Praise the LORD!!!
For we've been blessed with the beginning of another year, but truly, as of yet, it is but only one day. So many seek to plan out that which "they'll accomplish" within the bounds of this new year. Yet, they've no more of an idea as to if they will be blessed with any of it.
The last several weeks, I've been away. Not physically, but spiritually!!! My mind and heart have been totally upon that which the LORD has set forth for me. HIS ministry thru me.
Most all others though, have been living it up. After all, this is the holiday season. Christmas and New Years all wrapped up conveniently together. To me, these are but days, another day within those I've been blessed with. Another day to glorify the LORD within all that I do.
Now, let's return to these last several weeks, in which I was seldom here(online.) I was here the whole time, but I was only led to partake in a very limited manor. Sharing a little here and a little there, but not the usual bombardment of WORD into other's lives!!!
The reason for this, is that another phase of my life for the LORD is about to take place. And there was the need to form up the guidelines and knowledge base needed to step into it.Like all good foundations, they're solidly set. Solidly set upon the ROCK JESUS CHRIST.
Though I've been led to go back to "a means" of earning an income for the ministry and self, my feet are still firmly planted upon all that the LORD has led me to understand. Yes, you heard me right, "that the LORD has led me to understand." For, that which I post online and live out in my life, are not my own understandings. Not in the least.
Sure, I've read thousands of pages of scripture, thousands of pages of books written by men and listened to thousands of hours worth of teachings. Still, not one jot or tittle is that of my own understanding. You may wonder how this is possible!?! Simple, for I am dead. I am dead to this world and all it's ways. I'm dead to the flesh. The flesh that so strives against anything that even closely resembles holiness. A flesh, that would rather pleasure in one moment of pleasure, even if it meant an eternity of suffering and separation from GOD.
This goes back to the moment of my salvation. Where I gave the LORD everything. Sure, mine was a "prison conversion," but far from that of most. For it wasn't one of those "Lord, I give you my life, if you'll but get me out of this mess," types of conversions. No, it was the wholehearted, "LORD, this life that is within me, it is YOUR's and YOUR's alone. All that I have, all that I am, or ever will be, are YOUR's. Do as YOU will, lead and I'll follow." Hopefully, you can see that there is a determination within my life. Not to live for self, but to live that life which HE has set before me. Not for my purposes or gain, but for HIS glory alone!!!
Now, back to the direction this entry was intended to head in. I know not the reasons, or even dwell on the possibilities of why, people(yes, y'all) fail to see, hear or take note of that which the LORD has had me working on for years. Whatever it may be, doesn't really matter, it is my task to continue on doing as I'm led. Those other matters, are between each person and their LORD/lord(yes, those spellings are correct(think about it.))
I've been blessed in the last several weeks, with not being able to work. It's hard for a carpenter to work, when they can barely walk around, it's a very mobile profession. In this time, I've consumed more scripture and scriptural writings than most will in this coming year. Along with this, I've crammed hours worth of study in photography and post processing. Everything I could read or watch to become proficient in the art and business of photography. A part of my life for many years, long ago. But Oh, how things have changed since those days, not in "myself" alone, but the technology behind the art. These things, they've all been devoured and stockpiled, ready for usage, when the time comes.
Now, comes a time of questions. Questions, which I truly don't expect answers from, because I've learned that people don't answer my questions anyway.
Have I not been among you for these many years, constantly(well almost) set before you a mass of scripture and related writings??? Can you not see, that there is a wholehearted devotion for the LORD in this life of mine??? Have not your tables been blessed with food to feed your spirits??? Why then do you shun this ministry and it has to survive on only that which I'm blessed to provide???
This ministry was set forth during a time when ministers and their cohorts, have battered down your doors, to gain your tithe, that they deem they deserve. Yet, a fresh air ministry that doesn't follow in like manor, is shunned or maybe just forgotten. This ministry is not alone though. For there are numerous others, where the minister takes from their own plates to set before those in need. Many may not consider many, if not most of these, as not being true ministries. In all actuality, these are truer ministries than most of the others. For they give and give, not expecting earthly rewards or fame, but to but once hear their LORD and SAVIOR say "well done"!!!
*** As usual, I've no idea the reasoning behind this post. Except for the fact that I was led to do so. I received the leading and have done as led, the rest, as with all things in my life, are in the LORD's hands !!! GOD bless :{)))
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
Almost there...
Praise the LORD!!!
Well folks, we're almost there. At the end of another year and the beginning of a new one. And like every other year's end, we've tons of "ministries" and "organizations" asking for donations!!!
If you're anything like me, you've subscribed to numerous "Christian" groups/newsletters and the such. So your email boxes are crammed with pleas for "end of year" donations to their prospective needs.
That is one thing you'll not see coming from this ministry, and one of the greatest differences between this ministry and many others. That is it's means of obtaining funding for operations. Most, you'll see very little difference between them and those of the world(non CHRIST centered.) They will boast of the many "works" they've done over the year(s), they'll take about all that they've "grown" and talk about all that they "could" do, if they receive the "needed" funding to do so.
Here I am, running this ministry "out of pocket(that which I've been blessed to earn);" off from work, going on three weeks now; and still leaving the matter of "if this ministry will survive another day," totally in the hands of GOD alone!!!
A life of serving GOD with your all is tough. You grow used to "trials and tribulations" within your daily life. You go at things totally different than most. You face them head on and deal with them moment by moment. For there is no tomorrow that we're promised. Sure, we've a ton of blessings we're promised. Tons of them, that can "fall into our laps," at any given moment. But the truth is, these are all dependent on the matter of what GOD holds in store for tomorrow and whether or not HE is going to bless you with a tomorrow !?!
Well folks, we're almost there. At the end of another year and the beginning of a new one. And like every other year's end, we've tons of "ministries" and "organizations" asking for donations!!!
If you're anything like me, you've subscribed to numerous "Christian" groups/newsletters and the such. So your email boxes are crammed with pleas for "end of year" donations to their prospective needs.
That is one thing you'll not see coming from this ministry, and one of the greatest differences between this ministry and many others. That is it's means of obtaining funding for operations. Most, you'll see very little difference between them and those of the world(non CHRIST centered.) They will boast of the many "works" they've done over the year(s), they'll take about all that they've "grown" and talk about all that they "could" do, if they receive the "needed" funding to do so.
Here I am, running this ministry "out of pocket(that which I've been blessed to earn);" off from work, going on three weeks now; and still leaving the matter of "if this ministry will survive another day," totally in the hands of GOD alone!!!
A life of serving GOD with your all is tough. You grow used to "trials and tribulations" within your daily life. You go at things totally different than most. You face them head on and deal with them moment by moment. For there is no tomorrow that we're promised. Sure, we've a ton of blessings we're promised. Tons of them, that can "fall into our laps," at any given moment. But the truth is, these are all dependent on the matter of what GOD holds in store for tomorrow and whether or not HE is going to bless you with a tomorrow !?!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Camera Giveaway
Praise the LORD!!!
It's been a long time since I've posted anything here, but this is just one to add to my chances(blessings) of winning a quality camera to assist in getting my photography stepped up, thus providing added income for ministry growth.
It's been a long time since I've posted anything here, but this is just one to add to my chances(blessings) of winning a quality camera to assist in getting my photography stepped up, thus providing added income for ministry growth.
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Sunday, June 29, 2014
SnapKnot Bonus entry points :{)))
Hey, I could sure use that D800 to step up my game in photography :{)))
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Saturday, May 31, 2014
In the dumps!?!
Praise the LORD!!!
Though you'll always hear praises coming from my lips, it doesn't mean that my emotions can't be in the dumps. King David often spent times when he himself felt at the bottom of the rivers.
Preaching today, so often tells us that we've always got to be at the top of the emotional hill. When in truth, life is more of a roller-coaster, with both highs and lows. More often than not, it is the lows that predominate our lives.
It is how one suffers thru these lows that makes the difference in the effectiveness of their ministry. Can one continue to "plow on," when it seems as if they're running into the very gates of hell. That is not a question, but a statement. For when all hell seems to be upon one's back, all that they can see is blankness, it is to GOD that they'll be calling out to. Sure, they may be praying for HIM to put an end to their lives, thus ending the pain, but it is then that it is clearest, that only GOD can lift them from these pits!!!
Look up from among the mire, for it is GOD that shall provide you relief !!!!!!!
Though you'll always hear praises coming from my lips, it doesn't mean that my emotions can't be in the dumps. King David often spent times when he himself felt at the bottom of the rivers.
Preaching today, so often tells us that we've always got to be at the top of the emotional hill. When in truth, life is more of a roller-coaster, with both highs and lows. More often than not, it is the lows that predominate our lives.
It is how one suffers thru these lows that makes the difference in the effectiveness of their ministry. Can one continue to "plow on," when it seems as if they're running into the very gates of hell. That is not a question, but a statement. For when all hell seems to be upon one's back, all that they can see is blankness, it is to GOD that they'll be calling out to. Sure, they may be praying for HIM to put an end to their lives, thus ending the pain, but it is then that it is clearest, that only GOD can lift them from these pits!!!
Look up from among the mire, for it is GOD that shall provide you relief !!!!!!!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
No cardboard crosses!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
I pray that all are well and growing in their personal walks with the LORD!!! For those that know me, this will be a bit of the old and some new, but to those that don't, all will be new. A little background info for all.
I am the Reverend Marshall Barth and operate the growing ministry called Vine of CHRIST Ministries. Until very recently I've done all by myself, but have been blessed to have two new team members on board now here in the states(did have, they found other things more important). In April of 09 I 'stepped out of the boat,' and began a very long journey for the LORD and HIS ministry for me. I was living in Utopia, Ohio, about 40 miles east of Cincinnati, on the Ohio river. The LORD had been impressing it upon my heart to go to Kingsville, Texas to begin setting up and formalizing the first fully functional office complex and Disaster Relief Operational Center (DROC) there. Several problems though, I had no transportation and very little money for a trip of this type, let alone all that would be needed once I got there.
Being a man that truly trust GOD's leading I packed a military dufflebag with all that it would hold, prepared my dog(Maryanne(year old wolf/shepherd cross)) and started south. I left the day before Easter 09 and crossed the river by ferry at Augusta, Kentucky. I walked about fifteen miles before getting tired. Hey I'm carrying between sixty and eighty pounds and leading a dog that is just barely road broke. We stopped near an intersection of two roads and spent the night over the hillside out of sight. I awoke to a bit of a refreshing Easter morning, about forty degrees or so, and had a sunrise service alone with GOD. We then set off on our journey. After about three hours walking I saw a wall at the roadside, which would be perfect to unsaddle myself and take a break. Not really noticing, much of the surroundings. As I was about to take the last strap off, I heard someone yelling to me. I looked up and I was across the street from a small non denominational Christian church and the pastor was inviting us over for breakfast. Needless to say, I didn't turn him down. I was going to leave Maryanne outside tied to a rail, but was told to bring her on in with me. Once inside, we were warmly greeted and very well feed. Maryanne 'wolfed' down three big plates of biscuits and gravy and I put away two of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a fruit bowl and a couple of cups of nice hot coffee.
Then to my surprise, we were asked to join them in a worship service upstairs. You heard me right, we. Maryanne and I both were welcomed upstairs in their sanctuary for service. We sat to the rear, as is my normal practice, and were introduce to all during the service and allowed to elaborate on what we were doing. After the service, we were both greeted by all the members and almost everyone gave me some money for the trip. We then headed out the doors and onward for the LORD, fully believing that this would be the type of spirit we would encounter on most of the trip. After about fifteen mile of walking, mostly on new construction Maryanne was showing signs of sore feet. We were stopped by a young couple and offered some canned food and a couple of sandwiches, due to the weight, I turned down the can goods, but gladly took the sandwiches. After a short bit we stopped in front of a closed store to relax and eat them. Just as we finished up, another couple stopped to get gas and I told them that the store was closed. We began to talk and the next thing I knew Maryanne and I had our first ride. Which ended up being a little longer then they had said, because they had thought of a better place along our route to take us and it wasn't that much out of their way.
They ended up dropping us off at a public boatramp that allowed overnight camping and said we could most likely stay there until Maryanne's feet got better. Now this couple were Christians, but seldom went to church, because of 'all the hypocrites within the walls.' I could not argue, because I've seen those that they were talking about with my own eyes. I set about gathering wood for a fire and got ready to sleep for the night when it began to rain a little. I didn't have a rain suit or even a poncho, but took two garbage bags and made a rain suit out of them. A short while after this the couple that had dropped us off came back and delivered some can goods and leftovers from their Easter dinner, plus an umbrella, before taking off again. So far I've seen the Christian spirit alive in those within the walls and outside of them, I was feeling the LORD's love from all people.
The rain began to get heavier during the next day and it was beginning to get hard to keep dry and a fire going. We had several people stop in our impromptu camp and had some great conversation with all. Everyone I talked with left knowing the purpose for these two strangers camped out by the river and several left us money or supplies. On our second night there the weather began to turn ugly, several stopped by to offer us shelter somewhere outside our camp, but I was being led to stay right where we were for the time being, so we did. Now when I said ugly, you may not of gotten the full scope of the matter. They were calling for heavy rains , winds and possible chance of tornadoes! I was turning down offers of shelter through this? Yes, for when the LORD impresses something upon my heart, I listen and do just that!!! About three AM I'm awaken, soaking wet, lakes formed inside my boots and not a dry spot on me. All of my belongings are drenched. I began to cry out to the LORD, asking HIM what was HIS purpose for all this and had I heard HIM wrong. This went on for several hours, until around sunrise. I had tried to start a fire, but its quite hard when there is nothing dry to burn. I even tried burning my computer logbooks for the ministry. The only thing dry was my Bible and you know that wasn't going to be burned, no matter what!
I was walking around trying to stay as warm as possible, by keeping the blood flowing, when the local constable showed up, we'd already talked, he was a Christian and offered me some encouragement in scripture and left after this. A little later a man on his way to work, stopped in and left me his lunch for the day. A while later a woman I'd talked with the day before stopped by and asked if I needed anything. I asked 'if she could go by the little store and grab us something to eat.' She said she had a better idea and went to her house and got some dogfood and came back with it. Then she headed off and said she'd be back with something for me in a bit. She came back shortly with several sandwiches, but said she had to run off and talk with her husband about something and would be back later. An hour or so later, her and her grand daughter stop by, both getting out and popping the hatch on the SUV. Bonnie told me to get my stuff and put it in the truck and not to argue with her. I could see that there was no need to, so did as ordered and Maryanne and I were off with them. Bonnie told me that she'd talked with her husband and that they had a vacant house they were fixing up for resale and we would be staying there. Electricity, hot water, a pantry full of food, not to mention the fridge and freezer full and all the cookware needed. No furniture, but praise the LORD we had a roof over our heads and a level place to sleep for as long as we needed. That's right, as long as we needed!
Now Bonnie was a Born again Christian, though she wondered at times, her husband(Harold) turns out to be the man that had given me his lunch, believed in GOD but had never given his life to the LORD. So here are two that believe, but don't go to church giving me a house to live in rent free, plus all else we needed. An a good thing about it, there is a little non "d" church not more then a hundred yards down the road, well I thought this at first! I began to work on getting Maryanne's feet healed and back up for the walk ahead, which wasn't that easy. Because we had walked on two to three inch rock for over ten miles and her pads were spread pretty badly. She hadn't walked much in our three days by the river, even seldom getting up to go to the bathroom. She was hurting! The first week there I watched the local church on Sunday. They only had about twenty families attending. The next week I attended service and enjoyed a nice sermon on tithing and Christian charity. I talked with the minister after service and complemented him on the sermon and talked about what the LORD was calling me to do.
I began to hear the LORD leading me not to return, which made me wonder, but I listened. For the next three weeks, I watched as they had their twice a week services and after church dinners and even a few cookouts. Now, here I am a minister myself, living a stones throw away and not once did anyone stop in to ask if I needed anything. Yet Bonnie and her girls would stop by every day or so and deliver food or pickup my laundry for me. Member's of the church, shunning me and non church goers providing my every need. Makes you wonder, don't it? I felt I had to return Bonnie's hospitality, but didn't want to offend her, so I began to do a few little things on the house. She soon noticed and when confronted on it, I couldn't lie and told her what I had been doing and why. She wasn't offended, but decided that since I was willing to help them in return, she'd allow it, but only with payment in return. Now if you knew Bonnie like I had come to know her, you'd of agreed also, she's a bit set in her ways when she makes up her mind:) and there's no sense in trying to argue. So I agreed, it was the least I could do.
Now this so far has been the background info, now for the meat of this posting. After a bit, I was doing some carpet patches in the closets, when I came to the end of the roll. The LORD impressed me to take the cardboard roll and fashion it into a cross. I did so and took it outside and placed it on the fence surrounding the pool. Now here is this six foot tall cross standing out for all to see and I've got to wonder why. I put it to prayer and the answer is clear as day, "this is my church, as it stands today." I had to wonder and asked why again. Again the answer came, "watch and you shall see." For the first several days it stood fine, there were no problems, then again the weather was also fine, clear and sunny. But then the rain began to set in, the cross stood fine for the first couple of days. Then something began to happen, it folded backwards, completely against itself. Forming another perfect cross, but one quite beaten by the weather. I began to pray and ask 'what is the meaning behind this LORD?' Again the answer came, but not one I'd of thought of!
"My church, as you have seen, stands strong in fine weather, trouble free for all to see. Yet when the weathers of tribulation comes, it falls back upon itself, hiding within itself, still looking the part of MY church, but only a slim resemblance of it!!!" 'What do you mean LORD?' "You have seen for yourself, that the helps on this trip have come mostly from those outside the church's walls and you will see more of this." Needless to say I was completely taken aback by this. Yes I had seen most of my help coming from Christians who didn't attend church and only the one time from those of a church. How was I going to see more of this? As with all things GOD's has shown me in my years of walking with HIM, I was about to find out. For several days later we began our journey to the south again. Harold and Bonnie took me shopping to get some needed supplies, like a raincoat and some new boots. Then gave me over $300 to continue on the trip. Even more so, Harold drove me about thirty miles farther along the path I was being led to travel, dropping us off just outside of Georgetown, Kentucky. Maryanne and I walked for around twenty five miles the first day, stopping along the roadside that night. We camped by a beautiful little stone bridge over a crystal clear spring, just outside of Midway, Kentucky.
The next morning we awoke to a beautiful sunny sky with but a mild breeze blowing, a perfect day for walking. We headed up the road after eating the last food I was carrying, with the next town, Versailles, being about twenty miles farther. Now I had thought there would of been a gas station or convenience store along our route, but would be proven wrong. After walking mile after mile along the road, seeing nothing but large horse farms and miles of black fencing, the heat was getting to both of us. Maryanne decided that it was time for a long break and pulled me to a tree covered spot near one of these farms. I unsaddled and laid back taking my boots off and before I knew it was sleeping lightly. Suddenly I hear someone calling to me and asking what my purpose for being there was. I awoke to a security guard and his truck but feet away. I told him who I was and where I was headed and that I'd accidentally fallen asleep there due to the heat and length of our walk that morning. He told me that he was sent out here to have me get on my way, because the farm owners had seen me and they didn't want their guest, some royalties, seeing me there and would we please continue off their property. I said there was no problem and asked about how far to this point and the next place we could get some food. He told me about a half mile and I'd be off their property and several more to town. I put on my boots and pack and we headed off. Well this half mile, ended up being over an hour and a half walk farther, and I make about four miles and hour, a little bit farther then he'd said. I stopped just outside of Versailles, to rest up and study my maps, so I'd head in the right direction to continue onwards. After about an hour we set off again. After a short walk we stopped at a DQ and I bought us a couple of burgers, fries and drinks. The people there came out and gave Maryanne a bunch of added food also. After a good rest and time for the food to settle, we were off again, hoping to make it outside of town before dark.
We were turning south out of town when I took the next break, stopping on the street corner before a long hill. After but a moment, someone yelled at me, she'd thought I was the dog catcher(because of my fishing poles sticking up in the air) and didn't want me catching her neighbor's dog. We talked for a bit and after she found out what I was doing, ran off to get some of her neighbors, that would love to hear my testimony. They invited us to their back porch and we sat around for an hour talking about the awesome GOD we served. She was a Christian(non church goer) and they were Messianic Christians(following the law). They brought me loads of food and supplies and offered a place for the night and a ride in the morning. I ended up giving them a bunch of my fishing gear, since they'd mentioned having looked for some like them. Rods, reels and tackle, almost all that I had left with, just holding on to enough so that I might fish if needed to. I slept on a couch that night in her house, allowed to take a nice, and needed shower and talked well into the night. The next morning we were given another ride of about thirty miles and dropped off at a truck stop just off the bluegrass parkway. We stopped here and had more breakfast, Micheal had given me some Mcie D's egg and sausage sandwiches, but I figured it might be a good idea to fill up while we had the chance.
After an hour or so here, we started off for Route 62, which was what we'd been following. After about another mile of walking, a young man with a pickup truck pulled over and asked me where we were headed. He was a Christian, though he hadn't been to church for years, was in the middle of a divorce and was wondering about life in general. He gave me a short ride back to 62 and we talked greatly about his need to return to the LORD. When he left, he promised me that he would be going back to church and also returning to reading his Bible on a regular basis. He was definitely feeling better about his life and I was happy that I could make a difference in the life of someone else! This didn't remain for long though, because I think I had stepped on someone's(satan) feet in opening this young man's eyes to what the LORD had in store for him and trouble was about to befall me. After several hours of walking and several stops to rest, I took a step and it felt like someone had stomped on my right foot. Not the whole foot, but just the three middle toes.(it had felt like a small cloven hoof had done this!) When I stopped and took off my boot I realized I had three broken toes, for they were already turning blue and swollen!!! Praise the LORD was all I could do and my typical reaction to accidents. I give the other guy no credit at all in my life (if you've not noticed, I don't even capitalize his names.) I proceeded to tape the three toes together, thanks to tape given me by my messianic friends, put my boot back on and began to walk and praise the LORD with each step.
We had gone several more miles like this, when Maryanne decided it was break time, so we stopped under some shade trees. After about fifteen minutes I was getting ready to walk on, when there came a call. A man from the house across the street was asking if we'd like something to drink. I replied yes and we head over to him. As we were headed up to the house we were talking and I was telling him about the trips purpose and destination. Well the drinks turned into pizza and about an hour of good conversation with he and his wife out under the shade of their shed. They then told me that they were headed into town and would give me a ride farther down the road if I'd like. I agreed, because by this time my foot was really beginning to ache. He said he needed to take a shower before we headed out and for us to rest until ready to go. Next thing I know, I'm asked if I'd like a nice shower before we left, which I took them up on. They drove me about thirty miles down the route I was traveling, dropped me off in a campground and gave me a $100 before they head back in the direction we had come. I ended up staying at the campground for three days free, the owner wouldn't take any money from me, because I was sleeping out in the open, under one of their pavilions. One of the neighbors brought me over a home cooked meal and I had a good deal of time in fellowship with others from around the campground. I stayed there for three nights total, until the swelling in my foot began to go down. All these people, I've just mentioned were Christians, but didn't attend church on a regular basis. Starting to see something here? Everyone I've been taken care of by, except those at the first church, were Christians, not in regular fellowship with the church.
Now the ministry newsletter, "A Modern Day Parable", gives the details from here and actually covers most of this, so I'll not go on. The church as we see it, like the cardboard cross that I made, stands strong in their words and appearances. Yet when it comes time for them to do the works that the LORD has set before them, they bulk and bend with the winds of adversity. Turning into a slim resemblance of that which they're supposed to be. Now I've almost a year to turn this whole thing over and over in my heart and the LORD has led me to write this.
We, as HIS church are supposed to reach out and help our fellowman. It doesn't matter if they're Christian or not, we are to help them in their times of need. The church has taken on the form of four walls and everything outside it seems not to exist to them. Outreach and works of charity are seldom seen by them, as needs to fulfill their walks with the LORD. Well wrong they are! For when the LORD commanded use to love our neighbors as ourselves(Rom. 13:9,10) HE wasn't just talking about our church fellows, but all of mankind!!! If any of you have been paying attention to the "signs of the times" that are happening all around us. Our time here on earth is drawing to an end and the LORD's return is near. All that was prophesied about this time is happening NOW!!! Look at the increase in false teachings, a sign of the lawless one's preaching, his apostate religion. Famines and pestilences circle the globe. Wars and rumors of wars, just about in every nation. Peace is a seldom found luxury, enjoyed only by a handful of nations and those have others threatening even that. Where will the LORD find the church amongst all of this? Will HE find us huddled inside the four walls of a building? Will HE even be able to tell the difference between us and them? Are we the CHURCH that JESUS called forth upon the backs of the apostles or are we that cardboard cross that only showed a slim resemblance to that which it had been? It is time that the church that JESUS intended it to be stand up and shine out from amongst the darkness and reveal the glory that HE intended it to have. Let there be no more strangers walking the streets unattended to by us. Let those that haven't heard the GOSPEL message be reached, if it takes our very blood to fulfill the task! Let there no longer be a person that goes to bed hungry, because they've nothing to eat! Let there be no one thrown to the curve and left to fend for themselves out of trashcans! We are the CHURCH that JESUS CHRIST formed upon the ROCK and we are to stand, unwavering under all that the adversary brings forth!!! Let there be no more cardboard crosses anywhere within the four walls of a buildings. Let us go forth, as never before and show JESUS that we are here and HE will be able to find us without a shadow of a doubt. Let HIS CHURCH be found fulfilling every detail that HE commanded us, let HIM know we love HIM more then our very own lives and will go to the extremes to prove it!!!
I pray that all are well and growing in their personal walks with the LORD!!! For those that know me, this will be a bit of the old and some new, but to those that don't, all will be new. A little background info for all.
I am the Reverend Marshall Barth and operate the growing ministry called Vine of CHRIST Ministries. Until very recently I've done all by myself, but have been blessed to have two new team members on board now here in the states(did have, they found other things more important). In April of 09 I 'stepped out of the boat,' and began a very long journey for the LORD and HIS ministry for me. I was living in Utopia, Ohio, about 40 miles east of Cincinnati, on the Ohio river. The LORD had been impressing it upon my heart to go to Kingsville, Texas to begin setting up and formalizing the first fully functional office complex and Disaster Relief Operational Center (DROC) there. Several problems though, I had no transportation and very little money for a trip of this type, let alone all that would be needed once I got there.
Being a man that truly trust GOD's leading I packed a military dufflebag with all that it would hold, prepared my dog(Maryanne(year old wolf/shepherd cross)) and started south. I left the day before Easter 09 and crossed the river by ferry at Augusta, Kentucky. I walked about fifteen miles before getting tired. Hey I'm carrying between sixty and eighty pounds and leading a dog that is just barely road broke. We stopped near an intersection of two roads and spent the night over the hillside out of sight. I awoke to a bit of a refreshing Easter morning, about forty degrees or so, and had a sunrise service alone with GOD. We then set off on our journey. After about three hours walking I saw a wall at the roadside, which would be perfect to unsaddle myself and take a break. Not really noticing, much of the surroundings. As I was about to take the last strap off, I heard someone yelling to me. I looked up and I was across the street from a small non denominational Christian church and the pastor was inviting us over for breakfast. Needless to say, I didn't turn him down. I was going to leave Maryanne outside tied to a rail, but was told to bring her on in with me. Once inside, we were warmly greeted and very well feed. Maryanne 'wolfed' down three big plates of biscuits and gravy and I put away two of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a fruit bowl and a couple of cups of nice hot coffee.
Then to my surprise, we were asked to join them in a worship service upstairs. You heard me right, we. Maryanne and I both were welcomed upstairs in their sanctuary for service. We sat to the rear, as is my normal practice, and were introduce to all during the service and allowed to elaborate on what we were doing. After the service, we were both greeted by all the members and almost everyone gave me some money for the trip. We then headed out the doors and onward for the LORD, fully believing that this would be the type of spirit we would encounter on most of the trip. After about fifteen mile of walking, mostly on new construction Maryanne was showing signs of sore feet. We were stopped by a young couple and offered some canned food and a couple of sandwiches, due to the weight, I turned down the can goods, but gladly took the sandwiches. After a short bit we stopped in front of a closed store to relax and eat them. Just as we finished up, another couple stopped to get gas and I told them that the store was closed. We began to talk and the next thing I knew Maryanne and I had our first ride. Which ended up being a little longer then they had said, because they had thought of a better place along our route to take us and it wasn't that much out of their way.
They ended up dropping us off at a public boatramp that allowed overnight camping and said we could most likely stay there until Maryanne's feet got better. Now this couple were Christians, but seldom went to church, because of 'all the hypocrites within the walls.' I could not argue, because I've seen those that they were talking about with my own eyes. I set about gathering wood for a fire and got ready to sleep for the night when it began to rain a little. I didn't have a rain suit or even a poncho, but took two garbage bags and made a rain suit out of them. A short while after this the couple that had dropped us off came back and delivered some can goods and leftovers from their Easter dinner, plus an umbrella, before taking off again. So far I've seen the Christian spirit alive in those within the walls and outside of them, I was feeling the LORD's love from all people.
The rain began to get heavier during the next day and it was beginning to get hard to keep dry and a fire going. We had several people stop in our impromptu camp and had some great conversation with all. Everyone I talked with left knowing the purpose for these two strangers camped out by the river and several left us money or supplies. On our second night there the weather began to turn ugly, several stopped by to offer us shelter somewhere outside our camp, but I was being led to stay right where we were for the time being, so we did. Now when I said ugly, you may not of gotten the full scope of the matter. They were calling for heavy rains , winds and possible chance of tornadoes! I was turning down offers of shelter through this? Yes, for when the LORD impresses something upon my heart, I listen and do just that!!! About three AM I'm awaken, soaking wet, lakes formed inside my boots and not a dry spot on me. All of my belongings are drenched. I began to cry out to the LORD, asking HIM what was HIS purpose for all this and had I heard HIM wrong. This went on for several hours, until around sunrise. I had tried to start a fire, but its quite hard when there is nothing dry to burn. I even tried burning my computer logbooks for the ministry. The only thing dry was my Bible and you know that wasn't going to be burned, no matter what!
I was walking around trying to stay as warm as possible, by keeping the blood flowing, when the local constable showed up, we'd already talked, he was a Christian and offered me some encouragement in scripture and left after this. A little later a man on his way to work, stopped in and left me his lunch for the day. A while later a woman I'd talked with the day before stopped by and asked if I needed anything. I asked 'if she could go by the little store and grab us something to eat.' She said she had a better idea and went to her house and got some dogfood and came back with it. Then she headed off and said she'd be back with something for me in a bit. She came back shortly with several sandwiches, but said she had to run off and talk with her husband about something and would be back later. An hour or so later, her and her grand daughter stop by, both getting out and popping the hatch on the SUV. Bonnie told me to get my stuff and put it in the truck and not to argue with her. I could see that there was no need to, so did as ordered and Maryanne and I were off with them. Bonnie told me that she'd talked with her husband and that they had a vacant house they were fixing up for resale and we would be staying there. Electricity, hot water, a pantry full of food, not to mention the fridge and freezer full and all the cookware needed. No furniture, but praise the LORD we had a roof over our heads and a level place to sleep for as long as we needed. That's right, as long as we needed!
Now Bonnie was a Born again Christian, though she wondered at times, her husband(Harold) turns out to be the man that had given me his lunch, believed in GOD but had never given his life to the LORD. So here are two that believe, but don't go to church giving me a house to live in rent free, plus all else we needed. An a good thing about it, there is a little non "d" church not more then a hundred yards down the road, well I thought this at first! I began to work on getting Maryanne's feet healed and back up for the walk ahead, which wasn't that easy. Because we had walked on two to three inch rock for over ten miles and her pads were spread pretty badly. She hadn't walked much in our three days by the river, even seldom getting up to go to the bathroom. She was hurting! The first week there I watched the local church on Sunday. They only had about twenty families attending. The next week I attended service and enjoyed a nice sermon on tithing and Christian charity. I talked with the minister after service and complemented him on the sermon and talked about what the LORD was calling me to do.
I began to hear the LORD leading me not to return, which made me wonder, but I listened. For the next three weeks, I watched as they had their twice a week services and after church dinners and even a few cookouts. Now, here I am a minister myself, living a stones throw away and not once did anyone stop in to ask if I needed anything. Yet Bonnie and her girls would stop by every day or so and deliver food or pickup my laundry for me. Member's of the church, shunning me and non church goers providing my every need. Makes you wonder, don't it? I felt I had to return Bonnie's hospitality, but didn't want to offend her, so I began to do a few little things on the house. She soon noticed and when confronted on it, I couldn't lie and told her what I had been doing and why. She wasn't offended, but decided that since I was willing to help them in return, she'd allow it, but only with payment in return. Now if you knew Bonnie like I had come to know her, you'd of agreed also, she's a bit set in her ways when she makes up her mind:) and there's no sense in trying to argue. So I agreed, it was the least I could do.
Now this so far has been the background info, now for the meat of this posting. After a bit, I was doing some carpet patches in the closets, when I came to the end of the roll. The LORD impressed me to take the cardboard roll and fashion it into a cross. I did so and took it outside and placed it on the fence surrounding the pool. Now here is this six foot tall cross standing out for all to see and I've got to wonder why. I put it to prayer and the answer is clear as day, "this is my church, as it stands today." I had to wonder and asked why again. Again the answer came, "watch and you shall see." For the first several days it stood fine, there were no problems, then again the weather was also fine, clear and sunny. But then the rain began to set in, the cross stood fine for the first couple of days. Then something began to happen, it folded backwards, completely against itself. Forming another perfect cross, but one quite beaten by the weather. I began to pray and ask 'what is the meaning behind this LORD?' Again the answer came, but not one I'd of thought of!
"My church, as you have seen, stands strong in fine weather, trouble free for all to see. Yet when the weathers of tribulation comes, it falls back upon itself, hiding within itself, still looking the part of MY church, but only a slim resemblance of it!!!" 'What do you mean LORD?' "You have seen for yourself, that the helps on this trip have come mostly from those outside the church's walls and you will see more of this." Needless to say I was completely taken aback by this. Yes I had seen most of my help coming from Christians who didn't attend church and only the one time from those of a church. How was I going to see more of this? As with all things GOD's has shown me in my years of walking with HIM, I was about to find out. For several days later we began our journey to the south again. Harold and Bonnie took me shopping to get some needed supplies, like a raincoat and some new boots. Then gave me over $300 to continue on the trip. Even more so, Harold drove me about thirty miles farther along the path I was being led to travel, dropping us off just outside of Georgetown, Kentucky. Maryanne and I walked for around twenty five miles the first day, stopping along the roadside that night. We camped by a beautiful little stone bridge over a crystal clear spring, just outside of Midway, Kentucky.
The next morning we awoke to a beautiful sunny sky with but a mild breeze blowing, a perfect day for walking. We headed up the road after eating the last food I was carrying, with the next town, Versailles, being about twenty miles farther. Now I had thought there would of been a gas station or convenience store along our route, but would be proven wrong. After walking mile after mile along the road, seeing nothing but large horse farms and miles of black fencing, the heat was getting to both of us. Maryanne decided that it was time for a long break and pulled me to a tree covered spot near one of these farms. I unsaddled and laid back taking my boots off and before I knew it was sleeping lightly. Suddenly I hear someone calling to me and asking what my purpose for being there was. I awoke to a security guard and his truck but feet away. I told him who I was and where I was headed and that I'd accidentally fallen asleep there due to the heat and length of our walk that morning. He told me that he was sent out here to have me get on my way, because the farm owners had seen me and they didn't want their guest, some royalties, seeing me there and would we please continue off their property. I said there was no problem and asked about how far to this point and the next place we could get some food. He told me about a half mile and I'd be off their property and several more to town. I put on my boots and pack and we headed off. Well this half mile, ended up being over an hour and a half walk farther, and I make about four miles and hour, a little bit farther then he'd said. I stopped just outside of Versailles, to rest up and study my maps, so I'd head in the right direction to continue onwards. After about an hour we set off again. After a short walk we stopped at a DQ and I bought us a couple of burgers, fries and drinks. The people there came out and gave Maryanne a bunch of added food also. After a good rest and time for the food to settle, we were off again, hoping to make it outside of town before dark.
We were turning south out of town when I took the next break, stopping on the street corner before a long hill. After but a moment, someone yelled at me, she'd thought I was the dog catcher(because of my fishing poles sticking up in the air) and didn't want me catching her neighbor's dog. We talked for a bit and after she found out what I was doing, ran off to get some of her neighbors, that would love to hear my testimony. They invited us to their back porch and we sat around for an hour talking about the awesome GOD we served. She was a Christian(non church goer) and they were Messianic Christians(following the law). They brought me loads of food and supplies and offered a place for the night and a ride in the morning. I ended up giving them a bunch of my fishing gear, since they'd mentioned having looked for some like them. Rods, reels and tackle, almost all that I had left with, just holding on to enough so that I might fish if needed to. I slept on a couch that night in her house, allowed to take a nice, and needed shower and talked well into the night. The next morning we were given another ride of about thirty miles and dropped off at a truck stop just off the bluegrass parkway. We stopped here and had more breakfast, Micheal had given me some Mcie D's egg and sausage sandwiches, but I figured it might be a good idea to fill up while we had the chance.
After an hour or so here, we started off for Route 62, which was what we'd been following. After about another mile of walking, a young man with a pickup truck pulled over and asked me where we were headed. He was a Christian, though he hadn't been to church for years, was in the middle of a divorce and was wondering about life in general. He gave me a short ride back to 62 and we talked greatly about his need to return to the LORD. When he left, he promised me that he would be going back to church and also returning to reading his Bible on a regular basis. He was definitely feeling better about his life and I was happy that I could make a difference in the life of someone else! This didn't remain for long though, because I think I had stepped on someone's(satan) feet in opening this young man's eyes to what the LORD had in store for him and trouble was about to befall me. After several hours of walking and several stops to rest, I took a step and it felt like someone had stomped on my right foot. Not the whole foot, but just the three middle toes.(it had felt like a small cloven hoof had done this!) When I stopped and took off my boot I realized I had three broken toes, for they were already turning blue and swollen!!! Praise the LORD was all I could do and my typical reaction to accidents. I give the other guy no credit at all in my life (if you've not noticed, I don't even capitalize his names.) I proceeded to tape the three toes together, thanks to tape given me by my messianic friends, put my boot back on and began to walk and praise the LORD with each step.
We had gone several more miles like this, when Maryanne decided it was break time, so we stopped under some shade trees. After about fifteen minutes I was getting ready to walk on, when there came a call. A man from the house across the street was asking if we'd like something to drink. I replied yes and we head over to him. As we were headed up to the house we were talking and I was telling him about the trips purpose and destination. Well the drinks turned into pizza and about an hour of good conversation with he and his wife out under the shade of their shed. They then told me that they were headed into town and would give me a ride farther down the road if I'd like. I agreed, because by this time my foot was really beginning to ache. He said he needed to take a shower before we headed out and for us to rest until ready to go. Next thing I know, I'm asked if I'd like a nice shower before we left, which I took them up on. They drove me about thirty miles down the route I was traveling, dropped me off in a campground and gave me a $100 before they head back in the direction we had come. I ended up staying at the campground for three days free, the owner wouldn't take any money from me, because I was sleeping out in the open, under one of their pavilions. One of the neighbors brought me over a home cooked meal and I had a good deal of time in fellowship with others from around the campground. I stayed there for three nights total, until the swelling in my foot began to go down. All these people, I've just mentioned were Christians, but didn't attend church on a regular basis. Starting to see something here? Everyone I've been taken care of by, except those at the first church, were Christians, not in regular fellowship with the church.
Now the ministry newsletter, "A Modern Day Parable", gives the details from here and actually covers most of this, so I'll not go on. The church as we see it, like the cardboard cross that I made, stands strong in their words and appearances. Yet when it comes time for them to do the works that the LORD has set before them, they bulk and bend with the winds of adversity. Turning into a slim resemblance of that which they're supposed to be. Now I've almost a year to turn this whole thing over and over in my heart and the LORD has led me to write this.
We, as HIS church are supposed to reach out and help our fellowman. It doesn't matter if they're Christian or not, we are to help them in their times of need. The church has taken on the form of four walls and everything outside it seems not to exist to them. Outreach and works of charity are seldom seen by them, as needs to fulfill their walks with the LORD. Well wrong they are! For when the LORD commanded use to love our neighbors as ourselves(Rom. 13:9,10) HE wasn't just talking about our church fellows, but all of mankind!!! If any of you have been paying attention to the "signs of the times" that are happening all around us. Our time here on earth is drawing to an end and the LORD's return is near. All that was prophesied about this time is happening NOW!!! Look at the increase in false teachings, a sign of the lawless one's preaching, his apostate religion. Famines and pestilences circle the globe. Wars and rumors of wars, just about in every nation. Peace is a seldom found luxury, enjoyed only by a handful of nations and those have others threatening even that. Where will the LORD find the church amongst all of this? Will HE find us huddled inside the four walls of a building? Will HE even be able to tell the difference between us and them? Are we the CHURCH that JESUS called forth upon the backs of the apostles or are we that cardboard cross that only showed a slim resemblance to that which it had been? It is time that the church that JESUS intended it to be stand up and shine out from amongst the darkness and reveal the glory that HE intended it to have. Let there be no more strangers walking the streets unattended to by us. Let those that haven't heard the GOSPEL message be reached, if it takes our very blood to fulfill the task! Let there no longer be a person that goes to bed hungry, because they've nothing to eat! Let there be no one thrown to the curve and left to fend for themselves out of trashcans! We are the CHURCH that JESUS CHRIST formed upon the ROCK and we are to stand, unwavering under all that the adversary brings forth!!! Let there be no more cardboard crosses anywhere within the four walls of a buildings. Let us go forth, as never before and show JESUS that we are here and HE will be able to find us without a shadow of a doubt. Let HIS CHURCH be found fulfilling every detail that HE commanded us, let HIM know we love HIM more then our very own lives and will go to the extremes to prove it!!!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Four years ago...
Praise the LORD!!!
You can thank a Christian brother(and the LORD) for this next little piece :{)))
As the title suggest, it has to do with "Four years ago," and "Yes, it does."
This friend's post brought up the subject of "obedience" and then the LORD hit me with what I was doing on a morning just like this "Four years ago."
You see, I was sitting on the side of a major county road in Kentucky, just south of Caneyville, with a blown out knee; 90 lb. duffle bag and a one year old shepherd/wolf pup. At this time(12:30 PM), I'd been there for about two hours already and the "church" attendees would be on their way home about now. I figured that if there were any chance of me getting some assistance, it'd be now!!!
LORD, was I surprised !!! I watched for the next three hours, as vehicle after vehicle went by. Many glancing in my direction, yet the only tail lights I saw, were from those slowing down for the corner at the bottom of the hill.
Now, what does this have to do with "Obedience"??? Plenty!!! Just how many of those "church" goers had the LORD "suggest" to them that they should stop and render assistance??? How many just blew it off ??? Or how many started the ol' "I've got to do this(and that)... ??? You most likely have made the "excuses" before. Most likely "MANY" times before!!! I surely know I have :{)))
Well folks. That right there has to deal with "OBEDIENCE" big time and there isn't a single one of us that hasn't flubbed up when it comes to it!!! We're so intent on living our own(selfish, little) lives, that we plain ol' overlook, play deaf and dumb when it comes to OBEYING the LORD's still quiet voice. There is but one way to overcome this deficit and this is>>> MUCH TIME SPENT ON HUMBLE KNEES
You can thank a Christian brother(and the LORD) for this next little piece :{)))
As the title suggest, it has to do with "Four years ago," and "Yes, it does."
This friend's post brought up the subject of "obedience" and then the LORD hit me with what I was doing on a morning just like this "Four years ago."
You see, I was sitting on the side of a major county road in Kentucky, just south of Caneyville, with a blown out knee; 90 lb. duffle bag and a one year old shepherd/wolf pup. At this time(12:30 PM), I'd been there for about two hours already and the "church" attendees would be on their way home about now. I figured that if there were any chance of me getting some assistance, it'd be now!!!
LORD, was I surprised !!! I watched for the next three hours, as vehicle after vehicle went by. Many glancing in my direction, yet the only tail lights I saw, were from those slowing down for the corner at the bottom of the hill.
Now, what does this have to do with "Obedience"??? Plenty!!! Just how many of those "church" goers had the LORD "suggest" to them that they should stop and render assistance??? How many just blew it off ??? Or how many started the ol' "I've got to do this(and that)... ??? You most likely have made the "excuses" before. Most likely "MANY" times before!!! I surely know I have :{)))
Well folks. That right there has to deal with "OBEDIENCE" big time and there isn't a single one of us that hasn't flubbed up when it comes to it!!! We're so intent on living our own(selfish, little) lives, that we plain ol' overlook, play deaf and dumb when it comes to OBEYING the LORD's still quiet voice. There is but one way to overcome this deficit and this is>>> MUCH TIME SPENT ON HUMBLE KNEES
Saturday, March 30, 2013
A promised blog for Logos 5 Bible software
Praise the LORD!!!
A while back, before I became a un-homeless person, I took on a challenge for Logos Bible software publishers. I was given one of their new line of studies, to evaluate and blog on. Well the time has come and here is a little more than I expected!!!
Now if you've followed me for any length of time, you'll know I use and promote this software. I've used it for years, since 01, and have had it along with many others, both free and at cost. Well, to say the least, they surprised me with this release :{)))
The study is one of the "Studies in Faithful Living" group produced by them. It is meant to serve numerous purposes; the basis for a personal Bible study, the focal point of a small group Bible study and also the foundations for a sermon series. For any of these, it fits the bill perfectly!!!
This can be attributed to many things: it's ties to the awesome Logos 5 Bible studies program and it's libraries; it's ties to the Faithlife Study Bible and it's study note library. But most of all I'd say it has to do with a group of dedicated writers, that have open ears(to hear others) and hearts that seek to glorify the LORD in that which they do!!!
What they've done, is put together a study that is interactive, tied to a(several) rich library systems and made in a way that is open to the differing ways people study and learn. They done a fine job of it and I'm looking forward to taking in the other studies within this series!!!
This one is the study "Abraham: Following GOD's Promise," and I believe it's the first in this series. It digs deeply into the life of Abraham, from the beginning of his walk with GOD and thru all the adventures right up to it's conclusion(well biblically.) With both a study and a leaders guide it encompasses all anyone could ask for in study. Well, that is unless you want one that does all the work for you, while you sit back and watch the TV or do something else. They give you the resources and you've got to bring them all together, the trail of "bread crumbs" is laid out before you.
Unlike many studies, which only go over that which is plain to see, they take you on the pathway that digs deeply into the person's life, it's effects on those around them and in the future, but also deeply into what their examples mean within our lives these very days.
As I've said, the study consist of two books: the Leader's Guide and the "Small Group Lesson Plans." Let's take a look at these each, starting with the "Leader's Guide." Here we find eight sets of studies and slideshows corresponding to the "Small Group Lesson Plans" and the eight sermon outlines and teaching slideshows. It functions as a reference in locating all the information in the studies, slides and videos included. These are each tied with all the appropriate information, including handouts, teaching slideshows and sermon outline inserts. Allowing you the information and resources to have others follow along with you as you progress thru the studies.
Now both the "Leader's Guide" and "Small Groups Study Plans" contain a stepped level of study. Containing information in the "Learning Objectives," an "Introduction," "Setting the Stage," "A Closer Look," "Throughout the Bible," and "Application."
Now I could go on and fill you in on all the information, but I think letting y'all get a look for yourselves would be the best way to go on :{))) So I'll let them tell you themselves!!!
Now this video is from it's "Pre Publish" days, the study is out and available for purchase, along with several others in a growing line of productions!!! So take a preview and wet your hunger for a great way to dig deeper into scripture and it's many colorful characters!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
A while back, before I became a un-homeless person, I took on a challenge for Logos Bible software publishers. I was given one of their new line of studies, to evaluate and blog on. Well the time has come and here is a little more than I expected!!!
Now if you've followed me for any length of time, you'll know I use and promote this software. I've used it for years, since 01, and have had it along with many others, both free and at cost. Well, to say the least, they surprised me with this release :{)))
The study is one of the "Studies in Faithful Living" group produced by them. It is meant to serve numerous purposes; the basis for a personal Bible study, the focal point of a small group Bible study and also the foundations for a sermon series. For any of these, it fits the bill perfectly!!!
This can be attributed to many things: it's ties to the awesome Logos 5 Bible studies program and it's libraries; it's ties to the Faithlife Study Bible and it's study note library. But most of all I'd say it has to do with a group of dedicated writers, that have open ears(to hear others) and hearts that seek to glorify the LORD in that which they do!!!
What they've done, is put together a study that is interactive, tied to a(several) rich library systems and made in a way that is open to the differing ways people study and learn. They done a fine job of it and I'm looking forward to taking in the other studies within this series!!!
This one is the study "Abraham: Following GOD's Promise," and I believe it's the first in this series. It digs deeply into the life of Abraham, from the beginning of his walk with GOD and thru all the adventures right up to it's conclusion(well biblically.) With both a study and a leaders guide it encompasses all anyone could ask for in study. Well, that is unless you want one that does all the work for you, while you sit back and watch the TV or do something else. They give you the resources and you've got to bring them all together, the trail of "bread crumbs" is laid out before you.
Unlike many studies, which only go over that which is plain to see, they take you on the pathway that digs deeply into the person's life, it's effects on those around them and in the future, but also deeply into what their examples mean within our lives these very days.
As I've said, the study consist of two books: the Leader's Guide and the "Small Group Lesson Plans." Let's take a look at these each, starting with the "Leader's Guide." Here we find eight sets of studies and slideshows corresponding to the "Small Group Lesson Plans" and the eight sermon outlines and teaching slideshows. It functions as a reference in locating all the information in the studies, slides and videos included. These are each tied with all the appropriate information, including handouts, teaching slideshows and sermon outline inserts. Allowing you the information and resources to have others follow along with you as you progress thru the studies.
Now both the "Leader's Guide" and "Small Groups Study Plans" contain a stepped level of study. Containing information in the "Learning Objectives," an "Introduction," "Setting the Stage," "A Closer Look," "Throughout the Bible," and "Application."
Now I could go on and fill you in on all the information, but I think letting y'all get a look for yourselves would be the best way to go on :{))) So I'll let them tell you themselves!!!
Now this video is from it's "Pre Publish" days, the study is out and available for purchase, along with several others in a growing line of productions!!! So take a preview and wet your hunger for a great way to dig deeper into scripture and it's many colorful characters!!!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A "VineNotes" Ministry Newsletter(of sorts)
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???
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???
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 !!!!!!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Colossians 3:1-17 NIV84
PTL!!!
This is something, that in the past I've not done, but am led to post at this time, for there are those in need of this leading also !!!
Colossians 3:1-17 NIV84
This is something, that in the past I've not done, but am led to post at this time, for there are those in need of this leading also !!!
Colossians 3:1-17 NIV84
3 Since,
then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things
above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is youra life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put
to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.b 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here
there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore,
as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one
another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And
whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
*** I've left all the notations in place and with "reftager"(a Logos program) these should work, but at this time, I'm not sure, so we all shall see :)))
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
If you're in need of prayer, please feel free to email us(me at this time) @ prayers@vineofchrist.org
Saturday, October 8, 2011
VineNotes October 2011
PTL!!! It has been awhile :)))
10.08.11
It has been some time since, I've made an entry here. There's been numerous problems, which if you've been following the happenings thru my numerous postings on the social sites I frequent, so I'll not post them here. This would just be a bit redundant and only rehashing the past :))) Being that the ministry has been blessed with a new computer and several donations, there is a bit more movement towards the goal of establishing the ministry. Most of this has been witnessed online only, due to the fact that for the ministry to really establish a footing in the real world, it will take far more funding. The LORD has shown me great visions and all that I've been able to complete to date, are are from fulfilling even the most basic of these. You can't develop a global ministry, with but the work of a single person, it takes an army of people and equipment.
With the new computer and some of the donated funds, I've purchased hardware for the computer, to upgrade it's operational abilities. Adding RAM(memory) and a graphics card(to remove part of the drain from the RAM used for this.) The next moves will be to acquire another slightly smaller monitor(19") to have my Bible study programs viewable while visiting at one of the social sites. This will allow for improved postings of scripture related post.
There will also be a need for increased efficiency in other areas and there will be the need for other programs to do so. There are three of these that I've currently in mind.
As with any growing adventure, there is much more that can be improved upon, but these(as with all things) will be taken care of as the LORD allows them to take place !!! All things in the LORD's time :)))
10.08.11
It has been some time since, I've made an entry here. There's been numerous problems, which if you've been following the happenings thru my numerous postings on the social sites I frequent, so I'll not post them here. This would just be a bit redundant and only rehashing the past :))) Being that the ministry has been blessed with a new computer and several donations, there is a bit more movement towards the goal of establishing the ministry. Most of this has been witnessed online only, due to the fact that for the ministry to really establish a footing in the real world, it will take far more funding. The LORD has shown me great visions and all that I've been able to complete to date, are are from fulfilling even the most basic of these. You can't develop a global ministry, with but the work of a single person, it takes an army of people and equipment.
With the new computer and some of the donated funds, I've purchased hardware for the computer, to upgrade it's operational abilities. Adding RAM(memory) and a graphics card(to remove part of the drain from the RAM used for this.) The next moves will be to acquire another slightly smaller monitor(19") to have my Bible study programs viewable while visiting at one of the social sites. This will allow for improved postings of scripture related post.
There will also be a need for increased efficiency in other areas and there will be the need for other programs to do so. There are three of these that I've currently in mind.
- Microsoft Office Professional
- Adobe Acrobat X Suite
- DeLorme mapping program
As with any growing adventure, there is much more that can be improved upon, but these(as with all things) will be taken care of as the LORD allows them to take place !!! All things in the LORD's time :)))
Monday, September 5, 2011
GOD's Thoughts About You
Ephesians 1:5 I am GOD's child
Ephesians 5:1 I am Dearly Loved
Jeremiah 31:3 I am Loved Forever
Romans 8:39 I am Loved Unconditionally
Psalms 27:5 I am Protected and Safe
Romans 7:4 I Belong to GOD
John 15:15 I am JESUS' Friend
Revelation 21:2 I am the Bride of CHRIST
Ephesians 2:10 I am GOD's workmanship
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am GOD's Residence
Ephesians 1:4 I am Blameless
Ephesians 4:24 I am Righteous
Philippians 4:13 I am Adequate
2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a New Creation
Philippians 4:13 I am Strong in CHRIST
Romans 8:37 I am Victorious
Romans 8:17 I am a Joint Heir with CHRIST
Matthew 5:14 I am the Light of the World
Philippians 3:20 I am a Citizen of Heaven
John 15:5 I am Channel of GOD's Life
Hebrews 13:5 I am never Alone
Ephesians 2:6 I am Seated in Heaven
PTL!!! As always, I give credit, where credit is due:))) This isn't of my hands, but from a bookmark within my Bible. Published by Christian Families Today, A Christian Counseling and Training Ministry @ http://christianfamiliestoday.org
Ephesians 5:1 I am Dearly Loved
Jeremiah 31:3 I am Loved Forever
Romans 8:39 I am Loved Unconditionally
Psalms 27:5 I am Protected and Safe
Romans 7:4 I Belong to GOD
John 15:15 I am JESUS' Friend
Revelation 21:2 I am the Bride of CHRIST
Ephesians 2:10 I am GOD's workmanship
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am GOD's Residence
Ephesians 1:4 I am Blameless
Ephesians 4:24 I am Righteous
Philippians 4:13 I am Adequate
2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a New Creation
Philippians 4:13 I am Strong in CHRIST
Romans 8:37 I am Victorious
Romans 8:17 I am a Joint Heir with CHRIST
Matthew 5:14 I am the Light of the World
Philippians 3:20 I am a Citizen of Heaven
John 15:5 I am Channel of GOD's Life
Hebrews 13:5 I am never Alone
Ephesians 2:6 I am Seated in Heaven
PTL!!! As always, I give credit, where credit is due:))) This isn't of my hands, but from a bookmark within my Bible. Published by Christian Families Today, A Christian Counseling and Training Ministry @ http://christianfamiliestoday.org
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Some may say...
Praise the LORD!!!
Some may say! Some may say what? Some may be saying that I've a bit of an attitude about the church and it's sickly condition!!! I've got to agree, yes I agree 100%!!!
Let me give you the basis for this bad attitude and you may see exactly why I've such a standing against the BODY to which I'm a member. I've not come to this on my own at all, it has all come about by the hands of the LORD. Anyone that has a true understanding of GOD's sovereign control over all events in our lives, will understand this statement, but I will go into detail to kind of connect the dots:)))
As most of you know, I'm the one that starts all my comments and articles online with a "PTL!!!" This because, I realize that every little detail within my life has, and will continue to be, been controlled by GOD HIMself, for HIS purpose in fulfilling HIS perfect will for my life and mankind!!! I know this is a bit of a controversial topic, I'll not argue it, but it is my understanding and one that is set in stone(the ROCK!!!) Over the last couple of years, I've been led on a great adventure, one that led me to head for Kingsville, Texas from Utopia, Ohio on foot. Details of this walk can be found online in many places, so I'll not go into details here.
On the first attempt, was it an attempt or GOD's purpose directly:), I had contact with many Christians and for the most part, they were those that didn't attend church on a regular basis. Most of these told me directly that they had closely the same opinions about the churches (not only those buildings they attended, but the Christian body itself), they'd been in contact with over the years. Most of these, were not new converts to the Christian faith, but those seasoned souls that had been members of the BODY for years. Now when you have people such as this, tell you things, it is best to listen, for they've garnered things based on a 'mature' understanding of what Christianity is truly supposed to be about.
Too much hypocrisy, too much gossip, too much arguing, all about money, too large of a focus on accepting the world and it ways-instead of separation from it and a focus on 'themselves'( the building, the programs, their own membership) and not reaching out to the un-churched and those in need around them. Now, this may be a lot to chew on, but this is what the LORD has been feeding me on for most of the ministry!!! These things were not new to me, they'd been being laid on my heart for years. I've lived in numerous areas over the years, I've been in many a church and even considered as part of numerous of them and I've seen these exact 'problems' in many of them. Some, only in part and in others the whole lot of these. What the LORD's purpose for me in taking part, and gathering this witness, in all this, I don't know, but I do know, HE does have purpose for it and it will come to fruition someday.
Now, here is the point where I sit on the roadside for 6 1/2 hr. on a Sunday morning, with three broken toes on one foot and the knee on my other leg blown out. Watching as hundreds of people are on their way to church, returning from church and out and about on their Sabbath day. Now, most of you know what people going to church look like, or those little signs that are displayed on Christian's vehicles. Imagine now, being in need of assistance and just watching all this brothers and sisters in CHRIST just passing you by, looking your way, but just speeding on their own ways, forsaking the very Christian principles that are supposed to bind us together as one united BODY!!! A bit disheartening, to say the least.
Now, let's move on to the more present times. In mid May, while reporting local storm warnings, part of the ministry, the ministry's computer suffered a lightening strike. Thank GOD, it only resulted in a partial meltdown, taking out the graphics card and disabling other details of the motherboard's operating systems. All of which I've no idea about, but was blessed to barely manage to keep the system online, though at a very limited extent. I broadcast this message, one of the ministry being in need of a replacement for this computer. Those that have followed V.CM. for any extent of time know, this ministry doesn't ask for donations, but ask that you pray over our needs and then do that which the LORD lays upon your heart. Here is where the difficulty with this matter lies. The LORD comforted my heart, by letting me know HE'd laid all of these needs upon the hearts of others and that now this matter was in the hands of those that call upon HIS name as LORD and SAVIOR.
Here it, the second week of August, I'm on a computer that was moth-balled because of age and complete lack of expandability. (The other system, having burnt up at the beginning of the last week.) I have received several promises for computers; one a thrift store donation, another a hand me down when they replace their current system and one where a Christian sister put out a plea and promised $50 to start with. As I said I'm currently on a moth-balled system, so you should be able to know what has come of these. I am thankful for these people's efforts, but yes it is disheartening that nothing has yet to come into fruition!
I've made it not secret that I totally depend upon the LORD's provisions and HE has met all of my needs completely, at least those of keeping me feed, clothed, in an apartment and online(just met this last night, with money from the works of my hands). I've entered every contest giving away computer systems. I'd like you to really think about that last sentence, a Christian minister, trying to run a ministry, having to depend on those of the 'WAYS of the WORLD' to meet their needs!!! Where is the BODY of CHRIST in all of this??? Where is that Christian charity, that so permeated the first century church??? What has happened to the CHURCH, that is to love it's other members, as it loves itself??? I've recently witnessed a woman, whose dog was bite by a rattlesnake, receive $1800 for the dogs care and these were all 'worldly' people. What has happened to the once great church, that reached out and provided the needs of others???
Now, this is what I'm led to get you to see!!! If I've this attitude, with my being only of flesh and bone, how do you think the LORD views these circumstances???
Some may say! Some may say what? Some may be saying that I've a bit of an attitude about the church and it's sickly condition!!! I've got to agree, yes I agree 100%!!!
Let me give you the basis for this bad attitude and you may see exactly why I've such a standing against the BODY to which I'm a member. I've not come to this on my own at all, it has all come about by the hands of the LORD. Anyone that has a true understanding of GOD's sovereign control over all events in our lives, will understand this statement, but I will go into detail to kind of connect the dots:)))
As most of you know, I'm the one that starts all my comments and articles online with a "PTL!!!" This because, I realize that every little detail within my life has, and will continue to be, been controlled by GOD HIMself, for HIS purpose in fulfilling HIS perfect will for my life and mankind!!! I know this is a bit of a controversial topic, I'll not argue it, but it is my understanding and one that is set in stone(the ROCK!!!) Over the last couple of years, I've been led on a great adventure, one that led me to head for Kingsville, Texas from Utopia, Ohio on foot. Details of this walk can be found online in many places, so I'll not go into details here.
On the first attempt, was it an attempt or GOD's purpose directly:), I had contact with many Christians and for the most part, they were those that didn't attend church on a regular basis. Most of these told me directly that they had closely the same opinions about the churches (not only those buildings they attended, but the Christian body itself), they'd been in contact with over the years. Most of these, were not new converts to the Christian faith, but those seasoned souls that had been members of the BODY for years. Now when you have people such as this, tell you things, it is best to listen, for they've garnered things based on a 'mature' understanding of what Christianity is truly supposed to be about.
Too much hypocrisy, too much gossip, too much arguing, all about money, too large of a focus on accepting the world and it ways-instead of separation from it and a focus on 'themselves'( the building, the programs, their own membership) and not reaching out to the un-churched and those in need around them. Now, this may be a lot to chew on, but this is what the LORD has been feeding me on for most of the ministry!!! These things were not new to me, they'd been being laid on my heart for years. I've lived in numerous areas over the years, I've been in many a church and even considered as part of numerous of them and I've seen these exact 'problems' in many of them. Some, only in part and in others the whole lot of these. What the LORD's purpose for me in taking part, and gathering this witness, in all this, I don't know, but I do know, HE does have purpose for it and it will come to fruition someday.
Now, here is the point where I sit on the roadside for 6 1/2 hr. on a Sunday morning, with three broken toes on one foot and the knee on my other leg blown out. Watching as hundreds of people are on their way to church, returning from church and out and about on their Sabbath day. Now, most of you know what people going to church look like, or those little signs that are displayed on Christian's vehicles. Imagine now, being in need of assistance and just watching all this brothers and sisters in CHRIST just passing you by, looking your way, but just speeding on their own ways, forsaking the very Christian principles that are supposed to bind us together as one united BODY!!! A bit disheartening, to say the least.
Now, let's move on to the more present times. In mid May, while reporting local storm warnings, part of the ministry, the ministry's computer suffered a lightening strike. Thank GOD, it only resulted in a partial meltdown, taking out the graphics card and disabling other details of the motherboard's operating systems. All of which I've no idea about, but was blessed to barely manage to keep the system online, though at a very limited extent. I broadcast this message, one of the ministry being in need of a replacement for this computer. Those that have followed V.CM. for any extent of time know, this ministry doesn't ask for donations, but ask that you pray over our needs and then do that which the LORD lays upon your heart. Here is where the difficulty with this matter lies. The LORD comforted my heart, by letting me know HE'd laid all of these needs upon the hearts of others and that now this matter was in the hands of those that call upon HIS name as LORD and SAVIOR.
Here it, the second week of August, I'm on a computer that was moth-balled because of age and complete lack of expandability. (The other system, having burnt up at the beginning of the last week.) I have received several promises for computers; one a thrift store donation, another a hand me down when they replace their current system and one where a Christian sister put out a plea and promised $50 to start with. As I said I'm currently on a moth-balled system, so you should be able to know what has come of these. I am thankful for these people's efforts, but yes it is disheartening that nothing has yet to come into fruition!
I've made it not secret that I totally depend upon the LORD's provisions and HE has met all of my needs completely, at least those of keeping me feed, clothed, in an apartment and online(just met this last night, with money from the works of my hands). I've entered every contest giving away computer systems. I'd like you to really think about that last sentence, a Christian minister, trying to run a ministry, having to depend on those of the 'WAYS of the WORLD' to meet their needs!!! Where is the BODY of CHRIST in all of this??? Where is that Christian charity, that so permeated the first century church??? What has happened to the CHURCH, that is to love it's other members, as it loves itself??? I've recently witnessed a woman, whose dog was bite by a rattlesnake, receive $1800 for the dogs care and these were all 'worldly' people. What has happened to the once great church, that reached out and provided the needs of others???
Now, this is what I'm led to get you to see!!! If I've this attitude, with my being only of flesh and bone, how do you think the LORD views these circumstances???
Saturday, August 6, 2011
How long???
Praise the LORD!!!
This is being laid upon my heart this day and I must be obedient and post it!!!
How long must I contend with you? You call yourself the BODY, yet you act as if only a bunch of members of it!!! You act upon that which brings yourselves acclaim and not on that which I have commanded you!!! I have set before you many, that truly seek to do all that I've commanded them, wholeheartedly and without questioning, yet you ignore them all. You are a hand, while another is a foot, yet you worry about a manicure, instead of putting shoes upon a foot that is in so great of need!!! You worry about fine jewelry, to adorn your fingers, while those I've called walk upon blistering streets, barefooted!!! You call yourself a ministry for the LORD, yet you only seek your own good!!! I've set before you many, many that are in greater need then yourselves, yet you turn blind eyes upon them!!! Building greater and greater buildings, larger and larger systems, all for your own glory!!! Shall I pull my hands back from blessing you??? Shall I open the windows and doors of heaven and pour out my blessings upon those that truly seek the glory of MY KINGDOM and not that of some earthly building???
The time is near, you just need to look around to see this!!! I AM about to move as never before!!! That which has used my provisions for their own glorification shall be laid low and those that have only sought after MY glory, shall I lift up!!! It is your call, as to what I shall do with these blessings that I've stored up for such a time as this which is about to come to be!!! You can either broadcast it to those in great need, or you can keep it for yourself, if you do, these will be your rewards and my hands shall come upon those that only seek my glory!!! The time of my contenting with you is over and it shall be MY KINGDOM that will receive the glory!!!!!!!
This is being laid upon my heart this day and I must be obedient and post it!!!
How long must I contend with you? You call yourself the BODY, yet you act as if only a bunch of members of it!!! You act upon that which brings yourselves acclaim and not on that which I have commanded you!!! I have set before you many, that truly seek to do all that I've commanded them, wholeheartedly and without questioning, yet you ignore them all. You are a hand, while another is a foot, yet you worry about a manicure, instead of putting shoes upon a foot that is in so great of need!!! You worry about fine jewelry, to adorn your fingers, while those I've called walk upon blistering streets, barefooted!!! You call yourself a ministry for the LORD, yet you only seek your own good!!! I've set before you many, many that are in greater need then yourselves, yet you turn blind eyes upon them!!! Building greater and greater buildings, larger and larger systems, all for your own glory!!! Shall I pull my hands back from blessing you??? Shall I open the windows and doors of heaven and pour out my blessings upon those that truly seek the glory of MY KINGDOM and not that of some earthly building???
The time is near, you just need to look around to see this!!! I AM about to move as never before!!! That which has used my provisions for their own glorification shall be laid low and those that have only sought after MY glory, shall I lift up!!! It is your call, as to what I shall do with these blessings that I've stored up for such a time as this which is about to come to be!!! You can either broadcast it to those in great need, or you can keep it for yourself, if you do, these will be your rewards and my hands shall come upon those that only seek my glory!!! The time of my contenting with you is over and it shall be MY KINGDOM that will receive the glory!!!!!!!
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