Praise the LORD!!!
This morning while going through my list of daily devotionals, one hit home hard. It was from the "upperroom.org" If not familar with them, maybe you should stop in and check them out. They provide me with many hours of deep inspiration and thought:) Anyway, this morning devotional hit on the fact of our giving, specifically, our giving during the holidays and the rest of the year.
We all know the great increase in request for donations around the holidays, Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas especially, but the rest of the year seems to go unnoticed for the most part! Sure there will be other times that these request go out, usually upon the occurrence of a disaster of some sort, but for the most part, it seems as if those in need are forgotten. Only once in scripture were we, the disciples, told to focus on other things than them. That was in Matt. 26:11(and other GOSPELS), where the woman had just 'wasted'(as some thought) the expensive perfume to anoint JESUS prior to HIS crucifixion. They/we are not told to forget those in need, but that at this time there was a direct purpose in what she was doing and our attention must be drawn to it at the time only.
This reveals that as Christians we're to always have the needs of the poor, both physically and spiritually, in our hearts. Not just for a season, but throughout the span of our lives as followers of CHRIST. Why is it then that it appears that our eyes tend to focus on them only around the holiday season? Could it be that our eyes are more focused on living a Christian lifestyle at these times, than in the rest of the year? I'm not saying that all Christians and or churches are this way, but that this is how it appears. Now think about this. I'm a Christian and run a helps ministry and I can see this happening. What do those outside of the faith see when they look at this? Do they see the hands of CHRIST reaching out, through our hands, to those in need continually(as it should be,) or do they see us forsaking them for the most part?
With this question on heart, this is where I'm led to leave you. This is going to be posted at all the numerous sites I post at, because this is how I'm being led. There purpose of it, I fully don't know, but I do know it is that which the LORD laid upon my heart and it is that which I only seek to do:)))
May GOD bless you and guide you,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Last night
Praise the LORD!!!
Last night I decided to take the night off and just relax. Little did I know what the LORD had in store for me. Now for of those that have read my book, "Out of the LIGHT"(posted online and downloadable(free)), you'll know that I've been an alcoholic from an early age. The LORD though has made it where I can actually enjoy a couple of drinks, put it down and not touch it again for some time. Well, I'd decided to buy a six pack of beer and drink a few. For those that wonder, I only drank two all night, one with dinner and one after wards!
I finished up with my reading and works on the computer, so I sat back and decided to watch a little on the tube. What I ended up tuning into was short lived. Not because of it's violence or pornographic content, but because it literally tore my heart in two!!! It was an ABC program, I don't even know which one, I couldn't watch it for more than five minutes. Their topic was one close to my heart and devastated me, the world's hungry and suffering. Please remember that I could only watch a couple of minutes of this, so the details will be incomplete. They showed two different areas of the world, one in South American and the other in Africa. Both of these showed living conditions so substandard that America's homeless could be considered 'wealthy' in comparison. Yes, their living conditions were that bad, at least what they showed of them. I'm sure there is much more to their stories then what was shown on camera.
As most of you already know, I've been working on Vine of CHRIST Ministries' formation now for some time now. It was originally set up in June of '99' in the basement of my first house after getting out of prison. The LORD had already loaded me down with all that the ministry would entail while I was in prison, so beginning the first stages were simple. Just start collecting the supplies needed and try to find those that had the needs. The first part of this went well, so well that I ended up having to donate much to other ministries in the area. I didn't have transportation or the resources to distribute that which was collected or even find the people who needed it. Now don't take this as meaning nothing was done through the ministry, because this is far from true. Because there were many that benefited from that which I was blessed to gather. The LORD seemed to just bring them to my door.
Now what does all this have to do with what I watched last night, much! Because the LORD has shown me that to properly execute a relief operation, you just can't supply people's needs, but must improve their standards of living at the same time. This is why eventually V.C.M. will have a staff of doctors and nutritionist. To investigate the lifestyle and diets of those in need and then formulate what it will take to improve upon them. Something along these lines was shown last night in the U.N.'s nutritional supplement, but this is far from that which is needed to fix the problem. There is far more that has to be changed in order to remedy the problems and there needn't be the political ramifications attached as when dealing with groups such as them.
I thought when I started this article that it was going somewhere farther then it has, but the LORD has me leaving it at this point. I'm asking you to pray and listen to that which the LORD leads you to and only that. As I see this, it's incomplete, but I do as led and that only, the rest is totally in the LORD's hands!!! (I'm not even going back and edit this:))) )
May GOD bless you and lead you this day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Last night I decided to take the night off and just relax. Little did I know what the LORD had in store for me. Now for of those that have read my book, "Out of the LIGHT"(posted online and downloadable(free)), you'll know that I've been an alcoholic from an early age. The LORD though has made it where I can actually enjoy a couple of drinks, put it down and not touch it again for some time. Well, I'd decided to buy a six pack of beer and drink a few. For those that wonder, I only drank two all night, one with dinner and one after wards!
I finished up with my reading and works on the computer, so I sat back and decided to watch a little on the tube. What I ended up tuning into was short lived. Not because of it's violence or pornographic content, but because it literally tore my heart in two!!! It was an ABC program, I don't even know which one, I couldn't watch it for more than five minutes. Their topic was one close to my heart and devastated me, the world's hungry and suffering. Please remember that I could only watch a couple of minutes of this, so the details will be incomplete. They showed two different areas of the world, one in South American and the other in Africa. Both of these showed living conditions so substandard that America's homeless could be considered 'wealthy' in comparison. Yes, their living conditions were that bad, at least what they showed of them. I'm sure there is much more to their stories then what was shown on camera.
As most of you already know, I've been working on Vine of CHRIST Ministries' formation now for some time now. It was originally set up in June of '99' in the basement of my first house after getting out of prison. The LORD had already loaded me down with all that the ministry would entail while I was in prison, so beginning the first stages were simple. Just start collecting the supplies needed and try to find those that had the needs. The first part of this went well, so well that I ended up having to donate much to other ministries in the area. I didn't have transportation or the resources to distribute that which was collected or even find the people who needed it. Now don't take this as meaning nothing was done through the ministry, because this is far from true. Because there were many that benefited from that which I was blessed to gather. The LORD seemed to just bring them to my door.
Now what does all this have to do with what I watched last night, much! Because the LORD has shown me that to properly execute a relief operation, you just can't supply people's needs, but must improve their standards of living at the same time. This is why eventually V.C.M. will have a staff of doctors and nutritionist. To investigate the lifestyle and diets of those in need and then formulate what it will take to improve upon them. Something along these lines was shown last night in the U.N.'s nutritional supplement, but this is far from that which is needed to fix the problem. There is far more that has to be changed in order to remedy the problems and there needn't be the political ramifications attached as when dealing with groups such as them.
I thought when I started this article that it was going somewhere farther then it has, but the LORD has me leaving it at this point. I'm asking you to pray and listen to that which the LORD leads you to and only that. As I see this, it's incomplete, but I do as led and that only, the rest is totally in the LORD's hands!!! (I'm not even going back and edit this:))) )
May GOD bless you and lead you this day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Friday, December 10, 2010
Breakfast at Mc Donalds
Praise the LORD!!!
This was a chain letter I received and I don't do them, but the story within it is truly worthy of posting. This is how I shall respond then. I hope you'll enjoy it as I did, to tears, for it seems to be in theme with what the LORD has been working in me today:)))
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring, with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions..
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' his beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance....... He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend.. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son... When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..' We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.. We are not church goers, but we are believers.That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way, I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
This was a chain letter I received and I don't do them, but the story within it is truly worthy of posting. This is how I shall respond then. I hope you'll enjoy it as I did, to tears, for it seems to be in theme with what the LORD has been working in me today:)))
Breakfast at Mc Donalds
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' his beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance....... He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend.. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son... When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..' We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.. We are not church goers, but we are believers.That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way, I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
Hospitallity, a lost art?,Hebrews 13:16, 12.10.10
Praise the LORD!!!
Some of you may of caught my tweets earlier this morning, but for those that haven't, I'll fill you in on what the LORD has laid on my heart this day. A little background on what brought this about first. Yesterday, while working here at the apartments, I had to install a vinyl floor in a bathroom. For years my knees have been bad, due to my years of racing motocross and working on them. I've had my right knee bandaged for the last several weeks and yesterday was no different. I ended up spending the best part of five hours on my knees, crawling around on a concrete floor. This morning, it's slow going and I've called in for the day.
I was led to re-post my article "A Modern Day Parable," which appears to be the predecessor to this post! On my walk from Ohio to Texas, the first attempt, my left knee went completely out after making it almost all the way across Kentucky. During this long walk, starting off the day before Easter '09', I passed many a church. For the most part I was walking on secondary roads, avoiding major traffic routes, to stay within the bounds of the laws. Of all the churches that I happen to pass, only at one, was any attention paid to a man with a backpack. This was Easter morning and my dog and I were both invited in for breakfast and a service. Yes, Maryanne, my sixty pound wolf-shepherd cross attended service in the chapel too:)
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Hospitality is truly a main topic in the Bible, in both the old and new testaments, for it is our showing GOD's love for us to other people around us. With that which GOD has blessed us, we're to bless others that happen along our paths! Now you could do a search on the word itself and not come up with to many hits, but it is hidden in underlying context many times. Generosity, kindness, sharing, even love(charity) could give you a better view of this topic. For all throughout the Bible, GOD instructs us to reach out and help those around us, whether in need or not. The second great commandment is a prime example: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ( Matt. 22:39, Lev. 19:18 ) Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think GOD could be much clearer on this topic than in these verses!!!
With this being the Advent season, that we celebrate the birth of our SAVIOR, we're being hammered with endless hours of commercials. They're everywhere. The underlying goal of most of these is to profit money through them and not the act of "loving your neighbor as yourself." What else can we expect from a world gone mad over money and self profiteering? The problem is though, that many Christians are falling into this age old trap. Yes, it is a trap. For we're being led to give, inorder to receive something in return! What has happened to Christianity and the church, were our prime example has been traded off for a counterfeit? Where we're led to give joyfully, so others may profit and we, in like manor, also receive back?
Yes, the Bible does say that when we give, we shall receive back in like manor(Luke 6:38), but this isn't to be our reason for giving. The reason we're to give is because GOD gave us this example in the first place, HE gave us life from the dust, asking for nothing in return, but our fellowship! Then again, upon the cross, HE gives us even more, forgiveness of our sins and eternal life! As in the first case, HE only ask for our fellowship in return. Do you see a pattern evolving here? One of giving, for the express purpose of showing your love for another of GOD's created beings? No matter the wording used; love/charity, generosity, sharing, kindness or hospitality, they all revolve around our showing the love GOD has shown us, by our open and un-repaid giving.This is not a suggestion or something we're urged to do occasionally, but a commandment that we should practice continuously!!! Always giving freely and never expecting anything in return!!!
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
Some of you may of caught my tweets earlier this morning, but for those that haven't, I'll fill you in on what the LORD has laid on my heart this day. A little background on what brought this about first. Yesterday, while working here at the apartments, I had to install a vinyl floor in a bathroom. For years my knees have been bad, due to my years of racing motocross and working on them. I've had my right knee bandaged for the last several weeks and yesterday was no different. I ended up spending the best part of five hours on my knees, crawling around on a concrete floor. This morning, it's slow going and I've called in for the day.
I was led to re-post my article "A Modern Day Parable," which appears to be the predecessor to this post! On my walk from Ohio to Texas, the first attempt, my left knee went completely out after making it almost all the way across Kentucky. During this long walk, starting off the day before Easter '09', I passed many a church. For the most part I was walking on secondary roads, avoiding major traffic routes, to stay within the bounds of the laws. Of all the churches that I happen to pass, only at one, was any attention paid to a man with a backpack. This was Easter morning and my dog and I were both invited in for breakfast and a service. Yes, Maryanne, my sixty pound wolf-shepherd cross attended service in the chapel too:)
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Hospitality is truly a main topic in the Bible, in both the old and new testaments, for it is our showing GOD's love for us to other people around us. With that which GOD has blessed us, we're to bless others that happen along our paths! Now you could do a search on the word itself and not come up with to many hits, but it is hidden in underlying context many times. Generosity, kindness, sharing, even love(charity) could give you a better view of this topic. For all throughout the Bible, GOD instructs us to reach out and help those around us, whether in need or not. The second great commandment is a prime example: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ( Matt. 22:39, Lev. 19:18 ) Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think GOD could be much clearer on this topic than in these verses!!!
With this being the Advent season, that we celebrate the birth of our SAVIOR, we're being hammered with endless hours of commercials. They're everywhere. The underlying goal of most of these is to profit money through them and not the act of "loving your neighbor as yourself." What else can we expect from a world gone mad over money and self profiteering? The problem is though, that many Christians are falling into this age old trap. Yes, it is a trap. For we're being led to give, inorder to receive something in return! What has happened to Christianity and the church, were our prime example has been traded off for a counterfeit? Where we're led to give joyfully, so others may profit and we, in like manor, also receive back?
Yes, the Bible does say that when we give, we shall receive back in like manor(Luke 6:38), but this isn't to be our reason for giving. The reason we're to give is because GOD gave us this example in the first place, HE gave us life from the dust, asking for nothing in return, but our fellowship! Then again, upon the cross, HE gives us even more, forgiveness of our sins and eternal life! As in the first case, HE only ask for our fellowship in return. Do you see a pattern evolving here? One of giving, for the express purpose of showing your love for another of GOD's created beings? No matter the wording used; love/charity, generosity, sharing, kindness or hospitality, they all revolve around our showing the love GOD has shown us, by our open and un-repaid giving.This is not a suggestion or something we're urged to do occasionally, but a commandment that we should practice continuously!!! Always giving freely and never expecting anything in return!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Church of Judas
Praise the LORD!!!
As of late I've been busy doing the LORD's work for me on Twitter. Yes, we can be doing the LORD's work while at social networks online. Most of you are familiar with my writings and the vast web presence that I have and all of this is done per the LORD's leading. This entry is no different, but it is one that I wish there was no need to write, but when the LORD leads, I follow.
All of us should know the GOSPEL accounts of the disciples and how they were taught over a three plus year time period all that the LORD willed for them to learn. We should all know the account of how Judas Iscariot betrayed JESUS also! But are you aware that the spirit of Judas is alive and thriving today? Right in the very churches that we attend? I'm saddened to say it, but it is the truth. Just a quick look around you at the happenings within our churches these days should reveal to you that there is another spirit alive and thriving within their walls and not that of the HOLY SPIRIT which would make a vast difference in their existence!
Before we delve deeper into this, let us first examine the character of the man Judas. We should all know that he was a thief(John 12:6), but also from the previous verse we can note that he was also prideful.For though having seen JESUS take but a few morsels of food, break them, then bless them and then feed thousands of poor people, he wanted the attention drawn to the actions of their own hands. This is not all though, for he was also covetous, for he betrayed the LORD for money, which he intended to use to prosper his own life(Acts 1:18a.)
Now you may be wondering what these traits of Judas have to do with today's church. What I'm going to say may not be new to some, but may also be eye opening to others. Since giving my life totally to the LORD in '95,' the LORD has had me digest a huge amount of literature. Much of it was Christian based, but there were also volumes read on the 'cults' and 'false religions' of today, but these are not those that I speak of at this time. For those of which I'm being drawn to focus upon are those that do preach a true GOSPEL from behind their pews, but their actions and internal operations are far from those set forth by the LORD!
How this is going to come out, I'm not sure of and there will most likely be those that will want to argue the facts. I personally don't care, for it a WORD in season, as I'm led by the LORD to publish it! There are many churches these days that preach a authentic GOSPEL message and then there are those that water it down to make it pleasing to the ear. These also are not those that this is aimed at, though in some cases they may fit into these other realms.
For the most part, when JESUS preached HE wasn't in some extravagant building, but on a hillside or field, along the seashore in a boat or a common person's home. For some reason, today we need multi-million dollar churches to reach out to the lost.Why? Are not just as many people given the GOSPEL on a street corner, or some poor village in some third world nation? What is the need of this extravagance, when the money could be better spent lifting up those that are suffering? None, but to bolster their own pride, drawing attention of the masses to their 'humble' selves. Yes, there is need to have room for large groups to gather in fellowship, but to have coffee shops, restaurants, workout rooms, play areas for the children(I'm not talking about needed areas, but $100K+ ones) and a mass of sound and video equipment. An yes, there is a need for some of these, but not to the extent that many have gone. Heck, the average person could be bought a house, car and all the needed items for several years, for the cost of but one 'jumbo-tron,' or the sound system and light show reminiscent of a rock show! How can any minister or board of elders say that all this spending increases the effectiveness of their service? Didn't great preachers of the past do without all of these and yet turned the hearts of thousands unto the LORD? What would the likes of Spurgeon, Moody, Luther or Calvin have to say about the modern system of church operation? Better yet, what does the LORD think about them! I don't think I'd be writing this article if HE were completely pleased with them!!!
Now we're hit on the matter of money, not the use of it, but the constant battering of the flock to gather more and more of it! In my vast travels around the country, all posted somewhere online, the number two reason people didn't attend church on a regular basis was this. Second, only too hypocrisy within the church, which is another blog topic:) I don't think anyone that is reading this isn't aware of the constant bantering for money from our churches! Some is viable, for there are needs such as building upkeep and staff salaries that have to be met. All the details of how the vast quantities of the money raised each week by churches supposedly can be found, but I believe in my heart, that is not all truth. For as many know, there are numerous ways to hide income from prying eyes, even those of the government or church body. A sad fact, but a true one! I personally know the cost of doing ministry, for in the years since '99,' I've put in an estimated $150K into Vine of CHRIST Ministries, all out of pocket. Now a large percentage of this that was for the operations of the ministry has been lost along the roads of my travels, but there are many lives along these roads that were enriched by the works I was blessed to preform in their lives. Even now, while living in a one bedroom apartment, using a donated old computer, I'm being blessed to touch the lives of many for the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This article isn't about me though, but the spirit of Judas the prevails in our churches these days, so let's move on.
This 'spirit of Judas' is the one that hinders the spread of the GOSPEL and focuses our attention on the ministers themselves or the church from behind whose pew they preach. These are those whom eyes are focused upon their own works and not the Body of CHRIST as a whole. Sure they donate a share of the money gathered to other ministries and to out reach, but the vast amount is kept within their own walls drawing attention to 'all the great works they do.' We see the simplest form of this when preachers place their names after their own words, as if they're someone special in the church. I make note of the words of others, but never of my own words. This is done in the humility of the fact that I'm not worthy of mention in the KINGDOM of GOD. As Christians it is our duty to draw attention only to JESUS HIMSELF and not ourselves. For it is not by our hands, words or strength that anyone can be saved, only JESUS can fulfill this. Only in the world is note made upon the vessels used to accomplish an action and we see it blatantly in the commercialization rampant in the world. We as Christians are supposed to be humble and direct all attentions to JESUS and not anything we, or the body in which we work, does. Any other means, are those of the 'spirit of Judas!'
Now, I don't know if any of this has made sense, as with most of my writings, but it is a WORD in season, that I'm led to publish. Who it is directed to, I don't know, but I do know that I've been led to publish it and the LORD has HIS reasons behind it. It is not meant to draw attention to myself or my ministry for the LORD, but to open the eyes and hearts of someone that may happen upon it. I am no great wise man or scholar, just one that listens when led. If this WORD isn't for you, so be it, but if it is, please take it at heart, for the LORD is seeking to move within your life through the HOLY SPIRIT and not the spirit of Judas!!!
May GOD bless you and lift you up this day!
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
http://vineofchrist.org
As of late I've been busy doing the LORD's work for me on Twitter. Yes, we can be doing the LORD's work while at social networks online. Most of you are familiar with my writings and the vast web presence that I have and all of this is done per the LORD's leading. This entry is no different, but it is one that I wish there was no need to write, but when the LORD leads, I follow.
All of us should know the GOSPEL accounts of the disciples and how they were taught over a three plus year time period all that the LORD willed for them to learn. We should all know the account of how Judas Iscariot betrayed JESUS also! But are you aware that the spirit of Judas is alive and thriving today? Right in the very churches that we attend? I'm saddened to say it, but it is the truth. Just a quick look around you at the happenings within our churches these days should reveal to you that there is another spirit alive and thriving within their walls and not that of the HOLY SPIRIT which would make a vast difference in their existence!
Before we delve deeper into this, let us first examine the character of the man Judas. We should all know that he was a thief(John 12:6), but also from the previous verse we can note that he was also prideful.For though having seen JESUS take but a few morsels of food, break them, then bless them and then feed thousands of poor people, he wanted the attention drawn to the actions of their own hands. This is not all though, for he was also covetous, for he betrayed the LORD for money, which he intended to use to prosper his own life(Acts 1:18a.)
Now you may be wondering what these traits of Judas have to do with today's church. What I'm going to say may not be new to some, but may also be eye opening to others. Since giving my life totally to the LORD in '95,' the LORD has had me digest a huge amount of literature. Much of it was Christian based, but there were also volumes read on the 'cults' and 'false religions' of today, but these are not those that I speak of at this time. For those of which I'm being drawn to focus upon are those that do preach a true GOSPEL from behind their pews, but their actions and internal operations are far from those set forth by the LORD!
How this is going to come out, I'm not sure of and there will most likely be those that will want to argue the facts. I personally don't care, for it a WORD in season, as I'm led by the LORD to publish it! There are many churches these days that preach a authentic GOSPEL message and then there are those that water it down to make it pleasing to the ear. These also are not those that this is aimed at, though in some cases they may fit into these other realms.
For the most part, when JESUS preached HE wasn't in some extravagant building, but on a hillside or field, along the seashore in a boat or a common person's home. For some reason, today we need multi-million dollar churches to reach out to the lost.Why? Are not just as many people given the GOSPEL on a street corner, or some poor village in some third world nation? What is the need of this extravagance, when the money could be better spent lifting up those that are suffering? None, but to bolster their own pride, drawing attention of the masses to their 'humble' selves. Yes, there is need to have room for large groups to gather in fellowship, but to have coffee shops, restaurants, workout rooms, play areas for the children(I'm not talking about needed areas, but $100K+ ones) and a mass of sound and video equipment. An yes, there is a need for some of these, but not to the extent that many have gone. Heck, the average person could be bought a house, car and all the needed items for several years, for the cost of but one 'jumbo-tron,' or the sound system and light show reminiscent of a rock show! How can any minister or board of elders say that all this spending increases the effectiveness of their service? Didn't great preachers of the past do without all of these and yet turned the hearts of thousands unto the LORD? What would the likes of Spurgeon, Moody, Luther or Calvin have to say about the modern system of church operation? Better yet, what does the LORD think about them! I don't think I'd be writing this article if HE were completely pleased with them!!!
Now we're hit on the matter of money, not the use of it, but the constant battering of the flock to gather more and more of it! In my vast travels around the country, all posted somewhere online, the number two reason people didn't attend church on a regular basis was this. Second, only too hypocrisy within the church, which is another blog topic:) I don't think anyone that is reading this isn't aware of the constant bantering for money from our churches! Some is viable, for there are needs such as building upkeep and staff salaries that have to be met. All the details of how the vast quantities of the money raised each week by churches supposedly can be found, but I believe in my heart, that is not all truth. For as many know, there are numerous ways to hide income from prying eyes, even those of the government or church body. A sad fact, but a true one! I personally know the cost of doing ministry, for in the years since '99,' I've put in an estimated $150K into Vine of CHRIST Ministries, all out of pocket. Now a large percentage of this that was for the operations of the ministry has been lost along the roads of my travels, but there are many lives along these roads that were enriched by the works I was blessed to preform in their lives. Even now, while living in a one bedroom apartment, using a donated old computer, I'm being blessed to touch the lives of many for the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This article isn't about me though, but the spirit of Judas the prevails in our churches these days, so let's move on.
This 'spirit of Judas' is the one that hinders the spread of the GOSPEL and focuses our attention on the ministers themselves or the church from behind whose pew they preach. These are those whom eyes are focused upon their own works and not the Body of CHRIST as a whole. Sure they donate a share of the money gathered to other ministries and to out reach, but the vast amount is kept within their own walls drawing attention to 'all the great works they do.' We see the simplest form of this when preachers place their names after their own words, as if they're someone special in the church. I make note of the words of others, but never of my own words. This is done in the humility of the fact that I'm not worthy of mention in the KINGDOM of GOD. As Christians it is our duty to draw attention only to JESUS HIMSELF and not ourselves. For it is not by our hands, words or strength that anyone can be saved, only JESUS can fulfill this. Only in the world is note made upon the vessels used to accomplish an action and we see it blatantly in the commercialization rampant in the world. We as Christians are supposed to be humble and direct all attentions to JESUS and not anything we, or the body in which we work, does. Any other means, are those of the 'spirit of Judas!'
Now, I don't know if any of this has made sense, as with most of my writings, but it is a WORD in season, that I'm led to publish. Who it is directed to, I don't know, but I do know that I've been led to publish it and the LORD has HIS reasons behind it. It is not meant to draw attention to myself or my ministry for the LORD, but to open the eyes and hearts of someone that may happen upon it. I am no great wise man or scholar, just one that listens when led. If this WORD isn't for you, so be it, but if it is, please take it at heart, for the LORD is seeking to move within your life through the HOLY SPIRIT and not the spirit of Judas!!!
May GOD bless you and lift you up this day!
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
http://vineofchrist.org
Monday, November 8, 2010
Novemeber's VINEnotes
"VineNotes" Our monthly newsletter November 2010 Praise the LORD!!! As has been habit lately, this is being posted a bit after the first of the month. As you know, or should by now, I do as led by the LORD and work according to HIS timetable, not my own! Along with working the two part time jobs I've been spending a large amount of time on Twitter. Posting comments about the LORD and also the ministry. Social media is one way of fulfilling the 'Great Commission' from one's home, while avoiding the expense travel and personal contact with others. It may not be the best way to do this, but is one of the greatest currently available to the CHURCH today, if used properly! Another item that has been being taken care of is an increase in contacts among those doing disaster relief work around the globe. I've read numerous reports, from the many disaster taking place, and gathering details from these that would in no way of been possible even fifteen years ago. The internet is a valuable tool that must be used by Christians today to do those works set forth by the LORD for them. Again, let me state, "if properly used," for there is also easy access to every form of sin known readily available if one is not on guard!!! In much of these readings I've been gathering information as to the many needs of those involved in relief work. I've also been paying deep attention to how the organizations respond to these needs (logistics.) One thing is clear to see, is that there is a greater need for preparation and supply chains to be set up and working efficiently then any of them ever realized. To many problems have been encountered, that should of been worked into the equation beforehand. Sure one can't predict all events that may arise during an operation, but preparations can be made and had waiting implementation if the need arose. Much like the Cholera outbreak in Haiti. When you move millions of people into substandard living condition, providing inadequate clean water and sanitation, an outbreak like this one should be foreseen! In this instance, the medical supplies were in Haiti, but far from the areas where they were needed and the shipments of these took far to long to take place. A rapid response to even the slightest 'outbreak' needs to be swift and thorough, even to the point of 'overkill,' for the lose of even one life is to great!!! Early on in life, I was taught a great lesson. The one of learn from your own mistakes, but the LORD has taken this a great step farther and has had me learning from the mistakes of others also. I so doing, I've been highly blessed to be led in a manor that will cause VCM to function in a manor more efficiently and cost effective than these other groups. This is the purpose of the DROC's and their being highly stocked with all the supplies needed for even the most unusual disasters. This is also the reasoning behind the multiple locations with an overlapping operational areas. When a disaster happens in one operational area, those centers around it will also go on alert and begin assembling supplies and personnel for activation into the effected area. It will even bring into effect a second level of activation for those at a greater distance from the disaster, having them monitoring all that is occurring in the higher levels and preparing that which may be needed down the line. It is a very intricate plan and one the LORD has highly stressed upon my heart. VCM will be representing the LORD, first and foremost and HE leaves no little detail to chance. Everything is considered and no possibility or preparation is left out. This is the reasoning behind my looking into the most advanced computer systems available. The amount of information handled will be tremendous and very multi-faceted. The number of people will also be great, for there is no way humanly possible for a few to undertake what lies ahead for this ministry. All these things are in the future, when they'll be fulfilled only GOD knows, but I must continue everyday to do that which I led too. For without the life giving resources from the Vine, all will be but the works of man and be no different then those we currently see, disastrous, for the lose of one life is too many!!! |
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October's VineNotes
Praise the LORD!!!
All is well this month, though I've not had much time to work on the ministry. We received our first donation, praise the LORD, $30 which was placed on the phone account on which it was earmarked for. This came about after several hours of phone conversations in which we'd be cut off due to the account limits. I remedied this by changing the account to an unlimited one, though at this time I don't know if I'll be able to maintain it at this level. It all comes down to the cost of doing so!
With having to work the two part time jobs to meet the bills, I've been very limited to that which I can do online and off for the ministry. Recently I've ran into a young couple in need and gave them a bunch of cookware and half of the sectional couch that the LORD has blessed me with. They're expecting a baby girl soon, very soon, and I've enlisted the manager(a Christian) here at the apartments to gather whatever resources we can for them. We've been blessed to get them a good number of items already!
As many of you know, or should if you've read through this site well enough, this ministry has been basically funded and worked by myself alone. This has put a great restriction on it's operations and materials on hand. It would be a 'GOD send' to be able to send them the items requested, such as Bibles, food and other needs. But with the funding limits this just isn't possible. It would be awesome to be able to send them several hundred pounds of rice or beans, or any other food items needed. Or even the Christian reading material requested. I've spent many an hour in prayer over this exact situation, yet matters haven't changed along these lines. I praise the LORD for this current state and expect that in the LORD's time it will change. But I'll have to continue to apologize via email until HE remedies this.
Now I'm not a 'newbie' to the internet and know that some of these may just be scams, but not unlike those that use others for profit in other ways, we're not to judge them or even try to 'weed them out.' "What?" you may be saying! This ministry operates on the principle of GOD being ultimately the one in control. If someone tries to use it for personal gain, it is the LORD that they're stand before to be judged, not us! You may think this will lead to a large amount of wasted funding, but is anything given ours to restrict. GOD blessed us with it in the first place, HE has allowed these people to seek out our assistance(for whatever purpose) and we will channel HIS funding to them. This doesn't mean that we'll be giving 'blindly,' because all that we do will be totally guided by prayer, TOTALLY!!! We may not know what a person's reasons are for using that which they've requested, but the LORD does and HE has a plan behind it. This is what knowing who is in ultimate control of all things will lead one to. Not taking into consideration that a person may have 'fleshly' intents behind their request, but that GOD has 'KINGDOM' intents behind them and it is HIS will that will be done.-------------------------------
I have recently started going to another church and this for personal reasons. For those that have been following me and the ministry, these won't be new, but for those that haven't, I'll explain. This ministry, as well as myself, are GOD founded and led!!! I function on the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT within my personal walk and the operations of this ministry. Nothing that is done is done out of mind, but only by the LORD's leading. Normally at this time I'd be at work at one of the apartment complexes, but I awoke this morning with a sinus headache and a strong leading by the LORD! I called in and let the manager know what was up and had plans to take some medicine and lay back down to get rid of the headache. Though the LORD had other plans, which you're reading:)))
Now for the reasons behind my leaving my old church for a new one. I'll not mention name, but will say that it is one on a list of the top fifteen fastest growing churches in the nation. This growth is not coming from the fact that they preach a true GOSPEL message, which at times they do, but like JESUS had happen after the miracle feedings, people are going there because their personal/earthly needs are being met(John6:26). You see, that during the Easter season this year, this church gathered huge amounts of donated materials; cars, computers, furniture, big screen TV's,and the likes there of. Attendance rose alarmingly even at the numerous satellite churches, which did the same, though on a smaller scale. Then the head pastor began 'hawking' his soon to be published book and enlisted 'all' church members to purchase as many as possible so he could get it listed on the best sellers list as soon as it was released.
My heart began to get very unsettled on these matters and I began praying over them. As Christians, though we live in this world, are supposed to be separated from it(John17:16). It ways and ours are to be totally opposed to each other. Now in a normal church setting I'd go and talk with the pastor himself, but in this set up of 'satellite' churches,it is next to impossible. Each 'satellite' is initially funded and set up by and around the main churches operations. The majority of sermons are pre-recorded and aired at the satellites at a later date. The 'satellite's' pastors have been raised up under the tutelage of the head pastor and are devoted to following his lead, so it does little good to talk with them. Let me say "they know which side their bread is buttered on," and where their basic support comes from, though they supposedly are 'self funded' through tithing. Little could be done by talking with the local pastor, when it is the 'head' that is generating the problems.
All too often these days people are flocking to churches that preach ways that are focused on adapting to the ways of the world. This because what is preached is a soothing message, one that calms the soul and allows us to blend in with the rest of society. Now I don't know about yours, but my Bible just doesn't read that way!!! We as Christians are supposed to follow our LORD and HE alone. Not a watered down 'gospel,' but the GOSPEL that is outlined within the pages of the Bible and it alone. The true GOSPEL message is not one that soothes our emotions and feelings, but one that cuts to the quick, dividing soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12), bringing one to a state of contrition and repentance and preparing the heart to receive GOD's grace!!! Now I don't know about you, but when I hear this type of message preached, all kinds of alarms go off within my spirit and I begin to spend a lot of time in prayer over the matter. Praying for knowledge and wisdom for myself and also for these blessings to also be poured out upon the offending party. Though I may not be able to call up chapter and verse, like so many today can, due to my long drug history, I've a strong dependence upon the HOLY SPIRIT to lead me and guide me into a right understanding of all things. Thus I've been led to find another church home and this was done with much soul searching and prayer.(I have found one, which I had no doubt that I would.)
Too many times these days we hear of huge churches that are growing at an alarming rate. People flocking through their doors in mass. Yet when we examine their sermons and programs we see that which operates in conjunction with the world and not that which is un-worldly(of the KINGDOM). We should not be alarmed for it is Biblical. We're warned in scripture that this very thing will happen during the end-times. People will not listen to sound scripture, but will flock to those that preach what is pleasing to their hearts(2 Tim 4:3). This, such as those in political power, is ordained of GOD to happen and there is nothing that we can do to change it. We as true Christians must do what we can to bring note to these practices, such as this article, and continue on preaching a strong Biblical GOSPEL. Our hands are tied when it comes to changing this practice, but not from broadcasting the true GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST so others can hear it in it's full power!!! This can be likened unto the 'refiners fire' or the 'wheat and tares,' where GOD has allowed impurities in so as to separate that which is true and of HIS KINGDOM.
As usual, I'm stepping on some 'theological' toes and really don't care! That which I'm entering into cyber-space is that which I'm being led too. My wording, but not my context. For these are those things that have been laid upon my heart and that is what I broadcast. I will not judge these people, but I will separate myself from them in Biblical matters. I will do my best, as led, to reveal the truth to those that will listen. I'll not go beyond doing that which I'm led to do. For I truly understand that GOD is moving through all things to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind. I may not understand but a part of what is happening, but this I am sure of, that GOD's plans are perfect and will come to be reality!!!!!!!
All is well this month, though I've not had much time to work on the ministry. We received our first donation, praise the LORD, $30 which was placed on the phone account on which it was earmarked for. This came about after several hours of phone conversations in which we'd be cut off due to the account limits. I remedied this by changing the account to an unlimited one, though at this time I don't know if I'll be able to maintain it at this level. It all comes down to the cost of doing so!
With having to work the two part time jobs to meet the bills, I've been very limited to that which I can do online and off for the ministry. Recently I've ran into a young couple in need and gave them a bunch of cookware and half of the sectional couch that the LORD has blessed me with. They're expecting a baby girl soon, very soon, and I've enlisted the manager(a Christian) here at the apartments to gather whatever resources we can for them. We've been blessed to get them a good number of items already!
------------------
Almost daily I have to respond to email from individuals around the globe that would like to come into communion with the ministry or enlist me to go to their country and assist them in their works for the LORD. I've had to turn these all down, which is heart breaking, for two reasons. 1- My being a convicted felon, I've no rights and can't get a passport to travel outside the U.S. 2- The limited funds and resources that the ministry has, makes fulfilling their request impossible at this time. Most of these have come from groups of small ministries that have undertaken the LORD's work in their impoverished nations. Taking in orphans and other under privileged people and meeting their needs, along with doing out reach ministry and raising up disciples. As many of you know, or should if you've read through this site well enough, this ministry has been basically funded and worked by myself alone. This has put a great restriction on it's operations and materials on hand. It would be a 'GOD send' to be able to send them the items requested, such as Bibles, food and other needs. But with the funding limits this just isn't possible. It would be awesome to be able to send them several hundred pounds of rice or beans, or any other food items needed. Or even the Christian reading material requested. I've spent many an hour in prayer over this exact situation, yet matters haven't changed along these lines. I praise the LORD for this current state and expect that in the LORD's time it will change. But I'll have to continue to apologize via email until HE remedies this.
Now I'm not a 'newbie' to the internet and know that some of these may just be scams, but not unlike those that use others for profit in other ways, we're not to judge them or even try to 'weed them out.' "What?" you may be saying! This ministry operates on the principle of GOD being ultimately the one in control. If someone tries to use it for personal gain, it is the LORD that they're stand before to be judged, not us! You may think this will lead to a large amount of wasted funding, but is anything given ours to restrict. GOD blessed us with it in the first place, HE has allowed these people to seek out our assistance(for whatever purpose) and we will channel HIS funding to them. This doesn't mean that we'll be giving 'blindly,' because all that we do will be totally guided by prayer, TOTALLY!!! We may not know what a person's reasons are for using that which they've requested, but the LORD does and HE has a plan behind it. This is what knowing who is in ultimate control of all things will lead one to. Not taking into consideration that a person may have 'fleshly' intents behind their request, but that GOD has 'KINGDOM' intents behind them and it is HIS will that will be done.-------------------------------
SEPARATION
Now for the reasons behind my leaving my old church for a new one. I'll not mention name, but will say that it is one on a list of the top fifteen fastest growing churches in the nation. This growth is not coming from the fact that they preach a true GOSPEL message, which at times they do, but like JESUS had happen after the miracle feedings, people are going there because their personal/earthly needs are being met(John6:26). You see, that during the Easter season this year, this church gathered huge amounts of donated materials; cars, computers, furniture, big screen TV's,and the likes there of. Attendance rose alarmingly even at the numerous satellite churches, which did the same, though on a smaller scale. Then the head pastor began 'hawking' his soon to be published book and enlisted 'all' church members to purchase as many as possible so he could get it listed on the best sellers list as soon as it was released.
My heart began to get very unsettled on these matters and I began praying over them. As Christians, though we live in this world, are supposed to be separated from it(John17:16). It ways and ours are to be totally opposed to each other. Now in a normal church setting I'd go and talk with the pastor himself, but in this set up of 'satellite' churches,it is next to impossible. Each 'satellite' is initially funded and set up by and around the main churches operations. The majority of sermons are pre-recorded and aired at the satellites at a later date. The 'satellite's' pastors have been raised up under the tutelage of the head pastor and are devoted to following his lead, so it does little good to talk with them. Let me say "they know which side their bread is buttered on," and where their basic support comes from, though they supposedly are 'self funded' through tithing. Little could be done by talking with the local pastor, when it is the 'head' that is generating the problems.
All too often these days people are flocking to churches that preach ways that are focused on adapting to the ways of the world. This because what is preached is a soothing message, one that calms the soul and allows us to blend in with the rest of society. Now I don't know about yours, but my Bible just doesn't read that way!!! We as Christians are supposed to follow our LORD and HE alone. Not a watered down 'gospel,' but the GOSPEL that is outlined within the pages of the Bible and it alone. The true GOSPEL message is not one that soothes our emotions and feelings, but one that cuts to the quick, dividing soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12), bringing one to a state of contrition and repentance and preparing the heart to receive GOD's grace!!! Now I don't know about you, but when I hear this type of message preached, all kinds of alarms go off within my spirit and I begin to spend a lot of time in prayer over the matter. Praying for knowledge and wisdom for myself and also for these blessings to also be poured out upon the offending party. Though I may not be able to call up chapter and verse, like so many today can, due to my long drug history, I've a strong dependence upon the HOLY SPIRIT to lead me and guide me into a right understanding of all things. Thus I've been led to find another church home and this was done with much soul searching and prayer.(I have found one, which I had no doubt that I would.)
Too many times these days we hear of huge churches that are growing at an alarming rate. People flocking through their doors in mass. Yet when we examine their sermons and programs we see that which operates in conjunction with the world and not that which is un-worldly(of the KINGDOM). We should not be alarmed for it is Biblical. We're warned in scripture that this very thing will happen during the end-times. People will not listen to sound scripture, but will flock to those that preach what is pleasing to their hearts(2 Tim 4:3). This, such as those in political power, is ordained of GOD to happen and there is nothing that we can do to change it. We as true Christians must do what we can to bring note to these practices, such as this article, and continue on preaching a strong Biblical GOSPEL. Our hands are tied when it comes to changing this practice, but not from broadcasting the true GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST so others can hear it in it's full power!!! This can be likened unto the 'refiners fire' or the 'wheat and tares,' where GOD has allowed impurities in so as to separate that which is true and of HIS KINGDOM.
As usual, I'm stepping on some 'theological' toes and really don't care! That which I'm entering into cyber-space is that which I'm being led too. My wording, but not my context. For these are those things that have been laid upon my heart and that is what I broadcast. I will not judge these people, but I will separate myself from them in Biblical matters. I will do my best, as led, to reveal the truth to those that will listen. I'll not go beyond doing that which I'm led to do. For I truly understand that GOD is moving through all things to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind. I may not understand but a part of what is happening, but this I am sure of, that GOD's plans are perfect and will come to be reality!!!!!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
"For such a time as this..."
Praise the LORD!!!
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:14)
It has been a while since I've written a newsletter. I've been quite busy working for man in order to pay the bills. This, in itself, has left me little time to do much along the lines of the ministry. Though I was blessed to help a Christian widow, by cutting up several trees that fell in her yard during tropical storm Hurmime. Very little else has been done along the lines of work for the LORD. Though I have been blessed to show HIS love for man through the work that I've done and the words of my mouth.
Now what does the above verse have to do with the ministry? The LORD laid it upon my heart a short while ago and HE has me writing this newsletter with HIS purpose in mind. We all should know the story behind the book of Esther and I'll not go into great detail on it. GOD had moved within her life so as to bring her into a position of 'having the ear of the king.' Many are the times that GOD moves within our lives to bring us into a position or place in life to effect the lives of others. Esther's was for the preservation of the Hebrew peoples scattered across the nations. Most of you know the story about my recent travels to Kingsville, Texas. If not, you can find them somewhere at the website or at one of the many places I network online, with but a little searching. These travels have brought me to this place 'for such a time as this.'
As many of you know this portion of the gulf coast has been having a great deal of weather related activity. A tropical depression, two tropical storms and one hurricane have all had an impact on the area. Though in various ways and degrees, they have all assisted in bringing about the current conditions in our area. Currently we're over seventeen inches above the normal rainfall for the year and we're only three quarters of a year into it. Over the weekend there have been numerous rainfall records set in the area and the landscape is showing it. One look at the local news will prove this. Corpus Christi has many areas currently underwater, with more rain predicted for the coming days.
Needless to say there is and will be a great deal of work along the lines of that which the ministry has been brought to this area to assist in. For years now I've done all of the work that the ministry has accomplished in all the areas that it has been formed up to cover. From it's very beginning, with the collection of food, clothing and household items in Springfield, MO., to the reconstruction works along the gulf coast, I've been the hands and feet of the operation alone. I'm currently being plagued by a back injury(herniated disc) suffered while working for a 'storm chaser' construction company in Mississippi.
What does this have to do with the verse? It is for such a time as this that I've been brought to this area, under it's current conditions and needs. There are a lot of works that need to be done and it is clear that I can't be the only one doing them. Vine of CHRIST Ministries needs others! Born again Christians that want to see JESUS CHRIST receive the glory for the works of their hands and hearts. Those that are tired of seeing secular groups doing the works that Christians have been brought up to do. We as Christians have been brought to these times, to reach out with the hands of JESUS to show the world HIS love for them. Either through the work of lifting them up during their time of need or leading them unto a saving grace by HIS WORDS. JESUS is the one that must make a difference in their lives, but we're the ones that HE has ordained for such a time as this to be HIS hands and feet. We're the ones that need to stand up and step out with a love that surpasses all understanding. Are you one that has been brought here 'for such a time as this?'
If you feel you are and are willing to give your all for the glory of JESUS CHRIST, use our email address:
hisson33@gmail.com
or snail mail us at:
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
2420 S. 6th St.
#802
Kingsville, Texas, 78363
Even if you decide not to work with VCM, due to our lack of funding and reach, there are many other groups in this area that need your assistance with the recovery work that will need to be done. Search these out and show those in need that JESUS is alive and using your hands to accomplish HIS works through your hands!!!
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:14)
It has been a while since I've written a newsletter. I've been quite busy working for man in order to pay the bills. This, in itself, has left me little time to do much along the lines of the ministry. Though I was blessed to help a Christian widow, by cutting up several trees that fell in her yard during tropical storm Hurmime. Very little else has been done along the lines of work for the LORD. Though I have been blessed to show HIS love for man through the work that I've done and the words of my mouth.
Now what does the above verse have to do with the ministry? The LORD laid it upon my heart a short while ago and HE has me writing this newsletter with HIS purpose in mind. We all should know the story behind the book of Esther and I'll not go into great detail on it. GOD had moved within her life so as to bring her into a position of 'having the ear of the king.' Many are the times that GOD moves within our lives to bring us into a position or place in life to effect the lives of others. Esther's was for the preservation of the Hebrew peoples scattered across the nations. Most of you know the story about my recent travels to Kingsville, Texas. If not, you can find them somewhere at the website or at one of the many places I network online, with but a little searching. These travels have brought me to this place 'for such a time as this.'
As many of you know this portion of the gulf coast has been having a great deal of weather related activity. A tropical depression, two tropical storms and one hurricane have all had an impact on the area. Though in various ways and degrees, they have all assisted in bringing about the current conditions in our area. Currently we're over seventeen inches above the normal rainfall for the year and we're only three quarters of a year into it. Over the weekend there have been numerous rainfall records set in the area and the landscape is showing it. One look at the local news will prove this. Corpus Christi has many areas currently underwater, with more rain predicted for the coming days.
Needless to say there is and will be a great deal of work along the lines of that which the ministry has been brought to this area to assist in. For years now I've done all of the work that the ministry has accomplished in all the areas that it has been formed up to cover. From it's very beginning, with the collection of food, clothing and household items in Springfield, MO., to the reconstruction works along the gulf coast, I've been the hands and feet of the operation alone. I'm currently being plagued by a back injury(herniated disc) suffered while working for a 'storm chaser' construction company in Mississippi.
What does this have to do with the verse? It is for such a time as this that I've been brought to this area, under it's current conditions and needs. There are a lot of works that need to be done and it is clear that I can't be the only one doing them. Vine of CHRIST Ministries needs others! Born again Christians that want to see JESUS CHRIST receive the glory for the works of their hands and hearts. Those that are tired of seeing secular groups doing the works that Christians have been brought up to do. We as Christians have been brought to these times, to reach out with the hands of JESUS to show the world HIS love for them. Either through the work of lifting them up during their time of need or leading them unto a saving grace by HIS WORDS. JESUS is the one that must make a difference in their lives, but we're the ones that HE has ordained for such a time as this to be HIS hands and feet. We're the ones that need to stand up and step out with a love that surpasses all understanding. Are you one that has been brought here 'for such a time as this?'
If you feel you are and are willing to give your all for the glory of JESUS CHRIST, use our email address:
hisson33@gmail.com
or snail mail us at:
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
2420 S. 6th St.
#802
Kingsville, Texas, 78363
Even if you decide not to work with VCM, due to our lack of funding and reach, there are many other groups in this area that need your assistance with the recovery work that will need to be done. Search these out and show those in need that JESUS is alive and using your hands to accomplish HIS works through your hands!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Praise the LORD!!!
Truly I don't know what to call this entry for today. Whether an addition to the newsletter for the month, a addition to our "About us" page on the web site or what. It is something that I'm being inspired to write, as with all my writings, none the less!
When GOD began revealing HIS ministry for me, back in August of '97', I had many a question for HIM. Many of these were like those you too may be wondering about. I will do my best to answer as many of them as possible, in the same manor in which I was led to understand them.
- Why a ministry covering so many areas of Christian helps?
For so many years, more like centuries, Christians have been laying aside the burden GOD has for mankind. Laying them on the secular world's shoulders instead of picking them up and bearing the burdens with HIS help. Yes, there are many ministries out there that accomplish a great deal of these in their ministries and for a part of them, the glory does go to GOD. But there is a larger percentage of this work that, even though done by Christians, the glory doesn't go to GOD, but to the group themselves! In all rights, when a Christian accomplishes a work, the glory is suppose to go to HE that gave them the desire and ability to do such. Now a days, we see many groups that pay thousands of dollars to promote their causes before the eyes of the world. Yet few of these promote the name of the LORD which blessed them to be able to accomplish these feats. This is why, even after three years of working on the gulf coast doing rebuilding after the '05' hurricane season, you'll find no signs that VCM had been there. You've seen no advertisements, the only reason you may know of these works is because of our web site. The only reason you know of it, is because GOD has led you to find it through one means or another. I've spent not one cent on advertising or promotion for the ministry. All has been done through word of mouth, either my words or the words of those helped.
With many of the large Christian ministries, as with the secular organizations, millions of dollars are spent each year for paid advertising. VCM will not do this, we won't even ask for donations at our sites. What we will do is simple. We will state the facts about the current state of the ministry and those works that we're undertaking and ask you to pray over these matters and follow the LORD's leading. This ministry is about JESUS and the fact that HE is our ultimate source for all!!! HE is the vine and we are the branches. HE leads and inspires and we follow and do. Plain and simple. We are non denominational so have no religious organization to receive funding from. All funds will come through those that are led to do so. This may sound highly unusual, but I place my faith totally in the LORD's ample hands and know that what HE has called me to, HE will provide the means to fulfill them. No if ands or buts to it, I totally trust the LORD!!!!!!!
Current works that are being set up are the first central office and disaster relief operational center (DROC.) Going has been slow, but all things happen in GOD's timing and will only progress as HE wills them to. There are several vacant buildings here in Kingsville that would fit the needs of the ministry and I've been doing research on these. One is the old hospital near the center of town and the other is an old furniture store several blocks away. The hospital would work well as offices and DROC operations. whereas the other would be a prime location for warehousing the supplies and equipment needed for the centers. There is still a lot to be found out about both of these, but all will happen when it is time.
VCM will have mobile food and medical units that will be designed to provide their appointed needs in the most effective means possible. Our operation will not be like those we've been witnessing lately, where it seems like no one knows whats going on. These, as with all our operations, will function to a very high level of efficiency. After all it is our purpose to show those in need the love JESUS has for them, by the works of our hands. You can't do this is if every thing doesn't function properly and with much fore thought put into it.
Eventually there will be other DROC's around the country, I've been shown fifteen different locations to date. Three will be spaced out along the gulf coast and the rest around the continental U.S. This is for the purpose of quick response times. All will be within a twenty four hour drive time from another. When a disaster happens not only will the closest center respond, but also those within an operational circle, which will be set up as other locations come into operational status. There will not be any of the waiting, as we've seen, for supplies to be ordered and shipped, equipment and supplies will already be on hand and allocated to the areas in need. We will have supplies moving towards a disaster even before it has taken place and most likely people in the area while it is happening.
How can all this happen? By the grace if GOD and that which HE's shown me. This ministry is going to have a very large infrastructure and one that is highly organized. It will operate along the lines of a military, with numerous branches, all working together towards one common purpose. This is most likely the reason that I've been working at setting up this ministry for over twelve years now. I've had my hands taught many of the needed skills to bring this all together by working in the many fields required to make this all happen. I've felt the power of the elements and witnessed first hand the lack of controlled efforts to provide relief. I've gone in and done the cleanup and rebuilding. I've witnessed and listen to those that have been on the ground at many of the recent disasters. I've been constantly learning more and more everyday about what works and what doesn't and will put it all to use. When will this all happen? Only the LORD knows for sure and like this article, will happen by HIS leading!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Truly I don't know what to call this entry for today. Whether an addition to the newsletter for the month, a addition to our "About us" page on the web site or what. It is something that I'm being inspired to write, as with all my writings, none the less!
When GOD began revealing HIS ministry for me, back in August of '97', I had many a question for HIM. Many of these were like those you too may be wondering about. I will do my best to answer as many of them as possible, in the same manor in which I was led to understand them.
- Why a ministry covering so many areas of Christian helps?
For so many years, more like centuries, Christians have been laying aside the burden GOD has for mankind. Laying them on the secular world's shoulders instead of picking them up and bearing the burdens with HIS help. Yes, there are many ministries out there that accomplish a great deal of these in their ministries and for a part of them, the glory does go to GOD. But there is a larger percentage of this work that, even though done by Christians, the glory doesn't go to GOD, but to the group themselves! In all rights, when a Christian accomplishes a work, the glory is suppose to go to HE that gave them the desire and ability to do such. Now a days, we see many groups that pay thousands of dollars to promote their causes before the eyes of the world. Yet few of these promote the name of the LORD which blessed them to be able to accomplish these feats. This is why, even after three years of working on the gulf coast doing rebuilding after the '05' hurricane season, you'll find no signs that VCM had been there. You've seen no advertisements, the only reason you may know of these works is because of our web site. The only reason you know of it, is because GOD has led you to find it through one means or another. I've spent not one cent on advertising or promotion for the ministry. All has been done through word of mouth, either my words or the words of those helped.
With many of the large Christian ministries, as with the secular organizations, millions of dollars are spent each year for paid advertising. VCM will not do this, we won't even ask for donations at our sites. What we will do is simple. We will state the facts about the current state of the ministry and those works that we're undertaking and ask you to pray over these matters and follow the LORD's leading. This ministry is about JESUS and the fact that HE is our ultimate source for all!!! HE is the vine and we are the branches. HE leads and inspires and we follow and do. Plain and simple. We are non denominational so have no religious organization to receive funding from. All funds will come through those that are led to do so. This may sound highly unusual, but I place my faith totally in the LORD's ample hands and know that what HE has called me to, HE will provide the means to fulfill them. No if ands or buts to it, I totally trust the LORD!!!!!!!
Current works that are being set up are the first central office and disaster relief operational center (DROC.) Going has been slow, but all things happen in GOD's timing and will only progress as HE wills them to. There are several vacant buildings here in Kingsville that would fit the needs of the ministry and I've been doing research on these. One is the old hospital near the center of town and the other is an old furniture store several blocks away. The hospital would work well as offices and DROC operations. whereas the other would be a prime location for warehousing the supplies and equipment needed for the centers. There is still a lot to be found out about both of these, but all will happen when it is time.
VCM will have mobile food and medical units that will be designed to provide their appointed needs in the most effective means possible. Our operation will not be like those we've been witnessing lately, where it seems like no one knows whats going on. These, as with all our operations, will function to a very high level of efficiency. After all it is our purpose to show those in need the love JESUS has for them, by the works of our hands. You can't do this is if every thing doesn't function properly and with much fore thought put into it.
Eventually there will be other DROC's around the country, I've been shown fifteen different locations to date. Three will be spaced out along the gulf coast and the rest around the continental U.S. This is for the purpose of quick response times. All will be within a twenty four hour drive time from another. When a disaster happens not only will the closest center respond, but also those within an operational circle, which will be set up as other locations come into operational status. There will not be any of the waiting, as we've seen, for supplies to be ordered and shipped, equipment and supplies will already be on hand and allocated to the areas in need. We will have supplies moving towards a disaster even before it has taken place and most likely people in the area while it is happening.
How can all this happen? By the grace if GOD and that which HE's shown me. This ministry is going to have a very large infrastructure and one that is highly organized. It will operate along the lines of a military, with numerous branches, all working together towards one common purpose. This is most likely the reason that I've been working at setting up this ministry for over twelve years now. I've had my hands taught many of the needed skills to bring this all together by working in the many fields required to make this all happen. I've felt the power of the elements and witnessed first hand the lack of controlled efforts to provide relief. I've gone in and done the cleanup and rebuilding. I've witnessed and listen to those that have been on the ground at many of the recent disasters. I've been constantly learning more and more everyday about what works and what doesn't and will put it all to use. When will this all happen? Only the LORD knows for sure and like this article, will happen by HIS leading!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Saturday, August 28, 2010
A Carrot, an egg and coffee
Praise the LORD!!!
A little something that was forwarded to me, that I've thought some may truly enjoy. Especially if facing tough times, trials or tribulations! Enjoy:)))
A little something that was forwarded to me, that I've thought some may truly enjoy. Especially if facing tough times, trials or tribulations! Enjoy:)))
|
Five year since...
Praise the LORD!!!
It has been five years since hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrecked havoc upon the gulf coast! For those of you that know me, you know that I was living in Iowa, La. during these storms. My accounts of what went on during these storms can be found all over the internet. This isn't the reason for this posting though. It's not to bring up the past, for I live in today, striving to change the future of disaster relief.
Though the face of disaster relief has changed a good bit, it is still far from that which it should(and will) be. If you've stayed tuned in on relief operations to the many disaster since '05', like I have, you'll know that there have been vast improvements in the efforts to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible. Which is a very good thing. There hasn't been an improvement in the overall logistics of these vast undertakings though. Yes, large amounts of money and supplies are donated in a timely manor, but it is their getting distributed to those in need that is really lacking improvement. We saw this in response to the Haitian earthquake and are seeing it in other disasters around the globe.
I've watched videos of the relief efforts in Pakistan dealing with the current flooding and am horrified at how they're delivering the relief. There seems to be a 'dog eat dog' mentality in the distribution methods. They pull up to crowds of people and begin throwing the supplies to them. People begin to scramble for whatever they can grab a hold of. The neediest of all(sick,aged and injured) are left to pick up whatever was left behind. In my personal opinion, this is totally wrong in many ways. Those that are in greatest of need should be the first to receive, not the other way around. Formal food and medical set ups need to be provided in the quickest means possible. Yes, it does take time to set up a food service operation to feed thousands of people, but in doing so you're making sure that those truly in need aren't left to fend for themselves.
This is why VCM is working on developing a strategic logistics system. One that will set up quickly and operate efficiently no matter what the emergency. We a Christians have a very high calling to preform differently then those operations of world relief groups. We have the calling to preform everything we do to a level that will bring glory to the name of JESUS first and foremost!!! GOD is a perfectionist and our systems must function in the best manor possible, as close to 'GOD-like' as humanly possible. This can only be accomplished by our remaining firmly seated in our beliefs and adherence to HIS principles set forth for us in scripture. As VCM continues to develop, we'll strive to remain strong in our core beliefs and show the love of JESUS to all of mankind through our proficiency and the labor of our hands. This is a high calling and one that I personally will strive to meet with every breath that I take on earth!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Please don't forget, that if you're in need of some prayer, we've a email prayer system set up. Email us at: prayers@vineofchrist.org
It has been five years since hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrecked havoc upon the gulf coast! For those of you that know me, you know that I was living in Iowa, La. during these storms. My accounts of what went on during these storms can be found all over the internet. This isn't the reason for this posting though. It's not to bring up the past, for I live in today, striving to change the future of disaster relief.
Though the face of disaster relief has changed a good bit, it is still far from that which it should(and will) be. If you've stayed tuned in on relief operations to the many disaster since '05', like I have, you'll know that there have been vast improvements in the efforts to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible. Which is a very good thing. There hasn't been an improvement in the overall logistics of these vast undertakings though. Yes, large amounts of money and supplies are donated in a timely manor, but it is their getting distributed to those in need that is really lacking improvement. We saw this in response to the Haitian earthquake and are seeing it in other disasters around the globe.
I've watched videos of the relief efforts in Pakistan dealing with the current flooding and am horrified at how they're delivering the relief. There seems to be a 'dog eat dog' mentality in the distribution methods. They pull up to crowds of people and begin throwing the supplies to them. People begin to scramble for whatever they can grab a hold of. The neediest of all(sick,aged and injured) are left to pick up whatever was left behind. In my personal opinion, this is totally wrong in many ways. Those that are in greatest of need should be the first to receive, not the other way around. Formal food and medical set ups need to be provided in the quickest means possible. Yes, it does take time to set up a food service operation to feed thousands of people, but in doing so you're making sure that those truly in need aren't left to fend for themselves.
This is why VCM is working on developing a strategic logistics system. One that will set up quickly and operate efficiently no matter what the emergency. We a Christians have a very high calling to preform differently then those operations of world relief groups. We have the calling to preform everything we do to a level that will bring glory to the name of JESUS first and foremost!!! GOD is a perfectionist and our systems must function in the best manor possible, as close to 'GOD-like' as humanly possible. This can only be accomplished by our remaining firmly seated in our beliefs and adherence to HIS principles set forth for us in scripture. As VCM continues to develop, we'll strive to remain strong in our core beliefs and show the love of JESUS to all of mankind through our proficiency and the labor of our hands. This is a high calling and one that I personally will strive to meet with every breath that I take on earth!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Please don't forget, that if you're in need of some prayer, we've a email prayer system set up. Email us at: prayers@vineofchrist.org
Monday, August 9, 2010
August "VineNotes" Newsletter
Praise the LORD!!!
Though currently having a bit of a hard go, I thought I should get this months newsletter out. If you've been following my writings on the networked sites you'll know that I've been pushed to the max when it comes to working. The problem is that it hasn't been the LORD's work that I've had to undertake, but man's. I'm not overly happy about this situation, but someone has to pay the bills around here! Since this has been my position since the original formation of the ministry, it will continue until the LORD provides another means.
Due to my working two jobs to accomplish this feat, I've had very little time to do much else at all. My online presence has been very limited. Usually only checking emails and making a few replies to comments posted. I have managed to post several devotionals, but these have been for the most part short and limited. Something I regret having to do.
For those that have been watching the weather down here on the coastal bend of Texas, you'll know that we've had almost six straight weeks of 105(heat index) degree days. With working as an apartment maintenance man for two different employers, I've been constantly exposed to the heat in some way or another. Though one of my employers keeps the power on in the apartments, the other doesn't, and this is the one I've been working for the most. My list of chores includes landscaping, so I've been mowing and weedeating a lot of grass. Needless to say, six to ten hours out in this kind of heat really will take it out of a person. I've drug myself in in the evenings, sometimes barely able to fix a small meal, cleanup and get ready for bed. Now this wouldn't be that bad if I were helping those like the ministry is intended too, but I'm helping to fill the pockets of those that seek their own glory and prosperity.
This has brought on a feeling of weakness and depression when it comes to spiritual matters! Though something I've faced numerous times before, not that which I relish. My zeal for the LORD and my spiritual 'fuel tank' seems to run dry at times like this. Mostly due to the fact of the work being done for the profit of men and not the LORD. I have worked in conditions like this numerous times since the LORD renewed me and will do it again, any day! But to bring profits to those that only take advantage of others and line their own pockets totally saps my strength. I've gone the extra mile and some more in both these cases. I've turned the other cheek. I've done all to the best of my ability, as if unto the LORD. The whole time letting both know the reasons they're getting this amount and quality of works from me. I'm starting to feel like a slave and though being obedient to my masters, abused and constantly kicked to the curb.
I will continue to work for these until the LORD provides something else. Whether it is another better paying job, or the moneys to get the ministry off the ground finally(you should know which one I'm praying for:))) .) Oh for the day that I can wake up and look forward to only doing works that will clearly bring glory to JESUS! Oh what a happy day that shall be and you'll most like hear my shouts of praises to the LORD no matter where you live:)))!!!
***This may sound like a lot of complaining, but there are times that we must just open up and let it all out. I've always promised to be straight forward and transparent and this is it. Please keep these ministries and myself in your prayers. For we could really use them at this time:))) )GOD bless and good day!!! Rev. Barth***
Though currently having a bit of a hard go, I thought I should get this months newsletter out. If you've been following my writings on the networked sites you'll know that I've been pushed to the max when it comes to working. The problem is that it hasn't been the LORD's work that I've had to undertake, but man's. I'm not overly happy about this situation, but someone has to pay the bills around here! Since this has been my position since the original formation of the ministry, it will continue until the LORD provides another means.
Due to my working two jobs to accomplish this feat, I've had very little time to do much else at all. My online presence has been very limited. Usually only checking emails and making a few replies to comments posted. I have managed to post several devotionals, but these have been for the most part short and limited. Something I regret having to do.
For those that have been watching the weather down here on the coastal bend of Texas, you'll know that we've had almost six straight weeks of 105(heat index) degree days. With working as an apartment maintenance man for two different employers, I've been constantly exposed to the heat in some way or another. Though one of my employers keeps the power on in the apartments, the other doesn't, and this is the one I've been working for the most. My list of chores includes landscaping, so I've been mowing and weedeating a lot of grass. Needless to say, six to ten hours out in this kind of heat really will take it out of a person. I've drug myself in in the evenings, sometimes barely able to fix a small meal, cleanup and get ready for bed. Now this wouldn't be that bad if I were helping those like the ministry is intended too, but I'm helping to fill the pockets of those that seek their own glory and prosperity.
This has brought on a feeling of weakness and depression when it comes to spiritual matters! Though something I've faced numerous times before, not that which I relish. My zeal for the LORD and my spiritual 'fuel tank' seems to run dry at times like this. Mostly due to the fact of the work being done for the profit of men and not the LORD. I have worked in conditions like this numerous times since the LORD renewed me and will do it again, any day! But to bring profits to those that only take advantage of others and line their own pockets totally saps my strength. I've gone the extra mile and some more in both these cases. I've turned the other cheek. I've done all to the best of my ability, as if unto the LORD. The whole time letting both know the reasons they're getting this amount and quality of works from me. I'm starting to feel like a slave and though being obedient to my masters, abused and constantly kicked to the curb.
I will continue to work for these until the LORD provides something else. Whether it is another better paying job, or the moneys to get the ministry off the ground finally(you should know which one I'm praying for:))) .) Oh for the day that I can wake up and look forward to only doing works that will clearly bring glory to JESUS! Oh what a happy day that shall be and you'll most like hear my shouts of praises to the LORD no matter where you live:)))!!!
***This may sound like a lot of complaining, but there are times that we must just open up and let it all out. I've always promised to be straight forward and transparent and this is it. Please keep these ministries and myself in your prayers. For we could really use them at this time:))) )GOD bless and good day!!! Rev. Barth***
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Who is our enemy?
Praise the LORD!!!
(I've written this as led, it is unedited and maybe a little hard to understand. I pray, that you'll pray and ask JESUS to reveal HIS truth in these matters unto you and that then you also will seek to fulfill the "Great Commission" with every breath of the life that you're blessed with!!!)
This morning I'm off from work due to my knee bothering me. Not of my doing, but given the time by one of my human bosses. If yo know me very well, you're know that I fully believe that that there is no such thing as chance and that GOD has a reason for all things happening!
With this stated I'll lead you on my journey this morning and what has prompted this entry! While running a search for information on a school (Bible) I happened along an unrelated article on the "Bohemian Grove," and the "Illuminati." Now I'm not the most fluent on these groups, though I've heard of both and their dark secrets, plus their ties with (shall we say) the dark forces in our world! Following up on one of the links I was led to YouTube and a series of videos. These were on "The Mysteries of Molech." Now if you don't remember Molech, he was the Ammonites god to whom they sacrificed their children. It was forbidden for any of the Hebrew nation to worship him or even follow after the practices of this cult(ure.) Numerous times throughout Jewish history though these practices came to be practiced.
What does this have to do with today though? Especially considering that these practices have basically disappeared from existence. They truly haven't disappeared, but gone under the cover of darkness(from where they sprang.) These practices are in direct opposition to anything GODly and completely banned in scripture by GOD HIMSELF. All of their practices are of the forces of darkness and from the early writings have been warned against. What do these practices have to do with Christians living today? These are the forces that are wrecking havoc upon our faith, bringing division among the churches and moving behind the 'great men of power.'
If you watch these videos, you'll be able to see and hear for yourself the list of names mentioned. These are people that literally hold the power of this world in their hands. I ask that you pray before watching these, as I did, so that the LORD will grace you with the knowledge that HE wills for you to gather and the wisdom to put it to use in HIS chosen way! Most of you know about many of the topics and groups mentioned in these and know that our world is falling apart at the seams. But it is not this that we should worry about, for these things are being allowed to happen, it is to know the fact(signs) and to be about our calling(work) more diligently then ever!!! We need to stop fighting among ourselves, over mere doctrines of men, and begin seeking to fulfill the "Great Commission" more earnestly!!! We cannot change that which GOD has ordained to happen, because they'll all bring about HIS plan for the KINGDOM in the end.(I know people will disagree with this, but it must be said.) People think, and teach that evil just happened, by chance and that GOD had nothing to do with it. This would make our GOD out to be less then that which HE is. It would place the powers of darkness in a position almost equal to GOD. This is impossible!!!
Lucifer was created by GOD and when HE did so, HE knew exactly what was going to happen. It wasn't by chance that this happened either. GOD knows that for good to be known, relished and sought after, there must be an opposite force to judge it against, so there must be "darkness/evil." Ever since the very beginning of creation there have been the two, LIGHT and darkness, the two totally opposing forces in life. For where one is the other is not present. darkness cannot exist where there is LIGHT. All throughout scripture we're told this and especially within the New Testament. We as Christians must realize that we're called to be obedient to JESUS in every aspect of our lives and we must strive, with the LORD help, to bring this about within our lives. In this world where there is so much happening that is in direct conflict with the teachings of JESUS, we're to be the ones that represent HIM in our totally being. Not partially, but totally, wholeheartedly and with every breath of our existence. This morning GOD has blessed me with a renewed vigor, not to fight against that which only HE can battle, but to reach out and communicate HIS GOSPEL to all of mankind. With HIS help I can stand against those forces against me, not to battle against, but to reveal the true LIGHT unto a world that is covered in darkness. JESUS is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIGHT that will conquer all that is opposed to GOD. Let us do our part, each and everyday, to bring the LIGHT into the lives of all mankind!!!!!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
(I've written this as led, it is unedited and maybe a little hard to understand. I pray, that you'll pray and ask JESUS to reveal HIS truth in these matters unto you and that then you also will seek to fulfill the "Great Commission" with every breath of the life that you're blessed with!!!)
This morning I'm off from work due to my knee bothering me. Not of my doing, but given the time by one of my human bosses. If yo know me very well, you're know that I fully believe that that there is no such thing as chance and that GOD has a reason for all things happening!
With this stated I'll lead you on my journey this morning and what has prompted this entry! While running a search for information on a school (Bible) I happened along an unrelated article on the "Bohemian Grove," and the "Illuminati." Now I'm not the most fluent on these groups, though I've heard of both and their dark secrets, plus their ties with (shall we say) the dark forces in our world! Following up on one of the links I was led to YouTube and a series of videos. These were on "The Mysteries of Molech." Now if you don't remember Molech, he was the Ammonites god to whom they sacrificed their children. It was forbidden for any of the Hebrew nation to worship him or even follow after the practices of this cult(ure.) Numerous times throughout Jewish history though these practices came to be practiced.
What does this have to do with today though? Especially considering that these practices have basically disappeared from existence. They truly haven't disappeared, but gone under the cover of darkness(from where they sprang.) These practices are in direct opposition to anything GODly and completely banned in scripture by GOD HIMSELF. All of their practices are of the forces of darkness and from the early writings have been warned against. What do these practices have to do with Christians living today? These are the forces that are wrecking havoc upon our faith, bringing division among the churches and moving behind the 'great men of power.'
If you watch these videos, you'll be able to see and hear for yourself the list of names mentioned. These are people that literally hold the power of this world in their hands. I ask that you pray before watching these, as I did, so that the LORD will grace you with the knowledge that HE wills for you to gather and the wisdom to put it to use in HIS chosen way! Most of you know about many of the topics and groups mentioned in these and know that our world is falling apart at the seams. But it is not this that we should worry about, for these things are being allowed to happen, it is to know the fact(signs) and to be about our calling(work) more diligently then ever!!! We need to stop fighting among ourselves, over mere doctrines of men, and begin seeking to fulfill the "Great Commission" more earnestly!!! We cannot change that which GOD has ordained to happen, because they'll all bring about HIS plan for the KINGDOM in the end.(I know people will disagree with this, but it must be said.) People think, and teach that evil just happened, by chance and that GOD had nothing to do with it. This would make our GOD out to be less then that which HE is. It would place the powers of darkness in a position almost equal to GOD. This is impossible!!!
Lucifer was created by GOD and when HE did so, HE knew exactly what was going to happen. It wasn't by chance that this happened either. GOD knows that for good to be known, relished and sought after, there must be an opposite force to judge it against, so there must be "darkness/evil." Ever since the very beginning of creation there have been the two, LIGHT and darkness, the two totally opposing forces in life. For where one is the other is not present. darkness cannot exist where there is LIGHT. All throughout scripture we're told this and especially within the New Testament. We as Christians must realize that we're called to be obedient to JESUS in every aspect of our lives and we must strive, with the LORD help, to bring this about within our lives. In this world where there is so much happening that is in direct conflict with the teachings of JESUS, we're to be the ones that represent HIM in our totally being. Not partially, but totally, wholeheartedly and with every breath of our existence. This morning GOD has blessed me with a renewed vigor, not to fight against that which only HE can battle, but to reach out and communicate HIS GOSPEL to all of mankind. With HIS help I can stand against those forces against me, not to battle against, but to reveal the true LIGHT unto a world that is covered in darkness. JESUS is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIGHT that will conquer all that is opposed to GOD. Let us do our part, each and everyday, to bring the LIGHT into the lives of all mankind!!!!!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Saturday, July 24, 2010
A new day!
Praise the LORD!!!
Good day. I pray that the LORD has blessed you with the power and strength to bring glory to HIS precious and holy name. For too often we have been blessed with another day of life and yet fail to bring glory to HIM that has blessed us with it!
I'm saying this as the month of July comes to an end and it has been one that I've managed to do little to bring glory to the name of JESUS. This month has been a rough one. I'm working for two different reality companies as a maintenance man. Doing apartment turnovers for both. Almost everyday in this last month Kingsville has had one hundred degree plus heat indexes. For the most part they've been over the '105' mark, which is the point of an 'heat advisory' being issued.
If you know the way I work, you'd know why this really takes it out of me. With my belief in doing everything as if unto the LORD, besides a tendency to do thing to the best of my ability, I work as if there is no tomorrow. I usually don't take a lunch break and am constantly going at the task at hand! Seldom even stopping to think over progress, just going at it until it is done. With this type of work ethic it is needless to say that I've become a commodity for my employers. No sooner am I finished with one job and I'm hustled off to another one. Many times I'm getting a call from one boss while working at the other one's site, being asked when I'll be able to undertake something for them. Many a night I drag myself in with barely enough strength and ambition to whip up dinner and take a shower nearly just collapsing out of exhaustion.
My prayers of late have been for the LORD to provide the needed resources so I'll be able to stop working for 'men' and go totally at HIS ministry for me. I'd be putting this exact type of effort into the work, if not even more. Though when working for 'men' my work and attitude reflects my love for the LORD. If blessed to be only doing the works for HIM, the middle men would be cut out and all would be completely to HIS glory. What is holding these works for HIM alone up? But one thing, the support and funding needed to survive . This would be a total of around a thousand dollars per month. This though would be just to maintain everything as it is, not to be posting an increase for the ministry! This doesn't sound like much to most people, for they spend far more than this monthly. I'm single, no family living with me, no transportation(I walk everywhere or am given rides,) and though our computer system is five years old, its working fine for the moment. I've few tools to manage the work that I'm doing, but far from those truly needed to accomplish the work. But the LORD has blessed me with being able to accomplish much, with little. A kind of 'multiplying of the fish and loaves.' Though this is far from that which I'd figured the LORD would have this ministry doing by now, I'm content with it. For I know, though I can't see the reasons behind it, that it is HIS will for me at this time.
For those of you not familiar with my beliefs, I believe that there is nothing under the sun that isn't happening according to GOD's ultimate plan for mankind. I know this stands against many a person's theology and don't care. It is what the LORD has blessed me to understand of HIS character and I'll make no amends to it. I've heard many state beliefs in contrast to this and won't argue with them over it. My life has been a conglomeration of the works of GOD, a mix of good and bad together and all of them have come, in the end, to bring glory to JESUS' name. I can show you in the Bible hundreds of places where GOD allowed tragic events to happen, only so that in the end, it is to HIS glory and not those of man! Just look at the book of Genesis alone, or maybe Exodus. The point is, GOD's ways are different then our's, far differing and there is no way humanly possible for us to even begin to understand why HE allows things to happen. We need to learn to just accept that which is and always will be the truth; that the GOD WHO created the universe and all that dwells within it can do whatever HE wants. We as merely created beings, are totally in HIS hands and must accept HIS will and way for and within our lives.
The point of this whole article, is simple. I've been working on VCM for twelve plus years to get it to this point and if it is the LORD's will that I work it, in same manor, for the next twelve plus, "I will do so!!!" May all be to the glory, honor, praise and worship of the greatest name in all existence, JESUS the CHRIST!!!!!!!
Good day and GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Good day. I pray that the LORD has blessed you with the power and strength to bring glory to HIS precious and holy name. For too often we have been blessed with another day of life and yet fail to bring glory to HIM that has blessed us with it!
I'm saying this as the month of July comes to an end and it has been one that I've managed to do little to bring glory to the name of JESUS. This month has been a rough one. I'm working for two different reality companies as a maintenance man. Doing apartment turnovers for both. Almost everyday in this last month Kingsville has had one hundred degree plus heat indexes. For the most part they've been over the '105' mark, which is the point of an 'heat advisory' being issued.
If you know the way I work, you'd know why this really takes it out of me. With my belief in doing everything as if unto the LORD, besides a tendency to do thing to the best of my ability, I work as if there is no tomorrow. I usually don't take a lunch break and am constantly going at the task at hand! Seldom even stopping to think over progress, just going at it until it is done. With this type of work ethic it is needless to say that I've become a commodity for my employers. No sooner am I finished with one job and I'm hustled off to another one. Many times I'm getting a call from one boss while working at the other one's site, being asked when I'll be able to undertake something for them. Many a night I drag myself in with barely enough strength and ambition to whip up dinner and take a shower nearly just collapsing out of exhaustion.
My prayers of late have been for the LORD to provide the needed resources so I'll be able to stop working for 'men' and go totally at HIS ministry for me. I'd be putting this exact type of effort into the work, if not even more. Though when working for 'men' my work and attitude reflects my love for the LORD. If blessed to be only doing the works for HIM, the middle men would be cut out and all would be completely to HIS glory. What is holding these works for HIM alone up? But one thing, the support and funding needed to survive . This would be a total of around a thousand dollars per month. This though would be just to maintain everything as it is, not to be posting an increase for the ministry! This doesn't sound like much to most people, for they spend far more than this monthly. I'm single, no family living with me, no transportation(I walk everywhere or am given rides,) and though our computer system is five years old, its working fine for the moment. I've few tools to manage the work that I'm doing, but far from those truly needed to accomplish the work. But the LORD has blessed me with being able to accomplish much, with little. A kind of 'multiplying of the fish and loaves.' Though this is far from that which I'd figured the LORD would have this ministry doing by now, I'm content with it. For I know, though I can't see the reasons behind it, that it is HIS will for me at this time.
For those of you not familiar with my beliefs, I believe that there is nothing under the sun that isn't happening according to GOD's ultimate plan for mankind. I know this stands against many a person's theology and don't care. It is what the LORD has blessed me to understand of HIS character and I'll make no amends to it. I've heard many state beliefs in contrast to this and won't argue with them over it. My life has been a conglomeration of the works of GOD, a mix of good and bad together and all of them have come, in the end, to bring glory to JESUS' name. I can show you in the Bible hundreds of places where GOD allowed tragic events to happen, only so that in the end, it is to HIS glory and not those of man! Just look at the book of Genesis alone, or maybe Exodus. The point is, GOD's ways are different then our's, far differing and there is no way humanly possible for us to even begin to understand why HE allows things to happen. We need to learn to just accept that which is and always will be the truth; that the GOD WHO created the universe and all that dwells within it can do whatever HE wants. We as merely created beings, are totally in HIS hands and must accept HIS will and way for and within our lives.
The point of this whole article, is simple. I've been working on VCM for twelve plus years to get it to this point and if it is the LORD's will that I work it, in same manor, for the next twelve plus, "I will do so!!!" May all be to the glory, honor, praise and worship of the greatest name in all existence, JESUS the CHRIST!!!!!!!
Good day and GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Saturday, July 3, 2010
VineNotes
If you've noticed the change in the name, this is the original name that was intended for our newsletter.
We will be using this from this point onward!
Praise the LORD!!!
I pray that everyone is well and being greatly blessed by the LORD at this time. I've been off line for some time and not able to take care of any, online, ministry items at all. This was a bit hard to handle given the amount of time I'd been working on setting up our online presence! As of the 27th of June though, this was remedied. The reason for being off line was my move from a host family's home into an apartment of my own. As most of you may know, this brings a great number of cost along with it and I've been working two jobs to take care of these. This in itself has left little time for taking care of ministry issues, but the LORD has blessed me with being able to take care of most of these fairly quickly.
During the last month I've run into a good number of people with their own small ministries. The exact reason for this the LORD only knows, but you can know that I'm keeping my eyes and ears open to HIS reasoning for this. I've learned, over the years, that nothing that happens just happens. In other words, there is no such thing as chance or luck or fate. All things are ordained by GOD to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind and the KINGDOM. This even includes tragic events. Yes folks, GOD does allow bad things to happen to good people and HE has reasoning for these events. For many years I believed that GOD is only a GOD of love and that HE'd not allow anything bad to happen to us or within our lives. That satan was the one that brought about all the tragedy within the world. But then GOD taught me a lesson, through scripture and events, that opened my eyes to the truth on this matter.
For many years our teachers have been directing us along these lines. Teaching that GOD never allows any harm to come to Christians or even the world to be a fact. This has blinded many to the truth, truth taught within the annuals of the Holy Bible. Isaiah 45:7 points this out, plain as day! A simple reading of the Old Testament will also show many events along these lines. For example, look at the events of Moses' life, when he was confronting Pharaoh. How many times do we find GOD telling him that "HE will" bring about some tragic event? Too many to count if you take into account the whole of the "OT." If GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever"(Heb. 13:8), to dispute this would be to call GOD a liar and everything we Christian believe a lie! In Exodus 14:11, GOD HIMSELF tells us this very same fact. HE has caused events which we deem tragic(is not blindness, muteness and dumbness tragic(?)) to take place. I personally don't know when this shift in our doctrine or theology took place, but I know it is wrong! It is basically giving the adversary more power over existence then he even deserves. I'll leave this matter at this time for I could really begin a sermon here if I don't, this should be enough to get many good Bible studies started though:)))
Yesterday I signed VCM up to be a member of the "National Preparedness Month Coalition." In doing so I've made the promise to promote this event, which is the month of September. Part of being a coalition member entails preparing people to face disaster within their lives, through the publication of papers, flyers, articles and/or events. This is perfect in keeping with the goals of the LORD and this ministry's "DROC." I've begun to correlate a number of disaster preparedness forms offered by other groups to present ones that are in better standing with the beliefs of the ministry. Remember, I've personally been through disaster and know firsthand what it takes to survive through them. Sure, not everyone may sit through a cat 5 hurricane feeling the brunt of it's fury, but being prepared has nothing to do with this. It has to deal with being ready to face even the smallest of events also. I'm in disagreement with a good number of the items most of these offer. I deem them as a bit under what really is needed and will present both the original suggestions and those from personal experience. For example, most state that we should have on hand a 72 hr. supply of both food and water. I personally don't rationalize this as being enough. I'd rather see people ready to handle a much longer period without relief efforts reaching them. More along the lines of a week would be more sufficient and even longer if the disaster is larger in scope. More on this will be coming in the next months, so keep your eyes open for it!
There are going to be many changes coming to the ministry in the time ahead. We'll be getting more and more of our programs up and functioning, or at least set up to operate. Exactly what the LORD has in store for the ministry, I can only imagine, but I've a fair knowledge from visions and inspirations HE's given me throughout the years. Please understand, Vine of CHRIST Ministries was not born yesterday, it has been in development since Aug. of '97.' I've been through processes for many of it's branches, learning all that I could about their operations and procedures. Which ones and to what extent they'll be activated, only the LORD knows, but I do know that the time has come for VCM to begin bearing fruit for the KINGDOM. There are many needs that will have to be met as this begins to happen and I've great faith, that all our needs will be met as the LORD opens the doors to each and every branch that HIS ministry will entail. If you see yourself working in the future for the LORD, step out of the boat and get to it. For there is no better place to be then in one of service to the LORD!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Friday, June 25, 2010
I'm back!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
Since I've been off line for sometime, I believe I should let y'all in on what has been happening in my life and in the ministry. Going off line was caused by the fact that I moved out of my host family's house and into an apartment of my own. In so doing I was out an internet connection until I could afford to get one on my own. I've been working two separate jobs, doing apartment turnovers for two different companies. This has left me with very little time to do much else then work. Because when on hasn't the work for me, the other one surely will. I've been putting in 10 to 12 hrs./day. Now this wouldn't be that bad if the pay scale was better, but $8-9/hr. barely affords me the comfort to meet the bills. I've been cutting corners on food expenses, so I've managed to save the money to get the internet turned on. I've faith that the LORD will bless me to keep it on also.
While off line there were some problems with the computers. As you may remember there were two old systems, both donated systems. The better of the two was frozen from a virus and to get it functioning I had to use a Windows disk from the other system to have an operational system for it. Well any of you familiar with "Windows" policies know about the activation period they grace you with. Well it ran out while off line and it blocked the computer completely, causing me to redo things in this same way. Now this wouldn't of been that bad, but in the process the hard drive designations were changed. This messed up every program set up, causing many files to be lost somewhere in 'hard drive' hell:))) Something else that happened in this snafu was the lose of all the updates to the operational system that had been made. This put the operating system on par with Windows 98, none of the latest graphics programs would work, nor my Logos 4 Bible study (needs SP 3 to work!) I was greatly bothered by these loses, though not worried about them, especially the lose of Logos Bible studies.You see, with backpacking here to Kingsville, I could only carry one Bible with me. This left me at a great lose, because my Logos programs have over 350 Bibles, commentaries and other studies available on them and I depend on them greatly in my writings! I went to sleep last night while running a download(4.6 G) on these and awoke this morning with one of them up and running. I still need to get the older version running though (why two programs, when they have basically the same books? They're both great and have a few differing features that are usable to study and open up the WORD!!!)
The ministry now has several other computers to work with. One of my bosses donated several(6) older(03) systems to me. I've been blessed to get two of them functioning at this time, but with the same problem as before. I've had to use a operations system disk for another computer and can't activate them properly. This means I'll have to come up with the money to purchase a Windows XP Pro master disk with multiple license Which will cost and at this time I just haven't been blessed with the funds. Please join me in prayer, that people will take this ministry seriously and begin making donations!!! Shortly we should have the ministry coming under an "umbrella clause" for our 501.c.3 Non profit classification. This will help by allowing us to receive discounts and a tax-free status on purchases of such items. Though these saving will be small at this time, every cent saved will help get things up and running better much sooner.
I'm still currently working on getting all the sites I'd been networking logged into and updated. Plus there are still a good number of programs and other functions that have to be straightened out to have our systems functioning properly. All this will come in the LORD's time and I'll remain diligent to keep working until all is back to where it was before the move. Please keep the ministry and myself in your prayers, for truly we do need it and GOD is the only one that can truly bring this HIS ministry into fruition!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Since I've been off line for sometime, I believe I should let y'all in on what has been happening in my life and in the ministry. Going off line was caused by the fact that I moved out of my host family's house and into an apartment of my own. In so doing I was out an internet connection until I could afford to get one on my own. I've been working two separate jobs, doing apartment turnovers for two different companies. This has left me with very little time to do much else then work. Because when on hasn't the work for me, the other one surely will. I've been putting in 10 to 12 hrs./day. Now this wouldn't be that bad if the pay scale was better, but $8-9/hr. barely affords me the comfort to meet the bills. I've been cutting corners on food expenses, so I've managed to save the money to get the internet turned on. I've faith that the LORD will bless me to keep it on also.
While off line there were some problems with the computers. As you may remember there were two old systems, both donated systems. The better of the two was frozen from a virus and to get it functioning I had to use a Windows disk from the other system to have an operational system for it. Well any of you familiar with "Windows" policies know about the activation period they grace you with. Well it ran out while off line and it blocked the computer completely, causing me to redo things in this same way. Now this wouldn't of been that bad, but in the process the hard drive designations were changed. This messed up every program set up, causing many files to be lost somewhere in 'hard drive' hell:))) Something else that happened in this snafu was the lose of all the updates to the operational system that had been made. This put the operating system on par with Windows 98, none of the latest graphics programs would work, nor my Logos 4 Bible study (needs SP 3 to work!) I was greatly bothered by these loses, though not worried about them, especially the lose of Logos Bible studies.You see, with backpacking here to Kingsville, I could only carry one Bible with me. This left me at a great lose, because my Logos programs have over 350 Bibles, commentaries and other studies available on them and I depend on them greatly in my writings! I went to sleep last night while running a download(4.6 G) on these and awoke this morning with one of them up and running. I still need to get the older version running though (why two programs, when they have basically the same books? They're both great and have a few differing features that are usable to study and open up the WORD!!!)
The ministry now has several other computers to work with. One of my bosses donated several(6) older(03) systems to me. I've been blessed to get two of them functioning at this time, but with the same problem as before. I've had to use a operations system disk for another computer and can't activate them properly. This means I'll have to come up with the money to purchase a Windows XP Pro master disk with multiple license Which will cost and at this time I just haven't been blessed with the funds. Please join me in prayer, that people will take this ministry seriously and begin making donations!!! Shortly we should have the ministry coming under an "umbrella clause" for our 501.c.3 Non profit classification. This will help by allowing us to receive discounts and a tax-free status on purchases of such items. Though these saving will be small at this time, every cent saved will help get things up and running better much sooner.
I'm still currently working on getting all the sites I'd been networking logged into and updated. Plus there are still a good number of programs and other functions that have to be straightened out to have our systems functioning properly. All this will come in the LORD's time and I'll remain diligent to keep working until all is back to where it was before the move. Please keep the ministry and myself in your prayers, for truly we do need it and GOD is the only one that can truly bring this HIS ministry into fruition!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
I'm back!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
I'm finally back online! It's been about a month since I moved and have just been blessed to get the money to have internet turned on. I currently working two jobs plus the work for the ministry. So please be patient. I've a lot of work to do to get my computers lined back out, because Windows programming caused some problems and things were a royal mess. But all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose and all that happened will just work to strengthen the ministry and myself. It may be several days before I get to posting the devotionals again, so please bare with me. All will be accomplished in GOD's timing and not mine or any other person's. So GOD bless and hope to be providing 'food' for our growth before long!!!
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
I'm finally back online! It's been about a month since I moved and have just been blessed to get the money to have internet turned on. I currently working two jobs plus the work for the ministry. So please be patient. I've a lot of work to do to get my computers lined back out, because Windows programming caused some problems and things were a royal mess. But all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose and all that happened will just work to strengthen the ministry and myself. It may be several days before I get to posting the devotionals again, so please bare with me. All will be accomplished in GOD's timing and not mine or any other person's. So GOD bless and hope to be providing 'food' for our growth before long!!!
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Popery, what are we doing to combat it?
Praise the LORD!!!
There are to many today that have forgotten the history of the "Church of Rome" and all that they did to keep men blinded to the truth. We should always stand strong against the erroneous ways that they pander among the pews. The worship of icons and saints, placing themselves as the 'vicar' (substitute) of CHRIST and rendering more power to the man, then to GOD!!! Read this devotional, from Spurgeon, and then search back through the history of the Catholic church, to find all the atrocities that they've committed in their own name and using CHRIST as a cover!!!
“Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho.”
— Joshua 6:26
Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho, much more the man who labours to restore Popery among us. In our fathers’ days the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets; and now there are some who would rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundation. O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build. It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony. We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome; we must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in the olden times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for priests, like owls, hate daylight. Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the priestcraft. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the Pope’s bane and poison? Are we casting abroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, “The devil hates goose quills” and, doubtless, he has good reason, for ready writers, by the Holy Spirit’s blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If the thousands who will read this short word this night will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord’s glory shall speed among the sons of men. Reader, what can you do? What will you do?
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
I will be off line for awhile due to moving. I pray it will be but for a short period, as with all things this too is in the hands of the LORD and not man!!!
Don't forget our prayer line email system at: prayers@vineofchrist.org or my devotional at "Gleanings from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
There are to many today that have forgotten the history of the "Church of Rome" and all that they did to keep men blinded to the truth. We should always stand strong against the erroneous ways that they pander among the pews. The worship of icons and saints, placing themselves as the 'vicar' (substitute) of CHRIST and rendering more power to the man, then to GOD!!! Read this devotional, from Spurgeon, and then search back through the history of the Catholic church, to find all the atrocities that they've committed in their own name and using CHRIST as a cover!!!
“Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho.”
— Joshua 6:26
Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho, much more the man who labours to restore Popery among us. In our fathers’ days the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets; and now there are some who would rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundation. O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build. It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony. We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome; we must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in the olden times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for priests, like owls, hate daylight. Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the priestcraft. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the Pope’s bane and poison? Are we casting abroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, “The devil hates goose quills” and, doubtless, he has good reason, for ready writers, by the Holy Spirit’s blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If the thousands who will read this short word this night will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord’s glory shall speed among the sons of men. Reader, what can you do? What will you do?
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
I will be off line for awhile due to moving. I pray it will be but for a short period, as with all things this too is in the hands of the LORD and not man!!!
Don't forget our prayer line email system at: prayers@vineofchrist.org or my devotional at "Gleanings from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Friday, May 28, 2010
VCM June newsletter, "Notes from the Vine"
Praise the LORD!!!
This is coming out a bit early, due to the fact that on the first, I will be moving into a new home. I'll be making the transition from living in a host family's house, to that of an apartment complex. I will also update our mailing address today, because for a while I may not have an internet connection. This will be a bit of a drawback considering that most of the work for the ministry is online at this time, but I'm sure that the LORD will provide the needed funds in HIS timing.
Over the last month there has been a good deal of progress for the ministry. We've now a newer (05) computer system up and running. This is a donated unit, that was frozen up when given to us, but the LORD blessed us with being able to find the proper programs and knowledge to take care of this problem. Since getting it up and running, more RAM has been added and with the fact that it had a video card, more has been accomplished. We've made some VCM t-shirts, to help get the word out around town. These are mostly worn by myself as I'm out and about town, either while working or out taking care of chores. Even though there were mistakes on numerous ones, like the program not mirroring text, we've used every transfer printed (we'll waste nothing.)
There has also been reworkings of the website, if you've not noticed, though nothing major at this time. I need to better familiarize myself with the programming methods of the website before I really start to rework it heavily. As some of you may know, this website has been the workings of my hands alone for almost four years and it would be a shame to lose a percentage of the information by preforming the wrong procedure. I could easily lose a page in but one click and you know how long some of these pages are :)))
There is also going to be another change made. This is to be a return to our focusing on the Christian duties and/of the family unit. Not just that of the incarcerated, but all families. As Christians, we've been given some pretty direct instruction as to our duties in the formation and practices of our families. The LORD laid it upon my heart, just days ago, that as Christians, we've sorely neglected HIS guidelines for the most part. The majority of families in this country, and around the globe, are falling apart due to a falling away from these guidelines. A very large percentage of Christian parents fail to raise their children up in fear of the LORD! Allowing them to function for most of their time in worldly manors and following after GOD only during church activities. Most of us know this is wrong, yet the practice still seems to dominate in our faith. I can hear a bunch of parents now saying, "We raise our children up in the LORD." Yet, many of these very same parents are those that allow their children's lives to be focused on worldly endeavors. Video games, TV and secular music to name but a few. Instead of leading them by example and showing them that as Christians we're to focus and center our attentions upon GOD, family and then others. We need to set forth for them the fact that all the glamor of the world is deceptive and draws one's attention from GOD's true goals for us. I really could go more in depth right now, but I'd be preaching and this isn't the place for that:)))
There are many other things that will be taking place with the ministry and I'll fill you in on these as led to. For now, these are of most importance. There is also the fact that I've taken on a part time job, working doing apartment turnovers. For you that don't know what this is, it is going in after an apartment is vacated, cleaning up and making any repairs needed, before the next tenants move in. Strange thing about it, I've not even asked what my pay will be! I've a Christian boss and he's told me all aspects of the job and how he'll assist me in every way possible and I guess (:) ), I just forgot to ask. I'm truly not worried though, because I do know that however much it is, will be just what is needed to provide my personal needs and those of the ministry. For truly, our GOD is an awesome GOD and has made this promise and I know HE will provide that which is needed to bring glory to HIS most holy and precious name, JESUS!!!
This is coming out a bit early, due to the fact that on the first, I will be moving into a new home. I'll be making the transition from living in a host family's house, to that of an apartment complex. I will also update our mailing address today, because for a while I may not have an internet connection. This will be a bit of a drawback considering that most of the work for the ministry is online at this time, but I'm sure that the LORD will provide the needed funds in HIS timing.
Over the last month there has been a good deal of progress for the ministry. We've now a newer (05) computer system up and running. This is a donated unit, that was frozen up when given to us, but the LORD blessed us with being able to find the proper programs and knowledge to take care of this problem. Since getting it up and running, more RAM has been added and with the fact that it had a video card, more has been accomplished. We've made some VCM t-shirts, to help get the word out around town. These are mostly worn by myself as I'm out and about town, either while working or out taking care of chores. Even though there were mistakes on numerous ones, like the program not mirroring text, we've used every transfer printed (we'll waste nothing.)
There has also been reworkings of the website, if you've not noticed, though nothing major at this time. I need to better familiarize myself with the programming methods of the website before I really start to rework it heavily. As some of you may know, this website has been the workings of my hands alone for almost four years and it would be a shame to lose a percentage of the information by preforming the wrong procedure. I could easily lose a page in but one click and you know how long some of these pages are :)))
There is also going to be another change made. This is to be a return to our focusing on the Christian duties and/of the family unit. Not just that of the incarcerated, but all families. As Christians, we've been given some pretty direct instruction as to our duties in the formation and practices of our families. The LORD laid it upon my heart, just days ago, that as Christians, we've sorely neglected HIS guidelines for the most part. The majority of families in this country, and around the globe, are falling apart due to a falling away from these guidelines. A very large percentage of Christian parents fail to raise their children up in fear of the LORD! Allowing them to function for most of their time in worldly manors and following after GOD only during church activities. Most of us know this is wrong, yet the practice still seems to dominate in our faith. I can hear a bunch of parents now saying, "We raise our children up in the LORD." Yet, many of these very same parents are those that allow their children's lives to be focused on worldly endeavors. Video games, TV and secular music to name but a few. Instead of leading them by example and showing them that as Christians we're to focus and center our attentions upon GOD, family and then others. We need to set forth for them the fact that all the glamor of the world is deceptive and draws one's attention from GOD's true goals for us. I really could go more in depth right now, but I'd be preaching and this isn't the place for that:)))
There are many other things that will be taking place with the ministry and I'll fill you in on these as led to. For now, these are of most importance. There is also the fact that I've taken on a part time job, working doing apartment turnovers. For you that don't know what this is, it is going in after an apartment is vacated, cleaning up and making any repairs needed, before the next tenants move in. Strange thing about it, I've not even asked what my pay will be! I've a Christian boss and he's told me all aspects of the job and how he'll assist me in every way possible and I guess (:) ), I just forgot to ask. I'm truly not worried though, because I do know that however much it is, will be just what is needed to provide my personal needs and those of the ministry. For truly, our GOD is an awesome GOD and has made this promise and I know HE will provide that which is needed to bring glory to HIS most holy and precious name, JESUS!!!
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