LAYING OUR LIFE DOWN

One of the greatest needs in our lives to be able to understand the words of Jesus is for us to allow God to bring the Gospel message down to our heart and lives. Now this my friend is not an easy thing to do. We in ourselves are full of ourselves and think of ourselves much better than what we really are. Paul encourages us, “For 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 12:3) yet we do. The world’s system of life has a steady campaign of self-exalting and self-flattering to keep our self puffed up and strong. Sadly many denominational churches have copied the world in this area, trying to look like the world hoping those in world will come to church, well this never works. What really happens is the church becomes like the world enjoying all of its sensual emotional pleasures and ends up falling away from God. I have seen this over the course of my life in churches and know it will only get worse unless we wake up and turn back to a conservative, Bible based, worshipping God in both Spirit and truth approach to God. And for us to be able to do this we must first see the need and then be willing to lay our life down for something and someone much bigger than ourselves. Now this is God’s intention for our lives, make no mistake. We see this all throughout the Bible and we see this approach in the life of Jesus. The height of Christ’s ministry was fulfilled not when He fed crowds of 5,000 and 4,000 people or when He healed the sick and lame, but when He willfully laid down His life for us. So too this must be the height of our ministry and life. To work this spiritual principle into our lives God uses some strange math principles. The first is we gain in God by what we can lose. God’s arithmetic is not the same as man’s. God adds to us while subtracting. The more we can allow God to subtract our selfishness, self-seeking, love for our self-life (oh me!) the more God can add to us His goods. At the same measure we allow God to subtract things from us at that same measure (no more no less) God is able to add to us. You see His subtracting in us makes room in our heart to receive from Him. There is only so much room in our heart and either it is filled with the things of the world and our self or the things of Christ. I was talking to a friend just the other day who said, “Jesus died for our selfishness” well this is true, only if we come along side God in His yoke and allow Him to work in our lives changing us into the image (icon) of His precious Son Jesus Christ, God’s goal in our lives. The Bibles says Jesus died for our sin, per say selfishness is not a sin it is like our bad attitudes, wrong motives, and intentions which are a part of our fleshly carnal nature, the nature that is in enmity with God. Paul tells us, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind 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.” (Romans 8:5-7) I find it amazing to know some Christians think they can serve God in the flesh (as babes) never growing up in God and hope they make it to heaven. Well, my friend God is the judge (not you or I) on who makes it to heaven, but please know our “entering in” will be based on our heart condition, how and why we did things for Him. I would think God would not reward such a prize as heaven to those who, “are in the flesh cannot please God.” We must allow God to empty us, we must allow the Spirit of God to show us how to mortify the deeds of the flesh, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:13-14) Only then can we be, “led by the Spirit of God.” The word “mortify” here describes a Roman punishment where one was chained to a dead body and ultimately the dead body killed the prisoner from disease and decay. We must be willing to hear the words of Jesus like the disciples, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8:34-35) We must do all these things so that we will be able to please Him.

Apparently my friend expects God to get His magic wand out, bonk us on the head, and remove our selfishness without any effort or consequences on our part. Jesus died to restore us back (John 1:29) to fellowship with God, He did not die for our carnal fleshly nature, this is why my friend we must allow God to deal within our heart and lives, but if we do not well I shutter to think what will happen. If not careful ones salvation can be lost, the Bible is full of such examples. Now my friend is holding on to the first precepts of truth in regards to salvation (which we must do in faith) while ignoring the requirement to grow up in the Lord and become mature men and women who can handle the responsibility and authority God grants to only His children who have allowed Him to develop them. In everything God creates growth is a part of the creation process and we are no different. God expects us to grow and come to levels of spiritual maturity and perfection or selflessness as when Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect (selfless), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (selfless).” (Matthew 5:48) And guess what Jesus meant it. Our salvation experience alone will get us into heaven (and for some that is all they want) but to be used like Jesus, Paul, Peter, and others there is price and cost we must pay. God does not give His power and authority to just anyone. And the price we must pay is for us to allow God to deal and judge in our lives putting our flesh and our carnal nature to death (subtracting) while He strengthens (adds to) us with glory and might in the inward man.

As I said, God uses arithmetic to teach us things, like 1+ 0 = 1. Now do not think we are the 1 we are the 0. If we can see our selves as a 0 then we will be able to go far in God. When we can see of ourselves we have no worth apart from God, no ability apart from God, no hope apart from God then we are in a place mentally and spiritually where God can teach us something. One of the greatest hindrances to our spiritual growth and development is an unteachable spirit. I hear it and I see it all over the world. When I confront someone who thinks they know it all and cannot be taught I set them aside in my mind and thinking to watch. No one owns the truth, but God alone. Truth is always from God’s perspective and always progressive. When one person’s light is a little brighter than another because they have a deeper revelation of a certain truth the lesser brother will attack, vilify, and demonize them in hopes to marginalize them from a circle of friends. I see it all the time; I feel it from acquaintances, friends, and family. To get over such attacks without getting offended we must ignore their words and accusations while knowing we are standing for the truth of God’s word. You know what we know to be true in most cases is true, but there are different degrees and levels of truth. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) what we once held as the truth (which is still the truth) and if we allow God to work in us He will open and expand another dimension, a new wrinkle, a new bit of revelation to our understanding this is how we grow in understanding. For this to happen we must allow God to create a place in us, out from the loss we experience from laying our life down, to house these new bits of revelation. Only when we experience loss in our inward man will we be able to hold these new treasures.

When I think of this process of us laying down our life my mind always goes to my wife Karen. After I retired in 2000, either Karen or I had to get a Federal job so that Connie and Joshua could continue at the American High School on base and so we could continue to shop at the Post Exchange, Commissary, receive our US mail, and all of the other basic military benefits we enjoyed. Since I was traveling in ministry, pastoring a church, and already working two part-time jobs Karen for the first time in 20 years got a job outside the home. One day she was an Officer’s wife and all the prestige that comes with it, the next day she took a very glamorous and highly sought after job working in a dining facility (chow hall) scraping food off of plates, scrubbing (and I mean scrubbing) mountains of pots and pans, floors, and all of the dirty work that comes with working in a chow hall. But God used her there to touch lives. She was known as that kind lady who always said, “have a nice day.” God used Karen to touch the lives of the other co-workers, people who time and life has forgot and passed them by. But most of all Karen laid down her life for her family with each pan she scrubbed, with each plate she cleaned off, with each swing of the mop and swish of the broom, Karen laid down her life so that her family could have the life they were accustomed to. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13) With her tired muscles, sore back and feet, with each bout of exhaustion Karen was loving her family, Karen was literally laying her physical life down while God was lifting and exalting her spiritual life up. You know God has ways of exalting His children, if we endure the qualifying process. No greater love than this Jesus said. How could I not honor her? How could I not love her.

We are known by our fruits not by our works. It is funny how we today in the church work so hard while God wants to work on us. Paul told us, “For we are his workmanship (beaustella in German), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) We must become God’s workmanship so we can manifest the fruit of the Spirit. The only way we can become the work of God is by allowing God to open up our heart and reveal what is really there so we can see our need to become like Him. Many in the Church today do not see their need for God thus they have no power, revelation, or authority. God’s best (glorification) comes to us after we have allowed God to work in us. When Jesus was walking into Jerusalem for the last time, He told the disciples, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, 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.” (John 12:23-25) The more we can fall into the ground and die the more fruitful we can become. The more we can lose our life, the more we can lay down our lives the more we will be able to keep our life eternal. Written by David Stahl

CALLED BY GOD

Lately I have received many emails and a few phone calls asking my advice about certain positions in ministry or even about whether or not they should go to Bible School. The advice I give most often (unless I feeling the Lord saying otherwise) is just be led of Holy Spirit, He will not steer you wrong. God never leads us in a way that will end us in failure, but God always leads us in a way where, if we respond correctly in obedience, He can bring us into victory the place of God’s purpose and meaning. Almost every time I go to Africa a young man will come to me and ask should I go to Bible School and I answer; why do you go to Bible School? I tell them there are millions of wrong answers, but only one answer and after five to ten minutes of saying wrong answer, (you know we are full of wrong answers) I tell them, because God said to. Unless God says to go to Bible School you are wasting your time and resources, especially the resource of time. Now please understand me here I am not saying not to go to Bible School, but I am saying be led by the Spirit of God and if He says go then go and be the very best Bible School student the school has ever seen. I have had the great pleasure and honor of teaching at the Bible Schools in Romania; in Suceava Headmaster, Marcel Lelcum and Headmaster Ciprian Bozdog in Constanta, also in Africa, and Asia, too many to name. I have realized the importance of getting the truths of God’s word in students, because then the word will have time to be mixed with God’s dealings and judgments in their lives, now that is a foundation God can use to build His character and nature in them. It is important to know when God calls us to ministry my friend we do not have to wait for the vote of any man or go to the right Bible School. No degree conferred or appointment carries the most important sign of Godly ministry, the revelation of God’s spiritual authority. The real qualities of ministry are to be found in those who are willing to suffer for the sake of objectives great enough to demand their wholehearted obedience. Spiritual leaders are not made by election or appointment, by men or any combination of men, nor by conferences. Only God can make them. Simply holding a position of importance does not constitute one a spiritual leader, nor do taking courses in leadership or resolving to become a pastor or teacher. The only method is that of qualifying. Religious position can be conferred by bishops and boards, but not spiritual authority; which is the prime essential of Godly ministry and leadership. That comes, often unsought, to those who in earlier life have proved themselves worthy of it by spirituality, discipline, ability, and diligence, workers who have heeded His call. Spiritual ministry is a thing of the Spirit and is conferred by God alone. When His searching eye alights on a servant who has qualified, He anoints him with his Spirit and separates them to their distinctive ministry. Ezra shares the standard for all who desire to be a spiritual minister and leader, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) The standard is to have a perfect heart toward God or to have a heart like God’s, a perfect heart. Now the word “perfect” here does not mean flawless or mature, but selfless. To be a spiritual minister and leader we must have a selfless heart like God’s. As matter of fact, the greatest Apostle and teacher, Paul was in a type of what we call a Bible School and God called Him out. Paul said of himself, “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” (Acts 22:3) Gamaliel was the High Priest and a famous Jewish teacher that Paul served and was “brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel” or was Paul’s Bible School teacher. Paul was a great student, keeping the law, many Bible scholars believe Paul was being groomed to be the next High Priest, but God had other plans for Paul. God called Paul out of his Bible School and alone commissioned, ordained, and sent him the Apostle to the Gentiles. Paul did not need to have a degree or have someone mentor him, He was led by the Holy Spirit to a place where God took his physical sight so He could give Paul his spiritual sight. We all know the wonderful story in Act 9:1-9 how Paul was called into the ministry and if Paul was called without going to Bible School or a seminary then God can call others the same way.

It is important not to get ahead of God. God has His man whom He wants and we must not get ahead of what God wants. I believe this was the case when Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. From the beginning the 11 Apostles looked for one who had the history and ability to serve. Just like today in most churches we look for the educated and skilled to serve, one who has all the credentials the complete package, but take heed my friend they may not be the one God wants. In Acts we read, “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Act 1:22-26) Now they did pray, but then they cast lots or voted. Does not that sound like most churches today, let’s vote in God’s man or worse let’s vote out God’s man. God’s will is never determined by man voting, but is determined by knowing the will of God in every given situation. Sadly most churches do business by voting, rules, charters, and by-laws no my friend church business is to be done by being able to hear from God and by knowing what He wants to have done. God does not select a man by the vote of men, but chooses a man for His purposes and His plan by His Spirit. My friend when God’s man arrives on the scene you will know, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that this person is sent from God to do God’s will and purpose. I really believe God chose Paul to be the 12th Apostle, but Peter and the others got ahead of God and chose Matthias. This is why Paul time and time again had to confirm to the people He was an Apostle called by God. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,” (Romans 1:1), “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” (1 Corinthians 1:1), and “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)” (Galatians 1:1) Also this thought can be found in Paul’s letters in Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:1, and Titus 1:1. I wonder if Paul was trying to tell us something? I know so because I did not go to a Bible School, but have been called, ordained, and sent by God to do His will and purpose within the earth. Even Peter got in the act, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” (Peter 1:1-2) Maybe Peter heard of Paul’s writings, but there arose an uneasy rivalry between Paul and Peter and at times it became quiet testy. “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Galatians 2:11), but finally they resolved their differences, “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” (2 Peter 3:15-17) You know when we get ahead of God we can hamper God’s work in our lives and corporately within the local body we serve. But, Peter finally got it; Paul was called by God like he was called by Jesus to do the will of the Father, as we too are called by God to do the will of the Father in all the earth. You know it is not wrong for two people to disagree, but it is wrong and ungodly for two people (especially Christians) to maintain an unteachable spirit and anger for the other person. We will disagree that is a given, but what is important is to be able to try and see the other’s position as Peter did with Paul and be ready to allow reconciliation to grow forth in the relationship, but we must never compromise the truth of the word of God for unity of purpose even in the church. Never look for an apology that way you will never get offended if one never comes, let God worry about the apology you worry about following God.

When I consider the importance of being called by God, the critical need to be able to hear His voice, and our obedience to it I am always reminded of my teacher Charles Haun. Charles was invited to go and minister in North Ireland during the war. Well, Charles prayed asking God for His agreement and leading whether or not to go, nothing. So Charles waited and prayed, while invitations and money from other churches and groups came poring in, still nothing. You know sometimes praying is not enough, after prayer we must be led by the Holy Spirit. Without a word from God Charles made plans to go, thinking God would confirm his trip, but still no word. Charles went and spent two weeks of mighty services in the midst of death and destruction many were saved, healed, and filled with the Holy Spirit yet all along the way not a single word of agreement from God, but as the plane touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport the Holy Spirit said, “Thank you.” Charles knew he was called of God to go and teach the word of God and if he goes people will be saved, healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. No man needs to tell us to go, only ask if we have the heart to go and help them. No man needs a special degree or some special training just go if God says go then He will provide all we will need to fulfill the going, for in our obedience of going God will supply all that is needed and out from the call of God we are changed more and more into the image of the one who called us, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: “ (2 Peter 1:3) Written by David Stahl

DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP

Dear friends I would like to just encourage you all with your endurance and steadfastness. I am reminded of the famous words of the courageous and intrepid sailor who said, “don’t give up the ship.” No I am not talking about CAPT James Lawrence, during the War of 1812, of the USS Chesapeake after he was mortally wounded, but of MM1 Andrew Kreiss of Dunellen, New Jersey, Karen’s wonderful father. Time and time again Karen would say, “my father always says, “don’t give up the ship” and that is great advice for us today. It seems many in the Lord today are just giving up. I cannot believe the number of people I know who are just walking away from God, well now my friend is not the time to give up, we must continue no matter the problems we face have they be perceived or real. I am not sure if it is because of unfulfillment or the many things we daily must suffer for God’s kingdom (“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17) to be established in our hearts. Or maybe they are just tired of walking with the Lord, maybe the novelty has worn off. You know we perceive so many things that are not true and we worry and worry over things that are not reality in our lives. I can remember almost convincing myself I had HIV from getting blood drawn in India. Worry has torment for us and others around us. All of this in reality is a lack of faith in God and to His words in our lives on our part. It is not time to give up the ship, oh no my friend it is our time to be the men and women of God that the people in this lost and dying world needs. It is our time to stand for the truth, no matter the cost, of the Gospel message and become the manifestation of the living God among the people of the earth. Time is strange in our lives; time always adds a different perspective to our understanding of things, especially of truth. Now knowing truth is eternal (same yesterday, today, and forever), progressive, and always from God’s perspective in our lives, in time truth changes our understanding. In times past I thought I would go to heaven by way of the grave, but now I am convinced I will see the second coming of Jesus Christ. Through time (as I get older) and with a better understanding of God and His ways I now can make a better judgment of things in the Bible. Now please let me stop here and ask you not to get involved with all of the guessing and selling of what many Christians call end-time Bible prophesy, but just live your life second by second according to the revelation you have allowed God to give you and for the glory of God, not looking for a date, time, or even a cause to throw your life whole heartily into but, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand (a place of honor and authority) of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) Did you know the revelation we have of God depends on us? The more dedication, sacrifice, and separation from this world on our part the deeper the revelation we will have of God. He wants to give us all of Him, but we (oh Lord me too) often draw back when we see the price we must pay to know more and be used of Him. I wonder what the “great cloud of witnesses” are witnesses of? I am sure of what they have experienced and sacrificed for the Gospel message, but what about now? I think those that have gone on before us may be watching us to see what we will do with the baton they passed on and the sacrifice they have made. They are up in heaven saying please do not give up, please keep the faith. Just keep, ”Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Please notice to be able to, “set down at the right hand of the throne of God” we must be able to endure and be steadfast in bearing the cross and shame. They are the requirement to be seated with God. Samuel Logan Brengle, a truly great spiritual leader of the Salvation Army outlined the road to spiritual authority in these challenging words: "It is not won by promotion but by many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart searching and humbling before God; by self surrender, a courageous and uncomplaining embracing of the cross, and by an eternal, unfaltering looking unto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but rather, like Paul, by counting those things that are gain to us as loss for Christ. That is a great price. but it must it must be unflinchingly paid by him who would be not merely a nominal but a real spiritual leader of men, a leader whose power is recognized and felt in heaven, on earth and in hell. My friend, the highest positions are reserved for those who have qualified in secret. It is that element of sovereignty that begets awe and a great humility in those to whom leadership is entrusted. The Church is painfully in need of leaders. I wait to hear a voice and no voice comes. I love the back seat in conferences. I would always rather listen than speak, but there is no clarion voice to listen to.”

Now the Bible is full of people who have given up the ship and walked away from God and the ministry God has asked them to do. One who comes to mind readily is Judas, “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:14-16) Someone most people do not think about is the Rich Young Ruler, how great is that? Rich, Young, and a Ruler, things we all seem to strive for today to be rich – much money and wealth, young – how much money do we spend on trying to retain our youthful looks, and a Ruler – no one wants to be a servant everyone today seems to want be waited on hand and foot. We see in Mark, “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:21-22) Many Christian scholars say the Rich Young Ruler was being groomed by Jesus to replace Judas, but in the end, he gave up the ship because he could not totally sell out to God. Or how about, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1Timothy 1:19-20) and “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” (2 Timothy 4:9-10) Later in Timothy we read, “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:13-18) What a wonderful statement, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.” Now when the Bible says “all” it means “all” not some (oh I know we read “all,” but we really think some), but “all” means “all.” “All men forsook” Paul, but God will never forsake us if we do not give up the ship and forsake Him. I wonder how we would feel knowing our names were listed (like Alexander, Demas, Hymenaeus, and others) in the Bible for all eternity and all to hear as one who gave up, who turned backed, who gave in, who walked no more with the Lord, or who forsook all. Oh Lord may this never be said of me and the ones I hold dear in my life. Did you know God is to us what we are to Him? Never expect God to be gracious and bless us beyond measure, if we have measured out our love for and to Him. But if we love Him beyond measure and endure His dealings and judgments in our lives God will then in turn because of our faithfulness to Him bless us. Now this is not a salvation issue, God loved us first (Romans 5:8) while we were still enemies of Him, but I am talking about after our sins are forgiven when we are to be growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The complete statement of CAPT James Lawrence on that fateful day was, “tell the men to fire faster and tell them don’t give up the ship.” My friend that is what the Lord is saying to us today, stay on the firing line and do not give up the ship. Endure life’s sufferings, carry on, go forth in my power and strength, allow me to strengthen you in the inward parts so that you will be able to withstand until the end. Peter ends his first Epistle with these words, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10) All of the words, “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” speaks of our need for steadfastness to be built into our character, if not then these characteristics will never be a part of our lives. How can they? They have not been worked into our lives through suffering. Many say, why does a loving God allow suffering in our lives, well suffering builds in us a softness and understanding for mercy and forgiveness. Those who have suffered are not quick to speak or act, but reserve their thoughts, words, and judgment on the important things of life, on the weightier matters (Matthew 23:23) of life; the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: My friend let us not give up the ship even though it seems as if she will flounder or the enemy will board her and take her, let us keep the faith (by staying on the firing line) and enduring until the ends. James too encourages us with his words when he said, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:10-11) When is “the end of the Lord?” Fear not, walk with the Lord long enough and with the right heart condition and the Lord will answer this question for you. And in the words of MM1 Andy Kreiss, “don’t give up the ship.” Written by David Stahl

OUR STUMBLING BLOCKS

While driving back from Framingham, MA God gave me this article. There is a critical need in our family (between me and my brothers and sisters) for reconciliation. I have seen it and felt it for years, which each lie they perpetrate against us and with each upset this gulf and division widens. It seems every time we all come together Karen, our kids, and I are pitted against the rest of the family. At first I did not understand, but as my brothers and sisters started falling away from the Lord I began to see what was going on in our family. Our mother was the spiritual glue that held our family together, but as time and age began to weigh heavy in her life and as her mind began to slip so did the importance of a Godly life-style and the things of God. I finally realized this one night after we all (minus our brother John) went out to a bar to karaoke. I was told John was there last week and really enjoyed himself so I agreed to go and take Karen, Connie, and Joshua. When we got there the place was packed and we sat down and ordered drinks. Karen and I got water, but everyone else got either a beer or a mixed drink. A young man took the stage (with a beer in hand) and tried to sing a song, but he was so drunk he could not remember the words. He ends his show by exposing himself. I could not believe it. The manager quickly came over and apologized for his lewd behavior and told us we all would get free drinks. Right then the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “what are you doing sitting here with your family? Just last week you were sharing the Gospel message to 100s of 1000s of people in India and now you are sitting in bar.” I had nothing to say, but I am sorry. I collected up my family and as we were heading to the door my brother and sisters started ridiculing Karen and I. No problem, we value the presence of God more than a few drinks and lewd behavior. Another nail was added to the coffin of separation.

We must stand for righteousness and for what is right in the eyes of God and His words, and most of all we must never compromise, even when dealing with family unity, the truth of the word of God. Righteousness does not bend to unrighteousness; it is not our place to make peace with my family. God knows our heart, God knows we love our family, but God also knows we love Him more than our family. We have been advised by a family member to come back to the family, quote “some day we will have to come back to the family,” well it is not we who have left the family the truth is our family has left God. The truth is when our family comes back to God and makes peace with Him then and only then can we have fellowship with them. Until then we must come out from among them. Paul knew this truth and lived it every day of his life when he said. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Paul was taking about his family too. If we want to be received by God we must meet the condition of coming out from among them who do not follow God and His ways, this too means our family. Yes, there must if need be a physical separation from our family for us to be able to come into the things of God. We then continue to pray for them, but give them over to the mercy and grace of God. Our family does not want to talk with us and why, because our lives and what we believe is a stumbling block for them. It is important to know us being a stumbling block before our family is not our intention, but because of our love for God, His words, and His ways we automatically become a rock of offense to those who do not love God, His words, and His ways. Peter shares this painful truth with us, “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Peter 2:6-8) Karen and I know we are not righteous and holy, but we desire to be (that is the difference) we try to be the very best to our ability (and according to the revelation we have received) to what God and His word has commanded us to do. We know we have a long way to go, but it is important to us to know we are on His road and walking the narrow way God as told those who desire eternal life to go.

Please do not make the mistake to confuse forgiveness with reconciliation. Many people are looking for apologies (forgiveness), but if the people who they have offended or those who have been offended do not have the ability to apologize then they cannot give it. A man cannot give what they do not have. We are not looking for an apology for the heinous things done and spoken against our family, we desire reconciliation between them and God. Did you know, one can forgive another’s transgressions against them but does not need to pal around or even associate with them. In Psalms we read, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2) Why is the man blessed? Because he “standeth not in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” He gets out of the way of the sinner and scornful and let them have their way. They then are able to, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrew 12:14). Now it means what it says. Jesus said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). We need to learn when to speak and when to shut our mouths, and when to separate our selves from those who do not see things God’s way. Peace happens when few words are passed between people. Jesus also told us, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34) Make no mistake my friend if you desire to serve God He will see to it that you are cut out of the world and your family. He will stick His sword (His words) into your life and every relationship to cut your heart out of the love for this world and those who love this world. At the end of the day in all of our lives we must allow God to work in us so that we can get over the stumbling block in our lives, so that we all can come into the eternal life God has for us, but like all things in God this too is our choice.

One of the joys of our trip to Framingham, MA when we took Connie up to be with Jeff during his two weeks on R&R from Iraq and to be with Martin and Dinah (Jeff’s wonderful parents) was when we went to Beth Israel Temple (where Dinah attends services) and met Mr. Morris Hollender. Now Mr. Hollinder (83 years young) and a survivor of Auschwitz was standing behind the Bema reading the Torah when we arrived. During the service when he came by to shake our hands and especially after the service during the Kiddush we just hit it off. I really enjoyed talking with him. You could see he is a man that had much to say, but knew when and how to say it. Many people think just because they are educated or know much they need to let everybody know how much they know and just how important their opinion or position is, but not so with people with wisdom. People with wisdom can hold their tongue, thoughts, and experiences and share them with impact and meaning at the right time. There were two things that Mr. Hollender said that really rattled my spirit. The first was when he said he does not know why God saved his life in the concentration camp because his parents (and I think other family members perished) were better people than he. I asked him if he had any hatred for those at Auschwitz, those who killed his family and forced him into slave labor and he said no, “honestly before God I have no hatred in my heart.” I thought what a place, to endure a concentration camp and loss of family members, yet in his heart able to stand before God and man to profess he had no anger for those who abused him and put his family to death. And you know what I believed him. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. You could see it in his daily desires to serve God and in the way God has for him to go. Men such as Mr. Hollender are rare and precious in God, they have experienced great loss and now God can give him of the riches of God’s glory, the loss he has experienced has made room in his heart to receive from God. Mr. Hollender does not need forgiveness he has already found that in God, but his need is to share the reconciliation story that he has experienced in his heart and life. Reconciliation comes to us as we agree with what God is saying about us is true; “we all have sinned an short of the glory of God” and as we embrace a holy God first, then and only then can we deal with our need for forgiveness with God first, then with each others. Restoration is not the issue, only God can restore, the issue is our need for reconciliation. Forgiveness with others can only happen after reconciliation is found between God and man, this is a spiritual principle and if violated then there can be no “true” relationship between God and man or man with man. This is the point Paul was talking about in 2 Corinthians when he said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) Paul was telling us of our great need to be reconciled back to God though Christ Jesus. This is our (Karen and I) ministry to tell people (our family) about their need to be reconciled back to God, even if that means we become a stumbling block. Until then Karen, our kids, and I wait. Written by David Stahl