Greetings again my Brethren. When you go to Christian media (a true oxymoron) especially on YouTube you often see many false teachers who call themselves a Prophet of God. My friend we can call ourselves a Prophet of God, but just because I call myself a Prophet of God does not make it so. I mean, I can call myself a truck or a car, sit in our garage. and go beep-beep, honk-honk, but that will never make me a truck or car. Now, when God calls you a Prophet that is a different story. It does not matter what we call ourselves what matters is what God says about us. The Bible God’s written word talks about “Prophets” and more importantly some characteristics and character traits that they must have to be called a “Prophet of God.” As I said last month I would like to begin a whole new section as we continue to look at the Oracles of God. In this section we will look at the Prophet of God in many ways. This month we will look at the “Prophet of God” as a servant and maybe look at two or three character traits. Not too many Christians want to be called a servant, oh no they want to be called a Prophet or Apostle, or I really like this one, some lady calling herself the highest Apostle. Sadly, she knows not God and His ways. I came across a couple where the husband is an Apostle and the wife is a Prophetess. WOW what a holy family they must be. No they are just titles seekers who know not God. One of the first character trait of a Prophet is they are under authority. John writes in John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” It is not the servant’s work, but the Master’s work. The servant works for the Master and not the other way around. The servant of God is under the authority of God. Make no mistake my friend the biggest issue in our lives is how we handle authority. And that is all authority, because God establishes all authority even the police, the IRS, and the entire government. The older I get and walk with the LORD the more I come to understand the saying, “it is good to be in authority, but it is better to be under authority. When I was in the Navy I retired as a LCDR, a man of authority. I started as an Enlisted man, an E2, but with God’s good graces and His plan for our (me and my family) lives I was commissioned an Officer. As I went up the ladder I was given more authority based on my experiences, my application of what I have learned, and the rank on my sleeve. But what always struck me was the faith and confidence my boss placed in me. He backed up my words and actions based upon my character and my fidelity. In Matthew there is a wonderful story that describes what I am talking about. Matthew writes, “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matthew 8:5-10) Here a Gentile one of only two Gentiles, that we know of from the Bible, that Jesus ministered too. A Centurion, a solider, comes to Jesus to have his servant healed. Just that thought alone is amazing, a Roman solider asking Jesus to heal his servant. But, even more amazing Jesus talks to him and replies, “I will come and heal him.” Now the Centurion did not expect Jesus to stop whatsoever He was doing and go heal his servant. The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” Jesus knew this Centurion knew authority and because of that Jesus knew he had the faith to believe He could heal his servant. Jesus knew this Centurion had the wherewithal to put things together to see a miracle happen in his servant’s life. He understood power and authority, He understood how powerful words and faith are, but more important, notice verse eight, “I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof.” WOW that is the breeding ground of seeing a miracle in someone’s life. The Centurion, in spite of being a man of authority because of his humbleness he could recognize the authority of Jesus. Did you get that my friend? The Centurion’s humbleness enabled him to see the greatness of Jesus. And Jesus’ reply to the Centurion, and the crowd, words only spoken to the Centurion, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” I wonder what the disciples thought? Make no mistake my friend, our humbleness makes us great in the eyes of God.
Next month we will continue looking at the “Prophet of God” as we look at how they are sent by God. Is this you my friend? Are you a Prophet of God? To be a Prophet we must be able to hear His voice. Listen closely and you will. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
The Great Falling Away
On 23 July 1996 (at 11:00) my family and I landed in Stuttgart, Germany where we lived for exactly (the jet way pushed back at 11:00) exactly seven years to the minute leaving on 23 July 2003. When I think of this period when we arrived life was magical I was working at US European Command (USEUCOM) a four-star Headquarters as a Joint Medical Planner, but within less than one week upon arriving God was able to place the keys and the responsibility of the Pentecostal Chapel service at Robinson Barracks within my hands. Life was exciting, bright, anew, like I have never felt or experienced before. The word “responsibility” took on a whole new meaning: family, work, and now a small Chapel service of about 30 to 35 foreigners, mostly Africans from West Africa. Suddenly, without any formal training, I found myself leading the service on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. What a time it was. Everything was so different to my thinking, my relationships with my family and at work God touched my life and enabled me to be used beyond my abilities and skills. When we allow God to run the show He will step in and make all things beautiful in our time. I remember thinking that my office mates (really cannot use the word friends) would come to our service and get involved with what God was doing, but boy was I wrong. But that was okay a man cannot give what they do not have. The first year we stayed at the Chapel and the small service grew and grew in numbers as God added people to positions needed for the work He was doing in us first and then out from us. Then on Easter week-end 1997 I found out the US Army (6th Area Support Group had base support for installations) was closing down our Chapel service to save money, but in reality our service was bigger than the Protestant (9 to 10:30) and Catholic (11 to 12:30) services combined with only a hand full of Americans. This was God ‘s way of kicking us out of the nest. On 27 April 1997 (on Karen’s birthday) we started Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (CGS) at the Dorint Fontana a five-star hotel. So out from CGS and the US Navy I started traveling to the nations. When God wants something to happen He will move mountains seemingly working in the supernatural. I cannot begin to tell you of the times I represented USEUCOM in the day and God at night. God used the US military to move us around the world to share His wondrous Gospel message first in the States while in training then to the nations in 1996. So, I began to travel to the nations. My first trip was to Opole, Poland about 7 to 8 hours from Stuttgart by car. The trip was exciting and full of newness for me. There in Opole I met Pastor Piotr Cieslar, his wonderful wife Kristina, and their three kids. Pastor Piotr’s church was small, but packed to the rafters with hungry hearts wanting to know God in a greater way. We really like Pastor Piotr and Kristina. We were in Opole just last year when we went to Czech Republic. Pastor Piotr really influenced my life in so many ways. Over the years while living in Germany I made many trips to Opole and had the unique opportunity to watch his kids: Thomic (Thomas), Bashua (Barbara) and Oliver grow up and something strange his church began to empty out. I remember Poland in 1996 everything was gray or brown and everything seemed dirty. No one seemed to laugh maybe that is why I liked Pastor Piotr so much he had an unusual sense of humor. I can still hear him say, “LORD move the sinners so the saints can find parking.” You see over the years with the integration of NATO and the European Union (EU) money the Country of Poland got richer. Coupled with open border immigration (no visa was needed to travel to other EU countries) the Polish people started the exodus west looking for employment. When you have little to nothing to live on your future looks bleak and hope seems to disappear right before your eyes. So, as the people moved west for money I watched the churches empty out. Finally, another church merged with Pastor Piotr’s church (the other church had a bigger building, but no people), but in time things really got small. I remember in 2003 right before we left Germany I made a trip to Opole with a friend and they had a big beautiful church, but few people. Not only in Poland, but I have seen this scenario play out in Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. As the countries in the West Europe got richer the people moved west looking for comfort, money, and security. One thing for sure once you get the taste of the “good life” nothing else will satisfy this human, basic hunger. Now do not misunderstand me here I am not beating up my friends in these countries (I have some dear dear friends in these countries), but what I am saying is more money does not mean one is wealthy and secure. The title of the first story in my book “Adventures with God” is taken from the words of Pastor Jacob from Constanta, Romania (who I dearly love). “No Money No Problems.” In 1998 when I made it to Constanta this was the way they dealt with having no money, “No Money No Problems.” Not only in Romania or other Eastern European Countries, but also in counties in Africa, Asia, even in America I have seen as comforts and wealth increases churches decrease. Once we can do for ourselves we seem not to want to know God to seek His guidance and help. The end result is our absence from our brothers and sisters (notice I did not say absence from church), we seem to walk away from the things of God and our relationships with God. Strangely, it seems like we have walked away from those things that has enabled us to be able to move closer to God. All of our early learning and teaching (as a child) that was our bedrock, our foundational principles, but once we get old enough to strike out looking for our fame and fortune all of our earlier teaching seems to vanish before our eyes. You know I have seen this in my life at times. I am sure this is no new revelation to most people who love God and want to do His will. The world is an exciting place for the young and adventurist at heart. This is why John warns us of this great danger, “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:14-16) Here the word of God is abiding in the young men to overcome the wicked one (could be the devil or others in the world), but John still directs them to, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. John even goes on to define those dangers in the world, “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” So too today. One thing for sure if we are running after the world we cannot be running after God. And for all of those seeker sensitive church leaders (which makes up the majority of churches today in the world) if the world is running after you God is not. I could go on and on, but I need to get to the heart of what I would like to share. Many popular world preachers and teachers in the church today say (so they can deceive you into giving more money to them) there will be a great end-time revival, well that is not what the Bible teaches, oh no. Paul in 2 Thessalonians tell us the truth so that we will be able to withstand the great deception and evil in the world “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) You may need to read these verses again, but this time not the words in the brackets. “Let no man deceive you by any means: [for that day shall not come,] except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” That is right not a big-time revival, but a falling away. Let no one deceive you (on Christian TV) my brethren there is a “falling away” that is happening to fulfill God’s word. I have seen this “falling away” from the start in the mid-60s with the feel-good Jesus hippie movements that deceived people and in the 70s this deception continued with the word of faith movement “plant your seed (money) in my ministry and God will bless you” (thank you Oral Roberts and his ilk) into the 80s where the humanistic teachers (man is a god) started spinning their deception and outright lies. In the 90s it got worse with the prosperity teachers (giving to get), if a Christian, God wants you to be rich, influential, and powerful. The message was for earthly riches (because I really believe they do not believe in our next life) and not eternal riches. And in the 2000s the deception (reached new heights) was mixed more with the truth (which stills makes it a lie) with the seeker sensitive message where everyone is welcome (no one gets offended) and accepted no matter what. Yes my friend there is a “falling away” going on right now and with the increase of comforts and technology it will be expedited faster and faster. Paul in his epistles again and again warns of this “falling away” so it should not take us by surprise lest we too be deceived. And strange as it may seem, whether we get deceived and fall away depends not on the deceiver, the devil, or even God, but on us. The “falling away” is here and has been here for a long time and yes God is here warning us of our fall. Make no mistake my friend God is shaking the tree not to see who He can shake out but, to see who is holding on to His unchanging hand. When we were at a Church in Greece after the service they had a time of eating before everyone headed their way. We were sitting at a table and a young lady came up to me and said, “Pastor Dave is that you?” I said “yes.” And the lady said, “This is Monica, Koko from the Mission Bible School (Class of 2005) in Romania.” Now I will be honest at first I did not remember her, but as she talked I began to pick up her voice. She said, “I (me David) made a statement during class that only with time has come true.” She said, “I (me David) said in time you will see many of your classmates walk away from the calling God has on their lives.” I remembered making that statement. Koko thought, that would never happen with her classmates, but one by one many have walked away from God. Over the years many of the Mission Bible School students (that God is still using) have come to me and recited my words back to me and said, “your words were true’ and began to name person after person who has walked, “fallen away” from their calling and God. Sadly, I too can name people who were once walking with the LORD, but now have loved this present world and walk no more with God. Take heed my brethren. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Many Believed On Him
At a recent Bible study at the prison we go to the following Scriptures caught my eye, it almost leapt off the page! “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12: 42-43). This passage should give us great pause because these guys were chief rulers and should have known the Scriptures and that the Messiah was smack dab in front of them. What were they thinking?!?! Here is a real gut check, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) Unfortunately, not much has changed since then just flip on the TV, or go to some social media website like YouTube, or maybe go to some church and watch these clowns strut around on stage with a spotlight shining on them, acting like they’re somebody and the rest of us need to listen to them. How often do we fear man over fearing GOD? Folks, it needs to be the other way around. We need to be very concerned about doing right and more importantly being right in front of a Holy God. The heck with what people think and that includes family. We are in a time of grace now and grace doesn’t mean we get to live anyhow. When Jesus returns for His Church are we going to be ready to go?? Do we live as if He’s coming back today?? Or do we think, nahhhh he’s not coming back soon, not in my lifetime. But, what if He does?? Are you ready? Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:31-32) My friends, it’s time to let go of things, like anger, resentment, bitterness, bad feelings, hurts, frustrations, let them all go! Joy can’t exist in the same time and place as anger and bitterness. Forgive people. Ask Jesus to put love in your heart for those who have offended you. Look unto Jesus, keep your eyes and heart fixed on Him. Matthew tells us, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). Read and study your Bible. Spend time with the Lord, your eternal destiny depends on this. 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.
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.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETINGS:
19 August 25 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:
July: Local Ministry
August: Eastern Europe
September: Eastern Europe
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.
