The Call of God: The Call of David
June 2017 • Volume XV Number 06
”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 looking at the divine providence in the life of David. This month we will look at four areas enthroned, preserved, chastened, and restored. The word enthroned means to be placed on a throne as a king or queen or to be placed in a place of high authority. In 2 Samuel we read where David was anointed king by the people, but 14 years earlier David was anointed king by Samuel and God. “So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.” (2 Samuel 5:3-4) Until then David was on the run for his life from Saul, but when God says it is time to be king things happen. One would think he lived happily ever after, but not in David’s life. Actually once he became king things really happened: to him and in him. So too in our lives. When God begins to use us change around us and in us takes place. In 2 Samuel we see David in the second area we shall discuss this month in a place of preservation and at rest from his enemies. “And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies,” (2 Samuel 7:1) This rest comes by being preserved by God. Before we can answer the call of God in our lives we must be at rest in our physical life, but more important in our spiritual. If our outward life is troubled; bill collectors calling, running from the law, a mountain of debt and loans that fills our thoughts, or even our health in question our inward spirit will be troubled and hearing from God will be difficult at best. God has kept us all of these years in spite of ourselves and our actions and now God has us at rest so we can receive of His instructions, if not what the LORD has for our lives will never come to pass. I can look back in my life and see how God preserved me from so many bad things that would have short circuited from His will for my life. At the time I did not see His preservation, but now with spiritual insight I see how God protected and kept me while others I was with ended in jail or dead. What is the cost for the unseen hand of God in our lives? I do not know, but what I do know is we must pay it if not we will end in ruin and destruction. One would think with the protection of the LORD there would be no need for correction or chastisement, well not so in God’s order of things. As a matter of fact the more we walk in God’s ways and the more He does for us the more correction and chastisement He brings into our lives. Now here is the odd thing God uses people near and dear to our heart to bring this correction. Even to this day in Israel no king was more beloved than David. But king David made some huge mistakes as a king and as a father that almost caused him his throne and his life. God knows how to get our attention. He knows how to get to our heart, where our hands hang by our side and our knees shake. Also in 2 Samuel God was getting David’s attention with his son Absalom because of David’s in inability to run his house hold. His failure caused jealousy and division in his household and kingdom to the point God’s plan for David’s life was in jeopardy of total collapse. In 2 Samuel we read, “And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2Samuel 15:5-6) Make no mistake my friend God has ways to get our attention. When we get off track God knows just the fears, scars, and infirmities in our lives that will get our attention to get us back on track. Now many Christians would say God would not do this, well I am here to tell you God is a master of using people and events in our lives to show us our errors and to bring correction so that we may learn from our errors. God is not trying to kill us, but is trying to teach us His ways so He can use us. How can God use us if we do not know how God operates? Functions? We cannot. God must teach us His ways and God uses the chastening in our lives, because He loves us. The writer to the Hebrews tells us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:6) The chastening and scourging leads to the last area this month and that is restored. We can never be restored unless God can chasten us. The restoration comes out of us learning we have failed in some way and when we make it right between God and man something magically happens when we are restored back to God and sometimes man. Notice I said sometimes with man. With God all the time, God will take us back to His heart if we confess our failure or sin, man well he is a different animal. I have been waiting to be made whole in many relationships with family and Christians and will continue to wait, but it takes two to allow God to work on their hearts. If one is worked on and the other not yet then waiting on God is the only thing to do. Restoration is God’s goal in any relationship that has been fractured. In David’s case we read in 2 Samuel, “And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?” (2 Samuel 19:10) God spoke and Absalom was killed. Absalom was the second son of David to die because of his disobedience. A heavy price to pay for a king to lose two sons, two heirs. Even those restored back to God and man often there is a price, a cost we will pay for our waywardness and disobedience. Often this cost is paid by people we love and live near us.
Next month we will finish looking at David and the entire teaching “The Call of God” by looking at Psalms 75:5-7 and how it relates to divine providence. In two months we will begin a brand new teaching “Waiting on God.” Did you hear Him call? If not listen closely my friend it is not too late to hear Him call.
Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
All The Way Home
I am reminded of a story about a missionary couple that faithfully served for 30 years in Africa to many small villages. Now they arrived back in the States (again after 30 years of dedicated loyal service to God) the same day President Teddy Roosevelt returned from a two week hunting trip to East Africa. The husband of the missionary couple looked out at the dock and saw the bands and a parade (thinking the commotion was for them) with folks with signs and streamers welcoming President Roosevelt back from his two week hunting trip. And the wife hearing the great commotion came up on deck to see what was going on. She too thought the parade, the bands, and all of the commotion was for them after all they served God faithfully for 30 years, sacrificed, endured sickness, and shame, suffered greatly for the Gospel message, but like her husband quickly learned all of the commotion was not for them, it was for President Roosevelt. Seeing this she got offended at the people, President Roosevelt, her husband, and God. So as the band played on and as the people marched and cheered the missionary couple quietly slipped off the ship and no one noticed. For some time the wife was very offended at every one so the husband asked God why after 30 years of dedicated faithful loyal service they did not have a wonderful home coming like President Roosevelt, after all they were gone 30 years and he was gone for only two weeks, they laid down their lives while he had a good time hunting it did not seem fair! God replied, “you are not home yet.” What a powerful and relevant truth for today that is contained in this short story. My friend we must take heed to ourselves to run the race God has placed before us (not some ones else’s race) and to run the race all the way home. In God there is no prize for second place. Unlike today in most races here is a first, second, and third place or worse everyone gets a medal or ribbon for just competing. In God my friend there is only us winning or losing the race. If we win we get the prize maybe heaven I am not sure, but for sure whatsoever God desires He will give us. And if we lose the race well, again that is up to God maybe Hell I am not sure, but for sure I believe it will have something to do with separation from God. We say sin separates us from God, well I am not so sure about that. For this statement to be true it must meet the conditions of apathy, distractions, and total neglect of God’s word. I would say our sin is a greater occasion (we even know this instinctively) for us to draw closer to God and for God to draw closer to man, so our sin can be dealt with and it is only our total rejection of God’s continual drawing in our lives by the precious Holy Spirit that will separate us from God. Separation from God is not God’s intention, but ours.
In Paul’s Epistles, time and time again, he drives these two main points: we must take heed to ourselves to run the race in God correctly and to run the race all the way home. In I Corinthians Paul compares our mysterious daily walk with the Lord to a foot race. Now everyone who listened to Paul knew exactly what he was talking about. Jesus was the Master at using basic elements of life (bread, wine, seed, etc.) to explain deep spiritual truths. Even though Paul never heard Jesus speak during His earthly ministry I believe this was something Paul received (Corinthians 11:23) by the Spirit and if Paul received it by the Spirit then it is there for us too. I can almost imagine the faces of the listeners when Paul says, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) I can see the eyes of the people get real big when Paul talks about the prize, like today. Not too many people enjoy the race for the running, oh no it is the prize they run for. Who enjoys the work for work’s sake, oh no it is the payday we work for. Paul tells them the prize is a corruptible (probably a real gold laurel wreath) crown. Now the winner of this race gets the crown from being swiftest of foot and the strongest, but not so in God. In God the prize goes to the winner of the race who is not swiftest of foot, but to he who “strives lawfully” or runs the race within the framework of the rules. In God we must run the race according to how God wants us to run (maybe uphill all the way) our race (not someone else’s) and we must run the race according to the rules (within the laws and framework) God has established all the way to finish line, all the way home. In 2 Timothy Paul instructs Timothy, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:5) The word “lawfully” here is translated from the Greek (Strong’s #3545) as framework or anything that is established and agreeable to the law. We must run our race in God not quickly, but slow and deliberate, with much patience and long suffering, gentle, not giving offence unless God is in it, yet with singleness of purpose, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:,” and most importantly with great discipline and subjection to God and man so that after the race when we cross the finish line we are not a “castaway” or disqualified because we have run the race unlawfully. The fastest, inconsiderate, and strongest in God do not win; the slow, thoughtful, and weakest hold the eternal crown in God.
I find it amazing how many in the nominal church today (especially the ones you see on Christian TV) think being anointed and favored by God will ensure their success and prosperity in God, well my friend being anointed and even favored by God will not get you across the finish line correctly (lawfully) in God. Great men of God like the Priest Eli, King Saul, King David, Peter, and others lives were anointed and highly favored by God, but their lives were marred and marked with emotional turmoil and spiritual failure in spite of having great revelation of who God is. One Sunday a visiting pastor introduced himself and I to him and he replied, ah you are David who danced before the Ark, whereby I replied no I am David Stahl and I do not dance. David’s life, all throughout, the Scriptures revealed him as a man that allowed his emotions to get the best of him. Some churches sing, I want to dance like David danced, well to dance like David danced you will have to go through the things David went through. Not too many Christians today want to go through the things David went through oh no, they just want to dance. Take heed to your emotions my friend they will lead you out of God faster than sin. Why do so many Christians want to hear about and watch miracles on Christian TV? Would it not be better to be the vessel God uses to perform a miracle? The obvious answer is yes, but take heed my friend the price you will pay to be used of God will cost you all of your selfish and self-seeking carnal nature and character something we dearly seem to cling to for life, but God does not want us to live He wants us to die. Because the more we can die the more God can live through us.
Even the revelation of God will not prevent us from sinning and having character flaws nor does it keep what we call bad things happening to us. We know of a father in the Lord to 10,000s of Christians. Far senior in the Lord to me who wrote many books and articles, had an extremely deep revelation of God, started a Bible School, held many conferences and seminars, was highly exalted and esteemed by some of the greatest preachers and teachers of today, but a few years ago it was discovered (the Bible says your sins will find you out, oh me) for the last six years he was having an adulterous affair. Many were stunned and angry, many turned their backs on him, and his ministry was dashed, but thank God for grace. Was what he did wrong? Yes by all standards, but without the grace of God there go the rest of us. Now please, understand my point here I am not beating him up, oh no (he was my teachers contemporary) but please know a deep revelation of God does not prevent us from stumbling and falling out of the way. We think the deeper someone is in God the more righteous and God-like they are, well that is absurd. It is the things of the heart, the Godly character that keeps us in the straight gate. God is more concerned about our character than all of our spiritual ability and all of the service we do for Him.
We have another friend and senior in the Lord who has an almost magical approach in sharing the word as he weaves the Scriptures in an unusual matter bringing clarity and understanding like none I have heard, but when you get to know him you quickly learn his revelation does not line up with his character. We have traveled to many nations together sharing the wondrous Gospel message, he was always out in front and me in a more junior servant role. I had no problem with this relationship and still do not. He was always at the center of attention, the focus of discussion always centered around what he wanted and that was fine with me. But when work was to be done he seldom was to be found lifting a bag (even his own) or reaching out to help another. He always wanted to eat at the finest restaurants, order the best portions, and then he wanted to split the bill evenly. If you objected and wanted separate checks he would make a big deal about it. These examples my friend are signs of being a taker and not a giver. Now I have known this friend (I still call him friend, but that is not the case on his side) for over 30 years and as strange as it may seem his character flaws do not change the affection and respect I have for him. I know I am not perfect and I too have character flaws (Karen tells me which is a good thing because truth is to keep us humble), but when God brings us face-to-face with areas (character issues and sin) in our lives that need to align with God’s word we must not reject the message nor the messenger. My mistake in all of this was to bring it to his attentions (but the Lord directed). Who does Dave Stahl (my junior in God) think he is to say such things? Sadly instead of seeking to find the truth in our 30 year relationship he quoted Scripture a typical reaction by someone who knows they are wrong and said he was going to avoid us, another typical reaction by someone who is wrong. This is not our wishes, but we all make choices have they be righteous or unrighteous, holy or unholy and out from these choices we must allow God to deal in our heart and lives to reveal the truthfulness to us about our choices.
In Matthew there is a verse that plainly scares the pants off of me. Jesus shares with the disciples, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25Behold, I have told you before. 26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” (Matthew 24:23-26) Did you get that? “insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Now I do not consider myself to be “the very elect,” but if “the very elect” are deceived what chance do I have? What is the call of the apostate church? Come over here to our church or denomination we have the answer you all are wrong. Christ is over here, no He is over here; well Jesus’ reply was “believe it not.” How will we not be deceived? It is not about knowing where Christ is, but having His words abide in us. “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (1 John 2:24-25) Walk in the things you have heard, seen, and touched things you actually know from the beginning and all the way home.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Religion Part II
When GOD gave Moses the Ten Commandments (not the ten suggestions) this was to show the people how unrighteous they really were. Today in our time as in Jesus time there are many religious people, but not necessarily righteous people. GOD doesn’t want us to be religious, He wants us to be righteous and to have a relationship with HIM through HIS dear precious SON Jesus Christ. There is a big difference between knowing ABOUT Jesus: yes He was born in a stable, did many great and mighty miracles, died for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day verses asking Jesus into our heart where He can be LORD of our lives and reign over us. Religion cannot give us peace in our heart nor joy. Religion cannot and never has and never will save anybody’s soul. Only Jesus Christ can do that mysterious work in our lives. Religion cannot sanctify us nor can it make us grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Religion is of man carnal and fleshly where relationship is of GOD by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Religion has NO power to: redeem, to save, to justify, to deliver, or to heal. When we stand before GOD (even as Christians) our religion will NOT be enough to justify our good deeds (giving money to the church, feeding and clothing the poor, hours cleaning the church or cutting the grass, etc.) done while on earth. Religion can (depending on which religion) teach us to be moral, but it cannot set us free from the bondage of sin and redeem our souls. Read your Bible, it’s all in there!! The idea of the Old Testament was to point to the New Testament. The only person who could keep all 613 commandments was Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the law and the New Testament in the flesh. In the Gospel of John we read, “And the Word (being Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Even Mary his mother was born into sin–like the rest of us and was required by Jewish law to offer a sacrifice (please see Luke 2: 22-24 and Leviticus 12:2 and 8) after giving birth to Jesus who Himself was born sinless. And why? GOD doesn’t want us under the bondage of sin that’s why. He sent His only begotten son to die for us to have a relationship NOT to become religious. When we place a greater importance on religion then the work Christ did on the cross we openly slap GOD in the face! If we are religious we are operating in idolatry. It’s not about religion it’s about faith and relationship with Jesus. When we ask Jesus into our hearts we are supposed to change. We are supposed to be new creatures created in Christ Jesus! Paul teaches us, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
When we ask Jesus into our hearts to sit on the throne of our heart that is a significant game changer. Jesus fulfilled the law but he was not religious. We also will stop being religious and start our journey into becoming righteous. Jesus had nothing good to say about the religious folks of his day. He called them whited sepulchers. You can read it for yourself in Matthew 23:13-33, Jesus blasted them!!!! And for just cause. God cannot use religious people, but He can certainly use people that are sold out, committed , and dedicated to what Christ wants for their lives and what He wants for the world . They will think, act, and do as Jesus did and brother that don’t come from religion. Self righteousness comes from religion, but true righteousness comes out of a right relationship with GOD through His Son Jesus Christ. See the difference? Jesus said it well in Matthew, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) Let us strive to be the righteous of GOD and let go of our religion.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov and Emil Nedelchev. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. 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 and the Faru (Lighthouse) Church.
- In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Marcel 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:
20 June 2017 at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
June: Local Ministry
July: Local Ministry
August: 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.
