear Christian ask God to do spiritual things in them.  We even sing emotional songs to God in a feeble and self-seeking attempt to manipulate Him, to get His magic wand out and do things for us.  Well God does not operate that way.  We sing, “purify our hearts oh Lord” and when it does not happen we get angry with God and others. God does not work because we sing songs or give Him 10% of our money, oh no my friend.  God works on our behalf out from our obedience to Him. The more obedient we are to Him the more God will work on our behalf.  This is one major theme of the Bible that is most often missed.  All through out the Bible God moves in meeting the need of His children when they were obedient to Him. As important as communion is in our lives, obedience is the key to spiritual growth and development.  For us to understand obedience from God’s perspective we must allow God to work in our lives in the area of self-seeking.  God loves not  the believer who does the most, nor who feels the most, nor who thinks the most cleverly and best, nor even that one who shows the greatest love, but God loves him who suffers the most.  Suffering calls forth obedience in our lives. Suffering in our lives develops discipline towards endurance and perseverance.  Now we do not like these words because they cause us to do without and require us to face painful character flaws in our lives.  We do not like pain or be brought to an understanding of failure in our lives.  We do not like to sacrifice, but unless we have sacrificed we have done nothing for God. Jesus made the greatest sacrifice known to man for us, and yet we shy away from sacrificing for our friends and even God. Discipline and sacrifice in our lives begins to deal a death blow to our self-seeking.  And when our self-seeking has been dealt with we then can come into obedience to God.  When we come to the Lord in obedience we labor without personal interest.  God is not impressed with a multitude of words.  He is impressed with the purity and intent of our heart.  He wishes to see the inward part of us humbled, quiet, and totally surrendered to Him and to His will, in obedience, whatever it may be. There are Christians who go after the good feelings of pleasure in seeking God.  While others go after the power that comes with knowing God while being impressed with the way they form their words and sentences in prayer to Him.  Actually all of these approaches to God are nothing but a hunt for sensible pleasures. This to God is but self love and seeking after self.  It is really not a seeking after God at all.  It is necessary we suffer a little pain and quiet this desire in us to feel God’s power and touch. The more our outward man delights in some sort of pleasure in God, the less delight there is in the Lord.  But the less we care for the outward thrills of spiritual things  . . . ah, here is something which delights the Lord.  If we can allow God to bring us into His dealings and judgments we will learn the gift of perseverance, which has many fruits and advantages. We will develop a weariness toward the things of this world little by little and by slow degree, the desires of our past life will lose their strength and new ones toward God will arise.  If we learn to suffer awhile, we will have a sense of peace within us, a confidence in God’s sovereignty, and even a detachment from all other things.  Out from this work God does in our lives we come into an understanding of obedience to God.   

More next month on our great need for obedience to the Father and other topics.  

 

ARTICLE REVIEW:

           

       The Kingdom Of God Within

                          

      As I travel around the world I hear many Christians speak of the Kingdom of God.  I hear many say, let us do our part to bring the lost into the kingdom of God, let us work so that the Kingdom of God will come and expand its borders, and so on.  There seems to be those who think God’s Kingdom is a church building, a ministry, a denomination or doctrine, or even a good cause.  There seems to be many Christians willing to lay down their lives for things they can see and touch.  Sadly we have learned there is great control and power in things we can see and touch. Sadly too we have learned we can make great sums of money from this way of thinking, manipulating people for favor and power. Manipulation is the greatest sin of the church today. I see it where ever I go and whatever I read and watch.  Now please do not misunderstand me, I do believe we need a place to come together and worship God, but a building that seats 10, 15, or 25,000 people well I am not so sure about all of that. Most often mega churches are built by assorted growth programs, special amenities, and the pastor’s charisma and not the work of God in lives.  I do know the longer I go with God the more I am convinced God is in simplicity.  He is not fancy and does not require much to make Him happy, only our obedience and love is all He asks.  Bigger is not better and the more people you have the less of God will be in operation.  This is a theme we see running all throughout the Bible. Jesus could not do much with large crowds, it seemed all they wanted was for Him to do a miracle or two, but they had no stomach for the “true” bread of life.  I think the more we want for our self the more we feel we need to give to God. There seems to be a direct relationship between our desire to get things (even from God) and our desire to give and do things for Him and all He wants is our obedience and love.  The sacrifices God is after are a broken spirit and a contrite heart. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)  It is the broken by God alone that are useful to Him.  We are ready to give God sacrifices of money, hard work to build a large church building, pray and fast all night, or even go and travel around the world preaching the Gospel. But, there seems to be a great avoidance to allowing God to work in our lives, through His dealings and judgments, and this is plainly seen in this wrong thinking of God’s Kingdom.

The religious folks of Jesus’ day too had this wrong concept of God’s Kingdom, maybe that is where the religious folks today get it from. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:  21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”  (Luke 17:20-21) Can you imagine, “behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” It is no wonder all of our effort and labor to bring people into what we call the Kingdom of God has woefully failed and come short of what God expects of us. Some Christian groups have satellites sweeping around the world broadcasting religious TV programs saying they are bringing people into the Kingdom of God, but in reality they are not and why not, because “behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” My friend there is a throne that God desires to sit on in His Kingdom, but it is not of this world, it is the throne of our heart where He desires to rule and reign in our lives. This was the very point Jesus told Pilate when He stood before him, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”  (John 18:26)  But today we seem to fight everyone who disagrees with us. In Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, all around the world there are denominational and doctrinal turf battles for cities and for the heart, mind, and wallets of the people in these cities.  But Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Imagine God’s Kingdom is not of this world.  

In Matthew 13:18-23, we learn a little more about the “true” Kingdom of God. “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”  (Matthew 13:18-23) Here in these verses there are four key precepts to build correct concepts for success in God.  The first key is, one comes into the kingdom by the word not by working, “heareth the word” (verse 19, 20, 22, 23) We seem to want to do great things for God, but God wants us to become something great in Him.  It is easy to do great things, but very difficult to become something great in Him.  For this to happen we must die to our self-life and desires.  David said, “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.”(2 Samuel 22:36), not the throne, wealth, power, or the wisdom God gave him.  When we truly hear a word from God, when we truly allow Him to speak to our heart we will then be able to come into the Kingdom of God and lay our life down.  The second key is, there is need for commitment to come into the Kingdom of God, “Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” (verse 21) Today there seems to be no commitment to God, our spouses, and our brothers and sisters.  The church is full of broken-hearted people out from broken relationships. When problems and situations arise, as they will, our commitment seems to be lacking. We get offended not because of the problems and situations, but because “of the word” God speaks to us, for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word.  When God speaks to us it is His word that threatens our selfish self-life and desires.  And when our brothers’ and sisters’ words touch the offence in us we get even more offended.  Do you know you cannot be offended if there is no offence in you? Getting offended is the greatest obstacle to knowing God’s will for our lives. Getting offended again and again is a sign of our unwillingness to allow God to deal in our lives. The third key is a lack of devotion. 22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (verse 22)  What are we devoted to?  What are we taking into our heart? Remember, “For as a man thinketh in his heart (not his mind) so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) What and to whom are we devoted to? Sadly here in verse 22, “the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word.” What do we devote our life to?  Sadly most Christians are drunk with things of this world, devoted to good causes and noble ideas that have nothing to do with God.  Are we more devoted to God’s word or earthly riches?  You know, it does matters who your teacher is. And the fourth and last key is understanding,  “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (verse 23) Hearing the word of God alone is not enough we must understand it. Now we must hear God’s word this is critical, but hearing without understanding is loss to us, the word has fallen on the ground and is wasted.  It is when we understand God’s words we can walk in them. The condition for being fruitful in God is understanding, knowing what God wants in a given situation and circumstance and then flowing in it, not God speaking to us. As God draws us and is allowed to work understanding, devotion, and commitment into our lives we will be able to move correctly in the word He speaks to us bringing us into His Kingdom.  We must allow God to take His seat on the throne of our heart.  Our wants, cares, and desires come under God’s authority. God’s thoughts and desires for us become our dreams and plans. Our very life is consumed into His life.  Our focus will not be on the things God can give us, but on God and His righteousness, peace, and joy, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”  (Romans 14:17)  Brethren let us allow God to so work in our lives so that we can come into the Kingdom of God within us.  The way into the Kingdom of God is by way of God’s work in our lives to such a degree we are lost in Him. Written by David Stahl

  

POETRY CORNER:

 

                    A Vision

  By Edward N. Lawler       

 

I have a dream that takes up all my earthly drive: 

To give to my Lord a welcome when to His Kingdom He will arrive.

It’s not to find favour in his eyes or to impress Him in any way,

There is nothing I have to offer Him upon my judgment day. 

This is something that the Holy Spirit implanted a short while ago,

I pray on its development every night and know that it will grow.

           I will not move on it until the proper momentum has been decided.

           Then with all of His blessing, toward my destination I shall not hide it.

 

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

          Make no mistake my friend God knows how to reward His obedient children with things far greater then money or things of this world.  Last January Karen and I were invited, by our very special friend Mrs. Vivian Winstead, to a Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC that she attends.  We had been there before and knew of the wonderful treat the Lord had in mind, or I thought we did.  When we arrived the service had already started so we took our place where Mrs. Vivian usually sits.  During the service Pastor Newton came over to me and asked if I would greet the people, I humbly agreed.  Now Pastor Newton is a very loving Pastor and a great preacher. He possesses a Pastor’s heart and a heart after God. Both are critical in shepherding God’s sheep. He also knows sheep must be led and never driven.  When it was my turn I stood and shared some thoughts God had been rolling around in my spirit for the last three days.  Oddly, I shared on being broken.  Not a topic you would choose to greet the people with. How being broken is the requirement to be used by God.   How the broken alone are useful to God.  I only spoke a few minutes and sat back down. Pastor Newton took the pulpit and introduced his topic then quickly closed out the message until that night. He then did something that has never been done spontaneous by the Spirit for Beholding His Glory, he took up a love offering.  He said he felt God directing him to close his message after my words and take up an offering as we leave. I was humbled the more.  Often when God speaks we need to know when to stop and not add even more of the word of God on top of what God has already spoken. Little did I know God had a great treasure waiting for me at the back door.  As we were walking out an usher handed me a church building fund envelope and said it was from a guy who already had left.  I stuffed it in my shirt pocket and thanked him. On our trip back to Jacksonville, after lunch with Mrs. Vivian and some special friends, I pulled the envelope out and asked Karen to read it.  Written on the envelope were these words:  “I, by chance stopped at this church today and your words were the reason. Your few words stood for great purpose. Your few words explained years of shunned pain. I can accept now that I am broken for a purpose. I will let the Lord use me for I am broken and I will not self pity for because I am broken, I am blessed. Thank you so very much – God bless.”  What a treasure, I will never forget these words for they are words of eternal value, weighty words that separate life and death.  Paul shares these words with us, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) Now usually we make the connection to Jesus as being that “one” and this is true, but it says, “so by obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” It is not Jesus’ obedience alone that will bring many to righteousness, but it is our obedience too. If Pastor Newton would not have been obedient to the Holy Spirit and allowed me to greet the people who knows what would have happened?  Dear Friend it is critical we learn to be obedient to God. Most often our obedience to God is not for our sake alone, but for others. Others too are counting on our obedience to God.  Let us be faithful to be obedient to God when He speaks to us the first time.      

 

NEEDS NOT WANTS:

 

1.       In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastors Yanko and Niki and their church. 

2.       In Constanta, Romania Pastor Ritisan, the Lighthouse Church, and    their Mission Bible School.    

3.       In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Marcel at St. Andrews Church, and their Bible School, Christ for Romania.  Romania is undergoing new religious persecution from their government.    

4.       Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.

5.       Pastor Mike Olufemi in the north of Nigeria.  He needs your prayers and support to be a light in great darkness. 

6.       Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian both near Hyderabad, India.        

7.       Financial support for the printing of: “Adventures with God.”    

8.       Pastor Metin Mintaz and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.

9.       Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastor Isreal Mutaitina in Bukoba, Tanzania.

10.  Major Rob McIntosh, Chaplin, Gatwick Airport, Salvation Army, London, England.  

11.     Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.

12.     Pastor Tek Dahl and his Church in Kathmandu, Nepal.  

 

FUTURE SCHEDULE:

           

          April:  Local Ministry

          May:  Aveile, Nigeria with Team from Enon Chapel Baptist Church

          June:   Local Ministry

          July:   Kathmandu, Nepal

 

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

141 Coke Place

Jacksonville, NC  28546

 

Phone:

Home:    (910) 346-1739

Mobile:  (910) 273-5712

FAX:     (910) 346-1739

 

Email:

dstahl@ec.rr.com

 

Website:

www.beholdinghisglory.com

 

I am pleased to announce “God Still Performs Miracles:  A Book of Personal Encouragement” is now available and FREE FOR THE ASKING.  No cost for the book, but I will ask for mailing cost.

 

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 are always appreciated and  needed the more time continues. Please feel free to contact me with the above information. The cost is great, but the cost for not supporting to others is even greater.