Waiting on God – His Characteristics
June 2020 • Volume XVIII Number 10
”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. Okay let us finish up this section as we look at the final and most mysterious character attributes of God His sovereignty. By way of review and looking at Revelation 3:20-22. We have already looked at five principles or reactions we can make to God’s call in our lives out from these verses and they are: attention, opportunity, perception, recognition, and response. And now we will look at the sixth sovereignty. As I said, “sovereignty” is one of God’s most mystical character attributes as well as one of if not the most important. One thing I have learned is God is God and I am not. If I was God I would handle things in this world so much differently, but God is God and I am not. So many things happen in our lives and we scratch our heads and blink as life seems to pass us by and as we seem to get rolled, but we must believe God is in charge and we must believe He knows what He is doing. I use (when I first became a Believer) to believe God knows and controls everything, there is nothing that happens in our lives without God controlling it, but that would be more a Calvinistic approach to God’s will for our lives where He makes things happen as the Master marionette and all we can do is allow the strings to control our living. Now I believe God does intervene in our lives and does call some shots, but for the majority of our living God is dealing with us out from our heart attitudes and decisions we make and often is doing damage control in our lives to keep us on the path He has and the call he has on our lives. Most of the troubles and problems in are our lives our fault. We like to blame the Devil and even God, but in reality it is our unruly tongue, selfish desires, and our rebellion to what God has already told us that gets us in trouble with God and man. Well once we realize God is not the puppet Master then we can begin to see God as He is and His sovereignty. God needs not our approval or concurrence for things (what we would call good or bad) to happen in our lives. Oh no, God is God and we are not. We only recognize God for who He is the supreme Master of all things, learn of Him to make righteous choices, and then go along for the ride. And the intent of God for us learning about His sovereignty is NOT so we can see ourselves as mindless slaves, but in our response to Him this will result in overcoming things instead of being overcome by things through Him who (that would be God) “hath made us kings and priests.” God’s heart for us is to be an overcomer in life. Recognizing God’s sovereignty is the beginning of us becoming (a process of learning and ever learning (2 Timothy 3:7)) an overcomer. John tells us in the Book of Revelation, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.’ (Revelations 3:21) Notice the order here. First we must overcome then we get to be sited with Him (God) in His throne. Most Christians would think we get sited in the throne and then we have the ability and power to overcome, but not so in God. So too with inheriting the things of God promsied to us through salvation. John again helps us here. In Revelations we read, “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelations 21:6-7) Inheriting the things of God are not automatic they are for ONLY those who have overcome their self, the world, and the devil. In that order. Unless we have allowed God to strengthen us in the inward man and have entered into that learning process of learning and ever learning we will NEVER overcome our self. It will be alive and screaming to be satisfied from evening to morning. Unless our flesh has been dealt a death blow by the Spirit of God we will never be able to overcome our love for the world. Because our flesh is alive there will be a hook in our jaw that pulls us back into the world. Our love for the world will be real and present because our flesh wants to be satisfied. John also tells us, “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. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17) And if our flesh and our love for the world is alive how can we have victory and overcome the Devil? For us to have a chance to overcome the Devil our flesh and our love for the world must be put to death by the Spirit, then there will be no hook to snag our heart and thoughts pulling us back away from our goal of overcoming the Devil. Lastly John helps again, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) All of this comes out of seeing God as a sovereign God, because He is God and we are not.
Next month we will look at God’s knocking. Do you hear Him calling? Please know God is calling. 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:
Justice Or Mercy
If the Lord had made spirituality both attractive and easy to attain, multitudes would have followed Him, but we know as we walk this wondrous path with the LORD, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). The first thing we are called to is to follow truth not what we believe is true, but what the Bible and God says is true. There is a vast difference here as seen between a prophet and a politician. It is such a shame to see how politics has infected the church. The term “grass roots” refers to the discovery of what people think and want. The politician then offers what the majority wants and as a result becomes popular and is elected. In other words the politician seeks out which way the majority is going to gain influence and power. Then he stands in front of them and says, “follow me.” Sadly, church leaders have learned if you want people to follow you or give you money just tell them what they already know and what they want to hear, but the prophet stands alone and says, “you are going the wrong way — turn around now.” The politician is popular because he relates to the majority. The prophet is never popular because his word is costly and requires change. People often are deceived because they choose that which is presently comfortable rather than being willing to pay the price for the truth they hear. Truth can never really be sold, but it must be purchased with the last ounce of our strength and all that we possess. Solomon tells us, “Buy the truth, and sell it not also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23) Truth is always costly and the result may not be seen, but to choose less in the long run is much more costly because those who continually look for something for nothing are open to deception. Many of these will compromise rather than submit to the LORD’s way. The LORD works very slowly, but very thoroughly as He is more interested in what we are becoming rather than what we are doing. Our “self” will always seek comfort and a life of ease which leads to us to self-deception, but God is not after that. Now when we make our way to truth we will always have to wrestle with wisdom, instruction, and understanding these all are a part of the truth. Solomon knew this and saw the great value in truth. Without wisdom, understanding, and instruction truth would be useless because truth is always from God’s perspective (God is the origination of all wisdom, understanding, and instruction) and is always progressive. We enjoy truth, but sometimes there is a fascination in its revelation that bewitches us and we want to know more about that, but we do not want to know about the power of its reaction in us. That is where the trouble begins. We must always remember that there is a reaction in us from the truth. We want it that’s good the desire is there that is wholesome. We may say we want the truth, but we see if we really mean it the entrance of truth in our hearts and lives can be the most disastrous thing we could ever ask for, that is, if we allow it to accomplish its features and purposes. It is not something that liberates us and makes us happy. That is one aspect of its reaction, but truth in its power in its essence is the most terrifying thing I have found that I did not know of in the beginning. Truth has two fold action in us. It will begin pleasing us of course quite agreeable and it has a great charm if we embrace it we better be very careful and pray about it because the sole purpose of truth is not to make us happy (which it will at times), but to slay us because the LORD is not interested in our carnal nature setup or our happiness His goal is to conform us into the character and image of His dear Son Jesus Christ and will use truth to chip away at our fleshly character and nature. Truth must go by a way of death before it can be released in life — spiritual death in us. This is the spiritual law in the spiritual realm. Truth is never objective, but when we yield our hearts and lives to the Holy Spirit the Spirit can take this truth and incorporate it into our lives until the things which are purely judicial may be brought down to actual living. The Holy Spirit takes that which is purely objective and makes it a reality in our lives until it is incorporated into our being it then will be a subjective realization. Truth is never ours until it is personalized. It is never ours until we have laid ourselves open before God in our inner being and the Spirit has been able to bring that truth in and by faith taken hold of it allowing that truth to do the thing in us that God is looking for in us. It may be creative or corrective, but whichever it is the conforming tool will be truth. As I said truth is purely progressive in all forms, thus the heart has to be conditioned continually for its reception. It is an invisible miracle in the heart. Truth comes from revelation (God’s measuring stick for men) not ability and strength. As we read the Bible we understand why the Bible is the truth: because no conversation in the Word of God is accidental, not the words, nor the arrangement of the choice of words, nor their combination that is what makes it so powerful. The power (the understanding of the truth) is contained in the words. That is why truth is exacting and precise; it is settled forever. We cannot make truth up, God alone is the author of all truth, but one may discover it. It is life and it gives life.
No where is this seen any clearer than between the words and action of justice and mercy. Today in the world people are crying out for all forms of justice (even social and economic), but in reality if we get justice we all would be judged, found guilty, and duly punished. In reality it is not justice we hunger for but, mercy. In the Psalms David said, “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.” (Psalms 89:14) Now notice the combination of words here: “justice and judgment” on one hand and “mercy and truth” on the other. Mercy and truth always walk hand in hand as does justice and judgment. So if we go towards justice then judgment precedes the justice. Before the judge can give justice at whatever level he first must judge the situation and circumstance. Over 10 verses in the KJV of the Bible the words, “justice and judgment”appear together (side by side) with other verses listing justice and judgment in the same verse. Here is an example, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Genesis 18:19)
and “Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.” (Job 37:22-23)
When we turn towards justice we turn toward judgment. Let us remember this spiritual truth the next time we think we have been wronged or get offended by our brothers and sisters. The pound of flesh we are asking God for may be our own. The same is true with “mercy and truth” as is for the many verses in the Bible that list them side by side and separate in verses. For example, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.” (Psalms 85:8-11) When we turn towards mercy we turn towards truth and we know the objective of truth is to slay us. It is easy to give mercy to a dead man. I will let that sink in awhile. When we die to our “self” and our selfish desires and wants it is easy for God to give us mercy when we have failed or come short of God’s glory. Notice the word combination that follow mercy and truth, “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Righteousness and peace always follows mercy and truth not justice or judgment. So the next time you have to turn towards justice or mercy think about the truth that is flowing in these choices and go towards mercy. God will do the judging in the situation we find ourselves in (He is a Holy and righteous judge), but what are we asking for? When David numbered Israel (1 Chronicles 21:7-13) against God’s instruction God gave David three choices of punishment David chose right and fell into the hand of the LORD, let us turn towards God’s mercy and not His justice. Our being tested as David was precedes the blessing. Thus, Acts 1:8 becomes a powerful present word. “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The word “after” confirms to us that we must first be tested, before we can speak the word of the Lord with substance and power. This is the price that must be paid. Many can say, “I have some truth.” Jesus said, “I am the truth.” He could only say this because He chose to put the will of His Father ahead of His own comfort and satisfaction. There is no easy formula to success, as there is always a price. When we choose the purpose of the Lord rather than our own satisfaction and comfort, it can be said that we are “buying the truth.” Many are called, but few are willing to pay the price of truth. May we be found among those who are willing to do so.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Stay Humble
In Matthew 15:22-27, we read of the Canaanite woman who asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus said to her (after she fell down and worshipped him) “It is not meet to take the children’s bread and to cast it to the dogs.” Of course as we read on He does heal the woman’s daughter, but what caught my eye was what humility to fall down and worship Jesus and after (basically) being gently insulted to still make her request. Not only was her faith in Jesus (see Matthew 15:28), but she was probably at the end of her rope (her daughter was demon possessed) and probably humbled by this traumatic experience. GOD doesn’t do anything good for proud people. They have their reward. In Matthew 6: 5, Jesus in his sermon on the mount said, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you. They have their reward.” He said that also of those that blow a trumpet when they give alms, “that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:2) That is the only reward the prideful get. It serves us well to humble ourselves and not be so wicked proud of ourselves as if we’ve really done something in life. James also talks about being proud, “But he giveth more grace. wherefore he saith, GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6) My friend read the Old Testament and see when the kings of old turned their backs on GOD how GOD would let their enemies over throw them and their reign would be given to another. But when a king would humble himself and kept the commandments GOD would help them. Read Jonah, the whole city repented in sackcloth and fasted so as not to be destroyed. The wicked King Ahab, husband to the infamous Jezebel, was blasted by the Prophet Elijah at GOD’s command, don’t you know Ahab humbled himself big time, “And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words that he rent his clothes and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went softly (or went about mourning)” (1 Kings 21:27) So what was GOD’s response to Ahab’s humility? “And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite saying, seest thou how Ahab humbled himself before me? because he humbled himself before me I will not bring evil in his days; but in his sons days will I bring the evil upon his house.” (1 Kings 21: 28-29) God ain’t no joke! He despises our human pride and arrogance, humility is a heart condition all Christians should strive for, yet I can’t tell you how many people we know that profess to be Christians who are so prideful and arrogant it just boggles the mind and what’s even sadder is they don’t even see it! The truly humble person is a person GOD can use. HE has no use for prideful, arrogant, know-it-all (NOBODY likes a know-it-all) people other than as a “Don’t be like this” example. In Proverbs we read, “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD ; though hand join in hand he shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5) Brethren, our pride will bring us to destruction. It will happen! Maybe not today or maybe not next year, but when you think not it will happen. GOD is long suffering, HE gives us chance after chance, but He is no joke and HE hates pride and arrogance. Best get rid of our pride now before we stand before a righteous and holy King. “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) In humility may we work and serve one another until we are called home or He comes to get us. GOD Bless, read your Bible.
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 Ian 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.
- 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:
HGMs for June will be 9 and 23 May 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
ROCK FELLOWSHIP AT SNEADS FERRY
7, 14, 21, 28 June at 232 Everett Drive (in Chadwick Shores) Sneads Ferry, NC at 11:00 am
Email: charliegolfone@outlook.com
ROCK FELLOWSHIP ON THE RADIO:
On WJCV Jacksonville, NC
1290 AM or 98.3 FM
Every Sunday morning at 9:00 am
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/
NEW OFFER
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.
