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 prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From the beginning...
Praise the LORD!!!
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, satan has done his best to keep our eyes focused on ourselves and away from where they should be, on GOD!!! This is perhaps the greatest weapon in his arsenal. Whenever we turn our eyes towards ourselves, to our sufferings, to our pain, to even our very basic of needs, satan is gaining ground towards victory!!!
You heard me right! For whenever we've taken our eyes off of focusing upon GOD, our relationship with HIM, HIS WORD for us and everything else that HE has for us, we've fallen prey to satan's scheme!!! Even, when our prayers turn to our very own needs this is happening. That's right. GOD already knows our needs before we even pray for them, so why not simply acknowledge the need as viable and thank HIM right off the bat? Not going into some long, drawn out, crying mass of "I'm-s" Why not a simple, "LORD, I know YOU're in control, YOU know my needs for __________, and I thank YOU for taking care of this!"?
Our flesh, our pride, is that which originally separated us from GOD!!! Let us defeat it ultimately, by focusing not upon it(the me's, my's and I's) and turn our eyes and hearts to focusing only upon JESUS !!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, satan has done his best to keep our eyes focused on ourselves and away from where they should be, on GOD!!! This is perhaps the greatest weapon in his arsenal. Whenever we turn our eyes towards ourselves, to our sufferings, to our pain, to even our very basic of needs, satan is gaining ground towards victory!!!
You heard me right! For whenever we've taken our eyes off of focusing upon GOD, our relationship with HIM, HIS WORD for us and everything else that HE has for us, we've fallen prey to satan's scheme!!! Even, when our prayers turn to our very own needs this is happening. That's right. GOD already knows our needs before we even pray for them, so why not simply acknowledge the need as viable and thank HIM right off the bat? Not going into some long, drawn out, crying mass of "I'm-s" Why not a simple, "LORD, I know YOU're in control, YOU know my needs for __________, and I thank YOU for taking care of this!"?
Our flesh, our pride, is that which originally separated us from GOD!!! Let us defeat it ultimately, by focusing not upon it(the me's, my's and I's) and turn our eyes and hearts to focusing only upon JESUS !!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Friday, May 20, 2011
Full or Empty tank?
Praise the LORD!!!
This may sound like an unusual question to ask, but it is a pertinent one. Is your spiritual fuel tank, full or empty? There are many times in life and especially our spiritual walk, when we've exerted ourselves beyond measure and our strength to proceed on is literally non-existent. This becomes a constant in life, if one is always reaching out to others, we become drained of that inner strength to carry on.
Not unlike the remedy for this when our car's tanks are empty, we must stop and refuel. For the Christian this fueling is accomplished by spending time in the WORD of GOD, prayer and meditation. So very often in scripture we hear of JESUS going off to a place by HIMself to pray. Unlike us, HE didn't have a Bible to take with HIM, for scripture in those days were massive scrolls and hard to transport. But HE spent HIS time in close communion with the FATHER. In prayer and meditation, HE sometimes spent the whole night reaching out and listening to the holy FATHER.
How often do we spend this kind of time with GOD? I'd say, it'd be a good guess to say, seldom! Most of our times in prayer are short lived, lasting but a few moments or if deeply troubled, lasting into minutes or maybe parts of an hour. Seldom, will you hear of those, that will spend an hour or more in prayer, let alone, the whole of the night or day. Now, I'm not saying we don't hear of those, that do stretch their prayer times into hours or even those that spend several hours a day, wrapped up in prayer. These though, aren't the normal and those that do practice this, are usually running major ministries. Is there a correlation between our time in prayer and the 'power' that is involved in our ministry. YES!!! JESUS spent the whole night in prayer, with the results of healing many and feeding thousands. Casting out demons, teaching masses of people or caring about the physical needs of thousands, is physically demanding, let alone spiritually. Even if you're not doing any of these, the normal draining of our spirits, that occurs from meeting life's demands, has the same effects on us. So let us go before the throne of GOD, drop to our knees or fall prostrate before it, and let our reverence, petitions and praises pour fourth. One thing to remember, also let us take time to listen and receive that which GOD has for us. For just like fueling up our cars, it doesn't do any good, if we let it run out onto the ground, it must go into our tanks(hearts)!!!.
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
This may sound like an unusual question to ask, but it is a pertinent one. Is your spiritual fuel tank, full or empty? There are many times in life and especially our spiritual walk, when we've exerted ourselves beyond measure and our strength to proceed on is literally non-existent. This becomes a constant in life, if one is always reaching out to others, we become drained of that inner strength to carry on.
Not unlike the remedy for this when our car's tanks are empty, we must stop and refuel. For the Christian this fueling is accomplished by spending time in the WORD of GOD, prayer and meditation. So very often in scripture we hear of JESUS going off to a place by HIMself to pray. Unlike us, HE didn't have a Bible to take with HIM, for scripture in those days were massive scrolls and hard to transport. But HE spent HIS time in close communion with the FATHER. In prayer and meditation, HE sometimes spent the whole night reaching out and listening to the holy FATHER.
How often do we spend this kind of time with GOD? I'd say, it'd be a good guess to say, seldom! Most of our times in prayer are short lived, lasting but a few moments or if deeply troubled, lasting into minutes or maybe parts of an hour. Seldom, will you hear of those, that will spend an hour or more in prayer, let alone, the whole of the night or day. Now, I'm not saying we don't hear of those, that do stretch their prayer times into hours or even those that spend several hours a day, wrapped up in prayer. These though, aren't the normal and those that do practice this, are usually running major ministries. Is there a correlation between our time in prayer and the 'power' that is involved in our ministry. YES!!! JESUS spent the whole night in prayer, with the results of healing many and feeding thousands. Casting out demons, teaching masses of people or caring about the physical needs of thousands, is physically demanding, let alone spiritually. Even if you're not doing any of these, the normal draining of our spirits, that occurs from meeting life's demands, has the same effects on us. So let us go before the throne of GOD, drop to our knees or fall prostrate before it, and let our reverence, petitions and praises pour fourth. One thing to remember, also let us take time to listen and receive that which GOD has for us. For just like fueling up our cars, it doesn't do any good, if we let it run out onto the ground, it must go into our tanks(hearts)!!!.
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Friday, April 30, 2010
5-01-10_Luke 7:11-13_Don't cry (a re post)
Praise the LORD!!!
It is good to have another day to bring glory to the precious name of JESUS and to share in the study of HIS WORD!!! What a shame I have to re post something, instead of supplying fresh manna to my readers!!! In the LORD's time though, in the LORD's time!!!
Here we see a suffering widow, having lost her only son, a sad condition even for today. There would be no one to carry on the family name or inheritance. Compassion for her filled our SAVIOR's heart and HE said but two simple WORDS, "Don't cry." At many times in life we fight with lesser problems and we allow them to overwhelm us. Breaking us down to our very foundations, where we cry out to GOD for relief. How much more grief would we be suffering, if it were us in this woman's shoes? Seeing the hopes of all the years, being carried out to be buried?
As usual though, the LORD hasn't left me with just this view of this occurrence. We often treat most of our problems in this very same manor. Crying over things that we should realize are all within the ample hands of the LORD. They're all covered somewhere along the lines of scripture, within HIS promises to us as believers. So why do we cry about all these little things, when we hear HIM telling us, "Don't cry," over these little problems? Is it because our faith is so insignificant in comparison to our problems? Or is it because they're so much larger then our LORD? Truly I hope none of you have answered yes to either of these questions. For if you did, you had better re-examine your beliefs and just how you envision the LORD!
It is usually because we have a large lapse in memory and don't remember all the great works the LORD has done within our lives. Our current problems seem to loom so large in our sight, that we envision them to be humongous mountains that can never be overcome. We have lost sight of HE that created all of the universe with but a few simple WORDS, "Let there be."? Here we are cowering on the ground, whimpering like fools about our tremendous difficulties and we call JESUS our LORD and SAVIOR!!! Think long and hard about this. The GOD of all the universe has take up residence within us. HE has made many, many promises, of which HE can't break the simplest of them without being in violation of HIS very nature. HE is all knowing, can be in every place in the universe at the same time and can keep even a single sparrow from falling to the ground without HIS allowing it!!! So what do we really have to cry about?
We are told to pray and ask the LORD for our needs and desires and we're also told that HE already knows them! We should, instead of crying out over them, simply state the problems before HIM, thank HIM for hearing our request and for answering them according to HIS will and not ours. No tears, no jump in our blood pressure, just a simple request, short and sweet. So the next time all of hell seems to be knocking at your door and tons of weight is hanging from your shoulders, remember these two simple words, "Don't cry!!!"
Please don't take me the wrong way on that which I'm led to write. I myself, for years and at times still do have such problems in my walk with the LORD! Being a human and weak by nature, we all can forget who it is that we place our reliance upon and exactly how great HE truly is!!! These are learning lessons, not thrashings for doing wrong. Take them and savor them, look deep into their lines and LORD willing, we will a someday hear HIM say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done!!!'
Other verses of interest: Matt. 4:23,24; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 4:40,41, 13:10-13; John 11:1-44
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
It is good to have another day to bring glory to the precious name of JESUS and to share in the study of HIS WORD!!! What a shame I have to re post something, instead of supplying fresh manna to my readers!!! In the LORD's time though, in the LORD's time!!!
Luke 7:11-13
"Soon afterward, JESUS went to a town called Nain, and HIS disciples and a large crowd went along with HIM. As HE approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out- the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her, HIS heart went out to her and HE said, "Don't cry."Here we see a suffering widow, having lost her only son, a sad condition even for today. There would be no one to carry on the family name or inheritance. Compassion for her filled our SAVIOR's heart and HE said but two simple WORDS, "Don't cry." At many times in life we fight with lesser problems and we allow them to overwhelm us. Breaking us down to our very foundations, where we cry out to GOD for relief. How much more grief would we be suffering, if it were us in this woman's shoes? Seeing the hopes of all the years, being carried out to be buried?
As usual though, the LORD hasn't left me with just this view of this occurrence. We often treat most of our problems in this very same manor. Crying over things that we should realize are all within the ample hands of the LORD. They're all covered somewhere along the lines of scripture, within HIS promises to us as believers. So why do we cry about all these little things, when we hear HIM telling us, "Don't cry," over these little problems? Is it because our faith is so insignificant in comparison to our problems? Or is it because they're so much larger then our LORD? Truly I hope none of you have answered yes to either of these questions. For if you did, you had better re-examine your beliefs and just how you envision the LORD!
It is usually because we have a large lapse in memory and don't remember all the great works the LORD has done within our lives. Our current problems seem to loom so large in our sight, that we envision them to be humongous mountains that can never be overcome. We have lost sight of HE that created all of the universe with but a few simple WORDS, "Let there be."? Here we are cowering on the ground, whimpering like fools about our tremendous difficulties and we call JESUS our LORD and SAVIOR!!! Think long and hard about this. The GOD of all the universe has take up residence within us. HE has made many, many promises, of which HE can't break the simplest of them without being in violation of HIS very nature. HE is all knowing, can be in every place in the universe at the same time and can keep even a single sparrow from falling to the ground without HIS allowing it!!! So what do we really have to cry about?
We are told to pray and ask the LORD for our needs and desires and we're also told that HE already knows them! We should, instead of crying out over them, simply state the problems before HIM, thank HIM for hearing our request and for answering them according to HIS will and not ours. No tears, no jump in our blood pressure, just a simple request, short and sweet. So the next time all of hell seems to be knocking at your door and tons of weight is hanging from your shoulders, remember these two simple words, "Don't cry!!!"
Please don't take me the wrong way on that which I'm led to write. I myself, for years and at times still do have such problems in my walk with the LORD! Being a human and weak by nature, we all can forget who it is that we place our reliance upon and exactly how great HE truly is!!! These are learning lessons, not thrashings for doing wrong. Take them and savor them, look deep into their lines and LORD willing, we will a someday hear HIM say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done!!!'
Other verses of interest: Matt. 4:23,24; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 4:40,41, 13:10-13; John 11:1-44
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
Thursday, April 15, 2010
4.16.10_James 2:15,16_Outreach
Praise the LORD!!!
James 2:15,16
15 "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (KJV)
Though this installment came about in a differing way then usual, it is one that I've learned to follow. Many times while I'm doing something, I'll have something deeply impressed upon my being. Whether by a vocal source, vision, or just an impression, there is no mistaking their source, for it is of GOD and bears directly upon scripture as a source and fulfillment. I was going about searching for information pertaining to a job I'm arranging for the ministry and during this was led to go to my Bible program. I then typed in what I was lead to and this verse came up and the LORD began to expound it to me. So as usual, you'll be getting the results of the LORD's leading and teaching me or whatever HE plans for it.
Many times when we do works for the LORD, we'll be taking care of other people's lives in some manor. We'll be assisting them in some way, shape or form to better their lives and hopefully draw them closer to the LORD in the end. Our preforming works as a witness to the love of the LORD for others is basically what most call 'outreach.' The going outside of ourselves or our churches and reaching other people. Thus the familiar word, to most Christians that is, of outreach. Though this was termed under the heading of hospitality in earlier eras. The taking care of others, for the direct purpose of bringing them into a saving knowledge of CHRIST and HIS love for them. Or even before CHRIST, hospitality was a very central aspect of the Hebrew lifestyle and a major way of showing GOD's love for mankind to all others, even those outside of their religion.
We all know, or we should, that as Christians it is our job to reach out to all those around us and provide a helping hand when needed! We see this happening whenever there is a major disaster or emergency anywhere around the world. Just as with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile as of the last several months. There would of been a major outcry if people would of mentioned the fact that they had prayed for these people and that was all that was needed, for GOD would take care of the rest of their problems. You can bet that if something like this had been done by any nation, religious group, or non profit, that there would be a media blitz that would of buried them. Any group that would of done something like this would cease to exist.
But there is a major problem in this world of ours. That is the fact that if it isn't a major news worthy topic, such as these earthquakes, and doesn't break headline news, this practice would be accepted and basically go unnoticed by almost everyone. Now notice, I said almost here and this is the biggest problem for those that want to practice this method. GOD has seen it and I can pretty well say that HE'd not be to happy with those doing such! Most people would agree with this. It is something that is totally outside of the Christian realm of operations, well, at least is supposed to be. This is the problem and it seems to be a major one at that, or I don't think I'd be writing about it in the first place!
How many times have any of us heard of a tragic event and told the person that we would pray for them over the matter. Now how many times did we pray and then leave it at that? This is where the problem is. Too often, when we can do something, even if it's to the slightest degree, we don't. We pray and place the matter in the LORD's hands and that is that, when there is so much more that we can do about it. Now I said "so much more" and in a way even doing the littlest amount that we can, is "much" more then just putting our prayers into action. It seems like the Christian world has become complacent to be but prayer warriors on their knees and not warriors with hands that get a little dirty now and then. I hate to tell of all the times that while I was on the gulf coast, that I saw Christian groups start out with prayer, which is a must, do a little work and then pack up and leave. I've seen Christians standing by and watch, as another man strain and struggle with something, while they're a distance off just watching it. Never going over to assist.
Now I myself have been witness to this firsthand, myself being the straining man. When I first started the ministry, I sent out pleas for assistance of any kind, and yes this is still happening, and I only had one ministry respond by any way other then that of offering their prayers. Now, I'm going to tell you that I didn't plan on this getting to this point, but the LORD wants it uncovered. Like with my first walk from Ohio to Texas and the results of it, so to this continues to this day. I've had people say they're going to assist the ministry, yet nothings been done to date. I've had thousands of prayers sent heaven ward, yet not one person has listened to that still quiet voice inside and put motion into action! I can accept this, I really don't care if the ministry ever does anything greater then the works of my own hands. Because I know that I'm doing as led by the LORD, I'm being obedient and this means that I'm in right standings with GOD! If all this ministry ever does, is show that the faith of others is weak and worthless to the LORD, so be it, because this will of been HIS will for it. But I can't imagine HIM doing this though, but anything is possible with GOD, I've come to find this out. GOD has invested hundreds of miracles in my life and to use them all to show that which is lacking within the hearts of so many, doesn't seem feasible to me. GOD usually doesn't expend that much time in a person to use them only to minor purposes. All I can say though is, "may HIS will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!!!"
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog, "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
James 2:15,16
15 "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (KJV)
Though this installment came about in a differing way then usual, it is one that I've learned to follow. Many times while I'm doing something, I'll have something deeply impressed upon my being. Whether by a vocal source, vision, or just an impression, there is no mistaking their source, for it is of GOD and bears directly upon scripture as a source and fulfillment. I was going about searching for information pertaining to a job I'm arranging for the ministry and during this was led to go to my Bible program. I then typed in what I was lead to and this verse came up and the LORD began to expound it to me. So as usual, you'll be getting the results of the LORD's leading and teaching me or whatever HE plans for it.
Many times when we do works for the LORD, we'll be taking care of other people's lives in some manor. We'll be assisting them in some way, shape or form to better their lives and hopefully draw them closer to the LORD in the end. Our preforming works as a witness to the love of the LORD for others is basically what most call 'outreach.' The going outside of ourselves or our churches and reaching other people. Thus the familiar word, to most Christians that is, of outreach. Though this was termed under the heading of hospitality in earlier eras. The taking care of others, for the direct purpose of bringing them into a saving knowledge of CHRIST and HIS love for them. Or even before CHRIST, hospitality was a very central aspect of the Hebrew lifestyle and a major way of showing GOD's love for mankind to all others, even those outside of their religion.
We all know, or we should, that as Christians it is our job to reach out to all those around us and provide a helping hand when needed! We see this happening whenever there is a major disaster or emergency anywhere around the world. Just as with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile as of the last several months. There would of been a major outcry if people would of mentioned the fact that they had prayed for these people and that was all that was needed, for GOD would take care of the rest of their problems. You can bet that if something like this had been done by any nation, religious group, or non profit, that there would be a media blitz that would of buried them. Any group that would of done something like this would cease to exist.
But there is a major problem in this world of ours. That is the fact that if it isn't a major news worthy topic, such as these earthquakes, and doesn't break headline news, this practice would be accepted and basically go unnoticed by almost everyone. Now notice, I said almost here and this is the biggest problem for those that want to practice this method. GOD has seen it and I can pretty well say that HE'd not be to happy with those doing such! Most people would agree with this. It is something that is totally outside of the Christian realm of operations, well, at least is supposed to be. This is the problem and it seems to be a major one at that, or I don't think I'd be writing about it in the first place!
How many times have any of us heard of a tragic event and told the person that we would pray for them over the matter. Now how many times did we pray and then leave it at that? This is where the problem is. Too often, when we can do something, even if it's to the slightest degree, we don't. We pray and place the matter in the LORD's hands and that is that, when there is so much more that we can do about it. Now I said "so much more" and in a way even doing the littlest amount that we can, is "much" more then just putting our prayers into action. It seems like the Christian world has become complacent to be but prayer warriors on their knees and not warriors with hands that get a little dirty now and then. I hate to tell of all the times that while I was on the gulf coast, that I saw Christian groups start out with prayer, which is a must, do a little work and then pack up and leave. I've seen Christians standing by and watch, as another man strain and struggle with something, while they're a distance off just watching it. Never going over to assist.
Now I myself have been witness to this firsthand, myself being the straining man. When I first started the ministry, I sent out pleas for assistance of any kind, and yes this is still happening, and I only had one ministry respond by any way other then that of offering their prayers. Now, I'm going to tell you that I didn't plan on this getting to this point, but the LORD wants it uncovered. Like with my first walk from Ohio to Texas and the results of it, so to this continues to this day. I've had people say they're going to assist the ministry, yet nothings been done to date. I've had thousands of prayers sent heaven ward, yet not one person has listened to that still quiet voice inside and put motion into action! I can accept this, I really don't care if the ministry ever does anything greater then the works of my own hands. Because I know that I'm doing as led by the LORD, I'm being obedient and this means that I'm in right standings with GOD! If all this ministry ever does, is show that the faith of others is weak and worthless to the LORD, so be it, because this will of been HIS will for it. But I can't imagine HIM doing this though, but anything is possible with GOD, I've come to find this out. GOD has invested hundreds of miracles in my life and to use them all to show that which is lacking within the hearts of so many, doesn't seem feasible to me. GOD usually doesn't expend that much time in a person to use them only to minor purposes. All I can say though is, "may HIS will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!!!"
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog, "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
02.18.10_ 2 Cor. 1:11_Prayer
Praise the LORD!!!
Today, I had nothing laid upon my heart at first. I've been praying all day for the LORD to bless me with something. Then a short while ago, HE blessed me with answered prayer in more then one way. First the verse and then the second springs forth from it!
2 Cor. 1:11
11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
Our prayers are a very important part of our Christian walk. In them is our first line of communication with GOD. For it is here that HE lives and dwells as the everlasting WORD, in power and actions. We need not to pray only our words though, but HIS WORDS and promises back unto HIM. This is another reason for our reading the Bible.We gain our wisdom, knowledge and strength from remaining within its sacred pages. This is the greatest reason for reading and studying the Bible that there is. For it is truly our source of spiritual food, that which sustains us in our journey. Without it, we grow weak and vulnerable to all sorts of attacks from the adversary. We are warned that "he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."(1 Peter 5:8(NIV)) This is no under estimation either, our adversary is constantly looking for the weak and the lame(spiritually) to consume or place upon his trophy wall, like a lot of human hunters will do with a prime trophy. The longer one has been a Christian or the greater their being a source of trouble for his kingdom, the higher their position on his wall of shame.
In the last decade he had more prized trophies upon his wall then ever before, for he has acquired many a big name preacher or ministry leaders. Catching them in some form of temptation or public snare. I'll not name these, because I'll not add to his gloating over them. They, like all Christians, are human and do make mistakes, it is just that they had a more well known name then others that had committed the very same sins! CHRIST died no less for them them even the lowest of us and they're forgiven if they but ask.
The second advantage to our prayers, is the power that flows through them to preform the works of GOD here on earth. Peter was explaining how the prayers of the saints had moved within their walks and enabled them to continue on in the preaching of the GOSPEL. Paul also was known for thanking his fellow Christians for their prayers as well, for they had helped move many of the mountains that had marred his path in fulfilling the great commission. Even today the prayer of the saints help to move the mountains that have hindered the progression of spreading the GOSPEL. Many doors have been opened to allow mission trips or ministries to go out unto the world and preach. Many have been healed from sickness and disease. There is untold power in prayer and I really don't think we've but scratched the surface on exactly how much power there truly is.
Too many people think prayer is but a time to ask for their needs and the needs of others. An yes it is a key purpose of it, but not only that. It is the source of opening the doors of heaven to allow GOD to move in ways upon this earth and within peoples lives like never before able. I know most of you have someone in your prayers that is in need of salvation. Their whole life is a mess of constant sin and disobedience to GOD. Their lifestyle is hindering your prayers from working, but (and this is a big one), GOD has had the doorway opened, so HE can step in and move within this person's life like never before. Remember GOD won't force anyone to take HIS offer of salvation, but with the proper doorway into their lives he can and will move in ways we can only imagine. I've heard some awesome testimonies from people that had been praying for someone for years and had just about given up on the person. When they changed the manor of their prayers for the person and almost suddenly the transformation took place. Many times, by what can only be called the miraculous intervention by GOD.
This change that took place in their prayers wasn't that much of a chore to change. It was the simple use of GOD's WORD and promises, as written in scripture, prayed back to HIM. That's right, praying scripture back to GOD opened up a whole new strength to their prayers and not just in the out going prayers, but also their lives were changed through this also. Not just by them receiving things that they'd asked for, but through a deepening of relationship with GOD. Now I don't know about you, but I'm all for anything that will draw me closer in relationship with the CREATOR of the universe! Especially a way so simple to undertake as this one. It beats fasting all to death, though fasting is a very important way to increase our relational standing before GOD!
Now how would one go about this change? Let's say you have a friend that is in need of being saved. Instead of just asking for their salvation, you would pray John 3:16,or Rom. 10:9 or any of the "Roman Road" verses mixed in with your very own words. In the doing of this you're showing GOD that you believe that which HE's promised and counting on HIS fulfilling that which HE said. This is all it takes to change the power that your prayers have to make greater changes in the world. But this does come with the price of your having to read and study the WORD of GOD more intently and prayerfully. Prayerfully, because you should always account GOD into your Bible and devotional time, for it is HE that moves among them to both change us and those that we pray for.
There is one last bit that I want to give you, something that has dramatically improved my prayer life and my walk as a Christian. That is praying as if already having received the answered prayer. You might think this is jumping the gun a bit, but its not. For we're told in scripture to do this exact thing when we pray(Mark 11:24). This one step has made a greater difference in my life then most any other and one I'll continue till my dieing breath!!!
Now, I said that there was a second part to this answered prayer and there is. Today I have another member of VCM. She lives a good distance away, but she has asked to come on board as a member of the ministry within the prayer team and any other way she can assist. This is a great relief, and answer to an ongoing prayer.Prayers don't always get answered immediately, sometimes they take a while and sometimes even a great while, but they do get answered!!!
Some other verses to ponder: The "Roman Road" verses (in order) Rom. 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13; Acts 10:20-24; Matt. 21:18-22; Eph. 1:15-23; 1 Tim 1:3-7
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
All my verses used in writing are from the NIV, being that it is the only Bible I currently own!!! Then again I may still have fifteen in Ohio, if they haven't been sold, burned or trashed.
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, I had nothing laid upon my heart at first. I've been praying all day for the LORD to bless me with something. Then a short while ago, HE blessed me with answered prayer in more then one way. First the verse and then the second springs forth from it!
2 Cor. 1:11
11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
Our prayers are a very important part of our Christian walk. In them is our first line of communication with GOD. For it is here that HE lives and dwells as the everlasting WORD, in power and actions. We need not to pray only our words though, but HIS WORDS and promises back unto HIM. This is another reason for our reading the Bible.We gain our wisdom, knowledge and strength from remaining within its sacred pages. This is the greatest reason for reading and studying the Bible that there is. For it is truly our source of spiritual food, that which sustains us in our journey. Without it, we grow weak and vulnerable to all sorts of attacks from the adversary. We are warned that "he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."(1 Peter 5:8(NIV)) This is no under estimation either, our adversary is constantly looking for the weak and the lame(spiritually) to consume or place upon his trophy wall, like a lot of human hunters will do with a prime trophy. The longer one has been a Christian or the greater their being a source of trouble for his kingdom, the higher their position on his wall of shame.
In the last decade he had more prized trophies upon his wall then ever before, for he has acquired many a big name preacher or ministry leaders. Catching them in some form of temptation or public snare. I'll not name these, because I'll not add to his gloating over them. They, like all Christians, are human and do make mistakes, it is just that they had a more well known name then others that had committed the very same sins! CHRIST died no less for them them even the lowest of us and they're forgiven if they but ask.
The second advantage to our prayers, is the power that flows through them to preform the works of GOD here on earth. Peter was explaining how the prayers of the saints had moved within their walks and enabled them to continue on in the preaching of the GOSPEL. Paul also was known for thanking his fellow Christians for their prayers as well, for they had helped move many of the mountains that had marred his path in fulfilling the great commission. Even today the prayer of the saints help to move the mountains that have hindered the progression of spreading the GOSPEL. Many doors have been opened to allow mission trips or ministries to go out unto the world and preach. Many have been healed from sickness and disease. There is untold power in prayer and I really don't think we've but scratched the surface on exactly how much power there truly is.
Too many people think prayer is but a time to ask for their needs and the needs of others. An yes it is a key purpose of it, but not only that. It is the source of opening the doors of heaven to allow GOD to move in ways upon this earth and within peoples lives like never before able. I know most of you have someone in your prayers that is in need of salvation. Their whole life is a mess of constant sin and disobedience to GOD. Their lifestyle is hindering your prayers from working, but (and this is a big one), GOD has had the doorway opened, so HE can step in and move within this person's life like never before. Remember GOD won't force anyone to take HIS offer of salvation, but with the proper doorway into their lives he can and will move in ways we can only imagine. I've heard some awesome testimonies from people that had been praying for someone for years and had just about given up on the person. When they changed the manor of their prayers for the person and almost suddenly the transformation took place. Many times, by what can only be called the miraculous intervention by GOD.
This change that took place in their prayers wasn't that much of a chore to change. It was the simple use of GOD's WORD and promises, as written in scripture, prayed back to HIM. That's right, praying scripture back to GOD opened up a whole new strength to their prayers and not just in the out going prayers, but also their lives were changed through this also. Not just by them receiving things that they'd asked for, but through a deepening of relationship with GOD. Now I don't know about you, but I'm all for anything that will draw me closer in relationship with the CREATOR of the universe! Especially a way so simple to undertake as this one. It beats fasting all to death, though fasting is a very important way to increase our relational standing before GOD!
Now how would one go about this change? Let's say you have a friend that is in need of being saved. Instead of just asking for their salvation, you would pray John 3:16,or Rom. 10:9 or any of the "Roman Road" verses mixed in with your very own words. In the doing of this you're showing GOD that you believe that which HE's promised and counting on HIS fulfilling that which HE said. This is all it takes to change the power that your prayers have to make greater changes in the world. But this does come with the price of your having to read and study the WORD of GOD more intently and prayerfully. Prayerfully, because you should always account GOD into your Bible and devotional time, for it is HE that moves among them to both change us and those that we pray for.
There is one last bit that I want to give you, something that has dramatically improved my prayer life and my walk as a Christian. That is praying as if already having received the answered prayer. You might think this is jumping the gun a bit, but its not. For we're told in scripture to do this exact thing when we pray(Mark 11:24). This one step has made a greater difference in my life then most any other and one I'll continue till my dieing breath!!!
Now, I said that there was a second part to this answered prayer and there is. Today I have another member of VCM. She lives a good distance away, but she has asked to come on board as a member of the ministry within the prayer team and any other way she can assist. This is a great relief, and answer to an ongoing prayer.Prayers don't always get answered immediately, sometimes they take a while and sometimes even a great while, but they do get answered!!!
Some other verses to ponder: The "Roman Road" verses (in order) Rom. 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13; Acts 10:20-24; Matt. 21:18-22; Eph. 1:15-23; 1 Tim 1:3-7
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
All my verses used in writing are from the NIV, being that it is the only Bible I currently own!!! Then again I may still have fifteen in Ohio, if they haven't been sold, burned or trashed.
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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