Miracles of JESUS
________
The Healing Miracles
________
Man with Leprosy: Matt. 8:2-4 Mark 1:40-42 Luke 5:12-13
Roman centurion's servant Matt. 8:5-13 Luke 7:1-10
Peter's mother-in-law Matt. 8:14-15 Mark 1:30-31 Luke 4:38-39
Two men from Gadara Matt. 8:28-34 Mark 5:1-15 Luke 8:27-35
Paralyzed man Matt. 9:2-7 Mark 2:3-12 Luke 5:18-25
Woman with bleeding Matt. 9:20-22 Mark 5:25-29 Luke 8:43-48
Two blind men Matt. 9:27-31
Mute, demon possessed man Matt. 9:32-33
Man with shriveled hand Matt. 12:10-13 Mark 3:1-5 Luke 6:6-10
Blind, mute, demon-possessed man Matt. 12:22 Luke 11:14
Canaanite woman's daughter Matt. 15:21-28 Mark 7:24-30
Boy with a demon Matt. 17:14-18 Mark 9:17-29 Luke 9:38-43
Two blind men(including Bartimaeus) Matt. 20:29-34 Mark 10:46-52 Luke 18:35-43
Deaf mute Mark 7:31-37
Possessed man in synagogue Mark 1:23-26 Luke 4:33-35
Blind man at Bethsaida Mark 8:22-26
Crippled woman Luke 13:11-13
Man with dropsy Luke 14:1-4
Ten men with leprosy Luke 17:11-19
The high priest's servant Luke 22:50-51
Official's son at Capernaum John 4:46-54
Sick man at pool of Bethesda John 5:1-9
Man born blind John 9:1-7
Miracles Showing Power over Nature
__________
Calming the storm Matt. 8:23-27 Mark 4:37-41 Luke 8:22-25
Walking on the water Matt. 14:25 Mark 6:48-51 John 6:19-21
Feeding of the 5,000 Matt. 14:15-21 Mark 6:35-44 Luke 9:12-17 John 6:6-13
Feeding of the 4,000 Matt 15:3-38 Mark 8:1-9
Coin in fish Matt. 17:24-27
Fig tree withered Matt. 21:18-22 Mark 11:12-14, 20-25
Large catch of fish Luke 5:4-11
Water turned to wine John 2:1-11
Another large catch of fish John 21:1-11
Miracles of Raising the Dead
__________
Jairus's daughter Matt. 9:18-19, 23-25 Mark 5:22-24, 38-42 Luke 8:41-42, 49-56
Widow's son at Nain Luke 7:11-15
Lazarus John 11:1-44
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Showing posts with label troubles and problem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label troubles and problem. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Monday, March 8, 2010
3.09.10_Acts 14:22_Hardships
Praise the LORD!!!
Thanks for stopping in and I pray GOD is richly blessing you this day!!! This is something that a large number of Christians have been led to believe, that it doesn't exist for us. This has come about from false teachings within the churches today. Let's take a look at it.
Acts 14:22
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,”
Here the author is leading us to see that we as Christians, will face hardships within our walks with the LORD! It couldn't of been stated any clearer either. "We must," is very clear in it's intents to convey the fact that as Christians we will face times of troubles within our live.
To many have grown up believing that as Christians their lives are going to trouble free. Walking with CHRIST on a straight and level path without any obstacles or hindrances in their way. Where this idea truly came from is a mystery, for I've found it no where within scripture, no where! What has been promised, is that in no matter what kind of troubles we find ourselves, the LORD will be there with us, to help shoulder our problems(Matt. 11:28-30). Not, that we're not going to have problems, but that HE will help us to face them and carry us through them in a way that HE deems fit. In my fifteen years of being a Christian I've faced, shall we say, a few problems, and never once have they just miraculously gone away. Even though my heart problems were healed, they didn't just disappear. Five major heart problems just don't vanish into thin air. Though I was miraculously healed, there were things that I did within my life that brought about the positioning for GOD to receive the glory and hence the miracle was brought into reality.
These things that I did, were truly just my listening to the LORD's leadership and guidance, nothing of my own powers, except that I spoke them. I was led to the verse that says GOD has given me a new heart(Ezekiel. 36:26) and stood strongly upon this as a fact. In other words I claimed it as fact and not just something written in the Bible. I then was led to proclaim this to all that told me other wise, doctors, inmates(this was when I was in prison), and even staff members. No matter what anyone said, no matter what proof they showed me, I continued to stand firmly grasping this as fact. This was in early 97 and I've yet even had one negative sign that GOD hasn't completely given me a new heart. Praise the LORD!!!
Many of us are going through some very rough times right now, due to the conditions of the world's economies. Many are facing lose of house and homes, great financial burdens of other sorts, health problems which run the gambit from minor to major. I'm telling you that somewhere within the pages of scripture, there are verses that will cover your burden. You must seek them out, study them, cross reference them( doing so prayerfully, thus allowing the LORD to guide you) and then lay a hold of them with all your might. As usual, there will be those that say this is a false teaching. Well let me tell you something, if you had personally had a miracle take place through a practice such as this, would not you believe with all your heart that it is the truth? One of these days when I have the money, I'm going to get all the documentation from the BOP(Bureau of Prisons) and will be able to have physical proof of what happened. For there are records of over a half million dollars worth of test and procedures that were done and all that the doctors had written, all held in the BOP records of my incarceration. Then no one will be able to refute the facts!!! Sorry I got a little side track here and I hope you can see why!
We are told in scripture, that we face nothing that is uncommon to man(1 Cor. 10:13) within our lives. We're also told that nothing that we face daily, hasn't been faced by CHRIST HIMSELF. You may say that HE didn't have many of today's luxuries to worry about losing. Which is true, but HE did have the basics for all of them within HIS life. For we humans have only so many needs to survive, though many may disagree because they cover themselves in things not needed, and JESUS witnessed to all of these in HIS life. Lack of food, clothing, shelter, loneliness, depression, yes JESUS, suffered all of these. You may be wondering, when did JESUS suffer depression. What do you think HE was feeling when HE stated this, “Eloi, Eloi,a lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”b(Matt. 27:46)NIV)? JESUS was here feeling the likeness of depression, HE felt alone and without any means of rescue from HIS distress, thus depression. So those that are feeling depressed, there is a means of receiving a cure through the Bible, and you need to seek it.
I only write these devotionals, because I'm led by the LORD to do so. I receive nothing from them except the time to reflect upon that which HE has led me to write. These are as much a personal learning tool as they are something for others to learn from. Because I'm far from any "super saint." My walk is far from perfect. But it is, that I'm doing that which the LORD has led me too and that alone brings joy into my life. I'm suffering day to day like most people. I'm having financial problems like most, along with health problems as well. One thing is certain though, I know that the LORD didn't promise me a "rose garden" here on earth, that I'll be facing trials and tribulations daily, but only until that day that I join HIM in the sky. This is a day that I truly look forward to and I do my best to listen to HIS leading and lay aside all that is of this world, to continue daily to seek HIM and serve HIM to the best of my ability. I pray that all that are reading these post, will one day also be able to make this same claim!!!
Other verses to reference: Heb. 2:18; 2 Cor. 1:3-6; Phil.3:10; 1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:7-11, 3:13-17; Gal. 3:4,5; 1 John 5:1-5
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Thanks for stopping in and I pray GOD is richly blessing you this day!!! This is something that a large number of Christians have been led to believe, that it doesn't exist for us. This has come about from false teachings within the churches today. Let's take a look at it.
Acts 14:22
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,”
Here the author is leading us to see that we as Christians, will face hardships within our walks with the LORD! It couldn't of been stated any clearer either. "We must," is very clear in it's intents to convey the fact that as Christians we will face times of troubles within our live.
To many have grown up believing that as Christians their lives are going to trouble free. Walking with CHRIST on a straight and level path without any obstacles or hindrances in their way. Where this idea truly came from is a mystery, for I've found it no where within scripture, no where! What has been promised, is that in no matter what kind of troubles we find ourselves, the LORD will be there with us, to help shoulder our problems(Matt. 11:28-30). Not, that we're not going to have problems, but that HE will help us to face them and carry us through them in a way that HE deems fit. In my fifteen years of being a Christian I've faced, shall we say, a few problems, and never once have they just miraculously gone away. Even though my heart problems were healed, they didn't just disappear. Five major heart problems just don't vanish into thin air. Though I was miraculously healed, there were things that I did within my life that brought about the positioning for GOD to receive the glory and hence the miracle was brought into reality.
These things that I did, were truly just my listening to the LORD's leadership and guidance, nothing of my own powers, except that I spoke them. I was led to the verse that says GOD has given me a new heart(Ezekiel. 36:26) and stood strongly upon this as a fact. In other words I claimed it as fact and not just something written in the Bible. I then was led to proclaim this to all that told me other wise, doctors, inmates(this was when I was in prison), and even staff members. No matter what anyone said, no matter what proof they showed me, I continued to stand firmly grasping this as fact. This was in early 97 and I've yet even had one negative sign that GOD hasn't completely given me a new heart. Praise the LORD!!!
Many of us are going through some very rough times right now, due to the conditions of the world's economies. Many are facing lose of house and homes, great financial burdens of other sorts, health problems which run the gambit from minor to major. I'm telling you that somewhere within the pages of scripture, there are verses that will cover your burden. You must seek them out, study them, cross reference them( doing so prayerfully, thus allowing the LORD to guide you) and then lay a hold of them with all your might. As usual, there will be those that say this is a false teaching. Well let me tell you something, if you had personally had a miracle take place through a practice such as this, would not you believe with all your heart that it is the truth? One of these days when I have the money, I'm going to get all the documentation from the BOP(Bureau of Prisons) and will be able to have physical proof of what happened. For there are records of over a half million dollars worth of test and procedures that were done and all that the doctors had written, all held in the BOP records of my incarceration. Then no one will be able to refute the facts!!! Sorry I got a little side track here and I hope you can see why!
We are told in scripture, that we face nothing that is uncommon to man(1 Cor. 10:13) within our lives. We're also told that nothing that we face daily, hasn't been faced by CHRIST HIMSELF. You may say that HE didn't have many of today's luxuries to worry about losing. Which is true, but HE did have the basics for all of them within HIS life. For we humans have only so many needs to survive, though many may disagree because they cover themselves in things not needed, and JESUS witnessed to all of these in HIS life. Lack of food, clothing, shelter, loneliness, depression, yes JESUS, suffered all of these. You may be wondering, when did JESUS suffer depression. What do you think HE was feeling when HE stated this, “Eloi, Eloi,a lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”b(Matt. 27:46)NIV)? JESUS was here feeling the likeness of depression, HE felt alone and without any means of rescue from HIS distress, thus depression. So those that are feeling depressed, there is a means of receiving a cure through the Bible, and you need to seek it.
I only write these devotionals, because I'm led by the LORD to do so. I receive nothing from them except the time to reflect upon that which HE has led me to write. These are as much a personal learning tool as they are something for others to learn from. Because I'm far from any "super saint." My walk is far from perfect. But it is, that I'm doing that which the LORD has led me too and that alone brings joy into my life. I'm suffering day to day like most people. I'm having financial problems like most, along with health problems as well. One thing is certain though, I know that the LORD didn't promise me a "rose garden" here on earth, that I'll be facing trials and tribulations daily, but only until that day that I join HIM in the sky. This is a day that I truly look forward to and I do my best to listen to HIS leading and lay aside all that is of this world, to continue daily to seek HIM and serve HIM to the best of my ability. I pray that all that are reading these post, will one day also be able to make this same claim!!!
Other verses to reference: Heb. 2:18; 2 Cor. 1:3-6; Phil.3:10; 1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:7-11, 3:13-17; Gal. 3:4,5; 1 John 5:1-5
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2.25.10_ 2 Cor. 4:16-18_Troubles
Praise the LORD!!!
Today's topic is something all of us are familiar with, troubles. Whether those that are of our own making or those that happen to fall upon us, either way we look at them they are still a burden within our lives.
2 Cor. 14:16-18
"16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
For much of our lives, even before we were found by CHRIST, we have been accustom to having troubles within our lives. They're a generally accepted part of life as we know it. It doesn't matter their source, they all present us with problems in our day to day living. Some may be minor or others of great concern, they all present us with choices to make and then we have to live with the results there of. Troubles come in all forms, those that can quickly be taken care of with minor effort and those that take a lot of tough thinking and maybe even numerous responses to take care of.
No matter what the trouble or it's size we're told in this scripture not to lose heart. In other words, don't worry about it. Don't let this take your focus off of where it should be. Now this is truly a very hard stance to take, especially if one has lived a good portion of their life as a non believer, not knowing the power and promises of GOD. Yet today, even many long time Christians still suffer with sweating the problems of life. This is due to the fact that we allow the problems to cloud our vision, keeping us from clearly focusing on HE that has promised to carry our burdens for us(Matt. 11:28).
Our verses for today then goes on to reflect upon the state that we feel we are in, and in pretty graphic details. We feel as if our problems have completely wasted us away, to the point of death itself. So heavily burdened are we that we can see no way out from underneath them. So overwhelming are they that we see no possible means to deal with them. Yet GOD has promised us that HE will always supply us with a manor of escape(1 Cor. 10:13), no matter what has befallen us.
Now so far I've given two conditions that we see ourselves in and two ways GOD has promised to give us a way out from under them. Yet we can still be having problems with them because our eyes have remained focused on them and not GOD WORD for us or HIS promises to us. Our verses then go on to give us another method of dealing with these troubles. By realizing that they are but of this world and we truly only exist here for a short time and then we're living life eternal. Our problems, no matter how difficult to handle here, are nothing in comparison to the eternal glory that we look forward to in heaven with our GOD. Also the fact that while here dealing with our problems we're building up for us in heaven rewards, rewards that totally are more glorious then anything that we've faced upon earth can even compare to.
With all this said, what are we to do when faced with the troubles of life? First off, we're not to look at them as if they're overwhelming and impossible to handle. Second, that there is no possible way for us to resolve them or be removed from them. Third, and this is truly the best of them, that no matter what, or how terrible, or long lasting our troubles are, they are nothing at all compared to that which we have to look forward to in heaven when we join the LORD there. So the next time troubles come your way, what are you going to do? Will you focus on them and the impending doom that there bear upon your shoulders or will you look up to the LORD and say thank YOU LORD for giving the means to handle all that has come my way and for all that YOU'll have waiting for me when I join YOU, in our heavenly home? Personally, I'm going with the second way!!!
Other verses for study: Psalms 144:1-15; Proverbs 27:1-27; Mark 14:32-42; 2 Tim. 3:10-17
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Today's topic is something all of us are familiar with, troubles. Whether those that are of our own making or those that happen to fall upon us, either way we look at them they are still a burden within our lives.
2 Cor. 14:16-18
"16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
For much of our lives, even before we were found by CHRIST, we have been accustom to having troubles within our lives. They're a generally accepted part of life as we know it. It doesn't matter their source, they all present us with problems in our day to day living. Some may be minor or others of great concern, they all present us with choices to make and then we have to live with the results there of. Troubles come in all forms, those that can quickly be taken care of with minor effort and those that take a lot of tough thinking and maybe even numerous responses to take care of.
No matter what the trouble or it's size we're told in this scripture not to lose heart. In other words, don't worry about it. Don't let this take your focus off of where it should be. Now this is truly a very hard stance to take, especially if one has lived a good portion of their life as a non believer, not knowing the power and promises of GOD. Yet today, even many long time Christians still suffer with sweating the problems of life. This is due to the fact that we allow the problems to cloud our vision, keeping us from clearly focusing on HE that has promised to carry our burdens for us(Matt. 11:28).
Our verses for today then goes on to reflect upon the state that we feel we are in, and in pretty graphic details. We feel as if our problems have completely wasted us away, to the point of death itself. So heavily burdened are we that we can see no way out from underneath them. So overwhelming are they that we see no possible means to deal with them. Yet GOD has promised us that HE will always supply us with a manor of escape(1 Cor. 10:13), no matter what has befallen us.
Now so far I've given two conditions that we see ourselves in and two ways GOD has promised to give us a way out from under them. Yet we can still be having problems with them because our eyes have remained focused on them and not GOD WORD for us or HIS promises to us. Our verses then go on to give us another method of dealing with these troubles. By realizing that they are but of this world and we truly only exist here for a short time and then we're living life eternal. Our problems, no matter how difficult to handle here, are nothing in comparison to the eternal glory that we look forward to in heaven with our GOD. Also the fact that while here dealing with our problems we're building up for us in heaven rewards, rewards that totally are more glorious then anything that we've faced upon earth can even compare to.
With all this said, what are we to do when faced with the troubles of life? First off, we're not to look at them as if they're overwhelming and impossible to handle. Second, that there is no possible way for us to resolve them or be removed from them. Third, and this is truly the best of them, that no matter what, or how terrible, or long lasting our troubles are, they are nothing at all compared to that which we have to look forward to in heaven when we join the LORD there. So the next time troubles come your way, what are you going to do? Will you focus on them and the impending doom that there bear upon your shoulders or will you look up to the LORD and say thank YOU LORD for giving the means to handle all that has come my way and for all that YOU'll have waiting for me when I join YOU, in our heavenly home? Personally, I'm going with the second way!!!
Other verses for study: Psalms 144:1-15; Proverbs 27:1-27; Mark 14:32-42; 2 Tim. 3:10-17
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
05-10-10_Phil. 4:11,12_Contentment (re post)
Praise the LORD!!!
***This is a re post, and a few things have been changed and enlisted in parenthesis as to allow for the original thought to remain intact and current changes to be brought to light(I didn't want anyone to think it was 45 degrees in south Texas in May:))) .)***
It is a beautiful day here in south Texas. Our high temp. for the day has been 45(89) degrees. Believe me, I'd love to see that doubled, because the cold really gets to me since I'm becoming 'ancient.':) Though I'm not really that old, 54(55), I've had friends tell me that I had JESUS sign my yearbook and HE was an under classman. Got to love friends though, they mean it in a loving manor.
Philippians 4:11,12
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
I am being blessed to be hosted by a awesome Christian couple. They have provided my needs for the last four(six) plus months and not mentioned anything about payment. This isn't an older couple either, mid thirties, with a son just off to collage. I've been growing weary of being a burden to them and have been praying for the LORD to provide the means for me to get into a place of my own. This morning in devotional time HE laid this one me.
We are to be content in all our circumstances, no matter what they are. Doing our best to constantly be about our work for the KINGDOM of GOD. Whether it is living in a nice house or homeless, we should count it all as a blessing and continue to be about HIS works for us. Many times we allow our current surroundings to dictate our moods. Whether we're happy or sad being dependent upon how our life is currently going. This is wrong in many ways for the Christian and one of the hardest practices to overcome.
Many times I've heard someone make the statement "that I don't pray for myself, because GOD has better things to spend HIS time on." Talk about having a small GOD! At other times its been the complete opposite, where their prayers are nothing but about themselves and all that they need GOD to do for them. Two great extremes and neither one even close to the 'secret' that Paul was talking about here. Now I've got to say, my GOD is definitely not to small to handle my minor(or major) problems. For HE is the one that created the universes and still has enough time to care about a single sparrow falling to the ground. My prayers are also far from being centered on my own being and all of those things that I personally would like to have. Those that know me can attest to this. I spend a great amount of my time in prayer for others and professing the greatness of our creator and HIS great love for all of mankind.
Why then has HE impressed me to study and write this. Because, I was forgetting that HE is totally in control and that every second of my day is formed by HIM. HE has set all things into motion and controls the opening and closing of every single door and pathway in the universe. These happenings are just as HE wills them to be and not one minute occurrence is out of place. If I were to be living in another house, eating different food or whatever the difference may be. It would be just as HE wills it and not any different. I must admit, GOD does have a way of humbling a person at times, but I love it, for I always have grown closer to HIM after wards!
We all have problems in our lives, whether rich or poor, we have problems that draws our attention towards them. It is how we allow them to control our reactions to them, that is the difference. The 'secret' Paul spoke about here is simple, so simple we tend to completely over look it. GOD is in total control of all things!!! It doesn't matter what it is either. Good, bad, in need, having an abundance, single, married and with grandchildren or childless, not one of these things is not in GOD's control. Even the current state of affairs around the world, terrorism, piracy, earthquakes and volcanoes, starvation and plaques. They are all under HIS control and not even the littlest of details are not known completely by HIM.
So as you finish reading this, I'd like you to ask yourself, "Am I content," and/or, "should I be?" If you aren't, search out the reasons behind it and make the alterations needed to change it. For it will make a huge difference within your life and relationship with JESUS. Possibly making such a great difference within your life, that one day in the future you will look back and wonder, "why had I never seen this before?"
Other verses to ponder: Isaiah 40:26-31; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Psalms 37:16; 1 Tim 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:8; Luke 3:14
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
***This is a re post, and a few things have been changed and enlisted in parenthesis as to allow for the original thought to remain intact and current changes to be brought to light(I didn't want anyone to think it was 45 degrees in south Texas in May:))) .)***
It is a beautiful day here in south Texas. Our high temp. for the day has been 45(89) degrees. Believe me, I'd love to see that doubled, because the cold really gets to me since I'm becoming 'ancient.':) Though I'm not really that old, 54(55), I've had friends tell me that I had JESUS sign my yearbook and HE was an under classman. Got to love friends though, they mean it in a loving manor.
Philippians 4:11,12
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
I am being blessed to be hosted by a awesome Christian couple. They have provided my needs for the last four(six) plus months and not mentioned anything about payment. This isn't an older couple either, mid thirties, with a son just off to collage. I've been growing weary of being a burden to them and have been praying for the LORD to provide the means for me to get into a place of my own. This morning in devotional time HE laid this one me.
We are to be content in all our circumstances, no matter what they are. Doing our best to constantly be about our work for the KINGDOM of GOD. Whether it is living in a nice house or homeless, we should count it all as a blessing and continue to be about HIS works for us. Many times we allow our current surroundings to dictate our moods. Whether we're happy or sad being dependent upon how our life is currently going. This is wrong in many ways for the Christian and one of the hardest practices to overcome.
Many times I've heard someone make the statement "that I don't pray for myself, because GOD has better things to spend HIS time on." Talk about having a small GOD! At other times its been the complete opposite, where their prayers are nothing but about themselves and all that they need GOD to do for them. Two great extremes and neither one even close to the 'secret' that Paul was talking about here. Now I've got to say, my GOD is definitely not to small to handle my minor(or major) problems. For HE is the one that created the universes and still has enough time to care about a single sparrow falling to the ground. My prayers are also far from being centered on my own being and all of those things that I personally would like to have. Those that know me can attest to this. I spend a great amount of my time in prayer for others and professing the greatness of our creator and HIS great love for all of mankind.
Why then has HE impressed me to study and write this. Because, I was forgetting that HE is totally in control and that every second of my day is formed by HIM. HE has set all things into motion and controls the opening and closing of every single door and pathway in the universe. These happenings are just as HE wills them to be and not one minute occurrence is out of place. If I were to be living in another house, eating different food or whatever the difference may be. It would be just as HE wills it and not any different. I must admit, GOD does have a way of humbling a person at times, but I love it, for I always have grown closer to HIM after wards!
We all have problems in our lives, whether rich or poor, we have problems that draws our attention towards them. It is how we allow them to control our reactions to them, that is the difference. The 'secret' Paul spoke about here is simple, so simple we tend to completely over look it. GOD is in total control of all things!!! It doesn't matter what it is either. Good, bad, in need, having an abundance, single, married and with grandchildren or childless, not one of these things is not in GOD's control. Even the current state of affairs around the world, terrorism, piracy, earthquakes and volcanoes, starvation and plaques. They are all under HIS control and not even the littlest of details are not known completely by HIM.
So as you finish reading this, I'd like you to ask yourself, "Am I content," and/or, "should I be?" If you aren't, search out the reasons behind it and make the alterations needed to change it. For it will make a huge difference within your life and relationship with JESUS. Possibly making such a great difference within your life, that one day in the future you will look back and wonder, "why had I never seen this before?"
Other verses to ponder: Isaiah 40:26-31; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Psalms 37:16; 1 Tim 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:8; Luke 3:14
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
3.10.10_ Jere. 29:11-13_GOD's plans (a re post)
This is a re post, because I had to do a little construction job for the church I'm attending. I built them a sound booth for the children ministry and it took a good bit of work and still has some finishing work to complete. Due to this I didn't get back to the house in time to complete a devotional, surprisingly though, the LORD didn't give me one today either. Then again, the LORD always has a tendency to surprise us! Praise the LORD!!!
GOD bless all that have begun to stop by and read that which GOD has laid upon my heart for you. May HE bless you as much as HE has me through pondering HIS great scriptures and how HE has effected our walks through them!!!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. You will seek ME and find ME when you seek ME with all of your heart."
This isn't one of my life verses, though it truly could be. GOD has done awesome wonders within my life, some to date that I may not even realize. For there were many years that GOD was allowing me to 'run' from HIM, very many of those were steeped in a cloud of drug abuse. Therefore I've only slight remembrance of these years, but even then GOD was forming up HIS perfect testimony through me. Yes, my years of running from GOD and self abuse are witness' to the great wisdom and power of GOD to effect a person's life for HIS ultimate glory. For if it were not for these years, my testimony wouldn't be that which it is and I'd far less equiped to reach those living lives of the same sort. No moment of your life isn't seen and usable to GOD.
GOD has a plan for every detail of our lives, no matter how small and insignificant they seem to be. No matter how vile and evil our thoughts and actions, GOD is able to turn them into a testimony to HIS glory. Whether we are living a life for GOD, or for our own glory, GOD is working through our actions to bring about HIS master plan for mankind . Even the most decrepit of men's lives are and will be used of GOD (not always because of their turning to GOD,but because the works of GOD are manifest through their darkness.) We are told in scripture that GOD chooses those with the least amount of favor among men to represent the KINGDOM(1 Cor. 1:26-28). Just look at the apostle Paul. How he was going around persecuting the Church and then by a direct revelation of CHRIST he suddenly became the writer of some of our most cherished New Testament books.
If you are suffering through times of hardship right now, or maybe sickness has come upon you. Take into consideration that GOD is at work, both within and through your problems. HE is using these times to draw your attention to HIS great abilities to preform and work great miracles through your life. HE is seeking to draw your focus from upon yourself and unto HIMSELF! Your life is a living and growing testimony to the power of GOD, each and every detail of it. So if you're suffering from economic woes or health problems, take your eyes off of these, seek HIS presence in these problems, Ask HIM in prayer what HIS purpose is for these times. Yes, ask for relief from these burdens, but also seek to know the why behind them. GOD is right there in the mist of these troubles, walking along with you, carrying you through them. Yet you've had your focus on self and the problems and not on HE that is greater then them and has been helping you to bare the burden of them. GOD has promised to never leave you or forsake you(Deut. 31;6). HE has promised to never place upon your shoulders more then you can handle. HE has promised to always be there with you, to help you and carry you through the hardest of times. Take HIM on HIS WORD and begin living a life like never before. One where GOD and GOD alone receives all the glory, honor and praise that is due HIM!!!
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
Praise the LORD!!!
GOD bless all that have begun to stop by and read that which GOD has laid upon my heart for you. May HE bless you as much as HE has me through pondering HIS great scriptures and how HE has effected our walks through them!!!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. You will seek ME and find ME when you seek ME with all of your heart."
This isn't one of my life verses, though it truly could be. GOD has done awesome wonders within my life, some to date that I may not even realize. For there were many years that GOD was allowing me to 'run' from HIM, very many of those were steeped in a cloud of drug abuse. Therefore I've only slight remembrance of these years, but even then GOD was forming up HIS perfect testimony through me. Yes, my years of running from GOD and self abuse are witness' to the great wisdom and power of GOD to effect a person's life for HIS ultimate glory. For if it were not for these years, my testimony wouldn't be that which it is and I'd far less equiped to reach those living lives of the same sort. No moment of your life isn't seen and usable to GOD.
GOD has a plan for every detail of our lives, no matter how small and insignificant they seem to be. No matter how vile and evil our thoughts and actions, GOD is able to turn them into a testimony to HIS glory. Whether we are living a life for GOD, or for our own glory, GOD is working through our actions to bring about HIS master plan for mankind . Even the most decrepit of men's lives are and will be used of GOD (not always because of their turning to GOD,but because the works of GOD are manifest through their darkness.) We are told in scripture that GOD chooses those with the least amount of favor among men to represent the KINGDOM(1 Cor. 1:26-28). Just look at the apostle Paul. How he was going around persecuting the Church and then by a direct revelation of CHRIST he suddenly became the writer of some of our most cherished New Testament books.
If you are suffering through times of hardship right now, or maybe sickness has come upon you. Take into consideration that GOD is at work, both within and through your problems. HE is using these times to draw your attention to HIS great abilities to preform and work great miracles through your life. HE is seeking to draw your focus from upon yourself and unto HIMSELF! Your life is a living and growing testimony to the power of GOD, each and every detail of it. So if you're suffering from economic woes or health problems, take your eyes off of these, seek HIS presence in these problems, Ask HIM in prayer what HIS purpose is for these times. Yes, ask for relief from these burdens, but also seek to know the why behind them. GOD is right there in the mist of these troubles, walking along with you, carrying you through them. Yet you've had your focus on self and the problems and not on HE that is greater then them and has been helping you to bare the burden of them. GOD has promised to never leave you or forsake you(Deut. 31;6). HE has promised to never place upon your shoulders more then you can handle. HE has promised to always be there with you, to help you and carry you through the hardest of times. Take HIM on HIS WORD and begin living a life like never before. One where GOD and GOD alone receives all the glory, honor and praise that is due HIM!!!
Scripture to seek out: 1 Cor. 1:26-30, 10:13; Matt. 6:33, 34, 12:28-30; Heb. 13:5
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
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