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

Being sent

Praise the LORD!!!
 
   It's been quite some time since I last published a blog, but the LORD has HIS reasons and I doubt them not!!! The "why," is not of my concern, it is that I remain attuned to HIS voice within my life and remain obedient, that is!!!

   Let us take a bit of a trip here, a trip in time. Two time periods, that is :{)))

  First: "“Don’t take the road leading to other nations, ... go to the lost sheep  of the house of Israel." "

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 10:5–6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

   The time here, is early on in JESUS' ministry, where HE first sends out the disciples(12) to begin revealing the KINGDOM news to people. Gracing them with a long list of commands and the power to fulfill all that they've been called too.

   The second period in time we shall talk about, is that where I was led to leave Ohio and walk to Kingsville, TX. I wasn't given a long list of that which I was or wasn't to do, but these came as time went by, as I was preparing to enter into events. (Most likely such short notice, because of my quick response when following HIS leadings, I've learned not to question the simple, but only the extreme leadings. :{))) )

      In our first period, we've commands as to what they're to take with them: "Don’t take along gold, silver, or copper for your money-belts. Don’t take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a walking stick,..."

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 10:9–10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

   Whereas on the first trip(attempted one), I carried a good sum of money($600) and belongings(90 lbs. worth) and was accompanied by my year old wolf/shepherd pup(untrained for this type of task.) As I was walking, I was in prayer and deep conversation with the LORD. Listening for HIS leadings and taking in all that HE laid upon my heart(and there was a lot :{))) ) Much of these(prayers) had to do with my undertakings for HIM. Where I was to stop and rest(or eat(whatever)), who and what I was too converse with people about and any other interactions along the way.

   The "route" wouldn't be a direct one, but one off the beaten path you may say. Going from Utopia, OH., east to the ferry crossing at Augusta, KY. and then beginning a southerly direction on county and minor state roads. It was here that I had my first two interactions with the BODY, one good and the other not so.
   The first, was on Easter morning, after having a personal "sunrise" service and having walked a pretty good distance. I'd stopped for a rest on a cement wall along the roadside and it just so happened to be across the street from a little non denominational church. I was getting ready to head on, when I heard someone yelling at me. It was the minister and he was inviting my dog and I over for Easter breakfast. Yes, my dog was invited into the church along with me :{))). After a very good "feeding" and plenty of awesome conversation, we were also invited to stay for another service, one of mostly praise and worship. At the end of this service, we were greeted by many of the church members and handed sums of money for the trip. Heading onward with an additional $250 and scores of promised prayers!!!

   As usual, when the LORD has blessed, satan too will raise his head. Over the next ten miles or so we covered a large area that was under construction, having the roadsides torn up and covered with four or five inch rocks, very unstable walking. Marianne's feet took a beating, so bad so, that things were looking pretty bad as to continuing the trip. That was, until the LORD provided !!! A young couple returning home after an Easter dinner with family met up with me. I thought this was but a short meeting, because they'd stopped for gas at the closed store I'd been resting up at. But, they returned after getting gas at another station and proceeded to drive us to a "boat ramp" another ten miles on along the route. Praise the LORD, both now and then, for I knew the LORD was a work here :{)))

   After several days here, allowing time for Marianne's feet to heal and having met many a person, severe weather set in. We had no tent or rain gear, only trashbags for temporary shelter. Needless to say, I was soaked, cold and miserable, but the LORD had bigger plans. It was now that one of the people I'd met blessed us well. They had a house sitting empty, with the utilities on, in which we could stay until the proper time came. It wasn't but a 100 yards away, on the other side of the river and about a hundred feet from a non-denom church. These people ended up putting us up for about a month. Supplying all of our needs, shelter, electricity, water and food, so much so I had to ask it they'd back off a bit and let me take care of some !!! True Christian hospitality !!!

   As for the church, so close, yet so far(from the LORD's ways): I went to a service one Sunday, talked with the minister about his sermon and really expected more to come from this. Oh was I wrong. This church was about as "dry" of the HOLY SPIRIT as Death Valley is of water!!! I watched people gather here numerous times, weekends and weekdays, and not once did anyone ever even acknowledge me when driving by, let alone invite me over to join in!!! I was beginning to see two very different sides to the church, one that I loved and another, that was in great need of heavy prayers.(which they got!!!)

   The rest of the trip was pretty much uneventful, unless you consider walking a week with three broken toes and having your knee blowout on a Sunday morning events :{))). But it was the LORD's leading and teaching that took place for the most part. I met those of a "Messianic movement," which assisted me and had seeds of truth planted. Those whom went to church regularly and weren't happy with it. An those Christians that refrained from going to church because they didn't feel that the "houses" they attended, were anything like those the LORD would endorse. Believe me when I say "my eyes and ears were open" and "the LORD was teaching me a great many lessons!!!" and yes folks, many, many seeds were planted :{)))

*** For more details on this trip, one can find them back in the history in my blogs and on the timelines of my many pages(both personal and ministry.) There are far more there, than I was led to post here, so if interested, dig deeper :{)))***

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

??? FOCUS ???

 Praise the LORD!!!
   Good morning, and being that you're reading this, GOD has blessed you with another day of life. Something to be greatly thankful for and that which is often overlooked by many, if not most whom call themselves Christians.

   If you've not noticed, I'm the one that opens every single comment or article I make, with a PTL!!! This due to several reasons: 1. the fact that I was born with a bad heart and for twelve years, planned for open heart surgery; 2. Though I'd known GOD was real and very prevalent within my life, had run from HIM for the most part and it was thru a book on praising GOD at all times, that HE used to bring me to living a totally changed life in JESUS. In a way, this isn't that which this is about, then again, it is:)))

   Focus, what is it? Why is it important within our lives? Plus, why is the center of our focus, the most important part, especially for the Christian???

   FOCUS, is, loosely, according to Webster's Dictionary, is the point at which our attentions are concentrated upon. Or we could say, that upon which our lives are centered upon. For the Christian, this is to be JESUS/GOD!!!

   FOCUS, why is this of importance??? The intents of one's life, that which they focus their total being upon, is that which after all is said and done, describes a person and all that they do within life. Again, for the Christian, this is of a tantamount importance and it is TO BE GOD that holds this position within our lives!!!

   FOCUS, the intents and purpose, our focus, is that which guides all that we do, or seek to do in this brief existence we call life. If our focus is upon ourselves, it is ourselves that receives all the glory in the end. We see this daily in the lives of many, scientist, sports star, movie stars and politicians to name but a few. For the Christian though, that which their lives "ARE" to be focused on, is to be GOD and HIS KINGDOM and not ourselves in any way, shape or form!!!

   FOCUS: much could be written upon this topic and maybe some day will be by me, but for this time, it isn't the LORD's intents for this article. HIS intent is, that we as Christians, those that bear HIS precious name as our profession of faith in HIM, should have but one focus. That of HIS will for our lives. Not just once or several times a week, but that of every single second of it that we're blessed with!!! So my friend, where is your focus???


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


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

The extra mile

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Today's verse, will be hidden among a chapter on the Christian character, that which we're to emulate after we've accepted JESUS as our personal LORD and SAVIOR !!! Traits, which are very important, if we're to fully reflect JESUS within our lives and also important, if we're to stand out as separated from those others around us whom are worldly.

Matthew 5:38-42, but specifically verse 41

      38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’a 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

   Why this one verse, hidden among such rich scripture, is that which I was led to early this morning??? It could have to do with the fact that today, I'm grouting a floor, while suffering from a group of old ailments. I've had bad knees for years, due to my working construction for the best part of my life, plus raced Moto X for thirteen years. Both these, extract a high price upon the body and usually one we don't think of much at the time. It is years later, that this price begins to be noticed, as the wear and tear upon our body begins to reveal itself :)))

   I was hurting enough this morning, that I'd thought about calling the day's work off and relax. After some prayer and reading though, I was led to go in and go at it, as if nothing was wrong. This went well, for about an hour, until I stood up for the hundredth time. It was almost impossible to straighten up, this due to the herniated disc I suffered while helping rebuild after hurricane Katrina along the MS. gulf coast. This while working for a "storm chasing" company (no insurance and if you didn't work, you didn't have a job.) If you've ever lived in an area after such a disaster, you'll know how hard it is to survive, because the cost of living has doubled, if not tripled and they get away with it for the most part. All this, isn't that which this is about.

   We can see an example of how JESUS went that extra mile, several times. Those times, when HE feed the multitudes, with very limited resources. For unlike that which we see many times these days, where large groups of people are being feed after a disaster or while living thru hard times, those people's needs were abundantly met. Each had received enough to eat, that they were full and there was an abundance left over to gather up !!! Though we're not told what was done with these leftover, I can most likely guarantee, they weren't thrown away, but distributed to those in need.

   Here we are in the midst of the holiday season, when millions of families will be preparing meals of great abundance. Multiple main coarses, multiple sides and not to mention a vast selection of desserts to boot !!! Anyone want to bet against the fact, that tons of leftovers will be wasted ??? Here(in America), we are in one of the most prosperous countries in the world, though going thru some hard economic times right now, and there will be more food thrown in the trash, then what many third world countries will have put on all their tables combined. Not only those of these nations, but right here in this nation, there will be thousands, that will be doing without and not just on these holidays, but many are suffering daily, year round!!! A pretty bad picture, when confronted with it, isn't it??? One of the most prosperous countries in the world and we've thousands suffering without, all because of greed and an unwillingness to go that extra mile, and share that which we've been blessed with.

   Hundreds of  food pantries around this country, are having to cancel their supplying these holiday meals. Many having to cutback on even their normal monthly provisions to the needy. All due to a lack of funding and supplies. Many, are even having to shut their doors, because it has gotten so bad. Wouldn't it be awesome, even a miracle, to see these ministries overflowing with such an abundance of provisions, that the have to gather them up and reach out to those even beyond their normal scope??? I think it would be !!! I'd love to see every family in this country, just cutting back a little and reaching out, going that extra mile, to help these ministries serve these people. Even if each one were to downsize these meals by say 10%, just think of how this would add up over the long run, that extra mile :)))))))


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

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

5.18.10_1 John 2:6_Abiding

 Praise the LORD!!!

    It feels good to be back online and able to touch others for JESUS!!! It's been almost a week since I was last able to post anything online, due to the old computers lack of abilities. I praise the LORD though, for all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose (Rom. 8:28) This is going to be the first posting done with the ability to use my Logos Bible study program while being online, so we'll have to see how things go. With no more ado, here we go!

   1 John 2:6

       "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."(NIV)
       "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (KJV)

        "whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked." (NRSV)

   Now if you've been one that has been following me for a while, you'll remember the fact that I profess that we're to resemble JESUS in our lives. Here in these three versions we have the words, claims/abideth/abide and the Greek word that they come from(menein) has a very different connotation then that which we normally would understand it to be. When we use the word to abide, we think of temporarily existing somewhere. Where as here it means an ever lasting experience, one without end, in other words eternally being like CHRIST. This has been a major point in my walk with the LORD since HE drew me close into a personal relationship. We as Christian (CHRIST-like) are to reflect the very likeness of JESUS to all those around us. People shouldn't see or hear things from us that they couldn't imagine coming from JESUS HIMSELF!!!

    Now for some reason this just isn't that which I remember seeing during my life before CHRIST and truthfully, there are times that it isn't so even now. Yes, that's right. Even today I see and hear many that profess to be Christians living lives far from that which I could imagine JESUS living. I'm not going to be judgmental here, because I've fit in these shoes myself at times along the lines. But there are many, many things in this world that Christians shouldn't be associated with.

    One good example would be the things that we allow ourselves to be entertained by. Music, TV, and books just to name a few. Even though we're not bound by any law stating that these things aren't to be part of our lifestyle, we are to be good judges of them and filter these to the best of our abilities. In other words, a Christian shouldn't be sitting around watching, or listening to, or reading things that wouldn't be on the LORD's list of activities. Do you really believe JESUS would be partaking of a lot of the types of entertainment that we do? Truthfully, I really can't imagine that HE would.

    Now what would the conversations that JESUS would of been taking part in sound like? Would there be a lot of coarse language or ethnic jokes? Would it be about all the "drama" taking place in people's lives or the juiciest of gossip? I really don't think so. From what we read in the Bible that came from HIS mouth, 98% of it was to the glory of GOD and teaching others how to walk in a manor worthy of HIM. Very seldom was it ever putting another person to shame or ridiculing their ways. There were those times that, the other 2%, HE was correcting the self righteous leaders of the people. Even during these, HE did so in a loving manor (as best HE could.)  Are these the types of conversations that we seem to have? Or are they totally opposite from them? I'd tend to say, for the most part, the exact opposite!

     Now for an area that might just hurt, a bit more then these others. What are our actions like, when it comes to those that are around us? I'm not just talking about those that are Christians either. I'm talking about all those that are around us, Christian or not, friend or foe, pretty or disgusting, every single person that walks the face of this earth! Now we all should know how JESUS would of acted towards them. HE'd of shown them the love and compassion that GOD has for all of HIS created people. Even knowing the fact of that which laid ahead of HIM or the fact that HE knew each person's very deepest of thoughts and intentions. HE even showed Judas, he that would betray HIM, the love of GOD at it's highest levels. Can any of us say that? That if we knew a person was going to betray us, even to the point of death, that we could love them and honor them better than we do ourselves??? I wish I could say this, but truly, I don't really think that I could. then again, this would be a matter that I know I'd definitely would be in deep prayer about and one that I'd pray the LORD would give me the strength to accomplish. This only HE knows and I pray I'll never be in that position.

   We all truly need to take these things to heart. We need to study them and examine ourselves under their lens. Better yet, we need to put these matters to prayer. That the LORD would open our eyes to ourselves and the lives that we live and show others of the world around us. For if we are to bare the name of JESUS, shouldn't we let all others see HIM just as HE is? The very likeness of GOD in the flesh, for truly, HE is GOD!!!


    Some other verses you may enjoy: 1 John 2:24-27, 28-3:3, 3:4-9, 10-15, 4:12-16
    Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!

  ***For those that wonder about how it worked out using my program and being online together at once? Not as well as I thought it would. But I ordered several sticks of memory for the system, which should take care of this problem pretty well:)))***

    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

4.08.10_Matt. 24:10-14_Falling away

 Praise the LORD!!!

   I'm in the process of doing a read through of the Bible, I've stopped keeping count, so don't ask how many. This morning's reading was in the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Now I've read these verses several times in the last year, but this morning was different and it is the basis for today's devotional, though not the verses themselves. Today's verses came from a cross referencing in my study Bible (NIV Study Bible, Zondervan)

    Matt. 24:10-14

   10 ""At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,  13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.""

    Now these verses are the WORDS of the LORD HIMSELF,which places extra weight on their importance and truthfulness. Though I believe that all the WORDS of the Bible, are those inspired by GOD. Though some may of been added to make the Bible more understandable to modern readers. Those particularly unfamiliar with the original languages.

   2 Th. 2:3

    3 "Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness a is revealed, the man doomed to destruction."

   Now I've given both, the verses for today's study, and the verse with which when cross referenced brought today's to light. There is a very good reason for this also, to which you will see.

   Today there are many people and groups that are professing wisdom and understanding of GOD's WORD and WAYS. Many of these are Christian or of a Christian group, while there are those that look and sound the part, but are truly not of CHRIST! To be able to distinguish the differences one must thoroughly study their Bibles. Not just reading it, but study it with the intent of knowing all that GOD wants to reveal from it. Now I've been doing this since early 05 and believe me when I say that GOD hasn't revealed it all to me yet and truthfully, I don't think HE will until I join HIM in the flesh (after my death or HIS return). The Bible is truly not just a book you can read a couple of times and be done with, it is, the living WORD of GOD and reveals new understandings with almost every new reading!!!
 
    I've run into a lot of different groups online recently, of which many would of been afraid to reveal themselves several years back. This is because they're so far from the truth, that anyone, even the newest believer, could distinguished their lies. But it appears that now is the time when they're being allowed to come out of the shadows in an attempt to deceive all those seeking a better understanding of GOD(2 Tim. 4:3,4). The bad thing about it though, is that they are managing to gather up some fairly good size groups of followers too. A number of these groups are not new to the scene, but they've gathered enough strength and courage, to begin plying their trade out in the open. Kind of like drug dealers in a bad neighborhood, they know they're partially accepted and don't fear much of anything. Some of these are doing it without truly knowing that which they're doing, but others fully know the evil power that is behind their groups teachings. You'll always have those that have fallen prey to false teachings because of general gullibility or their lack of interest on their own part.


   Now to today's verses. These are speaking of what is generally called "the falling away." A period in world history when mankind begins to rapidly fall away from belief in GOD, becoming more self centered and focused on their own depraved ways and pleasures. As with a lot of my recent postings, there is a section here that has to deal with our love for one another and all those of the family of mankind. This is verse twelve and I'm sure that if you prayerfully read it, you'll clearly be able to see our present times being written about. For we've surely been witness to a drastic increase of wickedness in the world. A wickedness that has become acceptable to a lot of people and over looked by the rest (I'm not talking about Christians here, though some could be easily included too.) Love for our fellow man, has become a thing of the past. It has become of first priority of most, to cover their own 'butt' first and foremost and then and only then those within your inner circle of family and friends.


   JESUS told us the parable of the 'Good Samaritan(Luke 10:30-37)' for a very good reason. It is what HIS very being is about, love for all mankind, not just those we know or associate with, but all those that are alive on the planet. Not just a general caring about them either, but of caring about them as much as we do ourselves, if not to an even higher degree. This being the level of love that CHRIST showed for us upon the cross, HIS example for us to follow and reflect, in our being followers of HIM.


   Are we seeing the "beginning of sorrows" and "the falling away?" Those times talked of in scripture, which are our fore warnings of the "Great Tribulations" or the end of times. Those times when GOD has finally had enough of the follies of man and is about to bring an end to it all. Much like HE did with the flood during Noah's time(Matt. 24:37-39)! There are many prophecy throughout the Bible that speak of GOD's ultimate judgment coming upon the earth and all of mankind, for their out right refusal to accept HIS standards for living. Is mankind at the door at this time? Or are we only having a small taste of what we can expect during this time period? Either way we look at it, I'd say it is time for us to open our eyes and realize that things have to change! We can't change anyone but ourselves, but with our willingness to change ourselves, others will witness it and also be willing to start the change process within themselves. Now, here I've made the statement from the first person point of view, that of our actually being able to really make these changes ourselves, but we can't even begin to do this. It is our being willing to allow JESUS control over our lives and allowing HIM to make the changes needed within us. Then and only then can these changes take place and possibly delay that which is bound to come. Then again, once you've had these changes made within you, you'll not worry about the end-times, because you'll know what your future will be!!!

    May I suggest that you read these verses well, along with my writings and then dive a little deeper into them. I could say read the whole of chapter twenty four, but that would be less then I'd truly like to suggest. For this section of Matthew is filled with awesome reading and much of it that truly should be studied in depth, not being just something for casual reading, then again, I don't feel any of the Bible is something that can be read casually, for it holds the wisdom and understandings of GOD and HIS calling upon our lives within it. But it is a personal choice, each of us has to make. We can live with GOD in our lives, kind of like a side order at a fast food restaurant. Or we can live where our lives revolve around HIM and we are but the condiments, being used to increase the attractiveness of GOD to others. It's your choice, what will it be?   



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

3.04.10_Matt. 15:8_Who are you honoring?

 Praise the LORD!!!

   Today's verses originally was written in the Old Testament, for those straying from following the Law. Here though, CHRIST resurrects them, to witness against those following the Law in but a shadow of its true purpose. Yet there is so much more to it then this and we shall dive in to it's depths. Watch it though, I feel the bottom is rocky!!!


   Matt. 15:8 (Isa. 29:13)

       8 “ ‘These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

 9 They worship me in vain;

their teachings are but rules taught by men.’d”

   During the time of CHRIST, as most know, there wasn't the New Testament to go by. All of the scripture quoted was from one of the Hebrew Holy Books, to which there were several. They had not yet been compiled into what we call the Holy Bible or the Hebrew Tanakh. When first written, our verses were referring to those of the Jewish nation that gone astray and were not following GOD's precepts. Here though JESUS takes it to a whole new level, much the same as HE did with all the rest of Old Testament laws.

   Here HE was being questioned by the Pharisee and some teachers of the Law as to some of the actions by the disciples and ultimately JESUS HIMSELF. JESUS turns the tables on them though and made their question's answer ultimately come back upon them in judgment. HE had a way of doing this, especially when they were trying to trick HIM into a trap, where they could condemn HIM for breaking the Law. This though is not purpose here, it is to bring the verse into reference for us today,

   What is it that "comes out of our lips?" Is our speech always something that brings glory to GOD? Or is it mostly about things that would really be unimportant to HIM? With our calling to glorify the name of JESUS in all that we say, our speech should be very well tempered and restrained. There should be nothing that would dishonor HIM within it. Which means that every word should be uplifting to another and all around beneficial to their lives. This means for those we love, as well as those that are against us. No word that proceeds out of our months should have any negative connotations to it and in all rights we should be honoring GOD with every single syllable of it too. This too though, is not that which we are seeking, though of great importance and worthwhile  to think upon!

   Where truly is your heart today? Is it fully seeking after relationship with JESUS? Is HE still your first love? Is HE first and foremost in all that you say and do? Are you honoring HIM completely within your life? All these questions stem from these next few WORDS of this scripture, "but their hearts are far from me." Seven simple little words, which mean very little by themselves, a little more when put together and a whole lot more when spoken by the LORD HIMSELF!!!

   So I ask you this, if your words aren't honoring JESUS and your heart isn't seeking to glorify HIS precious name, how can you call HIM your LORD and SAVIOR and call yourself a CHRISTian? I'm not trying to 'trash' anyone or put them down, and certainly not judging them, but the LORD has laid this upon my heart a lot here lately. Most of you know that I'm networking over a dozen internet sites, for the purpose of bringing  attention to the LORD's ministry for me, Vine of CHRIST Ministries. I've run into more people that call themselves Christians, yet, I truly can't tell the difference between them and the rest of the world. Plus there are those that are trying to preach things totally outside of the Bible, writings of men, teaching from books for centuries left out of anything close to scripture. Even books from other religious beliefs, and all of it being done under the title of Christian. I truly believe it is time that all who want to bear this name, step back and take a good long look at what you truly believe, and get in step with that which is taught by JESUS within the sacred confines of the Bible!!! 


 
  No follow up verses today. This is one that I think even the strongest of Christian should think on. I've been thinking on it all day and I'm still not done. I pray, that you will pray, for the LORD to open your eyes and heart to a fuller and closer walk with HIM. that HE will draw you closer then ever before and that HE will give you a deeper understanding of what it means to bear the name CHRISTian!!!

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

3.3.10_Luke 9:20_Who are you?

 Praise the LORD!!!
  
    It is good to be back and able to write a devotional. I have felt that I've been neglecting that which the LORD has led me to do. But with all the computer problems, which the LORD could of removed, there must of been a reason behind it all. An yesterday, there was far more written then would of been a devotional and I hope you've checked it out (on my other blog space: http://revbarths.blogspot.com). I totally believe this piece was meant to be, for it had been welling up within me for almost a year, well since June of last year! So without no more ado.

   Luke 9:20

      "20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” qPeter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”"


   As you may of noticed, the title for today isn't "Who do you say that I am?", but "Who are you?" There is good reason for this, which you shall see in a bit. Here we have JESUS alone and praying when the disciples come up to HIM. First HE asked them "who the people thought HE was", and after receiving the answer, HE asked the disciples "WHO they thought HE was." We all know Peter's answer well, as it was given in several of the GOSPELS. The CHRIST!!! This was most likely very close to what you said to HIM upon your conversion, accepting that HE is the CHRIST, the anointed one of GOD, come in the flesh to redeem us from our sins. Or at least I hope you've done this. If not, maybe you should think well about doing so!!!

   Here we have the first admittance from the disciples as to WHO JESUS truly is, though many demons had already made this confession. We all as Christians should have a fair grasp of this fact and if not we should readily seek to confirm it in our faith, for it is the very foundation of the faith. JESUS, GOD come to earth in the flesh, to bear our sins upon the cross in our places.

   Now as I said earlier, this isn't truly the point here. The point is, "who are you?" For being a Christian by name, we are to bear the very likeness of CHRIST in our bodies. So that when people see us and those things that we do, they see not us, but CHRIST in us and working through us. This truly is quite a hard task to fulfill if you really think about it. Which truthfully, you really should, because the very name that we carry, Christian (CHRIST-like) means this. Everything we say, do and think should resemble that which CHRIST HIMSELF would show forth. We're to be the very likeness of CHRIST in every way imaginable. I can imagine you're thinking along the lines that I am. There is no way possible, HE is GOD in the flesh. Which HE is, but there is a way for us to fulfill this calling and only one way at that. That is the total surrender of ourselves to HIM and the power of the HOLY SPIRIT within us working to fulfill it(Titus 3:5). I do mean totally too!

   We must fully give ourselves over to HIS control, not hanging onto one little morsel of the old man(James 1:21-27), those fleshly ways the separated us from GOD in the first place. That free will and pride that had us so readily under its control, that everything we did in life was an abomination before GOD's eyes. No matter how good anything we did in our lives was, before CHRIST, they were as filthy rags(Zech. 3:3,4) before a holy GOD. Separating us to the point that HE was forced to redeem us in the only way possible. The spilling of blood, HIS blood, for the remission of our sins(Heb. 9:22).

   Every thought we have must be put in submission to GOD(2 Cor. 10:5). Every task that we preform, must be done under HIS guidance and as if we were doing it only for HIM(1 Cor.10:31). Every word that we utter, must go to show HIS love for mankind and be for the edification of those that we are speaking to, whether friend or foe(Eph. 4:29-32). These each are very difficult to undertake one at a time, let alone all of them together and of a constant manor. Needless to say, there is no way humanly possible to accomplish these. Notice that one word there, "humanly," for it is the key to our being able to tackle these difficult task, all at once. We receive the HOLY SPIRIT at the moment of our confession of CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR. HE is the one that seals us, as being Christians, one with CHRIST, CHRIST within us. It is our allowing HIM to do the works that need to be done, from within, that will literally change us into the very likeness of CHRIST inside and out.

   Now this isn't an instantaneous transformation, for it didn't take us only a moment to be the total wretches that we were, it had taken a lifetime. For some this may of only been a few years, maybe they're only in their teens, for others like myself it, was mid life, nearly forty years of age. So is our regeneration into the likeness of CHRIST, it takes a while to change all those little 'nasties' that we built up within us, over all those years. Some may say that they're not that bad of a person and they're always doing good things to help out others. But scripture tells us none are righteous, no even one(Rom. 3:10-12), so no matter how good of a life one has lived they're in need of the transforming changes that the HOLY SPIRIT will preform within them. When all is said and done, though we're still in the flesh. We must continue daily in the WORD, filling our spirits with GOD's wisdom, flee from all that resembles evil, and put off the old man and receive the new by the grace of GOD, through the power and inner presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. So I ask again, Who are you?

 

Other verses you can study: Ezek. 33:12-20; Matt. 12:22-30; Rom. 8:1-11, 15:1-6; 1 Cor. 2:6-16, 14:26-40; 1 Peter 4:12-19
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