THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION: Greetings again my friends. Okay this month we will finish up this sub-section of “As a Servant” looking at the Prophet if God. This month, as I said last month, we will look at having a “perfect heart” in the walk of fellowship. In Genesis we read of Enoch. A man who did not do anything great in God, but just a man who just walked with God. We read, “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24) My friend if you want to do something great in God just walk with Him. Today everyone seems to be trying to do great things for God by working their way to Heaven, but God is not too interested in all of our good works. I know of a Christian who is trying to take an on-line Bible School and make it into something God can use to save the world. But guess what, God is not trying to save the world, oh no God is trying, through evangelism, to share the wondrous Gospel message with people in the world so that they would not be lost when the world is destroyed. My friend the world is not the earth, but an ungodly system that is contrary to God’s will and ways. It is antichrist, not the “Antichrist” as told in the Book of Revelations, but is antichrist or another Gospel, it is a counterfeit message, another message that is not taught in the Word of God. I often call it the message of Satan and someday the world’s system will be totally destroyed and God will set up a new and glorious system of righteousness. But that is another teaching. Here in verse 24 we read Enoch walked with God, “and he was not; for God took him.” WOW! God took him! Now that is something great in God. Enoch is one of two, the other man being Elijah, who many people believe will come back to earth, I guess from Heaven and be one of God’s two witness in the Book of Revelations. John writes, “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:3) Since Enoch never faced a physical death that we of know according to the Bible and Elijah was taken up into Heaven by a Chariot of Fire; Enoch and Elijah are believed to be the two witnesses. Moses is often named as one of the witnesses, but you know when it is all said and done it does not really matter. God’s plan will be executed no matter who the two witnesses are. When we think of Enoch we like to focus on his age of 365 or maybe his son Methuselah who lived 969 years. Moses writes, “And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:27). But, to me these facts are gee-wiz and neat, but the fact that God took him really makes a statement for me. My friend can you image the walk with God he had to have to have God just take him from this earthly life to a spiritual life? In the 11th Chapter of Hebrews what many call the “Hall of Faith” or the “Hall of the Faithful” Paul talks about Enoch. Paul writes, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5) WoW! “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death.” Now I do not know if God had a later plan for his translation, but the Bible says he was translated by faith and not found. This means people were looking for him, but he was not found. I wonder how long they looked for him? The end of the verse really answers all of these questions, “for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” His “testimony, that he pleased God.” I remember a long time ago in Church we use to do a testimony service. Some people would go on for 30 minutes maybe an hour telling everyone how Jesus saved their soul, and how Jesus changed their lives, but you do not hear of these testimony services anymore. I guess what people figured out about our testimony is not what we say about our walk with God, but what people see and hear of our life. Now, that my friend is our real testimony. But God said of Enoch, because He knew His life, that his testimony pleased God. Oh to God, that my life would be such a testimony as Enoch had. That my life would please God so much that He would take me, He would translate me. Now I do have one question. It says, “By faith.” Did Enoch have so much faith in God he was translated or did God tell Enoch He was going to translate him and Enoch believed? I guess when it is all said and done even my question does not matter. Enoch was an amazing man who believed God and walked with Him
Next month we will start looking at the “Prophet of God” and As A Servant of God who must learn how to abound. Are you a Prophet of God? To be a Prophet we must be able to hear His voice. Listen closely and you will hear. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
The Whispers of God
Back in September 2018 our sleepy little fishing village (population less than 3,000) was looking down the barrel (in the middle of the cross hairs) of a Category 4 Hurricane (winds 130- 156 mph or 209-251 mp/k) named Florence. Thank God it weakened to a Category 1 (winds 74-95 mph or 119-153 mp/k) and turned south at the last minute and we missed the brunt of the winds and storm surge, but still it devastated the area to the point that after four months people started getting some sense of normalness. I can remember getting a phone call from an old pastor (Doug Price from Johnston, PA) inquiring about our safety and I told him if Florence take our home we will move to Johnston, PA (and we meant it) and help him with his church. It all seems surreal, but in my spirit I felt a calm and peace that all would be well, but we all know God’s ways are not our ways. As Florence drew near the coast it was certain Karen and I had to make some hard and fast decisions. So I did what we all need to do at times like this, ask God what to do and all I got was, “stay put.” God spoke small to me, He seemed to whisper to my spirit in an almost quiet way. You know often we miss God speaking to us because we have all of these other voices loud in our ears and thoughts. It is not God is not speaking, but most often we lack the ability to hear His voice. So I said okay we will go a school shelter in town. Now again at this time Florence had not downgraded and was still packing winds of over 156 mph. I felt good with our decision for safety and we were staying put as God directed. Our wonderful son Dan in Fort Payne AL over 10 hours by car and another wonderful son David in Greenville, NC about two hours (as well as many other friends) aways invited us to come, but God said ‘stay put.” As the shelter at the middle school in town opened we found out it was built for storms not greater than category 2 (96-110 mph or 154-177 mp/k) and so anyone who signed in at the shelter would be bused three hours away, which is not staying put. What to do now. Here is where if we have a hearing ear we can hear God whisper to us what to do. Now many who say God does not whisper to us, I say, oh yeah? In 1 Kings Chapter 19 we find God whispering to Elijah. “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:11-12) The word “small” here is Hebrew #1851 for thin, dwarf, or whisper. A voice cannot be big or small, but is measured in loudness of sound. You know when we expect God to speak to us we are looking for trumpets to sound, clouds to roll back, thunder to crash, but that is not how God speaks. God is not into the flashy, loud, look at me entertainment projections or even the sad, sorrowful heartfelt tear jerking songs like in most churches of today use to manipulate their people to get them to do things. Oh no the church thinks it is God, but in reality it is nothing more than our carnal, fleshy emotions that move us to tears or to boast of things we have no intention of doing when the music stops. I always find it funny how while the music is playing and the drums are beating God is in our presence, but once the music stops God seems to disappear. Here in verse 11, “a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks” and Elijah expected to hear God in the mighty wind and the destruction of the mighty mountain, but God did not speak. And “after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:” God did not speak after the earthquake. And “after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire:” Surely after the mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire God would speak, but God was silent. What would make God speak if not for these major disasters? Does God not care? Yes my friend God does care and He wants to calm the raging storm, but it is not the wind, or earthquake, or fire He is concerned about oh no it is the storm that is raging in our heart. The fear and uncertainty that fills our heart and head during times like these. A day or so later I was talking to a really good neighbor, the late Mr. Eulyss Stafford (a retired from the USMC and worked as a contractor with the Coast Guard, we affectionately called him Prophet), who was a Christian and we told him we were planning to go to the middle school, but we heard they were going to send folks hours from Sneads Ferry and God said stay put. I asked him what was he was going to do and he said he was going to ride the storm out on the US Marine Corps Base at the Hostess House. The Base is self-contained and self- sufficient and the Hostess House (built in 1954 of steel and brick) provided a hard structure for Category 4 winds, had generators, power, food, everything we will need to ride Florence out and best yet it was still in the area so we could stay put. God spoke again. In my spirit faintly I could hear God say, “stay put and go to the Hostess House.” I think God speaks low (like His nature) because He wants us to know we have heard Him speak. There was no doubt in my mind. I heard the voice of the LORD (I have heard it before) and now all we had to do is move in obedience. So in obedience Karen and I drove over to the Base and got a room at the Hostess House (plenty of rooms available is that just like God) and then drove back to our home and loaded up our truck with everything we would need to start our life over. It was quite a humbling experience getting all of the important papers, weapons and ammo, pictures, suitcases of clothing, everything we would need to start over. Driving out our drive way I said, “the LORD gives and the LORD takes away, blessed be the name of the LORD.” We arrived at the Hostess House, rode out the storm and had to wait about three or four days before they opened roads to return home. Just like with Elijah after the storm God spoke. Verse 12 ends with these words, “and after the fire a still small voice.” Please notice AFTER the storm. God whispered to Elijah not to still the storm, but to let Elijah know everything will be okay. So too in our lives seldom does God still the storm, but when He speaks, it is to comfort and reassure us that as He promised He would never leave or forsake us and all will be well. Now that is not denying the storm, but in the strength of God enduring the storm and out from the storm we are developed and not just delivered. You know if God has to keep delivering us from the storms of life He knows the plans and purposes for our lives He has established are in jeopardy of being lost so he will pick us up and plant us in another field, but we must know we have not succeeded in God oh no we have failed. God wants us to go through life’s many problems (in Christ) so that we can be developed and not delivered. While we were at the Hostess House I received an email from a good friend from Africa and he told me I am a man of God I need to command the wind, speak to the wind, command the storm, well the only storm I needed to command was the storm in my heart. If I had not heard God whisper twice and allowed Him to reassure me after the storm then I would not have been able to hold a church service at the Hostess House that Sunday. The Saturday before I was talking with the manager of the Hostess House and I asked him if the Base Chapels were closed and he said yes. So I said, “on Sunday most people go to church and we need to thank God for sparing our lives and community.” And he said, you are right.” So I asked if I could hold a service in the breakfast area and he said, “yes, but the Hostess House could not look like it was in support of the effort so Karen and I starting spreading the word of the church service at 12:00 that coming Sunday. I would have never thought this could be possible knowing how the Department of Defense restricts Christian activities. But after the storm (like with Elijah) the LORD spoke and when the LORD speaks (especially a whisper) no one can stop it and only those with an hearing ear can hear it. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Irreconcilable Differences
In today’s world, lots of times we see this term as people get a divorce. Maybe it’s friends, family, a Hollywood actor, a sports figure, maybe a politician you name it, but it’s usually news fodder when we see the term irreconcilable differences. This legalese perhaps makes divorce more palatable so both parties can go their separate ways and move on. Unfortunately, it is not always so easy to move on especially if children are involved in a custody battle. But, not so fast there Sparky, this is not to be so with Christians. Actually, as far as Christians go, there is no such thing. All irreconcilable differences means is: 1) nobody is willing to bend or give in. 2) Perhaps irreconcilable differences is kinder than the truth which the rest of us don’t need to be privy to. 3) The relationship is too hostile or too far gone for one or both parties and divorce is a better option than murder! It always saddens me when Christians get divorced, with some people we know there were darn good reasons to divorce. Which unfortunately doesn’t make divorce any easier and is still heart wrenching. But, how many times is it just because “the grass looks greener on the other side” or one spouse is digging in their heels. The only reason Jesus said was acceptable for divorce was fornication, see Matthew 19:7-9. Of course, in the Old Testament it was HIGHLY discouraged to marry outside the Hebrew faith, but that’s a whole other story, birds of a feather do flock together. Paul expounds on people who marry unbelievers, if the unbelieving spouse wants to stay in the marriage fine, if they wish to go—let them go. Please see 2 Corinthians 7: 2-16. No where in the Bible did anyone say marriage would be easy. There are certain norms that go along with traditional marriage and one of those norms –is the wife must submit to her husband, it’s a given. If you don’t respect your spouse or soon to be husband and you don’t listen to them you have no business getting married, because you’ll be banging your head against the wall and making his life a living hell. We’ve seen far too many women that just have to get their way and don’t respect their husbands. Sorry dear, GOD’S ways aren’t our ways. Marriage is GOD first, then the husband, then the wife, then the children. Being second in command isn’t a bad thing. Women that always want to be in charge ARE OUT OF GOD’s order for the family. Now at times the wife will have to assume command of the household, especially if the husband is physically gone or ill. But, as soon as he returns or is able to take command of the family it is his responsibility and we step aside and he is back to delegating. Our jobs as wives is to help and support as needed. We are NOT the Holy Spirit in our husband’s life, and certainly not his momma. To be on the same sheet of music we must develop our own relationship with the Lord as must they. That only will keep us on the right path. Then we won’t have time to worry about irreconcilable differences. GOD bless. Study your Bible! 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 and Pastor Metin at the Mavi Kilisesi in Dalaman, 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.
9. The many Pastors Paul and Costica at the Skina and other Pastors and Brothers we have meet in Ukraine over that five years.
10. Betuel and Bianaca and others in Erbil, Kurdistan.
11. Pastor Joeseph Kariuki Gatimu at Jesus Victory Temple in Mombasa, Kenya.
12. Pastors Ravindra Shiwnandan and Victor Lupuku and other Pastor and Brothers in Georgetown, Guyana, South America.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETINGS:
24 November 26 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:
November: Local Ministry
December: Local Ministry
January: 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.
