SPIRITUAL INITIATIVE

Not all initiatives are inspired, but all Godly initiatives are inspired and they give life. Many of our initiatives sound right, look right, but in God are not effective because they are not inspired by God. No matter the idea, plan, goal, objective, or initiative if not inspired by God degrees of failure can only be the end result. The old Yiddish proverb, "man plans and God laughs" is so true as it relates to initiatives for God. Over the years of my travels I have made plans and initiatives in many places of the world (and to be honest) some were inspired by God (the ones that brought the life of God to the people) and some not so much inspired of God (that were not bad or evil and did bring goodness and knowledge), but for ministry to be of God it must be inspired by God (His idea) and it must be spiritual. If we function in the spiritual initiative then we will see spiritual results. Sadly over the years spiritual results have not seemed to be important in the church or as a sign of the LORD in the world. It is far easier to fake a miracle then to allow God to do the work in us for a miracle to come forth from our ministry. One of the first times I went to Nigeria I was hosted by a pastor of about 40,000 members and before our first service he asked me if I wanted him to stage some miracles so the next night we would have some really big crowds. After all if they can get some photos of a white man of God from the United States opening blind eyes, lifting up Africans out of wheelchairs, folks coming off of a sick beds, well the news would spread like wild fire and the next night we would have massive crowds: more people means more money, bigger crowds means more influence in town, a bigger name among the folks, and so on, but it all means nothing with God. I told the pastor no thank you if God is not planning to do a miracle tonight then I do not want to change what God wants in the service. The pastor was unhappy, but that was okay with me. Sadly the church around the world has settled for parlor tricks, slight of hand, and manipulation instead of seeing real moves of God and even real miracles because they have not allowed God to work in their lives to any degree where God could trust the pastor not to seek the glory and benefit for the supernatural work God did in someone's life. They have not allowed God to deal and judge in their lives where He could strip them of their ambition and spiritual arrogance, dressed to the nines, strutting on stage like a peacock, professing of their power, education, ability, and influence. I have seen this, I have been this, so I know this. As I said some of my initiatives (although good and well intentioned) were not inspired by God. I would even say God blessed them and was involved to a degree, but not at the same measure if they were His idea. You know it is the humble and contrite minister God stands to His feet for. God's superstars names are not written in lights or on the credits of Christian TV programs or movies, but on the hearts of people who have allowed God to work in their lives to receive His life and then in turn they can minister His life to others. Now the remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life comes after we do our part. God does not give us overcoming life, but He gives us life as we overcome. Our part is allowing God to do the work in us to the point we will just take God at His word (the best definition of faith I have ever heard) so that we take the initiative. Not a taking away from God where we do our own thing like most ministers do, but taking up our responsibility and duties as He has them arranged in our partnership. We must get up God does not lift us up, nor does He do all the work, but it must be done in the right heart condition if not then it is not a spiritual initiative it is our own initiative and doomed not to project the life of God like most humanistic, seeker sensitive, or hyper-spiritualism projections that the church of today is infested with. If we will do the overcoming we shall find we are inspired of God because He gives us life immediately. Now this life of God can be found in a message (from God), a crusade, a conference, even in an act of love, or a single thought. The whole mystery of this spiritual initiative is it is God inspired so it is God's idea for His purposes, thus we have little to no understanding why God wants it to happen and then we should not want to grab any of God's glory. Most real spiritual things in my life have been small and personal. Now I am not talking about the books and booklets, the article writing, BHG crusades and conferences or the 1,000 of churches and the Bible Schools I have taught in, but I am talking about the intimate understanding that we get when God opens up our heart and mind. I can say I have only had a few of these experiences in my life, but they have changed me forever and they are what God uses to get me to endure the work He desires to do in me that enables me to move in a spiritual initiative with God. I am thinking now of a Turkish Fort in Silistra, Bulgaria, painful, but oh so rewarding spiritually. Again they can even be a thought. Last night God woke me up at 2:00 am and impressed upon me to write about Belinda Koehler. Wow what a wonderful lady. We met Belinda in Germany after I had my 950 pound cast iron, five draw, Top Secret safe fall on me. Yes it was very painful, but this was just God's way of getting us extra money in my retirement. Belinda was a medic (E-6) in the U.S. Army her specialty was physical therapy. She was a lovely lady, but at the same time she was very sad. My heart went out to her as we talked and as she laid hands and other medical devises on my neck and back during therapy. She was very kind and intelligent, but I could see great hurt in her life as she would shy away from some topics. You have plenty of time to talk during two hours of therapy. The more often I went the more she trusted me and opened up to share more personal things about her life. Her life was a train and car wreck all in one. Abused as a child almost all of her early life and when she left home at 17 to join the U.S. Army her life did not get any better. One abusive relationship after another ended her in confusion to her sexual orientation. When we met (I believe) she was coming out of this darkness. To make matters worse she came down with breast cancer and lost both breasts. She wore different wigs and did a good job at hiding the deformity, but the scars of years past and her battling cancer took a great toll on her spirit. I would look forward to my treatments because I would feel better and because I began to notice so did Belinda. One day (she asked about Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (CGS) our church) then she started to talk about the LORD. Ah an opening. I could not bring up God and religion (the old Officer and Enlisted familiarity rules), but she responded in great interest. She asked about coming and I invited her. She came and the LORD touched her. So the next treatment this was all we talked about. Now did God allow my Top Secret safe to fall on me to see Belinda saved? I do not know maybe, but the end result was Belinda was a new lady. I never said the "sinner" prayer" (not sure where that is found in the Scriptures) with her, but I could tell there was a great change in her and her life. She was faithful at attending Sunday service and our home group meeting on Wednesday. Then she really opened up about her breast cancer and the shame she felt, well we just loved and accepted her the more as she like a new flower blossomed. One treatment she said, "I had not paid my tithes in a long long time could she pay them at CGS?" I said yes. So she said, "great after work please come by the clinic and I will give you a check." So I did as she asked, obedience is better than sacrifice. She said, "here is the check and next week I will give you another." I said, "okay as you wish." I put the check in my pocket and headed for the bus back to Robinson Barracks where we lived. On the 30 minute bus ride I looked at the check it was for $700, wow I could not believe it. So next week after my treatment she handed me another check so I am thinking $700 + (maybe) $300 = $1,000 would make a good amount and round number, but again Belinda surprised me. The check was for $1,300 for a total of $2,000. I was floored. A few days before the first check I got an invitation to go to India, but did not have the money so now it was worth my while to inquire about the fare, so I called counting airport taxes, everything included is was $2,000 to the penny. God provided. It was God's initiative for me to go to India and He provided through Belinda as a leading to let me know this was His idea. In all of the years (since 2002) I have never twisted arms, begged, or manipulated people for money. If God does not provide when the need is made known then I do not go. Belinda rotated backed to the States before we did and moved to Texas with a friend, but she never forgot us in Germany. Every month faithfully she would send BHG $250 until her death. The cancer came back with a vengeance and she went down hard, but when she died I was told by her family especially her sister (who she was estranged) she had a smile on her face and love in her heart, it was a Tuesday. More than the money I missed Belinda knowing the work that was done in her life preparing her for her death. We want to see miracles (we even prayed for Belinda's healing), but the greatest miracle is the change of heart condition one must receive to really be saved. Before she died we talked on the phone a few times and oh the strength I received from her. In retrospect I see now we were preparing Belinda for her death another spiritual initiative of God. Is she in heaven well . . . my hope is to say yes I believe so and if so I will see her again. In the Scriptures we read of another spiritual initiative of a lady who had a medical issue. In Matthew we read, "And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." (Matthew 9:20-22) In other accounts in the Scriptures it said she spend all she had, all her money, but did not get well. Many people read this story and think the miracle is when she was healed, but not so. All that she went through for 12 years, spending all of her money, enduring the shame and separation of being unclean, yet she still had faith to believe Jesus could heal her, "If I may but touch his garment." The miracle was not the physical healing, but the spiritual initiative to endure the pain and heartache for 12 years believing (like Belinda) someday Jesus would heal her. Hoping and believing in the LORD for things at times can far exceed the physical touch of God when we do not receive our healing. This is how I reconciled (1,000s maybe millions of people prayed for him to be healed) the death of my Bible teacher Charles Haun in 1996. This often is the difference between a physical and spiritual initiative of God. Written by David Stahl

GOD CHANGES HIS MIND

In the Book of Malachi and out of the mouth of our LORD we read, "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6) This concept of being eternal and changing not in character and nature is also true with the Son, In Hebrews we read, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8) The Father and the Son have an eternal perspective of past, present, and future and events (both for the good and bad in our understanding) where they do not change the will of man or circumvent man's free will, but change the way that God deals with man in ways to prevent man from being lost. Now when the scriptures says "the LORD changes not" or "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" it is NOT talking about their ability to affect the affairs of man or get involved with man's life, but is talking about their attributes of being omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, not to mention their character which is their: holiness, faithfulness, being merciful, forgiving, compassionate, dedicated to us. God's greatest character towards man is for man not to perish. We see this truth in 2 Peter, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) God loves man so much and in spite of His attributes and character every time man does not do that which God has purposed and planned for man God may (and has often) changed His mind to accommodate man's waywardness to fulfill God's desire to see no one perish. Now this is not excusing sin or even giving man a pass, but giving man another shot or another opportunity even coming from a different angle. Now I really like serving a God who loves us so much He will not just throw us on some trash heap if we sin or come short of His glory, buts work in our heart and lives through His dealings and judgments to bring us to a spiritual place, even if He has do something new in the world or in the means for our salvation. The way NEVER changes. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) Through the finished work and shed blood of Christ on the cross. But, the Scriptures are full of examples where God has changed His mind. Here are a few examples. From the very start of man God had to change His mind. In Genesis, God told man, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17) The word "die" here is Strong's H4191 which means, "must needs, slay, worthy of death, very suddenly." I believe God's intention for Adam was if he was disobedient and ate of the fruit then he would receive the reward of sudden death for his disobedience. You know God even gave Adam an option to eat of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (what a loving God we serve) God said, "Of every tree of the garden," BUT if you eat of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (then the consequence) "thou shall surely die.' God here put into place consequences for our actions. But Adam did not die, Adam (who God was talking with) lived over 970 years. Now do not misunderstand me here, sin brought death to man through Adam and Eve's disobedience, but God changed His mind in the life of Adam and Eve to give mankind (who He loves) another opportunity for correction and fellowship with Him. In Genesis 3 we read, "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21) Yes God did cover Adam and Eve's body with the skins, but He was doing something far greater. Here God was establishing a type and shadow of the coming of Christ and the work He will do on the cross for us all, whereby, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. " (Hebrews 9:22) Not that Adam and Eve's sin was ever forgiven (the Scriptures never says they repented of their disobedience, I hope so), but this (I believe) was not a part of God's original plan for man and looking in the rear view mirror we can see then how the spiritual principles of animal sacrifice under the law, all throughout the ages, (until Christ's death) became the means for restoration with God. Just few Chapters to the right in Genesis we see where God was grieved in His heart with man due to man's wickedness, "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7) Now this would be the first time God destroyed and all of creation except for a righteous remnant unless you believe in the "Gap Theory" (which is getting much traction in the Church today) where God created a pre-Adamic (before Adam) race of people whom God also destroyed due to maybe due to sin they are not really sure. But, as much as God loves man God said, " I will destroy man (that would be all of mankind) whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." So God changes His mind, but this time He spared some folks who are walking in the ways of righteousness. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." (Genesis 6:8-12) Noah and his family (wife, three sons, and their wives) are saved from the flood. Wow eight were spared. Eight means new beginning in the Bible, an accident? I think not. There are rewards for walking in the ways of the LORD. You know God can do anything He works not by a formula or rules, but by His will and good pleasure. Here He saved Noah and his family and used them to repopulate the earth. "And God spake unto Noah, saying, 16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. 17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth." (Genesis 8:15-17) Please notice what the first thing Noah and his family did, "And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Genesis 8:20) Do you need more examples? Just a few more chapters to the right in Genesis we read (Genesis 11:1-8) where man again rose up in arrogance shaking his fist in God's face as they built the Tower of Babel. We see the haughty and arrogant attitude of King Nimrod and his people, "And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.: (Genesis 11:4) But the LORD had other plans, "And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city." (Genesis 11:6-8) So God changed His mind and instead of killing them He confounded there language and scattered them around the world. Have we not learned from our folly? Today our global economy only connects us together in global disease (see the Corona virus and the other viruses plaguing our world) and heartache. I believe God intended man to be separated unto themselves (maybe regionally) and their culture and lifestyle. Globalism and the intertwining of lives (marriage, child rearing, etc.) and culture only adds to the unwanted confusion and complexity of man's attempt to become as a god unto themselves and the lives they rule over, just like King Nimrod. God changes His mind in individual lives too. In Isaiah 38:1-22 we see how God changed His mind about the death of King Hezekiah. In verse 5 of chapter 38, God says He has seen his tears and will add 15 more years to his life. Again God wishes none to perish. In Jonah we read, "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD." (Jonah 1:1-3) You know God has His ways of getting our attention to fulfill His plan for our lives. God wanted no one to perish in Nineveh. After Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of the great fish, "And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying," (Jonah 3:1) Jonah made it to Nineveh and proclaimed the word of the LORD and the city repented, fasted, and put on sackcloth and ashes, but this displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. At the end of the story, well let us say I believe (even though the Scriptures does not say) it did not end well for Jonah. We read, "Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:10-11) God loved Jonah and gave him a second chance, but in the end well, it looks like Jonah missed the work God was doing. God is long suffering one of His characteristics. The examples of God changing His mind goes on and on. In the New Testament we find some critical examples. The biggest example of course is when God sent His son Jesus Christ (to bring the Kingdom of God) to earth to be the one and only sacrifice for the sin of mankind. For over 4,000 years it was animal sacrifice that covered man's sin before God (which was never good enough), but when Jesus died for man's sin it was once and for all totally atoned. God changed His mind from the animal ritual and religious system of the law to the blood of Jesus. God sent His Son to the Jewish people based on the covenant He established with Abraham and as confirmed through the years. I find it funny how many Christians today think God has made a covenant with the Gentile people. Nowhere in the Bible is it recorded where God made a covenant with Gentiles like He did with Abraham. The Jewish hope and spiritual future (things that unfold in the Book of Revelations) is still tied to this covenant. And make no mistake my friend God is a covenant keeper. The writer to the Hebrews shares, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure." (Hebrews 10:3-6) It was to be the Jewish people that were to carry the good news of the Kingdom of God to the world, but the Jewish people rejected Jesus Christ so God again had to change His mind to make a way for people to be saved. Oddly enough God (for now) has moved away from the Jewish people (even though they can be saved just like a Gentile) and it was the Gentiles through the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-9) who was called to carry salvation in the form of the Gospel message to the world. From Genesis 12:1 to Romans 1:1 has been written to the Jewish people, even the Gospels. Jesus was sent to the lost sheep/house (Matthew 15:24) of Israel not the Gentiles, but beginning in Romans 1:1 Paul was sent to the Gentiles. Did you know Paul only writes to the Body of Christ (even from prison) and never to the lost world? I believe one reason why the "Church" is so screwed up today is because Pastors like preaching from the Gospels which were written to the Jewish people and they shun the Pauline Epistles where Church doctrine, reproof, and correction is taught. If you look at the words and spiritual principles between the Gospels and Paul's letters you will find the spiritual concepts and application are totally different. Even in the Book of Acts (written mainly about Paul) which is not a history book, but a book of transition between the Gospels and the spiritual growth and development of the Body of Christ. For example in Acts the concept for salvation was, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) So it was "repent" and "be baptized," but that was not what Paul said, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:7-8) So it moved from animal sacrifice, to works (repent and be baptized) which was not enough, so God changed His mind again and introduced "grace" and "faith." The mystery Paul all throughout his epistles talked about. Has God changed His mind in your life? Will God change His mind in the future? Well, He may He can do anything, but one thing for sure if He does it is because He wished none to perish, whosoever will come. I like that.

WTFMT 74 9FROM HGM 17 MAR 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-74

TEXT:  "And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him."  (Hosea 11:7)    

 

I.   BACKSLIDING

 

     A.  Historically Israel was withdrawing:  she was sliding back and she was leaving her inheritance.  She was leaving the LORD who was her inheritance and she was sliding back from Him.

            "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."  (Psalm 16:5)

 

     B.  This is whom Israel was leaving.  Hopefully Israel was to be example and a lesson to Judah.  As God moved upon Israel to chastise her for backsliding Judah was able to take note, to take a lesson from her sister.  If Judah was willing to learn she would have been able to correct her ways. 

 

     C.  In the recorded history it is seen that Judah did not learn and repent.  She moved into Bethaven, she joined Israel to leave God, and backslid into wickedness and unbelief.  Finally she went into bondage.Backsliding from God always leads to bondage, which leads to sin, which leads to death.

         "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."  (James 1:15)

      D.  Upon her part, as well as Israel's, there was the refusal to move forward in the revelation which God had given her. She went backwards into ignorance the extent of which can be seen in the Gospels where this very tribe calls for and receives the crucifixion of Jesus.  There was the refusal to move forward in true and sincere dedication to God.

 

     E.  Every day people decide to move backward into a dedication to idols and self.  They come to live in the "House of Vanity." a place of wickedness and idolatry in varying forms.  It is not for the faithful.

 II.  LOSS OF REVELATION

 

     A.  With a change of scenery, we will take a look at something else moving in connection with this word "Bethaven."  This second scene is not so much different from the first. More or less it is the same story in 1 Samuel with different characters, activities, and props.  It is the story of Jonathan and the victory which he won and the exceeding victory which followed.  But we will focus on his father and see what King Saul does in this victory.

 

     B.  The scene is set in I Samuel 14:1,

           "Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father."  (I Samuel 14:1)

 

    C.  "He told not his father."  In regards to this escapade, remember that his father at this time was moving, not in revelation, but in ignorance.  Do not focus overly much upon the occasion, but rather upon Saul himself. 

     D.  Some years before that time he began to move in revelation,

          " And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God." (I Samuel 9:27) Thus, in the life of Saul, the revelation of God began to move.  But as Saul failed in his responses to God and became disobedient, he gradually moved into the Wilderness of Bethaven so to speak. 

     E.  He began to backslide to move away from God and consequently out of the revelation which God has given him. Saul seemed to forget.  There was the possibility of Saul's kingdom being established forever.

         " . . . which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever."  (I Samuel 13:13)

         F.  But he moved back and withdrew his soul from that possibility.  He did not continue to move in the revelation which he had.  Thus, forward progression was lacking in the latter life of Saul.  He did not move into further revelation and light.  He moved backwards into ignorance, backsliding away for God, away from things he knew.

 

III. PARTING THOUGHTS

     A.  In a glance backward into Chapter 13, before going onward into Saul's life, we pick up evidence of a heart prone toward pride and thus prone to move away from God,

           "And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal."  (I Samuel 13:3-4)

 

     B.  Saul attributed Jonathan's victory to himself because of his selfishness.  He was jealous of Jonathan.  There was no correction in Saul of this form of idolatry (self-worship); it grew.  Self-worship is the core and fullness of Satan.  Sometime later in the life of Saul, it is seen in a much greater magnitude (I Samuel 18:8).  Where his self-worship and selfishness lead to rebellion, disobedience, sin, and unto death by his own hands. 

 

     C.  Backsliding does not happen overnight.  We do not wake up one morning and we have moved backward from God.  Backsliding is a gradual process of slowly moving away from God and His word in our lives.  Backsliding happens in our heart, but is openly manifested for all to see and hear.  Backsliding is something a sinner cannot do.  Paul warns us,

          "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."  (Hebrews 3:12)

 

WTFMT 73 (FROM HGM ON 11 FEB 18)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-73
TEXT: "And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven." (Joshua 18:12)

I. AVOID IT

A. The Wilderness of Bethaven is the second wilderness which should be avoided by the believer. "Bethaven" is two names in the Hebrew text: "beth" (house of," 1004, Strong's and other words and "aven" ("wickedness," 205, Strong's). "Vanity" is also tucked into the meaning of "aven" giving this Hebrew word for "wickedness" a particular shade of significance.
B. The Wilderness of Bethaven is the opposite of the Wilderness of Kedemoth. Remember that the Wilderness of Kedemoth was "a continual progress, moving ahead to victory and into fulfillment." The Wilderness of Bethaven is a moving in the opposite direction from that which God wants. In light of this, it is interesting to note that "aven" is translated "idol" in Isaiah 66:3. "He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations." (Isaiah 66:3)
C. Idolatry is moving or being away from God. In one part of its Scriptural context, the Wilderness of Bethaven is a moving away from the inheritance which God given. The Kedemoth is just the opposite, a moving toward your inheritance. The obvious picture is that the Wilderness of Bethaven belongs to no Christian, to no child of God.
D. Bethaven is a backsliding direction, a moving back, a withdrawing, a moving out from that which is promised. This is clearly seen in our text. In this description of the portion of land belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, the leaving, "the goings out," is at Bethaven.
E. This "leaving" is the basic principle found in Bethaven. In our text the physical inheritance is the point of application. In the realm of the Spirit, "inheritance," seen or unseen, will always be somewhere in the picture in relationship to the believer.
F. In the meaning of "Bethaven," there is always wickedness involved: rebellion -- walking contrary to the revelation of God, in the vanity of one's own mind. Whatever actions and causes are in the picture, physical or spiritual, it is leaving -- one is on the way out.
G. Bethaven is the door through which you leave. The Bible does not say that it is the point through which you enter. We know that it's the point through which you can come into a geographic area. But the Bible does not say that, due to the fact that Father is wanting us to focus upon a certain aspect by excluding another aspect. This is clearly portrayed by the prophet Hosea, "Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth. For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place." (Hosea 4:15-16)
H. Hosea addressed the divided nation, Israel the Northern kingdom, and Judah the Southern kingdom. Israel was playing the harlot in the sight of Judah. God warns, "neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear." Don't go in that direction which leaves to Bethaven. Israel had backslidden, and continued in that direction. Bethaven is seen as Judah's point of leaving, her sliding back, moving away from God. Idolatry was the scene of Israel's activity of worship, while swearing, "The LORD liveth."

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. Leaving God for idols is very dangerous. We are to avoid the Wilderness of Bethaven. Let us move forward rather than moving backwards, so that the Wilderness of Kedemoth, rather than the Wilderness of Bethaven, becomes to us an experience.
B. Bethaven is indicative of a condition portrayed by Israel. It was to be avoided by Judah. This historic situation is a lesson for us. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:6,11,12)
C. Thus, "let him that thinketh he stand take heed lest fall." We are to "take heed" so we do not make the same mistakes. So that we do not think we are greater then what we really are. "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." (James 4:13)

THE HUNGER OF OUR HEART

We live in a time in which the “spirits of the age” has spiritually made inroads upon us. The influence of this world colors our spirituality and leaves its mark even upon our soul. We seem to be very slow to learn even the simplest lessons in the school of the Spirit about God and His ways. My love for this world and the things in it ever puzzles me and I like Paul, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good." (Romans 7:15-16) Now I do not know about you, but there is a hunger in my heart to do right yet I find myself doing wrong. This struggle is not isolated to just Paul and I, but to all mankind. Again Paul talks (he has a lot to say about these emotions) about this struggle in his life, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:19-24) Paul here answers his own question in verse 24, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:25) Now do not think you are a super holy Christian and above this struggle if you do you are worse off then you know. This struggle even extends into the spiritual world. We should never become involved in doctrinal issues, arguing, or splitting hairs over minor points of no real spiritual significance. Rather, we are to respond and move in a spiritual quickening and in revelation heeding the words of Christ, “But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does. That your alms may be in secret; and your Father which sees in secret Himself shall reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:3-4) The "Church" is obsessed with doctrinal issues that divide and fracture the Body of Christ. The number one and two dividing topics fought over in the "Church" are having to speak in tongues when filled with the Holy Spirit and ladies in leadership as pastors, Deacons, Elders, teachers, evangelist. And oh the lust for money and power some "Churches" and denominations have. This is why I tell my friends you DO NOT have to go to a "Church" instead go and spend some time talking with the LORD. Now the writer of Hebrews (I believe to be Paul) tells us, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25) It does not say go to "Church" after all we are the "Church" and not all of the denominations and religions that destroy the heart and lives of men and woman around the world. But it does say we must "assemble ourselves together" while "exhorting one another:" The early "Church" in the Book of Acts started in home groups then tried to copy the religious system of the day and I believe got off track, but I will save this discussion for another day. This concept of secrecy in Matthew 6:3-4 should not to be limited to the act of giving as the principle holds true in all areas of Christian witness and ministry. It is a fundamental fact that man seeks expression; all like to be heard, seen, and loved. We all should do so to develop a normal personality and character. This places a responsibility upon us as the flesh nature has become so dominant in man’s methods that we may unconsciously allow its ways to sweep in and rule even in our spiritual life's experiences. John tells, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17) Our flesh gets it's expression from the spirit of this world and the things in this world that project it's influence and control, and authority our man. We must remember this clear-cut and poignant truth: “Than which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). This is a truth upon which all real Christian life and spirituality is built. It is basic and fundamental. We should not restrict the meaning of this phrase, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh,” as referring merely to a function of our physical body. Now this is a true concept, but far too limited. Whatever has its inception and is birthed from a fleshly origin forever remains in the realm of the earthly and flesh. These cannot under any circumstances become spiritual or bear spiritual fruitage. On the other hand whatever is “born of the Spirit” (whatever has its inception from and is birthed through the Spirit) is always spiritual in issue and fruition. All the service and work of man (though they may be considered as being “spiritual” by some) are merely a natural and religious expression. They have their origin from within the good, religious nature of man’s being, and he gives it free expression in the form of service and works. Not being born of the Spirit, however, they can never be Spiritual, nor can they ever merit a spiritual reward. The “ways” and “methods” of man by nature are diametrically opposed to the “ways” and “laws” of the Spirit. The question in the last analysis is not, “is this a true ministry?” It is, rather, a question of motives and the birthplace of its manifestation – is it of the “spirit,” or of the “flesh?” This is the day of exhibition and exploitation. Many struggle to be seen, heard, and known. This is what man does, but not the Spirit. Speaking of the Holy Spirit Jesus said, “He shall not speak of (or from) Himself (that is on his own initiative) but He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it to you.” (John 16:13-14) The Spirit does not detract from, but rather, focuses the attention where it belongs – upon the Lord Jesus. This is the "true" test of ministry (and all who say they are ministering) what do they say and do with Jesus Christ. Signs and wonders do not matter, amounts of money raised, and numbers of crowds drawn, but what do you say about Jesus Christ is the litmus test of "true ministry." If the ministry is truly of the Spirit of God the instrument will be hidden. Self-effacement will be the atmosphere. How awkward and reluctant the Adamic nature is in getting out of hearing, and out of sight. In these days of man’s exhibition we often have become suspicious of his motives. In some cases one hardly dares to be kind or courteous for he will be misunderstood. Someone might think we are attempting to put something over if we are polite and kind. This world loves and even pushes an out spoken and in your face Christianity. The disciples, on their way to Emmaus, were courteous enough to invite the stranger to walk with them and to enter with them into their destination. As the result of a simple act of kindness a revelation came to hungry hearts. So much of value and real worth often hinges upon a seeming trifle little is much, if God is in it. Do not fear to obey His commands they are not grievous. God is seeking refreshment today. Can you not spread before Him a humble meal in the quiet, hidden place of your heart? But remember, He may not wear the form you are expecting. He often “hungers” in the form of broken humanity. Most "Churches" today do not want to feed the broken and poor of humanity. I have seen it in the "Churches" of Sneads Ferry. Oh they say come to our "Church" you are welcome, but when you do (I have talked to many people who have made this mistake) you are made to feel like an outsider, different, a real sinner who needs to clean up their lives before they can come and really be welcomed. Take heed my friends the forms God wears are many. So serve the deep hunger of the needy one and satisfy their need. In so doing you may open the door to a deeper revelation of who He really is. Written by David Stahl

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

It is amazing to know our salvation is based on belief or faith of which are basically translated as the same word in the Scriptures. Believe it or not. Believe it and we are saved or believe it NOT and we are not saved, but my friend there is more than belief alone that we need moving in our lives to be saved. In the world and even in the nominal, seeker sensitive, humanistic church of today we hear and read all we have to do is believe well I am here to tell you there is much more needed to be saved. Not only do we need to believe (to have an undying faith in the process of salvation), but there is a need to confess and repent. All three actions of the heart (not a mental action) need to be completed in our lives before we can be saved. I think the order goes something like this. First is confession. John tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (John 1:8-10) The word "confess" here means we agree with what God is saying about us is true. Unless we come into agreement with God we cannot be saved. And God is saying about us that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and need a savior. Second is Repentance. Jesus Himself said, "And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:2-5) This is plain as the nose on our face. There needs to be a change in our behavior. The word "repent" here is a British term which means to about face or go in another other direction. If what we are doing, that is sin, is taking us in a leftward direction then we need to repent and go right in the opposite direction. After these items are settled in our heart then and only then can we believe to a point where we can be saved. And the more we believe we have confessed our sin and the more we repent (go opposite of sin) the more we shall be saved. Sadly most denominations in the "Church" (especially in America we have gotten so high-minded) do not share this message. Most denominational churches teach to be saved all you have to do is repeat the sinner's prayer (prayer not found in the Scriptures) and believe Jesus died for your sins. Others tag on water baptism to be saved. The new movement in the Pentecostal and Charismatic world is keeping the law, rituals, customs, and feasts of the Old Testament. What foolishness! It is no wonder the unsaved world wants nothing to do with God. Most Christians are so fickle and dither over their salvation. Now I can understand why most, so called Christians, think they are saved but in reality their lives do not reflect their words. There is a huge disconnect between their lives and their belief. My friend God must be able to work in our lives in deep and painful (God's dealings and judgments) ways that most people (including myself at times) shun and reject. Most people do not like pain and suffering, that is me too, but God must be allowed to do a deeper work into our lives so He can take us to the next level of usefulness in Him. Our salvation is wrought through pain, tears, suffering, troubles, persecution, and the list goes on if we want God to take us on in Him to the next and a new levels of glory God has reserved for us. Christians outside the US know this truth all too well. We must come to a place in God where we see ourselves as being spiritually bankrupt (no value in us) and we are hopelessly lost without God working in our lives. Now this my friend is far beyond just believing and repeating a few words. Paul knew this. In Romans Paul laments, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:24-25) I wonder where he learned this? Paul learned this in the suffering and troubles he endured. Do we think God would have used Paul if he had not endured all of the suffering (as delineated in the Scriptures) in his life? Of course not. It was Paul willfully enduring the persecutions and afflictions (just read about Paul's life) that endeared Paul to God. Now I am not saying suffering alone will endear us to God, it will not, but suffering for the sake of Christ .. . . well, God will move mountains for us as we lick our wounds. This too is far beyond believing, believe it or not. Jesus in John tells us, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) What are we made free to? To walk with the Holy and living God. Well, how do we do this? God must be able to purify us, remove the dross, and the things of this world (by working in our lives) sufficiently enough to where we will be able function and move with Him now on earth and in the ages to come. Wow that is even further far beyond just believing. Believe it or not. Each of us who desires to personally know and serve the LORD must first make these life changing decisions to confess and repent. When we willingly do this our present relationship to the LORD and also our eternal position in the ages to come will be greatly affected. If we accept this challenge it becomes a daily reality in our lives. Many do not realize or take seriously the tremendous value of all that our LORD will make available to us as a result of the willing submission of our lives to Him and His Lordship. Yet the Scriptures tells us that our salvation is through faith, and is a gift of God. Paul again helps us here, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Once we satisfy the requirements for salvation (it is a free gift and we cannot work or earn it) confess, repent, and believe we will begin to face and make choices that affect our rate of spiritual growth as well as our position in the eternal ages before us. Therefore we must recognize that there are spiritual laws which apply to our spiritual development. This too is far beyond just believing. Did you know the LORD is much more interested in our coming into a quality relationship with Him than we are. So the LORD has placed within us not only the capacity for obedience, but also the potential to rebel. We may shake our fist against Him, if we so choose. Therefore, when we submit ourselves in joyful obedience to Him, in anticipation of all that will follow, we are not responding as puppets; but rather, out of a willing desire and love for Him. We have within us this power of choice to believe or not believe. This can be applied to any aspect of our lives where obedience is required by the LORD. Yet, if we look only toward being blessed or the reward we will miss something. We must press on for it is in the sufferings of the “refiner’s fire” that the pure gold (His divine nature) is brought forth in our lives. If we truly desire to follow the LORD then we must actively resist our flesh by denying our carnal desires and take up our own cross in obedience to His Word. The most important time for us in all of eternity is right now because there is no past or future only right now. We are making choices and decisions today that will affect our eternal position and reward. Eternal life is not future oh no we have that now as part of our salvation. “Where” we will be is a settled fact. “What” we will be in eternity will be the result of the accumulated choices and decisions that we are making now in our daily life experiences. Our present life (our spiritual development), primarily involves outworking of our willing obedience to Him in taking up our cross daily. The promise of the LORD is to him that overcomes. As we overcome through our willing obedience to the LORD He will bring into our lives experiences that will take us far beyond merely believing or not. Written by David Stahl

WTFMT 72 (HGM ON 14 JAN 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-72

TEXT:   "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"  (1 Corinthians 2:2-4)

 I.  FEAR LURKS IN MOAB

      A.  This Wilderness of Moab is the Wilderness of Fear.  We all go through it.  But let us pass through it quickly.  Do not camp there.  Don not become entrapped in this wilderness, living a life trembling like a leaf in fear of one thing after another.  Fear will not allow you to come into victory which God has promised for you.           

     B.  The giants in Canaan did not cause ten Israeli spies to fear.  Lack of trust in God was in their hearts before they left the camp to go to spy out the Promised Land. They were evil men, with a history of disobedience to God, and they brought back an evil report.  12 spies saw the giants.  Two of them trusted in God and were full of faith, wholly following the Lord.  The two were good men, bringing  back a good report.

     C.  The difference in the reports did not lie in the circumstances the 12 spies encountered.  The difference lay in their hearts.  If you wholly follow the Lord you will never have to worry about being stuck in the Wilderness of Moab.  You will have faith and trust.  You will not be forever bogged down in fear.

     D.  Today, fear torments many believers.  There is such a lack of trust that some will not drive their car out of its driveway without "pleading" the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus cleanses us of our sins.  It will not keep us from having an accident or heal us of our sickness.  Why are we so fearful?  Where do you think, reside the supreme power and control.   

     E.  Lack of spiritual character (character of Jesus), and lack of obedience are the causes of fear and defeat.  No one is born with character.  Neither is fear inherent in the newborn.  Fear must be introduced to children.  Adam was not created with fear in him.  Later it entered into him out of disobedience.

 

     F.  There is a life where all the pressure of fear and trembling are turned off.  It is a life in which abide a complete trust and love of our caring heavenly Father.  There cannot be fear in that fullness of love.

 

     G.  The work of God is not based upon fear nor defeat.  God always works and moves toward victory.  In the final analysis God triumphs over all.  Even in the case of man's beginning, when death first entered, there will be ultimate victory.  God will bring all humanity back to the point where there shall be no more death.  God will definitely fulfill His purposes.

 

     H.  Why should the Christian tremble in fear and defeat?  If there is any trembling to be done, the enemies of God should be at it.  The Church is supposed to be at the gates of Hell bashing them in.  Hell shall not withstand the onslaughts of the Church.  There should be no trembling among the children of God.

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

    A.  The spirit of fear comes from the enemy's camp; God has not given

         " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  (1 Timothy 1:7)

I t should not be part of the believer's life.  The believer should be walking in faith with God toward glorious victory.

 

    B.  Moab is the camp of fear and defeat.  Do not live there.  God's love, power, and might can deliver you forever from frightening fear and frustration. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."        (1 Peter 5:7)