Praise the LORD!!!
PRAYER: the act of petitioning, praising, giving thanks, or confessing to God; it is expressed by several different words in both the OT and the NT. Prayer can be individual or corporate, audible or silent. It is conditioned by the biblical understanding of God as a personal being who hears the prayers of his people (1 Kings 9:3; Pss. 34:15; 65:2; Matt. 7:11; 1 John 5:15).
Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper's Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (816). San Francisco: Harper & Row.
Oh to those that hold only to this definition of prayer. For this is so limited in it's view of that which is the very beginning of relationship with GOD!!! For prayer to me, though I admit am not normal :))), is that state of being in constant awareness of and with GOD!!! This is that which Paul spoke of in 1 Thes. 5:17, yet is only the beginning. In all my ways, I am in a state of being constantly aware of GOD. Asking HIM question, asking for HIS guidance and/or blessings in that which I'm doing. Yet, not only asking, but thanking HIM in every circumstance, no matter the outcome.
Being a craftsman, I've been blessed with many skills, but I take none of the credit for those things I'm blessed to lay my hands to. For it is GOD whom gets all the glory. I'm but a vessel blessed with HIS presence, enabled to preform these actions by and thru HIM. Whether painting a wall or running a fine line along some trim, I'm petitioning HIM to guide my hands, to hold them and lead them, all to HIS glory and not my own. Whether doing woodwork or tile work, this state is as constant as humanly possible. Yes, there are times that I slip and make mistakes. Yet, I praise HIM that this happened, ask HIS forgiveness and then HIS leading and carrying of my actions from there on.
I'm no super saint, just a humble man that was totally crushed by GOD, revealing the deep and darkest of sins within me. A man, whose pride in self and my own abilities, GONE. For HE blessed me to see the truth, that it isn't the "ME" that is doing these things, but it is the "HE" within me doing them.
The point of this entry- if you hold to the definition above of prayer, open the doors to true prayer. That state where you dwell continuously in the presence of GOD. Open up the doors of not only talking with HIM, but also listening and enjoying HIS very presence. Open up those doors and enjoy life like never before :)))))))
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
Showing posts with label VCM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VCM. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
OVERLOAD !!!
Praise the LORD!!!
In this turbo charged society in which we live, how often do we fail to slow down and absorb that which GOD has laid before us ??? How often, while flicking thru reams of photos, files and articles, do we truly take a moment to allow HIM to impress HIS message to us, into our hearts ???
We watch a Christian video and relish in HIS glory while it is playing and then we rush off to download it and re post it for the pleasure of others. Yet, little time do we spend on that which HE would impress upon our hearts. With the advantage of the internet and it's massive heaps of content to devour, many times we just rush from one tidbit of wisdom unto another. Barely slowing for one second to allow it to sink in !!!
Video after video; comment after comment; worship song after worship song and so forth, we pile up heaps of wonderful and true content, yet we only allow it to brush the surfaces of our hearts. There is a vast storehouse of wisdom in the Bible alone, that sits and goes to waste as we endlessly seek to divulge stacks of information out to others. Where is the gain for ourselves ??? Where is the benefit to others ??? We so overload our minds, that our heart never has time to glean one bit of it all ??? Important questions that we ourselves can only answer and truly only answer with the heartfelt time taken to allow GOD to reveal HIS truths to us !!!
Slow down and allow all that passes thru our hands, to truly sink in and become something glorious unto the KINGDOM of GOD :)))))))
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
In this turbo charged society in which we live, how often do we fail to slow down and absorb that which GOD has laid before us ??? How often, while flicking thru reams of photos, files and articles, do we truly take a moment to allow HIM to impress HIS message to us, into our hearts ???
We watch a Christian video and relish in HIS glory while it is playing and then we rush off to download it and re post it for the pleasure of others. Yet, little time do we spend on that which HE would impress upon our hearts. With the advantage of the internet and it's massive heaps of content to devour, many times we just rush from one tidbit of wisdom unto another. Barely slowing for one second to allow it to sink in !!!
Video after video; comment after comment; worship song after worship song and so forth, we pile up heaps of wonderful and true content, yet we only allow it to brush the surfaces of our hearts. There is a vast storehouse of wisdom in the Bible alone, that sits and goes to waste as we endlessly seek to divulge stacks of information out to others. Where is the gain for ourselves ??? Where is the benefit to others ??? We so overload our minds, that our heart never has time to glean one bit of it all ??? Important questions that we ourselves can only answer and truly only answer with the heartfelt time taken to allow GOD to reveal HIS truths to us !!!
Slow down and allow all that passes thru our hands, to truly sink in and become something glorious unto the KINGDOM of GOD :)))))))
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Thursday, May 27, 2010
5.28.10_Family and nation
Praise the LORD!!!
This morning a very great fact about the fall of this nation and perhaps the nations of the world came to light through one of my devotional reads. The LORD deeply impressed this matter upon my heart and there is going to be a turning towards this topic in the ministry and all it entails.The current state of our world has a great deal to do with the fact that our homes have fallen apart. Not just the fact that they've fallen away from worshiping GOD as the binder that held them together, but in all other manors as well. The truly strange part about the article, which had it focus on a hymn written early to mid 1800's (it was written in 1990) is that there hasn't truly been a movement of the church to any great extent that focused on this topic. Yes, there have been single organizations that have focused on this, but this is just a band-aid on a major problem.
I'm going to give you a bit of this devotional, little clippings of it, so you'll see where I'm coming from and the extent (and time span) of this breaking up. Because it hasn't just been in recent years that this has been happening, it appears to go much farther back. How far I'm yet to see, but surely, will let you know when I can place my finger upon it!
___
"This is the season when our attention is especially directed to the basic social institution in society, the home, with special days for recognizing mothers, fathers, and children. The strength of any nation is the quality of its homes. “In love of home, the love of country has its rise” said Charles Dickens.
Home should be the holy of holies in a person’s life, a place where ultimate love and acceptance are found between parents and with the children. The real test of a parent’s spirituality is his home life—the daily demonstration of a Christ-like character."
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace : 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (162). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications.
___
In this first clip, we have that which focuses on basically we the parents and our duty to maintain a firm foundation in our relationships with GOD. For it is truly here that all relationships are grounded. For without a strong relationship with GOD as our starting point, all will fall apart. It is here that we must grow daily and strive to improve upon with every breath that we take. GOD, should be the focus in all that this world revolves around, for it is HE that set it all in motion and has formed the foundational laws and principles on which it is to function! We can't drive a car if we don't follow the standard operational principles of it. For you can get in and start it, but unless you put it into gear you'll be going nowhere. The same is true with our relationships with GOD. If we only start it, but don't follow through with all the details of it, we will go nowhere and fail to function in it to any extent. Yes, we will have salvation through faith, but where will the fruit of this faith be? There will be no signs of any change within a person's life if they don't exercise more then just the elementary principles of the Christian faith!
When we begin to move out of the starting blocks of our beliefs and begin to progress along the lines of our lives, using these basic principles of the faith, we begin to grow and prosper. But unless we take this growth and begin to revolve our total lives around it, drawing our families into it, there is truly no gain, but to self. If there is one thing the Christian faith is not centered on, it is the fact that it is for personal usage only. Christianity is supposed to be world changing in it's scope, not only the personal changes that will take place, but reaching out and grasping all those around it. We're told to go out along the highways and by ways of life to seek others, and this starts right within the walls of our own homes before it goes out to the world.
___
"As parents, our responsibility is not only to feed and clothe our children’s bodies, but to nurture their spirits, their minds, and their moral values. By word and by personal example we must carefully guide our children and fervently seek to show them what it means to be a Christian. Good parenting also involves maintaining strong lines of communication between all members of the family. This demands quality time spent together in discussions, social times, daily spiritual retreats, and weekly periods of instruction and worship in the local church."
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace : 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (162). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications.___
Too often today, a family exist only within the confines of the house for a limited span of time. Even during these times it not functioning the way GOD set forth for it to though. The parents are off living their lives in one part of the house, while the children are off doing their own things. Life as a family, as set forth in scripture, seldom takes place for any great length of time. This mostly on a Sunday and that only for the time the family is gathered together for their church activities. Seldom do families united at the dinner table at meal times. Seldom do they experience any time together with our heavenly FATHER in Bible study and prayer. Seldom do they even work together to make their house a home. These are major problems within our society especially and those that are beginning to grow in their global reach. For much of the world sees the U.S.A. as an example to live by. This due to our past prosperity as a nation. With this comes the problem that as our nation falls into disrepair, so to does the world that mimics us.
The words of this author closely reflects those of scripture. Whereas we're given certain guidelines to form our family life around. Those of focusing our attentions upon a GODly life, exhibiting it within our own lives and using it as the hub which we teach to our children. All these can't happen unless we as parents draw closer to GOD in our relationships with HIM and also with those around us! It does no good for us to only practice our faith in private. We need to extend it to our mates, offspring and those that we associate with within our daily lives. We as parents need to realize that everything we say and do is being picked up on by those we rub elbows with. Be it our spouse, children, bosses or coworkers. We as parents and members of this great nation need to return to our roots. Focus our faith, practice our faith and pass on our faith to all those that share our existence here on planet earth. Let us begin to draw closer to GOD personally, but let us not forget to share it with all those around us. Starting with those closest to us and then radiating outwards to every single living and breathing soul that we come into contact with. Let is begin this today, so that change may begin in the tomorrows ahead!!! For only when the foundation is strong can it support a greater weight of a nation and a world. Thus our point of entry in this endeavor is that of building our foundations upon the 'ROCK' JESUS CHRIST. Only then can our families, nation and world change for the betterment of all and only then, if we remain in relationship with our SAVIOR!!!!!!!
Some verses to grow on along these lines: Josh. 24:15; Dt. 6:7; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 5:21-23, 6:4
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 Ministerial Network International
This morning a very great fact about the fall of this nation and perhaps the nations of the world came to light through one of my devotional reads. The LORD deeply impressed this matter upon my heart and there is going to be a turning towards this topic in the ministry and all it entails.The current state of our world has a great deal to do with the fact that our homes have fallen apart. Not just the fact that they've fallen away from worshiping GOD as the binder that held them together, but in all other manors as well. The truly strange part about the article, which had it focus on a hymn written early to mid 1800's (it was written in 1990) is that there hasn't truly been a movement of the church to any great extent that focused on this topic. Yes, there have been single organizations that have focused on this, but this is just a band-aid on a major problem.
I'm going to give you a bit of this devotional, little clippings of it, so you'll see where I'm coming from and the extent (and time span) of this breaking up. Because it hasn't just been in recent years that this has been happening, it appears to go much farther back. How far I'm yet to see, but surely, will let you know when I can place my finger upon it!
___
"This is the season when our attention is especially directed to the basic social institution in society, the home, with special days for recognizing mothers, fathers, and children. The strength of any nation is the quality of its homes. “In love of home, the love of country has its rise” said Charles Dickens.
Home should be the holy of holies in a person’s life, a place where ultimate love and acceptance are found between parents and with the children. The real test of a parent’s spirituality is his home life—the daily demonstration of a Christ-like character."
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace : 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (162). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications.
___
In this first clip, we have that which focuses on basically we the parents and our duty to maintain a firm foundation in our relationships with GOD. For it is truly here that all relationships are grounded. For without a strong relationship with GOD as our starting point, all will fall apart. It is here that we must grow daily and strive to improve upon with every breath that we take. GOD, should be the focus in all that this world revolves around, for it is HE that set it all in motion and has formed the foundational laws and principles on which it is to function! We can't drive a car if we don't follow the standard operational principles of it. For you can get in and start it, but unless you put it into gear you'll be going nowhere. The same is true with our relationships with GOD. If we only start it, but don't follow through with all the details of it, we will go nowhere and fail to function in it to any extent. Yes, we will have salvation through faith, but where will the fruit of this faith be? There will be no signs of any change within a person's life if they don't exercise more then just the elementary principles of the Christian faith!
When we begin to move out of the starting blocks of our beliefs and begin to progress along the lines of our lives, using these basic principles of the faith, we begin to grow and prosper. But unless we take this growth and begin to revolve our total lives around it, drawing our families into it, there is truly no gain, but to self. If there is one thing the Christian faith is not centered on, it is the fact that it is for personal usage only. Christianity is supposed to be world changing in it's scope, not only the personal changes that will take place, but reaching out and grasping all those around it. We're told to go out along the highways and by ways of life to seek others, and this starts right within the walls of our own homes before it goes out to the world.
___
"As parents, our responsibility is not only to feed and clothe our children’s bodies, but to nurture their spirits, their minds, and their moral values. By word and by personal example we must carefully guide our children and fervently seek to show them what it means to be a Christian. Good parenting also involves maintaining strong lines of communication between all members of the family. This demands quality time spent together in discussions, social times, daily spiritual retreats, and weekly periods of instruction and worship in the local church."
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace : 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (162). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications.___
Too often today, a family exist only within the confines of the house for a limited span of time. Even during these times it not functioning the way GOD set forth for it to though. The parents are off living their lives in one part of the house, while the children are off doing their own things. Life as a family, as set forth in scripture, seldom takes place for any great length of time. This mostly on a Sunday and that only for the time the family is gathered together for their church activities. Seldom do families united at the dinner table at meal times. Seldom do they experience any time together with our heavenly FATHER in Bible study and prayer. Seldom do they even work together to make their house a home. These are major problems within our society especially and those that are beginning to grow in their global reach. For much of the world sees the U.S.A. as an example to live by. This due to our past prosperity as a nation. With this comes the problem that as our nation falls into disrepair, so to does the world that mimics us.
The words of this author closely reflects those of scripture. Whereas we're given certain guidelines to form our family life around. Those of focusing our attentions upon a GODly life, exhibiting it within our own lives and using it as the hub which we teach to our children. All these can't happen unless we as parents draw closer to GOD in our relationships with HIM and also with those around us! It does no good for us to only practice our faith in private. We need to extend it to our mates, offspring and those that we associate with within our daily lives. We as parents need to realize that everything we say and do is being picked up on by those we rub elbows with. Be it our spouse, children, bosses or coworkers. We as parents and members of this great nation need to return to our roots. Focus our faith, practice our faith and pass on our faith to all those that share our existence here on planet earth. Let us begin to draw closer to GOD personally, but let us not forget to share it with all those around us. Starting with those closest to us and then radiating outwards to every single living and breathing soul that we come into contact with. Let is begin this today, so that change may begin in the tomorrows ahead!!! For only when the foundation is strong can it support a greater weight of a nation and a world. Thus our point of entry in this endeavor is that of building our foundations upon the 'ROCK' JESUS CHRIST. Only then can our families, nation and world change for the betterment of all and only then, if we remain in relationship with our SAVIOR!!!!!!!
Some verses to grow on along these lines: Josh. 24:15; Dt. 6:7; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 5:21-23, 6:4
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 Ministerial Network International
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
5.26.10_My day
Praise the LORD!!!
Here it is 5.45 PM and I've not yet been given verses for the devotional. Though yesterday was a bit unusual, with very little input from the LORD. Today has been a good bit different. Though no input as far as inspirations, it has been full of blessings! I've put down a deposit on an apartment, gotten a job and had someone contact me about personal friendship interest. Pretty much a day of blessings upon my life. I start work tomorrow, move into the apartment on the first and will most likely have my new friend attend church with me this weekend. It looks like the LORD has shifted gears in my life and things are beginning to accelerate. Which you'll hear no complaints from me.
For life here had seemed to come to a bit of a stand still, with very little forward momentum being made. Yes, I had been getting a good amount of work done for those around town and online for the ministry, but I was still living a life in someone else's house. Not really the right lifestyle for a 50 plus year old man. I had been praying for the LORD to move in this department for several months now. Always praying for HIS will to be done and not mine. This is typical for my prayers, for I know that to be an obedient Christian, we must live our lives according to HIS timetable and plans. This is a very, very important aspect in our walks and one sometime very hard to learn. Something takes many years to get accustom to. Even JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane had to pray this type of prayer, so why should a 'human' expect less.
Too often we 'humans' want things to be our way. You know the "have it you way" syndrome. But in the KINGDOM of GOD this truly doesn't work well. It has to be according to that which HE has set forth for our lives. Many times we want to speed things up, because we're not satisfied with HIS timing for events. Or we try to preform task that are outside of those that are according to HIS will. HE may even allow us the leeway to let these choices be worked at for a while, only to allow us to fall flat on our faces (been there many times:)))too.) HE allows this type of event within our lives for the express purpose of our learning, our learning who ultimately is the one in control.
One of the greatest things I love about GOD is the fact that no matter how many times we fail, fall or backslide, HE is always there willing to pick us up, dust us off and send us onward again. There will be a bit of chastisement that comes along with this loving care, but I'd expect no less. After all, HE is our loving FATHER and the one that truly loves us more then our earthly parents did, no matter how loving they were. GOD personifies all that there is to love. If we could even bare HIS likeness 1%, this world would be a far better place to live in. To say that we 'humans' are far less then GOD is, would be a total understatement. Though we were created in THEIR imagine, since the fall from the GARDEN we have degenerated into what almost could be called another life form. Something almost totally different than that which we started out as. But thank GOD, HE has made plans for this exact 'evolution.' HE came to this earth, in our form, died upon the cross for our transgressions, was buried, rose again to life upon the third day and then ascended to heaven to sit in HIS rightful place, at the right hand of the FATHER.
So if you've been having problems of late, sit back and take a good look at your life. Your prayers and those things that you may have been doing to 'do things your way.' Then ask GOD to forgive you, provide the HOLY SPIRIT to you, to teach you, and then to grace you with the strength to fully turn over your life to HIM. If there is any one thing within a Christian's life that will truly make a startling difference, it is this act alone. Take it from one that knows, oh so well, that GOD is the driver of this universe and HE's not going to turn the wheel over to you. Unless you really think you can do a better job then HE is, but then are you ready to pay the price for your choice?
There will be no verses tonight, I was even wondering if there was going to be a devotional, but I see HE had something a little different in store for us! Maybe I just wasn't listening as well as I should of been:)))
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
Here it is 5.45 PM and I've not yet been given verses for the devotional. Though yesterday was a bit unusual, with very little input from the LORD. Today has been a good bit different. Though no input as far as inspirations, it has been full of blessings! I've put down a deposit on an apartment, gotten a job and had someone contact me about personal friendship interest. Pretty much a day of blessings upon my life. I start work tomorrow, move into the apartment on the first and will most likely have my new friend attend church with me this weekend. It looks like the LORD has shifted gears in my life and things are beginning to accelerate. Which you'll hear no complaints from me.
For life here had seemed to come to a bit of a stand still, with very little forward momentum being made. Yes, I had been getting a good amount of work done for those around town and online for the ministry, but I was still living a life in someone else's house. Not really the right lifestyle for a 50 plus year old man. I had been praying for the LORD to move in this department for several months now. Always praying for HIS will to be done and not mine. This is typical for my prayers, for I know that to be an obedient Christian, we must live our lives according to HIS timetable and plans. This is a very, very important aspect in our walks and one sometime very hard to learn. Something takes many years to get accustom to. Even JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane had to pray this type of prayer, so why should a 'human' expect less.
Too often we 'humans' want things to be our way. You know the "have it you way" syndrome. But in the KINGDOM of GOD this truly doesn't work well. It has to be according to that which HE has set forth for our lives. Many times we want to speed things up, because we're not satisfied with HIS timing for events. Or we try to preform task that are outside of those that are according to HIS will. HE may even allow us the leeway to let these choices be worked at for a while, only to allow us to fall flat on our faces (been there many times:)))too.) HE allows this type of event within our lives for the express purpose of our learning, our learning who ultimately is the one in control.
One of the greatest things I love about GOD is the fact that no matter how many times we fail, fall or backslide, HE is always there willing to pick us up, dust us off and send us onward again. There will be a bit of chastisement that comes along with this loving care, but I'd expect no less. After all, HE is our loving FATHER and the one that truly loves us more then our earthly parents did, no matter how loving they were. GOD personifies all that there is to love. If we could even bare HIS likeness 1%, this world would be a far better place to live in. To say that we 'humans' are far less then GOD is, would be a total understatement. Though we were created in THEIR imagine, since the fall from the GARDEN we have degenerated into what almost could be called another life form. Something almost totally different than that which we started out as. But thank GOD, HE has made plans for this exact 'evolution.' HE came to this earth, in our form, died upon the cross for our transgressions, was buried, rose again to life upon the third day and then ascended to heaven to sit in HIS rightful place, at the right hand of the FATHER.
So if you've been having problems of late, sit back and take a good look at your life. Your prayers and those things that you may have been doing to 'do things your way.' Then ask GOD to forgive you, provide the HOLY SPIRIT to you, to teach you, and then to grace you with the strength to fully turn over your life to HIM. If there is any one thing within a Christian's life that will truly make a startling difference, it is this act alone. Take it from one that knows, oh so well, that GOD is the driver of this universe and HE's not going to turn the wheel over to you. Unless you really think you can do a better job then HE is, but then are you ready to pay the price for your choice?
There will be no verses tonight, I was even wondering if there was going to be a devotional, but I see HE had something a little different in store for us! Maybe I just wasn't listening as well as I should of been:)))
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
Monday, May 24, 2010
5.25.10_James 1: 2-4_Perseverance
Praise the LORD!!!
Today has been a busy day and one kind of strange considering it's Pentecost. Let me explain. I've felt nearly void of the HOLY SPIRIT all day long. Only at one time, while reading an email from a sister in CHRIST did anything come to me. I ended up asking her permission to re post her email as a blog. She gave permission and it's been posted at the ministry's other blog, 'Blogs from the Vine.'
Well then, hours later, in another email, a brother told me that he thought I should ask GOD to tell me if there is something in my life that is hindering the growth of the ministry. I told him that this wasn't necessary, because I'm always doing this, its part of my daily routine. But a while later, while reading another of my devotionals (not by me, but one I read personally,) the LORD laid it on my heart, that my level of reading HIS WORD has dropped lately. Needless to say my Bible study program (Logos 4) was opened in a short while and I started reading at the point that I am in my hardcopy Bible, the book of James. Since I was in my program and had it's vast library at my disposal, I decided to do a little extra research on my reading. Checking several of the commentaries for information on the book of James and then I began to read it. This is when the LORD hit me with these verses for today!
James 1: 2-4
2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
As with a large percentage of my recent readings and devotionals these verses deal with the topic of suffering and the manor in which Christians are to handle it when it comes upon them. For those of you that have been browbeaten into believing that Christians don't suffer, I've got some news for you, "We Do and most like more then unbelievers." But this topic will be saved for another time, when the LORD leads me too.
Here we're told that when we face these trials and tribulations of many kinds, we're told to "consider it pure joy." Now this suffering here spoken of isn't that of persecution for our faith, though this could be included, it is the type that we undergo in our daily lives. Those things that we so often end up spending hours on our knees before GOD about. I'm sure most of you're acquainted with these trials and I've no need to go into detail over them. But they're the matters within our everyday life that assault our spirits and tend to break us down. Many times to the point of being in a state of depression and sometimes to the point of being suicidal. Yes, today there are many Christians that are suicidal and depressed due to lack of proper knowledge of the WORD of GOD. For if all your preachers and Sunday school teachers tell you that Christians don't suffer and you never are prepared to face it. One tends to be overcome by it, maybe not the first time it comes, but eventually it does get to you. This too isn't what this devotional is about today though either.
So what is today's writings about? The simple fact that we as Christians need to learn to stand firm and strong under all conditions, no matter what they may be or where they've come from! Perseverance is the topic! To many, for to long have learned to fall to their knees in prayer at the drop of a hat. At the smallest of problems we automatically fall to our knees and begin to tug on GOD's ear. As if we've no strength of our own. CHRIST didn't make us into a bunch of spineless invertebrates, that can't withstand the slightest of pressure on our own. We are Christians, remember, CHRIST-like. We're to have the perseverance of JESUS flowing through our veins, not lukewarm water. We're supposed to be able to do all things through HIM (Philippians 4:13). We're supposed to be able to do miracles greater then those that HE did HIMSELF (John14 :12.) There are verses all over the place that tell us we are more then conquerors (Rom. 8:37.) Or how the devil will flee from us, if we but stand strong in our beliefs (James 4:7.) For too long the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST has been watered down by those that 'thought' they were called into ministry, or those that preached from their own wisdom and knowledge.
But all this is well and good, because nothing in HIStory has happened without it being intended by GOD!!! NOTHING! That is one reason I don't preach against other denominations or those that have an erroneous message (not including cults and false religions.) Each and everyone of them has been allowed to be and speak just as they do. GOD has known it since the beginning of time and has allowed it to be just as it is for a reason. The day is coming and coming soon where HE will raise up another generation of preachers. Not those that will be well schooled or even well versed, but those that will depend only upon the HOLY SPIRIT for their messages. The wise shall be put to shame by those the are unlearned and those that have thought themselves educated, will be brought to their knees by those that can barely read. Here is where that perseverance comes in. Those that have for so long constantly fallen to their knees in prayer over the slightest of needs must learn that they've the power, they've the strength to stand strong through all troubles on their own. Our prayers should be for GOD to provide the strength and the wisdom to overcome our problems. We should be the ones that stand strong when all others fall. We should be the ones that are prospering when all others are struggling to make ends meet. We should be the ones, that when troubles come, of which they will, we won't begin to grumble and complain, we'll stand up straight and proclaim the fact that we are of CHRIST JESUS and HE has met all of our needs and that in HIS grace HE has given us an abundance to meet all of our needs (2 Cor. 9:8-11.) So the next time trouble rears it head within your life, praise the LORD and thank HIM for giving you the strength and wisdom to preserver against all odds and rejoice in the fact that you are able to do so!!!
Being that I'm writing this on Pentecost, I'll give you but one other reading: Acts 2
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 has been a busy day and one kind of strange considering it's Pentecost. Let me explain. I've felt nearly void of the HOLY SPIRIT all day long. Only at one time, while reading an email from a sister in CHRIST did anything come to me. I ended up asking her permission to re post her email as a blog. She gave permission and it's been posted at the ministry's other blog, 'Blogs from the Vine.'
Well then, hours later, in another email, a brother told me that he thought I should ask GOD to tell me if there is something in my life that is hindering the growth of the ministry. I told him that this wasn't necessary, because I'm always doing this, its part of my daily routine. But a while later, while reading another of my devotionals (not by me, but one I read personally,) the LORD laid it on my heart, that my level of reading HIS WORD has dropped lately. Needless to say my Bible study program (Logos 4) was opened in a short while and I started reading at the point that I am in my hardcopy Bible, the book of James. Since I was in my program and had it's vast library at my disposal, I decided to do a little extra research on my reading. Checking several of the commentaries for information on the book of James and then I began to read it. This is when the LORD hit me with these verses for today!
James 1: 2-4
2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
As with a large percentage of my recent readings and devotionals these verses deal with the topic of suffering and the manor in which Christians are to handle it when it comes upon them. For those of you that have been browbeaten into believing that Christians don't suffer, I've got some news for you, "We Do and most like more then unbelievers." But this topic will be saved for another time, when the LORD leads me too.
Here we're told that when we face these trials and tribulations of many kinds, we're told to "consider it pure joy." Now this suffering here spoken of isn't that of persecution for our faith, though this could be included, it is the type that we undergo in our daily lives. Those things that we so often end up spending hours on our knees before GOD about. I'm sure most of you're acquainted with these trials and I've no need to go into detail over them. But they're the matters within our everyday life that assault our spirits and tend to break us down. Many times to the point of being in a state of depression and sometimes to the point of being suicidal. Yes, today there are many Christians that are suicidal and depressed due to lack of proper knowledge of the WORD of GOD. For if all your preachers and Sunday school teachers tell you that Christians don't suffer and you never are prepared to face it. One tends to be overcome by it, maybe not the first time it comes, but eventually it does get to you. This too isn't what this devotional is about today though either.
So what is today's writings about? The simple fact that we as Christians need to learn to stand firm and strong under all conditions, no matter what they may be or where they've come from! Perseverance is the topic! To many, for to long have learned to fall to their knees in prayer at the drop of a hat. At the smallest of problems we automatically fall to our knees and begin to tug on GOD's ear. As if we've no strength of our own. CHRIST didn't make us into a bunch of spineless invertebrates, that can't withstand the slightest of pressure on our own. We are Christians, remember, CHRIST-like. We're to have the perseverance of JESUS flowing through our veins, not lukewarm water. We're supposed to be able to do all things through HIM (Philippians 4:13). We're supposed to be able to do miracles greater then those that HE did HIMSELF (John14 :12.) There are verses all over the place that tell us we are more then conquerors (Rom. 8:37.) Or how the devil will flee from us, if we but stand strong in our beliefs (James 4:7.) For too long the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST has been watered down by those that 'thought' they were called into ministry, or those that preached from their own wisdom and knowledge.
But all this is well and good, because nothing in HIStory has happened without it being intended by GOD!!! NOTHING! That is one reason I don't preach against other denominations or those that have an erroneous message (not including cults and false religions.) Each and everyone of them has been allowed to be and speak just as they do. GOD has known it since the beginning of time and has allowed it to be just as it is for a reason. The day is coming and coming soon where HE will raise up another generation of preachers. Not those that will be well schooled or even well versed, but those that will depend only upon the HOLY SPIRIT for their messages. The wise shall be put to shame by those the are unlearned and those that have thought themselves educated, will be brought to their knees by those that can barely read. Here is where that perseverance comes in. Those that have for so long constantly fallen to their knees in prayer over the slightest of needs must learn that they've the power, they've the strength to stand strong through all troubles on their own. Our prayers should be for GOD to provide the strength and the wisdom to overcome our problems. We should be the ones that stand strong when all others fall. We should be the ones that are prospering when all others are struggling to make ends meet. We should be the ones, that when troubles come, of which they will, we won't begin to grumble and complain, we'll stand up straight and proclaim the fact that we are of CHRIST JESUS and HE has met all of our needs and that in HIS grace HE has given us an abundance to meet all of our needs (2 Cor. 9:8-11.) So the next time trouble rears it head within your life, praise the LORD and thank HIM for giving you the strength and wisdom to preserver against all odds and rejoice in the fact that you are able to do so!!!
Being that I'm writing this on Pentecost, I'll give you but one other reading: Acts 2
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
Sunday, May 23, 2010
5.24.10_Luke 9:23-25_Our crosses
Praise the LORD!!!
So you're a 'born again' Christian? Is there this proof from within your life?
Luke 9:23-25
23 "Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?""
Here we are told by JESUS HIMSELF, what it takes to truly follow HIM, to be called HIS disciples or in reality a Christian! Remember the name Christian means to be CHRIST-like, to be an earthly reflection of JESUS in all aspects, or at least as humanly possible. Due to the manor of preaching over the last hundred years or so, too many of us believe that Christianity starts and stops with belief and confession in CHRIST. When truly it is much deeper then that. The true life of a Christian involves the person being willing to go to the extremes, no matter the cost, to bring glory to JESUS' name by being like HIM. We must show HIS very being in everything that we say and do. We must be willing to go that extra mile to show HIS love for all of mankind, no matter how deplorable the person is.
To often these days we have those that want to use the name, yet not act the part at all, or maybe only on Sundays. This isn't that which JESUS is talking about here, that is only a shadow of HIS reflection, not even close to a mirror like reflection. To many want to 'trash talk' others for the way they talk or act, or the types of Bible that they read or the clothes they wear. This list could truly go on for some time, but I think you get the idea. Online, I see so many that are sounding Christian from the words that they comment or blog with, yet the spirit in which its done reveals little of JESUS' resemblance. How can a person call themselves by HIS name in one breath and turn right around and belittle another person for their beliefs or actions? Truly they shouldn't be able to, not if they were acting the part of JESUS.
JESUS is the only true judge among us and we are warned against standing in judgment against others. But so far, I've not hit on the main reason for these verses today. These points made above, are all crosses that we're to bare and to bare them like JESUS at that. How did HE bare HIS cross? I'm sure HE wasn't cursing everyone else around HIM. I'm sure HE wasn't putting down all the religious people that were responsible for HIS carrying that cross. I can easily say this because of some of HIS last WORDS upon the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Now does that sound anything like what we hear from the mouths of others, or that which we read while online? For the most part, I'd say not, for there are a few out there that do walk as JESUS did and their words and actions show it clearly.
Even though JESUS was being ridiculed, looked down upon and numbered as a criminal. Can any of us suffer these same things and not fight back with words or actions? Those that truly bare the HOLY SPIRIT within them can. For it can be seen in their reactions to the insults of others as to their beliefs and ways. They won't 'comeback' with a flurry of words trying to inflict the same or worst insults upon their offenders. They bless them and continue about their way. A very hard task to undertake in minor offenses let alone the major ones, but it to can be done. As with all the other attributes of carrying our crosses like JESUS did, this too can only be done when one has fully allowed the HOLY SPIRIT to reside within.
The last point I will make about these verses today deals with how we handle our day to day sufferings. Those trials and tribulations that we deal with from the world around us. Our health, our finances and anything else that seems to bring us to our knees in prayer for ourselves. In these verses JESUS is telling us that we will have problems in our lives and HE is giving us the manor in which we're to handle them. We're to confront all that life throws at us just as HE did, quietly baring it and putting it to prayer. To often we hear people, and I'm guilty of this, complaining about the problems that have overtaken them. "The rent is due and I've no money," "my health is falling apart," "my computer system is the pits."(one I've been guilty of lately.) From these verses we should be able to see that this isn't the way we're to handle these problems. We should place the matter before GOD in prayer, and not a whining, "I need this or else "type of prayer, but a "thank YOU FATHER for providing type." Acknowledging the fact that we know GOD is there and in control and that HE cares about us more then anything else. There is a lot in these few simple verses to think about and to work out within ourselves and with GOD. Isn't it amazing how GOD can put so much meaning, into so few WORDS!!! This is one of the reasons I so love HIM and HIS WORD for me, it is ever bringing new light and life into this tired old sack of bones. Rejuvenating me, so that I can stand strong to face another day on this earth, awaiting the day that HE calls me home to heaven to join HIM for eternity!!!
A few other verses for your pleasure (which it should be!):Matt. 10:39, 16:21-26; 1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Tim. 2:12
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
So you're a 'born again' Christian? Is there this proof from within your life?
Luke 9:23-25
23 "Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?""
Here we are told by JESUS HIMSELF, what it takes to truly follow HIM, to be called HIS disciples or in reality a Christian! Remember the name Christian means to be CHRIST-like, to be an earthly reflection of JESUS in all aspects, or at least as humanly possible. Due to the manor of preaching over the last hundred years or so, too many of us believe that Christianity starts and stops with belief and confession in CHRIST. When truly it is much deeper then that. The true life of a Christian involves the person being willing to go to the extremes, no matter the cost, to bring glory to JESUS' name by being like HIM. We must show HIS very being in everything that we say and do. We must be willing to go that extra mile to show HIS love for all of mankind, no matter how deplorable the person is.
To often these days we have those that want to use the name, yet not act the part at all, or maybe only on Sundays. This isn't that which JESUS is talking about here, that is only a shadow of HIS reflection, not even close to a mirror like reflection. To many want to 'trash talk' others for the way they talk or act, or the types of Bible that they read or the clothes they wear. This list could truly go on for some time, but I think you get the idea. Online, I see so many that are sounding Christian from the words that they comment or blog with, yet the spirit in which its done reveals little of JESUS' resemblance. How can a person call themselves by HIS name in one breath and turn right around and belittle another person for their beliefs or actions? Truly they shouldn't be able to, not if they were acting the part of JESUS.
JESUS is the only true judge among us and we are warned against standing in judgment against others. But so far, I've not hit on the main reason for these verses today. These points made above, are all crosses that we're to bare and to bare them like JESUS at that. How did HE bare HIS cross? I'm sure HE wasn't cursing everyone else around HIM. I'm sure HE wasn't putting down all the religious people that were responsible for HIS carrying that cross. I can easily say this because of some of HIS last WORDS upon the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Now does that sound anything like what we hear from the mouths of others, or that which we read while online? For the most part, I'd say not, for there are a few out there that do walk as JESUS did and their words and actions show it clearly.
Even though JESUS was being ridiculed, looked down upon and numbered as a criminal. Can any of us suffer these same things and not fight back with words or actions? Those that truly bare the HOLY SPIRIT within them can. For it can be seen in their reactions to the insults of others as to their beliefs and ways. They won't 'comeback' with a flurry of words trying to inflict the same or worst insults upon their offenders. They bless them and continue about their way. A very hard task to undertake in minor offenses let alone the major ones, but it to can be done. As with all the other attributes of carrying our crosses like JESUS did, this too can only be done when one has fully allowed the HOLY SPIRIT to reside within.
The last point I will make about these verses today deals with how we handle our day to day sufferings. Those trials and tribulations that we deal with from the world around us. Our health, our finances and anything else that seems to bring us to our knees in prayer for ourselves. In these verses JESUS is telling us that we will have problems in our lives and HE is giving us the manor in which we're to handle them. We're to confront all that life throws at us just as HE did, quietly baring it and putting it to prayer. To often we hear people, and I'm guilty of this, complaining about the problems that have overtaken them. "The rent is due and I've no money," "my health is falling apart," "my computer system is the pits."(one I've been guilty of lately.) From these verses we should be able to see that this isn't the way we're to handle these problems. We should place the matter before GOD in prayer, and not a whining, "I need this or else "type of prayer, but a "thank YOU FATHER for providing type." Acknowledging the fact that we know GOD is there and in control and that HE cares about us more then anything else. There is a lot in these few simple verses to think about and to work out within ourselves and with GOD. Isn't it amazing how GOD can put so much meaning, into so few WORDS!!! This is one of the reasons I so love HIM and HIS WORD for me, it is ever bringing new light and life into this tired old sack of bones. Rejuvenating me, so that I can stand strong to face another day on this earth, awaiting the day that HE calls me home to heaven to join HIM for eternity!!!
A few other verses for your pleasure (which it should be!):Matt. 10:39, 16:21-26; 1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Tim. 2:12
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
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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:
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
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
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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
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
Monday, May 17, 2010
5.18.10_1 John 2:6_Abiding
Praise the LORD!!!
It feels good to be back online and able to touch others for JESUS!!! It's been almost a week since I was last able to post anything online, due to the old computers lack of abilities. I praise the LORD though, for all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose (Rom. 8:28) This is going to be the first posting done with the ability to use my Logos Bible study program while being online, so we'll have to see how things go. With no more ado, here we go!
1 John 2:6
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."(NIV)
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (KJV)
"whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked." (NRSV)
Now if you've been one that has been following me for a while, you'll remember the fact that I profess that we're to resemble JESUS in our lives. Here in these three versions we have the words, claims/abideth/abide and the Greek word that they come from(menein) has a very different connotation then that which we normally would understand it to be. When we use the word to abide, we think of temporarily existing somewhere. Where as here it means an ever lasting experience, one without end, in other words eternally being like CHRIST. This has been a major point in my walk with the LORD since HE drew me close into a personal relationship. We as Christian (CHRIST-like) are to reflect the very likeness of JESUS to all those around us. People shouldn't see or hear things from us that they couldn't imagine coming from JESUS HIMSELF!!!
Now for some reason this just isn't that which I remember seeing during my life before CHRIST and truthfully, there are times that it isn't so even now. Yes, that's right. Even today I see and hear many that profess to be Christians living lives far from that which I could imagine JESUS living. I'm not going to be judgmental here, because I've fit in these shoes myself at times along the lines. But there are many, many things in this world that Christians shouldn't be associated with.
One good example would be the things that we allow ourselves to be entertained by. Music, TV, and books just to name a few. Even though we're not bound by any law stating that these things aren't to be part of our lifestyle, we are to be good judges of them and filter these to the best of our abilities. In other words, a Christian shouldn't be sitting around watching, or listening to, or reading things that wouldn't be on the LORD's list of activities. Do you really believe JESUS would be partaking of a lot of the types of entertainment that we do? Truthfully, I really can't imagine that HE would.
Now what would the conversations that JESUS would of been taking part in sound like? Would there be a lot of coarse language or ethnic jokes? Would it be about all the "drama" taking place in people's lives or the juiciest of gossip? I really don't think so. From what we read in the Bible that came from HIS mouth, 98% of it was to the glory of GOD and teaching others how to walk in a manor worthy of HIM. Very seldom was it ever putting another person to shame or ridiculing their ways. There were those times that, the other 2%, HE was correcting the self righteous leaders of the people. Even during these, HE did so in a loving manor (as best HE could.) Are these the types of conversations that we seem to have? Or are they totally opposite from them? I'd tend to say, for the most part, the exact opposite!
Now for an area that might just hurt, a bit more then these others. What are our actions like, when it comes to those that are around us? I'm not just talking about those that are Christians either. I'm talking about all those that are around us, Christian or not, friend or foe, pretty or disgusting, every single person that walks the face of this earth! Now we all should know how JESUS would of acted towards them. HE'd of shown them the love and compassion that GOD has for all of HIS created people. Even knowing the fact of that which laid ahead of HIM or the fact that HE knew each person's very deepest of thoughts and intentions. HE even showed Judas, he that would betray HIM, the love of GOD at it's highest levels. Can any of us say that? That if we knew a person was going to betray us, even to the point of death, that we could love them and honor them better than we do ourselves??? I wish I could say this, but truly, I don't really think that I could. then again, this would be a matter that I know I'd definitely would be in deep prayer about and one that I'd pray the LORD would give me the strength to accomplish. This only HE knows and I pray I'll never be in that position.
We all truly need to take these things to heart. We need to study them and examine ourselves under their lens. Better yet, we need to put these matters to prayer. That the LORD would open our eyes to ourselves and the lives that we live and show others of the world around us. For if we are to bare the name of JESUS, shouldn't we let all others see HIM just as HE is? The very likeness of GOD in the flesh, for truly, HE is GOD!!!
Some other verses you may enjoy: 1 John 2:24-27, 28-3:3, 3:4-9, 10-15, 4:12-16
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
***For those that wonder about how it worked out using my program and being online together at once? Not as well as I thought it would. But I ordered several sticks of memory for the system, which should take care of this problem pretty well:)))***
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
It feels good to be back online and able to touch others for JESUS!!! It's been almost a week since I was last able to post anything online, due to the old computers lack of abilities. I praise the LORD though, for all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose (Rom. 8:28) This is going to be the first posting done with the ability to use my Logos Bible study program while being online, so we'll have to see how things go. With no more ado, here we go!
1 John 2:6
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."(NIV)
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (KJV)
"whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked." (NRSV)
Now if you've been one that has been following me for a while, you'll remember the fact that I profess that we're to resemble JESUS in our lives. Here in these three versions we have the words, claims/abideth/abide and the Greek word that they come from(menein) has a very different connotation then that which we normally would understand it to be. When we use the word to abide, we think of temporarily existing somewhere. Where as here it means an ever lasting experience, one without end, in other words eternally being like CHRIST. This has been a major point in my walk with the LORD since HE drew me close into a personal relationship. We as Christian (CHRIST-like) are to reflect the very likeness of JESUS to all those around us. People shouldn't see or hear things from us that they couldn't imagine coming from JESUS HIMSELF!!!
Now for some reason this just isn't that which I remember seeing during my life before CHRIST and truthfully, there are times that it isn't so even now. Yes, that's right. Even today I see and hear many that profess to be Christians living lives far from that which I could imagine JESUS living. I'm not going to be judgmental here, because I've fit in these shoes myself at times along the lines. But there are many, many things in this world that Christians shouldn't be associated with.
One good example would be the things that we allow ourselves to be entertained by. Music, TV, and books just to name a few. Even though we're not bound by any law stating that these things aren't to be part of our lifestyle, we are to be good judges of them and filter these to the best of our abilities. In other words, a Christian shouldn't be sitting around watching, or listening to, or reading things that wouldn't be on the LORD's list of activities. Do you really believe JESUS would be partaking of a lot of the types of entertainment that we do? Truthfully, I really can't imagine that HE would.
Now what would the conversations that JESUS would of been taking part in sound like? Would there be a lot of coarse language or ethnic jokes? Would it be about all the "drama" taking place in people's lives or the juiciest of gossip? I really don't think so. From what we read in the Bible that came from HIS mouth, 98% of it was to the glory of GOD and teaching others how to walk in a manor worthy of HIM. Very seldom was it ever putting another person to shame or ridiculing their ways. There were those times that, the other 2%, HE was correcting the self righteous leaders of the people. Even during these, HE did so in a loving manor (as best HE could.) Are these the types of conversations that we seem to have? Or are they totally opposite from them? I'd tend to say, for the most part, the exact opposite!
Now for an area that might just hurt, a bit more then these others. What are our actions like, when it comes to those that are around us? I'm not just talking about those that are Christians either. I'm talking about all those that are around us, Christian or not, friend or foe, pretty or disgusting, every single person that walks the face of this earth! Now we all should know how JESUS would of acted towards them. HE'd of shown them the love and compassion that GOD has for all of HIS created people. Even knowing the fact of that which laid ahead of HIM or the fact that HE knew each person's very deepest of thoughts and intentions. HE even showed Judas, he that would betray HIM, the love of GOD at it's highest levels. Can any of us say that? That if we knew a person was going to betray us, even to the point of death, that we could love them and honor them better than we do ourselves??? I wish I could say this, but truly, I don't really think that I could. then again, this would be a matter that I know I'd definitely would be in deep prayer about and one that I'd pray the LORD would give me the strength to accomplish. This only HE knows and I pray I'll never be in that position.
We all truly need to take these things to heart. We need to study them and examine ourselves under their lens. Better yet, we need to put these matters to prayer. That the LORD would open our eyes to ourselves and the lives that we live and show others of the world around us. For if we are to bare the name of JESUS, shouldn't we let all others see HIM just as HE is? The very likeness of GOD in the flesh, for truly, HE is GOD!!!
Some other verses you may enjoy: 1 John 2:24-27, 28-3:3, 3:4-9, 10-15, 4:12-16
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
***For those that wonder about how it worked out using my program and being online together at once? Not as well as I thought it would. But I ordered several sticks of memory for the system, which should take care of this problem pretty well:)))***
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Monday, May 10, 2010
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
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
Saturday, May 8, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 7, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
4.14.10_ Thinking
Praise the LORD!!!
Today's entry will be something totally different from the past. Not that which will become a standard practice, but a once off the cuff type of deal (maybe? you never know with GOD!!!) This has happened because I've had a good bit of time to reflect on things here in the last several days. The weather, though it's warmed up, has also become wet and electrified, not good for computer time. I've had short spurts of time online due to this and have had plenty of time in the WORD hardcopy style.
As many of you know I'm working on setting up Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and DROC in Kingsville, Texas. Doing this totally on my own, though I've several people assisting via the internet. Totally out of pocket as far as expenses. Currently not working for anyone but the LORD, so I've no income but that which comes into the ministry. Which to date, has been slim pickings, under a thousand dollars. This kept me in a motel and feed during my early days in Kingsville and has supplied my personal hygiene needs since being taken in by a host family, 6 months ago. With this money I've also purchased the basic tools needed to the work that I've done to date.
As I was sitting here thinking, the thought came to mind of "what would I do, if someone came up and gave me say $100K, or more." Now with the size of that which the LORD has shown me VCM will someday be, this could be spent in minutes when the ministry is at it's peak, but for now, it'd have to be spent reasonably and with much thought invested!!!
I can hear people now, I wasn't born yesterday and have been online since 99, "ya right, he'd be living high on the hog and none would get spent like this." Well to any that are thinking this, all I can say is this, "the LORD knows my heart and that which HE's called me to and let this happen and you shall see the fruit, just as I've stated.!!!" All I need are the funds to prove it. Any takers?
Now since this is a devotional blog, though I'm being led to post it to other sites, what would you do with that kind of money being given to you? Where is your life focused and could you prove it?
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog site: "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Today's entry will be something totally different from the past. Not that which will become a standard practice, but a once off the cuff type of deal (maybe? you never know with GOD!!!) This has happened because I've had a good bit of time to reflect on things here in the last several days. The weather, though it's warmed up, has also become wet and electrified, not good for computer time. I've had short spurts of time online due to this and have had plenty of time in the WORD hardcopy style.
As many of you know I'm working on setting up Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and DROC in Kingsville, Texas. Doing this totally on my own, though I've several people assisting via the internet. Totally out of pocket as far as expenses. Currently not working for anyone but the LORD, so I've no income but that which comes into the ministry. Which to date, has been slim pickings, under a thousand dollars. This kept me in a motel and feed during my early days in Kingsville and has supplied my personal hygiene needs since being taken in by a host family, 6 months ago. With this money I've also purchased the basic tools needed to the work that I've done to date.
As I was sitting here thinking, the thought came to mind of "what would I do, if someone came up and gave me say $100K, or more." Now with the size of that which the LORD has shown me VCM will someday be, this could be spent in minutes when the ministry is at it's peak, but for now, it'd have to be spent reasonably and with much thought invested!!!
- One of the first things that would be done would be to find housing of my own. Not to purchase, but to rent for the mean time. Not something grandiose, but simple and efficient. Maybe in one of the smaller neighborhoods or apartment complexes. I've been very blessed to have the host family that has taken me in. Not many people would take in a total stranger and house them for over six months. Not many at all. This is why this would be the first thing done, so I can lift this burden from upon their shoulders and take it on myself. I never intended and didn't think the LORD was either, for this to of lasted this long, but it has and does need to change in some way. With this move there would of coarse be those needed items of living that would have to be gathered. I think most of my readers are old enough to of lived on their own at sometime or another and would know all these items.
- A form of cheap transportation and insurance for it. This would have to be a used truck. Something pretty good on gas, but big enough to do some hard work if the need arises. There would also be the need of a small enclosed trailer, something to transport and protect the additional tools that would be purchased . Because there would be a definite increase in works being done in the area and people to do these also.
- Then there would be a building for the ministry to begin setting up operations out of. There are several that I've looked at, and money dependent on which of them would be taken into consideration. For a rental, would be the one next to Bay Area Fellowship, if not the two of them there. These would be to set up an office and a thrift store/food pantry and general operations center up in. This would have to be stocked with a large amount of items. Everything from computers, office supplies and furniture, to the items need to start the thrift store/food pantry functioning. Once this was done these would operate totally off of donations, with an occasional boost to keep it well stocked. If the funding was great enough, there would be the purchase of buildings or land with the construction of new buildings upon it.
I can hear people now, I wasn't born yesterday and have been online since 99, "ya right, he'd be living high on the hog and none would get spent like this." Well to any that are thinking this, all I can say is this, "the LORD knows my heart and that which HE's called me to and let this happen and you shall see the fruit, just as I've stated.!!!" All I need are the funds to prove it. Any takers?
Now since this is a devotional blog, though I'm being led to post it to other sites, what would you do with that kind of money being given to you? Where is your life focused and could you prove it?
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog site: "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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