RIGHT THINKING RIGHTEOUS LIVING

The battleground for righteous living in our lives is our mind. Righteous living, where we just automatically live righteously, is a place God desires all of His children to come to. We do not have to stop and think I must breathe now oh no breathing is automatically built into us, well this is what God wants to see in our lives we just do the right thing automatically every time. For this to happen we will need to have the mind of Christ in us which comes by way of God’s discipline and correction that enables us to walk on the straight and narrow path of righteous thinking which leads to morality, godliness, and holiness. Many Christians say, it is impossible to have the mind of Christ, well my friend this is true if we read the news paper and watch TV more than we read the Bible and spend time with the Lord. Paul encouraged the church at Philippi, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5) while appealing for a spirit of unity and steadfastness, but warning the church against dangerous heresies (like we see today) that were threatening them, probably Judaism and Gnosticism. Jesus too had to endure God’s discipline and correction. First He learned at the hands of Joseph and Mary and then His Heaven Father. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5:8-9) Please notice the Bible says Jesus was “made perfect” through or “by the things which he suffered.” Suffering always teaches us something about obedience and if we gain the lesson God desires to teach us we will gain the mind of Christ in some areas. But, we will never become like Christ (God’s goal in our lives) if we do not have the ability to think like He thought. Believe it or not God desires for us to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. The question is not do we want the mind of Christ, most Christians would say yes, let me have it, but the question is do we desire and will we endure the suffering (God’s dealings and judgments in our lives) to be able to hold the mind of Christ? Not too many takers now. I am afraid that answer is a resounding no especially in the church in America. Sadly, the church in America has allowed the world to influence it, because it has drifted from Biblical doctrine and gone after denominational doctrine, traditions of men, and religious church activities, to such a degree they (the churches) do not recognize how far they have drifted away from God’s highway of holiness. The church now has become a snapshot of the world and the world my friend is ugly.

Who would have thought 20, 30, or 40 years ago in America issues such as murdering babies in their mothers’ womb would be the law of the land? Homosexuality and lesbianism, something God said is an abomination, is becoming an accepted main-stream life-style in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut (almost all of the Northeast), in every big city and where America’s most prestigious Universities and Colleges are located. And why? Because they have kicked God our of their classrooms and now they have wrong thinking and have become a bastion for social progressive liberalism, moral decay, denegation, and frank sin fueled by rebellion to God and His word. Did you know Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and all of the other Ivy League schools started as Bible schools? Who would have thought animals would have more rights than humans? Who would have thought those who could not speak up from themselves; like Terry Schiavo and the aged would be put to death. Murder and crime would parade as the number one newspaper and TV story? American’s fastest growing industry is building new prisons. Obesity and related medical conditions, due to lack of exercise and lack of discipline, is America’s number one cause of death. Why? Is it because God hates America? Oh no my friend it is because America hates God and has walked away from His ways. So God has turned America over to her desires. The Bible calls this being turned over to a “reprobate mind” an area where we commit the unpardonable sin which is nothing more than continuing to turn away from God’s drawing to a point where we no longer feel the gentle wooing of the Holy Spirit and cannot be saved. Paul warns of this very dangerous heart condition and I believe the church in America and America itself is in great danger of: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:21-32) The word “reprobate” here in verse 28 is Strong’s #96 and means not standing the test, not approved, that which does not prove itself such as it ought. Because the people knew the truth and did not choose it, by choosing their own way, they were not approved or they did not qualify for the things of God, so God made them irrelevant not important. God let them have their own way to the point they destroyed themselves. And what of the church of America?

Who would of thought 10 or 20 years ago alternate life-styles such as homosexuality, lesbianism, transgender, polygamy and all the rest of sexual perversions would be accepted in major denominational churches of today. Who would of thought 10 to 20 years ago body tattooing, face piecing, and all of the other body disfigurement art, which is nothing more than rebellion to God and His word whereby man says I do not like what God has made so I will change it, would be condoned and embraced by the major denominational religions of today. Did you know 30% of all women in America (including Christian women) have a tattoo in the small of their back? And the reason is it highlights their thong underwear, another sign of rebellion to God’s commandment for modesty. My friend the nature of sin is a slippery slope, once we start sliding it is almost impossible to stop ourselves. As a matter of fact we cannot it takes us turning to God and He and He alone must grab our heart.

Who would of thought 10 to 20 years ago 18 High School (ages 14-16) students in Gloucester, Massachusetts (a State known for its great liberalism and great perversion) would get pregnant and no one really cares. Where is the moral outrage? At one time in America when a young lady got pregnant she was an embarrassment to her family and community, but now she is celebrated and idolized for others to emulate. The gods of Hollywood, teen magazines and TV programming openly flaunts this life-style as the correct American way to be popular, connected, and accepted. Christian parents in the 90s bought their little daughters Spice Girls songs such as “I Want To Have Your Baby” and now they are. Did you know in America 1 out of 4 (25%) Middle School students (grades 6-8) last year had a sexually transmitted disease, only Europe ranks higher with 2 out of 4 (50%) students. And some in our government want to pattern America after the European model? I pray not, our kids cannot handle it.

Who would of thought 10 to 20 years ago modesty in the house of God would be a concern? Now I am not talking about outward legalism nor am I talking about young babes in the Lord, but I am talking about Christians that have walked with the Lord for some time and ought to know better. I cannot believe what I see in some churches we minister in: short shorts, floppy tank tops without bras, not to mention the tight fitting clothing and short dresses leaving nothing to the imagination that is worn. Putting our best on (when we cover our body) when coming to the house of the Lord is a thing of the past. We have been told the Lord looks at the heart (which He does) so it does not matter what we wear and if someone would notice no one would dare mention it for fear of offending, they may leave the church. We have dumb downed God’s commandments for decency and modesty, to get people to come to church, forgetting God’s standards do not change no mater how many people attend our churches. We never dress poorly when we go to work or to court, why? We would get sacked or kicked out of the court room for contempt. So why then do we think we can dress down when we go to church and stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Again I am not talking about the non-believer or babe in Christ I am talking about the Christians who ought to know better. It is about respect, modesty, and honoring a holy God, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” (1 Timothy 2:9) This is true for men also, “modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;” is the congregational standard God is looking for in His children when they come together to worship God.

Who would of thought 10 to 20 years ago the church of the living God would go whoring after Christian Rock and Roll (some call it contemporary music) that excites and enrages our emotions and feelings leading us far away from our approach to God. If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck and acts like a duck it is not a chicken. My friend if it looks like the world and sounds like the world and acts like the world it is not of God it is of the world. I know I just offended many Youth Pastors, but the truth is the truth. All of this worldly Christian Rock and Roll music is of the devil and is deceiving the youth in churches around the world. Shame on you Youth Pastors for not knowing the truth, repent and turn from your waywardness before it is too late. Remember, what we use to win people to Christ with is what we have won them to. If we win people to Christ with the word of God then we have won them to the word of God. Anything else will lead the people away from the truth. Jesus never had a band, praise and worship team, or even a choir following Him around to work up the crowd. All Jesus had was the truth of the word of God and His Father to depend on. This Christian Rock and Roll music is an ungodly worldly style of music that appeals to the flesh of the lost, again it is about numbers and getting kids to come to church not winning kids to Christ. Tragically, it keeps the youths in church deceived and lost from the truth of the word of God. Remember if the crowd is running after you God is not. James warns us, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

When a person or nation for that matter turns away from God the first thing to change is their thinking. At first blush it is not really noticeable, but as time passes and the longer we walk away from God and His ways the more abstract, bizarre, and perverse our thinking gets. The world praises abstract and bizarre thinking and even calls it artistic for acceptance in society, well my friend God does not. God has a different standard, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3) Sadly I have personally seen this abstract, bizarre, and perverse thinking in my own family. One of my brothers and one of my sisters have walked away from the Lord and now their wrong thinking has perverted their mind to where they do not know right from wrong. The decisions they made are wrong before God and with each wrong decision it compounds and gets worse. If they do not turn back to the Lord (oh how Karen and I would love to see this) they will end up in hell just like all who turn their backs on God and walk away from Him.

My friend unless the church in America and the Country of America turns back to God America will experience, with each forthcoming generation, more and more debauchery (the satisfying of one’s desires and appetites in a bad or wild way), perverse life-styles, and all of those things listed in Romans 1:21-32, which will cause America to walk further and further away from God. My friend it is an ugly cycle to break. Once we start down the road of perdition and walking away from God the harder it is to get back on track and the greater attention-getter God will have to use on us to get us to stop from the direction we are going and repent (about face) so that we can go in the opposite direction, the direction God is going. I believe for America to come back to God it will take not a mighty revival like many Christians think is coming. This way is the religious and easy answer for our wayward heart condition, anyhow the Bible does not support this thinking. My friend I am afraid it will take many heavy dealings and judgments in the lives of many American Christians and in the life of the Country of America. Maybe it will be too late for America I hope and pray not. But for sure there is a great price we all (even the innocent children) pay for disobedience. There is a point where God’s longsuffering love turns into God’s judgment and wrath. God will shake the tree not to see who will fall out, but to see who is really holding on. Either we (I include myself here) will come the easy way, repent and turn to Christ through His marvelous grace, or the hard way. Today and every day we get to choose, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) God wants us to choose life, but we will never be able to choose life if our mind have not been renewed and our thinking is wrong. The life of God comes by way of a renewed mind by the Spirit of God and right thinking by us daily exercising control, discipline, temperance which comes by way of taking off or casting off wrong thinking. Let us put on the mind of Christ so we can cast off darkness and put on the marvelous light and experience righteous living. Written by David Stahl

IF WE ARE REALLY CONCERNED

Well it’s that time of the year again. Public schools are out and now it is time for the onslaught of Vacation Bible School (VBS) signs all over the city. Why do we do this? Growing up Catholic we did not have a once-a-year VBC stress-a-thon. There was no arm twisting and condemnation heaping for not helping on the people. No sir, those Nuns took us to church every Holy Day. We did the Stations of the Cross every Easter. Plus every Sunday our family went to Mass. The Catholic School I went to and my parents were concerned enough to make sure we received the proper religious training – get this year around! Now if we are really concerned about the neighborhood children we would blitz the neighborhood with (now hold onto your hats) Bibles instead of church literature. And on top of that, Lord have mercy, we would put our name and phone number in the Bibles so they could call us to ask questions or arrange a follow up meeting.

Dave and I attended a church recently where they were collecting money to rent (not buy mind you) all of these huge blow-up bouncy hard plastic structures (like buildings and trains) to attract children to come to their Fall Fest. Anyway they collected about $16,000 for this stuff. Here is a crazy suggestion – why not buy Bibles and give them away. We are supposed to be pointing people, the last time I checked that included children, to Jesus not to our church so we can get more members and more money. The dark and even sinister side of such church growth ploys is; if we can get the kids to come maybe later they will bring their parents. But the aim is not to bring people to church, but bring them to Jesus. Mark tells us, “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14) Here Jesus was not having a special service just for the children. I am not sure why we separate out the sexes to have a Bible study or conference. I guess it is just another gimmick to get people to come to church. Instead of having something of substance to give people to get them to come we have to trick them with a promise of having a special meeting to get them to come. We are to bring the little children to Jesus not to a theme that changes every year. If you dump a lot of resources once a year into VBS to reach the children in your neighborhood (like most churches in town does) you probably are not doing a good job the other 51 weeks of the year in bringing the little children to Jesus. Too often we have compromised the Gospel message and the functionality of the church. True Evangelism does not need to be compromised by doing what people like or do not like to get them to come to church. Bringing the little children to Jesus is not singing, dancing, putting on puppet shows, eating hot dogs, and the like, but sharing the wondrous Gospel message, one-on-one, 52 weeks a year. The Gospel message and method of delivering the message must not change to entertain and appease people.

If we are really concerned about souls we would be hearing more hell-fire and brimstone messages and not self-help sermons watering down the Gospel. Churches would have stacks of Bibles at the door, instead of church literature to what their doctrinal belief is, free for the taking. Pastors and Teachers would be given free rein to be led by the Holy Spirit to bring forth the word of God. This too would require Pastors, Teachers, and all of the church leadership to get themselves right before God in such areas as: lust, (after little children, church secretaries and members), anger, bitterness, envy, wrath, etal. We have known some Pastors who were responsible for big churches who had problems with homosexuality (the Bible calls it sodomy) yet covered it with a facade of being righteous and holy while holding VBS every year. We knew another Pastor who condoned, by covering up, rape in his church. Another church we use to attend paid for abortions for some of their young girls out of church money. Who would want to bring their children to these churches for VBS? Before we can bring the little children to Jesus we first better have a face-to-face with Him. If we are really concerned about bringing the little children to Jesus pastoral jealousy would not exist, because the senior Pastor would be more concerned about allowing the Holy Spirit to put His man in the pulpit for whatever reason. When Dave pastored in Germany, he would allow other ministers to come and share in our church. Dave was more concerned about the message than the messenger’s credentials. We all gleaned something from what was said. Remember receiving God’s word has to do more with how we hear than what we hear. Jesus said, “take heed how we hear,” not what we hear. Do we hear with a pure heart condition? Dave would spend much time before the Lord and encouraged many to speak more often, he did not need to feel like he was the Pastor. Dave did his best and God honored it, even today Dave spends much time before the Lord so he would not “miss it.” He has spent countless hours with the Lord to be led of the Holy Spirit in his message preparations and writings – hummmm there is a bizarre thought, being led by the Holy Spirit. Yes, if we are really concerned about bringing the little children to Jesus and all souls for that matter, seems to me like we would be doing some things differently. So buy a Bible, write your name and phone number in it, and give it away. Now the Holy Spirit can do His job. And remember the best is yet to come. Written by Karen Stahl

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

The longer I walk with the Lord the more unsure I am about some things I thought I had settled in my thinking. The things I thought I knew and taught around the world now I am not so sure. What I believe and teach I stand on to be the truth, but as I grow in God He is able to open up to me another wrinkle to the original truth. My teacher Charles Haun once said, “the longer I go with God the less I know” I am beginning to understand what He is saying. Now I am not talking heaven and hell issues, they are settled, but I am talking about the characteristic and nature of truth. When we are a babe in the Lord God can only open up truth to us according to our ability to receive. It is not that God does not want to show us all truth, but we at this time do not have the spiritual ability to understand and hold the truth within us, but when a bit more mature, God can now open up more of the truth to our understanding. There are four principles of truth that will help us here: truth never changes, truth in the word of God is contained in the words (Bible translation matters as much as your teacher) as revealed by the Holy Spirit, truth is progressive, and truth is always from God’s perspective. If we can keep these principles straight in our heart and mind we will go far in understanding Scripture and God Himself. Often there in lies our misgiving of truth that causes a great struggle within our inward parts and outwardly with the world.

In the church today there seems to be a great desire to fight or contend for the things we believe. Now some of this is good we must always stand up for the truth, but this contending often can cause us to miss the mark and get us over in some areas that God does not approve of. In one of the smallest Books of the Bible is found some very profound words. John challenges us today and the church at Rome when he said, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3) Now please understand the church in Rome was going through extreme and harsh persecution and for John to say “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” meant there were some people (like today) who were not contending for the faith. When I hear the word contend I think of a boxer who is highly ranked and in the running for a title fight, they are a contender. But John was not using such an expression. The word “contend” here in the Greek is Strong’s #1864 from root words back from #75, #73, to #71 which means: to lead, to guide and direct, to lead through conduct, to impel (to push forward) forces, and influences of the mind. This is not as much an outward struggle like fighting, protesting, and picketing for Christian rights as some Christian organizations do or being put to death by Nero as the church in Rome was, but a struggle deep within our heart and spirit to hold the line with all diligence and loyal honor to God with simplicity, integrity, righteousness, and holiness. My friend God expects, God’s intention for our lives is for us to hold the line and not to compromise or waffle the truth of the word of God for expedience of a life of ease, monetary gain, or influence and power even at the cost of our physical lives.

As I travel around in ministry I am ashamed and before God embarrassed to see how many churches have waffled on the preaching of the word of God. No longer is it “thus says the Lord,” but all we hear from the pulpits today are self-help sermons from Pastors Teachers, and Evangelists, preachers reciting a Bible story that has a happy ending to make us all feel good, or worse yet using the Scriptures to manipulate people for money or when work in needed to be done to keep the grass cut, walls well painted, or parking lot clean. You know only in a land where money is routinely collected is having a nice church important. Most Christians in the world do not have a building to keep up and if they do it is spartan at best. All of this self-centered preaching and works based religion feeds our flesh and keep it alive. God is not trying to make us happy or help us to have the best church in town, but will do all we will allow Him to do to conform us into the image (icon) of His precious Son Jesus Christ. My friend our flesh is enmity (an evil enemy) with God and He wants to kill our flesh not keep it alive. What we need to hear is what God is saying to His people through a broken and contrite servant, but this my friend requires Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists who are sensitive to the Spirit of God and not afraid to lose their livelihood. Is not truth more important than position and title? What is desperately needed is Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists who are more concerned about preaching the truth than belonging to a denomination or political group. My friend Godly leadership in the church is extremely rare in these days of compromise. If the church once again is going to make a difference in lives throughout the world there must be a change of heart beginning with Pastors and then filter down from there. God’s system of leadership has always been a benevolent dictatorship top down approach. Jesus, the Pastor, the people. Responsibility for success or failure of any church scripturally rests squarely on the shoulders of the Pastor, it is the Pastor God holds accountable. Paul in Romans tell the church in Rome and us today, “Because the carnal mind (our flesh) is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:7-9) God has established His standard of holiness in the Person of Jesus Christ and said, “be ye holy for I am holy” and guess what? God meant it. But as time goes on I think many Christians do not believe God is serious about living right and handling truth correctly. The message of faith that was delivered to me 49 years ago by my Mother is not the same message I see and hear today in most churches. And I believe it is because we have not internalized the message, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to lead, to guide and direct, to lead through conduct, to impel (to push forward) forces and influences of the mind. Now I know some of my religious denominational friends are probably saying there goes Dave Stahl again criticizing the church. When is he going to stop finding fault with the church? Who does he think he is judging? Doesn’t he know we are not suppose to judge? Dave Stahl needs to read, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1) My friend I am not criticizing or finding fault with the church, but am sounding the alarm (take heed take heed) against fire and disorder. Jesus knew the hearts of the people He ministered to. He had total knowledge of everything they did and will ever do. And if you read the entire passage you will understand Jesus was not talking to people who had the Holy Spirit abiding within them as we are to have within us. Jesus was teaching to a huge crowd of non-believers and many disbelieving disciples. Knowing this Jesus told them not to “judge;” Strong’s #2919, to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose because they would be judging out of their own hearts which Jeremiah tells us is deceitfully wicked. If they judge then they will be “judged;” Strong’s #2917, condemnation of wrong, the decision (whether severe or mild) which one passes on the faults of others. Take heed my friend often times we (I insert myself in the we) too make judgments out from a wicked heart with wrong intentions and motives, which ought not to be. Jesus was not saying not to judge, oh no. But who wants to be judged? No one wants to be judged and found guilty, but this is the first step in salvation. Our salvation begins with agreeing we are guilty of breaking the divine spiritual principle of God. Why do we need to confess and repent? Because we have been “judged” by God and found guilty, but thanks to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross our penalty has been paid. Man does not like to be “judged” so we act religious and twist verses like Matthew 7:1 to our advantage thinking we have escaped God’s principles, but no my friend we all (sinner and saint alike) will stand before a holy God and be “judged.” It is better we allow God to deal with our sin and heart condition now than when we get to heaven. Now we have God’s grace, but in heaven for those saved God will deal with us with fire. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed (judged, to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up) by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:13) And those not saved sadly hell is their eternal home. We do not have total knowledge of the hearts of people as Jesus did and must rely on His precious Holy Spirit to enable us to discern between those things that are; ungodly and godly, those things that are unholy and holy, and those things that are unrighteous and righteous. Not doing so just leaves us open and vulnerable to getting over in areas of sin and coming short of the glory of God. All throughout the Bible God has valued the ability in His children to be able to judge a situation or person that is unrighteous and unholy and separate themselves from it before they too get tainted. Judging is a natural process in our lives. Every day of our lives we judge fruits and vegetables, the weather, do we have enough gas in our car to go to work, and on and on, so why not spiritual matters of the heart? This is one reason most Christians are in such a poor spiritual demise they do not have the ability to judge righteous judgment and then separate themselves. Do you know there are some people you cannot hang around with and be a Christian? Do you know there are some places you cannot go and still be a Christian? And do you know there are some things you cannot say and do and still be a Christian? All of these questions require us to judge the situation and people to make certain choices. Judging is critical in our lives. If we want something from the Lord to help us with our daily walk with Him asking for the ability to judge righteous judgment (not right or wrong the Bible tells us that) which will carry us further down the road of spiritual maturity.

Our struggles in life like John told the church at Rome are inward struggles with dedication, consecration, submission, and obedience to God and His holy word. The contending John talks about in an inward work of the heart we must allow God do in our lives so we will be able to hold the line with all righteousness and holiness. I will be the first to admit I am not there, I have a long way to go, but I do so desire this in my life and the lives of my family. I really wish we could go back in years to a more simplistic time when a man’s word was his bond, a time of innocence, and a time of goodness, but I am afraid these days for now are over. Our only hope is being found “in Christ” and allowing God to work His dealings and judgments in our lives so that we too can stand and deliver to the next generation the truth of the word of God that was once delivered to us. Written by David Stahl

THE BUSINESS OF THE GOSPEL

In the Book of Luke we find the powerful story (and a vivid reminder to what we are to be) of Jesus at age 12 in the temple teaching the teachers. By my count Joseph and Mary had missed Jesus for five days. A one day walk from Jerusalem and another day back to Jerusalem, then three days of looking for Him in Jerusalem. Then on the third day in Jerusalem they find Jesus calmly talking with the teachers, “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (Luke 2:47-48) While living in Stuttgart Karen purchased a wonderful very old huge painting we got from a Catholic Rectory in Wurzburg, Germany that captures this scene perfectly. The painting is so good you can imagine (from the faces and bodies on the painting) the teachers in great amazement, their eyes are widened, their hands are stroking their beards, and some have tilted their heads, but the greatest expression of amazement is the satisfied look on all of their faces. But not only were the teachers amazed, but the Bible says in verse 48, “when they (Joseph and Mary) saw him, they were amazed:” I do not know about you, but if I would have lost my child for five days I think I would have been more than amazed. It looks like Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father) and Mary were almost in tears and exhausted when they finally found Him. I am sure their emotions ran the complete gambit of fear, sadness, loss, and all the rest emotions we feel at times like these. I remember one Wednesday night my parents forgot me at church and raced back to find me asleep on the pew where they left me. But instead of saying dad and mom I love and missed you all so much or thanks for loving me enough to come back for me Jesus says, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:49-50) Not only did Joseph and Mary not understand what Jesus was saying, but the teachers, the transcriber of the KJV (from Greek to Latin), and most Christians in the church of today did not understand what Jesus at age 12 was saying. If you look at the Greek version of the Bible you will not find the word, “business” it does not appear in Luke 2:49, the verse ends with the word “Father.” The word “business” was added during translation to complete the thought and to make sense. If you look at any Bible program that uses Strong’s numbering system you will find the word “business” and “Father” is the same Strong’s word #3962. Unfortunately, it was added to finish a thought that Jesus was not making and has blurred our thinking from a very vital principle we must understand and adopt into our every day life. If Jesus was talking about His father’s business Jesus would have been talking with carpenters since Joseph was a carpenter. When we read the Scriptures we must pay very close attention to capital letters and pronouns. These little letters make a big difference between talking about THE God or a god. Also please know some Bible translations do not capitalize, please take heed my friend to what Bible you use. I have always found the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible to be the best for teaching and studying; Strong’s numbering system and other study tools is based on the KJV and the relationship between the Greek and KJV to me seem to be more compatible and complete. Today I carry the New King James Version, not because it is better, but because my Mother gave it to me in 1994. Now please notice the Holy Spirit used the word “Father” not “father,” big “F” which means the Bible is talking about Jesus’ Heavenly Father and not His earthly father. We Americans must learn again as most of the world already knows words do matter and so do letters. We seem to say what we think and if wrong oh well no problem, well my friend the rest of the world does not see things the same way as us Americans. Over the years God has taught me to measure my words with regards to promising to do things for people. God has taught me to take heed when I speak with people in authority. Minding my words during a border crossing could be the difference between passing on in peace or spending some time in jail. Now Jesus was not even talking about being about His “Father’s” business. Oh no, Jesus was talking about something more important and something more critical for us to understand and become. Remember, our wondrous walk with the Lord is not about working and doing, but is about becoming. In verse 49, Jesus said, “ . . . I must be about my Father.” (Luke 2:49 (Greek)) or I must be about becoming something and not about doing or working. Jesus was not talking about working He was talking about becoming like something. So too in our lives we must be about becoming something in God. And what we must be about becoming is the same thing Jesus desired to be about becoming like, His Father. Jesus was saying, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father? Jesus was saying He must be about becoming like His Father. All of His earthly existence this was His one and only desire; to look and act like His Father. Everything Jesus did was to look like His Father. Jesus only said and did the things His Father told Him to say and do. What a perfect expression of the Father (like Jesus) when we too say and do only the things the Father tells us to say and do. Jesus and the Father were so complete in this unity of purpose around 20 years later Jesus gladly proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:6-10) The disciples still did not understand was Jesus was saying just like His parents when Jesus was 12 years old, “And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:50)

Jesus, the Son of Man, did not come to start a business, He came to seek and save (Luke 19:10) that which is lost. Jesus came so that we could have the life of God (John 10:10) not so that we can open Christian Book Stores that sell everything from Bibles to furniture to stickers, costume jewelry, candy bars, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message? Why Christian singers have their own awards program on TV. One is called the Dove Awards and the statue represents the precious Holy Spirit. How could we stoop so low to insult and grieve the Holy Spirit so? Is this the best the church can do with the Holy Spirit? They act and look like the world and suffer from the same drug problems as worldly singers do, maybe they are still of the world? Like the world they have amassed millions of dollars living in big fancy houses just like the Christian TV celebrities. TV religion is a multi-billion dollar a year business. Just watch the TV celebrities on TBN and the rest of the Christian programming around the world selling their DVDs, CDs, Bibles with their names on it, latest self-help book, or their special offer of the month. And if you know the right spin doctor (who knows how to manipulate people, the key) big and even local churches can get involved in a piece of the action. What have we done to the Gospel message? My friend the Gospel is not for sale. Jesus paid dearly for the Gospel message, He paid with His life. With each drop of His blood, His sweat, and His tears Jesus paid for our salvation. And now we are selling the Gospel message as fast as we can print Bibles and make DVDs, CDs, toys, robes, license plates, and anything else that will turn a profit. What have we done to the Gospel message?

The Bibles warns us, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23) Now the word “Buy” in this verse has nothing to do with our concept of merchandizing for a profit, but is Strong’s #7069, to get, acquire, create, or possess. For example: of God originating, creating, redeeming His people or of acquiring knowledge, wisdom. And the word “sell” is Strong’s #4376, to sell for earthly profit or to sell for money. Here in this verse the Bible is telling us NOT to sell truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It is the same concept we see in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) Here “therefore get” is Strong’s #7069, the same word for “Buy” in Proverbs 23:23.

My friend Jesus did not come to feed people and make sure everybody has a full belly and something to drink. As much as we would like to think that because that is all we hear from the pulpits today that is not true. Jesus did not come to address the political and social issues of the day. Jesus never got involved with the hot button issues of the day like slavery, genocide, maltreatment of women, killing babies still in the womb, and the rule of the government over the people. I guess it is true “ . . . there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Jesus did not come to make us all happy, rich, or famous. For the truth to be known the Father is not really as concerned about our happiness as much as we think He is. God’s number one concern in our lives is for us to allow Him to conform us into the image (icon) of His precious and wonderful Son Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come to take us all to heaven some day. The Bible says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) I wonder what all of those Christians who are into heaven are going to do when heaven passes away? Now please do not worry I am planning on going to heaven and I hope I see you there, but I am not into heaven my friend I am into Him, Jesus the word (John 1:1) of life that “shall not pass away.”

My friend we must be (like Jesus even at age 12) about being like our Heavenly Father. We must (like Jesus) be able to become the expressed image of the Father by speaking only those things the Father tells us to say. By doing only the things the Father tells us to do. This is God’s intention and desire for our lives. This was Jesus’ prayer and hope for us, the church the Body of Christ, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” (John 17:21-22) We will never be able to be “one” (unity) with the Father as Jesus was. We will never be able to receive the glory the Father gave Jesus and now Jesus desires to give to us, if the “business” of the Gospel continues to take precedence in our heart and lives. “Buy the truth, and sell it not;” if you desire the life of God. Written by David Stahl

WE HAVE THE POWER

Today in the church we run around the world saying we have the power and we can do all of these great things for God. Well that is not what Jesus said. In the Gospels time and time again Jesus kept saying I have no power and I can do nothing of myself. I wonder why Jesus who was the Son of God, who did have all power in heaven, on earth, and below the earth say, He did not have any power? We run around quoting scriptures like, ”But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) or ”Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20), and so many more often trying to convince ourselves we have the power, but in reality we are powerless. Our words and actions lack the power of God because today we have missed the heart of Jesus’ power source. Paul confidently knew his power sources when he boldly told the church at Thessalonica, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5) Paul knew his words were energized by the Holy Spirit of God Almighty, this is why things happened when he spoke. This is why Paul could receive so much of God’s revelation to write almost two-thirds of the New Testament and why God had to temper him with a thorn in the flesh so that he would not exalt himself. My friend God honors His words and if we endure God’s dealings and judgments (like Paul) in our lives we too can have the revelation Paul had. God did not love Paul any more than He does us. God is not a respecter of persons, but He does honor and highly exalt those who honor Him and delights in giving His children, those who desire Him, His hidden treasures and the secrets things.

Now do not think being powerless is totally a bad thing it is not. Thinking we have the power and not having it is presumption a very dangerous place in God. But, understanding our need for God and seeing we are powerless is really a good thing; if we learn, through experiencing God’s dealings and judgments in our lives, where our power really comes from. Jesus knew He was powerless and now could do all things. Nothing was impossible for Him, because He was powerless. Strange how things happen when we see we can do nothing to change the situations or circumstances in our lives. The Father knew the Son and could trust Him with His power. (Please allow this thought to sink in for a moment) Why do we not move in the power of God? Maybe the Father knows some all to well not to trust them with His power. Remember just because something is written in the Bible does not make it ours. We claim and stand on verses in the Bible, but our hands and lives are empty, why? God does not give us His things just because we ask, oh no. Any earthly loving father does not give his children things just because they ask. They must do the things the father wants the children to do before they receive. If a father just gives to his children unconditionally he does not really love his children because he has not taught them about life and becoming a mature adult. Our salvation is unconditional, but still for us to be able to receive salvation we must do some things. “If we confess (agree what God is staying about us is true) our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9) And “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) For us to be saved we must confess and believe, but confession and believing is not enough, we must repent. Jesus taught, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: (or to flow in the opposite direction) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) If we do not confess our sins and repent of our actions and deeds we cannot be saved. So too with our heavenly Father there is an approval and qualifying process we must endure to be able to receive God’s things. My friend there is a price a cost we will pay to know God’s power. There is nothing free in God, everything we get from God will cost us something and the more we get from God the more it will cost us until finally there is nothing left of us. If we have no power God will have to strengthen us if He wants us to do something for Him. Yes, there is a price a cost we will pay to know God’s power. And there is a cost a different price we will pay to know God’s presence. And my friend if we desire to know God’s person it will cost us everything, but that is God’s goal in our lives, to get us to the place where we desire to decrease so He can increase. This will take the power of God in our lives to happen.

Jesus knew He had no power and could do nothing of Himself. There are three areas I would like to briefly look at that reveals the heart of Jesus in this area. The first area is Jesus never vindicated Himself. The word “vindicate” means; free from blame, guilt, suspicion, to show to be true or right; justify. Jesus was free from blame because He always did the will of the Father. It was not Jesus but the Father doing things through Him. Jesus tells us today, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19) and “I can of mine own self do nothing: (have no power of my own) as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30) It is no wonder Jesus did so many wonderful and mighty things for the Father (as the Father wants us to do) He knew He had no power and had to totally depend on the Father. The second area is Jesus never justified Himself. Even before Pilate He never made excuses for Himself nor did He threaten Pilate’s life, He just kept His mouth shut until it was time to speak words of life and represent His Father. “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28) Did you know when we justify ourselves before people we make them our judge? The Godly place is to keep our mouth in the dust until God tells us to speak and then only say what God wants us to say. Moses (and I also) learned this lesson the hard way. And the third area is Jesus never tried saving Himself. Jesus knew He was to die for the sin of mankind. This was His purpose and the Father’s plan for His earthly life. All of the miracles and the like came out from the goodness of the Father’s heart. Jesus knew He had to lose His life so that He and many (even us) could find real life, the life of God which is so much more than having our sins forgiven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me (into the death of our physical life and more important our selfish self-life); and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:24-26)

The secret of Jesus’ power and success was not He was the Son of God oh no my friend. Please do not think because the Father was well pleased of the Son (Matthew 3:17) He gave to the Son all power and authority. The Bible is very clear why the Father gave the Son all power and authority, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:7-9) Jesus’ secret of His success was His ability to humble himself and become obedient. He “made himself of no reputation,” A man who knows he has no power will never have problems with humbleness. Jesus was never concerned what other people thought and said about Him. Jesus was only concerned what the Father thought and said about Him. We (I include myself here) today need to be more concerned about what the Father thinks and says about us than what our friends think and say about us. We will not be concerned about what others think and say if we can maintain a servant’s heart like Jesus. It was easy for the Father to give Jesus His goods, Jesus always did and said what the Father wanted Him to do and say. Jesus taught the disciples, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” (Matthew 25:14) I wonder where Jesus learned “who called his own servant and delivered unto them his goods.” Jesus was the servant and it was His Father’s goods He received, because Jesus knew two important thoughts in being a servant; a servant carries only his master’s message and a servant acts within His master’s authority. If we desire to be a servant of God we too must keep these two thoughts. Too many Christians today travel the world carrying their own message and acting within their own authority. I have seen it, worse yet I have done it at times. Please believe me when I say I know what I am talking about. We must carry only the simplistic message of the Bible in our hearts and share it with people and must act only in the authority God has given us. Remember, the sign of God’s authority is not miracles, sign, and wonders, but revelation. How much revelation do we possess of God? The answer will define how much of God’s power we possess.

Brethren let us confess our sins and repent of our waywardness. We have no power, unless like Jesus the Father gives it to us, and are dependant on Him, our family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ for all things. This dependence always leads to God projection of devotion. Let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, take on only His message and move only in His authority, for if we do we will have the power. Written by David Stahl.

ADDING TO OUR FAITH

One of the most important understandings we must hold before the Lord, if God is going to be able to use, is how He operates in our lives through the knowledge of faith. Our entire walk with God is done in faith until we allow Him to work sufficiently in our lives to open the eyes of our understanding to be able to see the invisible. Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:17-18) Paul was not telling the Christians in Ephesus to desire wisdom and knowledge, but for us to allow God to “give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” Faith in our lives will not work if we do not have a desire for “the knowledge of him.” It is no wonder many Christians start off in God, but flutter and quickly fade away because they were never instructed to desire to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. They were instructed to know Him as their savior, supplier, and healer, but not as their Lord and ruler of their lives. Unless we possess the knowledge of God we will never be able to move correctly in faith. This is why “faith cometh by hearing a word from God.” (Romans 10:17 (Greek)) Hearing what? Preaching? The Bible on tape CD, or DVD? No none of these my friend will work, but hearing God speak to our spirit gives us all of the faith we will ever need. It really is sad most denominations do not teach the importance of knowing God. Most denominations teach knowing denominational doctrines, rules, and regulation of which membership is the entry door. There are even special classes you must attend to be a “member” of their churches. And annually they have special meetings to discus and vote on their ideas and rules. No election of man’s rules and regulations has ever changed God’s ways. How foolish and sad to think we can dumb down God’s words and ways to classes, rules, and regulations to belong. Recently I was reading an article that stressed the importance of getting back to or re-identifying with what it really means to belong to be a member of a certain denomination. The folly of the author was easily seen every time he mentioned the denomination instead of the Body of Christ. He stated we must get back to what is means to be a _________ (you can plug in your favorite denomination in the blank) because our attendance and membership is dropping off. If you believe this drivel my friend you have missed the truth of the word of God and the heart of Christ. Do we honesty believe heaven will be divided by denominations like the Body of Christ is on earth? It is like we are saying to the world there are many ways to the Father. There is a Pentecostal, a Methodist, a Baptist, a Presbyterian, a Catholic, a Lutheran, and many more ways to get to the Father. Just like the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and many more religions believe. But the Bible (John 14:6) says, Jesus is the only way (not a religion or denomination) to the Father. Jesus is the truth and life no one comes unto the Father except through Him. Jesus came so that we may have life, the life of God. This wrong earthly thinking is nothing more than presumption and at the root of the presumption is evil envy and subtle hatred and wrath.

Our walk with the Lord must be out of a broken and contrite heart in faith not by sight. The writer of the Hebrews tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We cannot please God, no matter how much we do or give Him. Pleasing God is found in believing in Him, now that is a real revelation for many Christians who have been told pleasing God is found in working and going places for Him. How can God reward us if we do not believe in Him? Even God’s “exceeding great precious promises” for us are based solely on us having faith and believing in Him so that we will be able to possess the knowledge of Him. Of all the disciples, Peter seemed (not Thomas) to struggle (often like me) with this whole faith issue. While walking with the Lord he was the first to speak the loudest (often like me), but was the last to admit he was wrong. But after God’s dealings and judgments in Peter’s life he was able to write these words, “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: 4Whereby 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) I wonder where Peter learned these words? Each time he boasted what he would do, but when it was all said and done saw what he really was made of. After Peter allowed God to work in his life he could see the critical need to know God. Our call is unto “glory and virtue” (strength or manhood) through knowing Him, then and only then can we hold those “exceeding great and precious promises” and “be partakers of the divine nature” so that we will be able to, “escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” My friend we will never be able to escape the corruption of this world unless we know the Lord. My friend going to church and entering into membership will not do it, being good will not do it, burning our bodies and suffering will not do, only knowing God through His precious Son Jesus Christ will do it.

But now Peter does not stop there, oh no Peter continues and says, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8) “And besides this,” Besides what? All of the things he has previously said in the scriptures and now sets up the condition “giving all diligence” for the command to “add to your faith.” Wow, we must add something to our faith? Pastor Dave, are you telling me faith is not enough? No I am not saying that. Remember, we have no faith unless we can hear God speak to us, again, “faith cometh by hearing a word from God.” When God speaks to us everything we need to do that which God wants us to do is present (inherent in the structure) in His words to us. All of the provision, all of the ability, all of the wisdom and revelation, everything we will need to do that which God desires in His speaking is in the words. This is why all things are possible to them that believe which is always God’s intention and desire in His speaking. However, all things coming to pass is not up to God (He has already done His part), but is up to us. Like the leper in Mark 1:40-42, will we move in obedience (the sign of really loving God) after we hear His words to do that which God wants? The leper knew Jesus could make him clean, he probably heard and saw many miracles, but he wanted to know if Jesus would make him clean. What I am saying is when we hear God speak to us we must know His heart and add to our faith some things that will enable God’s words (which contains His power, provision, and authority) to come alive in us. I wonder when Peter learned his faith was not enough? Perhaps every time he failed Jesus. I wonder when Peter learned the things in verses 5-8 needed to be added to his faith? Every time he allowed the Father, through His dealings and judgments, to work in his life enabling him to be able to receive God’s “exceeding great and precious promises.” Such things as, “virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). 8For if these things be in you, and abound (grow or multiply), they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Brethren let us allow God to work so that these things can be produced in us, abound, and can be added to our faith. They are not apart of our new nature from our 1 John 1:9 salvation, they must be worked in us. And please notice the condition, “if these things be in us and abound” the reward “they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful (not in these things or faith but) in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is always about knowing God, through His precious Son Jesus Christ, which is the essence and heart of our salvation. Written by David Stahl

LET GO OF THE PAST

Well, here we are looking at another move ahead. This one seems more of an emotional crisis than the others in the past I do not know why. We are a Navy family and use to move every three or so years. Maybe I am getting older and the older we get the more we resist change and let me tell you moving is change. This time we are planning to move into something much smaller. Our kids are grown and seldom do they all come home with their kids at the same time so we have painfully realized we do not need a four bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom, 2,300 square foot home with all the bells and whistles. And we have realized we have some cleaning out to do and its always so hard. I said it before and I will say it again; if I had my druthers we would have a sit-down family meal with all the kids, their spouses, and their kids once a month, but we know that is not what will happen for now. God has bigger fish to fry and in accordance to His will we will just be grateful for the times we see our kids which is usually separate. What special memories we have with our kids growing up. Some of the stabilizing foundations in their lives has been God, family, and us taking them to church. One day Dave asked Daniel, after he left home for the U.S. Air Force, what he misses the most about leaving home. Dave was surprised when he said, “Bible Book.” All of the times we would have family devotion had a great impact on Daniel and the rest of our wonderful kids. Anyway, we surely do not like change and an uncertain future, yet God expects us to “buck-up” and trust Him in both. As we grow in Him He brings more and more restrictions and limitations into our lives to make us more conformable into the image of His precious Son Jesus. Our family is grown and gone, our circle of friends gets ever smaller and the years go by while we are restricted from doing what we what to do and where we want to go. The longer we go with God the narrower and narrower the way gets. Our way is not broad, but narrow and our obedience to Him in through the straight gate. Jesus taught us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) This “strait gate” this narrow way is an ever narrowing of things of this world in our lives until He can pull us away to a quiet place with Him. The longer we go with God the narrower and tougher things get. Approving and qualifying for the things of God takes center stage in our lives. This is the natural progression for the Saint who desires the things of God. Not so with those in the world who do not desire to know God and His ways. It is easy to see which way you are on; the broad way is crowded with people running to and fro for things and fame, even Christians running to do good works, but if we are running after the world we shall not be after Him. But the narrow way, although narrow, is easy walking, no real competition for space on the way. Remember the way that “leadeth unto life (not heaven) “few be that find it.” If we allow God He will take us to the place where we will be content living in a one bedroom apartment or trailer. As our kids grow older and are following God on their own some have moved further away so they too will learn to lean on God and their spouses as we have done. Now it is their time to get big houses and enlarge their families (their time is coming to get smaller) while it is our time to die daily to our wants and desires to see and be with them ever the more. I have really enjoyed the big ole houses, quite frankly God has really spoiled us. Our next house will be a little smaller and will meet our need, but at the same time screams, “the kids are not coming home so grow up and throw out some of that old junk.” Yes Lord. Growing up stinks, but how much it adds to our Christians character and witness (now and in heaven) as we follow God in the way He has chosen for each of us to go. Remember the best is yet to come. Written by Karen Stahl.