THE GREAT FALLING AWAY

On 23 July 1996 (at 11:00) my family and I landed in Stuttgart, Germany where we lived for exactly (the jet way pushed back at 11:00) seven years leaving on 23 July 2003. When I think of this period when we arrived life was magical I was working at US European Command (USEUCOM) a four star headquarters as a Joint Medical Planner, but within less than one week upon arriving God was able to place the keys and the responsibility of the Pentecostal Chapel service at Robinson Barracks within my hands. Life was exciting, bright, a new, like I have never felt or experienced. The word "responsibility" took on a whole new meaning: family, work, and now a small Chapel service of about 30 to 35 foreigners, mostly Africans from West Africa. Suddenly, without any formal training, I found myself leading the service on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. What a time it was. Everything was so different to my thinking, my relationships with my family and at work God touched my life and enabled me to be used beyond my abilities and skills. When we allow God to run the show He will step in and make all things beautiful in our time. I remember thinking that my office mates (really cannot use the word friends) would come to our service and get involved with what God was doing, but boy was I wrong. But that was okay a man cannot give what they do not have. The first year we stayed at the Chapel and the small service grew and grew in numbers as God added people to positions needed for the work He was doing in us first and then out from us. Then on Easter week-end 1997 I found out the US Army (6th Area Support Group had base support for installations) was closing down our Chapel service to save money, but in reality our service was bigger than the Protestant (9 to 10:30) and Catholic (11 to 12:30) services combined with only a hand full of Americans. This was God 's way of kicking us out of the nest. On 27 April 1997 (on Karen's birthday) we started Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (CGS) at the Dorint Fontana a five star hotel. So out from CGS and the US Navy I started traveling to the nations. When God wants something to happen He will move mountains seemingly working in the supernatural. I cannot begin to tell you of the times I represented USEUCOM in the day and God at night. God used the US military to move us around the world to share His wondrous Gospel message first in the States while in training then to the nations in 1996. So I began to travel to the nations. My first trip was to Opel, Poland about 7 to 8 hours from Stuttgart by car. The trip was exciting and full of newness for me. There in Opel I meet Pastor Piotr Cieslar, his wonderful wife Kristina, and their three kids. Pastor Piotr's church was small, but packed to the rafters with hungry hearts wanting to know God in a greater way. I really liked Pastor Piotr. Now it has been some time since I stopped by Opel, but Pastor Piotr really influenced my life in so many ways. Over the years while living in Germany I made many trips to Opel and had the unique opportunity to watch his kids: Thomic (Thomas), Bashua (Barbara) and Oliver grow up and something strange his church began to empty out. I remember Poland in 1996 everything was gray or brown and everything seemed dirty. No one seemed to laugh maybe that is why I liked Pastor Piotr so much he had an unusual sense of humor. I can still hear him say, "LORD move the sinners so the saints can find parking." You see over the years with the integration of NATO and the European Union (EU) money the country of Poland got richer. Coupled with open border immigration (no visa was needed to travel to other EU countries) the Polish people started the exodus west looking for employment. When you have little to nothing to live on your future looks bleak and hope seems to disappear right before your eyes. So as the people moved west for money I watched the churches empty out. Finally another church merged with Pastor Piotr's church (the other church had a bigger building, but no people), but in time things really got small. I remember in 2003 right before we left I made a trip to Opel with a friend and they had a big beautiful church, but no people. Not only in Poland, but I have seen this scenario play out in Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. As the countries got richer the people moved west looking for comfort, money, and security. One thing for sure once you get the taste of the "good life" nothing else will satisfy this human, basic hunger. Now do not misunderstand me here I am not beating up my friends in these countries (I have some dear dear friends in these countries), but what I am saying is more money does not mean one is wealthy and secure. The title of the first story in my book "Adventures with God" is taken from the words of Pastor Jacob from Constanta, Romania (who I dearly love). "No Money No Problems." In 1998 when I made it to Constanta this was the way they dealt with having no money, "No Money No Problems." Not only in Romania or other Eastern European countries, but also in counties in Africa, Asia, even in America I have seen as comforts and wealth increases churches decrease. Once we can do for ourselves we seem not to want to know God to seek His guidance and help. The end result is our absence from our brothers and sisters (notice I did not say absence from church), we seem to walk away from the things of God and our relationships with God. Strangely, it seems like we have walked away from those things that has enabled us to be able to move away from God. All of our early learning and teaching (as a child) that was our bedrock, our foundational principles, but once we get old enough to strike out looking for our fame and fortune all of our earlier teaching seems to vanish before our eyes. You know I have seen this in my life at times. I am sure this is no new revelation to most people who love God and want to do His will. The world is an exciting place for the young and adventurist at heart. This is why John warns us of this great danger, "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 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." (1 John 2:14-16) Here the word of God is abiding in the young men to overcome the wicked one (not sure who the wicked one is certainly not the devil) , but John still directs them to, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." John even goes on to define those dangers 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." So too today. One thing for sure if we are running after the world we cannot be running after God. And for all of those seeker sensitive church leaders (which makes up the majority of churches today in the world) if the world is running after you God is not. I could go on and on, but I need to get to the heart of what I would like to share. Many popular world preachers and teachers in the church today say (so they can deceive you into giving more money to them) there will be a great end-time revival, well that is not what the Bible teaches, oh no. Paul in 2 Thessalonians tell us the truth so that we will be able to withstand the great deception and evil in the world "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) You may need to read these verses again, but this time not the words in the brackets. "Let no man deceive you by any means: [for that day shall not come,] except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" That is right not a big time revival, but a falling away. Let no one deceive you (on Christian TV) my brethren there is a "falling away" that is happening to fulfill God's word. I have seen this "falling away" from the start in the mid 60s with the feel good Jesus hippie movements that deceived people. In the 70s this deception continued with the word of faith movement "plant your seed (money) in my ministry and God will bless you" (thank you Oral Roberts and his ilk) into the 80s where the humanistic teachers (man is a god) started spinning their deception and outright lies. In the 90s it got worse with the prosperity teachers (giving to get), if a Christian God wants you to be rich, influential, and powerful. The message was for earthly riches (because I really believe they do not believe in our next life) and not eternal riches. And in the 2000s the deception (reached new heights) was mixed more with the truth (which stills makes it a lie) with the seeker sensitive message where everyone is welcome (no one gets offended) and accepted no matter what. Yes my friend there is a "falling away" going on right now and with the increase of comforts and technology it will be expedited faster and faster. Paul in his epistles again and again warns of this "falling away" so it should not take us by surprise lest we too be deceived. And strange as it may seem, whether we get deceived and fall away depends not on the deceiver, the devil, or even God, but on us. The "falling away" is here and has been here for a long time and yes God is here warning us of our fall. Make no mistake my friend God is shaking the tree not to see who He can shake out but, to see who is holding on to His unchanging hand. When we were at a Church in Greece after the service they had a time of eating before everyone headed their way. We were sitting at a table and a young lady came up to me and said, "Pastor Dave is that you?" I said "yes." And the lady said, "This is Monica, Koko from the Mission Bible School (Class of 2005) in Romania." Now I will be honest at first I did not remember her, but as she talked I began to pick up her voice. She said I made a statement during class that only with time has come true. She said I said, "In time you will see many of your class mates walk away from the calling God has on their lives." I remember making that statement. Koko thought, that would never happen with her class mates, but one by one many have walked away from God. Over the years many of the Mission Bible School students (that God is still using) have come to me and recited my words back to me and said, "your words were true' and began to name person after person who has walked, fallen away from their calling and God. Sadly I too can name people who were once walking with the LORD, but now have loved this present world and walk no more with God. Take heed my brethren.

WTFMT 48 HGM 28 NOV 17

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-48

TEXT: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." (Luke 21:27)

 

I. THE GLORY CLOUD

A. People frequently ask me, how did I like Germany? I really don't know because it's beside the point. It is not the town nor the house in which we live. The focal point is the cloud.

B. I would rather live under the Shekinah Glory of God in a small humble dwelling than to live in a luxurious mansion without His glory. If we live under the abiding (Shekinah) cloud of God, it will make little difference whether we are in the wilderness or in heaven. It is the glory of God which is to make an impact upon us and overshadow our life.

C. "Shekinah" is a Hebrew word used in Jewish theology to refer to a visible manifestation of the presence of God. This particular form of the word is not found in the Bible, forms close to it are. The word means "to dwell," "to abide," "to remain." The term "Shekinah" is used to describe that which abides, whether or not it is visible.

D. It doesn't matter where we may be or under what circumstances we may be living, just as long as the Shekinah Glory of God abides upon us. The condition of the wilderness is immaterial, as we live under the shadow of the Almighty.

E. Live under the impact of God, not under the impact of some problem or some sorrow or some catastrophe. Live under the influence of faith, not wonderful feelings or the lack of them. Our life will be fulfilling and satisfying under the abiding presence of God.

F. We are by nature creatures of sense. The natural man thus limits his findings of truth to such matters as can be appreciated only through sense perception. He must see and feel before he will believe, thus closing the door to the realm of the spirit, where faith moves, discovering truths of higher spiritual value.

G. The faculties which operate in the realm of the natural are God-given. They are intended to function for the comfort of man in his natural realm in the physical world. But these absolutely fail when he tries to user them to discern God in His spiritual relations and manifestations. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6) God has provided faith for this purpose. Through faith we may enter into a new realm where there are spiritual verities and spiritual laws operative.

H. The life of the Christian os supernatural, that is, above the natural. It is neither entered into or lived by natural means. The process of weaning man from the limitations of the human and introducing him to the life of the spirit and faith is extremely trying to our flesh.

I. There must be this necessary process of adjustment if we are to truly live the spiritual life and fully enter into the possibilities of development that God has provided for us. Let us welcome each stroke which sets us free, and like bold adventurers in faith let us discover and possess the rich prospects in God.

J. God brings us into the wilderness to meet with us. He desires to share His glory with us. There is nothing more meaningful upon the earth than God's approach to us and taking up His residence in us. He desires to manifest Himself to us and to live with us and walk in us.

K. There are times when wonderful feelings and goose bumps will accompany such manifestations of God. But most times there will be no wonderful feelings. Most of the time God will meet with us in the wilderness where the wonderful feelings are absent and no water.

 

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The secret of our success in this life is God. If our focal point is heaven as a place after our physical death, then we will miss the best thing in life. Here, in this life, God wishes to be with us. That is better than our heaven after death, which is beyond our present location. God is better than a believer's future heaven, any day of the week, any present time, any present place. God will be better than heaven, even after we get there.

B. Some believers live and talk as if their future heaven is better than God. I have never been to heaven. I live here on earth. That is where I will focus my living, instead of attempting to live in the future. I will focus upon the secret of success in the now life, and now God.

WHAT ARE WE WORTH

They say if we add up the cost of all the minerals in the human body the grand tally would be around 98 cents. Now that may be for the physical remains of our body, but in God I would tell you we are worth much more. In reality we are worth the death of Jesus on the cross, but that is for another article for another day. But the operative value would depend on the person and not some standard from which to draw conclusions, oh no the value of a man depends not on money, but on the work God has been able to do in our lives. This too is why our worth is increased NOT by what we can gain, but what we can lose. The more we can lose of our self and the world the more valuable we will be to God. We would think the more knowledge and wisdom of the world we gain the more useful we will be to God, well no that is not right. One would think the better and more skillful we get in our abilities and gifting (even in God) the more God can use us, well no that also is not right. The truth here is the more of the worldly ways and desires we can lose, the more of our selfishness, our self-seeking nature, our self righteousness we can lose the more profitable we can become and be used in God's service for His glory. Funny how we always get this backwards, maybe that is why not many are useful in God's service. Watchman Nee said, "the broken alone are useful to God.' Did you get that "the broken alone are useful." Not too many Christians want to be broken by God. We even think we can break ourselves of habits and issues in our lives: we have 10 step, 12 step methods to quit addictions you name it, but they do not work. Only God and God alone (when He changes our heart and desires) can break the chains that hold our mind and bodies in the bondage of addictions. More police and better healthcare programs are not the answer to the opioid epidemic that is sweeping America. God and God alone (as He crushes our heart and desires) can crush this heinous scourge. So too in our spiritual bodies. The more we allow God to crush us and break us the more He can use us. Now this crushing can be what we think and what we do not think. One thing I am learning is the longer we go in God the harder God's tests become and the more subtle. One would think God is trying to set us up or trick us in some way, but no this is not the case. God expects us to learn the lessons He has taught us. God does not expect us to learn the lesson for the test and then forget it. When I was in college I would cram (because I was working in the US Navy and had a family) for a test and learn the material long enough so I could pass the test, then it was forgotten because I never really did learn the material. Well that is not how God operates. God expects us to learn and remember every test He brings our way. God expects us to have the spiritual wherewithal to discover the work that God desires to do in our lives and to retain the work He has deposited in our heart. And oh how sweet the deposits are after they have worked into our lives. This kind of reminds me of the words of Thomas Watson when he said, "till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet." These testings from God can be bitter, but if we endure and learn from them they will be sweet as Christ, like honey in our mouth. Recently I experienced a test that caught me off guard, but when it was over all I could say was, this is the doings of the LORD and it was marvelous in my sight. For those who know me they also know I like football (not soccer) and I like coaching/teaching football. For the last four years I have taught football as a coach (last three as the head coach) at the Middle School level (grades 6-8) and this year I decided to try to move up to the high school level (grades 9-12), so I applied to be an assistant coach at the high school. To my surprise I was selected to be one of five coaching positions. I was happy God gave me a desire of my heart and the money, well as an assistant coach I would get (before taxes) $7,000. What could I do with $7,000? Sink some of the money into BHG. Buy some new things for the home. I think I had the money spent before I earned it. Happy yes, yet at the same time puzzled. I knew all of our games were played on Friday night and I also knew at the present time Freddy, Gerald, and I were going up to Craven Detention Center to talk to 275+ prisoners the second and fourth Friday of the month. I was confused to say the least. I knew God wanted me to apply for the assistant coaching job and when hired I knew God wanted me to coach which meant I could not go to prison on Friday night. So I went with what God was doing at the time even through it seemed strange to me. We need to stop asking so many questions and just go along for the ride with what God is doing. Well as the season opened I was excited (I like coaching football), but as summer work outs began I began to see the lack of leadership of the coaching staff. Worse I began to see the great lack of integrity of the coaching staff (from the head coach down) and of the program. I was asked to do some things that would require me to lie, turn my head to coaches using tobacco on the field and to turn a blind eye to coaches with alcohol on their breath. I was even more confused. We were only four games (got beat by over 40 points each game, God does not bless a mess) into the season when God sent Pastor S.J Peter and his lovely wife Helen from Hyderabad, India by for a visit. We planned to drive them down to Charleston, SC after about a week in town and hand them off to Pastor Ronnie Huneycutt. At our HGM Pastor Peter spoke from Psalms 26, "Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide." (Psalms 26:1) God was speaking to me. Here David (the one in the Bible) resorts to God confidence of his own integrity. God was speaking to me about my integrity. The next day (Wednesday) a few more things (God is good to pile on things) happened at practice and I was at the end of myself. Thursday things came to a head and I called the principle and told him I was going to resign. He asked for my resignation in writing (he wanted to investigate my comments) so I sent him a four page resignation letter detailing my time with the team. My heart was clear now. Friday when I went to Craven Detention Center with Freddy I had something personal to share with the prisoners. I told them my story and let them know my integrity was worth more than $7,000. I could have turned my head or winked at the lack of integrity, but I chose to walk away from $7,000. God's number is 7 was there a connection here? Yes! Within me there grew a strength that I never had before. I have never left $7,000 on the table. The next day (Saturday) as we drove down to Charleston, SC the LORD let me know He was testing me through all of this. God wanted me to do football and not go to Craven Detention Center so He could test me. I slid down in my seat and calmly told Karen, Pastor Peter, and Helen what the LORD told me. What was I worth? More than $7,000. As I said the longer we go in God the harder and the more subtle the tests become. I never expected God to test me with football, but He did. What we like God is good at going after in our lives. As a matter of fact He will do whatsoever He wants to do to test us. Now the test is not about seeing if we can pass or fail. The test is about qualifying or being approved for the next thing God has for us. If we fail the test make no mistake my friend we will see the same test in a different form on a different day. What are we worth? God's Son Jesus Christ gave His life for us. What is the value of Jesus' life? One cannot measure this, but one can measure the value and cost of loss we must experience to pay the price. Nothing is free in God. Even our salvation cost Jesus His life. Everything we get from God will cost us something make no mistake my friend we are worth what we pay for in God.

WTFMT 47 (FROM HGM ON 24 OCT 17)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-47 TEXT: "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7)

 

I. THE WORKSHOP

 

A. The wilderness is God's workshop. He has designed it for us. He brings us to it. We are His workmanship. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) The workman (God) works on and in the piece of work He has created formed and made, in His workshop, where ever He wants it to be.

B. We are brought there to see His glory, to relate to it, to learn from it, and above all, to be conformed to His image. We would prefer God to work on us in His workshop of green grass and still water. Although these have their places in our Christian experience, certain changes in us are not accomplished in these lovely and pleasant places.

C. We do not seem to linger long in the pleasant places. So when there, breath in the enjoy and strength, fore soon He will move us on to yet another place of growth and development.

D. The children of Israel followed the cloud to green grass. The name of the place we "Hazeroth." The stem of this Hebrew word "Hazeroth" (2698) means "green," "grass," "leeks," "enclosures, " and others. "And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth." (Numbers 11:35)

E. To those camping there this would have been most pleasing. WE don't like to camp in the desert or in the wilderness, but rather in an oasis where there is a carpet of green grass and a fish-filled stream. How long do we camp in the green grass besides the still waters? Not very long! We must follow the cloud. "And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran." (Numbers 12:16)

F. The cloud did not tarry long over the green grass, but moved to the Wilderness of Paran. The lush grass must be left behind. Leaving green grass and entering a wilderness like Paran is most discouraging.

G. Everything seemed to be to Israel's advantages in pleasant Hazeroth. However, not everything was fine and correct in the hearts of the people. This is where the murmuring against Moses was so strong that Miriam became leprous because of it.

H. Wildernesses, not utopias, are the workshops of God. In a utopia God cannot work into His people the dedication needed to fulfill His purposes. Adam and Eve more than anyone else, except the angels in Heaven who fell, prove this truth. They did not respond correctly in their paradise.

I. The green grass of Hazeroth is desired by all, but does not fully and totally meet man's spiritual needs. The leadership directly under Moses failed in the green grass. "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; [Aaron and Miriam] and he departed." (Numbers 12:9)

J. The workshops of God are not in places of pleasantries where everything always goes well. The potter's wheel is not always an abundance of money. The anvil of God is not necessarily a state of unfailing good health.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. What kind of Christians would emerge from a utopia where there is never a threat, never the valley of the shadow of death? Where there is no battle, there can be no victory. If there is no victory, there is no overcomer. We can't live in a utopia as long as the angles who fell did and not be any better for it.

B. Aaron and Miriam loved the green grass of Hazeroth as much as anyone. It did not cause them to respond to God properly. His glory and His beauty [Paran] were not manifested through them there.

C. Green grass fades and the flower withers, but whoever does the will of God abides forever! Our physical well-being, all the things of this present life with which God could possibly bless us, these material blessing, ALL fade away. If we wait long enough, we will see the car God gave us be placed in the junkyard. He gives us another if we are doing His will.

D. Everything passes away. Back and forth, back and forth the fashions of this world are always passing away. Nothing is permanent; nothing here is established. Except for! "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:17)

E. We must release all things that shall pass away, and follow the Master. We must not cling to the things of this life. Jesus said these things do not hold the essence of life. " . . . . for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." (Luke 12:15) Life does not consist of these things of this present world, although most people suppose it does. God in opposition to this philosophy is always attempting to draw us away from that which is temporal toward which is eternal.

PRESS THE MOMENT

As odd as this may sound sometimes I like to just sit at my home computer and watch the screen saver scroll. I catch dinner guests doing the same out of the corner of their eye. The pictures come in waves of family events like birthdays, weddings, funerals, trips we have been on overseas, and other odds and ends. As I look at each picture (knowing there in a few seconds of time before the scroll will move on) I look hard and try to remember the time this picture was captured for history. With each picture my mind goes back to the time and the occasion the picture was taken. You know there is NO such thing as the past or the future. We often project things (we call it planning for the future) that will happen in what we call the future, but in reality the present is all we really have and what we call the future is a hope and a dream. Same as the future there is no past. All we have is the now. The past is no more. Memories, failures, victories, and the like all ring in our thoughts, but in reality they are finished in our lives. I hear people (even Christians) say, "I remember the good ole days (for some they were not so good)," but in reality we are in the place in God we find our self based on the actions and decisions we made in the past. Our future (or what we call the future) is based not on the future, but on the things we do for God (or not do for God) in the now. The now is all we really have. Paul told the Body of Christ at Corinth, "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) Now the salvation Paul was talking about was much more than salvation from their sins. They were already saved of their sins, but needed saved from themselves. Strife, hatred, ambition, offense, greed, and so much more (maybe sounds like us today) filled their hearts and the Body of Christ. And Paul says, "now is the day of salvation" for all of these things (and yes even our besetting sins) to be removed so that the LORD could have His place on the throne of our hearts. God can never take His place on the throne of our heart if we do not give Him leave. I wonder why we always go toward removing sin in our lives and leave our character flaws to fester? Paul also tells us, "We all have sinned and come short (our character flaws) of the glory of God.' (Romans 3:23) I would think it is those character flaws (and not so much sin) in our lives that prevents God from moving as He desires in us. After all sin was gloriously dealt with on the cross. In Ephesians Paul tells, "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (which is always now) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: " (Ephesians 1:8-10) This "dispensation of fulness of times" can stretch out across the span of years, but at the same time it can be defined in a moment, in an event, in smile, and in one act of kindness. We can see this truth play out knowing God is the same yesterday, today, and forever , yet He is the same in a moment of time. The "fulness" here really captured my thoughts. How long, how big, how small, how full is "fulness" with God? To be honest I am not sure if God can be measured in such terms. In Solomon's prayer of thanksgiving to God for the Temple he said, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27) I do not believe God can be measured with earthly instruments, oh no God must be measured in what is "gathered together in one all things in Christ" and that brings me back to my pictures on the scroll on my desk top computer. As I look at them the events and actions have been captured, "gathered together in one all things in Christ." The people, the meals, the preaching and teaching, everything that has been recorded in picture format for me to remember and think about. Now we have covered much ground so far, but here is my point has God's "fulness" been accomplished in the picture? Have you ever had a conversation with someone and later said to yourself, "I wished I would have said this or that?" I am sure we all have well my pictures are kind of like that. I look at the pictures now on the scroll and remember the event, location, setting all of the details, and wonder if I have done all that I could do to maximize the moment for the glory of God? I look and imagine what could I have done different or was what I did all that could be done? The memories are great, but the relationship in the pictures are greater. In the end I seem to always come back to the same conclusion what was done is done. In most cases it is too late to take back words or deeds. What we did is gain and what we did not do really does not matter. At the end of the day we must give what we do to God's good graces and capable hands. I was traveling with Jake Luffy overseas and I asked him, "how about the people who do not respond, those who do not hear and heed our words?" He said, "there must come a time in our walk with the LORD where we give the people over to God." Our job is to speak the word and the people's job is to respond. All we can do is what we feel what the LORD is saying. I believe Paul had this or a simpler thought. In Ephesians 3 Paul tells us, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:13-14) In verse 13 Paul says he forgets those things he has done, "which are behind" so he can "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus." You know unless we forget what happened in the past we will never be able to "press toward the mark." It is a casting or taking off things in our lives (our job here) so we can put on things. Paul helps here again, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." (Romans 13:12) We will never walk in the light of Christ Jesus unless we allow God to work in our lives (through His dealings and judgments) so we can learn to cast off the darkness that causes us to stumble and fall out of the way God has for us to go. My brothers and sisters Paul was saying we must press the moment while in the moment. We must achieve the greatest good for God in the time He has made available for us to be His arms and hands on earth. The prize is not some crown, a wreath, some reward we may get "when we all get to heaven," or even Christ Jesus Himself, but just the opportunity to be of service to our brothers and sisters. What else could we want? What better prize in God than to be a word of strong encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, a word of rebuke, etc? I could go on all night, you fill in the blank. When in the moment of need we press forward and are there to hit the mark for our brothers and sisters, the mark that eases the pain and anguish of loss, confusion, and despair. Moments are fleeting in the lives and affairs of men, but in these moments we must press the moment for God's best. Written by David Stahl 

CONVINCED BUT NOT CONVERTED

I often hear Christians talk about our faith and our belief. Now it is true we can exchange these two words in a sentence and not much of the meaning will be lost because they are close in understanding, concept, and context, but when you look at the spiritual application of these words we find there is a huge difference. The word believe is really soft and mushy. We humans can believe anything all day long and it be wrong. I can believe (also works for those Christians who like claiming the things of God) I am a car, sit in my garage all day, and even go beep beep, but that will never make me a car. In God you cannot translate or substitute faith for belief they are separate spiritual concepts in application. You know I marvel when I think of faith . To be honest no person alive today and only one in the past has really known how faith works its seemingly magic in our lives. God took me all the way to India to help me with understanding faith and to be honest again I marvel at the outcomes (signs and wonders), but I do not know and understand how it works. Oh I know we can read, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1), but what does that all mean? No really. I have heard sermon after sermon on Hebrews 11:1 and to this day, honestly to be able to grasp the concept is far beyond my ability and yours if you are honest. You know I do not need to know how it works, oh no all I need is to know is the one who is working it all through our faith. Paul tell us in Ephesians even our salvation is through faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace (what God has done and given us) is God's part before the foundations of the world was laid and faith (our response to God's grace) is our part. If we get grace wrong (can do what we want and still be saved) we get over into lascivious or fleshly sins. And if we get faith wrong we get over into legalism and emotionalism. Sadly way too many churches are here. There is a balance we must walk for us to be saved. When I think of "real' faith I think of Ester saying , 'if I perish I perish" or Job saying, "though God slay me yet I will trust Him." Oddly enough Jesus never made this faith or belief mistake. He was very clear when it came to issues requiring our faith and our belief. As a matter of fact like grace and faith there is a relationship between faith and unbelief. In Matthew Jesus said, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20) Not because of their lack of faith, but because of their unbelief mountains (or problems in their lives) were not removed. Unbelief was the reason (Hebrews 3:18-19) the Children of Israel entered not into the promsied land. I think one reason why we get off track here with faith and belief is today we get the things of God from other people so we can believe, yet still not be converted because if we get the things of God though revelation (for ourselves) from the Holy Spirit how could we not have faith and believe? We see this truth in Peter's life. Jesus was asking the disciples who do they say I am? "And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:14-17) Peter had to have gotten this revelation from the Holy Spirit (and not from the other disciples) who had not come yet. It was not all of Jesus' good works, miracles, and sermons that convinced Peter to say of Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Oh no it was the good work of the Holy Spirit in his life that brought Peter to this revelation. At this time Peter was convinced, but sadly he was not converted. Okay let us go a little bit deeper here. We can be convinced about the things of God to a point. We see it every week on Sunday morning when countless millions of Christians trudge off to church, sing three fast ones and slow one, hear some announcements, take up the tithes and offering, maybe hear a special number, and then hear 15 to 20 (no more than 30 minutes) minutes of inspiring words. What I call the denominational lullaby. Shhh do not wake them up. They are convinced Jesus loves them and they are on their way to heaven (and may not be), but they are not converted to the truths of the word of God that will enable them to stand and withstand life's circumstances and difficulties making it to heaven. Having an opportunity to learn, but never learning. Not converted to the point where there will be spiritual growth and development in knowing God in their lives. Brother Peter (I really like Peter he is so much like us) experienced this too in spite of his deep revelation who Jesus is. In Luke we read, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32) You know I hope Jesus really did not pray (as we think prayer is) for Peter because his faith did fail just a few hours later, but in the end he was a rock. However, in the garden and in the court yard of the high priest he was a scared man who failed just like you and I may have been. Notice Jesus' words, "when thou are converted strengthen thy brethren." Not when you are convinced, but when you are converted. I wonder what made the difference in his life? That moved him from being convinced to being converted? Maybe it was the whole garden and court yard experience? In this maybe he saw his weakness and loud mouth boasting of what he would do for Christ, but in the end he discovered he was nothing more than an arrogant liar. Or maybe it was when Jesus asked him (in John 20) Peter do you love me and all he could say was I am only fond of you. What is even more amazing Peter walked with Jesus for three years: he saw the miracles, the deaf ears and blind eyes opened, he tasted of the loaves and fishes, he saw the dead come back to life, and yet he was not converted, but only convinced. How easy it is to be convinced God loves us, but oh so hard to be converted. After Peter was converted he was never the same man or leader. Today many say a leader is a reader, well I would say a leader knows the difference between book sense and the good sense of the Holy Spirit. Peter's sword was put aside and he listened before he opened his mouth. A real conversion in God will lead us to a quietness and silent spirit. Jesus took it much deeper in the fruit manifested from our conversion, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4) Notice the word "Except" which means there is no other way, it is the only way to be converted to become as a little child. Not too many Christians want to become little children, oh no they want to be bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelists, apostles, teachers well becoming all of these are NOT the requirements to go to heaven. They want to be great, but becoming these (bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelist, apostles, teachers) will not make you great. Jesus said to be great we must humble ourselves as little child. I guess greatness in our eyes is different than in God's eyes. And notice Jesus did not said say shall not enter the kingdom of God oh no, He said the kingdom of heaven which is much different than the kingdom of God. Maybe many are not converted because we do not want to be as a little child? Just a thought for us to ponder. You know what ever is planted grows. If we plant a cherry seed a cherry tree will grow. So too in the spiritual realm. When God had us start Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart back in 1997, Bill Pepper a wonderful brother and mentor to me would come by Germany for a visit. After a few days of getting the lay of the land he would sit me down for a few hours of counseling me. How I loved it. How I loved getting the boom lowered. Well one of the first times he said I will be able to see what we have planned in the people. I will be honest at first I did not understand what he was saying, but as time went on and I saw the fruit springing up in lives I knew crystal clear what he was saying. If outcomes in the lives of the people were unpleasant, well I had some fault in that. Whatsoever is planted grows. If I sow seeds of strife, confusion, or division from the pulpit or more important in relationships in the church then these will grow and bear the fruit and more seeds of the fruit which will only be spread to other lives. So too when it comes to our conversion. If we are only convinced then the seed we spread will not be strong enough to handle the cares of the world or thorny and dry ground. Real conversion is seen in the lives of mature men and women of God who are able to learn and teach, endure whatsoever comes their way. Are you convinced or are you converted? The answer is always seen in our lives by others, but sometimes the truth is hidden from our heart. Written by David Stahl 

AT THE END OF THE DAY

Okay here is the good news right up front. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) it does not matter what our ministry was while on earth, how much money we gave the church, or what we did for the pastor and God's people. No all of this is over. All of our good works and well intentions are over. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) what matters is what we did with Jesus Christ. God will say to us, "who do you say Jesus is?" A couple of days after Michael Jackson died I was sitting in a sauna with some friends (one being my dear friend Pastor Foster) and my friends (many call themselves Christian) were recounting Michael Jackson's life, his dancing and singing ability. Well, I chimed in and said, "yes he was a great singer and dancer, but when he stood before God He did not ask him to sing a song or dance a lick." Well the sauna got deathly quiet. You would have thought I let the air in the room out. I said, "oh no when Michael Jackson (like us all will) stood before God He only asked him one question, what did you do with my Son Jesus?" I cannot speak for Michael Jackson (maybe for him it is too late), but I can only speak for myself. In my heart I want to be able to say, "thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" as Brother Peter had this revelation. In Matthew Jesus was talking to the disciples and asked " . . . . whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-17) The disciples were quick to reply with earthly responses, except for Peter. Jesus asked and they told the truth, "they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus then brought it home to the disciples as He always did, "But whom say ye that I am?" And of course Peter speaks up first not because he is a loose cannon, but because he has the right answer, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus was quick to commend Peter while giving him a back handed love tap. Here Jesus called him "Simon Barjona" (not his name) or blessed art thou old man of the flesh. I have also heard Jesus here was referring to Peter's nature and comparing it (his nature) to the wild golden doves from the Isle of Barjona that could not be tamed. Saying Peter was like a wild golden dove beautiful in flight, but had a wild streak in him that could not be tamed. Now this had great significance for the other disciples because Jesus was teaching them to understand who Christ is, to be able to understand the kingdom, to understand anything of God it must not be by flesh or blood (man's wisdom and ways), but must be "revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." We must allow God through the Holy Spirit to reveal the secrets of the kingdom, the mysteries of the Gospel, wisdom, the mystery of God, of Godliness, all of these and more must be revealed to us we cannot learn them with head knowledge or book learning. I do believe this is what Paul was teaching the Church at Corinth when he said, "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." (2 Corinthians 5:16) or if we have known Christ in salvation and then try to know Him after the flesh (book learning and through carnal ways) then we know Him no more. God must reveal Himself personally to us by the Spirit. Remember "carnal" just means not of the Spirit, worldly. We Christians like to make this word something more than what it is. Too many Christians try to know God after the flesh, carnally: through books, education, music, dance, flag waving, even service to our brothers and sisters, but that is not the way God wants us to know Him. God wants us to come to know Him through the Spirit, through revelation as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God's nature and character to us. What benefit is it to us if we come to know about Him and even use some of His power yet never come to know His person? Oh how we go after the truth in the word of God, but when God begins to reveal the truth about our nature and character (oh me) quickly we shut down. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) it does not matter what we have done or said for God, all of our good works will be over. I remember when Charles Haun was gathered to his elders (and I believe he is with the LORD) in July 1996 his wonderful wife Violet was left with his Bible, his ministry, all of his office (how I use to enjoy him and his office) equipment, all of his outstanding writings, his luggage that he used to travel countless 1,000s of miles, his watch, his personal clothing, his tooth brush all of this and more now was in Violets care. I look around and wonder what will happen to all of those things I hold near and dear to my heart. I have laid out in my last will and testament who gets my swords and weapons, and some other things, but in the end all of this stuff does not matter. What matters is what did we do with Jesus and did we keep the faith till the end. In Ecclesiastes the Preacher gives us "the conclusion of the whole matter." He writes, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) The "whole matter" is to "Fear God and keep his commandments." There is a day coming when we all will stand before a holy God, great and small, sinner and saint alike. Not because I say it, but because the Bible says it. In Revelations John says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12) So we shall be judged as the Preacher says in Ecclesiastes and John says here in verse 20:12. What will be judged according to John will be our works. Maybe that is why so many Christians want to do good works for God thinking the more good works they do the greater chance they have making it into heaven. Well not so fast my friend. Our works will be judged, but it will not be how many or what kind of works we did for God, oh no. What will be judged will be how we did those works for God. Did we do them with the right heart conditions, motives, and intentions. These will be the standard our works will be judged. You see in God, it does not matter what we do for God, but it matters how we do it. Do we do things with the right heart condition and for the right reasons. One of the first times I went to Nairobi, Kenya I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Faith Mutua. Faith is the wife of Pastor Joseph Mutua. So many wonderful memories with the Mutuas and their girls. Well one day I was talking with Faith and we got on this subject and I made the statement , "it does not matter what we do for God, but it matters how we do it" and Faith (a tiny lady) looked at me and jumped up on the chair and said, "I see now. I see how I can compete with someone like you and Jake (a mutual friend). I am just a house wife and you all travel the world in ministry, holding huge meeting, sharing deep truths. I thought I was in some type of completion, but now I see it matters not what we do for God, but it does matter to God how we do things for Him.  At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) our works will be judged and rewarded (maybe for another article) accordingly. It will not matter what we do for God then, but it will matter then how we do things for God, have we kept the faith to the end, and what we have done with Jesus Christ.