Praise the LORD!!!
Today starts an adventure that I've not ventured into in the past. This morning I received an email from a sister in CHRIST that was a word in time. It was impressed upon my heart to share it with others. After asking and receiving permission, here it is. I pray everyone will be impressed by the SPIRIT that is within this message!!!
Dear Loving Family in Christ,
It has been many days since I spoke to you all. My heart is heavy with LOVE for ALL of you, and yet, I have neglected you. Please forgive me for I surely DO LOVE YOU!! In all the things which keep my body busy, here on earth, even to the point of exhaustion, my soul cries out and yearns for your love, your spiritual love and any input from you I can receive. Alas, I already know, your lives are busy, as well. So, I am asking ALL of you, to never forget how much I truly love you. It is my relationship with you, which gives me great strength and much hope, for everlasting life. Fortunately, for ALL of us, we have come to rely on our FAITH in GOD and not, in man. Of this, we must ALL be thankful!!!
Our God, so many, many years ago, LOVED us so much more than ANY man could ever even try to LOVE us!! I thank Him and praise Him, every single day for His Great Love, as I know, you do. We are ALL so very blessed by this!! We must ALL take comfort in the Love and Power of God!! And, as we struggle here on earth, through each and every day, we must KNOW we are not struggling alone. Right there, within our grasp, is our Lord Jesus!! So many times during my day, I actually reach my hand out to my side and clasp His hand in mine. If others could see this, they would think I was crazy. If any of YOU saw this, you would see faith. Praise God!! God, in all His power, could have been such a snob or He could have not cared at all, forcing us to go through our lives without a single friend. But He did not do this, for WE have a FRIEND IN JESUS!!! THANK YOU, JESUS!!! We never walk alone, even when it feels like there is NO ONE there!! Isn't it WONDERFUL to KNOW this??? It sure has been a COMFORT to me!!! Because man will always let us down, even when they do not want to let us down. Like me, for instance. Is it that I want ALL OF YOU to think I do not care? NO!! I DO CARE!! Am I there for you? NO!! I am not!!! But, JESUS IS THERE!! ALWAYS!!! ALL WAYS!!! And, He is there through GOD, His Father!!! Ultimately, it is our GOD who is THERE for us all!! Praise God!! He sends to us, His Son, so we will ALWAYS have comfort and a FRIEND who never leaves our side!! In ALL the wonders of ALL the world and ALL creation, God LOVED US!!! WOW!! Isn't that amazing???? US??? We are only one grain of sand on a beach of many acres, and He knows ALL the grains of sand, each and every one of them!!! WOW!! Not only does He KNOW them, but He chose to LOVE them!!! Folks, THAT is AMAZING!!! And, you know what's even MORE amazing??? He ALREADY KNEW I would be sending this email to ALL of YOU!!! He KNEW THIS!! WOW!!!
So, to sum up this email, I just wanted you to know that I have not forgotten you and I still LOVE you ALL very, very much and BIG!! Also, You are ALL gifts from God, sent to me for encouragement, enlightenment, and understanding of His ways. Even as I have encouraged some of you, I have found many blessings in doing it. Surely, God knew you needed those words of encouragement, at the time I was "inspired" to write them. We are ALL here to help each other stand in rightousness, to uphold that which is good and that which is GOD!! My prayer is that each and every one of you, will be blessed, in KNOWING the GOOD our GOD wants in our lives. Obviously, this is ALL HE WANTS for us!!! Often, we feel as if the whole world is against us, yet we still have FAITH, don't we? THAT is the key!! There are prayers we pray, which may never be answered in our lifetime, but GOD is listening. His Great Plan is already laid out/ already designed. We take Comfort in this. Even as we see so much suffering around us, we must KNOW our GOD is in control. In His great design, He wanted us to "feel", to "suffer", to "cry".......and all the while, we should have GREAT HAPPINESS and JOY in KNOWING He Loves us so very much!!
Please remember, I DO LOVE YOU!! But, most importantly of all, keep your faith, keep your eyes on the sky above you, KNOW our GOD still LOVES YOU even in your struggles. I shall delight in YOUR BLESSINGS!! For GOD has PROMISED us these BLESSINGS!!
Here are a few examples:
Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee: and by the Almighty, who shall BLESS thee with BLESSINGS of heaven obove, BLESSINGS of the deep that lieth under, BLESSINGS of the breasts, and of the womb:
Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these BLESSINGS shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Proverbs 10:6 BLESSINGS are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with BLESSINGS: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Ephesians 1:3 BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED us with all spiritual BLESSINGS in heavenly places in Christ:
And MY FAVORITE because I "listen" to nature, and see ALL CREATION giving PRAISE TO OUR LORD every single day of every year, without asking for anything. Praise to Our Lord with tears of gratitude!!
Malachi 2:2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your BLESSINGS: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.
And, as to this GREAT LOVE I have for You ALL, and that YOU have for ME??? Here's yet another scripture for you, as we all hold each other up!!!
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
That is why we can't get enough of our FRIENDSHIP!!!
Love to You ALL!!!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Debra, Debi, Momma, Aunt Deb, Feather in Wind...yadda yadda yadda (lol)
Published with express permission of the author, Debra Sartelle
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Remember that if you need someone to pray for you, you can email our prayerline at: prayers@vineofchrist.org
Monday, May 24, 2010
Re posting of a F.E.M.A. News Release
Praise the LORD!!!
This is a re posting of an important article from F.E.M.A. and something I believe everyone, especially those along the gulf coast, should take into consideration. We never know when or where an emergency will take place, so being prepared is the best remedy.
May 24, 2010
No.: HQ-10-110
Contact: FEMA News Desk 202-646-3272
President Obama recently designated May 23-29, 2010, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and called upon all Americans, especially those in hurricane prone areas, to learn more about protecting themselves against hurricanes and to work together to respond to them.
The Presidential Proclamation is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
"We never know where the next hurricane or disaster will strike, but we know that the more we do to prepare now, the better the outcome will be," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA will continue to work with our private sector, local, state, tribal and federal partners to ensure that we are prepared, but it is also important that all Americans take the necessary steps now- like developing a family disaster plan - before a hurricane or disaster strikes."
"Regardless of the number of storms that may form this season, make your preparation plans with the idea that is the year you will be struck," said Bill Read, director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Everyone, including those living outside of hurricane-risk areas, should check personal preparations such as emergency kit supplies, note messages from local emergency officials, and rehearse emergency evacuation routes.
Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio (like a NOAA Weather Radio), flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates.
This is the time to consider potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, special steps to assist them may be necessary and should be considered now.
Pets also require special handling. They may become agitated during the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must for safe travel. Pet owners should research pet boarding facilities now within a certain radius of where you may evacuate, since animals may not be welcome in all shelters or hotels.
Take steps now to purchase a flood insurance policy. Not only are homes and businesses in hurricane-prone states at risk for flood, but inland flooding is common in nearby states. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-379-9531.
FEMA continues to support the coordinated federal response to the BP oil spill, and this season's hurricane planning has involved consideration of the effects that the BP oil spill could have on the response capabilities and recovery scenarios.
The Atlantic and Central Pacific Hurricane Season runs from June 1-November 30. The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season started on May 15.
For more preparedness information, please visit www.Ready.gov.
For information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season10.shtm
The Presidential Proclamation, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femainfocus, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
This is a re posting of an important article from F.E.M.A. and something I believe everyone, especially those along the gulf coast, should take into consideration. We never know when or where an emergency will take place, so being prepared is the best remedy.
May 24, 2010
No.: HQ-10-110
Contact: FEMA News Desk 202-646-3272
News Release
FEMA ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE MARKS THE BEGINNING OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering during National Hurricane Preparedness Week to share valuable hurricane preparedness information. FEMA continues to work with state, local, tribal, federal and private sector partners to increase preparedness and coordinate response and recovery in the case of a hurricane or disaster. FEMA also urges Americans to use this week as an annual reminder to assess their personal readiness to respond to emergencies.President Obama recently designated May 23-29, 2010, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and called upon all Americans, especially those in hurricane prone areas, to learn more about protecting themselves against hurricanes and to work together to respond to them.
The Presidential Proclamation is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
"We never know where the next hurricane or disaster will strike, but we know that the more we do to prepare now, the better the outcome will be," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA will continue to work with our private sector, local, state, tribal and federal partners to ensure that we are prepared, but it is also important that all Americans take the necessary steps now- like developing a family disaster plan - before a hurricane or disaster strikes."
"Regardless of the number of storms that may form this season, make your preparation plans with the idea that is the year you will be struck," said Bill Read, director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Everyone, including those living outside of hurricane-risk areas, should check personal preparations such as emergency kit supplies, note messages from local emergency officials, and rehearse emergency evacuation routes.
Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio (like a NOAA Weather Radio), flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates.
This is the time to consider potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, special steps to assist them may be necessary and should be considered now.
Pets also require special handling. They may become agitated during the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must for safe travel. Pet owners should research pet boarding facilities now within a certain radius of where you may evacuate, since animals may not be welcome in all shelters or hotels.
Take steps now to purchase a flood insurance policy. Not only are homes and businesses in hurricane-prone states at risk for flood, but inland flooding is common in nearby states. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-379-9531.
FEMA continues to support the coordinated federal response to the BP oil spill, and this season's hurricane planning has involved consideration of the effects that the BP oil spill could have on the response capabilities and recovery scenarios.
The Atlantic and Central Pacific Hurricane Season runs from June 1-November 30. The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season started on May 15.
For more preparedness information, please visit www.Ready.gov.
For information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season10.shtm
The Presidential Proclamation, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femainfocus, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
To many times...
Praise the LORD!!!
To many times we as humans tend to forget GOD. We forget that all we have to our name is from HIM and given to us for a purpose. We tend to forget that HE has given us the very ability to take the next of breath. Or the fact that we have a heart beating within our chest, that HE alone has blessed to continue beating. This too has a reason, HIS reason, for being. All that exist, whether living or not, has been created by GOD and for GOD's express purpose. Not one moment of time or one minute particle within this whole universe has a reason for being of it's own. All was created for GOD's very own unique purpose.
We as humans, being of the highest order of creation on earth, hold a spot very unlike any other created item. We have the ability to think and reason, to seek after knowledge, wisdom and processions. Even the angels, which are closer to GOD, seek not after these things. For they realize that their very existence has come about by HIS hand and that their very existence relies completely upon HIM. Whereas we as humans, should be able to figure these facts out, many times we don't and we believe that we're the controlling factor within our own worlds. This characteristic comes from the fact that we've been blessed with a living soul, that can and does make choices on how it will exist. We've a trait called pride that causes us to focus on our own existence and survival over all else.
This trait, pride, is that which was the cause of the original sins, both those of the angels and of mankind. lucifer and the fallen angels thought more highly of themselves then they should have, thus their current state of banishment from the KINGDOM of GOD. Whereas only their leader, now called satan or the devil, is allowed at any time to enter this realm. Whereas we of the earthly order of created beings (mankind), fell from GOD's KINGDOM also because of pride, but HE has made special amendments to enable our return to it if we so choose. Why HE would chose to do this only for us and not the angels can only be assumed, for it is not written in scripture. But it is a fact that still exist and one that GOD has set down and can not be changed.
We as humans tend to forget the fact that GOD is the controlling factor within our lives and we seek to do things in our own strengths. What we usually end up with is more of a mess then anything else. Yes there are times we we can do things that work out for the betterment of ourselves and others, but usually they're done for the wrong purposes, in effect voiding the good that was done. How is it that we so easily forget that GOD placed us here with a purpose? That HE alone has brought about everything that has happened within our lives? Its simple, we see ourselves at a higher level of importance then we rightfully deserve. We believe we're the ones in control and that we can cause things to happen to our own benefit. This is that 'original' sin of pride welling up inside of us, taking the forefront of our thought process.
The only way to do away with this sin is to totally die to self and this is only possible by allowing GOD, by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to come in and take over control. This is a dying to self that is often spoken of in scripture, but seldom truly sought after, to the fullest extent. Sure there are times that we give a weak hearted attempt at it, but its usually attempted under our own power and not that of the HOLY SPIRIT. Thus all our efforts are of no avail. Only when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to take up residence within our hearts and then continue to allow HIM to mold us into the being that GOD originally intended us to be can this succeed. We must learn to totally release our lives into the hands of GOD and allow HIM and HIM alone to break us and mold us into that new creation spoken of in scripture. The regenerated being, the born again man.
I urge you today, if you're a Christian and having problems within your life, pray for GOD to bless you with the HOLY SPIRIT. Pray that HE will then take the mess of a man/woman that you are and totally recreate you into the image that HE and HE alone wants you to be. At this time you will become a new creation, worthy to live in communion with the LORD!!!
If pray tell you've not given your life to JESUS yet, take the time to read the GOSPEL of John. find yourself a version of the Bible that is clearly understandable to you, like the NIV, and sit down with it. Pray that if GOD is real and that HE has a purpose in life for you, that HE'll reveal HIS truth to you from the reading you're about to undertake. Then begin to read, not speed reading, but take your time and allow GOD to move upon your heart from within the WORDS of this most holy book. If at anytime you feel that you've enough proof that GOD is real and that HE loves you and has a direct purpose for you in life, let HIM know it. Just talk to HIM like you would a loving friend or parent. Let HIM know that you believe that HE came to earth in the man/GOD, JESUS. That HE died upon the cross for your sins, that HE was buried and rose again to life on the third day, ascended to heaven and is now sitting at the right hand of the FATHER, interceding for you before the FATHER. Ask JESUS to come into your life and take control, so that you may live a life seeking to bring glory to HIS most holy and precious name. Then follow suit with the others and ask HIM to grace you with the HOLY SPIRIT, to created in you a totally new creation!!!
To many times we as humans tend to forget GOD. We forget that all we have to our name is from HIM and given to us for a purpose. We tend to forget that HE has given us the very ability to take the next of breath. Or the fact that we have a heart beating within our chest, that HE alone has blessed to continue beating. This too has a reason, HIS reason, for being. All that exist, whether living or not, has been created by GOD and for GOD's express purpose. Not one moment of time or one minute particle within this whole universe has a reason for being of it's own. All was created for GOD's very own unique purpose.
We as humans, being of the highest order of creation on earth, hold a spot very unlike any other created item. We have the ability to think and reason, to seek after knowledge, wisdom and processions. Even the angels, which are closer to GOD, seek not after these things. For they realize that their very existence has come about by HIS hand and that their very existence relies completely upon HIM. Whereas we as humans, should be able to figure these facts out, many times we don't and we believe that we're the controlling factor within our own worlds. This characteristic comes from the fact that we've been blessed with a living soul, that can and does make choices on how it will exist. We've a trait called pride that causes us to focus on our own existence and survival over all else.
This trait, pride, is that which was the cause of the original sins, both those of the angels and of mankind. lucifer and the fallen angels thought more highly of themselves then they should have, thus their current state of banishment from the KINGDOM of GOD. Whereas only their leader, now called satan or the devil, is allowed at any time to enter this realm. Whereas we of the earthly order of created beings (mankind), fell from GOD's KINGDOM also because of pride, but HE has made special amendments to enable our return to it if we so choose. Why HE would chose to do this only for us and not the angels can only be assumed, for it is not written in scripture. But it is a fact that still exist and one that GOD has set down and can not be changed.
We as humans tend to forget the fact that GOD is the controlling factor within our lives and we seek to do things in our own strengths. What we usually end up with is more of a mess then anything else. Yes there are times we we can do things that work out for the betterment of ourselves and others, but usually they're done for the wrong purposes, in effect voiding the good that was done. How is it that we so easily forget that GOD placed us here with a purpose? That HE alone has brought about everything that has happened within our lives? Its simple, we see ourselves at a higher level of importance then we rightfully deserve. We believe we're the ones in control and that we can cause things to happen to our own benefit. This is that 'original' sin of pride welling up inside of us, taking the forefront of our thought process.
The only way to do away with this sin is to totally die to self and this is only possible by allowing GOD, by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to come in and take over control. This is a dying to self that is often spoken of in scripture, but seldom truly sought after, to the fullest extent. Sure there are times that we give a weak hearted attempt at it, but its usually attempted under our own power and not that of the HOLY SPIRIT. Thus all our efforts are of no avail. Only when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to take up residence within our hearts and then continue to allow HIM to mold us into the being that GOD originally intended us to be can this succeed. We must learn to totally release our lives into the hands of GOD and allow HIM and HIM alone to break us and mold us into that new creation spoken of in scripture. The regenerated being, the born again man.
I urge you today, if you're a Christian and having problems within your life, pray for GOD to bless you with the HOLY SPIRIT. Pray that HE will then take the mess of a man/woman that you are and totally recreate you into the image that HE and HE alone wants you to be. At this time you will become a new creation, worthy to live in communion with the LORD!!!
If pray tell you've not given your life to JESUS yet, take the time to read the GOSPEL of John. find yourself a version of the Bible that is clearly understandable to you, like the NIV, and sit down with it. Pray that if GOD is real and that HE has a purpose in life for you, that HE'll reveal HIS truth to you from the reading you're about to undertake. Then begin to read, not speed reading, but take your time and allow GOD to move upon your heart from within the WORDS of this most holy book. If at anytime you feel that you've enough proof that GOD is real and that HE loves you and has a direct purpose for you in life, let HIM know it. Just talk to HIM like you would a loving friend or parent. Let HIM know that you believe that HE came to earth in the man/GOD, JESUS. That HE died upon the cross for your sins, that HE was buried and rose again to life on the third day, ascended to heaven and is now sitting at the right hand of the FATHER, interceding for you before the FATHER. Ask JESUS to come into your life and take control, so that you may live a life seeking to bring glory to HIS most holy and precious name. Then follow suit with the others and ask HIM to grace you with the HOLY SPIRIT, to created in you a totally new creation!!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Returning online!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
After about a week's absence, I'm returning online. Due to technical difficulties with the old computer system, I was forced to devote my time to reworking another system which had been donated. This computer though was frozen and wouldn't boot up at all. There were no recovery disk given to me along with it, so we had to find free programs off line to take care of this problem.
I'm happy to say, it worked, because this is being typed on this new/old computer. It's an 05 Compaq Presario running an AMD 3000+ chipset. According to a systems check this means I'm running at 1.8 GHtz now, instead of the old 1.1 G system before. It also has a graphics card, which has freed up some of the memory for processing programs instead of freezing up on graphics. It is still a bit under powered, due to running only 256 M of RAM. But this system is worth putting the money into and buying extra RAM to improve the systems overall performance.
I have been working on transferring all the primary programs over to the system and believe that I'll be able to run my Logos Bible program while online. LORD willing this will be a fact, because it will improve my ability to assist people in their times of need. It will also improve my blogging and importation of scripture in comments, something that has been so much lacking up until now. I'm sold out to JESUS and it hurts me deeply not to be able to glorify HIS precious name as much as possible.
So folks, the times are a changing and VCM and the Rev. Marshall Barth are coming back with a fire like never before. To date this is the best computer I've been blessed to work with though I've had many. This will allow me to begin making more changes on the ministry's website and putting more and more graphics content to work for the LORD. That is what my life and this ministry is about anyway. Bring glory, honor, praise and worship to the most precious and holy name in all existence. JESUS CHRIST, KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS!!!
GOD bless and good day, you'll be seeing me!
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
After about a week's absence, I'm returning online. Due to technical difficulties with the old computer system, I was forced to devote my time to reworking another system which had been donated. This computer though was frozen and wouldn't boot up at all. There were no recovery disk given to me along with it, so we had to find free programs off line to take care of this problem.
I'm happy to say, it worked, because this is being typed on this new/old computer. It's an 05 Compaq Presario running an AMD 3000+ chipset. According to a systems check this means I'm running at 1.8 GHtz now, instead of the old 1.1 G system before. It also has a graphics card, which has freed up some of the memory for processing programs instead of freezing up on graphics. It is still a bit under powered, due to running only 256 M of RAM. But this system is worth putting the money into and buying extra RAM to improve the systems overall performance.
I have been working on transferring all the primary programs over to the system and believe that I'll be able to run my Logos Bible program while online. LORD willing this will be a fact, because it will improve my ability to assist people in their times of need. It will also improve my blogging and importation of scripture in comments, something that has been so much lacking up until now. I'm sold out to JESUS and it hurts me deeply not to be able to glorify HIS precious name as much as possible.
So folks, the times are a changing and VCM and the Rev. Marshall Barth are coming back with a fire like never before. To date this is the best computer I've been blessed to work with though I've had many. This will allow me to begin making more changes on the ministry's website and putting more and more graphics content to work for the LORD. That is what my life and this ministry is about anyway. Bring glory, honor, praise and worship to the most precious and holy name in all existence. JESUS CHRIST, KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS!!!
GOD bless and good day, you'll be seeing me!
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thinking
Praise the LORD!!!
Today's entry will be something totally different from the past. Not that which will become a standard practice, but a once off the cuff type of deal (maybe? you never know with GOD!!!) This has happened because I've had a good bit of time to reflect on things here in the last several days. The weather, though it's warmed up, has also become wet and electrified, not good for computer time. I've had short spurts of time online due to this and have had plenty of time in the WORD hardcopy style.
As many of you know I'm working on setting up Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and DROC in Kingsville, Texas. Doing this totally on my own, though I've several people assisting via the internet. Totally out of pocket as far as expenses. Currently not working for anyone but the LORD, so I've no income but that which comes into the ministry. Which to date, has been slim pickings, under a thousand dollars. This kept me in a motel and feed during my early days in Kingsville and has supplied my personal hygiene needs since being taken in by a host family, 6 months ago. With this money I've also purchased the basic tools needed to the work that I've done to date.
As I was sitting here thinking, the thought came to mind of "what would I do, if someone came up and gave me say $100K, or more." Now with the size of that which the LORD has shown me VCM will someday be, this could be spent in minutes when the ministry is at it's peak, but for now, it'd have to be spent reasonably and with much thought invested!!!
I can hear people now, I wasn't born yesterday and have been online since 99, "ya right, he'd be living high on the hog and none would get spent like this." Well to any that are thinking this, all I can say is this, "the LORD knows my heart and that which HE's called me to and let this happen and you shall see the fruit, just as I've stated.!!!" All I need are the funds to prove it. Any takers?
Now since this is a devotional blog, though I'm being led to post it to other sites, what would you do with that kind of money being given to you? Where is your life focused and could you prove it?
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog site: "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Today's entry will be something totally different from the past. Not that which will become a standard practice, but a once off the cuff type of deal (maybe? you never know with GOD!!!) This has happened because I've had a good bit of time to reflect on things here in the last several days. The weather, though it's warmed up, has also become wet and electrified, not good for computer time. I've had short spurts of time online due to this and have had plenty of time in the WORD hardcopy style.
As many of you know I'm working on setting up Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and DROC in Kingsville, Texas. Doing this totally on my own, though I've several people assisting via the internet. Totally out of pocket as far as expenses. Currently not working for anyone but the LORD, so I've no income but that which comes into the ministry. Which to date, has been slim pickings, under a thousand dollars. This kept me in a motel and feed during my early days in Kingsville and has supplied my personal hygiene needs since being taken in by a host family, 6 months ago. With this money I've also purchased the basic tools needed to the work that I've done to date.
As I was sitting here thinking, the thought came to mind of "what would I do, if someone came up and gave me say $100K, or more." Now with the size of that which the LORD has shown me VCM will someday be, this could be spent in minutes when the ministry is at it's peak, but for now, it'd have to be spent reasonably and with much thought invested!!!
- One of the first things that would be done would be to find housing of my own. Not to purchase, but to rent for the mean time. Not something grandiose, but simple and efficient. Maybe in one of the smaller neighborhoods or apartment complexes. I've been very blessed to have the host family that has taken me in. Not many people would take in a total stranger and house them for over six months. Not many at all. This is why this would be the first thing done, so I can lift this burden from upon their shoulders and take it on myself. I never intended and didn't think the LORD was either, for this to of lasted this long, but it has and does need to change in some way. With this move there would of coarse be those needed items of living that would have to be gathered. I think most of my readers are old enough to of lived on their own at sometime or another and would know all these items.
- A form of cheap transportation and insurance for it. This would have to be a used truck. Something pretty good on gas, but big enough to do some hard work if the need arises. There would also be the need of a small enclosed trailer, something to transport and protect the additional tools that would be purchased . Because there would be a definite increase in works being done in the area and people to do these also.
- Then there would be a building for the ministry to begin setting up operations out of. There are several that I've looked at, and money dependent on which of them would be taken into consideration. For a rental, would be the one next to Bay Area Fellowship, if not the two of them there. These would be to set up an office and a thrift store/food pantry and general operations center up in. This would have to be stocked with a large amount of items. Everything from computers, office supplies and furniture, to the items need to start the thrift store/food pantry functioning. Once this was done these would operate totally off of donations, with an occasional boost to keep it well stocked. If the funding was great enough, there would be the purchase of buildings or land with the construction of new buildings upon it.
I can hear people now, I wasn't born yesterday and have been online since 99, "ya right, he'd be living high on the hog and none would get spent like this." Well to any that are thinking this, all I can say is this, "the LORD knows my heart and that which HE's called me to and let this happen and you shall see the fruit, just as I've stated.!!!" All I need are the funds to prove it. Any takers?
Now since this is a devotional blog, though I'm being led to post it to other sites, what would you do with that kind of money being given to you? Where is your life focused and could you prove it?
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
My other blog site: "Blogs from the Vine"
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
Saturday, April 10, 2010
One year ago
Praise the LORD!!!
One year ago tomorrow, April 11, was the day that I stepped out of the boat for the first time. Well maybe not the first time, but the biggest ever to date. This is the day that I start my first attempted trip to Kingsville, Texas to open the ministries first office and operational center.
To date, there has been very little done to set up anything that could remotely be called and office, operational complex or even a ministry! Why is this? The biggest reason has been the lack of funding of any type. I've been living in a host family's house for most of the time I've been here in Texas. going on seven months here at this house, plus there was another month spent at another home here in Kingsville. Not to mention the month and a half spent sheltered in Kentucky, on the first and second trips.
Since getting blessed with this host family, I've been blessed to have a high speed internet connection, which most of you have seen the results of. I've spent a large amount of time online. Trying to put the name of the ministry and our purpose out before as many peoples eyes that I can. I've been networking over a dozen different social sites and numerous other sites to do this. I've several blogs, this being one, and many of the other sites that I re post these too. I've even dabbled in some internet directories and advertising sites also. Basically I've done about the same that anyone in an internet business would do to place their site out before the masses.
I've had several comments made along the lines of making donations easier to make by having the ability to do so online. Well truthfully I'm not a big fan of PayPal and the other internet companies that set up online payment systems. They've a tendency to charge way too much for the services that they offer and with this being a helps ministry, every cent should be used to the best possible means. I really don't count lining the pockets of some other business as doing this. So this will have to await my having the funds and paperwork to enlist under my current banking system.
Most of the money that I've had since I've been here has been made doing small side jobs related to my fields of training. Carpentry, painting and landscaping have been the means to providing my personal needs. but with the weather having been the way it has down this way, either cold or wet, these haven't been to prosperous and I'm about flat broke. I would of been, except I managed to make a little this last month on a couple of side jobs. For years since the ministry was originally created, June 05, most of all the money that I've used to provide for others in some way has come out of pocket. Even the work that I did along the Louisiana and Mississippi gulf coast, this in over two hundred and fifty houses, was out of pocket also.
I really thought that with the LORD leading me to step out of the boat like HE did, that this was going to change also. From what I've seen, it hasn't and there's a good possibility that it won't. Well you know what? I'm going to continue working for the LORD in just the same way I've done up until now! That's right, If I've got to run this ministry, even the world wide branches of it, out of pocket and totally by myself, I'm going to do it. People have told me that if it hasn't grown any since I originally started it, that it must not be of GOD. Well I'm going to tell you something. You don't have things happen, like those that have happened to me and them not be of GOD's hands. You don't have five major heart problems just disappear, well actually six if you count the two tears in my heart muscles I was born with! A prison sentence that in all rights should of been over twenty five years, end up being less then four years total, including halfway house. I could go on even more, for there are hundreds of miracles that have taken place during my life, but won't.
Read my book, Out of the LIGHT (it's free and online and download-able), go over the ministry's website and run a few searches of my name. Check out that which I've been doing both recently and forever if you'd like. Just because I don't have a big reputation or a mega ministry, doesn't mean I don't have a heart to serve GOD. I could go on like Paul, the apostle, and boast a little, but I'll not, because I'm not that way. What you've read here and online about me is about all the boast there is to me. Yes, there is much that I could add to blow my own horn, but you'll not get it out of me. That which you will hear and see from me will be the fruits that the LORD bless me to produce. I've no ideal what the future holds, besides that which HE's shown me in visions (which I've seen none of yet), but I do know that it will be to the glory of the LORD. Whether good or bad, whatever happens within my life, I account it all as that which GOD has allowed to happen and that in some way, shape or form it will end up bring glory to the most precious name of JESUS. What HE has in store for me tomorrow, I've no idea, and really don't care, because I know, that I live and breath to bring glory to JESUS in all that I do. Nothing else matters and I care about nothing else either, so LORD let it all be to YOUR glory, honor and praise and let my name be not even mentioned!!!
One year ago tomorrow, April 11, was the day that I stepped out of the boat for the first time. Well maybe not the first time, but the biggest ever to date. This is the day that I start my first attempted trip to Kingsville, Texas to open the ministries first office and operational center.
To date, there has been very little done to set up anything that could remotely be called and office, operational complex or even a ministry! Why is this? The biggest reason has been the lack of funding of any type. I've been living in a host family's house for most of the time I've been here in Texas. going on seven months here at this house, plus there was another month spent at another home here in Kingsville. Not to mention the month and a half spent sheltered in Kentucky, on the first and second trips.
Since getting blessed with this host family, I've been blessed to have a high speed internet connection, which most of you have seen the results of. I've spent a large amount of time online. Trying to put the name of the ministry and our purpose out before as many peoples eyes that I can. I've been networking over a dozen different social sites and numerous other sites to do this. I've several blogs, this being one, and many of the other sites that I re post these too. I've even dabbled in some internet directories and advertising sites also. Basically I've done about the same that anyone in an internet business would do to place their site out before the masses.
I've had several comments made along the lines of making donations easier to make by having the ability to do so online. Well truthfully I'm not a big fan of PayPal and the other internet companies that set up online payment systems. They've a tendency to charge way too much for the services that they offer and with this being a helps ministry, every cent should be used to the best possible means. I really don't count lining the pockets of some other business as doing this. So this will have to await my having the funds and paperwork to enlist under my current banking system.
Most of the money that I've had since I've been here has been made doing small side jobs related to my fields of training. Carpentry, painting and landscaping have been the means to providing my personal needs. but with the weather having been the way it has down this way, either cold or wet, these haven't been to prosperous and I'm about flat broke. I would of been, except I managed to make a little this last month on a couple of side jobs. For years since the ministry was originally created, June 05, most of all the money that I've used to provide for others in some way has come out of pocket. Even the work that I did along the Louisiana and Mississippi gulf coast, this in over two hundred and fifty houses, was out of pocket also.
I really thought that with the LORD leading me to step out of the boat like HE did, that this was going to change also. From what I've seen, it hasn't and there's a good possibility that it won't. Well you know what? I'm going to continue working for the LORD in just the same way I've done up until now! That's right, If I've got to run this ministry, even the world wide branches of it, out of pocket and totally by myself, I'm going to do it. People have told me that if it hasn't grown any since I originally started it, that it must not be of GOD. Well I'm going to tell you something. You don't have things happen, like those that have happened to me and them not be of GOD's hands. You don't have five major heart problems just disappear, well actually six if you count the two tears in my heart muscles I was born with! A prison sentence that in all rights should of been over twenty five years, end up being less then four years total, including halfway house. I could go on even more, for there are hundreds of miracles that have taken place during my life, but won't.
Read my book, Out of the LIGHT (it's free and online and download-able), go over the ministry's website and run a few searches of my name. Check out that which I've been doing both recently and forever if you'd like. Just because I don't have a big reputation or a mega ministry, doesn't mean I don't have a heart to serve GOD. I could go on like Paul, the apostle, and boast a little, but I'll not, because I'm not that way. What you've read here and online about me is about all the boast there is to me. Yes, there is much that I could add to blow my own horn, but you'll not get it out of me. That which you will hear and see from me will be the fruits that the LORD bless me to produce. I've no ideal what the future holds, besides that which HE's shown me in visions (which I've seen none of yet), but I do know that it will be to the glory of the LORD. Whether good or bad, whatever happens within my life, I account it all as that which GOD has allowed to happen and that in some way, shape or form it will end up bring glory to the most precious name of JESUS. What HE has in store for me tomorrow, I've no idea, and really don't care, because I know, that I live and breath to bring glory to JESUS in all that I do. Nothing else matters and I care about nothing else either, so LORD let it all be to YOUR glory, honor and praise and let my name be not even mentioned!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Plea for sponsors!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
I am the Rev. Marshall Barth and I operate Vine of CHRIST Ministries. You could say I'm the owner/operator/President/CEO/Administrator and any other business type name you'd like to place there. Roughly speaking, I am VCM and have been since Aug. 07 when the LORD laid this ministry upon my heart. I've two other people working to assist me here in the states and some in Liberia Africa, seeking to form our international branch. Beside these, I'm alone. Everything I do is that which the LORD leads me to do and nothing but. Right down to this blog!!!
I'm just short of one year from the time I stepped out in faith to walk from Utopia, OH. to Kingsville, TX. Exactly the distance I've no Idea and really don't care, the fact of the matter is this, that I stepped out in faith, totally trusting the LORD to provide my every need. He did too! Though the first trip was plagued with mishaps and was cut short of the goal, I learn volumes about the state of the church and Christians in general. You can find articles written on these online, if you care to follow through on them. Though this isn't the purpose of this blog and I'll not waste your time.
As I've said, I've been working this ministry for the most part by myself and totally out of pocket since it's inception and most of this information can be found online somewhere. At this time I'm making a public plea to anyone that would be interested in helping form this ministry into what the LORD has shown me it to be! Individual persons, right on up to Fortune 500 corporations, I'm looking for sponsors!!! I don't have grant writers, not even a single one. The two people that are helping,one is in the email prayer line and the other is working on graphics and word of mouth/online advertising. So as you can see, I've mostly to do things by myself.
Anyone that would be interested in help VCM, in anyway, just please do. It is about time that this ministry began to grow. I know this is most likely the most unorthodox manor of doing things, but when the LORD leads me I do it, I don't ask questions! If you know someone that might be interest in helping, please tell them about us. All I know is that which the LORD showed me this ministry would be some day and that it is far from anything close to that vision. VCM is going to be a Christian ministry that is about CHRIST and HIM alone. One that seeks to step out beyond the normal bounds of thinking and reach out to people in all walks of life. The ministry's website is a big mess, because I've worked it alone and have continuously added to it, never removing much and it's a bit overwhelming. But the fact of the matter is this. You will find everything you'd want to know about it, the intentions of it, what I've done since beginning it and everything about myself. All this is there to be found, you'd just have to take the time to find it.
I'm not a great scholar or internet wonder, I'm but a simple man that made a living with his hands. I lived a hard life for the most part, one far from anything considered GODly. Since giving my life to JESUS on Jan.7, 1995, I've lived almost totally for HIM and this is that which the ministry is about, a total surrender to GOD. One of giving your life to HIM just as scripture says, "forsaking all to follow me." I'm not asking everyone that donates to the ministry to do this, though the LORD has, but what I'm asking is that people begin to help me become the ministry the LORD has shown me this will be. I've heard all the reasons why not to give, and I really don't care if people do or not, it doesn't effect my walk with the LORD, just their own. If VCM becomes one tenth of what the LORD has shown me, people won't have to worry about their money going where it was intended, like happens so often today, because we'll have an abundance that only the LORD could of brought together and people's needs will be met and better then they are today by governments and other groups. All this being done to the glory of JESUS CHRIST, KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS.
I am the Rev. Marshall Barth and I operate Vine of CHRIST Ministries. You could say I'm the owner/operator/President/CEO/Administrator and any other business type name you'd like to place there. Roughly speaking, I am VCM and have been since Aug. 07 when the LORD laid this ministry upon my heart. I've two other people working to assist me here in the states and some in Liberia Africa, seeking to form our international branch. Beside these, I'm alone. Everything I do is that which the LORD leads me to do and nothing but. Right down to this blog!!!
I'm just short of one year from the time I stepped out in faith to walk from Utopia, OH. to Kingsville, TX. Exactly the distance I've no Idea and really don't care, the fact of the matter is this, that I stepped out in faith, totally trusting the LORD to provide my every need. He did too! Though the first trip was plagued with mishaps and was cut short of the goal, I learn volumes about the state of the church and Christians in general. You can find articles written on these online, if you care to follow through on them. Though this isn't the purpose of this blog and I'll not waste your time.
As I've said, I've been working this ministry for the most part by myself and totally out of pocket since it's inception and most of this information can be found online somewhere. At this time I'm making a public plea to anyone that would be interested in helping form this ministry into what the LORD has shown me it to be! Individual persons, right on up to Fortune 500 corporations, I'm looking for sponsors!!! I don't have grant writers, not even a single one. The two people that are helping,one is in the email prayer line and the other is working on graphics and word of mouth/online advertising. So as you can see, I've mostly to do things by myself.
Anyone that would be interested in help VCM, in anyway, just please do. It is about time that this ministry began to grow. I know this is most likely the most unorthodox manor of doing things, but when the LORD leads me I do it, I don't ask questions! If you know someone that might be interest in helping, please tell them about us. All I know is that which the LORD showed me this ministry would be some day and that it is far from anything close to that vision. VCM is going to be a Christian ministry that is about CHRIST and HIM alone. One that seeks to step out beyond the normal bounds of thinking and reach out to people in all walks of life. The ministry's website is a big mess, because I've worked it alone and have continuously added to it, never removing much and it's a bit overwhelming. But the fact of the matter is this. You will find everything you'd want to know about it, the intentions of it, what I've done since beginning it and everything about myself. All this is there to be found, you'd just have to take the time to find it.
I'm not a great scholar or internet wonder, I'm but a simple man that made a living with his hands. I lived a hard life for the most part, one far from anything considered GODly. Since giving my life to JESUS on Jan.7, 1995, I've lived almost totally for HIM and this is that which the ministry is about, a total surrender to GOD. One of giving your life to HIM just as scripture says, "forsaking all to follow me." I'm not asking everyone that donates to the ministry to do this, though the LORD has, but what I'm asking is that people begin to help me become the ministry the LORD has shown me this will be. I've heard all the reasons why not to give, and I really don't care if people do or not, it doesn't effect my walk with the LORD, just their own. If VCM becomes one tenth of what the LORD has shown me, people won't have to worry about their money going where it was intended, like happens so often today, because we'll have an abundance that only the LORD could of brought together and people's needs will be met and better then they are today by governments and other groups. All this being done to the glory of JESUS CHRIST, KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS.
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