Praise the LORD!!!
Over the years, I've run into many Christians, in varying degrees of their walks. Most of you, most likely can state the very same. Have you ever noticed that many, when new to the faith, are on fire for the LORD? While those that are more 'seasoned', seem not to be so energetic?
As I've said before, the LORD has been involved in shaping me, like HE has all of you, since early in life, even before that day that I was blessed to accept HIM as LORD and SAVIOR! Part of this shaping was a innate ability to observe things(people, operation or occurrences) and listen to an inner voice as to what was going on. I know now, that this inner voice is HIS!!!
What do these two have to do with each other? I'll tell you!
Those on 'fire' Christians, are those that have a fresh view of their faith and those events which have recently taken place. Whereas the older, more seasoned Christian, while growing in maturity and knowledge of the LORD and HIS KINGDOM, have in a sense become polluted by many different teachings and teachers!!! You may be wondering about my choice of the word 'polluted.' In a sense this is truly what has taken place, something has been added that wasn't, or even, isn't meant to be there!!!
The 'young' convert (not age related, but faith related), has accepted JESUS into their hearts, in a 'simple childlike' manor and they've begun to overflow with love and affection for their SAVIOR and others. They go out and begin telling almost everyone they know about this priceless gift they've received. This outpouring is awesome to see and has many times brought me to tears:))) (I'm not afraid to say, this old man cries like a baby at times like this) As time goes on though, changes begin to take place, not those changes associated with the regenerated being, that perfecting of our spirits, that JESUS effects within us, but external ones. Not those external ones that are changes to our character either. These changes come about when one beings to reach out to gain a greater understanding about their new lives. Usually this starts out through their reading their Bibles and then expanding onto the teachings of others.
Now don't take me wrong here, there are plenty of awesome teachers out there, but the problem begins to manifest when people begin to take a human teacher's words as truth, without using the Bible as their ultimate guide and the HOLY SPIRIT as their teacher!!! This doesn't mean that the teachings weren't Biblical in their content or origin, but that they weren't that which they were to acquire at this time. It is at this time that something is added to their walks, that wasn't meant to be there. GOD has perfect timing, a perfect plan and perfect order as to the matters of our lives. When we step outside this order of GOD's, we're polluting that plan and our lives begin to bear direct results from it. Suddenly, a once energetic, on fire, Christian begins to struggle. That flame, that once overwhelmed their lives, begins to turn into withdrawal, moodiness and at times depression.
I know you've witnessed this, for there are many around us in this condition. Their on fire for the LORD one day and the next, the bottom seems to have fallen out from under them. One day their words are purely scriptural and then they've taken on a differing line of witness and the next they're crying out from the pits of despair.
The greatest weapon in a Christian's arsenal of weapons? The Bible? Nope, it's the HOLY SPIRIT and HE alone. It is through HIS leading and guidance that we're to grow and prosper in our walks. It is here that the Bible comes into play. Being led by the SPIRIT in our readings, we begin to gather everything that will be needed to prosper within our walks. All that we gather, is now in proper place, in proper time and according to that perfect plan GOD has for us. I know I've done this numerous times over the years. Knowing what GOD wills for me, but stepping out on my own and getting out of timing with HIM. It is at these times that I've learned some of the greatest lessons. Perhaps the greatest of these, that I've learned, is ALWAYS depend on the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT and not my own understandings!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From the beginning...
Praise the LORD!!!
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, satan has done his best to keep our eyes focused on ourselves and away from where they should be, on GOD!!! This is perhaps the greatest weapon in his arsenal. Whenever we turn our eyes towards ourselves, to our sufferings, to our pain, to even our very basic of needs, satan is gaining ground towards victory!!!
You heard me right! For whenever we've taken our eyes off of focusing upon GOD, our relationship with HIM, HIS WORD for us and everything else that HE has for us, we've fallen prey to satan's scheme!!! Even, when our prayers turn to our very own needs this is happening. That's right. GOD already knows our needs before we even pray for them, so why not simply acknowledge the need as viable and thank HIM right off the bat? Not going into some long, drawn out, crying mass of "I'm-s" Why not a simple, "LORD, I know YOU're in control, YOU know my needs for __________, and I thank YOU for taking care of this!"?
Our flesh, our pride, is that which originally separated us from GOD!!! Let us defeat it ultimately, by focusing not upon it(the me's, my's and I's) and turn our eyes and hearts to focusing only upon JESUS !!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, satan has done his best to keep our eyes focused on ourselves and away from where they should be, on GOD!!! This is perhaps the greatest weapon in his arsenal. Whenever we turn our eyes towards ourselves, to our sufferings, to our pain, to even our very basic of needs, satan is gaining ground towards victory!!!
You heard me right! For whenever we've taken our eyes off of focusing upon GOD, our relationship with HIM, HIS WORD for us and everything else that HE has for us, we've fallen prey to satan's scheme!!! Even, when our prayers turn to our very own needs this is happening. That's right. GOD already knows our needs before we even pray for them, so why not simply acknowledge the need as viable and thank HIM right off the bat? Not going into some long, drawn out, crying mass of "I'm-s" Why not a simple, "LORD, I know YOU're in control, YOU know my needs for __________, and I thank YOU for taking care of this!"?
Our flesh, our pride, is that which originally separated us from GOD!!! Let us defeat it ultimately, by focusing not upon it(the me's, my's and I's) and turn our eyes and hearts to focusing only upon JESUS !!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Monday, June 13, 2011
Spurgeon: Morning June 13th
Praise the LORD!!!
Seldom it is that I'll post the writings of another here, but this will be one of them. Upon reading it this morning, it was impressed upon me to share it with others. There are many fine masters of the pen, but few that equal C.H. Spurgeon and this is a fine example!!!
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 22:17
Jesus says, “take freely.” He wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, if you be but willing, you are invited; therefore come! You have no belief and no repentance,—come to him, and he will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take “Freely,” without money and without price. He gives himself to needy ones. The drinking fountains at the corners of our streets are valuable institutions; and we can hardly imagine any one so foolish as to feel for his purse, when he stands before one of them, and to cry, “I cannot drink because I have not five pounds in my pocket.” However poor the man is, there is the fountain, and just as he is he may drink of it. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed in fustian or in broadcloth, do not look for any warrant for drinking; its being there is their warrant for taking its water freely. The liberality of some good friends has put the refreshing crystal there and we take it, and ask no questions. Perhaps the only persons who need go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain, are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty, but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips. Oh, how many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! “I will not be saved,” they say, “in the same way as the harlot or the swearer.” What! go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep. Is there no pathway to glory but the path which led the thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but, “WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.”
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Seldom it is that I'll post the writings of another here, but this will be one of them. Upon reading it this morning, it was impressed upon me to share it with others. There are many fine masters of the pen, but few that equal C.H. Spurgeon and this is a fine example!!!
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 22:17
Jesus says, “take freely.” He wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, if you be but willing, you are invited; therefore come! You have no belief and no repentance,—come to him, and he will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take “Freely,” without money and without price. He gives himself to needy ones. The drinking fountains at the corners of our streets are valuable institutions; and we can hardly imagine any one so foolish as to feel for his purse, when he stands before one of them, and to cry, “I cannot drink because I have not five pounds in my pocket.” However poor the man is, there is the fountain, and just as he is he may drink of it. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed in fustian or in broadcloth, do not look for any warrant for drinking; its being there is their warrant for taking its water freely. The liberality of some good friends has put the refreshing crystal there and we take it, and ask no questions. Perhaps the only persons who need go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain, are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty, but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips. Oh, how many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! “I will not be saved,” they say, “in the same way as the harlot or the swearer.” What! go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep. Is there no pathway to glory but the path which led the thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but, “WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.”
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Friday, June 10, 2011
Oh for this to happen once again!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
The book of Acts is not just an account of the first years of the church, but a prime example for that which should still be witnessed by people today! Oh, for this to be witnessed within and without our churches today!!! How much greater would the glory of the LORD be among us!?!
Acts 2:41-47
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
The book of Acts is not just an account of the first years of the church, but a prime example for that which should still be witnessed by people today! Oh, for this to be witnessed within and without our churches today!!! How much greater would the glory of the LORD be among us!?!
Acts 2:41-47
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
You may like...
Praise the LORD!!!
Good morning. If you're reading this GOD has obviously blessed you with another day to glorify the most precious name of JESUS! Please use it to the max!!!
Yesterday, I posted a little saying that has been around for awhile. Many seemed to enjoy it, so I thought I'd post something else that has been around for awhile. Several months after being released from the halfway house, I was blessed to win a t-shirt from a local (Springfield, MO.) Christian radio station. On it was one of the best sayings, a real eye catcher, I've run into, so I thought I'd put this online for many others enjoyment!
"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, platitudes or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of HIS. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up and paid up for the cause of CHRIST. I am a disciple of JESUS. I must go till HE comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till HE stops me. And when HE comes for HIS own, HE will have no problem recognizing me because I LIVE THE LIFE! (THE WIND fm 88.3)
I still have this shirt and wear it proudly, for it exemplifies my life for JESUS. It reveals my reason for continuing to work the LORD's ministry for me, though no one is at my side! I reveals that which all Christians should strive to fulfill each day that they're blessed with. After all, it's all about JESUS and us living to bring glory to HIS most precious name!!! How will you live the life today???
( I must add, that I still listen to this station, though online (KWND 88.3 FM), for they're a part of the soil that help this vine sprout and begin to grow in the LORD:))) )
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Good morning. If you're reading this GOD has obviously blessed you with another day to glorify the most precious name of JESUS! Please use it to the max!!!
Yesterday, I posted a little saying that has been around for awhile. Many seemed to enjoy it, so I thought I'd post something else that has been around for awhile. Several months after being released from the halfway house, I was blessed to win a t-shirt from a local (Springfield, MO.) Christian radio station. On it was one of the best sayings, a real eye catcher, I've run into, so I thought I'd put this online for many others enjoyment!
"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, platitudes or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of HIS. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up and paid up for the cause of CHRIST. I am a disciple of JESUS. I must go till HE comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till HE stops me. And when HE comes for HIS own, HE will have no problem recognizing me because I LIVE THE LIFE! (THE WIND fm 88.3)
I still have this shirt and wear it proudly, for it exemplifies my life for JESUS. It reveals my reason for continuing to work the LORD's ministry for me, though no one is at my side! I reveals that which all Christians should strive to fulfill each day that they're blessed with. After all, it's all about JESUS and us living to bring glory to HIS most precious name!!! How will you live the life today???
( I must add, that I still listen to this station, though online (KWND 88.3 FM), for they're a part of the soil that help this vine sprout and begin to grow in the LORD:))) )
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Monday, June 6, 2011
Paying for prayer???
Praise the LORD!!!
I pray all are well this morning and no, I'm not going to ask you to pay for these prayers!!! You may be saying to yourself right now, "What?", but I will explain.
Recently I received an email, asking if I were in need of prayer and being that there are many current needs both for the ministry and myself, I sent them a request. In a short time I received a short reply, most likely an automatic reply, that they'd received my request and would be praying for my request. It was the next day that I received a short, basically two lined prayer in an email. Which, though only hitting the major request and very briefly, was sufficient in my eyes.
Now comes the kicker, that which has disturbed me. An email requesting assistance in funding their "work." My first reaction was "What?", just like yours may of been with my first line:) Now, I'm far from new to the internet or ministry(or life) and I know that it takes money to operate in this world. My question though, is that if this group is Christian and has been graced with the ability to utter a simple prayer, how can they seek payment for it? In my mind, and heart, this is basically prostituting the faith!!! Putting a price tag on that which every single Christian is called to do.
When JESUS sent out the disciples, after anointing them with power (Matt. 10:7,8 ), HE gave them this command. To give and to give freely as they too had been given. One of the foundational principles of my ministry is along these lines, for we'll not ask for money, but only put out the information about our needs and allow the LORD to lead people from there. Numerous times I've been asked, when talking about the work I'll be doing, "what would you like to be paid?" My answer has always been the same, "nothing, I'm doing these works to reveal JESUS' love for you and HIS love for me is ample payment!"
Now, I don't know about you, but to me, selling services or anything that the LORD has blessed me with is wrong!!! HE has blessed me with abilities, understandings and wisdom and these are not for sale, no matter what. I've spent many an hour out in the weather, doing the works of the ministry in a disaster area and never once mentioned a price for my labors. Most of the work that I've done, the only request has been that the homeowner supply the materials needed for the work. I've worked in the construction trades for the most part of my life and my abilities would require a pretty good cost, yet it has all been freely given. Sure, I've received payments at time, but I've told them that it was being accepted as being a donation alone and they should treat it as such.
It is very disheartening to me to see so many in the faith, that make their livings off the WORD of GOD, the wisdom that the LORD has blessed them with, or the abilities HE has graced them with. The faith has been blending too long with the world and it's love of money and needs to withdraw itself. We as believers in JESUS have been set apart by the LORD and are to lead a life differing from that of the world. Isn't it time we start acting in the manor which we've been called to? Isn't it about time, we stop thinking about the price we pay for our service? After all, isn't about the price HE paid and that alone???
Matt. 10:7,8
7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org (and there is no price to anyone:) )
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
I pray all are well this morning and no, I'm not going to ask you to pay for these prayers!!! You may be saying to yourself right now, "What?", but I will explain.
Recently I received an email, asking if I were in need of prayer and being that there are many current needs both for the ministry and myself, I sent them a request. In a short time I received a short reply, most likely an automatic reply, that they'd received my request and would be praying for my request. It was the next day that I received a short, basically two lined prayer in an email. Which, though only hitting the major request and very briefly, was sufficient in my eyes.
Now comes the kicker, that which has disturbed me. An email requesting assistance in funding their "work." My first reaction was "What?", just like yours may of been with my first line:) Now, I'm far from new to the internet or ministry(or life) and I know that it takes money to operate in this world. My question though, is that if this group is Christian and has been graced with the ability to utter a simple prayer, how can they seek payment for it? In my mind, and heart, this is basically prostituting the faith!!! Putting a price tag on that which every single Christian is called to do.
When JESUS sent out the disciples, after anointing them with power (Matt. 10:7,8 ), HE gave them this command. To give and to give freely as they too had been given. One of the foundational principles of my ministry is along these lines, for we'll not ask for money, but only put out the information about our needs and allow the LORD to lead people from there. Numerous times I've been asked, when talking about the work I'll be doing, "what would you like to be paid?" My answer has always been the same, "nothing, I'm doing these works to reveal JESUS' love for you and HIS love for me is ample payment!"
Now, I don't know about you, but to me, selling services or anything that the LORD has blessed me with is wrong!!! HE has blessed me with abilities, understandings and wisdom and these are not for sale, no matter what. I've spent many an hour out in the weather, doing the works of the ministry in a disaster area and never once mentioned a price for my labors. Most of the work that I've done, the only request has been that the homeowner supply the materials needed for the work. I've worked in the construction trades for the most part of my life and my abilities would require a pretty good cost, yet it has all been freely given. Sure, I've received payments at time, but I've told them that it was being accepted as being a donation alone and they should treat it as such.
It is very disheartening to me to see so many in the faith, that make their livings off the WORD of GOD, the wisdom that the LORD has blessed them with, or the abilities HE has graced them with. The faith has been blending too long with the world and it's love of money and needs to withdraw itself. We as believers in JESUS have been set apart by the LORD and are to lead a life differing from that of the world. Isn't it time we start acting in the manor which we've been called to? Isn't it about time, we stop thinking about the price we pay for our service? After all, isn't about the price HE paid and that alone???
Matt. 10:7,8
7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org (and there is no price to anyone:) )
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What exactly are you doing...
Praise the LORD!!!
This has come about from my wanderings around the internet and my list of social sites this morning.
What exactly are you doing to farther the spread of the GOSPEL? Not just for today, tomorrow or your plans for the future, but at this very second in time!?!
With all the hoopla in the media lately about the Rapture, I wonder if people shouldn't be a lot more concerned about these questions, than the seem to be? Many are spending their time playing one or more of the many games available online. While others are posting things that are only meant to bring about disagreement in one way, shape or form. Yet, others seem to be totally oblivious to anything that even closely resembles a message of hope.
Have we as Christians become so comfortable in our lives, that we've forgotten our calling, and focus more and more upon worldly pursuits, then that which the apostles deemed as eminent? Have we forgotten that JESUS could return at any moment, in the twinkling of an eye? Or is it that, it's been so long in it's coming, that we feel there is plenty of time to spare?
There are millions and millions of souls out there that have yet to hear the GOSPEL. Many will go into eternity having never heard it. Sure, there are many questions above, but they all lead to one foundational one. What exactly are you doing with JESUS today???
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!! 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
This has come about from my wanderings around the internet and my list of social sites this morning.
What exactly are you doing to farther the spread of the GOSPEL? Not just for today, tomorrow or your plans for the future, but at this very second in time!?!
With all the hoopla in the media lately about the Rapture, I wonder if people shouldn't be a lot more concerned about these questions, than the seem to be? Many are spending their time playing one or more of the many games available online. While others are posting things that are only meant to bring about disagreement in one way, shape or form. Yet, others seem to be totally oblivious to anything that even closely resembles a message of hope.
Have we as Christians become so comfortable in our lives, that we've forgotten our calling, and focus more and more upon worldly pursuits, then that which the apostles deemed as eminent? Have we forgotten that JESUS could return at any moment, in the twinkling of an eye? Or is it that, it's been so long in it's coming, that we feel there is plenty of time to spare?
There are millions and millions of souls out there that have yet to hear the GOSPEL. Many will go into eternity having never heard it. Sure, there are many questions above, but they all lead to one foundational one. What exactly are you doing with JESUS today???
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!! 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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