Waiting on God – His Characteristics
September 2020 • Volume XIX 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. Well my friend we start a new ministry year at Beholding His Glory. We started Sep 2002 and see what the LORD has done. This has been the doings of the LORD and it has been glorious, just marvellous in my sight. When we are doing things for the LORD and we know they are of the LORD how sweet the path grows day to day. Back in Germany in 2002 I would never have thought or even imagined what the LORD had in store for us. All that we have done, all that we have seen, all of the lives we have touched with the love of the LORD just keeps us moving in the LORD in a direction where we can be used. We thank God for the opportunity to be of service to Him and His people. This is our heart’s desire to love Him first and second His people all else just falls into place.
Okay let us get back to the Call of God in our lives. Did you know there are some things that we need to overcome to be able to respond to the LORD’s call in our lives. With this edition I would like to begin to cover some things in our lives we must overcome. I am sure there are more, but I would like to look at the top five needs. This edition we will look at occupational claims. In Luke we read, “And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.” (Luke 5:27-29) When we come to the LORD and as God begins to work in our lives to get us to go (even if He has to allure or trick us as in Hosea 2:14) to the wilderness where He is waiting for us so that He can teach us some of the things we must give up to follow Him. In God there is always a putting off, first to be able to put on second. This is the spiritual order. Something in our natural man MUST be lost before we can put on the things of the Spirit. In Romans Paul tells the Church at Rome “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12) Notice first the casting off of the darkness then we can put on the light. Too many Christians never cast off of sin in their lives and thus can NEVER put on the things of God for their lives. God tells us to stop sinning to repent and He means it. We know when we sin it is no surprise or it would not be a sin. Sin is to miss the mark, to know right, but do that which is wrong. (see James 4:17) The mark is knowing what you have done is wrong. We do not stop sinning because we enjoy sin too much. It is not that sin has this great hand of possession or control over us, oh no, for most people they enjoy sinning, they do not want to cast off the darkness so thus there is no light in their lives. But here in Luke Jesus just meets Levi or Matthew and says, “follow me.” Jesus did not twist Levi’s arm, Jesus did not promise Levi he would be an apostle, nothing, Jesus did not even tell Levi about the kingdom of God. Jesus just said “follow me” and Levi heard the LORD’s call and immediately, “he left all, rose up, and followed him.” I really like Levi’s response, he did not say okay LORD let me get my affairs in order, tell my wife and kids good bye, or even get a change of skivvies. He just got up in obedience to the call and left his occupation behind. For some people this would be a bridge to far. Often our occupation (doctor, lawyer, banker, butcher, candle stick maker, or Indian chief) is who we are and how and what we are identified with in the world. Not so with Levi. Maybe he was tired of being a tax collector. I am sure he did not have a lot of friends. Or maybe he was searching for something that would satisfy his spirit, apparently something was lacking in him and the word of Jesus just made good sense to him. Please notice Levi just did not stop his job (as he did do), but he was so excited about Jesus and his call to the ministry, “Levi made him a great feast.” It sounds like Levi was a man of means and had some money to be able to invite “a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.” You know you are sold out to God when you willingly put some skin (money) in the game. When we willfully invest our resources into God’s hands He has all of us. To answer the call of God in our lives we will have to willingly walk away (to some degree) the occupation we find ourselves doing. Now that does not mean we can loaf or live off the grace and generosity of people (go on a faith walk) like I have seen in the past. Paul was a tent maker, many of the disciples were still fisherman as they served with the LORD. If you do not work the Bible says you should not eat (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10), but the focus in our lives MUST be on the call of God in our lives or we will fail.
Next month we will continue to look at some things in our lives we MUST overcome to be able to answer the LORD’s call in our lives. Do you hear Him calling? Please know God is calling. Walter Beuttler said if you build God a temple He will inhabit it. Have you built God a temple? If you do He will abide and wait for you.
Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
What We Choose
A week or so ago I was shopping with Karen at the Marine Corps Air Station Commissary (I really enjoy our weekly food shopping with Karen) and I ran into a wonderful pastor friend (Pastor Young) and butcher at the commissary. I always so enjoy seeing him with his big smile and warm hug. It always should be a good time when two believers come together and greet each other; this is the communion that Paul was talking about when he said, “I speak as to wise men judge ye what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:15-17) Yes we are to keep the LORD’s Supper (many call it communion) this is needed and good, but there is a greater communion supper that the LORD desires we keep every day of our life; the communion of the Saints as we keep the love feast with the bread of sincerity. Earlier in 1 Corinthians Paul tells us, “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8) I believe this is the communion Paul was talking about (and what Pastor Young and I shared) because we can keep the ordinance of the LORD’s Supper religiously, but if we do not keep the communion of the Saints everything else we do for God and in God will be for naught it will be the traditions of men. Keeping this communion is our choice. Whether we will have communion (not communication there is a huge difference) with this brother or that sister who has hurt or wronged us. If not then we will not be one bread, but be fractured, divided, and set apart from the Body of Christ. I have lived this thought. I have been in this situation with a friend I dearly loved for over five years, but the LORD prompted me to email my friend (someone has to keep the fire burning) and we got together and had a great time. What communion (not just communication) we had for hours as we got caught up from five years, talked about times past and planned for future ministry, but just enjoyed each other in “sincerity and truth.” You could say we tasted and saw that the LORD was good. But I digress, back to Pastor Young. Well we started talking and I made the statement, “whatsoever is planted grows” and as I was talking the LORD asked me why it grows? Now it is amazing as powerful as truth and the word of God is even if planted unless certain things happen it (not dependant on God) will not grow. Now that should give you a pause in your spirit. Growth of truth (as in God’s words) has little to do with the seed it can only be life-giving it is the nature of God’s word at all times. God’s word has an ability, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) It cannot be anything different no more or no less, but I wonder why God’s word planted in our heart and mind does not grow? After all every Sunday at church people hear God’s word and it goes through their ear and eye gate as they read the Bible yet it does not grow. Amazing as it sounds growth of God’s word in our lives depends not on the power of the word (it is God’s word no word is more powerful) or even on God (nothing is more powerful than God), but is based on our desire or our non-desire of the word we have heard. As strange as it may sound we choose what we want to be planted and what will grow in us. By our own desires we choose what we feel, hear, see, and experience. So too is the word of God planted in our lives. If we do not like the word of God that comes to us (what we have heard and read) we will reject it and it will have NO chance of taking root in our lives no matter how powerful and/or “anointed” it was delivered. If it does not appeal to our character and nature then the chances of God’s word hitting its target (our heart and mind) is slim to none. But if God’s word is received and planted we must not allow it to set by idle, oh now we must water it with tears of forgiveness and solitude, we must dung it with effort and perseverance to keep it alive. Did you know having all truth is not as important as having a desire for truth? Now I know that is not what most churches teach, but maybe that is why there is not much spiritual growth and development in most churches. We will either reject or receive what we hear, see, feel, or experience. We choose almost everything in our lives. We judge then separate what we do not like. Just go to the food store (commissary for us) and take a look at the cucumbers, lettuce, green onions, etc. We judge the good ones from the bad ones, we then choose which one we like and the ones we do not like. Believe it or not God has little to do with His word being planted in our mind and heart. Funny how we think God measures our ability to keep relationships by the number of relationships we have, but no my friend this is absolutely wrong. God measures our ability to keep relationships not by the ones we have, but by the ones we have lost. In Luke Jesus shares the parable of the sower, but I believe most Christians miss the point of the parable, Jesus said, “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.” 8And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-8) The power and ability of the seed did not change it was the same seed in all situations. The ability of the seed to take root and be productive was not dependant on the seed, but on the choices made out from the heart condition and actions of the people the word of God was being sown into. Jesus explains the parable: “The seed is the word of God. (Not money as most TV evangelists say) 12Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11-15) It was the same word with four different results yielding different harvests based on what the people choose to do with the word. The folks that choose to keep it receive it, “in an honest and good heart, having heard the word keep it.” Keeping the word has nothing to do with God, but everything to do with the people choosing to receive it. I wonder why we think God makes things happen spiritually in our lives for us? For the truth to be known God has little to do with our spiritual growth and development; He (God) proves the opportunity, the training, past lessons learned, and the wherewithal, and we must choose to make the right choice. After all God has already given us everything we need to choose right. Peter tells us, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Did you get that? God has already given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” What else is left? There is nothing else more God can give or do for us He has given us “all things.” What if God made us choose right? Maybe that is what He needs to give us the ability to choose right. I think not. He has already given us the ability to do this now all we have to do is choose to do what He wants us to do.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Friends
Occasionally one hears or reads about people who have lived in the same place their whole lives and have been friends since grade school. Now I’ll admit I feel a twinge of envy when I come across this relationship. In my life (as an adult) with all the moving around we did while Dave was in the U. S. Navy acquaintances (which make up most of our relationships) have come and gone, but now friends well they always make a lasting impression. We often forge fast friendships (really acquaintances) out of necessity which may or probably may not last. I’ve never considered myself a friendly type of person, but Dave was always more outgoing and gregarious than me. The one thing I see about friendship is that a lot of times it can be one-sided, very one sided. There is a danger in one sided friendships and that is the emotional upheaval you have in your heart when the would-be friend turns their back on you and walks away. Dave and I often talk about these types of relationships he seems to get involved with. Maybe it is because of his desire to be friendly to all (especially those who are of the house of faith) and he looks past the character flaws of the would-be friend until Dave can no longer be manipulated and the would-be friendship comes to an end. At the heart of these types of friendships is manipulation, a desire to use someone for personal gain. Dave can rattle off about four of these relationships in his adult life. Some of these relationships steeped in God’s service around the world. I’ve also learned that there’s a huge difference between an acquaintance and a REAL friend. However, sometimes in life we don’t really know who our real friends are until the chips are down and we’re going through some crisis. Fake friends (usually acquaintances) will disappear like a mist, but real friends will come out of the darkness ready to lend a hand and pitch in. But one thing for sure though the only true friend in this life and the next is Jesus. HE knows all about us, yet HE still loves us and helps us. In John Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Do we try to impress Jesus the one who died for us, who calls us friends? I think not, but we’ll bend over backwards putting our best foot forward to impress people so they will be our friend. Oh my, what a waste of time putting on airs to impress another human being. I hate to say it, but a few people we’ve run into in our life have not been worth the effort to impress. A true, real friend doesn’t need to be impressed they like you the way you are, they’re down to earth, and have the love of GOD in their hearts for God and you. As people have come and gone in our lives over the years I see that GOD will make sure we are separated (make no mistake HE has HIS ways) from acquaintances, fake friends, and even real friends so we will depend wholly on HIM. This is what He wants in our lives to separate us from people and things so that we can come to learn to depend on HIM. Why do we call HIM Heavenly Father? Well, if you have any spiritual discernment you will come to know HE wants us to love HIM and HE wants to love us as a child climbs up their father’s lap and in that moment all is well with the world. In the Psalms we read, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:12-14) The word “fear” here is Strong’s H#3373 which means a moral reverent or awe. The same type of awe a little child experiences when they set on their earthly father’s lap and look into his eyes. There seems to be a knowing of His love for them that words cannot express. And as we get older no need to climb up on our father’s lap we are growing older and there is a learning He has for us so that our walk with HIM down life’s pathway will bring us into greater unity and dependency on HIM. If you can find HIS lap you can find HIS heart, what a friend we have in Jesus.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
- In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in Silistra Pastor(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:
HGMs for September will be 8 and 22 at 7:00 pm.
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
September: Local Ministry
October: Local Ministry
November: 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.
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.
