Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
March 2013 • Volume XI Number 07
“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. Over the last two months we have been looking at the need for the call of God in the world and in our lives personally. How can we prosper (Biblical definition: to push forward in God) in God if we are not doing what God wants us to do? In the natural realm when growing up as a child if we did not do what our parents instructed us to do we would be considered disobedient and shiftless. Well . . . guess what this is no different in the spiritual realm. But as important as the need is more important is the called person must be qualified. Not did they go to Bible school or get a degree from the accepted seminary, but have they met the qualifications of God to be called to minister the life of God to the people. Saul (later became Paul) was called out of religious training (Bible School) by God. I think today we place too much importance on going to the right denominational Bible school or seminary and neglect the spiritual qualifications God is looking for in His ministers, but I know I am stepping on sacred cows here so I will move along. There is a necessity that comes with the call of God in our lives, a necessity not for us alone, but for those who will listen to what we have to say and find God’s voice in our words. In Romans Paul shares this critical thought with us.
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Romans 10:12-16) Please notice the run of words that have to do with the “call” here in these verses. The necessity for salvation was not dependent on the lost alone, but also dependent on the one who heard the call to go. How shall they hear if no one speaks? And how shall they speak unless they go? The necessity of being sent to a lost and dying world is the first step of sharing the good news of the gospel of peace and those glad tiding of good things from God. But sadly verse 16 says, “not all obeyed the gospel” what sad words indeed, but even sadder what if the called never paid the price to be qualified to go and preach? The logical conclusion then would be less people would respond to the gospel message. Without the necessity of the sending there would not be any hearing by the people and without hearing the will of God is not known and without hearing there would be no faith to believe unto salvation. In verse 17 now Paul ties it all together, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.;” (Romans 10:17 (KJV)) “So then” summarized the previous verses, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Now this hearing is not Sunday sermons because millions of Christians and non-believer’s hear Sunday sermons every week and still have no faith. In the Greek we get a better revelation of what God was speaking to us through Paul, “So then faith cometh by hearing a word from God.;” (Romans 10:17 (Greek)) Do you see the difference? In the Greek text one is hearing a direct, specific word from God: His will, His intentions, His desires, His plans, maybe our call and in the hearing is contained everything (the spoken word is alive and powerful) we will need to accomplish whatsoever God has called us to do. In the hearing is the faith, power, anointing, perserveance, whatsoever we will need to endure and come to victory.
What has God called you to do? Have you qualified for His call? Next month we will look at what it means to be a qualification witness. Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
What I learned in 2008
As I reread the title to this article maybe I should re-title it, “What I Seem to Relearn Each Year.” How strange why I have not figured it out, but the longer I go in God the less I seem to know and often the dumber I feel at times. Things I once was convinced of to the point I would die for today I am not sure of. Now, I am not talking about the absolutes of the Gospel (death, burial, and resurrection) message, but I am talking about the things we feel God wants us to do in the future and the things we base our understanding on who God is. At times it seems this understanding of God and His ways are like sand slipping through our fingers. There is no question of our salvation and relationship with Him, we know God is real in our lives, but at the same time we see (sometimes before our very eyes) what we have learned seems to sprout wings and fly away. We write and teach things God gives us while in our spirit there is a longing to know more of Him yet we feel the pain and endure the stabbing in our heart of the loss to what may have been or having to relearn the same lesson again and again. I do not know, maybe we are the only people that feel this way, but I think not. It seems the longer we go with God the less we see any virtue or goodness in our selves. Oh we see the good works; the people fed, babies delivered, healthcare provided, messages shared, and etc. but the longer we go with God the more we see the short distance we really have come and at times just how far we still must go to be like Christ. We are not sure if it is because of the change of direction in our ministry that seems to happen about every seven years or if we are just changing. We lived in Germany for exactly seven years to the minute. On 23 July 1996 at exactly 11:00 am the Delta airplane pulled up to the jet-way at Stuttgart International Airport and exactly at 11:00 am on 23 July 2003 the Delta airplane pulled back from the jet-way heading to the States, mission complete. To be honest I am still trying to figure this seven year direction change out, but to no avail. Maybe this unknowing or uncertainty we feel at times is because we are coming up on another seven year period. One thing for sure God does not wait until the seventh year to change our direction, but all along the way He begins to prepare us by removing and adding desires in our heart, making our way uncomfortable in some areas to move us in other directions, and always brings new people into our lives while strengthening old relationships to help put the things of God in us we will need to be successful in what next He has called us to do. I can see down the road my traveling days will be over some day maybe this is why God has been helping me with my writings and contacts that will enable me to share my articles and books with many more around the world. My teacher Charles Haun always said, “writing down things and sharing it with people is the most important way we can share the Gospel message.” And make no mistake it matters who your teacher is. When it is all said and done it does not really matter what we know, but it matters who we know. If we know God and some of His children we will have the opportunity to know all we need to know to do what God has called us to do. I really thank God for such men as: Mike Olufemi, John Stahl, Tek Dahal, Bill Pepper, Piotr Cieslar, Dr. Johnson from India, Joseph Mutua, Nicu Gramesc, and so many more and for the writings of Walter Beuttler, John Wright Follette, Wade Taylor, and others. Make no mistake my friend in the eyes of God we are judged by the company we keep and people we call teacher. One of the biggest lessons we must learn is we are not independent, but so dependent on God and His children if we ever hope to complete the things God has for us to do.
Now there are two lessons I still struggle with (and would like to discuss in this article) as the Lord again and again in 2008 would bring to my thoughts and heart. The first lesson is the understanding of how truth is always from God’s perspective and is always progressive. Pilate asked Jesus, “Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.” (John 18:37-38) Please notice Jesus did not answer Pilates’ question “what is truth?” or did He? Jesus told Pilate, “every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” so to know and be of the truth we must be able to hear God’s voice, if not we are hearing other voices and call them truth. And oh my friend there is a price to pay to be able to hear God’s voice, this is why many Christians know not the things of God because they cannot hear Him speak, His voice has been drowned out with their desires and ambitions. To hear God speak to us we must take on our heart what is on His heart for us. Our plans, thoughts, and life style must align with His instructions and expectations. How often do we drift from God’s heart and expect to hear from Him. Sadly it will not happen so we imagine hearing from God or worse make up things to replace hearing from God. We were not willing to spend the time quietly waiting before Him in mediation. We were not willing to be obedient in following first things first of studying His word, prayer, and sharing the Gospel message with our friends and neighbors. Please know when we hear the truth we know it. Truth always hits us in the stomach and we feel it. Notice Pilate’s reaction after he heard the truth, “. . . And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.” (John 18:38) Even though Jesus did not answer his question (“what is truth?”), Pilate heard Jesus’ words and knew in his heart “I find in him no fault at all” and out of his mouth spoke the truth that was in his heart. With truth there is always a knowing (often times unspoken) that bears witness in our spirit that has a continued progression from God’s perspective not ours. In Romans we read, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) Now my friend this is true, but are we not glad this truth does not end here in sin and coming short of God’s glory? This is the first part of this truth and for those people who have heard Jesus’ call unto salvation the progression (and still from God’s perspective) is, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Truth is eternal (never ending even into eternity and beyond) and is always from God’s perspective. In Matthew we read Jesus’ words, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) What is Jesus going to do give us rest or do we have to find (discover) it? Well, it is both at the same time. The first part of this truth is if we come unto Him He will be able to give us rest. Please notice this is our choice not God’s. And the progression of this truth (and still from God’s perspective) is as we learn of Him (learn just how “meek and lowly in heart” He is) we will be able to discover (find) the rest for our souls. Everything we get from God (even salvation) we must discover like riches and jewels buried in the ground. All truth starts and ends in God, this is why all truth is from God’s prospective. How arrogant we are to think our words are truth. Unless we are speaking words from God our words are vain and destructive full of guile and selfishness. Oh Lord please forgive us of this wrong thinking, but this too is our choice.
The second lesson and to be honest there is so much more here than I can express, but it is the relationship between revelation and transformation. In 2008 I have heard of many acquaintances and even some friends who stumbled and fell out of the way (or my understanding of it) God had for them to go. Now some of these folks I considered to be fathers in the Lord to me, all had deep revelation and understanding in the things of God. Some I was downright shocked when I heard. All I could say was thank God for His grace and mercy, His ways are not ours, but for the grace of God there I go again and again. Brethren, our job in all of this is to keep our tongues and feelings out of the details and desire restoration, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Only “ye which are spiritual” can restore in “the spirit of meekness considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” God commands us to go after the prodigals, how could we not restore a brother who has served in the same vineyard for more years than us? Now here is my point there is a big difference between revelation (or enlightenment) which is more head knowledge and understanding, but God is after in us a transformation that far exceeds our revelation of God and His ways. Transformation is the softening of our hard stony heart and a deep obtaining of God’s word in our spirit and lives to the point we begin to speak, touch, feel, and even act like Jesus Christ. Yes, we must value and have the revelation of God moving in our lives, revelation is God’s seal of authority in our lives, but we must never place revelation over transformation in our lives. Revelation is the measurement of how much we know God, but transformation is how much we can represent Him. The more transformation we have the more we can speak for God. We see this desire for transformation in Paul when he pleaded with the Church at Corinth, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And 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 12:1-2) Please know our minds are either transformed by the world or by the Spirit of God. We choose which one influences our mind. I really like this verse because verse 2 is the only verse in the Scriptures that speaks of the “perfect will of God.” Thus, the “perfect will of God” for our lives is to be “transformed by the renewing of our mind” not knowing all truth. Paul in 1 Corinthians shares, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) We are lost, undone, and nothing if we do not allow the Father to transform us into the image of His precious Son Jesus Christ, this is His goal and master plan for our lives. And again this too is our choice. But, I wonder where Paul learned this? Maybe, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) There is something about the dealings and judgments of God in our lives that brings the renewing of our mind and transformation in God to us. Like my friends who got off track in 2008 (to my understanding) God will use people, things, and circumstances to keep us from “exalting ourselves above measure.” Twice in these two verses Paul used these words. One could take from this the deeper the revelation the more severe the dealings and judgments from God are. Now I will be honest I do not totally understand this point, but I know if I hold it before the Lord long enough He will let me know and someday I will have to live through it like my friends. My friend this is one if not the main reason we must (like Paul) be strengthened by the Spirit of God in our inward parts so we can endure God’s dealings and judgments in our lives. Paul knew, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19) And Paul knew, it is one thing to know about God, but it is far different and very costly to come to know God. Only when we have made the transformation from the world to the Spirit can we ever hope to come to know God and the power of His resurrection. The order in God is first transformation then knowledge, if we get that backwards we are heading for trouble and all who heed our words.
I guess you could say the biggest thing I learned in 2008 is I have not learned anything, but what a wonderful place in God when we say we know nothing, now God can teach us what we need to know. Maybe next year I will learn something that I can keep and call my own, but for now I am content with learning what God wants me to learn and if I have to relearn things again so be it.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Wounds of a Friend
When visiting my parent’s home my Dad showed a video of when our kids were younger. I was shocked our kids were so squirrely I couldn’t believe it. Yet there was the evidence in front of me, oh the torture I put my parents through. I was horrified, still am. Which brings me to another odd tale that will tie these two thoughts together. I learned while living in Germany that people can get used to almost anything if they’re exposed to it long enough. The way their country does things, how they live, work, travel, etc. It just takes time and we humans will adapt to almost anything. When we’re with our children 24/7 like I was when they were growing up it’s easy to get complacent. We get used to their bad behavior, squirrelyness, etc. etc. and don’t do anything about it. It’s staring us in the face daily, but we don’t see it. I should have snapped my kids up before it was captured on video, God forgive me I wish someone had said “hey the kids are getting a little carried away don’t you think” or something like that. Did you know silence is compliance sometimes we need to speak up. Sure our love and indulgence can cover a multitude of sins in family situations, but should it? Should we keep silent to spare the feelings of someone or keep the peace in the family? Harmony and peace at the sake of truth is downright devilish. If we see something’s wrong we’re obligated to speak up. Crimony would you let a blind man walk off a cliff? Are we so brainwashed with all this “political correctness” garbage and not wanting to offend someone that we don’t want to speak at all, even the truth? I hope not. If we love our children it behooves us to speak up and correct them as a child before they become adults then God will have to use stronger measures to affect the change in their lives.
Now on the other hand we once had a real estate lady who was helping us find a home, but there were problems between us so we had to let her go. At our last meeting she let me have it she said I was passive aggressive and wasn’t woman enough to discuss whatever our problem was. I let it go. She was almost old enough to be my mother so I let it slide, but I do wonder about the passive aggressive thing….maybe she was right? But, in this situation it was wiser to keep my mouth shut. No good would have come from a confrontation with her or me trying to justify my feelings or why we needed a new real estate lady. Proverbs tells us, “The hoary (gray haired) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:31-32) We must give respect and be slow to speak not disrespecting elderly folks this is well pleasing to God. We must pick our battles wisely and also be prepared to face the consequences of those battles. When we tell somebody something for their own good, especially a relative or a child, either they’ll consider it and say, “Hummm maybe Dad/Mom are right, maybe I ought to change.” Or God Forbid, they tell you to go to heck and you never hear from or see them again. Let me tell you if you’re a Christian God will use whatever and whoever to get your attention to teach us a lesson about our character and ways. Everything (finances, family, health, relationships) is on the table for God to use to conform our character into the image of Jesus Christ. We can learn the easy way or we can learn the hard way, it don’t matter to God. The Proverbs again says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27: 6) So it’s up to us either learn things the easy way by taking a soft loving beating (emotional not physical) from our family or learn a harsh lesson from people who don’t love us, who could care less if we live or die, yes I’ve had to learn a few lessons that way myself. Shows you what a block-head I am sometimes.
Dave and I would give our kids (and their spouses) a lung or a kidney if they need it, (hopefully not as there’s more of them then us), but on the other hand we still as their parents and elders before God have the RIGHT and responsibility to speak up if we see some things amiss. Silence is compliance. Political correctness is garbage. Sometimes we just need to be slapped in the face with a good, hard dose of truth before we realize we have to change. Would we rather that slap come from complete strangers or those that love and care about us?
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 Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
- In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor 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, and the 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.
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
March: Local ministry
April: Local ministry
May: 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:
Ministry E-mail: dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Personal E-mail: mtnebo@hotmail.com
Online:
Beholding His Glory Website
Beholding His Glory Blog
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.
