Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
January 2015 • Volume XIII Number 05
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Thoughts for Consideration:
Greetings again my Brethren. This month we will start a new section looking at the divine, “Principles of Service.” To do this we use the “Living Creatures” from the Book of Ezekiel as a backdrop. Don’t you know we are “living” creatures before God and man? Many Christians I know want to be spiritual and try to make everything in their life spiritual well that is not God’s intention. We are to be of the Spirit of God (in Christ) and not so much spiritualizing everything. I think most often the spiritual side of our walk with the LORD is seldom, but when the LORD rolls back our understanding and we enter into the spiritual realm we are overtaken by the mysteriousness of what we experience and want to abide there forever, but this is not to be. Too much of a good thing can ruin us.
There is much we can learn from the “Living Creatures.” Again if we spiritualize everything we touch in God we will miss out on practical lessons we need to help us mature and develop in God. In verse nine we read, “Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.” (Ezekiel 1:9) The first thing we learn is harmony with our fellow workers as we labor together with God. Oh the loss in the Body of Christ due to petty competition
and rivalry among people and denominations. Oh the loss and waste of resources and time spent repairing mistake after mistake. Brothers and sisters this ought not to be in the Body of Christ, but sadly it has become the normal way of doing business instead of the abnormal. Please notice the “Living Creature’s” wings were “joined one to another” nothing separated them. How easy flight must be when you have everyone’s wings adding lift to yours. How easy things must be to get done when everyone is joined together in unity. Well this is the image. The word “one” here means unity. How easy to get things done when people are in unity. Now that is not all people agreeing on the same things because it is almost impossible for us all to believe the same things, but all people working together to get things done that will further the equipping of the Saints and the working of the ministry. There is a way where all hearts can come together in unity, but that will take the same dealings and judgment of God in all lives for unity is worked in man when they endure God’s dealings and judgments in their lives. It is God’s dealings and judgments that is the common denominator that binds our hearts together in unity. Until then we will be divided out existing on different levels of spiritual growth and development after all a man cannot give what he does not have. Paul said it this way, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) We work together with God in the garden of life. Not the Garden of Eden or another garden of our choosing , but in the garden God has planted us in. You, I, and the LORD yoked together in the yoke of servant hood and commitment to each other and as we work alongside serving each other we become God’s building, we are His special building project. Now it is important to know God has a building program we all must willfully enter into. Just as important to know, God starts building in us by first tearing down. God does not build on another man’s foundation, oh no. All that we are built on that is not of God must be pulled down and ripped out of our lives so that God can build in us His character and nature. The Psalmist said, “unless the LORD build the house he who builds laborers in vain. . . .” (Psalms 127:1) Many Christians today are building on church membership, attendance, and doctrine, but in reality they are building not in God’s building program and on sinking sand. Paul tells us in Ephesians,
“We are God’s workmanship . . . ” (Ephesians 2:10) We are the work of God not the denomination or church we attend every Sunday. We are the church and God is building us into a holy habitation (Ephesians 2:22) through the Spirit for Himself for all eternity. Along with unity (and this is the second divine principle) in Ezekiel 1:9, we can see God is developing a singleness of purposes with no devotion on account of other interest. Ezekiel says the “Living Creatures” “went every one straight forward” they did not go in different directions nor did they go in the direction of their choosing they all went in the direction they were told to go in. Unity of purpose like unity does not mean everyone is doing the same thing to get the job done oh no. In a team of horses pulling for the same reason and purpose one horse may pull harder than another because they are younger and still zealous while another horse a bit older pulls not as hard because they learned how important it is to conserve their strength while knowing just the right time to pull with all of their might, yet the pull is in unity (they all are pulling) for the same purpose.
Next month we will continue looking at the call of the Apostles by continuing to look at the “Living Creatures” and the divine principles of service they project. Can you hear Him now? Written David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
A Castaway
Now I do not consider myself to be a fearful man; after faithfully serving 24 years in the military (in a combat twice – Beirut, Lebanon 83-84 and Port a Prince, Haiti 94), traveled abroad for 13+ years, been shot once, brought life in and took life out of the world there is not much else that can move me to fear. I guess the only thing I am really afraid of is myself. I do not trust myself as far as I can throw me. I do not know about you my friend, but my selfish heart is deceitfully wicked above all things. But, there is not much that really scares me, except the word of God. If we do not have a healthy fear of God and His word we have missed the mark and have failed to know God. We should be extremely terrified of God to the point we will be obedient to Him. Why because no obedience, no fear or respect for God. We have lost the respect and fear of God in the sugar coated love and lollipop message of cheap grace. Well my friend grace is not cheap it cost Jesus His life and if we desire to experience grace it will cost us our life too. Do we not realize God could destroy us with a mere wave of His hand? Pastors, teachers, and evangelists that teach God is only a God of love do not really know God. Their reality of truth has been blinded by the greed and presumption in their heart. It has been my experience if you see a huge church filled with many people the message of the Cross is not being taught there. The Gospel message does not draw big crowds, Jesus found that out when He had 5,000 and then 4,000 come to see Him do some miracles and fill their bellies, but when He went after their heart (the target of the word of God) they had no stomach for the truth just like today.
To understand God the Bible tells us who and what we must know, “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23) There they are, what a bit of revelation! To know God we must understand God’s “lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness.” My friend not just His “lovingkindness,” but His “judgment” and His “righteousness.” Any time we talk about judgment people clam up, we do not like being judged even by God, well we better get use to being judged now because if we wait until later (say when we get to heaven) we will pay a greater, heavier price, and endure a greater loss to be able to enter in to the next things God has for us. And God’s “righteousness” do we really think we can wrap our minds and heart around God’s “righteousness?” Why do we sing songs to God telling Him how righteousness He is? I think God already knows how righteous, holy, and longsuffering He is. It is us who must learn and my friend we will never learn how righteous, holy, and longsuffering God is by singing or dancing. Oh no my friend, this is an acquired knowledge and understanding that comes by way of soul searching and honest reflection as to who we are in God, being pummeled to our knees by life, enduring God’s dealings and judgments, by experiences, trial and error, losing to gain, God filling the solitude in our heart after we have willfully allowed Him to empty us of the world and our self. These are the making places in God we shun for the leeks and melons of the pabulum denominational prosperity and cheap grace messages.
There is a verse in 1 Corinthians that really brings me to my knees and causes me to shiver with fear and trembling, which is a good thing in our lives if we are going to have the respect and honor for God and His word. Paul too had this concern and fear as well as any person who recognizes the inability they have within themselves as compared to the task that God has called them to. In Corinthians Paul writes, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27) The word “castaway” (in the NKJV disqualified) is Strong’s #96, and is translated not standing the test, not approved. Never forget the truth of the word of God is found in the words as the Holy Spirit ordered them in the text and in Spirit. Here Paul is saying after I have run my race and finished my course, after I have preached the word of God to millions, after I have done all of these things God would find me not standing the test, not approved or disqualified. Maybe this article is for all of the pastors, teachers, and evangelists who read my articles I do not know, but I do know I do not want to be a castaway, disqualified when I stand before God. The word “castaway” is further translated, unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate. How could we be a part of the Gospel message, proclaim it with all zealousness, with all our God-given strength and ability, but when we have finished our life and our race is done we are found by God to be, unfit, unproved, spurious, reprobate. I do not know about you my preacher friend, but this gives me great concern. I do not want miss heaven. It all goes back to; it is not what we do for God that counts, but how we do things for God. I wonder what the “test” is in the first translation of the word? Is there a test we will have to pass to be able to enter in? You bet there is. The next two words in the translation tells us the test we must pass to be able to enter in, we must be approved. The “castaway” was not approved, or he never qualified for the position, oh he held a position and many looked to him for guidance and leadership (like many pastors and leaders in the church today), but he was never approved by God. Did you know we must be approved or qualified for positions in God? God is not going to give you His things just because you have asked Him into your life, oh no. Forgiveness for sin yes, free (except for Jesus it cost Him His heavenly and earthly life) for the asking, but there is a process of spiritual growth and development we must willfully enter into to be approved for God’s things. It is no different than going to a bank and trying to get money for a loan. The loan officer says, show me what you have, what credentials, what collateral can you back this loan with? Well, God is no different. God says, “show me how much you love Me through your obedience, how much of your self-life have you willfully allowed Me to kill in you, how much of the world have you allowed Me to empty from your life?” What have you done with the things I have already invested in you?” “What have you learned of me being humble and lowly in heart?” These my friend are the questions and more God will enlarge us with to see if we qualify for the next thing God has for us. This is the process God uses to find if we are fit or a reprobate, one who knows not right from wrong, a scoundrel, a dishonest person, one who knows no honor or integrity. This life-long process while on earth God uses to mold and shape our character and nature into the very character and nature, the very image (icon) of Jesus Christ. I do not know what God will use to add to our spiritual growth and development in our next life, but you can take it to the bank, God will have a process whereby we will continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we (me and my family) were heading over to Germany the pastor of the church we were attending gave us a warm send off and the gift he gave me personally was this verse, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (2 Timothy 4:16) Many times God brought this verse back to my attention. Every time I would read past it the Holy Spirit would prompt my spirit and my heart to the importance of this verse for me and those who I minister to. It is a shame the pastor and I did not stay in touch over the years, he took a broad denominational way and I took the narrow path less traveled. I tried contacting him a few times, but he wanted nothing to do with us, seems he forgot his many words of mentorship to me and this verse. I hope he has not become a castaway.
One of the main ways we can become a castaway is to deliver the word of God in a spirit that is not consistent with the Holy Spirit. There is to be a flow and stream from the Holy Spirit that comes out of the vessel sharing the word of God to the people. This is why the vessel must be of a clean heart and clean hands. In the Old Testament the High Priest had to purify their body and clothing before they could speak for God, if not often they were killed by man or God depending upon what was going on. If the vessel of God shares the word of God out of anger, wrath, or bitter spirit then the people will receive the anger, bitterness, and wrathful spirit in their heart. Or if the vessel of God shares the word of God out from a fore knowledge of some sin or problem in the church then the people will receive the word of God in confusion and strife, because the word will be mixed with the facts of this foreknowledge. When I travel I go out of my way NOT to find out what is going on in the church. This way I can speak out from a clean heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to the church what they need to hear. James gives us the standard to what the vessel of God should be and how he should deliver the word of God. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18) One of the fastest ways to become disqualified or a castaway is to sow the word of God in “partiality” and/or “hypocrisy.” Again when we know what is going on in a church or the “he said she said” we lose the Spirit of God and all that comes with it. Please notice the order: “the wisdom that is from above” (the order of things in the Bible are critical for understanding) “first pure,” “then peaceable,” “gentle and easy to be intreated,” “full of mercy and good fruits.” How could someone sharing the word of God be a castaway when they share the word that is pure (we must have a pure heart and clean hands), peaceable (the peace that passes all understanding that only God gives), gentle and easy to talk with (like Jesus who said He is gentle and lowly of Spirit), and one who is “full of mercy” (not one who gives mercy when needed, but one where mercy flows out of their bellies like a stream of water) and “good fruits” (one whose works are good and noble, one whose works have been accepted by God to plant into the ground to reproduce again and again). I do not know about you my pastor, teacher, evangelist friend, but I do not want to be a castaway or disqualified. I will be honest I have tried to do my very best, not in doing the many things for Him, but to become the vessel I need to become to be able to speak for God. What an awesome responsibility to be able to speak for God. Maybe that is the reason why doing in God instead of becoming is wrong and will end us separated from God forever, the stakes are high. Let us see how low we can go to get over the bar. Written by David Stahl
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Graces and Mercies Along the Way
On our last trip to Bulgaria and Romania I was really cognizant of the various traveling mercies GOD bestowed on us. I wasn’t originally scheduled to go with Dave, but prior arrangements fell through and I had to “man-up” and go. I just knew I was supposed to go with Dave and prepared along with him. A wonderful Christian brother paid for our tickets, (thank you) that was one grace. It was requested that we buy a guitar for one of the young brethren in Bulgaria (money was sent to cover the cost) along with some drum mikes Dave brought for the church.
On our first flight over to make room for the guitar the flight attendants moved THEIR stuff out of a small closet behind the cockpit so we could put the guitar there. On the second flight the overhead bin was big enough to accommodate the guitar, but both times we were allowed to board first before anyone (even first class) save a precious lady in a wheelchair on the second flight. Graces and mercies again. We had ample what I call “butt room” on the flights (all the flights coming and going) we were able to spread out, and get half comfortable. When we got to Bulgaria the usual ferry that we were supposed to take was out, but there was a new ferry that was bigger and faster that our host Pastor Nikki wasn’t even aware of. So we quickly crossed the Danube River in the dead of night in a shroud of fog while God guided all along the way. We were tired that night but we did not experience any jet lag the next few days. There was no transportation foul ups. Ministry was rich for both of us. I was given the opportunity to speak at the first ladies meeting at the Church in Silistra. Thank GOD it went well. In Romania things continued to go well, even as Dave taught in the morning and then in the evenings he was extremely busy often teaching seven hours a day. Before we left to go on our trip I had been looking for a winter scarf to wear and I also looked in a store in Bulgaria, but I didn’t see any I particularly liked. A friend who now works at the mission school up and gave me her scarf the second or third day we were there, it was exactly what I wanted! More graces!!! Dave was to teach at one of the churches on spiritual authority a few days in a row, a particular lady whom I wanted to see showed up for one of the meetings, I was afraid I would miss her, as our schedule was so packed, Praise The Lord, we were able to see each other and catch up a bit, she and her family are such sweet souls. On the last day there I wanted to give my scarf (not the one that was given to me another one) to one of the students, but I didn’t want to go to the last church service in the evening without the head scarf. The ladies cover their heads in the services there. After service we were to leave and stay with a nice family until it was time to go to the bus stop at 00:15, there would be no time to go back to the school. Well wouldn’t you know Dave and I schlepped our bags downstairs and outside waiting on our ride to the last church and who do you think came along for the church service the very girl I wanted to give my scarf to along with a few other students. Almost Everyone (that included us) at the Mission Bible was sick as we passed the flu around to each other, but God took care of us. We were able to spread out on the bus and we were able to sleep on the plane ride back to England and the States. So many graces and mercies, the Lord showed towards us, oh how kind and gracious He was. I’ll admit I’m not much of a traveler, but I did want to see the folks that I knew there and I am so glad I went. If we don’t step out of our comfort zones we hinder the work of God in our lives. If we don’t step out we’re basically saying we don’t trust God to take care of us. Our love for God and obedience to God must be greater than any fear we have stepping out of our comfort zone. Brethren let us not slap God in the face and say or even think no I won’t _______ (you can fill in the blank here) We are HIS workmanship. Paul tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) We are to “walk in them” those tough areas as we get outside our comfort zone and yes the graces and mercies that God has for us. I do not know for sure, but maybe there is a grace and a mercy for each tough situation or circumstance we must face in life. He WILL take care of us. Go and experience God’s graces and mercies they are waiting for you outside your comfort zone along the way. GOD Bless and as my grandfather would always say, “read your Bible.”
SPECIAL NOTE: While we were at the Mission School I helped in the kitchen a couple of days. One of my many chores was to peel by hand potatoes which are a huge part of the Romanian diet. This brought back to my memory the time I worked at the chow hall on Patch Barracks in Germany and all of the potatoes we peeled with a industrial potato peeler. I thought how wonderful it would be (and the great help for the cook) if the Mission Bible School had their own industrial potato peeler. Director Ina said one could be had for around 1,500 Euros or about $2,000. They do not need a big one, but in my heart I would like to raise enough money to send Director Ina so that they can purchase an industrial potato (and other vegetables) peeler of their own. Can you help? If so please let us know. Thank you for indulging me. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov and Emil Nedelchev. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and George Ritisan at the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School and the Faru (Lighthouse) Church.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Marcel at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
9. Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria.
10. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
11. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be TUESDAY 27 January 2015
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
Home: (910) 741-0489
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
January: Local Ministry
February: Local Ministry
March: India
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.
