Praise the LORD!!!
As the title says, this is a Vine of CHRIST Ministries "VineNotes" update. "Of sorts," because truly there hasn't been much going on within the ministry. It's formation and set up procedures are basically at a stand still.
Considering the amount of time that has transpired since the last newsletter(?) many would of given up and given in to the temptation of seeking after another means of glorifying GOD within their life. My focus now, is stronger then ever, though not very much along the actual lines of the ministry are getting done. But the LORD has shifted me to an almost steady task of posting devotionals, studies, readings and other Christian content online within the social media sphere. Most like many of you're familiar with these posting, since the bulk of the readers of this blog are followers on one of these sites :{)))
Over the years of my Christian walk, since Jan. 7, 1995, I've had many of these periods(plateaus) within my life. Those time periods where there seems that little is being accomplished to grow and expand the KINGDOM of GOD. Friends, it is these times within our walk that GOD is allowing us to relax and grow in HIS grace, learning to be patient and await HIS perfect timing for that which is to come. A reason for the ministry's by line of "for such a time as this."
We, as self willed beings, very often tend to think of all things being within our control and if it's going to get done, we've got to do it. One thing I've learned well over these years, is that there is NO BETTER time- then GOD's time. For over the years I've stepped out on my own, in my own strengthens and ideas, to only fall flat on my face, or run into a brick wall :{))) Most of the time, that wall or ground into which I've found myself, was the LORD's hand, gently catching me or putting the brakes on for me!!! An sure as can be, there was a lesson thru chastisement to shortly follow, with it's object lesson to learn buried within it :{)))
Now, you may be wondering what all that has been said, has anything to do with the LORD's ministry for me??? The fact is, EVERYTHING!!! For when one gives their life totally to the LORD, forsaking all to follow HIM, every single detail becomes a part of their cross, their burden to shoulder. The ministry, I know is is good hands, HIS hands. It's growth, again HIS hands. The days will come when this break from labors(HIS) comes to and end and the ministry will break forth from it's seed pod and sprout into a glorious vine it is meant too. Until that time, I'll continue to be obedient and await HIS perfect timing!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
ps: and when it does, there will be places for many, many wholehearted believers that seek only to glorify the precious and holy name of JESUS!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!! So, why not be in prayer and see if you're one???
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Though homeless...
Praise the LORD!!!
Though homeless the LORD has blessed me to not be completely out in the cold. I've been supplied, what started out as "storage only," a temporary shelter in a friend's garage. They've also allowed me the use of a small electric heater, an air mattress to keep me up off the cold concrete floor and the use of their Wi-Fi connection so I'm able to keep the LORD's message going out!!! You can believe I highly thankful for this person's listening to the LORD and being obedient in following that leading!!!
That which I'm blessed with would be considered "a luxury suite" to many around the world. Those who live in condition far worse than that which most could ever imagine. My heart goes out to these, as day in and day out I continue to work on building the LORD's ministry for me. Of which, the plight of the homeless is but one of the agendas that it will seek to cure or at least assist people in overcoming. The list of agendas for the ministry is a long one, covering far more than most could imagine themselves. Truthfully, I couldn't of even begun to bring all these together under one ministry, let alone add all them together in a growing list!!!
What GOD has done within my life, since "re-birth," has simply been amazing!!! I've come from one of the most self-centered, egotistical people you could of met and been born anew into one that cares far more about others than he does himself !!! The problem is though, that in all the efforts expended to broadcast the ministry and it's goals, not one person has ever stepped up and asked about how they can help or join in with the efforts!!! This wouldn't be so bad if I'd of just started all this a year or so ago, but when you consider that I've been at this whole thing since my release from the "halfway house" in "99." I've gone thru every imaginable means of broadcasting the ministry, it's goals and the GOSPEL message thru it and still "no interest."
Many would be disheartened, but I am not. For I know WHO it is that laid this cross upon my shoulders and WHO it is that shall bring it all to completion in every degree!!! When the LORD gives you something to carry, carry it to your dying breath, no matter what it looks like at this time, HE has ways of making things happen!!!
"With GOD, all things are possible !!!!!!!" (Mark 10:27)
Good day and GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Though homeless the LORD has blessed me to not be completely out in the cold. I've been supplied, what started out as "storage only," a temporary shelter in a friend's garage. They've also allowed me the use of a small electric heater, an air mattress to keep me up off the cold concrete floor and the use of their Wi-Fi connection so I'm able to keep the LORD's message going out!!! You can believe I highly thankful for this person's listening to the LORD and being obedient in following that leading!!!
That which I'm blessed with would be considered "a luxury suite" to many around the world. Those who live in condition far worse than that which most could ever imagine. My heart goes out to these, as day in and day out I continue to work on building the LORD's ministry for me. Of which, the plight of the homeless is but one of the agendas that it will seek to cure or at least assist people in overcoming. The list of agendas for the ministry is a long one, covering far more than most could imagine themselves. Truthfully, I couldn't of even begun to bring all these together under one ministry, let alone add all them together in a growing list!!!
What GOD has done within my life, since "re-birth," has simply been amazing!!! I've come from one of the most self-centered, egotistical people you could of met and been born anew into one that cares far more about others than he does himself !!! The problem is though, that in all the efforts expended to broadcast the ministry and it's goals, not one person has ever stepped up and asked about how they can help or join in with the efforts!!! This wouldn't be so bad if I'd of just started all this a year or so ago, but when you consider that I've been at this whole thing since my release from the "halfway house" in "99." I've gone thru every imaginable means of broadcasting the ministry, it's goals and the GOSPEL message thru it and still "no interest."
Many would be disheartened, but I am not. For I know WHO it is that laid this cross upon my shoulders and WHO it is that shall bring it all to completion in every degree!!! When the LORD gives you something to carry, carry it to your dying breath, no matter what it looks like at this time, HE has ways of making things happen!!!
"With GOD, all things are possible !!!!!!!" (Mark 10:27)
Good day and GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
What next???
Praise the LORD!!!
Sitting here taking in the information from Issac's landfall and wondering "What's next???"
With the LORD having brought me here to south Texas with the intent to start the official set up of the ministry's first office and DROC(Disaster Relief Operational Center), you'd of figure more would of taken place. It's been three years and little seems to of been accomplished.
In this time, I've been scoping out land and buildings that would be suitable for the ministry. Purchasing the tools that both fit my needs now and would be there to do any relief work needed. It's very hard to scrap together the needed funds to do much more. I've been to numerous of the churches here in Kingsville and the results are the same. They listen intently to my story, which I feel is what most of them think it is, sound enthusiastic, but then nothing comes of it. No deeper inquires, nothing. I went to one church for over a year and besides the people I'd told about the ministry, I don't think there were any others!!! Not one person from any of these churches have ever asked where or in what ways they could help, NONE !!!
So, what's next??? I'll just keep on doing that which the LORD leads me to. It's HIS ministry after all and not mine. If HE leads people to step up and get involved with this that HE's started, so be it. If I alone continue providing the things needed to move the ministry forward, so be it. I've given my whole life to the LORD. What HE makes out of it, is HIS good pleasure. I'll just continue being HIS obedient brother/friend and servant to the end :{)))
Good day and may GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall T. Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Sitting here taking in the information from Issac's landfall and wondering "What's next???"
With the LORD having brought me here to south Texas with the intent to start the official set up of the ministry's first office and DROC(Disaster Relief Operational Center), you'd of figure more would of taken place. It's been three years and little seems to of been accomplished.
In this time, I've been scoping out land and buildings that would be suitable for the ministry. Purchasing the tools that both fit my needs now and would be there to do any relief work needed. It's very hard to scrap together the needed funds to do much more. I've been to numerous of the churches here in Kingsville and the results are the same. They listen intently to my story, which I feel is what most of them think it is, sound enthusiastic, but then nothing comes of it. No deeper inquires, nothing. I went to one church for over a year and besides the people I'd told about the ministry, I don't think there were any others!!! Not one person from any of these churches have ever asked where or in what ways they could help, NONE !!!
So, what's next??? I'll just keep on doing that which the LORD leads me to. It's HIS ministry after all and not mine. If HE leads people to step up and get involved with this that HE's started, so be it. If I alone continue providing the things needed to move the ministry forward, so be it. I've given my whole life to the LORD. What HE makes out of it, is HIS good pleasure. I'll just continue being HIS obedient brother/friend and servant to the end :{)))
Good day and may GOD bless,
Rev. Marshall T. Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Monday, February 27, 2012
February/March '12' VineNotes>An open Plea
Praise the LORD!!!
Good day and may GOD be blessing you this day. That is a bit of a redundant statement, if you think about it. For the fact is, if you're reading this in the first place, GOD has truly blessed you already :{))) Think about this. HE has blessed you with another day of life!!! HE has blessed you with the ability to see, read, you've and internet connection, functioning computer(to use it) and many other blessings on top of these. But, my greeting still stands, stands for the reason of you taking note of all that the LORD truly has blessed you with. :{)))
It has been some time since I've written a newsletter(VineNotes) for the ministry, so this will be a little out of sorts. I'm currently on a borrowed computer, an old lap top, living with a friend who is in the process of finishing renovations and in prep to move. I was cast into this situation(a blessing) due to the fact that the move to Louisiana didn't pan out, being brought back to the starting area(Kingsville, TX.) the future home of Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and D.R.O.C.(Disaster Relief Operational Center.)
Yes folks, I'm still going to go at this with my all, though, once again having hit the bottom. I'm living out of boxes and my backpack. Being blessed to have a roof over my head and a couch to sleep on for the moment. I've plenty of food, that which I took with me to LA., that which they(in LA.) blessed me with and that which my friend has been adding to this list:{))) The problem is, this can't continue!!!
I came here to TX. to begin setting up what will be one of, if not the, biggest Christian disaster relief operations in existence!!! That's right folks, the visions the LORD revealed to me while I was still in prison, showed me a ministry that would absolutely boggle the mind(it has mine, for years.) Over the years, since '96-97', I've been receiving more and more revelations on top of the original week's worth of visions. All these adding to and 'cementing in' the fact that this ministry is of GOD and that which HE has raised me up for from the beginning!!! Folks, GOD has had each and everyone of us in mind, and at heart, since the creation. Every little detail of our existence has been laid out and set in stone before any of that which we see around us ever existed!!! We are GOD's crowning glory in creation and HE has an exact purpose for each and everyone of us and every single detail within our lives. Yes folks, every detail, even those which have seemed to be bad (Romans 8:28)
This though, isn't the reason for my producing this newsletter(of sorts :{))) ), but the reason is to put forth a request. One of a type that I've never have before. This is an open request for others to assist in this ministry. This assistance can take any form, prayer(the greatest), monetary and or of your own hands in some manor!!! As most of you that have followed me for any length of time, or visited the website know, all that has been accomplished over the years has been completely by my own hands and out of pocket. Well folks, it is time this stopped. One man does not a ministry make, for even the apostles had others walking by their sides. Assisting them with that which the LORD had laid upon their shoulders(their crosses.) It is time that this ministry takes on the next step in it's growth, that of reaching out and assisting others to a greater degree, while not having to wonder if projects will get completed or not. Plus having the ability to take on more projects, having the materials and equipment to preform all task to a degree that is worthy of the LORD's name being placed upon it(doing all things as if unto the LORD) and in a timely manor.
For this to happen, as I'm being led, starting slowly at first and building up to greater and greater involvement in the community(works for the LORD,) it will accumulate monthly expenses up to about $5000 per month on a continuous basis. This would enable the ministry to reach out and begin helping more and more people around the community, without placing the total expense upon my shoulders alone.(which has been the practice up unto this time, though not to this expanded extent.(one man is limited, very limited by only being able to do so much, while providing all the cost also.) It is here where the hands of others would be beneficial, adding to the overall effectiveness of these out reaches!!! That which one man can do is little, while that which two or more greatly increases this, adding to it's effectiveness and reach!!!
Sure, I've currently not a 501.c 3 non profit rating by the I.R.S., then again I've not had one since the beginning and it's not deterred me from reaching out to others. I've helped others throughout the years even though it has placed me in debt for most of it. This hasn't mattered to me though, for this is my calling and I'll give until it hurts and then give even more if this is what it takes to accomplish the LORD's ministry for me !!! This has come about by the fact that this morning the LORD led me to read Matt. 7:7,8. Two verses which in many study Bibles is captioned under the title "Ask, Seek and Knock." For years, I've asked only the LORD in prayer for these things to be added to HIS daily provisions for me. I've prayed until I was exhausted and crying. I've been led over the years, to only place notice of the ministry's needs online and out before others, but this morning was different and this is the results. An open plea for your prayers and assistance in whatever manor you're led to. For now, as always, I enlist you to first pray and petition the LORD as to the method in which you respond to this. If it is prayer alone, praise the LORD. If in your making a donation to the ministry, praise the LORD also. Or if, you're led to in some other manor help the ministry, another praise is offered up. For truthfully folks, I see all these alike. To me there is no difference in your prayers, your money or your efforts. Any assistance will be appreciated, prayed over and I will thank the LORD for them all. The choices are yours, ask the LORD in prayer, in what manor HE wills for you to effect this ministry and do it or not. It's that simple. I'm not going to enlist the methods of the prosperity preachers, for in part they're the exact reason this ministry is set up in the manor in which it has been. Far too many seek riches through their ministries for the LORD. Far too many use scripture to reap benefits for themselves and not for that of others. GOD does promise to bless those that bless others, but truthfully, this is between the person themselves and GOD. It is HIS call and not mine and I'll not use deceptive means to garner a profit from others. I love my LORD and SAVIOR far to much to bring disgrace upon HIS holy and oh so precious name !!!!!!! !!!!!!! :{)))))))
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall T. Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
204 Otis
Kingsville, TX., 78363
Good day and may GOD be blessing you this day. That is a bit of a redundant statement, if you think about it. For the fact is, if you're reading this in the first place, GOD has truly blessed you already :{))) Think about this. HE has blessed you with another day of life!!! HE has blessed you with the ability to see, read, you've and internet connection, functioning computer(to use it) and many other blessings on top of these. But, my greeting still stands, stands for the reason of you taking note of all that the LORD truly has blessed you with. :{)))
It has been some time since I've written a newsletter(VineNotes) for the ministry, so this will be a little out of sorts. I'm currently on a borrowed computer, an old lap top, living with a friend who is in the process of finishing renovations and in prep to move. I was cast into this situation(a blessing) due to the fact that the move to Louisiana didn't pan out, being brought back to the starting area(Kingsville, TX.) the future home of Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and D.R.O.C.(Disaster Relief Operational Center.)
Yes folks, I'm still going to go at this with my all, though, once again having hit the bottom. I'm living out of boxes and my backpack. Being blessed to have a roof over my head and a couch to sleep on for the moment. I've plenty of food, that which I took with me to LA., that which they(in LA.) blessed me with and that which my friend has been adding to this list:{))) The problem is, this can't continue!!!
I came here to TX. to begin setting up what will be one of, if not the, biggest Christian disaster relief operations in existence!!! That's right folks, the visions the LORD revealed to me while I was still in prison, showed me a ministry that would absolutely boggle the mind(it has mine, for years.) Over the years, since '96-97', I've been receiving more and more revelations on top of the original week's worth of visions. All these adding to and 'cementing in' the fact that this ministry is of GOD and that which HE has raised me up for from the beginning!!! Folks, GOD has had each and everyone of us in mind, and at heart, since the creation. Every little detail of our existence has been laid out and set in stone before any of that which we see around us ever existed!!! We are GOD's crowning glory in creation and HE has an exact purpose for each and everyone of us and every single detail within our lives. Yes folks, every detail, even those which have seemed to be bad (Romans 8:28)
This though, isn't the reason for my producing this newsletter(of sorts :{))) ), but the reason is to put forth a request. One of a type that I've never have before. This is an open request for others to assist in this ministry. This assistance can take any form, prayer(the greatest), monetary and or of your own hands in some manor!!! As most of you that have followed me for any length of time, or visited the website know, all that has been accomplished over the years has been completely by my own hands and out of pocket. Well folks, it is time this stopped. One man does not a ministry make, for even the apostles had others walking by their sides. Assisting them with that which the LORD had laid upon their shoulders(their crosses.) It is time that this ministry takes on the next step in it's growth, that of reaching out and assisting others to a greater degree, while not having to wonder if projects will get completed or not. Plus having the ability to take on more projects, having the materials and equipment to preform all task to a degree that is worthy of the LORD's name being placed upon it(doing all things as if unto the LORD) and in a timely manor.
For this to happen, as I'm being led, starting slowly at first and building up to greater and greater involvement in the community(works for the LORD,) it will accumulate monthly expenses up to about $5000 per month on a continuous basis. This would enable the ministry to reach out and begin helping more and more people around the community, without placing the total expense upon my shoulders alone.(which has been the practice up unto this time, though not to this expanded extent.(one man is limited, very limited by only being able to do so much, while providing all the cost also.) It is here where the hands of others would be beneficial, adding to the overall effectiveness of these out reaches!!! That which one man can do is little, while that which two or more greatly increases this, adding to it's effectiveness and reach!!!
Sure, I've currently not a 501.c 3 non profit rating by the I.R.S., then again I've not had one since the beginning and it's not deterred me from reaching out to others. I've helped others throughout the years even though it has placed me in debt for most of it. This hasn't mattered to me though, for this is my calling and I'll give until it hurts and then give even more if this is what it takes to accomplish the LORD's ministry for me !!! This has come about by the fact that this morning the LORD led me to read Matt. 7:7,8. Two verses which in many study Bibles is captioned under the title "Ask, Seek and Knock." For years, I've asked only the LORD in prayer for these things to be added to HIS daily provisions for me. I've prayed until I was exhausted and crying. I've been led over the years, to only place notice of the ministry's needs online and out before others, but this morning was different and this is the results. An open plea for your prayers and assistance in whatever manor you're led to. For now, as always, I enlist you to first pray and petition the LORD as to the method in which you respond to this. If it is prayer alone, praise the LORD. If in your making a donation to the ministry, praise the LORD also. Or if, you're led to in some other manor help the ministry, another praise is offered up. For truthfully folks, I see all these alike. To me there is no difference in your prayers, your money or your efforts. Any assistance will be appreciated, prayed over and I will thank the LORD for them all. The choices are yours, ask the LORD in prayer, in what manor HE wills for you to effect this ministry and do it or not. It's that simple. I'm not going to enlist the methods of the prosperity preachers, for in part they're the exact reason this ministry is set up in the manor in which it has been. Far too many seek riches through their ministries for the LORD. Far too many use scripture to reap benefits for themselves and not for that of others. GOD does promise to bless those that bless others, but truthfully, this is between the person themselves and GOD. It is HIS call and not mine and I'll not use deceptive means to garner a profit from others. I love my LORD and SAVIOR far to much to bring disgrace upon HIS holy and oh so precious name !!!!!!! !!!!!!! :{)))))))
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall T. Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
204 Otis
Kingsville, TX., 78363
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Whole Enchilada
Praise the LORD!!!
Seldom is it, that I'll post here, the complete writings of another, but this will go against that. The reason for this is that fits perfectly in with a number of conversations that I've had in the last several days and handles them in a very fitting manor!!! Enjoy :)))( side note, this is a whole sermon, so it isn't short:))) )
The Whole Enchilada
Acts 5:41
“So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (NASB)
In the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella hears a voice saying, “If you build it, he will come,” and interprets the mysterious message to mean that he should plow under his Iowa corn to build a baseball diamond. Which he does, resulting in Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other banned players from the 1919 White Sox team showing up on his baseball diamond to play.
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097351/plotsummary)
Toward the end of the movie Ray and Shoeless Joe have an exchange that goes to the heart of Ray’s motives. Ray says something to the effect of “I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do and have never once asked, ‘what’s in it for me.’ ” “What are you saying?” Shoeless Joe replies. Ray fidgets, shifts his weight, looks down to the ground and says, “Well, what’s in it for me?”
Even the most selfless among us get around to asking the question eventually, “What’s in it for me?” Part of the reason we do, is because we’ve been conditioned by Madison Avenue to think that way. But really, no one had to teach us to be selfish it is natural. Somewhere among the other single-syllabic words toddlers learn is always the word: “Mine!“It is a word a small child will use to describe everything they like without regard to real ownership. As we grow, we learn to share and care about other people’s feelings and rights, but somewhere deep down inside is that nagging question, “What’s in it for me?”
Even when it comes to matters of faith.
We understand that becoming a Christian means surrender of our own will to God’s will it is completely giving our lives to Him and submitting ourselves to His lordship. We know that we no longer can claim ownership of our lives because we’ve been bought with a price. We read Paul’s opening words in Titus 1:1 “This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (NLT) and understand that Jesus is our Lord and we are His servant. Intellectually, we know that what really matters is God’s will and His Kingdom, but something inside of ourselves says, “Yeah, but that’s just Church talk you know the kind of thing you say in Sunday School it isn’t the real world.”
And so our duplicity continues. We dabble in faith, but are not willing to swallow the whole enchilada.
Not the early Christians.
Our text says, “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41 NASB)
God was manifesting Himself in powerful ways in the 5th Chapter of Acts. After the purging of the church, the entire congregation was gripped by a great fear of the Lord (vs. 11). And the Apostles began performing miraculous acts of service. Those in need were flocking to the church and were being healed (vss 14–16). You’d think everyone in town would be happy that the needy were being ministered to, but they weren’t. The religious leaders went into a jealous rage and arranged for the Apostles to be imprisoned (vss 17–18).
But God was at work and an Angel of the Lord broke them out of jail and told them to get back to work proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, which they did at daybreak (vss 19–21).
More political wrangling followed, resulting in the conspirators dragging the Apostles before the council. The council confronted the apostles with not following their clear directive to never preach in the name of Jesus again. The apostles didn’t relent, but insisted that they would continue to follow God (vss 22–32). The council was enraged with the apostles declared that the council was guilty of the blood of Jesus and was ready to kill them before Gamaliel stopped them with a voice of reason. He said, “So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. [39] But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38–39 (NLT) With that, they flogged the disciples, and once again warned them never to speak in Jesus’ name again.
Their reaction wasn’t to gripe about their ill treatment. They didn’t call their lawyers because they were thrown in jail without a cause. They didn’t complain that they had to start work early the next morning without a decent night’s sleep and neither did they complain that they were flogged. Instead, the scripture records that they rejoiced “that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
No “what’s in it for me” attitude here they’d fully committed themselves to God. They weren’t dabbling in faith. They’d swallowed the whole enchilada. They were so committed to Christ that they were grateful for their flogging, because God considered them worthy to suffer for His name.
This attitude is not isolated to this passage of scripture. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 NASB) Jesus considered the persecuted blessed people. In Luke 6:22 He said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.” (NASB)
Like Ray Kinsella, you might be ready to ask, “so what’s in it for me?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Persecution does have its advantages. For one, it makes you STRONG. Romans 5:3 says, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;” (NASB) Just like lifting weights builds muscles, going through trials builds character.
It makes you strong, but it also SEPARATES THE TEMPORARY FROM THE PERMANENT. Hebrews 10:34 says, “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” (NIV) Whenever everything else is stripped away what is left is what is most precious.
In the same vein, in your weakened state, you discover the SOURCE OF YOUR TRUE STRENGTH. 2 Cor. 12:10 says, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NASB)
Yes, persecution strengthens you, helps you know what is permanent and shows you the source of your true strength, but there’s more.
The Apostles didn’t rejoice because the flogging made them strong, long for heaven or because they found that God was the source of their strength. They rejoiced because God found them WORTHY TO SUFFER FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE.
Paul wrote, “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” (Philip. 1:29 NLT) And Peter wrote, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:13–16 NIV)
“What’s in it for you?” Fellowship with Christ. Philip. 3:10 says, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (KJV)
You can’t just pick and choose. If you want to know the power of his resurrection, you’d better be ready to know the fellowship of his sufferings.
Because you can’t be finicky when it comes to following Christ you can’t just dabble in faith, you have to eat the whole enchilada.
Wilson, J. L. (2009). Fresh Sermons. Fresno, CA: Willow City Press.
-via Logos4
Seldom is it, that I'll post here, the complete writings of another, but this will go against that. The reason for this is that fits perfectly in with a number of conversations that I've had in the last several days and handles them in a very fitting manor!!! Enjoy :)))( side note, this is a whole sermon, so it isn't short:))) )
The Whole Enchilada
Acts 5:41
“So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (NASB)
In the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella hears a voice saying, “If you build it, he will come,” and interprets the mysterious message to mean that he should plow under his Iowa corn to build a baseball diamond. Which he does, resulting in Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other banned players from the 1919 White Sox team showing up on his baseball diamond to play.
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097351/plotsummary)
Toward the end of the movie Ray and Shoeless Joe have an exchange that goes to the heart of Ray’s motives. Ray says something to the effect of “I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do and have never once asked, ‘what’s in it for me.’ ” “What are you saying?” Shoeless Joe replies. Ray fidgets, shifts his weight, looks down to the ground and says, “Well, what’s in it for me?”
Even the most selfless among us get around to asking the question eventually, “What’s in it for me?” Part of the reason we do, is because we’ve been conditioned by Madison Avenue to think that way. But really, no one had to teach us to be selfish it is natural. Somewhere among the other single-syllabic words toddlers learn is always the word: “Mine!“It is a word a small child will use to describe everything they like without regard to real ownership. As we grow, we learn to share and care about other people’s feelings and rights, but somewhere deep down inside is that nagging question, “What’s in it for me?”
Even when it comes to matters of faith.
We understand that becoming a Christian means surrender of our own will to God’s will it is completely giving our lives to Him and submitting ourselves to His lordship. We know that we no longer can claim ownership of our lives because we’ve been bought with a price. We read Paul’s opening words in Titus 1:1 “This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (NLT) and understand that Jesus is our Lord and we are His servant. Intellectually, we know that what really matters is God’s will and His Kingdom, but something inside of ourselves says, “Yeah, but that’s just Church talk you know the kind of thing you say in Sunday School it isn’t the real world.”
And so our duplicity continues. We dabble in faith, but are not willing to swallow the whole enchilada.
Not the early Christians.
Our text says, “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41 NASB)
God was manifesting Himself in powerful ways in the 5th Chapter of Acts. After the purging of the church, the entire congregation was gripped by a great fear of the Lord (vs. 11). And the Apostles began performing miraculous acts of service. Those in need were flocking to the church and were being healed (vss 14–16). You’d think everyone in town would be happy that the needy were being ministered to, but they weren’t. The religious leaders went into a jealous rage and arranged for the Apostles to be imprisoned (vss 17–18).
But God was at work and an Angel of the Lord broke them out of jail and told them to get back to work proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, which they did at daybreak (vss 19–21).
More political wrangling followed, resulting in the conspirators dragging the Apostles before the council. The council confronted the apostles with not following their clear directive to never preach in the name of Jesus again. The apostles didn’t relent, but insisted that they would continue to follow God (vss 22–32). The council was enraged with the apostles declared that the council was guilty of the blood of Jesus and was ready to kill them before Gamaliel stopped them with a voice of reason. He said, “So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. [39] But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38–39 (NLT) With that, they flogged the disciples, and once again warned them never to speak in Jesus’ name again.
Their reaction wasn’t to gripe about their ill treatment. They didn’t call their lawyers because they were thrown in jail without a cause. They didn’t complain that they had to start work early the next morning without a decent night’s sleep and neither did they complain that they were flogged. Instead, the scripture records that they rejoiced “that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
No “what’s in it for me” attitude here they’d fully committed themselves to God. They weren’t dabbling in faith. They’d swallowed the whole enchilada. They were so committed to Christ that they were grateful for their flogging, because God considered them worthy to suffer for His name.
This attitude is not isolated to this passage of scripture. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 NASB) Jesus considered the persecuted blessed people. In Luke 6:22 He said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.” (NASB)
Like Ray Kinsella, you might be ready to ask, “so what’s in it for me?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Persecution does have its advantages. For one, it makes you STRONG. Romans 5:3 says, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;” (NASB) Just like lifting weights builds muscles, going through trials builds character.
It makes you strong, but it also SEPARATES THE TEMPORARY FROM THE PERMANENT. Hebrews 10:34 says, “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” (NIV) Whenever everything else is stripped away what is left is what is most precious.
In the same vein, in your weakened state, you discover the SOURCE OF YOUR TRUE STRENGTH. 2 Cor. 12:10 says, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NASB)
Yes, persecution strengthens you, helps you know what is permanent and shows you the source of your true strength, but there’s more.
The Apostles didn’t rejoice because the flogging made them strong, long for heaven or because they found that God was the source of their strength. They rejoiced because God found them WORTHY TO SUFFER FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE.
Paul wrote, “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” (Philip. 1:29 NLT) And Peter wrote, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:13–16 NIV)
“What’s in it for you?” Fellowship with Christ. Philip. 3:10 says, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (KJV)
You can’t just pick and choose. If you want to know the power of his resurrection, you’d better be ready to know the fellowship of his sufferings.
Because you can’t be finicky when it comes to following Christ you can’t just dabble in faith, you have to eat the whole enchilada.
Wilson, J. L. (2009). Fresh Sermons. Fresno, CA: Willow City Press.
-via Logos4
Friday, November 4, 2011
How often...
Praise the LORD, for HE has blessed us with another day, one bringing to and end a week of toil and gracing us with several days of down time !!!
How often..., oh this could lead in many directions :))), but for this day the LORD has only one in mind. How often do we go out into the world, wearing, let's say a Christian t shirt or pin, or drive around with a Christian bumper sticker ??? If you're like me, this is a constant, for I'm either wearing a Christian t shirt when out and about on personal chores or wearing a ministry related one when out doing the LORD's work !!!
If you're familiar with my writings, you'll know, that they all are multifaceted, many times taking in a whole score of differing issues :))) Believe me, this isn't my doing, but the LORD's, for I am but a simple man when it comes to things, but the LORD, HE deals with things on multiple levels of detail. (Just take into account nature and it's many levels of interaction, all weaved together into a perfectly operating system !!!) Opps, point proven, I'd say :))) Back to that at hand.
Here we are, out taking care of business, either personal or pertaining to our livelihoods. We're sporting the latest in Christian fashions, letting all whom come across us know we're a Christian. When suddenly we tend to forget this fact of life and are moving around totally unaware of that which we're doing and those around us. Let's say, we're shopping in the local market, and anything could fit here. We're moving around, maybe shopping list in hand, child in tow (or maybe not), oblivious to everything else. We may cut off a person with our shopping cart, not being forgetful to excuse ourselves, yet speedily we continue moving along. Item after item we add to our carts, until the list is fulfilled and it's off to the checkout line. Here, we find line after line of people, all seeking the same thing, to finish our shopping and get on with our day.
OK, here's where things get interesting, let's take a look at all that has just happened, and compare it with that which we're representing in life(remember that t shirt, hoodie or pin :))) and it doesn't even need to be any of these, just those around us, that know the fact that we're a Christian will suffice.) We've sped thru the store, unaware of those around us- would JESUS of done so ??? We've interacted with people in an inexcusable manor(for even though we excused our actions, is it really CHRIST-like to place ourselves before others???) These are just two things that may of happened, there truly could of been many more. The issue here, is the fact, that in all that we do, whether we announce the fact that we're a Christian or not, we "ARE" representing JESUS 100% of the time,or are supposed to be. Whether at work, in the store or wherever, we represent JESUS in all that we do and say !!! A truly important fact, especially in this fast paced world of ours, where it seems as if everyone is out for themselves, caring little or none at all for the welfare of others around them !!!
Though JESUS, being GOD in the flesh, HE had a much keener incite into the needs and emotions of people(while here on earth), it doesn't take a 'rocket scientist' to know something about a person, without asking. If one is truly going thru life as we should, shouldn't we be caring about all those around us, to a higher degree then ourselves??? Shouldn't we be looking into people's eyes, the windows of their souls, and getting an incite into the intensity of that which they're going thru??? How often do we also forget, that while out in the world, others that see us, even from a distance, who may know we're a Christian or know from that which we're wearing that we are, are watching !!! Watching and learning, just to what extent we truly are that which we proclaim to be !!! So, the next time you're out and about among the world, think about just "How often", you, as a Christian, are truly representing JESUS !!!!!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
*** please don;t forget, if you've a prayer need, the ministry has an email account to which you can send your request to : prayers@vineofchrist.org
How often..., oh this could lead in many directions :))), but for this day the LORD has only one in mind. How often do we go out into the world, wearing, let's say a Christian t shirt or pin, or drive around with a Christian bumper sticker ??? If you're like me, this is a constant, for I'm either wearing a Christian t shirt when out and about on personal chores or wearing a ministry related one when out doing the LORD's work !!!
If you're familiar with my writings, you'll know, that they all are multifaceted, many times taking in a whole score of differing issues :))) Believe me, this isn't my doing, but the LORD's, for I am but a simple man when it comes to things, but the LORD, HE deals with things on multiple levels of detail. (Just take into account nature and it's many levels of interaction, all weaved together into a perfectly operating system !!!) Opps, point proven, I'd say :))) Back to that at hand.
Here we are, out taking care of business, either personal or pertaining to our livelihoods. We're sporting the latest in Christian fashions, letting all whom come across us know we're a Christian. When suddenly we tend to forget this fact of life and are moving around totally unaware of that which we're doing and those around us. Let's say, we're shopping in the local market, and anything could fit here. We're moving around, maybe shopping list in hand, child in tow (or maybe not), oblivious to everything else. We may cut off a person with our shopping cart, not being forgetful to excuse ourselves, yet speedily we continue moving along. Item after item we add to our carts, until the list is fulfilled and it's off to the checkout line. Here, we find line after line of people, all seeking the same thing, to finish our shopping and get on with our day.
OK, here's where things get interesting, let's take a look at all that has just happened, and compare it with that which we're representing in life(remember that t shirt, hoodie or pin :))) and it doesn't even need to be any of these, just those around us, that know the fact that we're a Christian will suffice.) We've sped thru the store, unaware of those around us- would JESUS of done so ??? We've interacted with people in an inexcusable manor(for even though we excused our actions, is it really CHRIST-like to place ourselves before others???) These are just two things that may of happened, there truly could of been many more. The issue here, is the fact, that in all that we do, whether we announce the fact that we're a Christian or not, we "ARE" representing JESUS 100% of the time,or are supposed to be. Whether at work, in the store or wherever, we represent JESUS in all that we do and say !!! A truly important fact, especially in this fast paced world of ours, where it seems as if everyone is out for themselves, caring little or none at all for the welfare of others around them !!!
Though JESUS, being GOD in the flesh, HE had a much keener incite into the needs and emotions of people(while here on earth), it doesn't take a 'rocket scientist' to know something about a person, without asking. If one is truly going thru life as we should, shouldn't we be caring about all those around us, to a higher degree then ourselves??? Shouldn't we be looking into people's eyes, the windows of their souls, and getting an incite into the intensity of that which they're going thru??? How often do we also forget, that while out in the world, others that see us, even from a distance, who may know we're a Christian or know from that which we're wearing that we are, are watching !!! Watching and learning, just to what extent we truly are that which we proclaim to be !!! So, the next time you're out and about among the world, think about just "How often", you, as a Christian, are truly representing JESUS !!!!!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
*** please don;t forget, if you've a prayer need, the ministry has an email account to which you can send your request to : prayers@vineofchrist.org
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Oh, to be like nature
Praise the LORD!!!
OH, it would be sweet to be like nature. For unlike nature, man is constantly seeking to render things by his own hands and not those of GOD !!!
" These wait all upon Thee;
That Thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
That Thou givest unto them, they gather:
Thou openest Thine hand, they are satisfied with good." Psalm 104:27-28
from- Waiting on God, Andrew Murray
Oh, so sweet it would be, to be so un-dependent upon self and more so dependent upon GOD alone. Not to have the cares and worries of life, that so heavily weight us each of us down, both day and night!!! But child of GOD, it is there for us, if we but truly reach out with unwavering faith. Yes, it is there, we but need to realize it and trust HE whom is far more able to meet our needs than we can ever be.
This does not mean to cease from our efforts of gathering, but to realize that it is not by our efforts alone that these provisions come. For it is thru the blessings of GOD, HIS abundance poured out upon us and into our waiting hands. Matt. 6:25-34 so clearly sings this out and it is but up to us to be the trusting and faithful ones to garner that which is given so freely. Lifting up voices in praises, as the flowers lift their petals to the heavens, seeking not our own glory, but that of the one and only, that truly is in control !!! Sing your praises to the LORD, for only HE is worthy !!!!!!!
OH, it would be sweet to be like nature. For unlike nature, man is constantly seeking to render things by his own hands and not those of GOD !!!
" These wait all upon Thee;
That Thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
That Thou givest unto them, they gather:
Thou openest Thine hand, they are satisfied with good." Psalm 104:27-28
from- Waiting on God, Andrew Murray
Oh, so sweet it would be, to be so un-dependent upon self and more so dependent upon GOD alone. Not to have the cares and worries of life, that so heavily weight us each of us down, both day and night!!! But child of GOD, it is there for us, if we but truly reach out with unwavering faith. Yes, it is there, we but need to realize it and trust HE whom is far more able to meet our needs than we can ever be.
This does not mean to cease from our efforts of gathering, but to realize that it is not by our efforts alone that these provisions come. For it is thru the blessings of GOD, HIS abundance poured out upon us and into our waiting hands. Matt. 6:25-34 so clearly sings this out and it is but up to us to be the trusting and faithful ones to garner that which is given so freely. Lifting up voices in praises, as the flowers lift their petals to the heavens, seeking not our own glory, but that of the one and only, that truly is in control !!! Sing your praises to the LORD, for only HE is worthy !!!!!!!
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