Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
September 2013 • Volume XII Number 01
“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 begins our 12th year of publication and ministry to the Body of Christ. We marvel at how God has taken our simple desire to just follow Him to heights unimaginable. Who would have thought we would have been able to help establish a maternity clinic, two TB clinics, a radio station, and minister to millions of people around the world, God. It was not that Karen and I were something special, but we said yes to God and His plan for our lives. This is all God wants, “yes LORD” and out from that even the sky will not be the limit.
When we behold God’s glory many things happen in our lives, I mean when we really get a glimpse of His glory our love for Him and His children (should be both) intensifies and we just want to know Him the more. It was the same with Karen. The more I talked with her and the more we shared time together the more I wanted to talk with and hang around her, so too with God’s call for our lives. The more we spend time with God the clearer we will hear and understand His voice. A part of that understanding we learn is God is calling us just because He wants to and there is nothing we can do or say that will make God call us. Our call to ministry is based on God’s plan and our desire to answer that call. We see this play out in the book of Amos. Did you know we do not need to be a prophet or a “mighty man of God” to be used of God. God is looking for hearts that are right in His sight. Peter tells us, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:4) These are the qualities God is looking for in us. What more can God invest in us to have us do His will? Amos thought he had to be a prophet, but God showed him otherwise, “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: 15And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” (Amos 7:14-15) God’s call on our lives depends not on education, going to Bible School, attending church faithfully, paying our tithes and the like, but on God’s will and our obedience to His call. Now these things are good to do and doing these things listed above will certainly help us fulfill His call, but doing them without being called will only frustrate us because we are looking for an expected result that God has nothing to do with. And of course in God when we are doing something that God does NOT want us to be doing we are NOT doing what God wants us to be doing.
God has enough religious men and women he needs men and women who can hear His voice and answer His call.
Of course the best example of being called is from the Master Himself when He called some of the disciples. In Mark we read, “Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.” (Mark 1:16-20) Two critical things here in these verses: the first Jesus never told them follow me and you will be killed or follow me and your life will be tough. No Jesus said, “I will make you to become fisher of men.” It is in this becoming Jesus is talking about that enabled the disciples to endure all they went through. So to in our lives this becoming, this making us like Himself will kill us, but at the same time it will make us alive. The second point is in verse 18 and 20, it says, “And straightway” that is what God is looking for in our lives. He is looking for us to immediately or without any hesitation to follow Him even unto death the ultimate fear in our lives. Jesus told the disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) What are we to follow Christ in, our death. And if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. This losing of our life is not just the physical (which we will lose someday), but is also of the spiritual.
Next month we will complete the call of God under diverse circumstances by looking at Matthew and Saul. Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
God Moving in the Earth
All you seem to hear on Christian TV (TBN and others) and in most big churches in America and around the world is we want to see God move in the earth. I will be honest (and shame on me) I do find myself at times watching Christian TV. Sadly it is like when driving past a train wreck or car accident knowing you should not look, but you do. Well believe it or not my friend God is moving greatly throughout the earth, but sadly those on Christian TV and in most big churches in America and around the world that are over into the prosperity teachings of the day which prevents them from seeing what God is really doing in this hour. The church is singing and dancing around the political Maypole altar they have built through ungodly political relationships while missing God drawing the real church (the people of God) within the church unto Himself. They have built their denominations along racial and political lines. Talking heads, pundits, and civil rights leaders in America talk about segregation and racism ad nauseaium, but Sunday morning (in America) in most churches is still the most segregated time of the week. What are we teaching in these churches that would cause this? I thought we were one Body, one Spirit? Paul taught, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-5) Is this true? “One body and one Spirit?” and “One Lord, one faith, one baptism?” No my friend who are we trying to fool I am afraid when we take a spiritual look at the Body of Christ today we are so fractured and divided it would almost be impossible for God to move on the earth. Now I said ALMOST impossible. The main stream denominational churches and ministries (seen on Christian TV) seem to be in competition with each other to see who can hold the biggest special event, seminar, conference, program (something for the people to do so they will think they are working for God instead of becoming the work of God – Ephesians 2:10), or movie with the biggest Christian celebrity (is that not an oxymoron? I thought Jesus was humble and lowly – Matthew 11:29) to corral the most people. They know the money is in the fish. They know if they can catch the fish (the people) they can get their money. Sadly all of these services and programs are sold under the appearance and marketing of “sharing the gospel message.” It is beyond me how someone could attach their name to the word “ministry,” what arrogance and pride. My friend, take your family and run from such churches and people. Now do not think I am blowing smoke or tickling your ears I have talked to many pastors (I have been a pastor and did it) and religious leaders who have confessed to these selfish ungodly motives. It is not about how many people we can get into our church or how much money we can collect to feed a bank account, oh no God is after quality not quantity. God is after a people with a humble and contrite heart who love Him and are willing to endure His dealings and judgments in their lives to be qualified and approved for His spiritual authority and power. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15) Nowhere in the Bible could God or His precious Son Jesus Christ do much with large groups of people. And this is no different today, ambitious greedy pastors and religious leaders have sold their souls to governments in America and around the world for power, money, and influence. I get many emails thanking me for having the courage to speak out against topics in the Body of Christ that many today and in the past have turned their heads to. I am not trying to cause division or contention within the Body of Christ nor am I cynical, but am speaking the truth in love hoping and praying for a heart change in many churches around the world and in America. How long will we get to presume on God’s grace? How long will God allow the church in America and around the world to play fast and loose with Him? This message of cheap grace and prosperity the church in America is pedaling to the world will come to a sudden and deadly end my friend, I promise you this. Could it be the church in America and around the world is so ensnared in her political relationships, greed, and hard heartedness she has missed God’s moving in the earth today? I know so.
In the Book of Peter we read, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) I wonder what the hand of God looks like? I think God’s hand can take many shapes and sizes. I wonder what the mighty hand of God looked like in the life of Joseph? Who would have thought the “mighty hand of God” (to humble Joseph) would take the shape of his 11 brothers who sold him into slavery? Who would have thought the “mighty hand of God” would take the shape of Potiphar’s chief servant or wife to prove and test his righteousness and integrity? Who would have thought the “mighty hand of God” would take the shape of being exalted to be called Zaphnath-Paaneah where only Pharaoh sat in the judgment seat over him. The “mighty hand of God” takes on many shapes and sizes and is projected at God’s good pleasure. What does the “mighty hand of God” in your life look like? Well what is humbling you? Did you know the condition to be raise up or exalted is to first be humbled. And did you know it is our reasonable service, duty, and responsibility for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. It is not God’s place to force us to humble ourselves, God’s place is to provide the humbling, our place is to willfully submit to His humbling so that “in due time” we shall be exalted. When is due time? How long do we have to be humbled? Well the next verse gives us the answer, “casting all your care on him.” God will humble us until we have learned to cast (throw or exchange) all of our care, not our cares on Him. Cares are things like cars, houses, jobs, our economy, our future and etc. We are not to cast our cares about not having things or our future on Him, but we are to cast all our care upon him. Care is our attitude (an adjective) of caring about things. We need not be worried why? Because, “he careth for you.” God will humble us until we learn to cast our attitude of caring on Him. After we learn this lesson then God can exalt and raise us up.
What do you think? Do you think the “mighty hand of God” could look like the melt-down of the financial markets of America or the global collapse of the world banking system? I do. And my friend I believe the worse is yet to come. Now please understand I am writing these words not from a political point of view or agenda I know God is the one who selects the leaders for America. But I strongly believe, God has raised up President Obama to serve as a vessel of dishonor to humble America and even the world. How is God moving in the world? He is humbling the church around the world, America, and the nations for the years of open rebellion and disobedience to His word and found them both wanting. Just read the Bible, when God’s humbling comes to a nation saints and sinners alike feel His mighty hand of correction. Obedience to God and His word alone is what saves a nation from God’s humbling. We in America must get back to what God has said in His Holy word if we want to survive. How is God moving in the earth? He is humbling the nations. And what is the church doing? Sadly it has not recognized God’s humbling because times are still good people still have some money so they continue to sing their people further into a spiritual slumber. My friend God always goes after where it hurts the most and now God is hitting the world in her money belt. Take heed my friend conviction, chastisement, and even open rebuke has not worked to bring us back to God. Humbling always comes ahead of judgment and if judgment does not work then reprobation (total darkness) will be the end of the apostate church and the world. Take heed my friend God is not mocked, God always uses some ones enemy to bring reprobation to those who resist God and His ways, just read the Old Testament. Time and time again the kings, judges, priests, and the people of Israel, “did that which was not right in the sight of he Lord” and God led them into slavery, destruction, and ruin for 100s of years. And times have not changed we serve a God who changes not.
Now please understand I truly wish no harm and wish him well, but make no mistake, I believe, President Obama and his administration have been raised up by God to humble America (please see “Good Luck Mr. President” of 21 January 09 on our blog) because of her waywardness and open rebellion to God’s Holy word. The Psalmist tells us, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. 8For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” (Psalms 75:6-8) Now I will be honest, I do not like to see America in such a deceived spiritual condition. I really struggle in my heart and spirit when I see the church and America over in such deception and disobedience. I love America it is the best country in the world, I gave 24 years of my life in peace and combat service to her, but at every turn America and yes the church in America has rejected God and His word. God, whether you believe in Him or not, gets to fashion the vessels for His purposes. God gets the final word on the nations. We see this truth in the life of Pharaoh and the Egyptian (and paralleled in President Obama and the American people) people as recorded in the Book of Romans, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?”(Romans 9:17-21) America and great men of God (from all walks of life, every color, and tongue) have been fashioned by God to spread the Gospel message around the world; democracy and freedom were just by-products of the Gospel message, but now America has changed her course she has rejected God and His word. The church in America is over in idol worship of men and money, greed and hunger for power and influence instead of hungering for God and His righteousness which has been left by the wayside. The church of America thinks just because our legal system passes laws and the Supreme Courts upholds these laws time and time again they over ride what God has said in His word, well my friend the Supreme Court is not the highest court in America or on the earth. There is a higher judge who rides on the wind, who inhabits eternity, and judges the nations. What we need in America is a leader and people like in the City of Nineveh. “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”(Jonah 3:5-10) A leader and a people who can see the “mighty hand of God” stretching forth to humble them while longing to restore them if they repent. On the other side of repentance is restoration and protection for America.
Oddly enough God is moving on the earth like never before, but most Christians have not put on the mind of Christ nor have they had the eyes of their understanding enlightened so they will not be able to see what God is doing. Their mind has been deceived by the gods of this world and their hearts are full of themselves and a man-made system of religion. A prayer: “Oh Lord God Almighty, ruler of heaven and earth, please forgive me, please forgive the church around the world, and please forgive my nation. Forgive us this day so that we can once again be restored to the knowledge of the truth of Your word and not sin against You again. Help us, open our eyes to be able to see the need to be humbled by You so that we may get back on the right track and once again believe Your word and only Your word where there and only there is life forever more. Amen.”
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Dinner and a Busted Toilet
Dave has some marvelous friends in Romania, (and other places) that I met for the very first time during our last trip to Europe. Now Dave knew these folks very well as he had stayed with them years ago and on more than one occasion. This was indeed going to be a special time. One of the brothers said this was a historic day for the family having Dave back for dinner.
The mother fixed a fantastic meal and dessert we all had wonderful fellowship around her table with all her family. After dinner we sat on the couch and enjoyed a good conversation except for yours truly because eating carbs makes me sleepy so I started nodding off. This being my first visit with these folks I wanted to make a good impression so I excused myself and went to the bathroom, well I woke up alright. The toilet broke at its base and I was horrified. Oh my goodness! The toilet was practically sideways and had I jumped off right away water would be everywhere. What to do. What to do. Well prayer should always be our first response to any crisis, so I prayed. I was able to right the toilet and avoid a watery mess. Thank God. God is so good. How He helps us so much! But now I had to tell our hostess. Wow is she going to be impressed with me! Bless her sweet soul she was so apologetic and said it was already broken; so kind trying to make me not feel bad, but in the back of my mind I’m thinking I’m never coming back here. I was so embarrassed to say the least, but we finished our visit on a warm, happy, friendly note. They were all so happy to see Dave again—I could have busted both toilets and they’d still be happy! God Bless them.
The next day at church our hostess wrote me a note, again profusely apologizing for the toilet and said that she hoped I wouldn’t avoid her and her family in the future. What a sweetheart! Her and her family what special saints. So what’s the moral of this story? Don’t eat carbs, don’t bust toilets? No, it’s go with the flow, and God will work out everything. As long as we’re doing what God wants us to do and go where He wants us to go He will take care of things. Live in the moment and enjoy the now. I don’t know if I’ll see the daughter and her precious family again, but I’m so glad we had a good time with them. May I be as gracious as she was if someone breaks my toilet. For you that like to blame the devil you know sometimes stuff just happens. We can’t always blame the devil even though in our religious thinking he’s convenient (stuff just happens), but what God is looking at in the situation is our heart condition and our response. No matter the situation we must come to know God can always fix it. Praise the Lord!
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov, Emil Nedelchev, and Roger and Gale Dine missionaries from Australia. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor 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 24 September 13
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Home: (910) 741-0489
at 7:00 pm, please RSVP
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
September: Local ministry
October: Local ministry
November: 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.
