THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION: Greetings again my friends. Well, if you are reading this month’s newsletter you have survived January and all of the New Year stuff and moving on in the LORD in February. We will continue this month to look at the “Prophet of God” and the first of seven characterises of their perfect heart they must have to be able to serve God. Last month we established to be a Prophet of God, the one, must have a perfect heart. Now many Christians today think it is an impossibility, but I am not so sure that would be a true statement. Perfection in this world is tough and the more you come to know the LORD the tougher it gets, but in Matthew Jesus tells us something amazing. Jesus tell us in Mathew 5:48 to be “perfect.” Jesus says,
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Now the word “perfect” here is translated, mature or selfless. As our Heavenly Father is mature or selfless. The point is if Jesus did not mean it then He would not have said it. After all Jesus does not say things just to say them. Oh no. What Jesus says He means. And if He says for us to be “perfect” then He knows we can be “perfect” in this age and not in the sweet by and by. So, the first of seven characteristics is a willing mind. In 1 Chronicles we talking about Solomon we read, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) We talked about this verse last month Notice it was the first characteristic of the seven, now this should tell us something. My friend for us to do anything in God we first must settle it in our mind and if we settle it in our mind then we can do it. The battle field in God is the mind. If we can get things of God in our mind then they can get to our heart where we can see them and if we can see them then how easy is it to do what God wants us to do. Please reread the underlined words again. Now I am not talking about memorizing Bible verses or fact, oh no, I am talking about getting things of the Spirit in our mind and if we can get the things of the Spirit in our mind then we can them into our heart. The distance the Spirit must move is from our head to our heart. And if that can happen then nothing will be impossible for us to do for God. I could talk now about putting on the mind of Christ or other areas of the Scriptures here, but in Hebrews 11:13, we read, (I believe to be Paul), “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13) Now Paul was talking about the mighty people of faith in the Old Testament, but it says they, “all died in faith, not having received the promises.” All of these mighty people of faith died in faith, but it says before they died they “seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” They saw the promises “afar off.” Well, where did they see the promises? That is right in their heart. It was in their mind they heard God speak to them, “faith cometh by hearing a word from God” (Romanis 10:17Greek KJV) and once they settled it in their mind, by believing God’s word was true and for them, it moved to their heart. Now here is the kicker, we must meditate or think on whatsoever God told us. In the Psalms David said these words, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) WOW, “the meditation of my heart?” Does this mean our heart meditates? No of course not, but what it means is we are to meditate on what is in our heart, we are to mediate on what God has told us, again and again, over and over and as we mediate on what has been birthed in our heart God is able to paint a picture of what He has told us. This is how the mighty people of faith back in Hebrews 11:13 saw the promises. But, notice they were “persuaded of them,” the promises, and “embraced them,” the promises, and “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” We too, must be persuaded and embrace whatsoever God has promised us or it will never happen. Most Christians today are so wishy washy about the things of God. Are we truly serious about God or do we serve Him for what we can get out of Him? Sadly most Christians are not too committed or dedicated not to a Church or a doctrine, but to God Himself. The point I want to make is this, if we cannot see what God wants us to do it will never happen. We must be able to see God bring us from possible defeat to victory. We must be able to see God working in our lives, not ourself, but God doing things in our lives. Then we too will be able to see He who is invisible.
Next month we will continue looking at the perfect heart of the “Prophet of God” with a heart that seeks God. I hope this is 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:
Another Generation
In Judges we read, “And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. 9 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. 10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:8-10) I thought how could this happen? How could there be, “another generation after them, which knew not the LORD?” even in America. All that God has done for America and yet most children know not much of God. After all the Children of Israel went through in the wilderness and beyond how could this happen? After all God commanded the people to teach their children; every generation was to teach their children and the next generation their children who God is and what He has done in the past for the people. Moses writes, “Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.? (Deuteronomy 4:10) Ah yes sadly I can see how this is happening in America and around the world in Christian homes. My friend answers to our questions from the LORD are often found in the strangest places if we have a heart to look for them. All of our grand kids came for a visit. What a wonderful time we had. I remember how I would feel when we would drive out of my father’s drive way with our kids in tow and now I feel worse (I guess I know what my father felt) when I see our kids pull out of our drive way. But while they all were here they were singing songs I have never heard, well one said, “Pap do you know the words to these songs?” And I replied, “no.” To be honest they were not really Christian songs more secular for this present generation. Now I love our kids and our grand kids, but these songs were from a different generation, from another generation of things and ways that I purposely do all that I can to avoid. I purposely do all that I can to stay away from technology. I see the danger of technology, not fear on my part, but danger to my walk with the LORD. I purposely do all that I can to stay away from social media. I purposely do all that I can to stay away from movie (last movie we saw was “Broken”), TV programs, and music that glamorize this world. I purposely do all that I can to stay away from and even resist any worldly concepts and thinking that comes into conflict with the way I was raised and especially in conflict with the things of God. The more we go towards technology the less of God will be in us and the less of the Christian values my parents and others have instilled in me. I see how easy these values and Godly principles can be displaced by something new that affects our flesh, something shiny, bigger, brighter, something that captives our thoughts and thinking. Again, I love our kids and grand kids very much and even understand the draw and pull of this world on them, but it is the responsibility of all Christian parents and grandparents to turn our children away from the things of this world so they would not follow after the ungodly things that this world daily serves up. Music, movies, computer games, social media all capture the heart, mind, and spirit of young people and enslaves them into wrong thinking that will oh so subtly drive them down a road to ultimate destruction. I am really confounded how churches use Facebook with all of its confusion and even the selling of personal information as a means to communicate information and news within the church. I hear many pastors say, “oh it is convenient, everyone is on it (not everyone) so we will use Facebook too.” Well one thing I have learned is if the world is running after it God is NOT. Oh many say what harm is the singing of a few little worldly songs? Well that is the slippery slope of the world we all wrestle with. What part of, “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.” (1 John 2:15) do we not understand? The Scripture is quite clear my brother. To “love or not love the world neither the things that are in the world” is not a request or good idea from the LORD, but a command. Yet we wink and nod at God’s word and wonder why we get caught up in all of these areas in our lives. The answer is clear, we really love the world and the things in the world. And yes, I can find myself here if I am not careful. I must say no to the things that draw me away from God. What part of, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) do we not get? Why are we transformed by the world? Because we have not allowed the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. The renewing of our mind is not God’s or the Holy Spirit’s job, but ours. We renew our minds as we displace thoughts and hungers of the world from our hearts and mind by the things of God, those “good, and acceptable, and perfect will” things of God. The overriding need of the Church is not more influence, money, ministry, power, but is to discharge its obligation to the rising generation to a leadership that is: Authoritative. People love to be led by one who knows where they are going and who inspires confidence. They follow, almost without question, the person who shows himself wise and strong, who adheres to what he believes. Next it must be Spiritual. Leadership that is unspiritual, that can be fully explained in terms of the natural, although ever so attractive and competent, will result only in spiritual fruitlessness, corruption and immorality. Lastly, it must be Sacrificial. Modeled on the life of the One who gave Himself a sacrifice for the whole world, who left us an example that we should follow His steps. It is the binding duty of those in positions of leadership to face-up-to the situation and do all in their power to see that the torch of a truly spiritual leader is passed on to the younger generation. Leadership is often viewed as the product of natural endowments and traits of personality, intellectual capacity, force of will, and enthusiasm. These God-given talents do greatly enhance leadership beyond question, but those are not the factors of paramount importance in the spiritual leader. The real qualities of leadership are to be found in those who are willing to suffer for the sake of objectives great enough to demand their wholehearted obedience. Spiritual leaders are not made by election or appointment, by men or any combination of men, nor by conferences. Only God can make them. Simply holding a position of importance does not constitute one a leader, nor does taking courses in leadership or resolving to become a leader. The only method is that of qualifying to be a leader. Religious position can be conferred by bishops and boards, but not spiritual authority; which is the prime essential of Godly leadership. That comes, often unsought, to those who in earlier life have proved themselves worthy of it by spirituality, discipline, ability, and diligence, workers who have heeded His call. Spiritual leadership is a thing of the Spirit and is conferred by God alone. When His searching eye alights on a servant who has qualified, He anoints him with his Spirit and separates them to their distinctive ministry. Samuel Logan Brengle, a truly great spiritual leader of the Salvation Army, outlined the road to spiritual authority and leadership in these challenging words: “It is not won by promotion but by many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous and uncomplaining embracing of the cross, and by an eternal, unfaltering looking unto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but rather, like Paul, by counting those things that are gain to us as loss for Christ. That is a great price. but it must be unflinchingly paid by him who would be not merely a nominal but a real spiritual leader of men, a leader whose power is recognized and felt in heaven, on earth and in hell. The highest positions are reserved for those who have qualified in secret. It is that element of sovereignty that begets awe and a great humility in those to whom leadership is entrusted. The Church is painfully in need of leaders. I wait to hear a voice and no voice comes. I love the back seat in conferences. I would always rather listen than speak, but there is no clarion voice to listen to.” The Prophet Joel knew of the importance of teaching our children about the LORD and keeping our hearts far from the world. “Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. 4 That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten. 5Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth. 6For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.? (Joel 1:2-6) Sounds like today my friend except for the teaching of our children. It is the previous’ generations duty to tell the next generation the things of God to press them on the heart and souls of the young and tell of the things the LORD has done for them. Sadly the “Baby Boomers” (those born after World War II, my generation) have miserably failed in their Godly calling to prepare the next generation. And why? Most have spent their time and interests on themselves and their desires, seeking pleasure and have raised kids who seek greater pleasure than their parents. God and His will is nowhere in the picture. So too the “church” has failed in instructing the next generation. They mix the truth with lies, but of greater damage is their lack of leadership and guidance. In the past as I grew up in the church I remember great men of God who really cared for their people their focus was not what they wanted, but had a real heart for the people and what God wanted for them, They really knew God it was evident in their talk, their life style, and in the word of God they delivered from a broken and contrite heart. Not so today. Where are the dedicated men of God? Today most pastors are so self-focused in what the people will say. They have little to no inward strength and why? They have not allowed God to build in them an inward quality. Oh, they have been to Bible School, they have completed class, and the denominational paperwork to be ordained, and they think that qualifies them to be a pastor, but not so in God. God requires much more to be able to speak for Him. And at the heart of their ministry is their rice bowl. Their concern is for their job and their good name in the community. Who will teach the next generation about God? I can speak for our family that will be Karen, I, and our kids. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
We’re Too Close
Our first grandchild recently got married, so I guess between that and her brother going on to technical school and another grandchild off to college has me reminiscing. So, I guess I’ll tell on my self—again. A long time ago (before our kids) I made a not so nice comment about a situation and was soundly rebuked by the elder in the room. Truthfully, I should’ve kept my big mouth shut as nothing good was accomplished, yet on the other hand things were going on in that circle that were either NOT noticed (because they were too close to the situation) OR they were ignoring things hoping things would change, but they didn’t. I don’t know which, but I’ve seen the fallout firsthand, and I’m not standing in judgement of said parties, as I’ve flubbed up enough in my own life. Anyhow there are times we need to engage as parents while the kids are at home and let go when they leave the nest. The latter is because and I fully believe this that GOD can then deal in their lives where and when needed, especially IF they profess to be Christians. It’s going to hurt us for sure and maybe them, but as a parent back off. Now I’ll be the first-in-line to admit that letting go of our kids is hard and truthfully, I wasn’t prepared for it. Sometimes I find myself envious of people who have their family close by and can see them often but, as I said GOD can deal in their lives much better without relatives butting in. My point is this; we have around 18 years to raise our kids and yes, there are times where we will really step on their little toes and even offend them to high Heaven attempting to steer them into a right direction, where they will become law abiding citizens, productive members of society, and self-sufficient followers of Christ. My friend 18 years isn’t a very long time. Paul says in Ephesians, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4) We are to train, correct and chasten, call attention to, give rebuke AND warning to our children as we can. Life is not all sunshine and lollipops. They must be warned. We must “speak the truth in love” and correct in love even if it means a whupping on the backside. Yes, that’s love, as is taking away their toys, grounding them and giving them extra chores to do. Once they’re out the door and on their own we are basically hands off. So, if you have kids at home hold their feet to the fire (not literally), enjoy their company, put as much GOD into their lives as possible! Know who their friends are, keep a SEVERE, and I mean SEVERE check on the cell phones and computers, even if you have to take them away. Ungodly spiritual issues and other issues DO NOT always go away on their own. And as much as we love our kids, our maternal/paternal love WILL NOT pull them out of the flames of hell if they’re bound and determined to go there. GOD knows how to deal with them, trust HIM. GOD Bless. Pray for those young’uns. Read and 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 and Cathy in Istanbul, Turkey. Pastor Metin and Eda at the Mavi Kilise 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.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETINGS:
17 February 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:
February: Local Ministry
March: Kurdistan and Turkey
April: 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.
