Greetings again my Brethren. Of all of the characters with no names Jesus and others use to teach us deep spiritual truths is the widow. I always like how the Bible talks about “a certain man” which could be me used 97 times, most often in Luke, in the Bible (like Luke 10:30 and Luke 20:9) or “one came running” (Mark 10:17), which could be me or you running after something. After all James tells us, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27) In the Old Testament, in 1 Kings we read a story most prosperity preachers like to share to show God’s ability to provide for His people. We read, “And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. 16And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. (1 Kings 8-9, 16) Now do not get me wrong here God does provide for His children and this story is a perfect example how God can provide, even through miraculous ways, but He provides because of our obedience. Elijah and the widow lady both did that which God wanted them to do. Often when God does not move on our behalf and we do not understand why, we better check our obedience. Now I cut out some of the story (not that it is not worth reading and recommend you go back and read the story for yourself) to save more writing space in the article. The lesson to be learned from this story is not so much God’s provisions, but our need to be obedient to God to make it happen. After all God knows how to take care of His children. Right? Another story about a widow and I guess my favorite story from Jesus about a widow is found in Mark. Mark writes, “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12 :41-44) I would call this my favorite, because I believe this story exposes the heart of God for His children in our giving. Remember, at the heart of the Gospel is giving. “For God so loved the world He gave . . . .” Now please do not tell me how God is blessing you (or making you happy) where you are highly favoured and anointed of God and you not give of yourself or your resources. If you know me, one thing you will know is I am not a prosperity teacher, teaching us giving to God so we can get from God: 10, 50, or 100, fold. Oh no, we give to God so that others may be able to receive from God. If this is not your heart condition of giving then you are selfish and know not God. I would put most Christians in this category where God is a big sugar daddy and all we have to do is throw $10 at Him and He will peel out $100. No where in the Bible is this heresy taught, but it is preached 24 hours a day on Christian TV, social media sights, YouTube, the list goes on and on. The late Oral Roberts and others in the late 50s started the teaching of planting a “seed” in his ministry and God will return your “seed” 30, 60, or 100 fold. Well, before too long he had enough money to build a Bible School, Oral Roberts University, and plant this lie in the heart of millions and the ministry of thousands, working not by God’s faith and graces, but by the greed of the people. Now will God give back to you? Yes, by all means. But, the return on the investment (your money) is not what Oral Roberts taught. This principle from the parable of the sower is Matthew 13:1-10. The same parable recorded in Mark says the “seed” was the Word of God not money. “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?14The sower soweth the word.” (Mark 4:13-14) My friend you cannot substitute money for the Word of God and expect an increase of 30, 60, or 100 fold of money. Anyway as we give we shall be given back. In Luke Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38) Now most Christians stop reading after the word “bosom,” but if you keep on reading you will hear of the return on your investment, “For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” My friend always remember God gets to reward our giving and at best we get back what we gave. The widow lady who gave two mites at best was due two mites back, but giving mites was not the message of this story, oh no. The message of the story was not what she gave, but how she gave. God is not really so concerned about what we do as much as He is how we do them. The widow lady gave all she had. You know it is easy to give $10,000 when you are a millionaire. But if all you have is two mites to your name and you give it well, God sees the heart and rewards accordingly. What did the widow lady get back, riches untold.
Next month we will continue to look at other diverse objects God can use to communicate with us as we look at how God used a discouraged prophet. Are you there my friend? In tough situations and circumstances? Have you heard His voice? Listen closely and you will. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Convinced But Not Converted
I often hear Christians talk about our faith and our belief. Now it is true we can exchange these two words in a sentence and not much of the meaning will be lost because they are close in understanding, concept, and context, but when you look at the spiritual application of these words we find there is a huge difference. The word believe is really soft and mushy. We humans can believe anything all day long and it be wrong. I can believe (also works for those Christians who like claiming the things of God) I am a car, sit in my garage all day, and even go beep beep, but that will never make me a car. In God you cannot translate or substitute faith for belief they are separate spiritual concepts in application. You know I marvel when I think of faith. To be honest no person alive today and only one in the past has really known how faith works its seemingly magic in our lives. God took me all the way to India to help me with understanding faith and to be honest again I marvel at the outcomes (signs and wonders), but I do not know and understand how it works. Oh I know we can read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1), but what does that all mean? No really. I have heard sermon after sermon on Hebrews 11:1 and to this day, honestly to be able to grasp the concept is far beyond my ability and yours if you are honest. You know I do not need to know how it works, oh no all I need is to know is the one who is working it all through our faith. Paul tell us in Ephesians even our salvation is through faith. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace (what God has done and given us) is God’s part before the foundations of the world was laid and faith (our response to God’s grace) is our part. If we get grace wrong (can we do what we want and still be saved) we get over into lascivious or fleshly sins. And if we get faith wrong we get over into legalism and emotionalism. Sadly, way too many churches are here. There is a balance we must walk for us to be saved. When I think of “real’ faith I think of Ester saying, ‘if I perish I perish” or Job saying, “though God slay me yet I will trust Him.” Oddly enough Jesus never made this faith or belief mistake. He was very clear when it came to issues requiring our faith and our belief. As a matter of fact like grace and faith there is a relationship between faith and unbelief. In Matthew Jesus said, “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20) Not because of their lack of faith, but because of their unbelief mountains (or problems in their lives) were not removed. Unbelief was the reason (Hebrews 3:18-19) the Children of Israel entered not into the promised land. I think one reason why we get off track here with faith and belief is today we get the things of God from other people so we can believe, yet still not be converted because if we get the things of God though revelation (for ourselves) from the Holy Spirit how could we not have faith and believe? We see this truth in Peter’s life. Jesus was asking the disciples who do they say I am? “And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:14-17) Peter had to have gotten this revelation from the Holy Spirit (and not from the other disciples) who had not come yet. It was not all of Jesus’ good works, miracles, and sermons that convinced Peter to say of Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Oh no it was the good work of the Holy Spirit in his life that brought Peter to this revelation. At this time Peter was convinced, but sadly he was not converted. Okay let us go a little bit deeper here. We can be convinced about the things of God to a point. We see it every week on Sunday morning when countless millions of Christians trudge off to church, sing three fast ones and slow one, hear some announcements, take up the tithes and offering, maybe hear a special number, and then hear 15 to 20 (no more than 30 minutes) minutes of inspiring words. What I call the denominational lullaby. Shhh, do not wake them up. They are convinced Jesus loves them and they are on their way to heaven (and may not be), but they are not converted to the truths of the word of God that will enable them to stand and withstand life’s circumstances and difficulties making it to heaven. Having an opportunity to learn, but never learning. Not converted to the point where there will be spiritual growth and development in knowing God in their lives. Brother Peter (I really like Peter he is so much like us) experienced this too in spite of his deep revelation who Jesus is. In Luke we read, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32) You know I hope Jesus really did not pray (as we think prayer is) for Peter because his faith did fail just a few hours later, but in the end he was a rock. However, in the garden and in the court yard of the high priest he was a scared man who failed just like you and I may have. Notice Jesus’ words, “when thou are converted strengthen thy brethren.” Not when you are convinced, but when you are converted. I wonder what made the difference in his life? What moved him from being convinced to being converted? Maybe it was the whole garden and court yard experience? In this maybe he saw his weakness and loud mouth boasting of what he would do for Christ, but in the end he discovered he was nothing more than an arrogant liar. Or maybe it was when Jesus asked him (in John 20) Peter do you love me and all he could say was I am only fond of you. What is even more amazing Peter walked with Jesus for three years: he saw the miracles, the deaf ears and blind eyes opened, he tasted of the loaves and fishes, he saw the dead come back to life, and yet he was not converted, but only convinced. How easy it is to be convinced God loves us, but oh so hard to be converted. After Peter was converted he was never the same man or leader. Today many say a leader is a reader, well I would say a leader knows the difference between book sense and the good sense of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s sword was put aside and he listened before he opened his mouth. A real conversion in God will lead us to a quietness and silent spirit. Jesus took it much deeper in the fruit manifested from our conversion, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4) Notice the word “Except” which means there is no other way, it is the only way to be converted to become as a little child. Not too many Christians want to become little children, oh no they want to be bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelists, apostles, teachers well becoming all of these are NOT the requirements to go to heaven. They want to be great, but becoming these (bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelist, apostles, teachers) will not make you great. Jesus said to be great we must humble ourselves as a little child. I guess greatness in our eyes is different than in God’s eyes. And notice Jesus did not said say we shall not enter the kingdom of God oh no, He said the kingdom of heaven which is much different than the kingdom of God. Maybe many are not converted because we do not want to be as a little child? Just a thought for us to ponder. You know whatever is planted grows. If we plant a cherry seed a cherry tree will grow. So too in the spiritual realm. When God had us start Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart back in 1997, Bill Pepper a wonderful brother and kind of a mentor to me would come by Germany for a visit. After a few days of getting the lay of the land he would sit me down for a few hours of counseling me. How I loved it. How I loved getting the boom lowered. Well, one of the first times he said I will be able to see what we have planned in the people. I will be honest at first I did not understand what he was saying, but as time went on and I saw the fruit springing up in lives I knew crystal clear what he was saying. If outcomes in the lives of the people were unpleasant, well I had some fault in that. Whatsoever is planted grows. If I sow seeds of strife, confusion, or division from the pulpit or more important in relationships in the church then these will grow and bear the fruit and more seeds of the fruit which will only be spread to other lives. So too when it comes to our conversion. If we are only convinced then the seed we spread will not be strong enough to handle the cares of the world or thorny and dry ground. Real conversion is seen in the lives of mature men and women of God who are able to learn and teach, endure whatsoever comes their way. Are you convinced or are you converted? The answer is always seen in our lives by others, but sometimes the truth is hidden from our heart. Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Just Say No!
Last month I told on myself how my big mouth wrecked relationships in my past. This month we will address what we are to do when GOD (or heaven forbid, sit down and hang on to your hat) another human being points out our weakness, character flaws, or even sin in our lives. We ALL have problems in one form or another in our lives, but we sure don’t like when they’re pointed out to us do we? Of course not! Yours truly is certainly no exception. Now granted our being told that: “this is wrong,” “this is not right,” or “perhaps you ought to do (fill-in-the-blanks)” these are usually thrown at us by people who, perhaps are well meaning, or NOT, either want to help/correct us or want to jab us in the eye! Now, we can either agree with them and say yes, I’m (fill-in-the-blank) or we can get our nose out of joint and keep on justifying ourself—AS IF WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS. Now justifying ourself may work for a while with people, “oh what do they know,” “who do they think they are to tell me to (fill-in-the-blanks),” I’m Not (fill-in-the-blank), they’re nuts,” “I don’t have to listen to: Mom, MY HUSBAND, my in-laws, my co-workers etc. etc. This deny, duck, and dodge maneuver works with people, but I would suggest you should NOT try this with THE ALMIGHTY. We can blow off people all day long, but we’d better check ourself if GOD Himself is pointing out character flaws or sin, (whatever) in our lives and we’re ignoring HIM, you’ll be ignoring Him at YOUR peril. Proverbs says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper. But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Our friend Paul in Titus says, “Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” (Titus 2:12) That’s denying ungodliness in ourselves and around us. Just say no to those sins and character flaws which so easily beset us. Renouncing those areas in our lives that we know is unpleasing to the LORD will carry us much further in God. It’s not about us and everybody else, it’s about us and Him. He cares for us and wants us to do and be right. Yes, we are His workmanship (Ephesian 2:10), but there are things that we must take care of when He points them out. GOD Bless. Read your Bible. 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:
20 May 24 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:
May: Local Ministry
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:
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.
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.
