Far too many

Praise the LORD!!!

   This is but a short one, but one that the LORD is laying on my heart this morning.

   There are far too many. Far too many what, you may ask. Far too many that are confused and over zealous in that which they perceive to be the LORD's will for them.

   We, Brothers and Sisters, are told(commissioned) to spread the GOSPEL. We are not told, that we're to convict people of their sins. Which is something far too many are trying to do. The task of conviction of one's sins is totally in the ample hands of the HOLY SPIRIT and no human agent. We as zealous, on fire for the LORD Christians, can do everything within our powers to do so and we're just wasting our breath and time. For unless it is the HOLY SPIRIT that brings about this conviction, it is worthless and like dust in the wind.

   Though we have the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling inside of us, we ARE NOT HIM!!! We do NOT, have HIS powers, even though HE may exhibit them thru us. It is because of years of erroneous preaching that men think "they" are the one's that can bring about and do wondrous works. When in truth, we ARE but vessels thru which the HOLY SPIRIT does the works.

                                            Let's get it right !!!!!!!

John 16:8


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

Least we fall

Praise the LORD!!!

   There was the day when we were all sinners, "There is none righteous, no, not one"(Romans 3:10; KJV 1900) and this my friends, we should not forget!!! Though the LORD forgives and forgets the life of sin we've lived, let us not. For when we do there is the chance that within our hearts we will begin thinking of ourselves as better than those around us. Placing ourselves upon a pedestal above all the immoral sinners of this dying world. When it was right there at the base of that pedestal, that we too used to live.

   Pride, is the original sin, it is that which set satan up for the fall, the very one that took down Adam and Eve and has brought mankind to the need for salvation. It is the pride of man that placed JESUS upon the cross and it is one of satan's greatest tools against us!!!

   For at the moment of salvation we're broken and contrite(or we should be), we humble ourselves before the LORD in our need of HIS forgiveness. An unless humility rules within afterwards, that very pride that placed us in need of a SAVIOR can and will begin to grow, unless carefully(very carefully) watched.  A while back in one of the devotionals, Spurgeon stated "In some sense the path to heaven is very safe, but in other respects there is no road so dangerous. It is beset with difficulties. One false step (and how easy it is to take that(step), if grace be absent), and down we go." The Pharisee and Sadducee traveled a road of religious pride, much like many Christians today and it was them that JESUS condemned so richly!!! 

   During my walk to south Texas, many to which I spoke, said that it was the hypocrisy within the church that kept them from going(the number 2 reason) to church. Truly it should be plain to see that anywhere you've Christian gathered, we see pride also. We see it all the time, though we may overlook it for the most part. Maybe because it has become so ingrained within our lives and the lives of those around us that we just accept it. I don't know, but I do know, it is leading many to a fall.

   Let us each remember, and remember well, from where the LORD saved us, or we could say from "whom," for it was our own pride that took us there. Those very sinners that we tend to look down upon, are the very ones that JESUS died for. Remember, we were each there at one time ourselves!!! :{)))

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

What exactly are you doing...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    This has come about from my wanderings around the internet and my list of social sites this morning.

   What exactly are you doing to farther the spread of the GOSPEL? Not just for today, tomorrow or your plans for the future, but at this very second in time!?!

   With all the hoopla in the media lately about the Rapture, I wonder if people shouldn't be a lot more concerned about these questions, than the seem to be? Many are spending their time playing one or more of the many games available online. While others are posting things that are only meant to bring about disagreement in one way, shape or form. Yet, others seem to be totally oblivious to anything that even closely resembles a message of hope.

   Have we as Christians become so comfortable in our lives, that we've forgotten our calling, and focus more and more upon worldly pursuits, then that which the apostles deemed as eminent? Have we forgotten that JESUS could return at any moment, in the twinkling of an eye? Or is it that, it's been so long in it's coming, that we feel there is plenty of time to spare?

   There are millions and millions of souls out there that have yet to hear the GOSPEL. Many will go into eternity having never heard it. Sure, there are many questions above, but they all lead to one foundational one. What exactly are you doing with JESUS today???
  


Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!! Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org GOD bless and good day, Rev. Marshall Barth Vine of CHRIST Ministries Vine Ministerial Network International

As I have loved you...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Oh, if only you all could have my heart and understandings! Don't get me wrong, I'm no one great, I'm not even a great orator or expounder of scripture. But it is a fact, that my heart is rent, because of what I see within the body of CHRIST. A body that is supposed to operate as one, though made up of many differing pieces.

   I'm sure, that most of you know what I'm talking about, when I say "there is far to much 'in-fighting' within the body of CHRIST. That which is to be called the CHURCH, a united, singlely minded, body functioning towards one goal alone. To glorify JESUS and HIS love for all of mankind!!!

   I'll be one of the first, to admit that there is much wrong, in a lot of the ministries and churches operating today. We've people preaching all kinds of erroneous doctrines and walking in ways that are truly far from those of our SAVIOR. Then we've a mass of brothers and sisters speaking out against these and anyone else that they believe to be operating outside of that which they believe to be right.

   Are we as Christians, giving our LORD and SAVIOR, one we supposedly hold so dear, a black-eye? Are we pushing people away, from the way in which we're supposed to walk, instead of drawing them into the KINGDOM? JESUS HIMself, gave us but several commands to follow. We've the two great commandments listed in Matt. 22:37-39 and the one this entry is focused upon, John 13:34,35. With these teachings in mind, let us turn our focus to another teaching of our LORD, that of Matt. 12:25,26 (this is but the only one I'll post here):
  25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.  26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

   Are we the body of CHRIST, that which is to stand, focused under but one banner, JESUS and that which HE's done for mankind, are we revealing a loving, self sacrificing SAVIOR to mankind by our actions? Or are we seeking to stand in judgment of all others that call upon the name of JESUS as personal LORD and SAVIOR??? How than, can our KINGDOM stand, if we each reach out and pull down another Christian and their ministry before the eyes of the world? A world so willing to destroy our teachings! A world, so willing to do this very thing on it's own, without our help. Yet are we not doing their works for them, when we, in an unloving manor, trash another Christian and their ministry? Sure, we're to stand against false and erroneous teachings, and scripture gives us the manor in which this is to be done. But are we, building up the KINGDOM of GOD on earth, or are we pulling it down, brick by brick, all in the name of that which "WE" feel to be right?

   I don't know about your GOD, but mine is sovereign and omnipotent, very able to control all that is happening within this foul world of ours. HE is able to wipe the face of the earth clear of all that pollutes it. Yet, HE is loving enough to of paid the price for our sins. Sins, not just having been committed, but sins we're currently committing and even those we'll commit in our futures. So before any of us take up 'our' thrones of judgment upon another that calls JESUS, LORD and SAVIOR. Let us first examine our own hearts and minds, to see if we're truly revealing JESUS through our actions. If not, let us keep our mouths shut and our hands away from the keyboard. For I'm sure, without a doubt, that JESUS is certainly able to cleanse this temple, HE calls HIS CHURCH!!!!!!!



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

An important fact

 Praise the LORD!!!

    I'm led this day to post something that is often overlooked by many Christians and one that is an important fact of our faith. Especially considering the vast number of denominations that there are. Many people tend to look down on others that have differing opinions then they or the church have. We tend to follow after this form of teaching or another one, all according to that which we believe to be right.

   I've read a vast quantity of writings over the fifteen plus years that I've been 'born again.' I've read all this under the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT and not on my own. For I found out early in my walk, that it is our 'pride' that leads us, unless we strictly allow GOD to set our course and follow it alone. Remember, I was a very prideful man once and thought that what I thought was right, was the gospel for my life. I thank GOD daily for giving me life and ask HIM to lead me through every moment of it, leaving no room for this 'old man' to surface. In so doing, I've been led to read writing from most denominations, religions and beliefs. There is an awesome amount of wisdom held in much of these writings, yet there is a point where all them tend to stray from that which the Bible itself testifies to!!! This is why I've been led at times to study one single point sometimes for hours, if not days, at a time. Seeking out everything that is written on it and cross referencing it extensively. This all done while in prayer and allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to set the directions.

   The pride of man is that which has brought about the formations of such a vast number of denominations. For it is the fact that you either believe like we do, or we're separate ourselves from you. Now I can say that religion, the works of man, should be avoided, but to not fellowship with others because you've a differing opinion then them is wrong. Many times in the New Testament, from the Book of Acts onward, we've teachings of the first century church and their practices. Even then the pride of man was stepping into the faith, bringing division between groups.

   Now the apostle Paul, being led by the HOLY SPIRIT, was led to write the letter to the Colossians, perhaps on of my favorite books. Though most of his letters cover a vast number of the problems facing the first century believer, this one alone tackles some of the most highly argued points of difference, even in the CHURCH(that which CHRIST built and not men) today. I'd suggest every believer read this book numerous times and not just reading it as fodder, but digesting every morsel that it contains!!!

   Yes, I'll be the first to admit, there is much wrong within the church today, but it isn't the minor points of disagreement that we must separate ourselves from. It is those that want to deny the major precepts of the faith that should be separated from. Who care if you practice the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday! Who cares whether you eat seafood with scales or not! The fact is, do you believe that JESUS is GOD in the flesh, who came and died upon the cross for our sins, was buried, rose again upon the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the FATHER! That GOD, like all creation, exist in three forms (FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT.) That it is by grace alone and not the works of our hands that allows us into relationship with JESUS. These are the major points of our faith, the foundation upon which JESUS built the CHURCH and it is these that we can not stay from!!!

  I may of posted some verses to pinpoint these facts, but I'm led not to, because it is the whole of the book that needs attention and not just several verses. Start today, an intensive study of the New Testament, but not on my advice alone, but pray and ask the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you in the pathways that HE has for you and you alone!!!

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

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

6.27.10_Song 2:15_the little things

  Praise the LORD!!!

    It is good to be back online to serve the LORD through the writing of this devotional. Though I wrote several while off line, this is something that came this morning, something fresh, something much needed!

    Song of Solomon 2:15

      "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."

   Many times in our lives we look at all the big problems and sins within them. When these are usually easily taken care of. It is truly not these that are our major problems, though they are major in size, it is most likely the littlest of sins that will be our undoing! Do we preach or witness to one because of their lying and then ourselves turn and tell a little 'white lie' to keep from hurting someone's feelings? Do we tell others not to fret over their financial problems, yet cry out in prayers of grief because our bills are mounting and funds are dwindling?(Romans 2: 1-4)  
     These are 'little foxes' hiding within our vineyards. Seeking to destroy our walks for the LORD! In our seeking to be holy and to bring glory unto the LORD, we sometimes miss these little problems that so plaque us. It is these that can be the greatest of hindrances  to our glorifying the LORD. For they make us out to be hypocrites in our actions. If there is one thing that I've heard more then anything else, as to why someone didn't go to church. It would be the fact that there are too many hypocrites hiding behind the doors of it's buildings!

   On my walks, both of them, most of the people that picked me up and gave me a ride considered themselves Christians. Yet they admitted they didn't go to church often, if at all, because of this fact. They saw so many within the church that "preached" against one thing and then did this very thing themselves or worst. We as the Church(capitalized to show that which JESUS came to raise up), must seek to chase out the 'little foxes' within our own lives. We must seek to be cleansed from all that would place a shadow of doubt in anyone's mind as to WHO it is that we represent and HIS direct character. In JESUS there is not one little shadow of deceit found(Isaiah 53: 9.) HE is perfection personified. Yes I know all too well the fact that we're not JESUS and we're not perfect, but we must strive to do our best to be. Sure we'll only be able to do so much of this in our own power and we'll never truly be perfected until we join HIM. But, with HIS aid, we can inspect all that we say and do and bring them into line with scripture. Making no room for shadows or 'little foxes' to hide. We are those that represent JESUS CHRIST to the world and it is our duty to show all HIS true nature, not something that is only a shabby representation of it.

    The next time you look into a mirror, will you be able to say that the reflection there is that of JESUS? Or will you have to say different? The choice is our own. We can chose to live as a shadow of CHRIST or we can chose to be a perfect reflection. One where anyone that sees us will know, that we live and die to bring glory and honor to HE who paid the price for our sins and now sits at the right hand of the FATHER. Yes, we will sin, but we can do our best, with HIS help, to rid our vineyards of the 'little foxes,' that spoil the vines!!!


Other readings: Judges 14: 1- 16:31; James 2: 14-16, 4: 17
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 

  For more on my recent events and my other writings: Blogs from the Vine

GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth

Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

Vine Ministerial Network International

5.23.10_Romans 8:35-39_Who and What_

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Today we shall look at our lives as Christians and those things that we deem to be such a burden within our daily walk.

    Romans 8:35-39

    
     35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”c

 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,d neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

    To often we as Christian look at those things around us, the trials and tribulations that we suffer in the world, as that which controls our lives. Truly this is not so, for it is our life bound to JESUS that controls our life, or at least should! We as Christians have taken on the appearance and actions of the Hebrews during their exodus to the promised land. We complain and grumble about all those worldly troubles that beset us and take our eyes off HE that truly supplies all of our needs.

   In our verses, we see that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of GOD, nothing at all. Even if we're to die this very moment, we'll still be in HIS loving hands. Why is it that we tend to break down and begin pouring out our prayers for relief only after first pouring out reams of complaints? It is because we've taken our eyes of the solutions to all our problems and focused them upon ourselves! We must realize that we are greatly loved by GOD and that HE has promised to provide our every need. Look at the exodus. Was there one single need that GOD didn't provide for them? Not one of their needs weren't met. Even when they began to crave meat, since this had been a staple in their diets in Egypt, did not GOD provide it for them. But since it was in a manor of lusting after that which they'd once relished HE turned their stomachs to it.

   In the manna from heaven HE was providing all that they needed to survive their trek through the wilderness and they had need of nothing else. Yet since they longed for that which they'd grown accustom to in Egypt, that which GOD didn't bless, HE gave them it in such an abundance that they literal made themselves sick from over consumption. They took their eyes off the fact that GOD was taking care of them completely and began focusing on that which they thought they needed. Taking GOD completely out of the picture as long as they got what "they" wanted and not that which GOD want for them. We do this daily. We look towards those things that we conceive to be what we need and not that which GOD knows that we need.

    What is most likely at the core of our problems, is the fact that we've lived to long thinking that all that we have is the product of our own doings! We've taken our eyes off the fact that even before we knew CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR, he was the very source of all that we have. For even during their captivity in Egypt all that which the Hebrews had, was being supplied through GOD's providence and not by their own hands. For even though HE had turned the hearts of the Egyptians against them, their needs always seemed to be met. We too face these very occurrences daily, yet we like them fail to see whose hands are doing the actual providing. We believe that because we've a nice home, car and whatever else, that they're all the products of our own doing. When they're not, they are the provisions of GOD granted to us, to provide our needs in doing those works which HE has set forth for us to accomplish.

   Here is another factor that "we've" forgotten. All that we have, has been a blessing to us for the purpose of serving GOD and glorifying HIS name within our lives and the lives of others. We've forgotten the reason we're blessed in the first place and begun to focus only upon our own needs and well being. The pride of man has reared its head again within our lives and we've followed after it. There is but on cure for this problem and a very simple one at that. Though taking this action is most likely one of the hardest things to do. It is the act of relinquishing control over our lives unto GOD, the place and hands, where it should be in the first place. This takes the power of the HOLY SPIRIT working within and through us and turning our eyes off our will for our lives and focusing them on the will of GOD for our lives. A complete surrender to GOD and not holding on to one piece of that which we believe we should have and do. I've made this choice and taken the first steps in following them, and have been do so for some time now, so I'm not sure why this message today. I do know that GOD is using me to bring about HIS will in other people's lives and the fact that these devotionals aren't always for my benefit alone. I know that whomever it is, that this is intended for, shall read it and GOD will work through it to make changes within their lives. I've faith that no matter what I say or do, that in some way GOD is using it to farther the progress of HIS KINGDOM here on earth. If you think this is a boast, it is not. For GOD can use the very air that we breath to effect someone's life, so why not the words of a man that has turned over control of his life fully to the only ONE that truly can control it?



Some reading to meet your hunger: Matt. 6: 25-34; John 17; Luke 9:23-27
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

5.19.10_1 John 1:1_Our task and goal

Praise the LORD!!!

    There is no greater task for the Christian to be about then seeking to grow their personal relationship with the LORD. To grow closer with each breath that they take. Second on the list of priorities is the subject of today's devotional.

   1 John 1:1

     "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."

    Though we're not as blessed as the disciples, having been able to walk, touch and speak with the LORD, we're more blessed having believed in HIM without so doing(John 20:29).Our calling as Christians is to go out and spread the GOSPEL to every living soul upon the face of the earth(Matt. 28:19,20). Too many and I do mean far too many, Christians today, are happy to sit back and allow the world to go by. Not reaching out to the lost and dying of the world. This is an appalling fact to think about. If one truly loves the LORD, with their whole heart, mind, soul and body, we should be about HIS work for us continuously and with little thought given to much else.

    We hear many Christians making the statement that "JESUS is coming soon." Well if HE is, and they truly believe this fact in their heart, why are there so many lost and hurting people in the world that haven't heard of the saving graces given in HIS name? This is a hard question to answer and one that the answer for, doesn't make this generation of believers look very good. We've become complacent as to our duties for JESUS. We've become to worldly in our views of existence in a suffering world. We've become to self centered, which is a natural trait of mankind and one very hard to get rid of. With all these thoughts in mind, what is it that we can do to make amends for this problem? 


    First off, I'd say it would be to undertake a great deal of self examination! Asking the LORD to bless us with the HOLY SPIRIT, and reveal our deepest of sentiments to us. Then for HIM to bless us with the strength to repent, yes repent, of this error in our being. Then for HIM to grace us with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to overcome this problem. Then finally, that HE would grace us with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to be courageous warriors against the darkness that is so prevalent within this world and cause us to go forth and tell others about HIS works for all of mankind.


    These are just the primers for undertaking this task, because there is a lot more to this then these acts alone. For these are mostly done through the providence of GOD and not of our own being. We've the task of studying our Bibles and growing in the wisdom and knowledge that it'll take to preform these. We've also to begin undertaking the task as if the very lives of every human on the face of the planet depended upon it (which it does!) It is all well and good to know these things, but the real meat of the matter is doing it. An not just doing it whenever we feel like it or when we can make time for it. We need to see it as equal in value to taking our very next breath. As if life depended upon it. Only through having a mindset like this can the KINGDOM of GOD on earth be fully realized in this generation. There can't be a bunch of procrastination about it, it has to be done!!!


    There will be many trials and tribulations along the way, for the adversary will not take lightly to this being done. he has been at work for nearly two thousand years twisting and injecting errors into our churches. he'll not sit back and watch as Christians begin to stand up and proclaim the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST throughout the world. he'll come at us with ever evil scheme he has in his little black book of lies and evil ways, to stop this from happening. The battle will be a hard one, to say the least, but it will be one that we already know the outcome of. For it has been written in the pages of the Bible for some time now and been in the great plan of GOD for mankind since before time was even thought of. What are you going to do? I know what I'm personally going to do, I'm going to start preparing for the battle!!!


   ***Just as I was coming to the end of writing this, satan stepped in. My host came and asked me about my future plans, as to a place to live and means of employment to meet the bills. Praise the LORD though, this has been upon my mind also a lot lately. What tomorrow shall bring as far as living, I don't know, but I do know that I place myself totally in the hands of GOD and trust HIM completely with it!!!***



    There will be no verses to follow up with, this is a time to put into action things you've read. For no matter what maturity of a Christian you're, there is plenty of room for improvement!!!

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

5.11.10_Letting go...

Praise the LORD!!!

   With today being the day after my birthday, I've a lot on my heart. Not those things most people would have on their minds. You may know those things. Like, "what is my life about," or "am I going to ever accomplish all those things I've wanted for so long." Then again, maybe these are the things upon my heart, but I'm not worried about whether or not these things are going to effect my life personally, but the lives of a lot of other people.

   Since the LORD got my wholehearted, undivided attention on my "re birth day", Jan. 7, 95, my life's goals have been more towards effecting other peoples lives for the better, not about the betterment of my own life. CHRIST truly changed my life that day. HE made me into a person that constantly has had the needs of others on his mind, whereas before I was greatly self centered and only worried about self!!! This is where the inspiration for Vine of CHRIST Ministries came from. First and foremost the LORD gave me the vision for the ministry and HE gave me the desire to make amends for a life that had  totally revolved around self. There are so many details to this ministry that it's next to impossible to cover them all at one setting and this truly isn't the place for it either.

   With all these thoughts running rampant in my mind today, I decided to type in "much upon my heart" in the search box of my Logos online Bible program (I can't use the one on the computer and be online at the same time:( ). The first two verses that came up were, Eccles.1:12-18 and Phil. 1:3-11 and they're the basis for this devotional today. I'll not enter them here, but you can read them by just running you cursor over them here. Thanks to Logos you'll be able to read them in whatever version of the Bible you'd like and in many different ways. Anyway, with my reading Eccles. I saw that much of what we want in life is but a waste of our time. A chasing after the wind, something impossible to catch and hold onto. The LORD impressed it upon my heart that in my trying to bring about all these services that the ministry will someday be involved in providing for people, that it is futile on my own. I could kill myself just trying to bring half of them into existence, let alone make them effectively provide the massive needs that they'll be taking care of.

   Then HE led me to read the other verses, but not in totality, only up to verse six, which reads "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This brought the whole endeavor together. HE was letting me know that all these things that HE's shown me from the beginning, will happen! But that they'll not be done by my hands or the fact that I concentrate all my efforts on them. They'll happen by HIS power and provisions alone and I've not to overly concern myself with them. What I need to do is take each day as it comes to me. Each day as it is, a blessing in itself and do that which I've been lead to do in it. HE'll provide the people, the money, locations, equipment, vehicles, you name it. GOD started this thing through me and HE's the ONE that is going to finish it. I could spin my wheels trying to race around here pulling all the details together the best I can, but it would accomplish very little at all. These works were set into motion by HIM and they shall come to fruition only by HIS direct intervention in all that pertains to them.

   So it is time, once again, for me to step back and relax, and let GOD take full control over all that this, HIS ministry will be. It is very hard for a person that has always had their hands involved in providing for and maintaining his life and the lives of those around him to just step back and let someone else take over. But I'm just going to have to do it, if this thing is truly going to come into being. If I'd of done this years ago, who knows maybe it would already be functioning. Not! Because if the LORD had wanted it to of happened then, it would of. This is the time, this is the place, and it is going to be JESUS that will bring this thing all together as HE's shown me, not myself. It's time for me to simply, "let go and let GOD."


 Other verses you may like to read: 1 Chron. 22:1-19; Ps. 119:105-112; Job 31:1-40; 2 Cor. 2:3-11

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

5.09.10_Rom. 8:28_Trusting HIM...

Praise the LORD!!!

    There have been many days here lately where nothing has come until late in the day, today is one of them. I've been working today at home on t shirt logos for the ministry. I've managed through out the week to get several shirts printed out. Some with mistakes and others without. This is where the LORD laid today's verses on my heart. What better day then today, my birthday, a day that some think was a big mistake for the world!

   Romans 8:28

    28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those n who are the called according to His purpose."
    There are many times in this world that things go wrong and we have to live with the consequences of them. For too many years I allowed mess ups in my life to totally destroy the day or times associated with them. I think most of you can agree with me on this! While you're doing something, whether major or minor in importance, something happens and suddenly you've a mess on your hands. Like with the printing out of my logos today (yesterday). I'd been blessed to finally get some of the problems out of the way and to be able to print out several t shirts. Some with decals upside down, others with unmirrored logos, all sorts of minor problems(most of them turned out good). Well today, I did a redesign of the overall design, making it larger and easier to read. The printer's programing said there was plenty of ink in both cartridges, so I was off to the races and satisfied with what I'd been blessed with to design. Well, the results weren't what they were supposed to of been. Yes, there was plenty of ink in both cartridges, just not the right colors. There wasn't any to make the colors orange and green, so the logo turned out blue(baby) and pink:)))

   Instead of getting mad, which years ago I'd of flown off the handle, I praised the LORD!!! You heard me right! I praised the LORD. Sure I was another transfer page down, with a limited number to use. There was now even less ink for other projects also. Plus the great new design I printed out after several hours of working on different programs, had ended up looking totally unlike anything I'd planned for it too!

    Now I've a very off looking design sitting in front of me and still am sporting a smile. When clear as day the LORD prompts me to iron it onto a t shirt and wear it to church. Within about 3 minutes this was done and cooling. I wasted no time in getting it setup, centered and ironed on. If you don't know me well, I've laid it all on the line several times here in the last year plus. Stepping completely "out of the boat" on the slightest prompting from the LORD. I've lived most of my life, kind of bottled up and afraid to do much without taking things into careful consideration and examining all the details. But that has become a thing totally of the past and I've been doing things that I'd of never thought of before, without a second thought at all. I hear the LORD's prompting and its off to the races. I don't know what all the consequences will be to a lot of these events and truly don't care. GOD has brought them about in my life and I'm going to allow HIM to bring them all to fruition and I'll trust HIM to do so!!!

    I've given up depending on self and all my ultimate knowledge and cleverness. They've gotten me no where in life in the long run. I'm counting totally on the fact that GOD has raised me up to do something in this world, and what it is, I've only a slight idea of. But I do know that HE's brought me through an awful big mess, which I called a life, one that I'd thought I had total control over, only to find out different. When we try to make thing right within our lives, we always tend to mess up somewhere along the lines. But if we would learn to just allow GOD to be the one taking care of all the planning and execution within our lives things would be so much the better. So tomorrow (today for you) I'll be wearing my pink and baby blue logo embellished t shirt to church. Do you think I care? Not in the least. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the LORD is going to make it standout  and be noticed. Anyway, isn't advertising supposed to standout and catch people's attentions?

  Other verses you may enjoy reading: Psalm 52:1-9, 56:1-13; John 14:1-4; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Peter 3:1-6

  For more readings by the Rev. Marshall Barth you can check out, Blogs from the Vine, or any of the links below, or just do a search.

 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  

5.08.10_Luke 14:28_Whose building are you?

Praise the LORD!!!
  
   This is going to be a first. This morning while reading my personal devotionals, the LORD led me to post one of them to this devotional, the one I normally write by HIS leading. I believe you will find this to be a topic of interest. Not from my personal opinion, for I enjoyed it, but for the fact that the LORD had me post it here for a reason and most likely a very good one at that.

"Building for eternity   Luke 14:28

 

  "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
 

   Our Lord refers not to a cost we have to count, but to a cost which He has counted. The cost was those thirty years in Nazareth, those three years of popularity, scandal and hatred; the deep unfathomable agony in Gethsemane, and the onslaught at Calvary—the pivot upon which the whole of Time and Eternity turns. Jesus Christ has counted the cost. Men are not going to laugh at Him at last and say—“This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

   The conditions of discipleship laid down by Our Lord in vv. 26, 27 and 33 mean that the men and women He is going to use in His mighty building enterprises are those in whom He has done everything. “If any man come to Me, and hate not …, he cannot be My disciple.” Our Lord implies that the only men and women He will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately and devotedly beyond any of the closest ties on earth. The conditions are stern, but they are glorious.

   All that we build is going to be inspected by God. Is God going to detect in His searching fire that we have built on the foundation of Jesus some enterprise of our own? These are days of tremendous enterprises, days when we are trying to work for God, and therein is the snare. Profoundly speaking, we can never work for God. Jesus takes us over for His enterprises, His building schemes entirely, and no soul has any right to claim where he shall be put."

May 8th
Chambers, O. (1993). My utmost for his highest : Selections for the year (NIV edition.). Westwood, NJ: Barbour and Co.

  Though this was originally written  several centuries ago, it is very relevant today also! Especially so, when you can look around an see so many ministries out there and most are named after the one wanting the glory. Why else would a person name something after themselves? I may be wrong on this count, but I've a feeling that I'm truly not that far off in saying it. Too many people have taken on works for the LORD, only to end up building them with wood and straw( erroneous ways and motives.) Then there are some of those ministries that bare the founder's name, yet hold true to the GOSPEL. I'll not be the judge, but I know one that will be and the day is coming when all that bare HIS name shall stand before HIM to be judged for the works that we've done. On this day and it alone will we all know the full truth. Not just on the works that others have done, or those of our own hands, but we will know every little detail of HIStory, as if it had just happened. Then we will know who taught the total truth and who were in error. I look forward to this day. Do you?

   There are also several other reason we need to look deeply at the verses here. For many people today call themselves Christians yet there is no proof of it within their lives. If one has truly had a "Born Again" experience within their life, they've become regenerated by the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT within them and there is a visible proof of this fact. If someone tells you they're a Christian and there is no sign of of the HOLY GHOST on board, you should think about talking with them and introducing them to the real JESUS CHRIST and what it means to truly be Born (Again) from Above!!!



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

5.07.10_1 Cor. 1:26-28_What were you...

Praise the LORD!!!

    Many times we tend to forget what we were when GOD laid HIS hands on us! Now I don't know about you, but I definitely wasn't a choirboy or the Pope. I was one heck of a messed up mass of emotions and problems. One of those people a psychologist could write their thesis on. But right down to the smallest of details, GOD had it all under control and planned out. I'm sure there will be many that will read this and either laugh and call me a fool or they'll blow a fuse, "because that isn't what GOD is" will come to their minds.

 1 Cor. 1:26-28

    26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,

   Too many people these days have been brought up with the idea that GOD is totally loving and that HE wouldn't allow bad things to manifest themselves in this world. Well if this were so, why would HE of chosen people like those mentioned above to represent HIM before all of mankind? Plain and simply put, HE wouldn't of. HE would of chose those that we representative of HIS likeness. As it is HE's shown us through our imperfections that we've great needs within our lives and that HE is the only means to fulfill them. Then HE's picked the cream of the crop to reveal this to the rest of the world, with all their imperfections shining forth in their glory.

   For me I can say this is true, 100%, for I was a real work of art when GOD pulled me up by the shirt tails. I'd spent the last quarter century addicted to drugs of all sorts. Longer then this addicted to the lust of the flesh and pornography. An arrogant, manipulator that would lie to your face and then jump in... well I think that is enough for you to get the hint that I wasn't of what you'd call the highest caliber of person. Heck, I wouldn't even say I resembled a person at all at times. There may of actually been those types out there that were worst then me, which I know there were, because while I was in prison I got to see a bunch of them. Now I'm getting a little off coarse here, so back to our verses.

   As you can see, I've not forgotten that which I was when CHRIST found me and pulled me up from out of the mire. I was covered by filth from head to toe and reeking to high heavens of all the ways of the world. Pulled up from what I knew to of been the lowest point of my life, having been completely crushed and ground into the finest of powder. My heart was to say the least, 'contrite'! All that I had known and cherished had blown away, or was running for the hills to escape being pulled down along with me. But after the LORD had picked me up, dusted me off and began to lead me in the proper directions in life, none of that mattered in the least. Sure there was my family, which I cherished greatly, but even when I found out my wife had been cheating on me with my partner in crime, it didn't bother me. Even when my son began to rebel an talk to me like trash, because his mother did and he didn't want anything to do with that 'Christian baloney.' This too didn't even stir me like one would think it would of. Sure these hurt, but they had become associated with the happens of this world and the man that I'd once been and those things didn't matter.

   What had grown to be important in my life was dispelling that which it had once been about. Those ways, habits and manors that had for so long controlled everything I said, thought and did. Those things that had held me and bound me to a life that represented the worst that society had to offer. Those mannerisms and standards that are so wonderfully framed in our verses for today. These are the reasons that I forget not that which GOD raised me up from and these are the very reasons that I'll remember them until the day that I die to this world and go on to meet my SAVIOR on the other side of the veil. So if you want to call me foolish or argue about some theological differences in go right ahead, because I'll not listen to either point of view. What GOD has wrought in me, HE's done with a lot of hard work and many a mile of well fought over ground. HE's run me up onside with the Bible and then down the other, and the whole time letting me know what every single blessed WORD within meant. I may not be some multiple doctorate scholar, I may not be some high and mighty theologian, but what GOD has turned me into, is one of a kind and HE has a specific purpose for every breath that I take. But the truth is, I'm not alone in this ranking. Each and everyone of us that has called upon the name of JESUS CHRIST as personal LORD and SAVIOR, is in the same boat as I. For you too were created to stand for GOD like no other person in creation can accomplish. Your job is cut out for you and your calling is secured, you just have to step forward and fill those boots, just as the LORD has led you to!!!    



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

05.0610_How big is your...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    I can imagine the thoughts going through some people's minds when they read this title! I know what I'd of been thinking a good number of years back and it might not of been as nice as what anyone else was thinking either. I'm not here to judge anyone, but I am here to lay it all on the line for JESUS and no holds bared!!!

   As I was on the way to write this devotional, I happened to stop and open my email box(remember nothing happens by chance!). There was an interesting email there, about our being what we allow ourselves to consume, you know the old adage, "you are what you eat." It was about not just what we eat, but that which we allow our minds to consume. Anyone that goes through a day with their eyes open will most likely of consumed some pretty nasty things by days end. I'm speaking here from a Christian's point of view, not someone with a secular viewpoint, because most of them don't care what goes through their minds. But because the two views are dramatically different, or at least they should be!

   From the moment we awaken in the morning, our senses are being bombarded with all kinds of information. Now for the Christian this should contain a large percentage of GOD's WORD and Christian entertainment or teachings. I don't think I really need to mention what is going into someone with a secular mindset, and what they're filling their heads with. It really doesn't take that much time to realize the difference between the two formats of entertainment. Usually within thirty seconds or so of listening to whatever someone else is being entertained with I can tell where their mind and heart is located. The worst part about this though is the fact that a very large number of Christians will be bombarding their senses with this worldly deluge of debauchery also. Yes, that's right, those that are supposed to be representing JESUS in all that they do, are watching and listening to the same type of garbage and we wonder why so many non-believers call Christians a bunch of hypocrites!

   I'm going to ask a few questions here today. Ones that are not meant to be from a judgmental stance, but ones that will open our eyes to that which we fill our lives with. I know there are times that I'll sit down and watch an violence filled action movie or one that has a large amount of off color language in it. So I'm not looking at what others are answering these questions with, but that which I can say I'm personally accountable for!!!

• How many hours a day do you spend watching/listening to an electronic format of entertainment?
• How much time do you spend in prayer/communion(reading/studying the Bible)  with GOD?
• How many movies in the last year have you watched with a rating of PG-13 or higher?
• When was the last time you truly got serious about your relationship with GOD(not just going to church)?
•  When was the last time you repented and asked GOD to help you overcome a sin within your life?
• Do you really consider GOD big enough to help you overcome your sin problems or are you the one that has to work on them yourself?

   There most likely are a lot more questions that I could ask here, but after all, this is a devotional and is meant to be short and thought stirring! These few should get the juices flowing and your mind moving in the right direction to open this up for deeper inspection, both by self and the HOLY SPIRIT. Yes, that right, we all need to bring HIM into the picture, for HE is the one that truly knows our heart, mind, soul and spirits best, and only HE is the one that can reveal our deepest and most hidden secrets to us. So open up and let the healing of our spirits begin!!!
 
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

5.4.10_Phil. 3:8_Value

 Praise the LORD!!!

     If you've not noticed, most of my life revolves around my ministry and serving the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! To me there isn't very much else in life the is worth getting excited about. Though most wouldn't know this by my actions, for even while at church, I a bit on the laid back side. Nothing truly seems to get me excited. There is a reason for this and I might just let you in on it in the coarse of this devotional. Now remember, I did say might:))) (for those of you that don't know, that's an eternal smile)

    For most of my life, I'd say that I was a real piece of trash, human refuge, that which should of been done away with before birth. This, coming from a man that may of never been in existence if it wasn't for his mothers stand against abortion. I was one that had very little regard for anyone Else's feelings, needs or even existence. As I said a real work of art! But GOD had a reason for this all to of happened the way it did. In HIS great omnipotence, HE had  set all things in motion that would make all the worthless deeds I'd committed turn out for HIS glory in the long run. But this all has to be experienced to be witnessed to, and a good bit of it is still in the future.

 Phil. 3:8 

    8 "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ"

~ Philippians 3:8, NLT

     When the LORD wholeheartedly got my attention, it was in prison and all that I could see of a future had gone down the drain. I was looking at twenty to thirty five years or so in the federal penitentiary. What I'd built up over the years, as to a family and friends, or what most would call a life, had disappeared in the matter of days. It was all now but a thing of the past and after looking at it through a new set of eyes, wasn't really all that great. I had a family, a wife, a newborn son and  stepdaughter and stepson, plenty of those things that one kind of relishes as keep sakes or necessities of life. All these were now gone for a good bit of time and possibly forever, for I wasn't the type that would put up with a bunch of disrespect out of people, so I wouldn't be an ideal inmate.

   I can thank GOD that HE had differing plans for me. For everything that I was imagining that could of happened because of the type of person that I'd been for most of my life, had changed when GOD decided to 'set the hook' on this fish! I've always considered GOD to be the greatest of fishermen and when HE had caught me, HE did it perfectly. I was completely broken and there was no doubt in my mind at all as to the fact that things had changed and would never be the same again. All those things that I'd a t one time thought to of been of great importance and value, no longer held any interest to me. Those things that had always keep me spellbound, by their allure, were now just wisp of a memory, not even holding my attention for a moment, let alone holding me bound to their luxuries. Yes, though I'd been living a life that was considered as below the poverty level for years, there were things that I processed that most poverty stricken people wouldn't of had, let alone held on to instead of selling for the money. These things though, had suddenly lost all their power over me, and I wanted nothing to do with them.

    Now, my life was in the control of a much higher power. One that I'd not truly thought about for many years. GOD was now the one pulling the strings in my life and I was basically just along for the ride. I'd given my life totally over to GOD and HIS control, no longer seeking to have my way and will satisfied, but seeking to do things HIS way and only HIS!!! It's hard to explain how the events of a meer week had totally changed one's view of everything, but they had and I'm very thankful that they did. For if GOD hadn't moved into my life like HE did, I most likely would of been dead within the next year or two, if I'd of been blessed with that long of a time. I feel that my life was totally on  the downturn and not much of anything good would of come out of in the next few years. As I said though, GOD was now in control and things were really beginning to turn around for the better. Even those things that most wouldn't consider as being good, I do, because I know that GOD moves through even the worst of occurrences and turns them into things that are beneficial to HIS KINGDOM and our lives(Rom. 8:28).

    I'll not be like a lot of converts to Christianity and say that I've never sinned or fallen prey to a lot of the ways that I used to live by, because it'd be a lie. I've fallen numerous times, but have been graced by GOD to be picked up, dusted off and sent on my way again. GOD truly is awesome when it comes to forgiving a person and then showing them the loving kindness to lead them in the right direction time after time, until they get things right finally. HE is truly a very forgiving GOD and one that people so often underestimate completely. All those things that I've turned back to, numerous times, I no longer account them to be important within my life. I'll not say that I'll not fall into their trap again someday, but I will say that I do know that GOD will be there to pick me up and start me on my merry way again, if need be. In this day and age of so many differing thought lines coming out of churches and denominations, I am firmly set in the belief that GOD has started a work within me and it is one that HE will carry on until its completion. That day, somewhere in the future when in HIS eyes, alone, I will be perfected and complete and ready to stand in heaven at HIS side. Living a life in eternity, where all trials and tribulations that at one time had held such a tight grip upon me, are now but wisp of smoke fading away into the vast endlessness of eternity. No longer having any power or control over me or anyone else. For what had been, will be gone and what is to come, will be all that is left to enjoy. Please join me in a life devoted completely to JESUS CHRIST and all that HE's done for mankind. The choice is yours and yours alone. The cost will vary, from totally free, to free with a cost. Will you give your life to the one that gave HIS so freely for you?



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

GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth

Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Vine Ministerial Network International

5.2.10_ Luke 16:13_Allegiance

Praise the LORD!!!

    So often we find ourselves in between two different entities and trying to serve them both at the same time.
It can't be done.

Luke 16:13

 

13 "“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”"

Here JESUS is commenting on the fact of our trying to serving both GOD and money, which can't be done. We can see this in the church today. Many are trying to serve GOD through growing "mega" churches, where the major interest is in the numbers in attendance, not in the quality of the disciples that are produced. Building larger and larger buildings and increasing the number of services held each week. This would be awesome if the people produced results for the KINGDOM of GOD and they were workers in the harvest fields. In other words, true disciples, those that are mature enough to go out among the masses and bring back converts as a results. This though, we don't see, we see large numbers of "salvations" recorded in the church records, but these in turn produce nothing in return, except money in the collection plate at the end of all the services. This isn't what CHRIST had in mind when HE gave us the great commission.

 There is more to this verse though, then just our association with money and GOD, it can be with anything that we place before GOD. Whether it is a group, a task or anything that we associate with, placing it before GOD is trying to serve two masters at the same time. We can't hold allegiance with anything and plan to serve GOD to the fullest of our ability. To serve GOD fully, requires our full concentration and effort and nothing but the fullest. We can't call ourselves a Christian and serve a group that says they follow 'Christian' beliefs (there are very many of these out there.) We can't serve political parties and follow CHRIST the way we should either. For to owe one our allegiance and serve them to the fullest requires more then just lip service, which is what you see a lot of within our churches. Our lips are moving on Sunday, but the rest of the week there's not a single bit of difference between us and anyone else. We serve the LORD on Sunday and the world the rest of the time. Sorry, this doesn't get it in the LORD's book. You may feel better living a life this way, but believe me, it is only going to be temporary. For when you pass from this world unto the next, you'll not like the results this will bear out for you! An eternity in hell, for the pleasure of thinking you're serving the LORD through your affiliation with this "church" group or whatever they want you to call them. We see these groups with a myriad of names. Whether they call you Knights, or themselves 'Clubs' or 'Orders', they'll all the same. They're groups of people seeking to do good deeds, in order to get into heaven. Or an even better way of stating it, they're keeping your eyes off of focusing on JESUS and the works HE did for you and putting them on doing these works for yourself. Sorry to tell you this, but this won't get you through the pearly gates in the end. It will just get you a very miserable place to spend eternity.

Recently I found myself in this sort of place, not that of eternal suffering, but of seeking to serve the LORD through the ministry, instead of focusing completely on relationship with the LORD. You may wonder, why serving the LORD through a Christian helps ministry is allowing something to come between self and GOD. Well I was allowing my efforts to build the ministry, to that which the LORD has shown me, to get in between the LORD's and my personal relationship! Though the ministry is 100% Christian and seeks but to bring glory to the LORD, it was coming in between our relationship. We as Christians are to seek first after the LORD's righteousness and HIS KINGDOM and then and only then after other things. Truthfully though, to be fully in relationship with the LORD takes all we can muster to bring into being. Let alone to mature and become fruitful. I can hear some saying right now that they have a perfect relationship with the LORD. All I can truly say is "ya right!" If you truly think you can say this, ask yourself these questions. What happens when trouble comes your way, who do you account it to? How much time during the day do you spend in fellowship with the LORD? (I mean the type where you put effort into it, not just simple prayer and Bible reading.)  I was going to ask a couple more questions, but with just those two I think, if you're truth with yourself, these will show you that your relationship isn't 'perfect' like you thought.


I don't know about you personally, but I plan on spending more time daily in seeking after the LORD's will within my life. I plan on spending more time then I have been, in deep heart wrenching prayer, the type that only the HOLY SPIRIT can bring to the surface. I also plan on doing my best to stay in as constant contact with the LORD as possible. These may be quite hard to accomplish, but I've faith that they can be done, for I'll not be doing them by myself. I have the help of the LORD to carry me through them, into that relationship that only HE knows can be obtained by staying fully dependent on HIM and HIM alone!!!

The only way to have a future in heaven with the LORD, is through faith in JESUS CHRIST and those works that HE did for you. Not in anything that you can do on your own, or that any group can do for you. There is only one way to salvation and eternal life and that is through believing in JESUS CHRIST and the works that HE did for you nearly two thousand years ago. If you don't believe in and follow JESUS in all that you do in this life, if you don't confess HIM as LORD and SAVIOR and allow HIM to lead you through life, you just might as well hang it up. Because no flag, no group or organization is going to get you into heaven. Believe what you want, if its not what is written in the Bible, you're living a life bound for an eternity in hell.    

*** With the advent of the Homeless Good Samaritan being killed last weekend, I've re published my "Modern Day Parable" on my other blog. Something is wrong when people turn a blind eye to someone in need. Especially if they call themselves Christians!!!***

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

4.30.10_ No post today

Praise the LORD!!!

    There will be no post for today. I've not the time to even prep a re post from an older posting and do it right. I'll not do a shabby job when it comes to serving the LORD. That's why I'm so late at getting online, I did the people I worked for today a job that I would of been pleased to of set before the LORD. I do all thing as if unto the LORD and this includes these devotionals. So if I've not the time or leading to do it properly, I'll not do it!!!

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

 Another of my writings, Blogs from the Vine

GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth 

Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

Vine Ministerial Network International

4.27.10_Psalm 119: 71,72_Life worth living

 Praise the LORD!!!

    In the years since my having become a Christian, I've told numerous people that the years I spent in prison were the "best of my life." If you've never heard me say this or you've not known that I'm an x-con, you should stop by the ministry's website and read up a bit. for it is all there for the free reading. Even my book, Out of the LIGHT, is there an can be read online or downloaded and read anytime you'd like. All for free and in a good bit of detail, though toned down a bit for the sake of being in good taste. My life was a royal mess for the most part and not something I'd wish on another person. Needless to say, GOD had a very good purpose for every little detail of it happening as it did and each and everyone of these details worked to form me into the man I am today and gave me the testimony that I have for the LORD!!!

  Psalm 119: 71,72

 71 "It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold."

    Many times in life we'll go through afflictions and trials that change us into a totally different person. Sometimes these happen for the betterment of ourselves and at others to our detriment. We've choices to make as to which way these direct us. Now GOD already knows the outcome of these, that part of HIS omnipresence. HE can see the beginning of time, as well as the end of it, as well as every little detail in between.This is something that gets people confused about our predestination and our being creations with a free will, but this is another devotional (maybe). While I was in prison my life took a total turn for the good. I gave my life to CHRIST wholeheartedly and came under a whole new set of ground rules. These rules began to turn my life from that of a person totally focused on self, into one that focused on the needs and cares of other first. No longer was I a self centered ***, but one that was willing to go the extra mile when asked to go but one. To give my coat, when only asked for my shirt. My personal needs and wants became second nature, for the most part, because no one is perfect and I'm still human and still have those needs that would be nice to have met. I've not read of a single saint throughout history that claimed to not be in a battle with their old man, the flesh, at some time within their lives. It is something we all need to realize, we are human, none of us are named JESUS CHRIST and we aren't perfected yet, so we have our weakness' and always will until we join the LORD.

   But it was this time that I was in prison that began to shape the man that I would become for the LORD. I began to read and study the Bible. Not just a slight reading of it, but a digging deep into it. Reading everything that I could find on it and that which was being laid upon my heart. Yes, even then I was allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to govern that which I read and studied. Before reading a single verse or article, I put it to prayer and asked GOD to guide me and lead me in HIS understanding of what I was about to read. To develop in me a heart and mind that understood things as HE wanted me to and not to draw interpretations or ideas from other men. This was, I know now, protecting me from those things that are besetting much of the church today and will be getting even worst in the years to come. These have to do with errors that have been taught down through the years by men that had taken interpretation into their own hands instead of allowing GOD to direct them. From these we've developed new age religion and many of the false doctrines that are prevalent today in many of the denominations. I'll not go into these, for this isn't the time or the place for this to be done and not the topic of this devotional.

   The topic for today is the fact that GOD's ways are better then anything that we have to offer. Whether riches or power, GOD's ways outshine them totally. My time in prison was overshadowed by the fact that I was spending every moment of it in searching for understanding about GOD and HIS ways. Not in pursuing after things of this world and self satisfaction. At one time I was taking so many Bible studies that I was completely overwhelmed by them. It was something like seven or eight at once. Which may not of been that bad, had they been on one topic and of coarse they weren't. The idea behind this is that I was thinking about my life and the amount of time I was looking forward to doing inside. I was looking at growing closer to GOD with each and every breath that I took. Time had become irrelevant and of no concern to me. GOD was all that mattered and growing closer to HIM was my major concern alone.

   Here is where the events of the last several months have gone astray. I've come down here to Kingsville with the intent to form this ministry into a working operation and have forgotten about GOD. I've not forgotten about GOD totally, but I've forgotten the fact that it is my personal relationship with HIM that is the most important part of life. There is no other reason within this world that is totally worth sacrificing one's life for. Down through the centuries thousands, if not millions of saints have done this exact thing for the faith. I'm not talking about religion either, and yes there have been millions that have given their lives for this pursuit too. But to give one's life for JESUS and a deep personal relationship with HIM, there is nothing and I do mean nothing that is or should be considered more appealing. Life on this old planet of ours is rough, but when one focuses on the proper perspective in living it, no matter what happens, its a joy. Whether it be good or bad, enjoyable or tragic, plentiful or in great need, if done with one's eyes firmly focused on living for JESUS one will be able to say that it was the best time of their life!!!



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

4.26.10_Matt. 6: 33,34_Seeking first

Praise the LORD!!!

   It is but a little after six AM. here and I've been up for over two hours already. Most likely along the lines of three, but I didn't get out of bed for the first hour or so! This is what happens when you complain to GOD that you've not enough time to accomplish that which HE's enlisted you too. Yes, HE makes the time available somewhere within your day, either by stretching it early or late or maybe even giving you a break in the middle! This isn't the first time I've had GOD restructure my days for me:)))

   This morning when I first awoke, besides my normal praise and thanksgiving for another day, this morning had a "why so early LORD?", I awoke with a thought deeply planted in my mind. My purpose in life is but to seek after GOD righteousness and holiness and nothing else! With all that I've been shown that the ministry will entail, I've allowed a large amount of it to block me from my primary goal. To draw closer to GOD in all things, for this is truly what we're to concentrate on in our walks for the LORD. To "seek ye first" literally means to draw closer to GOD and nothing else. We tend to put everything else in this package along with it. In other words, if we've a ministry like VCM, we seek to build it and bring it to development. We seek to do all those things that we believe GOD wants us to, in order to do that which we believe HE has called us to. An not focusing on that which HE truly has called us to, to relationship with HIM and this alone!!!

   Matthew 6:33,34

     33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
   I have spent hours/days trying to do graphics work for the ministry on this old computer. I've spent numerous days worth of time trying to draw people's attention towards it and the goals that it is to fulfill. I've spent many an hour talking about the needs of a ministry of this type and size and how it will be funded by the people of GOD alone. All to what seems like no avail and frustration. I'd literally come to that proverbial 'straw that broke the camel's back.' This is the reason for this morning's verse to me. This is the reason so many others in ministry fall by the wayside with "burnout". We take our eyes off JESUS, the prize, and focus on the chore, the means of getting there and all it takes to accomplish it, instead of the reason for it all. We're told to focus on HIM and HIS KINGDOM and all else will be added, not to focus on all the add-ons first and then worry about that which we should of been rightfully seeking after. JESUS first.

*** Though this was typed yesterday, the LORD had me delay posting it. It is short, but it is sweet and to the point!!!*** With my working and the new time constraints, postings will be done earlier then before. Though I've still no idea when this will be, for as with all things, they're in the LORD's hands and not mine!!!***




 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

4.15.10_When in doubt

 Praise the LORD!!!

     I'm sitting here at the computer this morning. It's raining outside and in general I'm feeling a bit down. Not a deep depression but a weight of not being of much worth to the LORD. This is something that happens every once in awhile to me, especially when I'm not seeing any movement in the ministry physically or in myself spiritually. I've been over all the verses and studied them well. Yet these periods still seem to befall me and drain me when they do. From experience I gather they're part of my growing in the LORD. A time of plateau or valley within my life to bring about a realization that there are times in every Christian's life that they feel this way. I've read numerous testimonies of others, that though they've large ministries or churches, they too admit that they have had these times also. So it is basically, something every Christian needs to be ready for.

    How can you be ready for something like this? One moment you're feeling on top of the world and the next you're feeling as if the world is on top of you! Since I'm in front of my computer and I've my free online Bible study(http://bible.logos.com) open(since I can't run Logos and be online), I typed in "when in doubt." Within seconds, I've the first list up and ready to read through. The first reading listed is Matt.14:22-33, one I should be familiar with. Especially considering that it is where Peter "stepped out of the boat."  If you read this whole section, you realize that JESUS knew all these events were going to take place, right from the start. HE told the disciples to leave and go to the other side of the lake. HE then dismissed the people and went up on the mountainside to pray and then HE just took a leisurely stroll out to the boat where HIS teaching on faith was to take place(LORD, to have that kind of faith!!!).

   The next section of verses is, Mark 11:20-24, another well read and known faith teaching. The parable of the fig tree, where CHRIST cursed the fig tree one day and the next it was dried up and dead and HE went into the discourse on our faith and prayers united in strength together. Where as, through our unwavering faith, if we pray for the impossible, by man's standards, to be done and we doubt not in the least, they will be done for us in the name of JESUS. You can count on the fact that I prayed after reading this!!!

    Next, I'm led to James 1:2-8, where we're told about our sufferings are a means of growth. For through them we gain perseverance and it is not a finished work, but an ongoing operation within us. Something that develops over time and through the testing of our faith to make us into a faithful warrior who does not waver with every change within our life. For one that is without perseverance, is like one tossed about like a wave of the ocean, ever changing, with every change of teaching or tribulation that comes their way. Not a very good attitude to have and one where a great need for wisdom is needed. So we can tell the difference between that which is of GOD and that which is not.

   Now the list on the study goes on for quite a bit, and I'm not going to give you all the verses, this would be more of a book then a devotional if I did that. But I will go with one more, for in a way it is where the LORD  left the disciples just before HIS ascension. Matt. 28:16-17(18-20) are these verses, because they speak of our doubting, our lack of faith. Yet this is also where the LORD graces us with our calling, assigning us the "Great Commission." For a second my mind came to rest on the fact that, for one moment some of the disciples were doubting, what they're doubting, we've no idea. But they are and the next thing we know, JESUS tells them how all power in heaven and earth has been given to HIM and they then receive the Great Commission and then HE's taken up right before their eyes. Want to talk about one powerful way to get a point across to those that are doubting. The point, that no matter what it is, how much you have to suffer through, or for how long, the LORD says, "My grace is sufficient for you(2 Cor. 12:9)." That is all that needs to be remembered!!!

    So the next time trials and tribulations, or extended sufferings, or even just plain old everyday pressures of the world get me down, I'm going to relate to these verses. Now with a memory like 'Swiss cheese,' I may just have to type in the same search words or have to look up this devotional, but I'll find some way to jog my memory of these, LORD willing. Now I don't know about you, or your walk with the LORD. Or how often you also go through this type of "valley" within your life. But since I 'stepped out of the boat' last year and laid my life totally in the hands of the LORD, they've been more often and more intense. I know the reason for this oh so well though. For as we grow in faith and maturity in our walks, the adversary is going to be upon us even more so, and this is the way that the LORD prepares us to stand strong while under these attacks. The LORD knows more about us and our weaknesses and strengthens, then you can imagine. HE knows our past failures and our future triumphs and everything that it is going to take to bring us through to the day of victory. The fact is, that we are the ones that need to have the faith to realize this, and to stand strong upon the ROCK of our SALVATION, and know that the victory is ours through the power of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR!!!  
   

    Some other verses from this search on faith and doubting: Matt. 21:18-22; Luke 24:33-43; Acts 28:1-10; Rom. 14:14-23; Jude 20-23
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!

*** A note here- the Bible study site mentioned, can be signed up on freely and is still in development, so will be improving with time. It is also connected with what I think to be the premier Bible study program going, though a bit expensive. Check it out, you might just enjoy it. They're also the source of the programing where you roll the cursor over one of the references here and it brings up the verse in whatever Bible version you have it set to, in both my blogs! So try them out, its free and only takes a couple of minutes.***

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

4.13.10_Heb.9:22_Without blood (a re post)

***Due to the weather here, I've got to speed a re post out, the weathers going to turn foul again here in a bit and I've not time to do honor to the LORD in such a short time!***

Praise the LORD!!!
   It is an awesome day! Why? GOD has graced me with another day of life to glorify HIS precious name!!!

Hebrews 9:22

   "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

   Though we as Christians are not bound by the laws of the Jews, we are bound by the laws of GOD! Now I'm not talking about those of doing right from wrong(not at this time), I'm talking about those laws that govern our very existence. The laws of nature are always followed by nature, as if they have the choice, we as humans are the only things in creation (besides the angels) that have this option. We can chose how we will exist within this life and constantly exert this it within our lives.


   The establishment of this law goes all the way back to the 'Garden of Eden' when GOD slayed an animal to make the coverings for Adam and Eve after their sin. There was blood spilled to cover their sins and as with all of GOD's laws, has been carried down throughout HIStory! If we look throughout scripture it will be plain to see, that whenever man has transgressed the laws of GOD, there was the need to cover it with the blood of a sacrifice. Though most all of these were only a partial covering, the perfect sacrifice that JESUS made upon the cross for us is a complete one. Never having to be repeated, as those of the temple were, year in and year out. JESUS laid down HIS life for us, covering all our sins to date and those within our futures also. It is but our chore to accept this and believe that we shall obtain to that which HE has promised, forgiveness of our sins and eternal life through HIS resurrection. (If you haven't accepted JESUS' gift to you yet, maybe you should really think about it, TODAY!)

  No those that practice religion can make no sense of this fact. For they can only see that they must preform certain task, or works, to receive their salvation and eternal destiny. Yet we lay it all down to believe in the selfless act of one person alone and this not being ourselves. they can't see that with this spilling of the blood JESUS cleansed all the sins for humanity, past, present and future. They can only see that they themselves must provide the good works, prayers, penitence or what ever they want to term it. It is not by works of our hands at all, no matter how good a person is, it is only by the one perfect sacrifice that the attonement for our sins can be accomplished. By the blood of JESUS CHRIST, spilled upon Calvary's hill can any man be saved, by the grace of GOD. All one must do is accept these facts, believing that JESUS is the SON of GOD, that HE came and carried our sins to the cross, that HE was buried and rose again upon the third day and they can have the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life!!!

   How are your sins forgiven? Are they placed at the foot of the cross, were they bore upon that cross by JESUS? Or are you still trying to live the 'good' life and trying to work it all out by yourself? If there is the slightest doubt within your heart as to what life holds for you now or after you pass away, seek out the truth about JESUS and the truth can be settled today, once and for all !!!     

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

Ex. 29:21; Lev. 8:15, 17:11; Heb. 8:2,5

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

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

FeedBurner FeedCount

My Page My Business

Vine of CHRIST Ministries
204 Otis St.
Kingsville, TX, 78363
361-522-4806

Review my business at MerchantCircle.com

Bible Options

NIV NASB KJV ESV ASV MSG AMP NLT CEV NKJV NCV KJ21 YLT DARBY NLV HCSB NIRV NIVUK TNIV

Libronix

Bible Study Software

Logos Bible Search Box

Verse:
John 3:16; Jn 3:16; John 3
Keyword:
Salvation, Jesus, Gospel
With Operators:
AND, OR, NOT, “ ”

Online Bible by Logos

Add this to your site!

About Me

Marshall Barth

View my complete profile

Followers

Share it

Blog Archive

• ▼  2010 (69)
  • ►  April (10)
    • ►  Apr 11 (1)
      • 4.12.10_2 Tim 2:23-26_Obedience
    • ►  Apr 10 (1)
      • 4.11.10_2 Tim. 2:3,4_For oneself
    • ►  Apr 09 (1)
      • 4.10.10_Phil. 1:14-18c_Broadcasting
    • ►  Apr 08 (1)
      • 4.09.10_ Mark 9:38-41_For or against us
    • ►  Apr 07 (1)
      • 4.08.10_Matt. 24:10-14_Falling away
    • ►  Apr 06 (1)
      • 4.07.10_1 Th. 3:12,13_Your love
    • ►  Apr 05 (2)
      • 4.06.10_Heb. 11:13,14_GOD's plans
      • 04-05-10_Phip. 3:10,11_CHRIST crucified (a re post...
    • ►  Apr 02 (1)
      • 4.02-04.10_Holy weekend
    • ►  Apr 01 (1)
      • 4.02.10_LOVE
  • ►  March (26)
    • ►  Mar 31 (1)
      • 4.01.10_1 John 3:16,17_Christian love
    • ►  Mar 29 (1)
      • 03-30-10_1 Cor. 2:2_ Nothing, but CHRIST (A re pos...
    • ►  Mar 28 (1)
      • 3.29.10_------_All about CHRIST
    • ►  Mar 27 (1)
      • 3.28.10_ Matt. 24:4-51_End-Times
    • ►  Mar 26 (1)
      • 03-27-10_Matt. 6:33_Seek ye first...(re post)
    • ►  Mar 25 (1)
      • 3.26.10_Col. 3:12-17_Acts of a chosen people...
    • ►  Mar 24 (1)
      • 3.25.10_Rough roads
    • ►  Mar 23 (1)
      • 3.24.10_Eph.5:15-20;Isa. 50:4-9_Living for today
    • ►  Mar 22 (1)
      • 3.23.10_Matt. 12:25_Divided
    • ►  Mar 21 (1)
      • 3.22.10_Isaiah 53_Would and/or could
    • ►  Mar 20 (1)
      • 3.21.10_Philippians 2:21_Return to
    • ►  Mar 19 (1)
      • 3.20.10_1 Peter 3:15_Shinning
    • ►  Mar 18 (1)
      • 3.19.10_Acts 20:24_LIfe/Nothing
    • ►  Mar 16 (1)
      • 3.17.10_Acts 4:32_One body
    • ►  Mar 14 (1)
      • 3.15.10_1 Cor. 10:24_the other's...
    • ►  Mar 12 (1)
      • 03.13.10_ Matt. 14:28-32_ Stepping out...
    • ►  Mar 11 (1)
      • 3.12.10_Col. 3:23_Do all things...
    • ►  Mar 10 (1)
      • 3.11.10_Romans 8:28_All things
    • ►  Mar 08 (1)
      • 3.09.10_Acts 14:22_Hardships
    • ►  Mar 07 (1)
      • 3.08.10_Mark 11:22_Faith
    • ►  Mar 06 (1)
      • 3.07.10_John 3:3_Born Again
    • ►  Mar 05 (1)
      • 3.06.10_Matt.28:18-20_Great Commission
    • ►  Mar 04 (1)
      • 3.05.10_Psalms 22:7,8_ Dependence
    • ►  Mar 03 (1)
      • 3.04.10_Matt. 15:8_Who are you honoring?
    • ►  Mar 02 (2)
      • 3.3.10_Luke 9:20_Who are you?
      • 3.02.10_A referal to my other blog...
  • ▼  February (24)
    • ►  Feb 26 (1)
      • 2.27.10_Luke 24:17_Our conversation...
    • ►  Feb 25 (1)
      • 2.26.10_2 Cor. 12:15_Broken bread and poured out w...
    • ►  Feb 24 (1)
      • 2.25.10_ 2 Cor. 4:16-18_Troubles
    • ►  Feb 23 (1)
      • 2.24.10_Matt.20;28_Our service...
    • ►  Feb 22 (1)
      • 2.23.10_a re post_Matt.Matt. 14:28-32_Stepping out...
    • ►  Feb 21 (1)
      • 2.22.10_Heb. 13:1,2_Entertaining angels
    • ►  Feb 20 (1)
      • 2.21.10_Matt.13:24-30_Wheat and tares
    • ►  Feb 19 (1)
      • 2.20.10_Matt.26:46_Rise up...
    • ►  Feb 18 (1)
      • 2.19.10_Lesson from a Dove
    • ►  Feb 17 (1)
      • 02.18.10_ 2 Cor. 1:11_Prayer
    • ►  Feb 16 (1)
      • 02-17-10_Phil. 4:11_ Contentment...
    • ►  Feb 15 (1)
      • 02-16-10_John 14:6,7_ There are many...
    • ►  Feb 14 (1)
      • 02-15-10_Luke 22:40_Fall not into temptation...
    • ►  Feb 13 (1)
      • 02-14-10_ James 4:7_ Resisting...
    • ►  Feb 12 (1)
    • ►  Feb 11 (1)
    • ►  Feb 10 (1)
    • ►  Feb 09 (1)
    • ►  Feb 08 (1)
    • ►  Feb 07 (1)
    • ►  Feb 05 (1)
    • ►  Feb 04 (1)
    • ►  Feb 03 (1)
    • ▼  Feb 02 (1)
      • 04-13-10_Heb. 9: 22_ Without blood...(re post)
  • ►  January (9)
    • ►  Jan 31 (1)
    • ►  Jan 29 (1)
    • ►  Jan 24 (1)
    • ►  Jan 23 (2)
    • ►  Jan 20 (2)
    • ►  Jan 19 (2)