Waiting on God – His Characteristics
November 2018 • Volume XVII Number 03
”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 look at some more of the benefits of waiting on God. In the last two months we have looked at how God exceeds all of our natural expectations and last month we looked at how it gives God an opportunity to demonstrate His goodness. How valuable is the goodness of the LORD? Well how long are you willing to wait on the LORD? Our value system can be measured in our discomfort levels. Are we willing to suffer discomfort awhile to hear from God? At the willingness to experience discomfort tells us just how valuable we think things are in God. so this month we will look at another benefit. In Psalms 40 we read, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,and set my feet upon a rock, andestablished my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, evenpraise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalms 40:1-3)Waiting is always the place of receiving from God. Here David needed to hear from God so he patiently waited. Waiting patiently is the place of hearing an answer to our petitions for deliverance or whatsoever we need to hear from God. It is not working or doing, but patiently waiting. Now this is strange to the natural or carnal man within us. We have been told from childhood to go and “make it happen” but, the spiritual man within us knows to take a seat and patiently wait for God to align and arrange things for our benefit. Now it is the things God arranges for us that makes our waiting hard. But that is okay. Our way is not to be easy and straight. And yes God does go ahead of us not to straighten out the crooked places and bends in the road, but to make our way a meaningful learning experience where we will learn of Him and not worry about needing to be delivered from problems in our lives. Hard times are coming our way you can bet on that. In John Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Did you get that? In this world you shall (strongest tense of the verb) have tribulation (Jesus will make it so), but “be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” There are lessons we must learn that will enable us to learn the set of lessons God has for us to continue “to grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ.” Our spiritual growth and development starts not with doing things, but with patiently waiting on God.Here in Psalms 40 we see David was in a huge mess. David was in a horrible pit now that could have been a pit in the ground, but probably not. David probably was in a horrible pit maybe depression he was stuck like his feet planted in miry clay. When I read this I think of the deep red Georgia clay that sticks to everything and sticks everything up. I can just see David standing in the clay and not being able to move, but probably not. David was probably stuck in a situation (maybe a bad relationship) or circumstance where he could not move stuck, but because David patiently waited (we can too) God inclined or turned His ear toward David and heard David’s cry and did two things: “set his feet on a rock”and “established my goings.” God did not just deliver him oh no, when we patiently wait God will put us on a solid foundation so He can establish our goings. Probably God worked out the bad situation, circumstance, etc. in David’s life and now David has a new outlook on life and a new song in his mouth. Yes David was singing a new and different tune. Funny how we sing a new tune when God moves on our behalf? What a benefit for us both physically and most importantly spiritually when God turns His ear towards us and develops us not delivers us. Nowhere in the Bible did God ever deliver someone oh no in their development they were quote unquote delivered, but in reality God changed their heart and it did not matter what happened. Daniel went into the lion’s den. The three Hebrew children went into the fiery furnace. Jesus went to the cross all not delivered, but developed. If God has to deliver us from bad situations and circumstances in our lives then He knows the plan He has for our lives is in jeopardy of being lost. If God has to keep delivering us from things we have not won we have failed.
Next month we will continue to look at another benefit of waiting on God. Walter Beuttler said if you build God a temple He will inhabit it. Have you built God a temple? If you do He will abide and wait for you.
Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Coming in Glory
It is not God is on our side, but rather are we on His side, because believe it or not Jesus is coming back in glory. Now that is not our glory, but God’s glory. And it is not in an unconditional way, but very much conditional. I wonder why we think salvation is unconditional? Did you know God has established conditions for those who would be saved. Salvation is only for those who believe, confess, and repent even though offered to all, but it is freely given to only those who meet God’s conditions. Now it is true God’s love towards man is unconditional; there is nothing man must or can do to receive God’s love, but salvation is a totally different thing. God has established for man to believe(John 3:16), to confess(1 John 1:9), and to repent(Acts 3:19) or they will not receive salvation. Sadly this unconditional thinking has bled over into the realm of salvation and many people miss the mark here. I am afraid it will not be so glorious for many people when Jesus returns, but for those who are ready they will appear with Him in His glory. Sadly many people dispute this truth, but that does not change the fact of the matter. Oh how silly we are when we think by not believing something it will cause it not to happen. I remember as a little boy hiding under a glass coffee table thinking no one could see me. Thecoming of the LORD in glory is seen in two fold periods of time. First He will reveal Himself to His people. After this He will be manifested to the entire world as the King of kings and LORD of lords. The first period of time began with the transgression of Adam and lasted until Jesus came on the scene. The second day includes all that Jesus said and did together with the ministry of the present day Church. During the second day what we call the Church Age Jesus is in the midst of His Church. John helps us with that, “And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands; And in the midst of the seven lamp stands I saw one like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and tied around the breast with a golden band.” (Revelation 1:12-13) We must never forget the Book of Revelation is the unfolding of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”and not so much about all of the mysteries we find it hard to get our thoughts around and questions that divide us. After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His people, but no one else saw Him. In 2 Thessalonians we read that He will first be glorified in His saints during the approaching time of His return. “When He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe . . .” (2 Thessalonians 1:10) The primary purpose for Jesus coming to His Church first is to prepare them for their part in the judgments of God upon the earth and in heaven. The message to the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation span the entire Church Age and addresses the needs within each of these Churches to correct and purify those who are called to become overcomers. Therefore at the end of each message, Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” The second reason for His coming to His Church first is to cleanse and purify her by the washing of the water of the Word so that He can present to Himself a Bride without spot or wrinkle. Following this is the revelation of the Son of Man to the entire world for the final judgments which will lead into the establishing of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is important for us to understand that the second coming of Jesus cannot be separated from the establishment of His kingdom. This fulfills the word concerning dominion which the LORD spoke to Adam when He created him. Adam was to have dominion over the earth and all that exists on it. This dominion was forfeited by Adam to Satan and the principalities who presently rule from their usurped places. Now it is through “tribulation” that we are prepared for the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)The word “tribulation” here means “to put pressure on.” Now this is more than the many daily mundane pressures that we face in our lives, but also intense judgments and dealings from God to purify and refine our character. If we are not presently feeling a measure of this pressure then we may be less than fully committed to the LORD. It is very important that we understand that these pressures are not the result of the LORD being angry with us; nor are they punishment. Rather He is seeking to produce a quality within us that will enable us to stand and endure in any situation we must face in life.
When the Son of Man appears in the sky all the tribes of the earth will mourn as a result of seeing Him. I do not know about you my friend, but it does not sound too glorious to me. That which they had chosen not to believe will have become a reality, and now they must face the consequences of their rejection of Christ. Jesus tells us, “But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but only My Father.” (Matthew 24:36) There is wisdom as to why God did not reveal a time or date when Jesus will return. Had He done so we could put off getting ready until almost the time. The disciples had asked when this would take place. The answer Jesus gave was to explain the circumstances that would exist at that time. “But as the days of Noahwere, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:37) Thus His return will be in a time that is similar to the days in which Noah lived. Lately I have been giving much thought to the “days of Noah”as compared to the manifested presence of the LORD on earth. I have wondered how the “days of Noah”got to be the “days of Noah,” “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark.” (Matthew 24:38)They were occupied with the everyday things of life and laughed at Noah for building a boat on dry land. When Noah entered the ark it was God who shut the door of protection. The people did not understand until it was too late when the flood came and took them away. It will be this way again at the coming of the LORD. I can remember as a child seeing the power of God in real and powerful ways where suddenly the power of God would drop (and you knew it was God), but today rarely do we see this power in churches. It seems with each generation there is less and less of the Spirit of God in the people and church not because God is taking His Spirit away, but because we are not as sensitive to His working and not so concerned with the things of God. Worldly and carnal distractions have filled our lives drowning out God’s presence. I think this is what happened to Noah’s generation. God finally had enough, “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.’ (Genesis 6:6-7) In six short Chapters God had enough of man’s sin, but God never hid His face or voice from man. Man had to have known right from wrong for God to bring such total judgment. The next verse says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8)God always provides grace ahead of judgment. Even in God’s anger God provided a way of escape for man. Peter tells us, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Peter 3:20) The Lord embraced these eight souls by putting an “ark” around them. Then He Himself closed the door and they were safe. When the Son of Man comes He will not take us and fly away. The ark did not go up to heaven rather it stayed on the earth rising on top of the waters of judgment. Eight out of millions maybe billions of people on the earth and we think heaven will be crowded? During this time the Son of God will embrace His people. Just as those eight people were spared in the universal destruction of all mankind by water the Lord will save the redeemed in the midst of the fire, but He will forsake the rest. It is those who have rejected Him that will be gone or destroyed in this fire. This is not a flying away process, but rather Jesus is coming to embrace those who are the redeemed and who have overcome by responding to His words when He was in the midst of the Church. Matthew (Chapter 25:1-13) compares the Kingdom of Heaven to 10 virgins who went out to meet their Bridegroom. Of these five were wise and five were foolish. Yes foolish Christians in the Kingdom of Heaven. While the Bridegroom (Jesus) tarried all of the virgins (even the wise) slumbered and slept, “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” (Matthew 25:5) Is this not a picture of most Christians (myself included at times) in the Church today? Distractions chiefly due to the rise of technology in the world has blinded the eyes of our understanding putting Christians fast asleep as we slumber on day after day. I cannot believe how easy and how fast hand-held electric devices have conquered the world and the Church. I hear Christians say technology is the way to share the Gospel message, rubbish! Take heed do not be deceived by those Christians who know not God (foolish virgins) and have sold out to the god’s of this world that broadcast Christian TV (an oxymoron) and the word of faith prosperity crowd. Entertainment: Christian rock (another oxymoron) music, dance, light shows, sound shows, fog shows, every show imaginable to excite and titillate our senses fills our services not allowing the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to humble us. And I cannot believe the sudden rise of Christian movies (yet another oxymoron) from Hollywood. Are Christians that deceived that they would spend their money supporting the abortion, gay and lesbian agenda of Hollywood? Are Christians that deceived that they would spend their money on parlor trick special effects movies instead of missions and people in need? Are Christians that foolish and deceived that they would give their money to Hollywood’s social engineering that shakes its fist in the face of God? I would say yes. Hollywood has discovered Christians are easy prey and yes even suckers for anything that looks or acts “Christian.” And why? Because most Christians do not read their Bibles nor have an imitate relationship with Jesus Christ. Take heed church in America (and around the world) you are about to get fleeced again with the movie “Son of God” (which Jesus never referred Himself as. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” as in Isaiah) and “Noah.” Please do not go and see these movies if you have that much extra time read your Bible or spend the two hours plus in prayer. Those who were wise did not know the time of His coming in glory, but were ready. Did you get that? The foolish virgins did not know Him maybe they only had their sins forgiven, but the foolish put off knowing Him until it was too late. Then when the Bridegroom (the LORD) came at an unexpected time the foolish asked the wise for some of their oil (knowing the LORD through personal experience), but were told to go and buy for themselves, symbolic of developing this personal experience. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:10-13) In so doing they missed the time of entrance of the Bridegroom into His Kingdom and were lost. Thus the important thing is for us to become ready by coming to know the LORD in this present time in anticipation of His return. There are within the Church those who name the Name of Jesus as their Savior. But within these are those who are overcomers; those who have fully committed their lives to the LORD and have been tested and proven faithful. These will not only survive, but they will be the instruments of the coming judgment. Isaiah tells us “Behold, a king (Jesus)shall reign in righteousness, and princes (us)shall rule in judgment.” (Isaiah 32:1)We are not called to understand how the LORD will do this, but rather we are to be ready in that day when He returns in manifested glory to be joined to Him as a member of His manifested body. Jesus is about to return to establish His Kingdom on the earth, and those who are overcomers will rule and reign with Him. I do not believe we will be raptured out of this world nowhere in the Scriptures does the LORD rapture people from tribulations, trials, and troubles, but will remain here on the earth not as victims of God’s universal judgments, but as overcomers and instruments of His judgments which will lead to our ruling with Him in ages to come. Are we to rule and reign with Him in heaven? No on the earth! John tells us, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)Regardless of our view of these things, there is one thing on which we all agree; Jesus is coming soon in glory and we must be ready. This time Jesus is not coming back as a wee baby in a manager, but as the ruler of all.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
For My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts
In Isaiah we read, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord.” ( Isaiah 55:8). A rough indictment on the children of Israel indeed and frankly we’re not much better! Recently returning from a trip overseas we were told of a man who thought he was in good standing with GOD because he gave lots of money to the local church. Friends it doesn’t work that way. Apparently this man felt he could live anyhow and as long as he gave money to the church, in his mind he “was good with The Almighty.” Well isn’t he going to be surprised come judgment day. The problem with most Christians or folks that think they are Christians is that there is no discernible change in their lives after coming to the Lord, after their repentance and asking Jesus into their hearts to be Lord of their lives. If you are the same now as you were five years ago (after becoming a Christian) you need to check yourself. Because a true Christian changes. A religious person does not change. A true Christian allows GOD to so work in their lives that they have no choice but to change. GOD wants our ways to line up with His ways and we of course should want this also. When we are strong in ourselves or worse strong in a religion (pick any one) I double dog guarantee you, “your thoughts are NOT GOD’S thoughts.”And as a result your ways will not be HIS ways. Oh they might be religious, they may look good to outsiders, they may even “feel” right to you, but anyone with any spiritual wherewithal will see (though the former will not see) their life is a total sham and is not righteous, your thoughts are NOT His thoughts, and your ways certainly NOT His ways. Our ways are what HE tells us to do. There must come a time when we cannot do what we used to do or hang out where we used to hang out. Tough decisions will be made in our lives and we have a choice of either obeying GOD or slapping his hand away and saying, “no, I’m going to do it my way.” And woe unto us if we do that. GOD will let us go our own way and make a total mess of things, because we are (or think we are) strong in our selves. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30).The Scriptures are straight out of the mouth of Jesus, so is your burden light? Have you rest in your soul? Have you really learned of Jesus and His ways? Have you learned how He goes before us in our life? Have you learned that HE is ever faithful, even when we are not? Be not strong in yourself. Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We are masters at self deception. Let us enter into the true rest that is found only in Christ Jesus, He will teach us the ways of the FATHER, and His thoughts will be our thoughts.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in Silistra Pastor(s) Yanko, Marcho, and Emil. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
- Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and George Ritisan at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
- In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
- Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
- Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
- Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
- Pastor Metin Mintaz, 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.
- Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
- 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:
4 December 2018 & 18 December 2018 at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
December: Local Ministry
January: Local Ministry
February: 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:
dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Website:
www.www.beholdinghisglory.com/
Blog:
http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/
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.
