Waiting on God – His Characteristics
May 2021 • Volume XIX 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. Let us start to look at a brand new section called, “The LORD Visits.” Now we know the Lord Jesus Christ visited us as a child, growing into manhood, began His earthly ministry, was crucified on a cross, and ended His earthly ministry by going back to Heaven to where He is seated on the right hand of the LORD today. Now it is important to know I am not talking here about the name of God, the Father or the “LORD.” Often in the Bible we will read the word “Lord” which is not in reference to God the Father, but is referring to Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Son of man (most often used by Jesus when referring to Himself) and even the Son of God. For example in Matthew 4:10-11, when Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil we see the “Lord” used signifying the evil was not tempting God the Father, but Jesus. We read, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matthew 4:10-11) Here we see Jesus referring to God the Father as “the Lord” and of course Jesus could also be correct in referring to Himself as “the Lord” (God) due to Him being a part of the God- head. In Exodus we read an example of the “LORD” as God the Father, “Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:” (Exodus 3:16) I know the concept of the trinity can be confusing at times, but the best example I have ever heard to understand the three in one trinity God-head is a big horizontal wedge slice of Neapolitan ice cream. No matter how you wedge slice (end to end) it you will always get one slice of ice cream, but that one slice of ice cream will contain all three favours: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry; all three different in colour, taste, consistency, and structure, but still one in nature and character they all three are ice cream. Hope that helped. And here is a third use of the words “the Lord” from the Book of Acts 16:31. Here I have selected another example when Paul and Silas were in prison and the prison doors suddenly opened and the chains fell off. The jailer would have killed himself if not for Paul telling him all of the prisoners are there. Here the words “the Lord” is being used to show the person of Jesus Christ. We read, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31) Notice it is “the Lord” Jesus Christ and not “the LORD” signifying God the Father.
So from here we will begin to look at the ways of “the LORD” (the Father) and how He is seen as visiting His people. In Hebrews 2:5-6 (I believe to be Paul) Paul writes, “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Hebrews 2:5-6) Now I like that. Paul asks the question “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?” To answer this question we must understand to who and why the Book of Hebrews was written. Hebrews was written to a group of Jews (Hebrews) who were on the fence and thinking about walking away from Christ and going back into Judaism. The entire wonderful book was Paul selling Christ being a better sacrifice than the animals the Priests butchered for their sins. I think Paul got their attention when he said, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” (Hebrews 10:26) WOW I think many Christians today in America needs to read and heed this verse. We just finished an election in America where 90% of black Christians voted for candidates who support and advocate for the murder of a baby in the mother’s womb while calling it healthcare, homosexuality, the LBGQT agenda the spiritual issues of our day, yet they feel they are right with God singing, preaching soulish sermons (I personally have heard them), and dancing in their (I will not call them churches) buildings acting all spiritual, but in reality they lie and the truth of the word of God is not in them. They shake their fist in the face of God exalting their deception in the light of the truth. Now not just black folks, but white folks too who voted for open rebellion to the word of God. They all will pay a huge price for their disobedience and ungodly behavior in this life. Now listen closely my friend if you consider yourself to be a Christian and voted democratic the verse says, “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” This is serious business my friend you better make it right and repent now before it is too late, God will not turn His head to this. WOW okay let me get back on track. So God (the LORD) has in the past and continues today and will in the future visit man whom He loves very much even in the face of man’s open rejection of Him and His word. One thing for sure if you have had a visit from “the LORD” or “the Lord” it has changed your life and you will never forget it.
Next month we will continue looking at the ways we can say The LORD has visited us. Do you see Him draw near? Please know God is near to them who are near to Him. Do you feel His presence? Do you see His hand in your life? He is waiting on us to make our first move. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Do We Really Believe
Belief is a powerful tool in our lives. History is full of examples of men enduring countless moments of death, mighty armies, unbelievable odds on their shear faith of believing something that was spoken or written that was divinely received. So too is the way of the Bible. Jesus told the disciples, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) Now I will be the first person to admit I do not have the total revelation on this verse I do not have the ability to “whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22) nor have I ever met anyone in my entire life who could “ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,” asking yes receiving always no. Maybe someday I will be able to operate in these verses, but for now I am content in walking in the revelation I understand that God has given. You know we will never get more revelation from God till we walk correctly in what He has already given us. Yet in my spirit I am troubled. Within me there is a struggle between my desire to see America be the light and salt to the world (spreading the wondrous Gospel message around the world) as I believe God created her for. America was not created by God to spread freedom and democracy around the world oh no in God there is no freedom or democracy only our total obedience and unflinching commitment to our king. Some of my friends say America was birthed in rebellion, well this may be true America did break free of England, but if we take a good look at England spiritually she was the light bearer of the Gospel till around the middle 1700s when she began to slip into humanism which she still thrives in today. God needed a new light bearer and America was birthed in His heart and today we celebrate our 239th birthday. Sadly America too has slipped into humanism (because of the humanistic message the church now preaches) and so much more over her many years and today she is no longer the light bearer of the Gospel in the world as God ordained. The other side of the struggle I see play out in the scriptures and I know (somewhat) what is going to happen before Jesus comes back. When I do not know, it is not important, but what is important is He said He is coming back and we must believe it. The struggle in me manifests my belief or maybe my unbelief in His word. For example do I believe such a verse as: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13) Do I really believe I am a “pilgrim” and “stranger” on this earth, if so I would think I would not be so concerned about my home, car, my retirement, all of the eases life can afford, oh no if I really believed this verse I would be more concerned about doing the things God wants me to do. Maybe my TV watching would be cut way back maybe completely cut off from my life. The TV is not our friend. How many Christians watch more TV, spend time on the internet surfing for ungodly websites, and playing ungodly sci-fi computer games than they do in prayer or reading their Bible? How about this verse? Do we really believe, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Do we really believe God promises us tribulation in the world? Who would want to believe that? And then He says, “be of good cheer” really? To believe all of this one must believe Jesus has “overcome the world.” Do you really believe (I do) Jesus overcame the world? How about a verse like this one, “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) Do you believe there will be a great falling away? But that is not what I hear on Christian TV oh no I hear there is a great end-time revival that will sweep the nations, but that is not what the Bible says. I guess the writers of the word of God did not have a TV program to pay for. Notice “let no man deceive you by any means.” You know we will never be deceived if we know the truth that is why the truth is so dangerous to people (like on Christian TV) who are not honest and full of integrity. Here we go again with another promise from God. Who would believe, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) “Suffer persecution” oh no God must have made a mistake, I do not want to “suffer persecution” I want to know what my destiny in God is. Well my friend our destiny in God is to die to our selfish, arrogant, carnal nature, and the best we can ever hope for is to be a servant just like Jesus and to die like John of an old age, anything else is presumption.
Now we must not get moved out of God by the SCOTUS ruling on gay marriage. The church reacted in panic (same way we are acting today) and outrage in 1973 when abortion on demand became the law of the land, but in time they forgot the spiritual damage done to the country and marched on with life building bigger barns and storehouses. We must allow the Holy Spirit to open up our eyes of understanding to the devastation this ruling is bringing to America and to the whole world. This way we will know why things are happening. It is amazing how soon we forget that before God can give us mercy He first must judge us, judgment always comes ahead of mercy. God was not moved by the SCOTUS’s decision. He was not taken by surprise, nor has it changed His plans for America. As a matter of fact I would believe it plays right into God’s hands for America. Do we believe God knows the beginning and the end for America? Better yet do we believe God knows the beginning and the end for each and every one of us? Who would believe God would send us out into the world (even in ministry) like this, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.:” Matthew 10:16-24) Well is the servant (us) greater than the Master (the LORD)? Do we believe this? If they vilified (so they could marginalize Him) and then killed Jesus do we believe we are going to get any better from the world? The evil spirits then are still in the world now and have not changed, there is nothing new under the sun. In Genesis when the men of Sodom wanted to commit sodomy (a homosexual act between two men) with the Angels Lot offered up his two virgin daughters, but they replied, “And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.” (Genesis 19:9) In other words, Lot who are you to judge us watch out we are going to get you. The same thing the sodimites of today are saying to God and anyone that stands up for the truth in the word of God. The world is lost and the things we seem to love in the world will destroy our Christian witness and our lives. All of those things that seem harmless, fun, and even makes sense, but in the end will put us out of God. Christians hear me loud and clear take great heed to your soul get off of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) before it is too late. They will use social media to round Christians up in the future. They are already using social media today to track us why do we think they will not use social media for other ungodly purposes? What else in our lives have such sway? Let us face the truth the “nominal church” has not engaged nor has it effected the social culture of the world. And why? Because she has willfully given up the moral high ground (we have the words of life) to politicians and other liars for political favor and financial gain. They (the nominal church) have allowed men and women who despise our God stand behind the sacred desk for popularity and worldly acceptance. They (the nominal church) have supported and encouraged ungodly spiritual truth by calling evil good and good evil compromising the word of God deceiving many. I asked the LORD what must America (the government and the people) do for Him to turn His wrath away from America and quickly and with a resounding roar in my spirit I heard these words, “the government and the people must humble themselves before me, put prayer back in school, stop murdering their children, and overturn the abominable ruling on same sex marriage, and then I will heal them and their land.
Now here is the good news fear not my friends God has always had a remnant and today is no different. Yes it is true America is a sinking ship spiritually and you better be in the life boat of His protection and safety bad times are coming our way, but all though out the Bible God has protected those who (how about you?) put their faith and trust in Him. Their times were tough, persecutions, tribulations, many have died for their faith, but God has always had a remnant He could build on to see His intention done on earth as it is in heaven. My friends in the last days Christianity will continue to break into two. There will be the apostate false church (better run out and take your family now before it is to late) and that which remains true to the Gospel and a biblical worldview, which one are you in? The true Church (remember we are the church) will boldly speak the truth on moral issues while the rest compromise and fold into the lies and half truths of today’s multi-cultural world. At the beginning of the age we had an anti-Christian pagan culture that persecuted believers well it is back. We are at a pivotal point this new period of total lawlessness and apostasy in which whole Christian denominations are falling in line with the world’s changing view of marriage (and other things God hates) is only the latest symptom that the world and the Church are racing in different directions. Friend we are watching the gradual shift and in some cases a total change of tectonic significance. You know I always thought I would never be alive to see the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, but now I am not so sure do this increased rate of ungodly change. I feel in my spirit we are living in the most exciting times known to man and we are standing on the threshold of the greatest event ever known to man. God has a plan for us all and He will bring it to pass, yes our God reigns and we shall reign with Him if we only believe.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
God Didn’t Bring Them
An acquaintance told Dave and I that they had thought that GOD brought a certain individual into their life, but after meeting said individual I have to doubt the veracity of that statement. Folks, don’t think that every person that comes into your life is from GOD. When we are in a vulnerable state of mind we MUST take a wary eye at whoever comes our way. GOD does NOT go against HIS word. If we are trusting HIM for a spouse HE will bring him/her your way in HIS time. HE will NOT, repeat NOT (if you are a child of HIS and fully trusting in Him) bring an unrighteous person, a married person, a NON-Christian person your way. Now you can settle for GOD’S best or you can settle for GOD’S second, third, or even His fourth best or worse, your choice. If you’re that lonely that you’ll settle for whatever— perhaps you’re better off getting a dog or a cat to take care of. Perhaps GOD is waiting for you to get some areas squared away in your life before HE brings Mr. or Miss right your way. Marriage is too important to GOD to just go with anybody. Hang on, GOD has a better plan for your life. Hang on until GOD moves things. The problem with us humans is that we are impatient—GOD works at his pace not ours. Never forget He grinds fine, but grinds really slow. Sometimes we feel like we have to “help out ” GOD by making things happen, but so many mistakes in our lives can be attributed to: (1) following OUR OWN heart in matters and NOT seeking GOD and HIS will. And (2) rushing into something instead of waiting for GOD. Either you are trusting in GOD or you are not. Joshua after the walls of Jericho fell and after the Battle of Ai (means House of Ruin) was fooled by the men of Gibeon who pretended to be from a far away country (actually they were neighbors) and made a league with Joshua and the Children of Israel so that Joshua would not kill them like at Ai. They (the children of Israel) asked NOT, “counsel at the mouth of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14) concerning these men. Shortly after making this league with the men of Gibeon Joshua discovered he was deceived and made the men of Gibeon slaves. Joshua put them to work as, “hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord . . .” (Joshua 9: 27). So for their deception they ended up slaves for the rest of their lives. Now had they (Joshua and the Children of Israel) inquired of GOD from the get-go there would’ve been a different outcome. Probably the men of Gibeon would have been killed (in obedience) as GOD commanded Joshua at Jericho and Ai and the Children of Israel would not have had to care and feed these men the rest of their lives. We must guard our words. Joshua learned from Moses GOD is concerned about our integrity and Joshua kept his word and never had them killed. Jesus himself told the disciples “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of GOD.” (1 John 4:1) And how do we do that? Well on a spiritual level if we have the Holy Spirit working in us then the Spirit in us will bear witness with the spirit that is moving in the other person. And on an earthly level all you have to do is pay attention to how the individual responds to troubles, situations, and difficulties in their lives. Is their reaction patterned after the things of GOD or are they more patterned after the carnal, fleshly ways? The Spirit of God always reacts like Christ would. If this person reacts like the world (and you are a true Believer), then rest assured GOD did not bring this person into your life. Oh no, you have invited them in to take advantage of: your resources, your heart, your life, and even your relationship with GOD. We must not lean on our own understanding. Solomon tells us, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12) We cannot use the worlds ways (Facebook, Twitter, dating websites, etc.) and EXPECT GODLY RESULTS IT WON’T HAPPEN! GODS ways are not our ways. Again GOD does not go against his word, spoken or written. So if you’re waiting for a spouse know this that you are very special to GOD and He loves you very much and it is HIS good pleasure and HIS eternal intention for you to marry a good Christian who will help you to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.” Be patient, maybe He wants to do some more work in you and whomever before He brings them along. Hold on and pray for GOD to move Mr. Right or Miss Right along while you say bye bye to Mr. or Miss Wrong. GOD wants the best for you and the best is always worth waiting for.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in SilistraPastor(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:
18 May at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Local Ministry
June: Local Ministry
July: Local Ministry
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.
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