Waiting on God the LORD’S Visits
May 2022 • Volume XX Number 09
”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:
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Greetings again my Brethren. Last month we looked at the LORD coming to us during a time of rest and this month we will look at the time when we most hope the LORD shows up or visits and that is when we are in trouble. Often we look at trouble as something that is bad and most times they are, but in the LORD troubles can be a good time for us especially if we have the wherewithal spiritually to see what God is doing. Have you ever heard the little hymn, “Count Your Blessings? You know the one that says, “count your blessings name them one by one and you will be amazed to see what God has done.” Well, my Bible teacher Charles Haun taught me a different way to sing this song. It went something like this, “count you troubles name them one by one, count your troubles see what God has done, count your troubles name them one by one and you will be amazed to see what God has done.” Troubles my friend can be our servant if we have the spiritual wherewithal to see the work that the LORD wants to do in our lives through the troubles either the LORD allows or the troubles we get in through our disobedience. In either case God can and will use these troubles to work in our lives, through His dealings and judgments to conform us the more into the character and nature of His dear Son Jesus Christ, the LORD’s grand goal in our lives. In Matthew 14:23-25, we find a time when at first all was well with the world. A great miracle of the feeding of the five thousand men, beside women and children, just happened. take heed my friend when all is going well. When everything looks like roses and puppies, take heed God could soon be at work So Jesus tells the disciples “to go before him unto the other side” while he sends the multitude away I guess they were still hungry and wanted Jesus to do another miracle. Ready read,
“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. (Matthew 14:22-25) So the disciples got into the boat and sailed off. And it looks like Jesus could not pray (see verse 23) with the disciples around. But now the ship was in the middle of a good storm and the winds were contrary or blowing in the opposite direction. And now about the “fourth watch” (from 3 am to 6 am, about sunrise) they see Jesus walking on the water. Here comes the LORD for a visit to save them from the troubles of the raging sea. This same scenario plays out time and time again with the disciples. All is well with their world then suddenly they are thrown into troubles and Jesus saves the day. I guess they never got it. Now do not misunderstand me here my friend the LORD is here if we need rescued, but the LORD put them into this situation for a reason. And I would say Jesus wanted them to grow up and learn that they need to walk by faith and not by what they see. Jesus said, boys, I will see you all on the other side, but did they believe or even remember His words when the storm arose? No of course not. The story continues, “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I be not afraid.28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:26-32) Now here is where I want to get to, with Peter walking on the water. Jesus comes to save the disciples and Peter wants to do something religious and foolish like get out of the boat. Why would you want to leave a place of safety and provision to go after the supernatural? Saving Peter from himself was not in the plan, but Jesus had to take this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples a lesson. Peter asked, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”Well, Peter just saw Jesus do a miracle. How long has Peter been with Jesus? Does Peter not know what Jesus looks like? Oh no Peter had to do something (like us all at times) to where Jesus had to save him. Of course we know the rest of the story. Jesus saves Peter from himself, they enter the boat, and Jesus calms the storm to the glee of the disciples. I am sure this story will be preached somewhere in the world this Sunday talking about how wonderful it is to walk on water, but that is not what Jesus said. After things calmed down Jesus said to the disciples, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” So the question I have for us is what will Jesus say to us after the trouble is over? Will we be like Peter looking for the supernatural or will we be obedient and do what the LORD has asked of us?
Next month we will continue to look at some circumstances in which the LORD has visited man as seen in some diverse situations. Do you see Him draw near? Please know God is near to them who are near to Him. Do you feel His presence? Do you see His hand in your life? He is waiting on us to make our first move. Written by David Stahl
The Test
We are exhorted to set the gaze of our spirit upward toward Jesus whose life was openly displayed for us to look upon. We are to both consider and meditate upon the example of His life as the pattern for our lives.
The shame we often feel (believe it or not) can be a test that God has placed before us to see if we can qualify or be approved for the next thing God has for us. Jesus our supreme example was tested not only by the religious folks of the day (like us) and the disciples, but also from His loving Heavenly Father. Jesus’ trust and obedience for everything was in the Father’s will for His life. This is how He could say,
John shares this account from Jesus, “
Yet today we run around and say we have the power and do little with it and say we can do all of these things, but Jesus said He has no power (unless the Father gives it to Him) and can do nothing unless it be
Something is very wrong here. Even the Old Testament speaks prophetically of Jesus regarding the implicit trust He placed in His Father concerning His life and ministry.
Due to His faith and implicit trust in the character of His Father Jesus was enabled to fully obey His Father’s will. He knew His Father would not fail Him in the time of need or in time of testing. Paul also set the gaze of his spirit toward the LORD and diligently followed the pattern he saw in the example of Jesus. He gave his testimony expressing the result of his living, as the LORD lived.
And make no mistake Paul of all of the disciples was tested more than the other 83. Paul knew something about testings and trials and like Paul, the other disciples, and our LORD we are exhorted to have this same
Paul writes in Philippians,
If we are to grow spiritually we must have both vision and direction along with an implicit trust not only in the ability, but also in the willingness of the LORD to bring us into the fullness of His intention for us through testing. Yes testing is the tool God uses in our lives to grow (as water, sunshine, and dung grows plants) up and to qualify or be approved for the next thing He has for us. Knowing this I wonder why I kick at the goads like Paul when God brings a good test my way? Maybe because we do not see it as a test? Or maybe we know it is a test, but resist the gain for the cost of the pain. John Wright Follette wrote a wonderful small booklet called, “Troubles Our Servant” that teaches us what we call troubles (God calls a test) can serve to make us better men and women of God. Charles Haun sang the song, “Count Your Blessing” this way. Count your troubles name them one by one and you will be amazed to see what God has done. Tests and troubles in our lives serve as a blessing if we can allow them to define and refine our character to be more like the image and character of Jesus Christ, God’s goal in our lives. Recently a good friend of mine gave me a healthy chunk of money to Western Union (WU) or bank wire to a missionary friend in Africa. After four trips (to the bank) the bank finally told me the Department of Homeland Security (fear does have torment) turned off the bank transfer pipes and even WU that originate in the US. Well I knew my friend needed the money and I did not want to let him down so with every trip to the bank and trying to send the WU at a local grocery store the level of frustration was heightened. This was a test from God, but I did not see it at first. It had nothing to do with the money transfer that was the tool God used to reveal my heart condition during the test. God wanted to see (but sadly He always knew) and wanted me to see my attitude during the frustration and the 35 minute car ride (one way) to the bank from our home. To be honest I did not do well in this test. My attitude towards the bank representative (who was trying to help me) was poor at best. You know the only thing we are really in control of is our attitude.
. If we do then we will fail the test time and time again and the LORD will raise the stakes a little bit for the next higher. You know we think God is more concerned about the big tests He brings our way, but oh no my friend this is wrong thinking. God is more concerned about the little small teeny tiny test, those that we think are insignificant. As a matter of fact the smaller the test the more God closely scrutinizes us in it. God knows if we cannot be faithful in the small things then we will not be faithful in the big things. Jesus told the disciples,
So too in our testing from God. God knows if we cannot be successful in the small test then we will never be successful in the big test. Lastly we have not exhausted the depth of revelation that is buried layer upon layer within the Word of God. There is hidden manna the spiritual principles that are not openly available, but made manifest to those who have certain overcoming qualities in their lives for those who have learned the lessons God is giving and for those who have qualified for them through testing. Many theorize God’s end-time plan for man but, before the LORD will reveal more to us
. First we must be walking in integrity with Him in the out-working of the Word that we have already received. Through illumination this present Word should be vibrant (a living reality) having relevant meaning in relation to and through our present circumstances and time. The LORD is progressively bringing us into a greater understanding of Himself, of His desire for the growth and well being of His Church, and the establishing of His kingdom (righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit Romans 14:17) in our heart. I hear many people (even Christians) ask what is life about? The number of books written on the meaning of life are astounding, Talk shows on TV (even Christian TV) command hours and hours of our time, but all fall short of God’s working, though His dealings and judgments (His testing), in our lives are not fully understood. What is the meaning of life? Life is one big test from God not to see if He can trick us or set us up for failure, oh no our life is a series of many tests to see if we can qualify and be approved for what God has for us in our next life to come. May we be found faithful.
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
A Sword
I’ve read the Bible straight through a few times and the Gospels always hit me with the hard sayings of Jesus. Nowhere in the Bible is GOD or Jesus called sensitive or sweet. When Jesus was on the earth He did NOT tickle peoples ears. He did not preach to make people feel good. He did not cater to the whims of people. Jesus was and is a butt kicker. We need to remember my Dad’s old saying, “shape-up or ship out” before it is too late. One of the hard sayings of Jesus is found in Matthew, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10: 34-38). Tough stuff indeed, especially if you have children. I’ll admit it was hard for me to let go of our kids, it still is. When they’re young they need you and want you.. Then they go off and get married, if you’re lucky you’ll get a great in-law that you won’t want to strangle. But for me personally and I would say emotionally it was and still is very hard. Now would I want them all to move back under one roof with us? Only if we lived in the Neuschwanstein Castle, where we’d all have plenty of room for kids, in-laws, and grandkids, but that’s my fantasy. Jesus doesn’t want that for us or our kids at this time. Back in Matthew, Jesus was sending out the disciples to the “lost sheep” of the house of Israel (see Matthew 10:6) when He gave the admonishment about sending a sword. They say blood is thicker than water, which may be true, but for us Believers the only blood we’re to be concerned about is the blood Jesus shed for us at Calvary, ” . . . that cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Now, there will be times, IF we are real Believers, as we follow Jesus that there will be a separation from kith and kin. This we must not interfere with and must accept. I’ve found that it’s easier for GOD to deal with us as parents and then the adult children if we’re apart from one another. Brethren very rarely are we all “on the same page of music” with each another after the kids leave home, but if so, in your life, glory be to GOD! We cannot be on the same page with each family member UNLESS we all are on the same page with GOD. That’s just the way it is. And although we may not get along with –fill in the blank– now, perhaps down the road we will. The main thing is to follow Jesus and enjoy the few times that we have to spend with our kids, grandkids, brothers, sisters, etc. Our fellowship with Jesus takes precedence over all other relationships. And may I add that going along to get along no matter with whom in the family is just downright wrong, as peace at any cost is pure devilish. Like I said if we ain’t on the same page with GOD we ain’t going to be on the same page with each other. The lines have been drawn. GOD also wants to cut us out of this world and the world system. He buries the sword of the word of God deep (to the hilt) into our heart to cut our love for our self and the world out of us. Yes, by all means hold your family up continuously in prayer knowing that Jesus loves your family more than you do, but at the same time let GOD have His perfect work in their lives. And yes we must speak the truth in love even if it hurts their feelings. Do not be bullied or brow beat into backing down, stand on the truths of the word of GOD in love wanting peace and unity, but knowing peace and unity only comes by way of ALL hearts being dealt with by GOD at the same measure. Some of them will be saved, some won’t —GOD forbid. We can’t save anyone, only GOD can. So let go and let GOD have His way. You follow Jesus the best way you can and do not compromise the Gospel for peace at any cost. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in SilistraPastor(s) Yanko, and Marcho. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
- Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and Ian at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
- Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
- Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
- Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli,Rwanda.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETING:
22 May 22 at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Local Ministry
June: Local Ministry July: Local Ministry
Email: charliegolfone@outlook.com
ROCK FELLOWSHIP ON THE RADIO:
On WJCV Jacksonville, NC
1290 AM or 98.3 FM
Every Sunday morning at 9:00 am
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:
Home: (910) 741-0489
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Website:
www.www.beholdinghisglory.com/
Blog:
http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/
NEW OFFER
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.
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