Rock a bye baby, the church is asleep!!!

Praise the LORD!!!

   and wake the f*## up!!!

Now, did that get your attention???

"Rock a bye baby," what an unusual title(not to mention that second line) for a Christian blog. Let me say, "it's a warning of that which is to come."

For decades now, the BODY of CHRIST has been lulled asleep by the preaching from our pulpits. Ministers, proclaiming to preach the GOSPEL, yet only preaching that which the Christian receives and is in the eyes of the LORD. Nothing on that which the LORD has called us to do.

All in all, there is nothing wrong with the Christian knowing their standing before the LORD, but when all else that the LORD taught about is forsaken, then there's a problem. Due to this preaching, our eyes have been turned inside, no longer focused on those things the LORD set forth for us, to do out and about for a dying world. We gather once or twice a week, putting on our best of shows, only to walk out those doors and live no differently then the rest of the world. Those whom we were sent out(called) to be examples for.

Today, there is no longer a difference between a Christian and any other person of this world. Sure, there is for that day or two during the week, that we practice our religion, but the other five or six, NONE. Many want to use the excuse, "that we have to live in this world and survive," but isn't that statement wrong on so many points!?!

  "They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world.

 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth."

~ John 17:16,17; AMP 

"Trust in the Lorde with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

       ~ Proverbs 3:5,6; NIV  

   " He who loves [and * takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me;

 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [* cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.

 Whoever finds his [* lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].

~ John 10:37-39; AMP

There are those that will say that the church is not asleep, but is suffering from a state of "being lukewarm." Well, you've got to have a pulse to be "lukewarm," and when the church sees nothing outside of it's OWN focal distance, it's worse off than "lukewarm," it's asleep. Void of any cognitive functions, resting intently on that which it knows and HAS. In other words, ASLEEP !!!!!!!

It is time that the BODY, the CHURCH, woke up and turned their eyes upon the LORD. Focusing upon that which HE set forth before us to do and not that "goobly gook" that has been preached before us for so many years. It's time that action was taken, and not just thought about. It is time that our hands and feet began operating outside our circles and in the trenches where those that are in need of help are. It is time, that the CHURCH began resembling CHRIST and not just some foggy image upon a mirror.

Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!

GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Lessons for such a time as this:

Praise the LORD!!!
   A little twist in the normal posting of "Lessons for such a time as this." Bringing it here to reach an extended audience(I guess, just doing as led :{))) ) "Reftagger" is functional here, so it's possible that you can mouse-over to expand references!?!
_______

Lessons for such a time as this:

Christian Activity(Application of scriptures)

Many statements in Scripture indicate that the Bible is given to us for more than satisfying our curiosity about what God is like, what He has done in the past, or what He will do in the future. Its intended impact on lives is seen in that the Bible convicts (Heb. 4:12–13), regenerates (2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 1:23), nurtures (2:2), cleanses (Ps. 119:9; John 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:25–26), counsels and guides (Ps. 119:24, 105), prevents sin (v. 11), renews (vv. 50, 93, 107, 149, 154, 156), strengthens (v. 28), sustains (vv. 116, 175), gives wisdom (vv. 98, 130, 169), and delivers (v. 170).

The Scriptures are called a fire, to consume false teaching (Jer. 23:29); a hammer, to shatter people’s hard hearts (v. 29); food, to sustain one’s soul (Ps. 119:103; Jer. 15:16; 1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:13–14; 1 Peter 2:2); a light, to guide our paths (Ps. 119:105); and a sword, for offense against Satan (Eph. 6:17; cf. Luke 4:4, 8, 12). In Psalm 119 the psalmist used many verbs to speak of his response to God’s Word: walk according to, keep, obey, follow, trust in, seek out, delight in, meditate on, consider, rejoice in, see, understand, hope in, teach, speak of, remember, not forget, not forsake, not depart from, not stray from, not turn from, believe in, consider, long for, love, stand in awe of, tremble at, sing of, and choose.

Having been born again by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23), believers are to grow in the Lord by the same means—God’s Word (2:2). In application, then, we are concerned about relating the Bible to life today. This involves seeing how the Bible, written to initial audiences thousands of years ago, relates to audiences today—and how we should respond to it. Do the Scriptures have relevance for today, and if so how is that relevance determined? What is the significance of the Bible to us? How do we determine how we should respond?

- from: Campbell, D. K. (1991). Foreword. In C. Bubeck Sr. (Ed.), Basic Bible Interpretation: A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth (pp. 280–281). Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.
- via Logos 6

#lessonsforsuchatimeasthis #christjesus #theword #studyscripture #god #biblestudy #bible #jesus #faith #dailydevotions #devotional   #holyspirit  #bookexcerpts  #vineofchristministries



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

Verily, verily...

Praise the LORD, we're blessed with another day to glorify the name of JESUS!!!

From the title, one should be able to see that this is something of importance. For the repeating of these words, as well as the repeating of a certain statement, were meant to drive home the importance of a fact that was to follow. It's not that what I'm going to say is important, but that the message the LORD has laid on my heart is.

WHO/who do you follow??? That should be simple enough to answer, but is it??? There are several warnings given by Paul in the New Testament, on the separation or divisions within the Church. Though like in his day, it seems that people have greatly overlooked and still fail to heed these.

There truly shouldn't be a need for the question, but there is, for far too many follow after the teachings of others, instead of following those strictly of CHRIST. Now, I'm not talking about those that are following after "errant" teachers today, though this IS a major problem. But, those that are taking the teachings from the Bible, let's call them "one liners", and going on crusades with them.

Now, all in all, this may not be wrong, but when one forsakes the very teaching of CHRIST, to go off on a tangent, to bolster a cause, there is. A great deal of this happens due to the "immaturity" of the believer. Paul himself tackles this problem, but I'm led to re-hash it today. For people would rather just overlook it and "run with that which they believe is of the SPIRIT." Well, it maybe of the spirit, but certainly not the HOLY SPIRIT!!! For anything that the HOLY SPIRIT teaches, will completely coincide with ALL of scripture, not only on a part of it. In other words, "if it doesn't mesh with the complete Bible(beginning to end), it's not of the HOLY SPIRIT!!!"

Now, to the crust of this biscuit.

There are so many lines of thought within the Church today, it's downright ridiculous. Here, I'm focusing on two specific ones. People preaching nothing but the "End Times." Others, doing nothing but standing in judgement of others in the Church and their teachings. And, though both of these topics, ARE in scripture, they are but "one liner" topics. (and yes, I know these are covered in more that a single line, but that's what the BOSS, says call them :{))) argue with HIM) Both, though important facts, don't "mesh" with the totality of scripture. Which makes focusing on and the pursuit of them wrong.

JESUS warns us, personally, of focusing on the events of the "End Times,"  and also in numerous places, of standing in judgement of others, especially those of the Church. An I know, there are those that are going to say "these aren't of the Church, but are errant in their ways." There you go though, you're putting "yourself" in the position of THE JUDGE, and are you so sure that your "righteous judgement" is truly righteous??? Or not just "a little of the flesh boiling up within you"??? You know, we as "man," are prone to a little pride, now and then. Even the best of us.

To keep this from being a book, I'm going to make this short and sweet. The next time you're doing a little surfing of the internet, or reading somebody's new(or old) book, and something really fires you up. Back off for a bit. Pray, test the spirit of this matter and give it some time to settle in. For like an actual fire, all will blaze up at first, but not all will continue to burn strongly. This because the RIGHT FUEL isn't there. That fuel, the right, is the HOLY SPIRIT. The wrong fuel, is that of this world and it's purposes, are to bring division and take our eyes off the true focus we are to have> spreading the GOSPEL, loving GOD, our fellow believers and our neighbors(believer or not.)



GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

satan will ...

   satan will use every means possible to defeat GOD!!! This statement shouldn't surprise anyone, well anyone that believes in GOD in the first place.

   The "dark lord" has already lost one decisive battle and was rewarded by being cast out of heaven. But truly, he's as stubborn as he is prideful and won't give up or give in until that day in which he's finally defeated.(and yes, he will be, for it is written!!!)

   Today satan wages war against GOD thru a constant barrage of attacks upon believers. I'm pretty sure that I don't need to tell you about these. For daily, we're under constant attack in many ways. Most of which are meant to focus our attentions on our plight and away from GOD and HIS promises to us.

   A secondary means that is being used, is the "trivialization" of GOD's WORD and WAYS. If but for a moment he can get our attentions turned away from GOD and focused on, or disbelieving in one "jot or title" of scripture, he's gained a minor victory. A foothold. A wedge between us and our SAVIOR.

   These means are also being used against those to whom we as believers are to witness. Putting up stronger wall of defense between us and them. These can take many forms and can even use the professing Christian to do so.

   We in the western world are among the most prosperous nations in the world and this prosperity is one of satan's greatest weapons against us. We've houses, that resemble great mansions to those that live in make-shift shelters. We've numerous vehicles to drive all around. When the greatest percentage of others are bound by "manual" transportation, walking or bicycles. We've masses of electronic gadgets filling our home and vehicles. To which, a great many are but distractions from the world we live in, but they too, are distractions from the very GOD that has blessed us with them.

   Even our houses of worship, have become more entertainment, than they are worship. Sure we do worship in them, but is it any degree of that which it was a hundred years ago, or for that matter, just fifty years ago??? For the most part, gone is most of the music that the saints sing. Replaced by that which they listen to, or maybe sing along too. Gone, is the harmony of voices singing, no matter how out of tune, together, making melody to the LORD.

   Gone is the church family, which knew each other as well as they know themselves. Gone, are many of those ways that used to separate the Church, from the rest of the world. Today, many of our churches resemble any other gathering of people.

   These, the few that I've mentioned, are nothing but satan's trivialization of GOD, HIS WORD and HIS WAY!!!

THINK ABOUT IT, FOR THE FUTURES OF MANY, DEPEND UPON US!!!

 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Breaking the mold

Praise the LORD!!!

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9; NIV)

"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’" (Exodus 19:5,6; NIV)

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14; AV)

Breaking the mold ??? GOD has called forth HIS people to be peculiar!!!

• pe·cu·liar
• [ pi kyóolyər ]
unusual: unusual, strange, or unconventional

1. unique: belonging exclusively to or identified distinctly with somebody or something

synonyms: odd · strange · weird · unusual · irregular · abnormal · uncharacteristic

Why then, are we all standing around in the same light cast for us by the world and unfortunately, the church itself???

For the best part of the last forty years, ministries have been telling us that we've got to focus upon making ourselves look and preform just like them and the world. Striving to stand out, yet only following after the very same mold they've been set in. A "mold" that is almost exactly that as the "mold" that the world uses to bring note to itself !!! 

You, know what I mean. That, "we've got to have the biggest and the best, to make people come through our doors," or "we've got to act this way or that, to blend in with them, making them feel acceptable in our pews." 

There is no "standing out, because we're different," or "standing out, because we don't accept your ways or beliefs." It's, "smooth over the rough spots," "sweeten our words, so we don't offend anyone." Are any of these, those "PECULIAR" ways that the LORD has called us out to be???


Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!


 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Weary, war worn, but not defeated

Praise the LORD!!!
    Doing that which I'd of least thought of doing, especially with just beginning on the road to recovery after nearly two weeks of fighting physical oppression by the flue. Blogging. Writing a devotional(?.) Hard to believe, considering it's been nearly a half year since the last time, but the LORD has HIS ways. Ways, we can seldom completely grasp.

   We are living in a day and age unlike any before. Not only because we're closer than ever to the LORD's return, but because we're in an age where fewer and fewer Christians read the Bible for themselves!!! I'm not talking about searching up a scripture or two while reading a post online, but the serious reading(and study) typical of the saints of old. Whom may of spent hours, days or weeks on the study of one verse alone.

   Sure, we've many that are reading their Bibles completely thru in a year, maybe more than at any time ever before. This due to the fact that we've many more "understandable" versions to choose from. Plus many programs and websites which are set up to render this possible. This though, isn't that which I'm speaking of. I'm talking about those which have such an overwhelming hunger for the WORD, that they just can't get enough!!! Those that feel as if they can't exist a moment longer, if they don't savor the richness of GOD's WORD. Those that feel it's the very "Bread of LIFE" upon which they exist.

   You may be wondering what this has to do with the title, "Weary, war worn, but not defeated"? Well, that's simple. For there are many, whom for years have been urging others to get down and get serious about reading and studying their Bibles for themselves. Not, the reading of some author, or preacher, but the Bible itself. Now, I'm not discounting the value of reading that written by other Christians, for I do a great deal of this myself and have grown due to it. I'm talking about sitting down, praying for the HOLY SPIRIT's guidance and digging deeply into the WORD alone. Open minded, not thinking about "what" Brother or Sister so and so(or self) said and/or believes. Or what this or that group happens to say, but truly open mindedly listening to the HOLY SPIRIT !!! One can only state this so many times, before it begins to wear on them. Before they begin to show signs of wear and tear. Before they begin to get disgruntled and want to give in and cease their efforts. After all, we're only human and have our limits :{)))

    Alas though, we wage not this battle alone (2 Cor. 10:3-6), and our weapons are not of this world. We're dressed for these battles(Eph. 6:12-18.) and it isn't under our powers or understandings(Proverbs 3:5,6; Phil. 4:13) in which we carry on these battles. It is by continually visiting the well of refreshing(John 6:35; 2 Cor. 12:9,10) even when at our weakest. It is CHRIST JESUS, the LIVING WORD to WHOM we go and depend.

   Truthfully, I don't know what we have here??? :{))) Whether it's a blog??? A devotional??? Or what??? I do know but one thing. "I did, as led," and where it goes from here, is in the LORD's hands!!! GOD bless y'all and good day !!!



Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!

 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Caring and Sharing...

Praise the LORD!!!

   Happy Valentine's Day <3 p="">
Caring and sharing, this could be a deep talk, but it'll not be. For I'd like to give you a little example that just happened to me.

Several days ago, my friend, the one that is allowing me to live in her garage, and I were talking about Mardi Gras. Well I mentioned that one of my favorite things about it were "King Cakes." I've a deep fondness for them and the traditions mean nothing, just the cake :{)))

She'd been away for several days visiting some friends and last night when I got home there was a King cake sitting in my computer chair. Later when she got back in we talked about it. It appears that she had looked around town and was unable to find one. But while on her trip out of town, she had stopped to get a "welcome gift" for her visit and found the only two left in the store. She kept one for her return and they enjoyed the other at their gathering. When she arrived home, she delivered it to my chair.

Folks, here is a dear Christian sister, that went greatly out of her way to share the love of CHRIST with another. Isn't this kind of act exactly what following our LORD and SAVIOR is all about. Going that extra mile to reveal the love of CHRIST for all of mankind!?!


GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

Blowing your own trumpet

Praise the LORD!!!

   Good morning and I can see from the fact that you're reading this, that GOD has blessed you with another day :{)))
   Those of you that follow me through my many post, know that I currently homeless and working but part time while living out of a friends garage. Yesterday was one of the days I was blessed to work, the first in three weeks. After receiving our checks the boss proceeded to run the three of us home.

   At the first drop off, the boss pipes in about my co-worker(the one getting out) not having any gas service due to the need to repair the lines and "what would it cost to repair." After a short conversation the statement was made "that I'll help get this done, at the beginning of the week and we'll make arrangements on paying it back." Now I want you to keep in mind that my boss is a "Christian."

   As we continued on the boss began asking my other co-worker about the fact that he too was without gas service and that they too could make the arrangements to remedy this problem. The conversation then turned, not to my homelessness(as you might think), but to his(the boss) having helped another, by loaning him some money to fix his car and never having received repayment or the man's car getting fixed.

   Now it is when the conversation turned my way. Not in an offer of any sort, but as to the conditions in which I'm living and how they could be so much worse.Now this went on for about the next five minutes and never once came to an offer of any kind, so as I was getting out of the truck I asked if he had $20 I could borrow until my check cleared(3 business days). He only had ten on him and I accepted it and told him that I remind him of it. This because of the fact, that my little check was basically already spent on bills that would be covered by the bank.

   Here is the point of this all. It is scripturally improper for a Christian to blow the trumpets when doing their works for the LORD!!! For in doing so, it is here that they'll receive their rewards and it likens them unto the pagans, that give only to receive back in return. We see and hear from all sorts of secular charity groups of the "good works" that they do and usually this is attached to another plea for money. Christians are supposed to give freely, because it was it this very manor in which our LORD gave and we are to reflected HIS image within and through our lives!!!

   Has the BODY become so like the world, that it has to be glorified by the works that it does in love??? Do Christians give, only so they can receive back in likeness or greater??? As you know I've the ministry and it pains me to think that so many "CHRIST-like" people won't donate(and haven't in 12+ yrs.) because the ministry isn't 501.3.c rated and they'll not receive a tax credit!!! I've come to the decision that the ministry will never be rated in this manor, for IT will not succumb to government regulations as to "what we can say" or "against what we can stand against(sins rampant in society today.) As a Christian, I see it as my duty to abide by the LORD's teachings over any that government or any group wants to condone!!! Sure I've told of some of the things done over the years, but these weren't in depth stories or videos focused on getting your donations. They were done to let others see what it is that the ministry does and that alone. Many know that I don't even desire "thanks" for those things that I do, for I see it as having received my rewards already and here is not where I seek to do so.

   My questions to you at this time are, "Where do you want your "rewards" to be given???" and "Just "who" is it that you seek to glorify, self or GOD???" This isn't meant to blow any trumpets, but to silence those of the BODY!!!


 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

A New Year, but only a new day

 Praise the LORD!!!
   We're blessed with the beginning of a new year, but truly it is only that day to which we're blessed. For every year is made up of single days. Each uniting to form that which eventually becomes a whole year. Much like the foundation for any building, that which we build today, is only as strong as that which was laid the day before.

   Form your foundation on the ROCK, firm and steady, never changing. Then with each successive day, build that which is new and meant to uphold that which is to come. You will be blessed, if building in this way, to surely know that which you've labored so hard at will stand the test of time. Let CHRIST JESUS be the foundation you build this day's structure upon. It is then, and only then, that you'll be blessed to know, that no matter what storms may come, your structure shall stand strong a midst them!!!

   "On CHRIST the solid ROCK I stand, all else is sinking sand"


GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

I WILL...

Praise the LORD!!!

   In my early years, before CHRIST, I destroyed many a person's life. Sure a lot of these were done with the help of others, but I personally claim responsibility for even the parts that these played. For if it were not for my part in those things that I did, or inspired, they'd of not have done them.

   Now that my life is totally JESUS' I seek to set the record straight, by serving the LORD to the best of my ability. Reaching out and spreading the GOSPEL to everyone I can, in every manor that I can. With every step that I take while on this earth, I seek another to tell of the love JESUS has for them. I seek to do this in every possible place imaginable.

   I even pray that the LORD will open the doors that my feet shall travel around the globe, enabling me to share HIS love with all those abroad. For this to happen, due to my being a convicted felon, there is the need of a 'Presidential Pardon," to wipe clean my earthly record. I began, at one time, to seek this but was put to rest by the HOLY SPIRIT. For this is not to be of my hands, but of the LORD's and I've faith that it will be done.

   The day is coming when the LORD will pour out HIS blessings upon this worthless piece of flesh that HE has redeemed and HIS ministry for me and things will never be the same. For there will be a movement of GOD upon this earth that can only be called "the latter day rains" and GOD's KINGDOM on earth and in heaven will receive all the glory !!!!!!!

 GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Torn heart-the way we are

Praise the LORD!!!

   My heart was torn when I first saw this photo, so badly that it took several hours before I was even able to think about eating. So much was going thru my head. All the things that the LORD has shown me of HIS ministry for me, that which I've been working on over the last years, to name a few. One of the greatest though, was "why in this day and age, with so many claiming to know JESUS, can this kind of thing still be happening?"

   I look at this and see a man, with good shoes on his feet, wearing good, clean clothing and carrying a bag of food in his hands. From the angle of his feet one can see that he'd just had to step around this child, having noticed him. He is walking at a fair gate, due to the fact of his long steps. Could not he of stopped for one second and given this child a handful of grain???

   I've settled down some, for it's been hours since I re-posted this and had a good nights sleep. Yet this image still haunts me!!! But an even sadder fact haunts me. The fact that having posted this on numerous sites, over 10 hours ago, not one single person (Christian, christian or not) has made a single comment!!!

   Have our hearts grown so cold and indifferent to images such as these, that we can just glance at them and them have no effects upon our hearts??? Going on with our lives, as if we'd never seen it or acknowledge that such things are happening in this world still??? What would JESUS do having seen this child in such sad shape??? Not just walk on by and I can guarantee that!!! HE didn't even want to send the crowds away after they'd been following HIM for several days!!! Let alone a child that is far from being well nourished. Truthfully folks what would JESUS do and what does HE think about the fact that we are the way we are ???????
   

GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Cliques or schisms ???

Praise the LORD!!!

   Cliques or schisms, or plainly put, divisions !!! Lately I've seen a greater amount of division in that which supposed to be the  BODY. A united assembly of believers, though maybe not totally agreeing upon every detail of our faith, but a UNITED ONE no the less.

   Last night I came across a post that may of not been worded the best, which turned into a giant flushing of a worldly toilet!!! The original intent was one of love, though discuss over erroneous methods by some within the church. But it exploded into an outpouring of that which I'd have to call trash talk. Far from anything I could of imagined of coming out of the mouths of Christians. My blood began to boil, for not only was the talk foolish, but far from anything remotely resembling "edification" of the saints!!!

   I went on the hunt, while pealing off many a prayer, hunting for the proper references for all that was coming from within my spirit. Thank GOD that at this time I was blessed to be interrupted by another saint, allowing the furor within to subside a good bit. This whole time, I'm still in prayer and decide to take a shower to "cool off." For if there is one thing that I've learned, it is always best to assault  such indiscretions, calmly, so as not to be pulled into sin oneself !!! During my shower, I calmed down and was led to not gather my weapons of warfare against the enemy within, but stepback and take a much broader assault against this problem. This is but the beginning of it!!!!!!!

   The church, religion or faith that we live amongst today, is one vastly divided. Which should be plain to see, unless one has been living in a cave. Religion upon religion, denomination upon denomination, yet supposedly believing in the one true SAVIOR, JESUS. This problem is far from new, for even within the first century there were divisions developing. From the book of ACTS onward, is full of them. Peter being swayed by the Jewish believers, Paul admonishing him. Then Paul's warnings abound as he discusses the many groups, beginning to take side, picking and choosing whom they're following the teachings of. Paul staunchly warns them, that though there are many different teachers, there is but one LORD and it is HE alone that we should follow!!!

   Now, these are just the divisions that are coming about within the true believers, let alone those that are false teachers or anti-Christ, as so aptly put. In all cases, there's but one real cause behind them, that is, pride. That self seeking sin, that has separated us from GOD since the Garden. That very sin that gives us the lord of the air, he that continues to be the accuser of the saints, satan. Who fell from grace due to an inflated ego, thinking himself better then all others, even GOD his creator.

   We are seeing a tremendous overflowing, not of the HOLY SPIRIT, but of the human spirit. That very spirit which brought about the fall from grace of mankind, PRIDE !!! No love being shown to the brethren, not even love being shown to any other, only a puffed up, self centered spirit, seeking the approval of others upon their own words. Surprising??? Not in the least, for this is but the results of our being human or carnal. A condition of mankind that we have to live with, though should not accept. Many state they've the blessing of the HOLY SPIRIT within their lives, yet the fruit of their lips reveal a heart blackened by pride. That which they believe, is 100% right and there is no chance at all of their being even slightly off in their beliefs!!! Right!!! If I remember right, there's not one of us that is perfect. For there is but one whom has walked this earth that is and let us not forget this FACT !!!!!!! There is not one religion, one denomination, one minister that walks this earth that can truthfully say they that their beliefs and teaching are perfectly in accord with JESUS' teachings. If they do, they're lying and know it. PRIDE, once again!!!

*** I'm sure there will be more to follow on this, when only the LORD knows. Get yourself away from the teaching of man and dive deeply into the WORD of GOD and nothing else. Don't be fooled by the high minded, that say scripture is hard to understand without one being a scholar, for if we're to accept JESUS and HIS teachings as a little child, would it not be fair to say, these teaching can be understood plainly by a child and not need some degree of higher learning to do so??? Sure, I've over 2000 books in my Biblical library, but when it comes to the ultimate understanding it's the Bible that rules out and not my understandings either, just as written. When told to love the brethren as myself, that is exactly what I do :)))***
  
A special note here: when we as Christian begin acting like a bunch of worldly people, acting in ways contrary to that which we preach, is there any wonder so many call us hypocrites??? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!




 Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org


GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries

No One Knows...

 Praise the LORD!!!

     No one knows my life better than I do. Which is a statement all of us can make, for it is the spirit within each of us that truly knows us, even better than the conscious self, soul, knows us.

   If I were to tell you, which I have stated this before, that I'm TOTALLY sold out to GOD, you may doubt the truth of this matter. I'm going to reveal here some of the facts that will back this statement up. Not just matters of words and speech, but physical matters as well.

   As you should know, since you're reading this, that I've been working on developing the LORD's ministry for me, for over twelve years now, totally alone(accept the LORD.) All of the money that has gone into it's formation and works has come from out of my own pockets. There have been donations along the lines of items deemed for donation to others, but until very recently none had donated time, efforts or funding to it. All that has been accomplished, from Springfield MO., to Kingsville, TX. have been by my hands alone. Not one has ever stepped up and said they would want to join in on this Herculean effort, and that is exactly what it is!!! A ministry that is even beyond my total comprehension, for that which I was shown of it in visions in '97' literally blows my mind!!!

   I've given up a house(2/3 paid for), my family(wayward wife and sons) and anything one might consider a normal lifestyle, to stretch every cent as far as possible to continue on in my 'carrying of this cross' for the LORD!!!

   After leaving behind everything in Springfield, MO., with plans to go on a missions trip to Haiti(which was cancelled(kidnappings in Haiti of missionaries), I rode out the right front quad of hurricane Rita in '05'. This is when the , central focus of, ministry's disaster relief branch came to full life. For the next several years, I reeked out a living and stretched every penny I could into helping those in which the storms of '05' had overturned their lives. Constantly witnessing to the life changing abilities of the LORD, in overcoming adversity. This ended up leading me to Florida, living with my sister and her husband, only hours before my mother went home to be with the LORD. For the next year and a half, I was totally separated from most of the works associated with direct connections to the ministry. Though I was still able to witness constantly and help others(with my hands) to improve their lives.

   This is when I received the leading, to totally step out of the boat. The trip to Texas, on foot, was begun. Here again, I left everything behind, including thousands of dollars worth of tools, cookware and other ministry related items. Since my arrival in Texas, every detail of my life has been in the LORD's hands. Everything I have to my name, are either donated items(from local Christians), or those I've managed to gather up thru the works of my hands(working for several local apartment complexes, or helping residence of the area.) If anyone in need were to ask me for any  of these items, I'd gladly give them. Even if someone were to want to steal them, they could have them also. For what actually are all these things, except blessings from the LORD!?! If stolen or given freely, the LORD would replace them as they are, or upgrading them to even better:)))

   Over the last two months or so, the LORD has truly blessed me with have the first ever donations, actually given forth for the ministry. At this time, I've received just under a thousand dollars worth of items, a computer and monitor and the money to upgrade this to a more proficient system to accomplish the works needed. You can believe me, I am praising the LORD for them:)))

   Though all this this I consider as nothing, for my walk, in personal relationship, with the LORD is all important. Though this grows daily, I've become tired, tired not of relationship with HIM, but in the efforts to carry this cross daily. HE has promised that HE will be assisting me in this effort and HE does, but the task ahead is great and so far the laborers few, one!!! If others don't begin taking this matter in prayer before the LORD and listening, being obedient and following HIS leading it will not disappear, but remain only as it has been, the works of a single man.

   As I said, "No one knows" this life I walk daily, no one knows the weight of this cross that I so willingly carry and no one knows these burdens that weight so heavily upon my heart for the lost and needy of this world. No one will continue to know these, until others are willing to step out of the boat(that life they think is severing the LORD) and truly step on board this Herculean effort to glorify the LORD like no other generation has ever sought to do. If you think this may be what the LORD is leading to, pray and listen for HIS answer, then get up and step out onto stormy waters, knowing JESUS will carry you onward !!!!!!!

*** any and all information about the ministry can be found on the website (and yes, I know it's not the best of sites(I'm not a web designer either:))) )) I can use every sort of help there is known to man and the LORD!!! Don't ask me if the help is needed, if led, just do it. I trust the LORD and know HE will make all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose:))) Is this HIS purpose for you, if you believe so what are you waiting for, just step out and DO IT:)))))))




 Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org


GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

If it be of the LORD...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Good day and GOD bless!!! If you've been following my post, you'll know that I've this Thanksgiving week off from the physical side of the ministry. Those works that are done thru my hands to benefit others for the glory of the LORD. Though I don't set a wage on my works, since they're being done for the LORD, I have been blessed to receive funds for the ministry through these. I've yet to set a price on my works willfully and yet the LORD has laid it upon the hearts of those for whom I've work, to pay me for my labors. However much this is, doesn't matter to me, for the LORD has been my provider and I'm still here after over two years, existing the whole time this very way. But this isn't the reason for this post, though it may give a hint as to it:)))

   Most of those that will read this, are aware of 'the signs of the times.' This era of mankind's HIStory thru which we're living. Most of you are Bible believing Christians and 'should' be well versed in the knowledge of this era and it's ties with Biblical prophecy. If not, I'd have to believe you've been living in a cave somewhere, cutoff from all forms of human interaction:))) Which I'd say, would be safe to say isn't so:)))
  
   There has been a great deal of conversation these days over the state of the CHURCH and the BODY of CHRIST as we know them. Those groups, which truly are meant to be one, yet surprisingly seems separated these days. "Surprisingly," I wouldn't say so, for are not these very times written, in fairly great detail, in scripture??? Are we not warned, numerous times, as to what the events and 'signs of the times' will be??? If not, there's a problem in your walk for the LORD, for clearly throughout scripture we're told to fill our hearts with GOD's holy WORD!!! To trust in it and rely upon it, for our very existence!!! Anyone familiar with myself, will know that I'm constantly telling people to read, read, READ their Bibles, for in it, they'll find all they need to know, to live by. I've personally racked up over thirty readings of the whole Bible, in many versions, along with another thirty plus of the New Testament alone. An though I'm no walking topical index, being able to spit-out book, chapter and verse, it is buried deeply in my makeup and comes to me when needed(Thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT:))) ) This though, isn't the reason behind this post, so I'll move on to it:)))

   For the issue at hand, that which I'm led to cover this day, there are several sections of scripture which must be studied:

     Acts 5:39   " ...but aif it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You bmight even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

   For this second, it is a large portion of scripture(Matt. 25:31-46) and should be indulged on one's own, but the particular verse( relevant here) are:

     Matt:25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these * brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ y
 
     Matt. 22:14 "tFor many are called, but few are chosen.

 ***these verses came from different Bibles versions, my online(Bibla.com) seems to be making the choices today:))) ***


   We as Christians must all come to the understanding, that GOD is the ONLY ONE whom is in ultimate control !!!!!!! Yes, HE does allow satan to be the lord of this world, he that is in control over those that have not professed belief in JESUS, and uses his works to shape the world that exist. Whereas, GOD also uses nature, to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind. GOD even uses the most vile and evil of works preformed by the hands of men, to, in the end bring about HIS ultimate will.


   There are many things in this world that are wrong, in our personal opinions, but truly, are they outside of GOD's will for us??? In our first verse, we see the apostles standing before Sanhedrin, and the Pharisee Gamaliel speaking, and oh the wisdom, from one so bound under the laws:))) 

                          "if it is of GOD, you 'WILL NOT' be able to overthrow it"


   We as Christians, the CHURCH, the BODY of CHRIST here on earth, alive and fitted for battle against all that is evil, should remember this. We rise up in battle ranks to come against an adversary, when truly that very adversary, has been allowed to exist and come to power to fulfill the will of GOD for mankind !!! So with whom and against whom are we fighting??? Man? Demons? Or GOD's very plans ???


                                            "You might even be found opposing God!”
  

  The second verse selection, is one that should be familiar, for it is commonly referred to as the parable of the sheep and goats. Where JESUS is warning us of the judgment which is to come. Not just the judgment of all mankind, but the specific judgment of those that presumably call upon HIS name as LORD and SAVIOR. If you study these verses well, something should be very clear. That is the fact, that not even those whom were on HIS right(the sheep) did not know all that they had done in life, that was being accounted for righteousness!!! Also, those that were on HIS left(the goats), thought they had a firm(prideful(?)) understanding of all that they'd done in life, yet really didn't!!!


  
                                         "You might even be found opposing God!”

    With our third verse, we should be able see something of very great importance, a very important detail about GOD. This is, HIS way of ordering all things in creation, setting every detail in a specific time, place and standing; level upon level. All of creation reveals this about GOD. Every particle of existence, exist in a specific and exact location according to GOD's purpose. All inter-weaved and working together to bring about GOD's will. We have, "many are called," all those whom have found salvation, or believe they have. Which of these positions we each exist in, is truly up to GOD and HE has had every detail planned, well before time began. We can not state which level we inhabit in GOD's plan for mankind any more then we can plan on waking up each morning. These details are all according to GOD perfectly planned, and executed will for us. What we each can, and should do, is be scriptural-ly aware of our lives and all that we do within them. Doing our best, each and everyday we're blessed with, to abide by and in GOD's will for us!!! Striving in utter reverence to GOD, to workout that which "WE" are able to control; "our" actions, "our" thoughts and "our" words!!! These are truly all we "can" control, for the rest is all in GOD's hands!!!!!!!



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

Stand up, speak out

   Who Praise the LORD!!!

    A little while ago, I read a posting, talking about how we need to live in peace and love. This kind of reminded me of the old 'hippie' junk, that many of us used to live our lives by. That very same attitude that is responsible for the 'watered down gospel' that is being preached, and worst yet, accepted in churches these days!!!

   I see ministers, supposedly people of GOD, re-posting or repeating the words, wisdom they call it, of self proclaimed gurus or life experts. When all it is in reality is a bunch of worthless junk, of the same type that held Christians(true) in bondage during their lives!!!

   We, my dear brothers and sisters, are in the end of days. That period in Biblical prophecy, where the likes of that above has been foretold!!! The BODY of CHRIST has become a weak kneed mass of flesh, only seeking to fulfill it's own lust or constantly striving to 'be like unto the world.'

   Who am I to say such things??? No one, a worthless piece of flesh, that truly isn't worth to breath the air that JESUS created, let alone preach the WORDS HE has spoken or given me. But because of HIS calling me to ministry and my belief in total obedience unto HIM, I am a man that will speak out, come hell or high water!!!

   It is time for each and every Christian to grab their Bibles, pray and open them and read the truths that have been laid down since before time began. Not just to read them, but to absorb them, to bury them deeply within their very being, as if they are the very blood that flows thru your veins!!! I'm not talking about memorizing scripture, that is but your own knowledge, I'm talking about having the very WORDS of GOD coursing thru your veins, your very existence dependent upon them. An the next time you hear a 'preacher', or anyone, speak about the WORD of GOD teaching us this or that, you'll know for sure if it is so!!!

   You will have two choices, well actually three. 1. listen to it and do nothing. 2. stand up for the truth, speak it and let the erring one see their error. 3. Get up and walk out/away, leaving them, and others, to their errors.(trick question, only one true answer, that is if you are what you proclaim to be)

   This time that we're in, is truly not a time for peace. It is a time when the souls of men are going to hell daily, because no one was willing to stand up for the truth that JESUS preached. No one was willing to go that extra mile and lead them on the straight and narrow path. No one willing to give a thirsty one a drink from the well of salvation and truth. Will you be a 'no one'??? Or will you be a someone, willing to standup, speak out and give a helping hand to a lost and dieing world??? Personally, I'M A SOMEONE, one whom JESUS died for, one whom has forsaken the world to follow HIM and a someone that isn't afraid to go to his death, before rebuking my SAVIOR!!!!!!!



 Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org 

GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries

 (If you'd like to know more about this 'no one', that is a 'someone', let me suggest you read my personal testimonial book, "Out of the LIGHT")

2.22.10_Heb. 13:1,2_Entertaining angels

 Praise the LORD!!!
   Today's message is something close to my heart. While going over my Face-book account, I came upon a post by Arthur Blessitt. It contained a clip from his movie and brought back memories of a very similar occurrence within my life.

  Hebrews 13:1,2

    "Keep on loving each other as brothers.  2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."


   As Christians, we are called to love our brothers as ourselves, but also to love all of GOD's created people as well. To many times this is not the truth shown through our actions. If I've heard some one say it once, I've probably heard it a thousands times, "I always help others out." Yet seldom have I seen most of these stop and help someone on the roadside, or feed a homeless person on the street corner. Words and intents are fine, but if you can't back them up with action, they're worthless. Now I'm not professing that works get us anywhere in our seeking salvation, for this can be obtained in only one manor, by accepting JESUS' free gift of grace. What I am saying though is that we are commanded by JESUS to love our neighbor as ourselves and to provide their needs whenever able. Two plain and simple facts of scripture.

   On my first attempted trip to Texas, I was walking along the roadside on Route 62 through Kentucky. I'd started in Ohio in the little town of Utopia, forty miles east of Cincinnati. I was carrying an Army duffelbag with a florescent safety vest and a sixteen inch white plastic cross on the backside of it. I also had my one year old wolf shepherd cross pup with me. I had left the day before Easter '09'. The first night we had slept over the embankment near the roadside, just a short ways from an intersection. I awoke just before sunrise and had our very own Easter sunrise service. We started walking shortly afterward, due to the fact that it was mid April and still a bit cold in the area. After about three hours of walking, I decided to stop for a break on this wall at the roadside. Just as I was taking my duffel off, someone yelled, asking if my dog and I would like some breakfast. I'd not noticed, but we had stopped across from a little Christian church and the pastor was inviting us over for something to eat. I'd answered yes and was going to tie Maryanne to the stairway railing, but was told to bring her inside too. We went into the basement and were treated royally. Maryanne wolfed down three plates of biscuits and gravy and I had eggs, pancakes, sausage and biscuits and gravy. Plus coffee and a desert dish. I was next asked if I'd like to go upstairs for service and stunned when told to bring Maryanne up with me. We sat in our usual place, to the rear sanctuary and enjoyed a nice worship and praise service. Before leaving, I was greeted by over fifty people and almost everyone gave me money. I was truly thankful for these people and thought the whole trip would be like this.

   LORD, was I wrong! In the entire walk, which was ill fated and ended early, of over three hundred miles, this was one of the only times anyone from a church paid any attention to us. For the most part, only those that were 'wayward' Christians (having not gone to church in some time), did anything to help me along the way. In all of that distance, we had only seven rides given to us. Now I was led to only allow people to ride us for no more then thirty miles and most weren't even close, but I was thankful for all of them anyway. (about a hundred miles of rides received total)

   That day Maryanne came up a bit lame after walking about fifteen miles on medium sized rocks through a work zone and we were given our first ride by a young couple in a pickup truck. What had started to be for only a couple of miles, ended up taking us to a public boat ramp, where we could spend a couple of days for her to heal. I had been given some food already, by someone else, and this couple gave me a little cash and came back later with some more food for us. These were Christians, but didn't go to church, because of all the hypocrites they'd met in them. After two days of solid rain, we were put into a house by an older couple, her a believer and him kind of iffy, if you know what I mean. I was blessed to stay there, working to help them fix it for resale, for nearly a month. There was a little non denominational church just a short distance down the road and I went to several services there.But not once did anyone from this church stop in to see how I was doing or if I needed anything. Not once and I mean they were close enough that I could of knocked a window out with a rock. Whats wrong with this picture.? Being housed by those not going to church and shunned by the church!

   After I left here, we continued to be treated right by those that didn't go to church and shunned by those that did. Now most of the details about this trip have been written in one of the ministry's newsletters, called "A modern day Parable," so I'll not go into all the details here, but my point is this. If we as Christians are told by the LORD to love our neighbor as ourselves, why was it those that didn't attend church that truly followed this command and not those that had the message placed before them weekly? I hold no hard feeling towards anyone because of their callous actions during this trip. I've spent many an hour in prayer over this matter, many of them while during it. Praying for those that were passing up a brother in CHRIST, that may of been in need. I learned a great deal on this trip about the true character that is hiding behind those four walls. I would call them churches, but to me they hold a very pail resemblance to that which JESUS described as HIS CHURCH. Now I know that some of you reading this are saying 'that these people must of had reasons for their actions' or 'they had more important things to do.' I'll not judge them, but I know ONE that will !!! 

   I'm going to leave you with that, no verses for tonight. I pray that you will really digest this matter, put it to prayer and study the topic of hospitality well. For someday, you may see a person along the roadside or street corner, that is in need of some help. It will be your choice as to what to do next and don't forget, you may have the chance to entertain an angel or another fellow Christian!!!

Need prayer? You can send an email to our email prayer system at: prayers@vineofchrist.org


GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth

Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Vine Ministerial Network International

2.19.10_Lesson from a Dove

  Praise the LORD!!!

     Today there is something totally different in store for you. Hey, this took me by storm too, so don't think you're alone in this.I've had a whole lot on my mind lately. I'm single. I've been working this ministry by myself for over ten years and until the yesterday, I hadn't ever had one person want to join. My health hasn't been the greatest. I'm living with a host family and have been here going on five months, with no income. So you see, I've a lot on my mind!

   Today I went outside to smoke a cigarette, yes I still smoke, the matter is totally in the LORD's hands and I have been smoking less everyday. Let's not get sidetracked here though. When I went outside, since my host family doesn't smoke, I heard the cooing of a dove. I looked over and one was walking through the grass. I began to notice how it's head moved each time it took a step. I must of thought this is a questioning mode, because the next thing I know I'm having the LORD impress it upon my heart as to the similarity between this dove and our Christian walk.

   I was a baffled, as you are about now, so relax and enjoy, for I did. We all know that the dove is representative of the HOLY SPIRIT in our faith. This is the form that HE took, when HE ascended onto JESUS at HIS baptism in the Jordan (John 1:32). You should also know, that JESUS is the HEAD of the Church(Eph. 1:22,23), not the one with four walls that you attend, but the CHURCH that is the total gathering of the Christian faith. In all rights every single person that has ever called upon HIS name for salvation. We as Christians are known as the members of the body of the CHURCH(Col. 1:24). But what the LORD impressed upon me was not the whole of the body, well at first, but it's feet alone and how they represent us. For we are known as being the hands and the feet of the LORD here on earth. We are the actual workers of most of that which is accomplished in the physical world, by the use of our bodies.

   WE have the HEAD, being CHRIST. We have the feet, being us. Well what about the body? The body is the HOLY SPIRIT, which ties us together with JESUS!!! This making a complete unit, that in totality functions as one. Not independent of each other, but working together as a whole to accomplish it's daily task. Not one of the dove's parts could be missing, for anything to be accomplished.

   As I stated, this all came about because of my wondering about how the dove's head moved every time it's feet did. The LORD showed me, that as we are moving through life, doing the works that HE has set aside for us, HE too is moving  along with us, but not just HE but the HOLY SPIRIT also. Each step we take in our walks for the LORD is accomplished through our being moved by the HOLY SPIRIT and thus the LORD's goal here on earth is moved forward also. In all rights the CHURCH is here revealed as a trinity also. Just as GOD is one in three separate entities, FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT, we have the CHURCH. The head, JESUS, in control of all that takes place. The body, the HOLY SPIRIT, which supplies all the animation and power for everything to take place. An we the feet, the part that accomplishes these works here on earth. Three separate entities, all working together to accomplish one goal.

   Now you may call me crazy, if I am, it is totally for the LORD. For I listen for HIS leading in everything I do in life and I mean right down to the dirtiest of details. The LORD is always with us, the HOLY SPIRIT dwells within us constantly, so HE is there all the time no matter what you're doing. You might want to think about that the next time you start to do something that isn't very Christian like! The point of this is, that as we walk through our lives, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are right there with us. Making every move we do, hearing every word that we speak and every thought that we think. Does this make one really think hard about every detail of their life or not? It has made me! What about you?

   There will be no verses today, but I'd like you to take the several within the context of the devotional and cross reference them from your Bibles or some other means.
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