Rock a bye baby, the church is asleep!!!

Praise the LORD!!!

   and wake the f*## up!!!

Now, did that get your attention???

"Rock a bye baby," what an unusual title(not to mention that second line) for a Christian blog. Let me say, "it's a warning of that which is to come."

For decades now, the BODY of CHRIST has been lulled asleep by the preaching from our pulpits. Ministers, proclaiming to preach the GOSPEL, yet only preaching that which the Christian receives and is in the eyes of the LORD. Nothing on that which the LORD has called us to do.

All in all, there is nothing wrong with the Christian knowing their standing before the LORD, but when all else that the LORD taught about is forsaken, then there's a problem. Due to this preaching, our eyes have been turned inside, no longer focused on those things the LORD set forth for us, to do out and about for a dying world. We gather once or twice a week, putting on our best of shows, only to walk out those doors and live no differently then the rest of the world. Those whom we were sent out(called) to be examples for.

Today, there is no longer a difference between a Christian and any other person of this world. Sure, there is for that day or two during the week, that we practice our religion, but the other five or six, NONE. Many want to use the excuse, "that we have to live in this world and survive," but isn't that statement wrong on so many points!?!

  "They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world.

 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth."

~ John 17:16,17; AMP 

"Trust in the Lorde with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

       ~ Proverbs 3:5,6; NIV  

   " He who loves [and * takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me;

 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [* cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.

 Whoever finds his [* lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].

~ John 10:37-39; AMP

There are those that will say that the church is not asleep, but is suffering from a state of "being lukewarm." Well, you've got to have a pulse to be "lukewarm," and when the church sees nothing outside of it's OWN focal distance, it's worse off than "lukewarm," it's asleep. Void of any cognitive functions, resting intently on that which it knows and HAS. In other words, ASLEEP !!!!!!!

It is time that the BODY, the CHURCH, woke up and turned their eyes upon the LORD. Focusing upon that which HE set forth before us to do and not that "goobly gook" that has been preached before us for so many years. It's time that action was taken, and not just thought about. It is time that our hands and feet began operating outside our circles and in the trenches where those that are in need of help are. It is time, that the CHURCH began resembling CHRIST and not just some foggy image upon a mirror.

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

Verily, verily...

Praise the LORD, we're blessed with another day to glorify the name of JESUS!!!

From the title, one should be able to see that this is something of importance. For the repeating of these words, as well as the repeating of a certain statement, were meant to drive home the importance of a fact that was to follow. It's not that what I'm going to say is important, but that the message the LORD has laid on my heart is.

WHO/who do you follow??? That should be simple enough to answer, but is it??? There are several warnings given by Paul in the New Testament, on the separation or divisions within the Church. Though like in his day, it seems that people have greatly overlooked and still fail to heed these.

There truly shouldn't be a need for the question, but there is, for far too many follow after the teachings of others, instead of following those strictly of CHRIST. Now, I'm not talking about those that are following after "errant" teachers today, though this IS a major problem. But, those that are taking the teachings from the Bible, let's call them "one liners", and going on crusades with them.

Now, all in all, this may not be wrong, but when one forsakes the very teaching of CHRIST, to go off on a tangent, to bolster a cause, there is. A great deal of this happens due to the "immaturity" of the believer. Paul himself tackles this problem, but I'm led to re-hash it today. For people would rather just overlook it and "run with that which they believe is of the SPIRIT." Well, it maybe of the spirit, but certainly not the HOLY SPIRIT!!! For anything that the HOLY SPIRIT teaches, will completely coincide with ALL of scripture, not only on a part of it. In other words, "if it doesn't mesh with the complete Bible(beginning to end), it's not of the HOLY SPIRIT!!!"

Now, to the crust of this biscuit.

There are so many lines of thought within the Church today, it's downright ridiculous. Here, I'm focusing on two specific ones. People preaching nothing but the "End Times." Others, doing nothing but standing in judgement of others in the Church and their teachings. And, though both of these topics, ARE in scripture, they are but "one liner" topics. (and yes, I know these are covered in more that a single line, but that's what the BOSS, says call them :{))) argue with HIM) Both, though important facts, don't "mesh" with the totality of scripture. Which makes focusing on and the pursuit of them wrong.

JESUS warns us, personally, of focusing on the events of the "End Times,"  and also in numerous places, of standing in judgement of others, especially those of the Church. An I know, there are those that are going to say "these aren't of the Church, but are errant in their ways." There you go though, you're putting "yourself" in the position of THE JUDGE, and are you so sure that your "righteous judgement" is truly righteous??? Or not just "a little of the flesh boiling up within you"??? You know, we as "man," are prone to a little pride, now and then. Even the best of us.

To keep this from being a book, I'm going to make this short and sweet. The next time you're doing a little surfing of the internet, or reading somebody's new(or old) book, and something really fires you up. Back off for a bit. Pray, test the spirit of this matter and give it some time to settle in. For like an actual fire, all will blaze up at first, but not all will continue to burn strongly. This because the RIGHT FUEL isn't there. That fuel, the right, is the HOLY SPIRIT. The wrong fuel, is that of this world and it's purposes, are to bring division and take our eyes off the true focus we are to have> spreading the GOSPEL, loving GOD, our fellow believers and our neighbors(believer or not.)



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

A Merry CHRISTmas???

 Praise the LORD!!!

    I'd like to pass on my heart felt greeting to all my readers, that of a Merry CHRISTmas:)))

   Yet, you see the title above having question marks behind this!!! This is because the LORD has laid it upon my heart, for opening the eyes and hearts of many, to realize, there are many not so blessed. Yet some, are more highly blessed, though not in the ways of most others.

   You see, I am sitting here at my computer, alone and if not for the blessings of two others(families), would not have received a single present. But this though, doesn't bother me in the least :))) Some background first, though.

   Alone, because when I had gotten out of prison, my wife had forsaken our relationship and was living with another. Over a three year period, I tried numerous times to bring our relationship back together. Even to the point of allow her, our son and her current boyfriend to move in with me after they were evicted from their apartment. All that I did, came to no avail, for she and our boys(one stepson) refused to even begin to accept that the changes in my life were real and that JESUS was the only true source of happiness in this world. So after much prayer and listening, we departed company and I've not heard from them since '04.'

   Having been here in Kingsville for over two years, you'd think that I'd have a family of friends around me, but I do not. Why, you may ask??? Though I've gone to several churches here and have worked with my hands on several people's houses, most kind of consider me strange. They can't understand me truthfully. "How can one always be praising the LORD and for the most part having nothing???" "How can this  man constantly talk about the LORD and that which HE's done and doing within his life when there seems to be so little he has???" "How can this man say he's a world changing ministry, when it is himself alone???"

   The answer to everything above, is simple and clear, well maybe just to me. I've a faith in my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST that surpasses all human understandings !!!!!!!



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


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

At one time...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    At one time, while I was still in the prison of man(having been set free by the LORD), someone told me that I was "too heavenly minded, to be of any earthly good." Now, I'm sure most of you have heard this little statement used at sometime or another, if not maybe you should ponder it for a few minutes(?) I, more or less scoffed at the statement, at that time, not seeing that this is a possible state within Christian's lives. Not mine though(thank GOD), for I've been blessed to be well grounded in the LORD and seek not my own will, but HIS for me!!!

   But, this state is possible within the lives of many and I will reveal cases of such here. You'll most likely be aware of those that are in this state and we must open their eyes to the truth in this matter!!! Anyone, that pays any attention to the events of the world, should have a general knowledge of this happening. For many times on the news and in other forms of media, we hear of many "miracles" being witnessed by the masses. Some of these are true miracles and many are not, for the adversary can and does use the "miraculous" to turn our eyes from the true glory of GOD and HIS purposes for us in life. These can be classed easily enough, as those that draw attention only towards and object(idol), person or place. Like the many "images" of JESUS or the Virgin Mary being found in or on many items. I don't think I need to list the many, that fit in this group.

   What do these have to do with "being heavenly minded," a great deal. For they draw our attentions away from that which we are to be doing, to bring glory to the LORD, and towards something else. The greatest miracle of all, is one many simply overlook, this is the conversion(true) of an unbeliever. For it is a direct revelation of GOD working within a person's life. The preparation of the person's heart to receive the seed of the GOSPEL. The moving of GOD upon the saint, which plants this seed and then HIS watering of it and producing a baby saint!!! A true MIRACLE by the hand of GOD!!!!!!!

   Perhaps the the greatest case of  "being heavenly minded" is one most would tend to overlook. Why??? Because people believe, due to errors in teaching and the pride of man, that it is GOD's will for us. Which it is, but not in the extent that people are concentrating upon it though and this has opened the door for satan to use, to draw people's attention away from the actual will of GOD. Let me first then, state that which is the will of GOD for us, which is truly simple, but often made complex by men wanting to do so. These are clearly stated in scripture, in the two great commandments(Matt. 22:37-40), in our loving our brothers and sisters in the faith (John 15:12), that we provide for the needs of others( Matt. 25:35,36; James 1:27) and(of coarse) to spread the GOSPEL(Matt. 28:18-20.) Sure there are a few other details in following the will of GOD in our lives, but these are an ample foundation to work from.

   Now, for the major purpose of this article, the being "too heavenly minded." There are many today in the church that are seeking after "signs and wonders." Spending all their energy and effort on seeking after these and setting aside those things that the LORD wills for us to actually accomplish for HIM while here on earth. It is not in the seeking of these that the error occurs, but it is in the forsaking of all else set before us, to seek them.(John 4:48)

   I could go forth from this, but am led to leave you with this alone. Are you seeking after all the pomp and circumstance of signs and wonders??? Or are you seeking to bring glory to the KINGDOM of GOD thru the love JESUS has poured forth for you??? Focusing only on the power of heaven in your life, is keeping you "heavenly minded" and your hands away from the true works GOD has set them about !!! Which shall it be???

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

Chirstian "Chicken Littles"

 Praise the LORD!!!

   Good day and GOD bless!!! A serious question, or maybe several:))) Why, is it that we have so many Christians, that when someone begins preaching something about the end times, they begin running all around proclaiming the "sky is falling???" I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, we inundated with this kind of behavior constantly. Take for instance the recent "Rapture" cry out propagated by Harold Camping. This lone preacher isn't alone though, for there are many of cases out there, just check the internet about them all(that is, if you want to waste your time!!!)

   Christian, all that we need to know about the "end times" is already written, in scripture. If you've done your homework, you should of read it. Most likely numerous times over. Though in this, could lie the problem??? People having read it, or not, and taking the words of some other person as being the verification that "it is happening now."

   We're told by the LORD, to know the signs of the times, but not to run around crying out about them being about to happen. But to be about our labors for HIM!!! In the numerous parables relating to the events of the "end times" JESUS didn't describe workers running about singing about all that is about to happen, but of those that were busily about their labors in some manor. In the field, on the rooftop, or about grinding the meal for the days meal, they were all going about their labors, knowing those signs, yet not bothered by the fact that they were actually about to happen.

   Our work as Christians, is to spread the GOSPEL, help those around us during their times of need and (the most important of all) TRUST GOD!!! Anyone can, take a number of scripture verse, events that are taking place and weave them into that which will raise the emotions of the people that hear it. People are famous for manipulating things thru out history, so don't believe all that you hear or see as being the gospel truth. There is only one GOSPEL truth and it is firmly written in your Bibles. Never changing to fit that which is happening around us, but always founded upon the ROCK and HIS WORDS for us!!!!!!!

   ***There are no scriptures referenced here, WHY??? I will not be, as I stated, one whom manipulates it to bring my point across, but as I've always said, read your Bible for yourself and know the TRUTH !!!!!!! We are to be a people leading others to a better way of life, in JESUS, not "fear mongers" who seek to stir the emotions of others to gain followers and notoriety to give our pride a boost!!!***


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


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

PRAYER ???

 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

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

Stand up, speak out

   Who Praise the LORD!!!

    A little while ago, I read a posting, talking about how we need to live in peace and love. This kind of reminded me of the old 'hippie' junk, that many of us used to live our lives by. That very same attitude that is responsible for the 'watered down gospel' that is being preached, and worst yet, accepted in churches these days!!!

   I see ministers, supposedly people of GOD, re-posting or repeating the words, wisdom they call it, of self proclaimed gurus or life experts. When all it is in reality is a bunch of worthless junk, of the same type that held Christians(true) in bondage during their lives!!!

   We, my dear brothers and sisters, are in the end of days. That period in Biblical prophecy, where the likes of that above has been foretold!!! The BODY of CHRIST has become a weak kneed mass of flesh, only seeking to fulfill it's own lust or constantly striving to 'be like unto the world.'

   Who am I to say such things??? No one, a worthless piece of flesh, that truly isn't worth to breath the air that JESUS created, let alone preach the WORDS HE has spoken or given me. But because of HIS calling me to ministry and my belief in total obedience unto HIM, I am a man that will speak out, come hell or high water!!!

   It is time for each and every Christian to grab their Bibles, pray and open them and read the truths that have been laid down since before time began. Not just to read them, but to absorb them, to bury them deeply within their very being, as if they are the very blood that flows thru your veins!!! I'm not talking about memorizing scripture, that is but your own knowledge, I'm talking about having the very WORDS of GOD coursing thru your veins, your very existence dependent upon them. An the next time you hear a 'preacher', or anyone, speak about the WORD of GOD teaching us this or that, you'll know for sure if it is so!!!

   You will have two choices, well actually three. 1. listen to it and do nothing. 2. stand up for the truth, speak it and let the erring one see their error. 3. Get up and walk out/away, leaving them, and others, to their errors.(trick question, only one true answer, that is if you are what you proclaim to be)

   This time that we're in, is truly not a time for peace. It is a time when the souls of men are going to hell daily, because no one was willing to stand up for the truth that JESUS preached. No one was willing to go that extra mile and lead them on the straight and narrow path. No one willing to give a thirsty one a drink from the well of salvation and truth. Will you be a 'no one'??? Or will you be a someone, willing to standup, speak out and give a helping hand to a lost and dieing world??? Personally, I'M A SOMEONE, one whom JESUS died for, one whom has forsaken the world to follow HIM and a someone that isn't afraid to go to his death, before rebuking my SAVIOR!!!!!!!



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

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

 (If you'd like to know more about this 'no one', that is a 'someone', let me suggest you read my personal testimonial book, "Out of the LIGHT")

03.13.10_ Matt. 14:28-32_ Stepping out...

Praise the LORD!!!

   I was at the church again today to finished up as much of the childrens ministry sound booth that I could. When I got back to the house I was right online working on posting some ads for the ministry and I just finished up for night. I'm not going to rush a devotional, because I feel that I should do as good a job as possible when writing them. So I'm going to do a re-post. I know this is the second one this week and you thought they were to be daily, right? Well, if were blessed to have others working along side me, I might just be able to do it, but I'm trying to run the ministry, write blogs and devotionals, redo the website and a whole lot more, by my self. So please, just bear with me a little and pray others will catch the vision of VCM and either come on board as a member or donate funds or materials to help this ministry grow into what the LORD has shown me it will be!!!



   This morning/day I ask you, where are your eyes/intentions focused this day? Are they upon the troubles that have befallen you? Or on the daily task that lie ahead in wait? Or are they on our SAVIOR?

 Matt. 14:28-32

   "LORD, if it's YOU," replied Peter, "tell me to come to YOU on the water." "Come," HE said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward JESUS. But when he saw the wind , he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "LORD, save me!" Immediately JESUS  reached out HIS hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (NIV)

   You've accepted JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR (I pray so!) and HE has changed your life from within. You have asked HIM to take over control of it and HE has. Now, HE ask you to "Come," step out of the boat (you comfort zone, your dependence on self) and walk unto HIM! Will you be as confident as Peter was, at first, and immediately take the first step? Or like the others, that remained in the boat?

   Like Peter, many will step out and begin to walk the path towards JESUS and in like manor make it closer to HIM. Then our eyes have a tendency to turn from HE that should be the focus within our lives, to the troubles that surround us. Then we begin to sink under their weight. We, like Peter, tend to focus on the problems of the world around us, for it is here that we've spent most of our lives. We've allowed it to shape us and form us into one that is always aware of the external conditions of our lives. We're told in scripture that these things, all of them, are but temporary, soon to be gone and forgotten.

   As with Peter, our LORD is right there, reaching out and taking hold of us. Drawing our attention back upon HIMSELF. Though we forgotten it, our new goal within life is to follow JESUS and place our faith in HIM and HIM alone! We must focus our whole being upon HIM, heart, mind, soul and body! The LORD knows that we are weak, for HE was once just as we, human. Like the good shepherd, HE knows more about HIS flock then we can ever imagine and has our best interest at heart. HE knows that we tend to focus upon our immediate surrounds, for these are those things that effect our here and now. The things that we are used to shaping our lives on a daily basis.

   In order put away our old lives, we must crucify our flesh and allow GOD to bring our focus back upon HIM and HIM alone. We must be willing to offer up to HIM all that our lives consist of, right down to the smallest of details! Then and only then can we take HIS out stretched hand and begin to hear HIS voice. Yes, it will be a rebuke at this time, for our lack of faith in HIM, but then HE will begin to lead us and teach us more of the great wonders of the KINGDOM.

   Are you willing to hear HIS voice, even though it will be a rebuke unto you? Are you wise enough to take correction? Or is your wisdom, wisdom of this world and self, where you are above correction? Are you ready to do a little cutting away of the flesh? These are all questions one must ask themselves, especially before stepping out of the boat!!!

Other scripture readings: Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 1:25; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; I John  2:15-17; Eph. 4:22-24
   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

2.20.10_Matt.26:46_Rise up...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Good day and may the LORD bless you!!!

   Matt.26:46

 46 "Rise, let us go!"

   Though JESUS was talking to the disciples here just before HIS arrest in the garden, this should be our daily call to duty!! Rise, let us go, forth into the harvest fields. Rise, let us go, out into the darkness, letting our lights shine forth to the glory of our SAVIOR in a world filled with darkness of heart. Rise, let us go, sowing the seeds of the GOSPEL into each and everyone that we meet or have actions with. Even for those that are depressed by some heaviness of heart, Rise, let us go, for inaction and dwelling in our sorrows is one of the greatest causes of depression.

   In our call to go out into all the world and preach the GOSPEL, to few of us see this as only witnessing with our Bibles in hands. It is not. It is the call to let every person that sees us, see the LORD's presence within our lives. Whether by words or works, no matter what we are doing the presence of our SAVIOR should be seen in and through that which we're undertaking. It needs to be an unconscious act on our part! Where as we are letting every person that happens to come along the pathways of our life see JESUS emanating from every step we take.

   How can this be accomplished? First by spending as much time as you can in the WORD, the holy scriptures. Then through our being in constant focus upon that which we've read within these sacred writings about all that JESUS did while here on earth and all that HE has done since ascending to heaven to be at the right hand of the FATHER. Next would be to remain in prayer on every detail of life, asking the LORD, by HIS HOLY SPIRIT to guide us and lead us in all that HE would have us say and do.

   No matter what we are doing or where we are at, there should be a constant beacon of light shining forth from our being. A light that shows the love and compassion of GOD for us and others. This light should not be a little twinkling of the smallest of embers, but should be as a mighty bonfire, atop the highest of mountains, seen from miles away by all that happen to look in our direction. This should be accomplished by every Christian, no matter how new to the faith or seasoned and tempered by years of walking with the LORD!!!

   Surely there will be times that one truly doesn't feel like conversing with people, wanting to be alone with the LORD. But even these times, can show forth the presence of the LORD within our beings. For many years before I became "Born Again," I had a deep yearning within my heart to be alone at many times. Though at the time I truly had no idea why. I've come to realize that the LORD was even at work within me at these times. Even though I was walking in total contempt for HIS ways, spending most of my time in all the ways of darkness that I could. There were these times that I would go off somewhere by myself, and usually smoke a joint and then just sit and think or maybe play an instrument and think. At some of these times, I would pray or just talk with GOD, though I didn't realize it at the time that it was HE to whom I was speaking. The reason for this was that there was this void within me, some part of my existence that was missing and I needed to find out what it was. These kinds of walks had gone on for as far back as I can remember and I've no idea when they actually started either. I just know that they go back for quite a ways. Many of those that knew me, have seen me off by myself, just sitting alone. Seldom would anyone ever bother me at these times and I can only think that it was GOD working upon their hearts to leave me alone.

   Even during the years of wasting my life on endless pursuits of enjoyment, GOD was working upon peoples hearts through me. It was only after giving my life to CHRIST that I even became aware of this. For several of the people whom I'd partied with, had sat around talking about life and existence or our purposes in it. Something changed within them and after a short while they had walked away from the drug culture and turned their lives over to JESUS. Here I was, years before having my life transformed by the LORD and I'm leading  people to the LORD!?! Truly I've no idea exactly how many this even happened to, because for the most part I was walking around in a drug induced haze, not even aware of a lot of that which I did or said. I know that someday when I'm walking in the glory of the LORD in heaven I'll be blessed to have these people come up to me and thank me for that which I did to lead them to the LORD. Oh what a joy that will be!

   The point of this devotional is to get you thinking about how you're effecting other people's lives. Whether or not you're having an positive of negative effect upon them. Are you doing this consciously or is the LORD working through you to somehow effect another person? No matter what the case, we all need to Rise, let us go!      

   Other verse for today: Matt. 28:19,20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-49; Col. 1:24-29; Isa. 49:1-13; Rev. 11:15 

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

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!!!

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

Matt. 19:26...With GOD...(01.20.10)

Praise the LORD!!!
  This is my second life verse, and just in case you don't know what one is, it a verse that has special meaning within your life and you use it to focus your attention upon GOD.

Matt. 19:26

"JESUS looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible." (NIV)

  Think deeply about all that happens within your life. All the problems you constantly face from day to day. Both the good and the bad that happens as you walk through this short period called life. Stress, sickness, bills, disease, and the list could go on for days! We have a tendency to think of our problems as overwhelming. To us they may be, but look at this verse. What is impossible for GOD? Nothing!

   If we were to listen to our own prayers, what would we hear? Would we hear a strong confidence in GOD where we're telling HIM how much we know HE can do in our lives? Or do we hear just the opposite? Whining and complaining about how we feel so bad, or how our car payments or bills are past due, and of coarse this list too, could go on for days. To often we fill our prayers with nothing more then complaints about our life or the lives of others around us. Did GOD shut down HIS promises and open up a 'complaint department' or something?

   Back in early '97' I suffered a heart attack. This really didn't surprise me though, I had been born with a bad heart and lived under a doctors care for the first twelve years of my life. At this age they released me from under their control and said that 'it would be a miracle if I lived to be twenty one.' For those that haven't read my book, 'Out of the LIGHT,' I was going to be forty two in several months. The doctors in prison had specialist come in and run a battery of test on me. Several weeks later the results were in and was I told to prepare for a very advanced five major procedure operation within weeks. I smiled and flat out told them, 'that GOD has given me a new heart and that they would have to take another set of test to prove to me that I really needed this operation!!' I was standing on scripture and claiming a promise of GOD. There was no doubt in my mind or heart that all of what is promised in scripture is true and backed by the greatest power in all the universe. I had been blessed with this kind of faith just barely two years into my walk with the LORD!

   Now here it is almost thirteen years later, I've no scares on my body where doctors proceeded with any operation of any sort. After they'd taken me in town to the heart center in the largest hospital in town and after weeks of going over their findings, both sets, they told me that I had the heart of a perfectly healthy seventeen year old. There weren't even signs of scar tissue from my birth defects, which had clearly shown up on the first set of test! Now how do you think this happened? It was only because I had taken GOD at HIS WORD and held it up before both HIM and man. For with GOD, nothing is impossible!

   The next time you start to pray, think about how you're going to pray. Are you going to put a bunch of needs and request forth that you so badly need, because you're suffering so badly? Or are you going to hold up before GOD those promises HE so generously placed all through scripture. Ones that have promised healing from our sickness and diseases. Ones that say that HE cares about a single sparrow and its life, how much more will HE care for you and yours? What about those finely dressed flowers of the field? All creation was formed by GOD with just a simple few WORDS. HE supplies all that is needed to maintain every living creature on this planet in the very same manor.

   If someone gave up HIS own life for you it would be a fair bet that this person cared greatly for you! GOD did this exact thing for each and everyone of us on the cross of Calvary. So do you really think that HE doesn't know and care about you enough to take care of even your smallest need? Next time you set your mind to pray, sure ask GOD for what you need, but then thank HIM for having the power to provide this in your life and thank HIM as if already having been graced with it. You may just find out that there is an unlimited power in this universe that loves you, yes little old you, more then HIMSELF and your life will never be the same again!!!

 I pray that GOD will move within your lives, to open your eyes to the truths that lie within scripture. That HE will give you the wisdom to grasp ahold of them and hold them up before HIM and the grace to realize just how much HE loves you and will provide all of your needs. May HE begin to transform your lives into a life that will truly bring nothing but glory to HIS most holy and precious name, JESUS. AMEN!!!

God bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
http://vineofchrist.org

p.s. you will notice that beside the verse topic for the day, I've not given any scripture references! I never will, it is each and every Christians personal responsibility to know and study scripture. Don't get mad at me either, cause GOD has led me from the beginning of my ministry in this practice. I will however give you several other verses along the same lines as that written on for the day, it is your job to go from there and in doing so grow closer to GOD daily!!!

Gen.18:14, Job 42:2, Jere. 32:17, Luke 1:37 and 18:27, Rom. 4:21