THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION: Greetings again my friends. Okay let us continue looking at the Prophet of God as a servant. You know we can be many things in God, but at the end of the day if we are not a servant than we are nothing in God. No matter the heights or depths we obtain in God being a servant is the highest and lowest God wants us to be. The main verse we are using to look at the character of the Prophet of God has been 1 Chronicles 28:9. It would do us well to study this verse in detail, especially if we think we are a re prophet, to get a reality check of our character. My friend our character is God’s number one focus in our lives, not our money, nor our talents and abilities, nor how long we read the Bible, or even prayer. No! God is looking at our character to see if we do what we say, when we say we are going to do it. And even closer God is looking at how we do the things we say we are going to do. What is our heart condition in all we do especially what we do for Him. So many Christians say things without the faintest intention of really doing them. Now do not sit there with that look on your face, like I do not know what I am talking about. When we went to Guyana South America the LORD had me share, on a Sunday morning at a big AOG Church, on sin. And the people just looked at me like, really? Sin? You are from America the land that flows with milk and honey, and the word of God and you are going to preach on sin? Yep, I did and eight people came to Christ. So, here is our launching out verse, “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) And this month we will look at how God’s servant MUST have a “seeking heart.” Now, I really like that, “if thou seek him (God and not someone or something else) he (that would be us) will be found of thee;” You know we can seek after the things of God and hopefully Himself too or we can seek after things of the world and the world itself. It is our choice. And well, I am sure you know we seek after things we really care about and things we want to be involved with. One of the best ways to see what is important to us is to look at our (out school) check book. The items listed in the ledger are the most important to you for the functions in your life that makes you happy, healthy, and fulfilled. And so too the absence of things in our check book speaks of things we do not think are important to our happiness, health, and fulfilment. For a time in Solomon’s (the author of 1 Chronicles 28:9) life he thought seeking God was important, but as we know in his later years he got away from seeking after God and caused total ruin in the people of Israel. In 2 Kings 23:13, we read, “And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.” (2 Kings 23:13) Now I would think it would be very hard to seek after God while you are worshipping at the high places of idols. But maybe not so hard to believe if you consider the idols we build in our lives. Maybe they are not the idols built to: “Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon.” But, today we have different idols like: sports, work, entertainment, food and travel, arts, recreation, a pursuit for knowledge, even adventure are just some of the idols that would prevent us from seeking God. So, if we go after these and more, then it is impossible to be a servant of God. WOW! That was so good let me say that again, “if we go after these and more, then it is impossible to be a servant of God.” Now I did not say that God said that. In Jeremiah 29:11-13 God tells Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.“ (Jeremiah 29:11-13) We often hear verse 11 quoted when bad times come our way and we need reassured that God knows what is going on, but notice in verse 12 it said “call on me and ye shall go and pray unto me” and then “I will hearken unto you.” The promise of “I will hearken unto to you” is conditional, like all promises in the Bible. If we seek Him He will seek us. And if we see Him we will be a servant of God, no matter being a prophet or not. Again, it is our choice., What are you seeking after, the things of God or the things of the world? God will let you know, but like Solomon you may not like the answer.
Next month we will continue looking at the perfect heart of the “Prophet of God” who must have a trusting heart. 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:
The Next Great Revival
For years I have heard of the great revival that would happen before Jesus returns to earth in the rapture (first taught by John Darby in 1830) or the second coming depending on what camp you believe. There are so many thoughts, theories, and assumptions out there: rapture, pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation it all will give you a headache if you try studying it. I honestly believe we need to live in the first 65 Books of the Bible and God will take care of the Book of Revelation. After we get past the third Chapter of Revelation the symbolism, type and shadow of metaphors, and concepts are steeped in Jewish lore one can really get off track and in the ditch as we see has happened with the whole Hebraic movement. Yes, Jesus is coming back, why? Because He said so and that is good enough for me. When, I do not know and I need no preacher or teacher to convince me of Jesus’ return. If you are not convinced of the return of Jesus Christ my friend then there is a lack of understanding and doctrinal truths of the word of God you desperately need. I know Jesus is coming back not because someone told me oh no, but out from my communion with the LORD and me discovering the truths of God’s word and I know in my spirit He will return. But in Luke we read, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) and in 2 Thessalonians Paul talks about the LORD’s appearing is at hand, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) Paul does not talk about a great revival (word not found in the KJV of the Bible), but of a “falling away” and the revealing of “the son of perdition” some say is Satan, but the word “perdition” (Strong’s G684) means wasters, destroyer, destruction. I really do not know or really care who “the son of perdition” is he is not my focus Jesus is my focus and if I can train my thoughts and spirit on Him that is enough.
But today on Christian TV (which is an oxymoron) we hear of this great revival before the end of days that will sweep the world and billions of souls will be saved. Now do not get me wrong here I hope it happens. Oh, how I hope it happens, I, like the LORD wish none to be lost, no not one, but that is not what the Bible always says. Jesus again in Matthew, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:4-14) This huge end time revival is not the picture Jesus paints. I wonder why what Jesus said is not preached as much as the prosperity messages and seeker sensitive doctrines? I guess you cannot get a bunch of people to rally around your mega church with such doom and gloom even if it is the truth. Those today who preach and teach about the “end of days” and what will befall the earth in the future from the Books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelations, in my opinion, have no clue and at best they are guessing. Christian TV is full (each denomination has their own special star) of these soothsayers and they say the LORD gave them this special understanding and if you buy their book or video you too can know what is going to happen after the rapture, during the millennial reign, or when we all get to heaven, well mule fritters! Well, if the LORD gave everyone a special understanding why do they all disagree in doctrine and timeline? Someone is not telling the truth. Shame on these charlatans and shame on the people that get snookered. John had to be in the Spirit to receive the Book of Revelation and fell at the LORD’s feet as dead and today we merchandise the truth of the word of God for money, power, control, and prestige. Oh God please forgive us for our greed and presumption! This end time folly revival really intrigues me. Again, I hope I am wrong a lot of money and time has been dedicated trying to make it happen. As I have thought about it I have come to the realization (and I am not sure if we can call it a revival or an awaking), but after the LORD returns (and He will He said so) I believe every church in the world will be packed 24 hours a day every day of the year. I will even go as far and say people will be killing people to get through the doors. What a contrast from today. After the resurrection (rapture if you will) or the second coming (again whatsoever you believe) as the Book of Revelation unfolds people will know they missed it. They were told and they did not believe, but now that they missed it God has their attention and they know there will be things that will be happening where they might have a second chance to make it to heaven and shun hell. Make no mistake hope in a second chance after the resurrection will be the only thing that will keep most people going. Their lives will have been shattered death and destruction is ever before the people and they will know they missed it and they also will know there is still hope. Now do not misunderstand me here, I am not saying God gives mankind a second chance to be saved, but I do not believe God will take the precious Holy Spirit from the earth at this time and according to the Scripture some people will be martyred for their faith (and saved) during the tribulation. I am also saying I do not totally know what is going to happen then, but I do know Jesus said, “I will NEVER leave or forsake you” and He means this too. Gene Fowler visiting W. C. Fields shortly before his death found his ailing crony sitting in the garden reading the Holy Bible. Fowler asked, “what are you doing?” Fields explained slyly, “I am looking for loop holes.” That is what these people will be doing they will be looking for loop holes looking for ways to miss hell and make heaven their home. They heard and ignored, but know they know it is all true. Of course, one knows how many people will live through the great tribulation and make it to heaven, but John writes, “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” (Revelation 7:13-15) I believe these could be the ones who had to give their lives for the Gospel. John again in Revelation, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4) Now I do not know how all of this is going to work out nor do I need to know. But, I do know if you cannot stand for Jesus now when times are not really that tough how can you give your life? I do not know. Why Jesus Himself said, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:13) All I need to know is Jesus and His word and things will work out fine. Will there be a great end time revival I do not know, but I do know God has a made a way for us to spend eternity with Him and we now need to take Him at His word. My friend let us double our efforts now to reach as many people as possible. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Black and White
Anymore I just can’t stand listening to or reading the news. Our laws, society, politicians are so ungodly, and so far from what GOD has set forth in the Bible. GOD in the Old Testament was very specific about laws and statutes that He gave the children of Israel by Moses. For example, GOD said specifically in Leviticus, “And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death. 17And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. 18And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. 19And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; 20Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again. 21And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death. 22Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 24:16-22) So, “blaspheme the name of the LORD,” the death penalty. And, “He that killeth any man should surely be put to death.” All cut and dry, simple in black and white. Now there was however stipulations put in place in case one accidently killed somebody. GOD told the children of Israel to plant and harvest six years and then let the land rest the seventh year, see Leviticus 25:20-21. In the beginning I believe they did that for a while. When GOD says something – He means it and will accomplish what He says. In Exodus God told the Children of Israel, “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 3If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.” (Exodus 22:1-4) If you were caught stealing you were to restore it and sometimes more, and if you couldn’t you would be sold to pay the dept. Do our laws do that? Contrary to what people of the world think, deterrents DO work! If you saw someone being hustled outside the city and then stoned, you’d think twice before doing anything that warrants a stoning!! What also irks me is people calling good evil and evil good. Isaiah writes, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) GOD definitely has a hard time with that one also. As with our examples, the Children of Israel, we are just as, if not more, stubborn then they were. Our stubbornness causes us to be disobedient. Oh, thank GOD for this time of grace and salvation through our Lord Jesus. I know if I had died when I was younger I would’ve probably gone straight to hell. Lost in my sins, thinking I was saved due to my Catholic upbringing, but in reality I was lost as the day is long. GOD’S long suffering, kindness, and provision back in the Old Testament, and up to now, is mind boggling, but what’s even more mind boggling is the stubbornness and rebellion of His people. And we today are NOT any better. Again, thank GOD for this time of grace—may we not take this time for granted. May we do that which is well pleasing to the Lord that we may be approved by Him and a sweet smelling savor to Him. Despite what some people say sometimes things are so simple, just black and white and right and wrong. Read your Bible and spend time with the Lord! 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, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, 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:
10 March 26 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:
March: Kurdistan and Turkey
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:
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.
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