Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
May 2014 • Volume XII Number 09
“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. This month we will begin to look at how the apostles were called into service by the LORD. Make no mistake my friend it is a glorious thing to be called into service by the LORD. At first when we are called by the LORD it is the good works we do is what we can behold of the glory of God, but as we allow God to work in our lives in greater ways He is able to open up a greater glory of Himself to us. And as we see the glory of the Father before us we will see the not so glorious character and nature we have. Being able to behold the glory of God (even in little ways) will ALWAYS reveal our heart and this my friend is the beginning of our transformation that we must have to be used in His service. A part of this transformation must begin with the actual call (we understand and hear it) of God and we must be persuaded our call is “a call of divine sovereignty” if not then it would have to be a call to service made by a man. A call by a man is good and much can be done for God, but it will not withstand trials and troubles when they come. If we are convinced, truly persuaded our call is from God we will be able to withstand even hell if needed. I truly believe most Christians who fail in ministry (be called by God) is because they do not really believe God Almighty has personally called them and when tough times come they fold like a deck of cards. In Mark we read the call of the 12 disciples (later Apostles) by Jesus. “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,” (Mark 3:13)My friend Jesus is still in the business of calling disciples.
Please notice the call came from the mountain where God dwells. Moses found that out, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” (Exodus 24:12) and “For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. 3And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;” (Numbers 19:2-3) Jesus called “him whom he would.” This was not the idea of the disciples, but Jesus.’ Jesus knew their strengths and weaknesses, He knew who He was calling it was a divine sovereign call. For us to be successful in the call the LORD has for us we MUST believe our call is not from man, but from God. They were called they were ordained of God. How could they fail? By not believing their call from God was not a divine sovereign call. Not only was the disciple’s (later Apostles) call made in divine sovereignty, but they were called individually. Jesus made a deliberate selection one by one of each disciple. Here is Luke’s version of the call of the 12 disciples, “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.” (Luke 6:13-16) One by one, name by name Jesus called them into service. Now I cannot prove this by Scripture and maybe this is just some Davidology, but I believe the original 12 disciples where all character types of Christians. Peter bold (like a bull in a china shop) thought he could do it all, John lovingly serving (who laid his head on Jesus breast at the last supper) who always wrote to his little children, Thomas doubting (untrusting who wanted more than faith to see the truth) yet practical and simplistic, Judas who turned his back on Jesus. I do not know about you my friend, but I can see myself at times in the character of the disciples. At times I am bold, but at other times I meek and maybe even cowardly. Like John I am loving, but at other times I can be stern and unloving and yes even like Judas at times I maybe even have turned my back on the LORD, but thank God for His grace and redemption. The word “apostles” means sent forth ones. How can we be sent forth in power and authority, if we do not believe the one who is sending us is doing it in divine sovereignty? If this be our belief then we are doomed to failure, but if we truly believe God has called us and our call is one of divine sovereignty nothing will be impossible for us.
Next month we will continue to look at “the call of the Apostles” by submission to the Father and in harmony with His divine purpose. How can we submit to God if we are not in harmony with what He wants for our lives? Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
The Requirements for Service
Service in God always begins with three things: submission to God, obedience to His word (written and spoken) to us, and death to our selfish self-centered ways. Now please be careful there is a huge difference (and difficult to understand) between obedience (what only many Christians are today) and submission (what God needs moving in our lives to be able to use us). We will look at the differences in detail later. In Exodus 12 we read of the 10th and last plague God used to break the will and heart of Pharaoh to let His people go. Here God gives His children very specific instructions (verses 1-13) to escape His wrath of the death of the firstborn to come. Did you know God is a very detailed God? If not then you do not know Him. Beginning in verse 12 we read, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:12-13) The people were instructed by Moses (which required obedience, but not submission – the people did not have that in their hearts yet) to kill a male lamb without blemish of the same year and spread the blood of the lamb (Genesis 12:7) on the two doorposts and lintel as a sign of their obedience. Here there are two spiritual principles in operation; without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22) there is no forgiveness (not removal) of sin and there must be death to our selves before God can use us. Now other than for obedience sake I have always wondered why the Lord required the children of Israel to apply the blood, but recently God opened up to me it was not about the blood as much as it was about the death that had already visited their home. You see it was not about the blood of the lamb, the Lord was after the death of the people through their submission (not obedience) to His words, so too in our lives. The blood of animals was only effective to cover sin (not remove it like with the blood of Christ) out from obedience in keeping the covenant God established with man through Abraham. So too in our lives God is after death to our self-life and if He does not get it we can never be used by Him.
The issues of the heart are the toughest issues we face in life, so too as I said is the understanding between submission vs obedience. In Acts we read about Peter and John talking about being forbidden by the “rulers, elders, and scribes” to teach in the name of Jesus, sounds like today. “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20) Again the disciples were on trial for their lives, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) In both situations the disciples valued doing what God wanted over what man wanted, but also in both situations they reacted in their hearts differently. Never forget (please my friend mark my words well) submission is a matter of attitude, while obedience is a matter of conduct. Thus, submission is absolute, but obedience is relative. In God often times, what we believe to be right or wrong does not matter. Be careful in judging absolutes. Slavery today is wrong in the eyes of man, but in the Bible slavery was okay. Paul even exhorted slaves to be obedient to their masters. “Servants (translated slave), be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” (Ephesians 6:5-6) The issue was not the slavery, but the submission of the slaves – the submission in their heart. At the heart of every issue is an issue of our heart. Often times with issues of the heart we easily get off track. In Acts 4:19, their spirit was not rebellious, since they submitted to those in authority. Obedience however cannot be absolute. Some authorities must be obeyed; while others should not be, especially in matters which touch on the things of God and sharing the gospel. We can question, suggest, and reply to authorities, yet we must never show an unsubmissive attitude. Submission must be absolute. One who knows authority will be soft and tender. They will be absolute in their submission in heart, (in attitude) in word, and action – even if they disagree. There is no sign of harshness or rebellion. Thus, when delegated authority (men who represent God’s authority such as police and governments) and direct authority (God Himself) are in conflict, one can render submission but not obedience to the delegated authority. When Jesus stood before Pilate there was great resistance in Him. But the Bible said, “He opened not His mouth.” In silence He gave great resistance. He submitted, but did not obey Pilate. So here are the Spiritual principles: obedience is related to conduct, it is relative. Submission is related to our heart attitude and is absolute. God alone receives unqualified obedience without measure, any person lower than God can only receive qualified obedience. Should the delegated authority issue an order clearly contradicting God’s command, we give submission but not obedience. We submit to the person God gave the authority to (submitting to God in reality), but we must never disobey the order of God.
Over the last 53 years I have been a Believer I have heard the words, holiness, righteousness, submission, and obedience, but seldom do I see them in operation, this often includes my life too. I think many Christians (because of wrong or no teaching) lump these words together as being synonymous, but in reality they are separate and distinct in meaning and application in our lives. Holiness has to do with our heart condition (a willingness and desire to know God through a purifying process in our lives, some use to call sanctification) and life style (the changes people see in our lives that is contrary to the world’s thinking and ways) while righteousness has to do with our submission (absolute heart surrender to God’s will and purpose) and obedience (relative giving of our will and conduct) to God and His word. We will never be used of God any greater than our ability to humble ourselves and apply these virtues in our lives. The lower we can go down in ourselves the more the Lord can use us, if not we disqualify ourselves for service. I am so amazed at the number of Christians who are so caught up and snagged by the things of this world. Many preach and teach do not be conformed to this world, yet our lives are so entwined. Who cares who won the NBA championship or NASCAR race? We dig our heels into the world with everything we buy. Who really cares how much our home or car cost? We buy new homes and cars so that we can take advantage of IRS tax incentives and the nicer the home or car the better deal we get, but these are worldly concepts whereby we spend our money on things that rust and decay while all being anchors around our necks if God would say to move tomorrow. Most Christians are not flexible and mobile they have hunkered themselves down mentally, spiritually, and financially into the world’s system and it will take God their entire life-time to free them from their disobedience, service for God is out of the question. Who really cares what is on TV? As we visit churches to minister I cannot believe how much Christians talk about what is on TV. I know of SBC Pastor who boasted on his church website “American Idol” was his favorite TV program – shame on him. Christians are mesmerized by: home improvement shows (no wonder we are not satisfied with what God gave us), cooking shows (it is no wonder most Americans are so over weight), reality shows (anyone that religiously watches these programs needs Jesus to give them a real life), dance and talent shows (no wonder dance and contemporary music has taken over many churches today), and sports programs (I am ever amazed at what man invents to glorify his flesh). When will the church get out of the “pig pen” of the world. But sadly, the “pig pen” of the world is now common place and main stream (in life-style and thinking) in most churches today. The question ought to be how much time did we spend alone with God today? Was there communication with God that led to communion? How long did we study (not just read) our Bible? When was the last time we did something for someone (who could not repay you) and that no one saw us (except God) do it? Are these not more important in God’s eyes? Present day leaders have learned from the leaders of the past to control and manipulate people all they need to do is give them sport, drama, and spectacle and you will win their minds and heart. This is all we see on TV and read in magazines and newspapers. They all are nothing but distractions that keep us from the real questions of life and more important from the dealings and judgments of God in our lives. Who wants to allow God room to work and have sway in our lives when we can watch TV or do something religious at church to make us feel good? Who cares about putting on the mind of Jesus, we have cable TV. Here I am guilty, ever since coming back from Germany I have become a news (Fox) junkie. I must be very careful not to allow this desire for news to take root in my life and choke out the precious gentle soft voice of the Holy Spirit. I may even have to do something very spiritual like get rid of our TV.
What is the measure of being wealthy? I am told Bill Gates is one if not the wealthiest man in the world, but how is his wealth measured? My friend is it not true he with the most toys at the end of life wins? Is Bill Gates’ wealth measured in money and possessions alone? Or is his wealth also measured, in health, quality of life, joy, fulfillment, satisfaction, peace, maybe even in the number of days to live before he dies? Do you think it is possible to measure our wealth by the requirements (submission to God, obedience to His word (written and spoken) to us, and death to our selfish self-centered ways) for service to God? Why not? These are the only things that really matter in our lives. Yes my wife Karen and our kids are very important, but my family (even my sweetheart Karen) will not be able to stand with me when I stand before a holy God. I wish she could because she has done so much for me and is so much a part of who I am, but there are places in God we must walk alone. It is only the things we have done for God, with the right heart condition, that will matter everything else will rust and is corruptible. Jesus told the disciples, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) Could it be we either really do not believe these words of Jesus or maybe we have forgotten them? Like all things in Christ the choice is ours. We as humans always go after the things we hold valuable. Let us choose the requirements for service in our lives they are the only things that really matter.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Three Wine Glasses
Crash! There went one of our old wine glasses. Now we’re down to one old wine glass that we’ve had since we first got married. We originally bought four, but now we’re down to one. As I headed downstairs to help with the cleanup the LORD popped the name of a local thrift store into my head. As we cleaned up the shattered glass we added looking for some used wine glasses to the next day’s itinerary. So the next day we ran some errands, as we were cutting through the base to pick up our German cuckoo clock from the repair shop, we decided to visit our friend who lives not too far from the repair shop. Not wanting to show up empty handed we stopped at a gas station to pick up some flowers. They had none, but Dave remembered a small store down the street from our friend so we went there and to our surprise there was a small florist shop next to the store. The owner was out making deliveries and was on her way back to the store so we waited about 15 minutes to get our flowers and then went to our friend’s house. After a nice visit we went to pick up our clock. From there we decided to stop by two thrift stores that were kind of on the way to the thrift store that popped into my mind the night before. We saw some wine glasses at the first two stores, but nothing that we really wanted to buy so off we went. When we walked into the third thrift store we saw some friends that we hadn’t seen for a long time. We talked about 45 minutes (at least), then they went on their way and we perused the store looking for a couple of wine glasses. Dave saw them first and as I scooted around a display to get a closer look, they were a perfect match to our remaining glass! We could not believe it a perfect match!! We bought our wine glasses over 35 years ago at Albertsons in Jacksonville, FL. Who would have thought now 35 years later three wine glasses were sitting in a thrift store in Jacksonville, NC to complete our set of four glasses? God would. Do we really think God cares about the small things in our lives? Even wines glasses? Oh we know He cares about the birds and flowers, but does He really care about us when things go wrong in our lives? Jesus said, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:25-32) Life is more than things, but God does know what we need. Our friends whom we had not seen in some time needed an encouraging word as he just had a pacemaker put in and they needed reassurance that all would be okay. We scooped up the glasses and marveled at how God orchestrated our day with all our comings and goings and how He rewarded us (we paid less now than 35 years ago) with three matching wine glasses. We were stunned. Now we weren’t looking to match up our wine glasses as I said we got those glasses 35 years ago when we first got married. There was no way we expected to find matching glasses (we just wanted something usable) and yet there they were. Is God good or what? The delays we had during the morning only served to allow our time in meeting our friends at the thrift store. We couldn’t have planned things better if we tried. It always amazes me how God orchestrates things in our lives and the reward though seemingly small in some people’s eyes was a big deal to us. God is so concerned about us, our lives, and yes even the little things. How can we not trust Him for the big things.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Marcel at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
9. Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
10. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
11. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be 20 May 2014
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Home: (910) 741-0489
at 7:00 pm, please RSVP
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Ethiopia
June: Local Ministry
July: 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.
