Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
August 2013 • Volume XI Number 12
“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. One thing for sure the longer you go with God the more diverse circumstances and situations you will find yourself. This month we will begin to look at different circumstances in the Scriptures that many found themselves in while answering the call. Seemingly of no fault of our own God will lead us into impossible situations. So too is the call of God in our lives. God’s call always come with impossible objectives and unrealistic goals so that man in his own strength and abilities cannot accomplish the call of God in their lives. The call of God in our lives is only accomplished when we operate and function in the power of the Holy Spirit. We see this almost impossible task God called Moses to. In Exodus 3 we read, “Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.” (Exodus 3:1) There Moses saw the burning bush that was not consumed and was called by God to deliver the Children of Israel from the hard hand of Pharaoh. “Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:9-10) Moses was minding his own business and his father-in-law’s sheep when God decided to have a face to face with him. When God comes calling our lives are never the same and He has His ways of getting us to answer. Count the cost my friend when God calls. To answer God’s call will mean one thing and we will pay a price, but if we do not answer God’s call for our lives we still will pay a price. Take heed to yourself God plays for keeps. Here God spoke to Moses and even answered his excuses and selfishness, but this may not be the case as with Elisha. In 1 Kings we read of young Elisha being called by Elijah to the ministry. “So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. 20And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? 21And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.” (1 Kings 19:19-21) Here no words were spoken by Elijah the call was automatically understood by Elisha unlike with Moses. With Moses God had to even do signs and wonders to get Moses to “turn aside” to see the bush that burned, but was not consumed. One would think Elisha was a young boy and easily convinced, but that could not be the case because he was plowing the field with a 12 oxen team quite a feat for a man. No Elisha knew in his heart he was to follow and serve Elijah. We must never forget the call of God on our lives is first answered in our heart and as we move correctly inwardly our outward reaction will align with God’s plan for our lives. Worry not about outward actions they are never a true reflection of reality. It is the inward work of the heart and the soul searching which yield the fruit God is looking for in our lives. And you know things just work out then. I really like what Elisha did after he accepted his call to minister; he settled relationships with his parents and then slew his yoke of oxen so that he would not have an option of going back to a previous revelation. Peter told Jesus we have sold all to follow you, but where did he get his boat to go fishing in John Chapter 21? When we truly answer God’s call for our lives we will burn some bridges so that we cannot find our way back to the former way of life.
Next month we will look at Amos while following his flock and the disciples while fishing when they were called. Remember many are called but few are chosen. Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
They Are In The Shadows
My first trip to Nigeria, back in 2005, was a most amazing time. Now make no mistake traveling to the Country of Nigeria is not for the faint of heart. West Africans have a saying, “be careful where you put your feet in Nigeria.” It is a very beautiful country. Some of the people have a burning desire for the things of God and the rest have a desire for your things. Now please do not misunderstand me I am not talking bad of the people they are so precious, but the great poverty and lack of physical security by the government in Lagos and Abuja (and other big cities) has built a mistrust in the people where beatings, robbery, and sadly murders are everyday occurrences. To be honest, of all of the countries I have traveled to only in Nigeria did I feel a sense of alarm in my spirit. But I knew there I would meet Mike a wonderful friend and former member of our church in Stuttgart, Germany. Mike is in the top three of the most humble people I know. Even in Germany (a land that flowed with milk and honey for many Africans) Mike took the humble place. His simplistic, child-like faith and Godly spirit always inspires me. And now living with his family in a village of almost all Muslims Mike has learned how to keep his mouth and speak when God tells Him to a noble lesson for us all to learn. My mission was simple (or I thought) to travel to Mike’s village of Aveile (about half way between Lagos the providential capital and more Christian south and in the north Abuja the present capital of the Country and almost all Muslim), meet Chief Habeeb Kadiri and give him a gift of money for three burr hole water wells, and preach in as many churches as the Lord opened the door. Just when you think you have figured out what God wants of you please know you are standing on dangerous ground. Mike met me at the airport in Lagos and we spent three or four days ministering in three churches as we locked on transportation to Aveile. Make no mistake everything in Africa is difficult, even going across town can take you all day. Pastor Israel of “The Faithfuls Church” was a good friend of Mike and Pastor Joseph in Germany. Did you know it really does matter who your friends are? Did you know there are some people in your life you cannot hang around with? This is why having a spirit of Godly judgment is critical to our ability to know what God wants and more important want God does not what. My friend if you lack this understanding and wisdom God will never be able to work in your life as He intends. Ask God to open the eyes of your understanding to your need to be able to judge righteous judgment. Jesus taught the people in the temple, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) We see and know what is right and what is wrong my friend the Bible tells us this. But “righteous judgment” (Strong’s #2920, a separating, sundering, separation to opinion or decision concerning justice and injustice, right or wrong) is much more, it is judgment based on our heart condition as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. If our heart condition is wrong then how can we handle the weightier things of God? Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Matthew 23:23) How can we handle “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:” if we do not have the ability, by God’s Spirit, within us to separate ourselves from injustice and wrong? This is one of the biggest areas not spoken about in most churches today. We need to allow God to work in our lives, through His dealings and judgments, to judge our thoughts, motives, and intentions that are not of Him to open up our understanding to His critical need for our lives. I mean who wants to be judged? Only the man who knows judgment is the beginning of correction and right relationship with God and man. Without judgment in our lives we will always end up over in selfishness and self-seeking ways, like sheep we all will go astray. It is “righteous judgment” and our need for correction that brings us to the understanding of our need for God. It is no wonder fewer and fewer people see not their need for God and their beliefs are so ungodly today.
Anyway back to Nigeria. Pastor Israel agreed to take us to Aveile. So Pastor Israel, his body guard, Mike, and I headed to Aveile about a five or six hour drive by minivan. About every 30 to 45 minutes we would get stopped by Nigerian soldiers or police (with AK-47s) to check our passports. One time we got stopped by some road workers who wanted to shake us down for some money, but Pastor Israel, his body guard, and Mike got into a verbal altercation that ended with some punches and Pastor Israel promising to curse them. I was told to stay in the minivan no matter what I heard and saw. Well we made it to Aveile early evening and paid our respects to Chief Habeeb. It would have been a really big social and traditional mistake if we would not have stopped by to see Chief Habeeb before retiring for the night. After all we were staying in his town and sleeping in his government hotel. The next day we visited Chief Habeeb again. Now make no mistake he was in-charge. His words were life and death, our life and our death as he wished. Mike told him of my gift of the water wells, but he stood up and called his counsel of advisors into a side room. After about 30 minutes or so, he told Mike to thank me for the water wells, but they did not need more water wells, but a maternity clinic. Well I was floored I only had $5,000 with me. Then Chief Habeeb said, “you pray to your God and I will pray to mine and either your God or mine will make it happen if it is God’s will.” Well, today a beautiful maternity clinic (check out our website to see it) delivering 60-70 babies a month (our local hospital delivers around 80 babies a month), well stocked and equipped, giving hope to 100s of 1000s ladies in Aveile (and the surrounding area) from the heart and finances of a wise and Godly mother and dedicated, loving son for the glory of God. There is no greater love than for someone to lay their lives down for the Brethren. Now here is where the title of this article comes in. After we agreed to see what our God could do Chief Habeeb asked me what I wanted. Mike had already started to lean forward in the foxhole and prompted me to ask him if we could have a church service in the village. I asked and to my amazement Chief Habeeb said yes. Before I knew it we were making plans for an evangelistic service in a Muslim village, who would have thought it, God. The service started at 6:30 pm and the sun was still up. Mike and others sang for about 1 or 1 ½ hours to raise interest in the service as the Nigerians were coming home from work. After all there were no advertisements, no radio or TV spots. No signs, banners, or handbills which are the biggest way to advertise such meetings. All we had was just permission and a desire to see God do something special in the lives of the people of Aveile. About 8:00 pm or so I climbed up the home made rickety platform they hurriedly made. With each step up the ladder it swayed back and forth until I stood behind the only light on the soccer field. I think every flying insect in Aveile stopped by to see what was happening. I spoke from Psalms 133, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1) As I began to speak and as the sun began to go down I noticed 100s of people standing in the shadows. You see they could not take the chance of being seen, if so they could be beat or even killed for attending the service. They had to hide in the shadows until the sun went down. And I thought, that is where the lost are, they are in the shadows. I finished my message (and survived the aerial attacks of the insects) and turned the service over to Pastor Israel. Now Nigerians are emotional people. It was now late at night and the soccer ground was packed with people. Pastor Israel took the microphone and had the people jumping. I have never seen someone more charismatic than Pastor Israel, he went on for hours singing and preaching until he gave an alter call, 100s of people came forward to receive Jesus Christ. From the shadows maybe 400 people came forward. Pastor Israel told them all to get in one straight line (believe it or not Africans are usually obedient, strong discipline teaches one obedience) because he wanted to pray for everyone who came forward. I asked if he wanted some help, but he said no I would slow him down with the need for translation. It would be best if I went back to the hotel where the guards are so, I departed the soccer grounds thanking God for the opportunity to share the Gospel message. What a night, what a trip. Little did I know what God had in store for the future of the people of Aveile and the surrounding area.
But my friend, those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior are in the shadows on the fringes of life. They are not in the light of day, but on the edge where life matters the most. I wonder why we try so hard to paint the walls and groom the lawn trimming the building like a Christmas tree when the ones we are to go after in life are not too concerned about a building or the many programs we work so hard to regiment in every week. We spend so much time and money in putting life into a building and grounds that, like us, will decay and crumble away. Our focus must not be a building or a program, but those in the shadows. My friend a church building is nothing more than a coffin to bury our flesh in. I will let that sink in awhile. All those people in the shadows know is they need help and do not really know where they can go to get it. They like the shadows are transitory in life and we have a defined opportunity and time to draw them out. This was the point Solomon was making in chapter two of Song of Solomon, “My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. 17Until the day break, and the shadows (Strong’s #6751, transistorizes of life) flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.” (Song of Solomon 2:16-17) What Solomon was saying was, before the day breaks or life flees away we are to be “like a roe” (Strong’s #6638, beauty, glory, and honor) for those in the between seaways (transitions points) of life. We are to show beauty to those who see themselves as ugly, we are to share the glory of God with those who cannot see His glory, and we are to give honor where honor is due to those who have lost their way. We are to be like “a young hart” (Strong’s #352, strong man, leader, chief, or mighty tree, terebinth) on the mountain full of strength, shelter, and life. Jesus went on in Matthew 23 and said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” (Matthew 23:25) Sadly today in the church we do a great job in cleaning the outward parts of the touch not, taste not, handle not, but leave the inward parts where we are to handle, “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:” of our heart and life. My friend the lost are in the shadows go get them and bring them into the light of God.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Dealings and Judgments
Dave and I visited a local church recently and in their church flyer was a prayer list; wow I was shocked. That was the biggest prayer list I had ever seen. There were maybe 70+ people on their prayer list and maybe 25 in attendance counting us. I wondered if all the illnesses, cancer, and financial problems are God’s way of dealing in our lives? Those things Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17 calls “light afflictions, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” Those things we are appointed to by God, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3) What a wonderful appointment, but nothing will get our attention faster than our health and our wealth, two biggies. Now most of you know I wouldn’t EVEN suggest that all these people did anything to “deserve” these hardships, no sir. Our friend Job lost everything in ONE day. I think God was rather proud of Job and of his humble heart condition to let Satan tempt him so. Did God not love Job? We know He did and yet when we suffer that’s the first thing that goes through our minds. Either I sinned or God doesn’t love me. Look stuff happens to the best of us; have it be financial, mental, physical, family—whatever. What we call bad “stuff” is going to come our way. God wants to see how we deal with it or maybe He wants to knock off a few rough edges, remember He IS the potter and we are the clay. When I was in the Navy a lady came by that had MS. I’ll never forget her for two reasons: one she looked like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two although bed ridden she always had such an expression of peace on her face. You couldn’t mistake that for anything. God forbid I should ever be that ill, but I would like think I too would be able to have that peaceful countenance, calm composure, and keep a smile on my face.
Last few weeks ago a friend of ours relayed how he and his wife (who had cancer and is in remission) now live by the moment. They now enjoy the little things a lot more. I think that’s how we’re supposed to live. We are to have an attitude of gratitude no matter the situation and take things one day at a time while we stop and look at the birds, trees, and flowers. We live in such a wonderful world that God made (too bad its run by idiots) and He so wants us to be conformed to the image of His Precious Son Jesus Christ. We’re not really given a lot of time to accomplish that (70+ years is but a snapshot when we look at eternity) and blessings although while nice—won’t do this for us. Oh sure we like when God blesses us here and there who doesn’t? But do blessings really make us grow up? When was the last time a good blessing moved you closer to the LORD? Now ask yourself what happened when God allowed a good trial into your life? That’s right you moved closer to the LORD. Spiritual growth (moving closer to the LORD) in the many churches Paul visited was his main desire for the people. In Ephesians Paul shares, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15) Blessings will do things for us, but not like suffering does. Suffering makes us grow up real quick. God is there with the humble and God is there with those that suffer. Suffering softens our heart towards people who are in greater lack than us. Suffering requires us to have a greater dependency on God. Suffering (by way of God’s chastening, dealings, and judgments in our lives) is God’s main tool in our lives to help make us look like His dear Son Jesus Christ. God help us to bear those burdens like Christ would. Let us never ever doubt His love for us no matter what the doctors say or what the bankers tell us. If He didn’t love us—quite frankly He wouldn’t even bother. The writer to the Church at Rome said, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:6-8) You know if we reject God’s dealings and judgments in our lives than we are not His children. He does love us so much we know that for sure. God bless you all let us look forward to that day when we resemble our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov, Emil Nedelchev, and Roger and Gale Dine missionaries from Australia. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor Marcel at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
9. Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria
10. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
11. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be 20 August 13
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Home: (910) 741-0489
at 7:00 pm, please RSVP
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
August: Local ministry
September: Local ministry
October: 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:
Home: (910) 741-0489
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
Ministry E-mail: dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Personal E-mail: mtnebo@hotmail.com
Online:
Beholding His Glory Website
Beholding His Glory Blog
The AuthorHouse 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. The cost is great, but the cost for not supporting to others is even greater. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.
