Miracles of JESUS
________
The Healing Miracles
________
Man with Leprosy: Matt. 8:2-4 Mark 1:40-42 Luke 5:12-13
Roman centurion's servant Matt. 8:5-13 Luke 7:1-10
Peter's mother-in-law Matt. 8:14-15 Mark 1:30-31 Luke 4:38-39
Two men from Gadara Matt. 8:28-34 Mark 5:1-15 Luke 8:27-35
Paralyzed man Matt. 9:2-7 Mark 2:3-12 Luke 5:18-25
Woman with bleeding Matt. 9:20-22 Mark 5:25-29 Luke 8:43-48
Two blind men Matt. 9:27-31
Mute, demon possessed man Matt. 9:32-33
Man with shriveled hand Matt. 12:10-13 Mark 3:1-5 Luke 6:6-10
Blind, mute, demon-possessed man Matt. 12:22 Luke 11:14
Canaanite woman's daughter Matt. 15:21-28 Mark 7:24-30
Boy with a demon Matt. 17:14-18 Mark 9:17-29 Luke 9:38-43
Two blind men(including Bartimaeus) Matt. 20:29-34 Mark 10:46-52 Luke 18:35-43
Deaf mute Mark 7:31-37
Possessed man in synagogue Mark 1:23-26 Luke 4:33-35
Blind man at Bethsaida Mark 8:22-26
Crippled woman Luke 13:11-13
Man with dropsy Luke 14:1-4
Ten men with leprosy Luke 17:11-19
The high priest's servant Luke 22:50-51
Official's son at Capernaum John 4:46-54
Sick man at pool of Bethesda John 5:1-9
Man born blind John 9:1-7
Miracles Showing Power over Nature
__________
Calming the storm Matt. 8:23-27 Mark 4:37-41 Luke 8:22-25
Walking on the water Matt. 14:25 Mark 6:48-51 John 6:19-21
Feeding of the 5,000 Matt. 14:15-21 Mark 6:35-44 Luke 9:12-17 John 6:6-13
Feeding of the 4,000 Matt 15:3-38 Mark 8:1-9
Coin in fish Matt. 17:24-27
Fig tree withered Matt. 21:18-22 Mark 11:12-14, 20-25
Large catch of fish Luke 5:4-11
Water turned to wine John 2:1-11
Another large catch of fish John 21:1-11
Miracles of Raising the Dead
__________
Jairus's daughter Matt. 9:18-19, 23-25 Mark 5:22-24, 38-42 Luke 8:41-42, 49-56
Widow's son at Nain Luke 7:11-15
Lazarus John 11:1-44
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Showing posts with label TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2.25.10_ 2 Cor. 4:16-18_Troubles
Praise the LORD!!!
Today's topic is something all of us are familiar with, troubles. Whether those that are of our own making or those that happen to fall upon us, either way we look at them they are still a burden within our lives.
2 Cor. 14:16-18
"16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
For much of our lives, even before we were found by CHRIST, we have been accustom to having troubles within our lives. They're a generally accepted part of life as we know it. It doesn't matter their source, they all present us with problems in our day to day living. Some may be minor or others of great concern, they all present us with choices to make and then we have to live with the results there of. Troubles come in all forms, those that can quickly be taken care of with minor effort and those that take a lot of tough thinking and maybe even numerous responses to take care of.
No matter what the trouble or it's size we're told in this scripture not to lose heart. In other words, don't worry about it. Don't let this take your focus off of where it should be. Now this is truly a very hard stance to take, especially if one has lived a good portion of their life as a non believer, not knowing the power and promises of GOD. Yet today, even many long time Christians still suffer with sweating the problems of life. This is due to the fact that we allow the problems to cloud our vision, keeping us from clearly focusing on HE that has promised to carry our burdens for us(Matt. 11:28).
Our verses for today then goes on to reflect upon the state that we feel we are in, and in pretty graphic details. We feel as if our problems have completely wasted us away, to the point of death itself. So heavily burdened are we that we can see no way out from underneath them. So overwhelming are they that we see no possible means to deal with them. Yet GOD has promised us that HE will always supply us with a manor of escape(1 Cor. 10:13), no matter what has befallen us.
Now so far I've given two conditions that we see ourselves in and two ways GOD has promised to give us a way out from under them. Yet we can still be having problems with them because our eyes have remained focused on them and not GOD WORD for us or HIS promises to us. Our verses then go on to give us another method of dealing with these troubles. By realizing that they are but of this world and we truly only exist here for a short time and then we're living life eternal. Our problems, no matter how difficult to handle here, are nothing in comparison to the eternal glory that we look forward to in heaven with our GOD. Also the fact that while here dealing with our problems we're building up for us in heaven rewards, rewards that totally are more glorious then anything that we've faced upon earth can even compare to.
With all this said, what are we to do when faced with the troubles of life? First off, we're not to look at them as if they're overwhelming and impossible to handle. Second, that there is no possible way for us to resolve them or be removed from them. Third, and this is truly the best of them, that no matter what, or how terrible, or long lasting our troubles are, they are nothing at all compared to that which we have to look forward to in heaven when we join the LORD there. So the next time troubles come your way, what are you going to do? Will you focus on them and the impending doom that there bear upon your shoulders or will you look up to the LORD and say thank YOU LORD for giving the means to handle all that has come my way and for all that YOU'll have waiting for me when I join YOU, in our heavenly home? Personally, I'm going with the second way!!!
Other verses for study: Psalms 144:1-15; Proverbs 27:1-27; Mark 14:32-42; 2 Tim. 3:10-17
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
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Today's topic is something all of us are familiar with, troubles. Whether those that are of our own making or those that happen to fall upon us, either way we look at them they are still a burden within our lives.
2 Cor. 14:16-18
"16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
For much of our lives, even before we were found by CHRIST, we have been accustom to having troubles within our lives. They're a generally accepted part of life as we know it. It doesn't matter their source, they all present us with problems in our day to day living. Some may be minor or others of great concern, they all present us with choices to make and then we have to live with the results there of. Troubles come in all forms, those that can quickly be taken care of with minor effort and those that take a lot of tough thinking and maybe even numerous responses to take care of.
No matter what the trouble or it's size we're told in this scripture not to lose heart. In other words, don't worry about it. Don't let this take your focus off of where it should be. Now this is truly a very hard stance to take, especially if one has lived a good portion of their life as a non believer, not knowing the power and promises of GOD. Yet today, even many long time Christians still suffer with sweating the problems of life. This is due to the fact that we allow the problems to cloud our vision, keeping us from clearly focusing on HE that has promised to carry our burdens for us(Matt. 11:28).
Our verses for today then goes on to reflect upon the state that we feel we are in, and in pretty graphic details. We feel as if our problems have completely wasted us away, to the point of death itself. So heavily burdened are we that we can see no way out from underneath them. So overwhelming are they that we see no possible means to deal with them. Yet GOD has promised us that HE will always supply us with a manor of escape(1 Cor. 10:13), no matter what has befallen us.
Now so far I've given two conditions that we see ourselves in and two ways GOD has promised to give us a way out from under them. Yet we can still be having problems with them because our eyes have remained focused on them and not GOD WORD for us or HIS promises to us. Our verses then go on to give us another method of dealing with these troubles. By realizing that they are but of this world and we truly only exist here for a short time and then we're living life eternal. Our problems, no matter how difficult to handle here, are nothing in comparison to the eternal glory that we look forward to in heaven with our GOD. Also the fact that while here dealing with our problems we're building up for us in heaven rewards, rewards that totally are more glorious then anything that we've faced upon earth can even compare to.
With all this said, what are we to do when faced with the troubles of life? First off, we're not to look at them as if they're overwhelming and impossible to handle. Second, that there is no possible way for us to resolve them or be removed from them. Third, and this is truly the best of them, that no matter what, or how terrible, or long lasting our troubles are, they are nothing at all compared to that which we have to look forward to in heaven when we join the LORD there. So the next time troubles come your way, what are you going to do? Will you focus on them and the impending doom that there bear upon your shoulders or will you look up to the LORD and say thank YOU LORD for giving the means to handle all that has come my way and for all that YOU'll have waiting for me when I join YOU, in our heavenly home? Personally, I'm going with the second way!!!
Other verses for study: Psalms 144:1-15; Proverbs 27:1-27; Mark 14:32-42; 2 Tim. 3:10-17
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
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
02-17-10_Phil. 4:11_ Contentment...
Praise the LORD!!!
It has turned out to be a beautiful day here on the coastal bend of south Texas and I'm very thankful for the sunny skies. Though this morning it was thirty eight degrees, I was still content to just be alive.
Phil. 4:11-13
It does not matter here what Paul's circumstances were, but truly it is the condition in which he has addressed them. Here is a man whom has suffered much in the name of JESUS and has been at many times in peril for his life. Yet, he is saying that in no matter what situation he's in, he is content with it! Oh to be able to feel this way continuously. Not allowing the burdens of our health, surroundings or future to hold us down from enjoying the life that GOD has graced us with.
Paul speaks of it as a secret, yet it was all over the Bible, speaking of their ancient scrolls, but it was hidden from the eyes of most and ignored by others. We know today, that it is relationship with JESUS that is this great secret, a total dependence on HIM and HIS guidance within our lives! Yet if you look around or but listen to people, you don't see it or even hear it. Everyone is complaining about how hard their life is, or how unfair they're being treated by someone. Where, if we but took our eyes off the problems and focused on the source of relief from them, we'd have that relief that we so eagerly seek!!
Why then is it, that we can't obtain it, when it is truly so simple? (a two part question here) 1. We can't obtain relationship with the LORD when we won't take our eyes off of ourselves and all that is bothering us. We see only as far in front of us as the tips of our noses and no farther. That which is confronting us is the total sum of our life, nothing seems to exist beyond it. We tend to place so much importance upon our living this life, the here and now, that we've forgotten that this life isn't the one we're to look at, but that which is to come. I know it is next to impossible to focus on the life to come, when this life is so totally over whelming. But it can be done, if we will just allow the LORD to fully take over.
This brings us to part two of the question, or really the latter half was more of a statement, the simple how to do this. We must begin to draw on the power of GOD which we've been so graciously given(that is if you've given your life to CHRIST.) In the HOLY SPIRIT lies our strength, our wisdom and our understanding of all things. Now this is only if we let HIM be in control, for HE will not force us to do anything we don't want to. It is our choice alone to allow GOD's HOLY SPIRIT to control all that we are and do, not GOD's or anyone else. Once we've made this choice, which I pray you do, we begin to focus our prayers and all of our lives on that which HE leads us to focus on. Not whether the bills are paid or not, but on HIS leading and this only. Our prayers will begin to take on a whole different context. No longer will they be centered upon ourselves, but they will be for others, whether those we're in direct contact with or someone we don't even know. But our focus will no longer be centered on those things that are so important to us.
Most likely at this time you'll begin to get a craving for some food, not that which will satisfy the flesh, but that which will provide the spiritual food that is needed. You will begin to read your Bible with a hunger like never before. Seeking out all that GOD has for you, from within it wondrous pages. Yet this may not be enough, so you'll turn on the radio to a christian station for some inspirational music and talk. Or the TV, but not to normal programing, but to one of the awesome Christian stations that we are so blessed with these days. Gleaning all that you can from every song, word or picture that you see. With each moment you're growing in strength, wisdom and understanding as never before. Remember though, to always allow the HOLY SPIRIT to be your guide while doing this, for there are those out there, wolves in sheep's clothing, that are perverting the WORD of GOD and some will most likely to pass your way.
We have begun to fill our lives with the secret that had been hidden from our eyes for so long. We may begin to notice that our problems, though still there, are no longer key issues within our life. It is to know and experience JESUS and to let all the world know of HIS love for us and them also that has taken over. We are beginning to take on the likeness of our SAVIOR, where as the things of this world no longer matter and the things of the KINGDOM of GOD is all that is important. This is how Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances and a lesson that we should all take on within our lives. I choose this way, will you?
Other verses to seek out: Josh. 7:7; Prov. 13:25, 19:23; Eccl. 4:8; Luke 3:14; 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5
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
It has turned out to be a beautiful day here on the coastal bend of south Texas and I'm very thankful for the sunny skies. Though this morning it was thirty eight degrees, I was still content to just be alive.
Phil. 4:11-13
11"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
It does not matter here what Paul's circumstances were, but truly it is the condition in which he has addressed them. Here is a man whom has suffered much in the name of JESUS and has been at many times in peril for his life. Yet, he is saying that in no matter what situation he's in, he is content with it! Oh to be able to feel this way continuously. Not allowing the burdens of our health, surroundings or future to hold us down from enjoying the life that GOD has graced us with.
Paul speaks of it as a secret, yet it was all over the Bible, speaking of their ancient scrolls, but it was hidden from the eyes of most and ignored by others. We know today, that it is relationship with JESUS that is this great secret, a total dependence on HIM and HIS guidance within our lives! Yet if you look around or but listen to people, you don't see it or even hear it. Everyone is complaining about how hard their life is, or how unfair they're being treated by someone. Where, if we but took our eyes off the problems and focused on the source of relief from them, we'd have that relief that we so eagerly seek!!
Why then is it, that we can't obtain it, when it is truly so simple? (a two part question here) 1. We can't obtain relationship with the LORD when we won't take our eyes off of ourselves and all that is bothering us. We see only as far in front of us as the tips of our noses and no farther. That which is confronting us is the total sum of our life, nothing seems to exist beyond it. We tend to place so much importance upon our living this life, the here and now, that we've forgotten that this life isn't the one we're to look at, but that which is to come. I know it is next to impossible to focus on the life to come, when this life is so totally over whelming. But it can be done, if we will just allow the LORD to fully take over.
This brings us to part two of the question, or really the latter half was more of a statement, the simple how to do this. We must begin to draw on the power of GOD which we've been so graciously given(that is if you've given your life to CHRIST.) In the HOLY SPIRIT lies our strength, our wisdom and our understanding of all things. Now this is only if we let HIM be in control, for HE will not force us to do anything we don't want to. It is our choice alone to allow GOD's HOLY SPIRIT to control all that we are and do, not GOD's or anyone else. Once we've made this choice, which I pray you do, we begin to focus our prayers and all of our lives on that which HE leads us to focus on. Not whether the bills are paid or not, but on HIS leading and this only. Our prayers will begin to take on a whole different context. No longer will they be centered upon ourselves, but they will be for others, whether those we're in direct contact with or someone we don't even know. But our focus will no longer be centered on those things that are so important to us.
Most likely at this time you'll begin to get a craving for some food, not that which will satisfy the flesh, but that which will provide the spiritual food that is needed. You will begin to read your Bible with a hunger like never before. Seeking out all that GOD has for you, from within it wondrous pages. Yet this may not be enough, so you'll turn on the radio to a christian station for some inspirational music and talk. Or the TV, but not to normal programing, but to one of the awesome Christian stations that we are so blessed with these days. Gleaning all that you can from every song, word or picture that you see. With each moment you're growing in strength, wisdom and understanding as never before. Remember though, to always allow the HOLY SPIRIT to be your guide while doing this, for there are those out there, wolves in sheep's clothing, that are perverting the WORD of GOD and some will most likely to pass your way.
We have begun to fill our lives with the secret that had been hidden from our eyes for so long. We may begin to notice that our problems, though still there, are no longer key issues within our life. It is to know and experience JESUS and to let all the world know of HIS love for us and them also that has taken over. We are beginning to take on the likeness of our SAVIOR, where as the things of this world no longer matter and the things of the KINGDOM of GOD is all that is important. This is how Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances and a lesson that we should all take on within our lives. I choose this way, will you?
Other verses to seek out: Josh. 7:7; Prov. 13:25, 19:23; Eccl. 4:8; Luke 3:14; 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5
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
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
05-10-10_Phil. 4:11,12_Contentment (re post)
Praise the LORD!!!
***This is a re post, and a few things have been changed and enlisted in parenthesis as to allow for the original thought to remain intact and current changes to be brought to light(I didn't want anyone to think it was 45 degrees in south Texas in May:))) .)***
It is a beautiful day here in south Texas. Our high temp. for the day has been 45(89) degrees. Believe me, I'd love to see that doubled, because the cold really gets to me since I'm becoming 'ancient.':) Though I'm not really that old, 54(55), I've had friends tell me that I had JESUS sign my yearbook and HE was an under classman. Got to love friends though, they mean it in a loving manor.
Philippians 4:11,12
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
I am being blessed to be hosted by a awesome Christian couple. They have provided my needs for the last four(six) plus months and not mentioned anything about payment. This isn't an older couple either, mid thirties, with a son just off to collage. I've been growing weary of being a burden to them and have been praying for the LORD to provide the means for me to get into a place of my own. This morning in devotional time HE laid this one me.
We are to be content in all our circumstances, no matter what they are. Doing our best to constantly be about our work for the KINGDOM of GOD. Whether it is living in a nice house or homeless, we should count it all as a blessing and continue to be about HIS works for us. Many times we allow our current surroundings to dictate our moods. Whether we're happy or sad being dependent upon how our life is currently going. This is wrong in many ways for the Christian and one of the hardest practices to overcome.
Many times I've heard someone make the statement "that I don't pray for myself, because GOD has better things to spend HIS time on." Talk about having a small GOD! At other times its been the complete opposite, where their prayers are nothing but about themselves and all that they need GOD to do for them. Two great extremes and neither one even close to the 'secret' that Paul was talking about here. Now I've got to say, my GOD is definitely not to small to handle my minor(or major) problems. For HE is the one that created the universes and still has enough time to care about a single sparrow falling to the ground. My prayers are also far from being centered on my own being and all of those things that I personally would like to have. Those that know me can attest to this. I spend a great amount of my time in prayer for others and professing the greatness of our creator and HIS great love for all of mankind.
Why then has HE impressed me to study and write this. Because, I was forgetting that HE is totally in control and that every second of my day is formed by HIM. HE has set all things into motion and controls the opening and closing of every single door and pathway in the universe. These happenings are just as HE wills them to be and not one minute occurrence is out of place. If I were to be living in another house, eating different food or whatever the difference may be. It would be just as HE wills it and not any different. I must admit, GOD does have a way of humbling a person at times, but I love it, for I always have grown closer to HIM after wards!
We all have problems in our lives, whether rich or poor, we have problems that draws our attention towards them. It is how we allow them to control our reactions to them, that is the difference. The 'secret' Paul spoke about here is simple, so simple we tend to completely over look it. GOD is in total control of all things!!! It doesn't matter what it is either. Good, bad, in need, having an abundance, single, married and with grandchildren or childless, not one of these things is not in GOD's control. Even the current state of affairs around the world, terrorism, piracy, earthquakes and volcanoes, starvation and plaques. They are all under HIS control and not even the littlest of details are not known completely by HIM.
So as you finish reading this, I'd like you to ask yourself, "Am I content," and/or, "should I be?" If you aren't, search out the reasons behind it and make the alterations needed to change it. For it will make a huge difference within your life and relationship with JESUS. Possibly making such a great difference within your life, that one day in the future you will look back and wonder, "why had I never seen this before?"
Other verses to ponder: Isaiah 40:26-31; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Psalms 37:16; 1 Tim 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:8; Luke 3:14
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
***This is a re post, and a few things have been changed and enlisted in parenthesis as to allow for the original thought to remain intact and current changes to be brought to light(I didn't want anyone to think it was 45 degrees in south Texas in May:))) .)***
It is a beautiful day here in south Texas. Our high temp. for the day has been 45(89) degrees. Believe me, I'd love to see that doubled, because the cold really gets to me since I'm becoming 'ancient.':) Though I'm not really that old, 54(55), I've had friends tell me that I had JESUS sign my yearbook and HE was an under classman. Got to love friends though, they mean it in a loving manor.
Philippians 4:11,12
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
I am being blessed to be hosted by a awesome Christian couple. They have provided my needs for the last four(six) plus months and not mentioned anything about payment. This isn't an older couple either, mid thirties, with a son just off to collage. I've been growing weary of being a burden to them and have been praying for the LORD to provide the means for me to get into a place of my own. This morning in devotional time HE laid this one me.
We are to be content in all our circumstances, no matter what they are. Doing our best to constantly be about our work for the KINGDOM of GOD. Whether it is living in a nice house or homeless, we should count it all as a blessing and continue to be about HIS works for us. Many times we allow our current surroundings to dictate our moods. Whether we're happy or sad being dependent upon how our life is currently going. This is wrong in many ways for the Christian and one of the hardest practices to overcome.
Many times I've heard someone make the statement "that I don't pray for myself, because GOD has better things to spend HIS time on." Talk about having a small GOD! At other times its been the complete opposite, where their prayers are nothing but about themselves and all that they need GOD to do for them. Two great extremes and neither one even close to the 'secret' that Paul was talking about here. Now I've got to say, my GOD is definitely not to small to handle my minor(or major) problems. For HE is the one that created the universes and still has enough time to care about a single sparrow falling to the ground. My prayers are also far from being centered on my own being and all of those things that I personally would like to have. Those that know me can attest to this. I spend a great amount of my time in prayer for others and professing the greatness of our creator and HIS great love for all of mankind.
Why then has HE impressed me to study and write this. Because, I was forgetting that HE is totally in control and that every second of my day is formed by HIM. HE has set all things into motion and controls the opening and closing of every single door and pathway in the universe. These happenings are just as HE wills them to be and not one minute occurrence is out of place. If I were to be living in another house, eating different food or whatever the difference may be. It would be just as HE wills it and not any different. I must admit, GOD does have a way of humbling a person at times, but I love it, for I always have grown closer to HIM after wards!
We all have problems in our lives, whether rich or poor, we have problems that draws our attention towards them. It is how we allow them to control our reactions to them, that is the difference. The 'secret' Paul spoke about here is simple, so simple we tend to completely over look it. GOD is in total control of all things!!! It doesn't matter what it is either. Good, bad, in need, having an abundance, single, married and with grandchildren or childless, not one of these things is not in GOD's control. Even the current state of affairs around the world, terrorism, piracy, earthquakes and volcanoes, starvation and plaques. They are all under HIS control and not even the littlest of details are not known completely by HIM.
So as you finish reading this, I'd like you to ask yourself, "Am I content," and/or, "should I be?" If you aren't, search out the reasons behind it and make the alterations needed to change it. For it will make a huge difference within your life and relationship with JESUS. Possibly making such a great difference within your life, that one day in the future you will look back and wonder, "why had I never seen this before?"
Other verses to ponder: Isaiah 40:26-31; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Psalms 37:16; 1 Tim 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:8; Luke 3:14
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
Friday, January 29, 2010
Something a little different...
Praise the LORD!!!
Today, there won't b a Bible verse, actually none at all. I'm going to grace you with something a little different. Most of last night and the majority of today, I've been fighting computer problems. So very little along the lines of work for the LORD got accomplished. This all came about yesterday when I received a bulletin on myspace about the emergency needs on the Lakota Indian reservation. Since I'm unable to assist at this time financially or physically I did what I could, well at least began to.
I began to post the bulletin on every one of the sites, that I network for the ministry and even a few others. After getting this started, and I do mean 'just' started, my computer began to slow down. Within an hour of starting, I had to shutdown my browser and restart it, but in just a short time it was creeping along again! Imagine what its like having a high speed connection and working at dialup speeds, well this is what I was doing for the most part. Now my computer is old, a 1 G. Pentium with only 256 M of RAM, but it truly shouldn't be that slow. So what was the cause of this and why isn't it the first time it happened?
Two very good questions, but with only one answer. satan, he doesn't like what I'm doing online and has tried at every opportunity to stop it!!! If I were to spend the day chatting in a room somewhere or visiting a porn site, not that I would(just examples), I'd have no problems at all. But being that I'm bring the attention to the LORD that I am, he can't stand it and must try to hinder it or stop me in any fashion possible. Since most of my work lately has been online, what better way to bring me troubles than to effect the computer that I depend on the most.
If you're a Christian and are doing works that truly bring glory to the LORD, you can count it as good as gold that satan is going to be hindering you in every manor he can. The greater the works the greater the troubles that will come your way and the more often you'll be having them. Now it is a common misunderstanding of many new Christians, that once you've given your life to CHRIST everything will be perfect! Well let me tell you something. It ain't so!!! Many preachers and pastors kind of 'sugarcoat' the GOSPEL, and don't fill people in on the whole story. Or they just give you the first part of it and allow you to find out the hard facts about being a Christian all on your own. Now this is wrong, totally wrong and has become a common factor because they're to worried about getting the 'numbers' in. The more people within your church, the larger the tithe, hence more money for projects, making more room for more people. Do You get the idea yet? Its the world creeping into the church. Money, money, money!!! What would you think JESUS would do today if HE walked into one of the 'mega churches', with their tape and CD sales area, coffee and gift shops? I think it'd be a replay of when HE walked into the temple and over turned the money changer's tables!!
If anyone has ever told you that being a Christian is easy, if it weren't against the Christian manor, I'd say find them and slap them. Being a Christian is most likely one of the hardest things you will ever undertake within life. Living a worldly life is a breeze in comparison to it. Not just the fact that it is so much different, but the fact that once you've begun to really show CHRIST within your life, you've suddenly got a whole new set of enemies. For all the demons of hell will be against you. Living life is hard enough, but when you've begun to witness for CHRIST and truly showing HIM within your total being, to the point that others that see you wonder what makes you so different. The troubles will really begin to pile up and sometimes to a point of almost totally overwhelming you.
Well how will you handle this happening is the question!?! There are many ways and most are wrong. Thats right, wrong. Not wrong in a complete sense, but wrong to say the least. You can rebuke satan. You can pray for the LORD to rebuke satan. You can cast out the evil. Or you can rant and rave about all of this happening. In all these cases, you'd be wrong. Because in all of them, you are giving glory to satan by acknowledging his part in the troubles. The best way to handle these, sounds a bit unusual, but in all right is the only true way of handling them. Give glory to GOD and thank HIM for finding you worthy of having such trials and tribulations within your life! I can hear some of you now. "Say what? Are you nuts?" I may be, but I'm crazy for my LORD and I understand that HE has allowed everything that happens within my life to happen so that in the end HE will be the one to receive all the glory. Whether its trials and tribulations or smooth sailing, they all have been allowed to happen by HIM and for HIS glory.
Now I know there are going to be those that say this is un-scriptural. It's not! WHO created all? GOD. WHO created both the LIGHT and the darkness? GOD. WHO is in total control, that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without HIS knowing it? GOD. GOD is and always will be in total control and I don't care what theologians or any preachers say, GOD has allowed evil to coexist within this universe for a reason. How would you know what was right, if there wasn't that to judge it against, hence evil exist. It always has and always will be an everyday part of life. Where there is good, you will find evil. The more of one that is abundant, the more of the other will be close at hand. So instead of giving the glory to the wrong power source, give the glory to GOD and thank HIM for allowing you to under go it's touch and also thank HIM for giving you the strength to bear up under the weight of it. Give HIM the glory, for HE is and always will be the only true power in all of heaven and earth!!! Praise GOD, hallelujah, praise GOD!!!!!!!
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
Today, there won't b a Bible verse, actually none at all. I'm going to grace you with something a little different. Most of last night and the majority of today, I've been fighting computer problems. So very little along the lines of work for the LORD got accomplished. This all came about yesterday when I received a bulletin on myspace about the emergency needs on the Lakota Indian reservation. Since I'm unable to assist at this time financially or physically I did what I could, well at least began to.
I began to post the bulletin on every one of the sites, that I network for the ministry and even a few others. After getting this started, and I do mean 'just' started, my computer began to slow down. Within an hour of starting, I had to shutdown my browser and restart it, but in just a short time it was creeping along again! Imagine what its like having a high speed connection and working at dialup speeds, well this is what I was doing for the most part. Now my computer is old, a 1 G. Pentium with only 256 M of RAM, but it truly shouldn't be that slow. So what was the cause of this and why isn't it the first time it happened?
Two very good questions, but with only one answer. satan, he doesn't like what I'm doing online and has tried at every opportunity to stop it!!! If I were to spend the day chatting in a room somewhere or visiting a porn site, not that I would(just examples), I'd have no problems at all. But being that I'm bring the attention to the LORD that I am, he can't stand it and must try to hinder it or stop me in any fashion possible. Since most of my work lately has been online, what better way to bring me troubles than to effect the computer that I depend on the most.
If you're a Christian and are doing works that truly bring glory to the LORD, you can count it as good as gold that satan is going to be hindering you in every manor he can. The greater the works the greater the troubles that will come your way and the more often you'll be having them. Now it is a common misunderstanding of many new Christians, that once you've given your life to CHRIST everything will be perfect! Well let me tell you something. It ain't so!!! Many preachers and pastors kind of 'sugarcoat' the GOSPEL, and don't fill people in on the whole story. Or they just give you the first part of it and allow you to find out the hard facts about being a Christian all on your own. Now this is wrong, totally wrong and has become a common factor because they're to worried about getting the 'numbers' in. The more people within your church, the larger the tithe, hence more money for projects, making more room for more people. Do You get the idea yet? Its the world creeping into the church. Money, money, money!!! What would you think JESUS would do today if HE walked into one of the 'mega churches', with their tape and CD sales area, coffee and gift shops? I think it'd be a replay of when HE walked into the temple and over turned the money changer's tables!!
If anyone has ever told you that being a Christian is easy, if it weren't against the Christian manor, I'd say find them and slap them. Being a Christian is most likely one of the hardest things you will ever undertake within life. Living a worldly life is a breeze in comparison to it. Not just the fact that it is so much different, but the fact that once you've begun to really show CHRIST within your life, you've suddenly got a whole new set of enemies. For all the demons of hell will be against you. Living life is hard enough, but when you've begun to witness for CHRIST and truly showing HIM within your total being, to the point that others that see you wonder what makes you so different. The troubles will really begin to pile up and sometimes to a point of almost totally overwhelming you.
Well how will you handle this happening is the question!?! There are many ways and most are wrong. Thats right, wrong. Not wrong in a complete sense, but wrong to say the least. You can rebuke satan. You can pray for the LORD to rebuke satan. You can cast out the evil. Or you can rant and rave about all of this happening. In all these cases, you'd be wrong. Because in all of them, you are giving glory to satan by acknowledging his part in the troubles. The best way to handle these, sounds a bit unusual, but in all right is the only true way of handling them. Give glory to GOD and thank HIM for finding you worthy of having such trials and tribulations within your life! I can hear some of you now. "Say what? Are you nuts?" I may be, but I'm crazy for my LORD and I understand that HE has allowed everything that happens within my life to happen so that in the end HE will be the one to receive all the glory. Whether its trials and tribulations or smooth sailing, they all have been allowed to happen by HIM and for HIS glory.
Now I know there are going to be those that say this is un-scriptural. It's not! WHO created all? GOD. WHO created both the LIGHT and the darkness? GOD. WHO is in total control, that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without HIS knowing it? GOD. GOD is and always will be in total control and I don't care what theologians or any preachers say, GOD has allowed evil to coexist within this universe for a reason. How would you know what was right, if there wasn't that to judge it against, hence evil exist. It always has and always will be an everyday part of life. Where there is good, you will find evil. The more of one that is abundant, the more of the other will be close at hand. So instead of giving the glory to the wrong power source, give the glory to GOD and thank HIM for allowing you to under go it's touch and also thank HIM for giving you the strength to bear up under the weight of it. Give HIM the glory, for HE is and always will be the only true power in all of heaven and earth!!! Praise GOD, hallelujah, praise GOD!!!!!!!
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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