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
Showing posts with label GOD's will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOD's will. Show all posts
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
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
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
Monday, April 5, 2010
4.06.10_Heb. 11:13,14_GOD's plans
Praise the LORD!!!
***Due to my host family's son being home from college for the week, this is his room, I'll be publishing my post earlier then normal. In this way I can shutdown the computer earlier then usual.
Though for several days before Easter, or Resurrection Day, I'd had a bit of a heavy spirit. This was due to the fact that I've been preforming the works of this ministry now since Aug. '97' and for the most part totally alone. There are those that want to say that it can't be of GOD if it isn't receiving HIS blessings. Yet I beg to differ and here is why!!!
Hebrews 11:13,14
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
For many years after he had received the promise from GOD of a son, Abraham had continued to carry on in faith. For though he had not seen any fruit produced, he still held on to that which GOD had promised. Though this was a man who's faith was accounted to him as righteousness and not just some 'prison inmate' that thinks he's been called of GOD(the words of another). There is no difference, be it any man that has a calling placed upon him by GOD, or another. For those of us, that have been called to profess faith in JESUS CHRIST, have a purpose in the KINGDOM of GOD on earth, and we shall fulfill this purpose for that reason. This reason, is that GOD's will for mankind may take place in just the order that GOD has set forth for it too.
Before the beginning of time, when GOD was laying the foundations for the heavens and all that exist within the universe, HE was setting into motion the very events and lives of all men, for all time! That's right, GOD has known every detail of HIStory, since before it even began. We can't even begin to fathom the knowledge of GOD, our minds are so limited in their abilities. They say that we use only 10% of our brain as it is and even if we were to use them fully, we still wouldn't even be close to a fraction of the intelligence of GOD. Let alone a full understanding of all HE has set into motion. We tend to forget that HE is omnipotent and omnipresent and that we're not even close to resembling any of these traits.
Every detail of our lives, as to our past, has been allowed to be just as they were for a reason. GOD has placed every detail in the exact place and time that HE wanted them to be. Right down to the minutest of details also. There has been nothing that has happened, that wasn't meant to happen, like it did and when it did, that GOD hasn't addressed in detail. Many want to say that satan has had a lot to do with all the sin within our lives, which he did, but not without the overlaying fact that GOD wanted these sins to be in our lives in the first place, in order to bring us to the exact place in time and relational standing that we are at this moment! That's right all those sins that I committed growing up, all the people's lives that I messed up and altered in some way, happened for the exact reason that GOD wanted them to! (Praise the LORD, I know I'm stepping on some theological toes this morning!!!)
I've had preachers tell me that GOD hasn't allowed the evil to take place in the world. That GOD is only manifested by acts of love and righteousness. GOD is personified by love and there is no evil within HIM, but this doesn't mean that HE didn't created it or allow it to happen for a reason! Believe me when I say this, that GOD knew, that when HE created satan as one of the arch angels, that he was going to try and usurp his power and take GOD's throne. That GOD knew that when HE created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden with the tree of knowledge, that they were going to fall to temptation. GOD knew all these things and has allowed them for a reason. That HIS express purpose for mankind will take place and bring those that HE has chosen into right relationship with HIM for all of eternity.
Pilate, Pharaoh, Hitler, you, me and every person throughout HIStory have done to date just that which GOD has ordained to happen and each event that we take part in, until our final breathes will fulfill this also. I can't explain all the reasoning of GOD for things that have taken place. Just as Abraham couldn't of changed the outcome of his life according to GOD's purpose. What GOD has allowed to happen and what HE has set into motion will all bring about GOD's perfect will for mankind. So just as I was doing several weeks ago and working on setting up the LORD's ministry for me, I will continue to go about these works. Even if not one person ever comes along beside me and assist in it. I will continue to fulfill that which the LORD's has shown me. GOD only knows when it will begin to produce fruit, if it hasn't already(just because I've not seen it). Only GOD knows what the future holds for it and myself and every other person that ever will come into contact with it. No living being, knows the mind of GOD or can ever begin to understand all that HE has set into motion. We can only do that which HE leads us to do and have faith that HE will bring about everything that HE has shown us or told us that HE will. Every WORD of the Bible is true, though much has yet to take place. But you can count on one thing though, those that haven't happened yet, some day shall, and just as they are written!!!
There will be no other verses with this today, for it is written out of a spirit of explanation. One where I'm letting you know that which bears directly upon my future and the future of these writings. We should return to normal here in the near future when the LORD wills us too. For this too, GOD has a reason behind and it will accomplish HIS will for those that are involved with it!
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
***Due to my host family's son being home from college for the week, this is his room, I'll be publishing my post earlier then normal. In this way I can shutdown the computer earlier then usual.
Though for several days before Easter, or Resurrection Day, I'd had a bit of a heavy spirit. This was due to the fact that I've been preforming the works of this ministry now since Aug. '97' and for the most part totally alone. There are those that want to say that it can't be of GOD if it isn't receiving HIS blessings. Yet I beg to differ and here is why!!!
Hebrews 11:13,14
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
For many years after he had received the promise from GOD of a son, Abraham had continued to carry on in faith. For though he had not seen any fruit produced, he still held on to that which GOD had promised. Though this was a man who's faith was accounted to him as righteousness and not just some 'prison inmate' that thinks he's been called of GOD(the words of another). There is no difference, be it any man that has a calling placed upon him by GOD, or another. For those of us, that have been called to profess faith in JESUS CHRIST, have a purpose in the KINGDOM of GOD on earth, and we shall fulfill this purpose for that reason. This reason, is that GOD's will for mankind may take place in just the order that GOD has set forth for it too.
Before the beginning of time, when GOD was laying the foundations for the heavens and all that exist within the universe, HE was setting into motion the very events and lives of all men, for all time! That's right, GOD has known every detail of HIStory, since before it even began. We can't even begin to fathom the knowledge of GOD, our minds are so limited in their abilities. They say that we use only 10% of our brain as it is and even if we were to use them fully, we still wouldn't even be close to a fraction of the intelligence of GOD. Let alone a full understanding of all HE has set into motion. We tend to forget that HE is omnipotent and omnipresent and that we're not even close to resembling any of these traits.
Every detail of our lives, as to our past, has been allowed to be just as they were for a reason. GOD has placed every detail in the exact place and time that HE wanted them to be. Right down to the minutest of details also. There has been nothing that has happened, that wasn't meant to happen, like it did and when it did, that GOD hasn't addressed in detail. Many want to say that satan has had a lot to do with all the sin within our lives, which he did, but not without the overlaying fact that GOD wanted these sins to be in our lives in the first place, in order to bring us to the exact place in time and relational standing that we are at this moment! That's right all those sins that I committed growing up, all the people's lives that I messed up and altered in some way, happened for the exact reason that GOD wanted them to! (Praise the LORD, I know I'm stepping on some theological toes this morning!!!)
I've had preachers tell me that GOD hasn't allowed the evil to take place in the world. That GOD is only manifested by acts of love and righteousness. GOD is personified by love and there is no evil within HIM, but this doesn't mean that HE didn't created it or allow it to happen for a reason! Believe me when I say this, that GOD knew, that when HE created satan as one of the arch angels, that he was going to try and usurp his power and take GOD's throne. That GOD knew that when HE created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden with the tree of knowledge, that they were going to fall to temptation. GOD knew all these things and has allowed them for a reason. That HIS express purpose for mankind will take place and bring those that HE has chosen into right relationship with HIM for all of eternity.
Pilate, Pharaoh, Hitler, you, me and every person throughout HIStory have done to date just that which GOD has ordained to happen and each event that we take part in, until our final breathes will fulfill this also. I can't explain all the reasoning of GOD for things that have taken place. Just as Abraham couldn't of changed the outcome of his life according to GOD's purpose. What GOD has allowed to happen and what HE has set into motion will all bring about GOD's perfect will for mankind. So just as I was doing several weeks ago and working on setting up the LORD's ministry for me, I will continue to go about these works. Even if not one person ever comes along beside me and assist in it. I will continue to fulfill that which the LORD's has shown me. GOD only knows when it will begin to produce fruit, if it hasn't already(just because I've not seen it). Only GOD knows what the future holds for it and myself and every other person that ever will come into contact with it. No living being, knows the mind of GOD or can ever begin to understand all that HE has set into motion. We can only do that which HE leads us to do and have faith that HE will bring about everything that HE has shown us or told us that HE will. Every WORD of the Bible is true, though much has yet to take place. But you can count on one thing though, those that haven't happened yet, some day shall, and just as they are written!!!
There will be no other verses with this today, for it is written out of a spirit of explanation. One where I'm letting you know that which bears directly upon my future and the future of these writings. We should return to normal here in the near future when the LORD wills us too. For this too, GOD has a reason behind and it will accomplish HIS will for those that are involved with it!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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