Praise the LORD!!!
I seek out the LORD this day. Not as in other days, where I'd be at church listening to a sermon, but through HIS WORD and prayer alone!!! Lately, as many may know, I've been burdened by having to work for a living. Not works for the LORD, but works that are putting bread upon the table. This has allowed me little time for the things of the LORD. My Bible studies, prayer time, devotionals and all that I consider sacred to my existence has had to be laid aside. I've not had the fire or zeal to seek out GOD in even the smallest of ways. Yes, I've been reading my daily devotionals, but these too seemed dry and void of the SPIRIT. This is not a state of being that I truly relish being in.
You see, I love the LORD with all of my heart. I've turned my life totally over to HIM, holding back nothing when it comes to life. I'll give my total life, even to my very last breath, to bring glory to the precious name of JESUS!!! But having been in a state of total weakness, where I had little energy to even take care of personal needs (meals and personal hygiene.) I've been in need of a refreshing. A need to feel the power of GOD coursing through my veins again. This morning I began to take the steps needed to procure this vital refreshing. I stayed home from church to fill my heart with GOD's WORD. Though I normally hear good sermons at church, they seem void at times. They are the impressions of a man's heart and not that of GOD HIMSELF. They're scriptural in content, but there is the power of the HOLY SPIRIT missing from them(or at least in my opinion!)
I've been blessed since the beginning of my walk, to be highly attuned to the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. HE has guided me in even the simplest of task that I've undertaken. When in church listening to a sermon, I can feel whether or not the presence of the SPIRIT is there. If HE is, I listen deeply to the message. If not, I spend the majority of the service in prayer, seeking HIS presence to fall upon the congregation. I've been told by people that I'm "to spiritually minded, to be of any earthly good." Which makes no sense to me. For to be centered on that which is spiritual, or that which is totally centered around GOD, one can''t help but to be of every "earthly good!" For that which is boiling up within you is the will of GOD for mankind and not that which some other person has impressed upon your heart.
So I ask you this morning. What is the wellspring of your life? Is it the inspiration of man, that which others have been led to believe? Or is the the very WORDS of GOD, as impressed upon your heart by the HOLY SPIRIT? I ask that if you're following after the teachings of men, that you lay this aside and seek out your wisdom and knowledge through the power and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. Surely there are many preachers and teachers out there that only relate that which GOD has led them to, but there are truly more that put forth their personal interpretations of what GOD has laid on their hearts. In a way, this is akin to gossip, for it is relating the message of another in your own words, not their WORDS exactly. The best way to dispelled gossip, is to go directly to the source itself. So I ask you this morning, take not my words or the words of any other man. But humble yourself before GOD, seek HIM out in prayer and ask that HE alone lead you in HIS will and understanding. That what you may follow after and relate to others will be nothing but the WORDS that HE wills for you. Draw closer to GOD and HE will draw closer to you!!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Crying out to GOD
Praise the LORD!!!
Many of you know I've been having a rough go of things lately, both physically and spiritually. Over the last several days I've literally been trashed (not drunken or stoned, but spiritually). I've been feeling all the pressures of life and ministry and sought out the means to cure the problem. For the Christian there is but one resource where these can be taken care of. That is GOD HIMSELF!!!
What I did was something many frown upon, I cried out to GOD unleashing my full frustrations upon HIM! I told HIM everything that was upon my heart and held not one feeling or frustration back. In other words, "I told HIM like it is, exactly how I've been feeling."
Now many think we should only petition the LORD with our prayers, which is good. But this was far beyond just prayers. This was a pouring out of my deepest feelings and hurts. Many don't believe we should do this. Well let me tell you something, this is exactly what King David did all throughout the Psalms. Not unlike that which we'd do with our earthly fathers, GOD being our heavenly FATHER expects the same. HE wants us to lay the full burden of our lives in HIS hands, holding nothing at all back. How else can HE know, that we know, HE is the ultimate source of our well being?
I feel 110% better today, then I have in over a month and I love it. This practice came about while on my first attempted trip to Kingsville, the ill fated one. Though the trip was cut short, it was all in GOD's plan for me. I gained more spiritual incite into the workings of GOD, the church and people then one could ever imagine. So the next time you're feeling forsaken by all, as if the burdens of life have buried you under their weight, CRY OUT TO GOD, holding back nothing. You will find that the help you need will come in ways you could never imagine!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Many of you know I've been having a rough go of things lately, both physically and spiritually. Over the last several days I've literally been trashed (not drunken or stoned, but spiritually). I've been feeling all the pressures of life and ministry and sought out the means to cure the problem. For the Christian there is but one resource where these can be taken care of. That is GOD HIMSELF!!!
What I did was something many frown upon, I cried out to GOD unleashing my full frustrations upon HIM! I told HIM everything that was upon my heart and held not one feeling or frustration back. In other words, "I told HIM like it is, exactly how I've been feeling."
Now many think we should only petition the LORD with our prayers, which is good. But this was far beyond just prayers. This was a pouring out of my deepest feelings and hurts. Many don't believe we should do this. Well let me tell you something, this is exactly what King David did all throughout the Psalms. Not unlike that which we'd do with our earthly fathers, GOD being our heavenly FATHER expects the same. HE wants us to lay the full burden of our lives in HIS hands, holding nothing at all back. How else can HE know, that we know, HE is the ultimate source of our well being?
I feel 110% better today, then I have in over a month and I love it. This practice came about while on my first attempted trip to Kingsville, the ill fated one. Though the trip was cut short, it was all in GOD's plan for me. I gained more spiritual incite into the workings of GOD, the church and people then one could ever imagine. So the next time you're feeling forsaken by all, as if the burdens of life have buried you under their weight, CRY OUT TO GOD, holding back nothing. You will find that the help you need will come in ways you could never imagine!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Sunday, August 8, 2010
08.08.10_GOD, LORD, SAVIOR, BROTHER, FRIEND?
Praise the LORD!!!
There is a question upon my heart this morning, that is meant to be asked. Just WHO is GOD to me(and you?) Is HE the GOD WHOM created the universe and all that is within it? So above our petty ways and understandings that HE can't be touched by us? Which truly HE is!
Is HE LORD? MASTER of all that we are. The One that came and lived among us to teach us how to be GOD like? Still in this position HE is above us, far greater then any level we could ever hope to obtain!
Is HE SAVIOR? HE that came in our likeness, paid the price for all of our sins. Covering them with HIS precious blood and eradicating them from existence. Never to be thought of or mentioned again in HIS presence.
Is HE BROTHER? HE that we have been adopted to, placed into HIS family. Giving us all the rights that HE has as a blood relative. Being able to ask for whatever we may need and knowing that it is given without question.
Or is HE FRIEND? The ONE that we can tell all of our problems to. Talk with at all times, knowing that what we say to HIM won't ever go beyond HIM. ONE that we can count on to be there for us, through thick or thin, no matter what the situation may be. One that we live for, as we live for ourselves. ONE that we love, as we love ourselves. The one that can ask us to do anything and we'll do it without a single thought as to why. ONE that you form your relationship and life around.
JESUS is truly all these! But which is HE truly the greatest in to you? To me personally, HE is FRIEND! For no moment of my life is not shaped by our relationship. Not one word comes from my mouth that I know would not be pleasing to HIS ears. All that I am is shaped by this friendship. My very existence revolves around HIM and that which HE'd have me do.
I ask you then this day, "WHO is JESUS to you?"
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
There is a question upon my heart this morning, that is meant to be asked. Just WHO is GOD to me(and you?) Is HE the GOD WHOM created the universe and all that is within it? So above our petty ways and understandings that HE can't be touched by us? Which truly HE is!
Is HE LORD? MASTER of all that we are. The One that came and lived among us to teach us how to be GOD like? Still in this position HE is above us, far greater then any level we could ever hope to obtain!
Is HE SAVIOR? HE that came in our likeness, paid the price for all of our sins. Covering them with HIS precious blood and eradicating them from existence. Never to be thought of or mentioned again in HIS presence.
Is HE BROTHER? HE that we have been adopted to, placed into HIS family. Giving us all the rights that HE has as a blood relative. Being able to ask for whatever we may need and knowing that it is given without question.
Or is HE FRIEND? The ONE that we can tell all of our problems to. Talk with at all times, knowing that what we say to HIM won't ever go beyond HIM. ONE that we can count on to be there for us, through thick or thin, no matter what the situation may be. One that we live for, as we live for ourselves. ONE that we love, as we love ourselves. The one that can ask us to do anything and we'll do it without a single thought as to why. ONE that you form your relationship and life around.
JESUS is truly all these! But which is HE truly the greatest in to you? To me personally, HE is FRIEND! For no moment of my life is not shaped by our relationship. Not one word comes from my mouth that I know would not be pleasing to HIS ears. All that I am is shaped by this friendship. My very existence revolves around HIM and that which HE'd have me do.
I ask you then this day, "WHO is JESUS to you?"
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Friday, August 6, 2010
08.06.10_ through the valley
Praise the LORD!!!
Some of you may be wondering 'why' I've not been writing much lately! Its a bit of a long story, but one that I feel needs to be printed. As the title states, I'm going through a bit of a valley at this time. Believe me when I say 'I know where this has come from' and 'where it is leading.' Most of you know that I totally believe that there is nothing that happens within our lives that GOD doesn't have a purpose for. For even the 'man born blind(John 9:1-12)' had a purpose behind it and would be put to use by GOD for HIS ultimate glorification.
With our limited intelligence we can only think on a human level and one that is far below that which GOD preforms on. When we see events taking place we only see them how they are or through a set of values which we've grown to govern our thoughts and actions. GOD's abilities are so much greater then this. We could say, "HE is the ultimate of Ultimates," fulfilling all that is possible without even trying.
I don't know if this is going to make any sense to anyone, I was just led to sit down and start typing, letting GOD do the leading. I'm home today from my two jobs by choice. For the last week I've worked outside in 105 degree plus heat. I work at a pace that is a little hard for a lot of people to keep up with, even those half my age. An old work ethic under which I was raised and one I still hold strongly too and even more so because now I do all for the LORD!!! Even though I was extremely cautious to maintain safety recommendations as to hydration and short breaks, I'm worn completely out. I could barely get out of bed this morning and haven't even eaten yet. I believe this has to do a good bit with my diet as of late. With working the long hours and having no one home to depend upon for help, my meals have been very simple and usually limited to two items. I've been ingesting a large amount of proteins, meats, beans and pasta, and little else. This has blessed me with putting on a little weight, up twenty pounds in three months(now 145), but I'm lacking a lot of the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy level of activity like I've been undertaking. Thus the drained feeling!
This covers the physical only though, for I'm also been feeling drained 'spiritually' also!!! I've not had my normal hunger for the WORD of GOD, that I normally would have. I've been maintaining a normal routine of reading devotionals in the morning and my prayer life is also abundant, beyond this though, is dry (a parched place.) Having worked on VCM for over twelve years now, mostly by myself, I'd say I've developed a bit of ministry 'burnout.' Now this isn't the only problem in my life, for I've been 'helpmate-less' for three years, but to me it is the one that weighs the heaviest upon my heart. Now, I know all the scriptures that would fit this sort of situation, remember I'm a minister and lead many to them myself. I've a great confidence in the LORD and HIS provisions during times such as these and I know what is coming. Yes, "I know what is coming.!!!" For it is always after times like these that GOD lifts us up and raises us to a new level of operation. Remember that the night is always darkest before the dawn! I've faith that what is about to happen will bring glory to GOD and all that has happened, will be pale in comparison. As I've said, I've been through events like this far too many times and the outcomes, have always been of this nature. GOD places us in 'barren' and 'dry places' for a reason. Though we can't make logical sense out of them, we must accept them as the HAND of GOD in our lives. Something HE has allowed to happen, to form and shape us into the being HE wants us to be. It is our duty to have faith, trust in HIM and know that the outcome will be to HIS ultimate glory!!!
As usual, I'm most likely stepping on 'some theological toes.' Do I care? Not at all. Why? Because as usual, I'm doing that which I'm being led to do. I'm not worried about what members of my congregation may think, because I've not one. I'm not thinking about how others will judge my statements! Because I don't care what man thinks of me, my only judge is GOD HIMSELF and if HE is leading me to write this, which I totally believe, it is according to HIS will and perfect before HIM. Though my relationship is different then most, it is that which the LORD has led me to follow. An though I'm going through a rough and dry valley at this time, my faith is that GOD is using it to form and shape me into that which HE can use to bring glory to HIS most precious name. All is for the glory of JESUS and none is my own!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Some of you may be wondering 'why' I've not been writing much lately! Its a bit of a long story, but one that I feel needs to be printed. As the title states, I'm going through a bit of a valley at this time. Believe me when I say 'I know where this has come from' and 'where it is leading.' Most of you know that I totally believe that there is nothing that happens within our lives that GOD doesn't have a purpose for. For even the 'man born blind(John 9:1-12)' had a purpose behind it and would be put to use by GOD for HIS ultimate glorification.
With our limited intelligence we can only think on a human level and one that is far below that which GOD preforms on. When we see events taking place we only see them how they are or through a set of values which we've grown to govern our thoughts and actions. GOD's abilities are so much greater then this. We could say, "HE is the ultimate of Ultimates," fulfilling all that is possible without even trying.
I don't know if this is going to make any sense to anyone, I was just led to sit down and start typing, letting GOD do the leading. I'm home today from my two jobs by choice. For the last week I've worked outside in 105 degree plus heat. I work at a pace that is a little hard for a lot of people to keep up with, even those half my age. An old work ethic under which I was raised and one I still hold strongly too and even more so because now I do all for the LORD!!! Even though I was extremely cautious to maintain safety recommendations as to hydration and short breaks, I'm worn completely out. I could barely get out of bed this morning and haven't even eaten yet. I believe this has to do a good bit with my diet as of late. With working the long hours and having no one home to depend upon for help, my meals have been very simple and usually limited to two items. I've been ingesting a large amount of proteins, meats, beans and pasta, and little else. This has blessed me with putting on a little weight, up twenty pounds in three months(now 145), but I'm lacking a lot of the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy level of activity like I've been undertaking. Thus the drained feeling!
This covers the physical only though, for I'm also been feeling drained 'spiritually' also!!! I've not had my normal hunger for the WORD of GOD, that I normally would have. I've been maintaining a normal routine of reading devotionals in the morning and my prayer life is also abundant, beyond this though, is dry (a parched place.) Having worked on VCM for over twelve years now, mostly by myself, I'd say I've developed a bit of ministry 'burnout.' Now this isn't the only problem in my life, for I've been 'helpmate-less' for three years, but to me it is the one that weighs the heaviest upon my heart. Now, I know all the scriptures that would fit this sort of situation, remember I'm a minister and lead many to them myself. I've a great confidence in the LORD and HIS provisions during times such as these and I know what is coming. Yes, "I know what is coming.!!!" For it is always after times like these that GOD lifts us up and raises us to a new level of operation. Remember that the night is always darkest before the dawn! I've faith that what is about to happen will bring glory to GOD and all that has happened, will be pale in comparison. As I've said, I've been through events like this far too many times and the outcomes, have always been of this nature. GOD places us in 'barren' and 'dry places' for a reason. Though we can't make logical sense out of them, we must accept them as the HAND of GOD in our lives. Something HE has allowed to happen, to form and shape us into the being HE wants us to be. It is our duty to have faith, trust in HIM and know that the outcome will be to HIS ultimate glory!!!
As usual, I'm most likely stepping on 'some theological toes.' Do I care? Not at all. Why? Because as usual, I'm doing that which I'm being led to do. I'm not worried about what members of my congregation may think, because I've not one. I'm not thinking about how others will judge my statements! Because I don't care what man thinks of me, my only judge is GOD HIMSELF and if HE is leading me to write this, which I totally believe, it is according to HIS will and perfect before HIM. Though my relationship is different then most, it is that which the LORD has led me to follow. An though I'm going through a rough and dry valley at this time, my faith is that GOD is using it to form and shape me into that which HE can use to bring glory to HIS most precious name. All is for the glory of JESUS and none is my own!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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