Good Morning from the U.P. Of Michigan. The trees are in full fall color. God has painted my portion of His temple today with a waterfall of color.
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Yesterday while grouse hunting with my Dad we were able to see the flight of an eagle. The eagle landed and perched in a blue spruce 30 feet or more above us. It seemed as if the eagle was watching over us.
It made me think about how only God could have orchestrated that moment just for us. And if God can do that, shouldn't all of our hope for each day be in Him? He can and will carry us through. We don't go alone. He will lift you up on eagles wings.
But what did I discover?????? The best way to see an eagle is to look up. The best way to find God? On your knees in prayer, listen, and look up!
God bless,
Marty
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Soupy Jello
Good morning. Greetings from Watersmeet Michigan. Visiting my Dad this weekend. Hope to shoot some grouse.
— Joshua 1:6-8 —
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
When I think of leaders I think of Jello. When you make Jello and pour it into a container it takes the shape of the container. Many leaders are like jello. They become what others want them to be (the golden calf) or pursue a route that is easier. But, yet that is not what God said to Joshua. In order to be courageous, one needs to be focused. Focused on God. This takes lots of prayer and obedience. You see God was telling Joshua that leadership would not be easy. In order to be strong, you must know the plan. That means you stick with what is in God's Word and at no time stray from it. You must be in the Word and live it. If you find that you desire to become a leader, are a leader, or the head of a home. Be solid, not Jello, and follow these words that were given to Joshua. There is nothing worse than soupy Jello on a hot day.
God bless,
Marty
— Joshua 1:6-8 —
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
When I think of leaders I think of Jello. When you make Jello and pour it into a container it takes the shape of the container. Many leaders are like jello. They become what others want them to be (the golden calf) or pursue a route that is easier. But, yet that is not what God said to Joshua. In order to be courageous, one needs to be focused. Focused on God. This takes lots of prayer and obedience. You see God was telling Joshua that leadership would not be easy. In order to be strong, you must know the plan. That means you stick with what is in God's Word and at no time stray from it. You must be in the Word and live it. If you find that you desire to become a leader, are a leader, or the head of a home. Be solid, not Jello, and follow these words that were given to Joshua. There is nothing worse than soupy Jello on a hot day.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, September 28, 2012
Humility and Anxiety
Good morning,
Door County Hazelnut today. The coffee cup is filled to the rim.
— 1 Peter 5:6-7 —
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Humility and its presence is directly related to anxiety and its absence!
Sometimes less is better. Today is one of those days.
God bless.
Marty
Door County Hazelnut today. The coffee cup is filled to the rim.
— 1 Peter 5:6-7 —
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Humility and its presence is directly related to anxiety and its absence!
Sometimes less is better. Today is one of those days.
God bless.
Marty
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Where's My BB Gun?
Good morning,
Door County Peanut Butter Crunch is in the cup!
— 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 —
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When I was very young, one of the rights of passage for a boy was to get your first gun. At that age it was usually a BB gun. I finally received mine. What a gem. It was from Sears and Roebuck. If you remember them by that name you are at least as old as me.
I cherished that gun. I must admit that it did last for about 12 years. It rested for many of those on my gun rack. It finally had to be put to rest. My point is this. It is gone! I can get a new one. But it won't be the same. Things are temporary.
What is permanent is where we spend eternity. Jesus said I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father except by Me.
I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. This world is not my home. I am just passing through. Heaven awaits me and will be there forever. Unlike my BB gun.
God bless,
Marty
Door County Peanut Butter Crunch is in the cup!
— 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 —
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When I was very young, one of the rights of passage for a boy was to get your first gun. At that age it was usually a BB gun. I finally received mine. What a gem. It was from Sears and Roebuck. If you remember them by that name you are at least as old as me.
I cherished that gun. I must admit that it did last for about 12 years. It rested for many of those on my gun rack. It finally had to be put to rest. My point is this. It is gone! I can get a new one. But it won't be the same. Things are temporary.
What is permanent is where we spend eternity. Jesus said I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father except by Me.
I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. This world is not my home. I am just passing through. Heaven awaits me and will be there forever. Unlike my BB gun.
God bless,
Marty
Where Do I Flee?
Good morning,
Coffee today is Door County Cherry! Saving the Maple for a cold cold day.
— Psalm 11:1-4 —
In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:?
"Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?"
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
When the foundations of our lives are being shaken and shattered, where can we turn? We can turn to the one and only living God. He never sleeps and watches our comings and goings. Our work, our rest, our play and our worship, God watches over all. And He invites us to run to Him.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
It's ok. Go ahead if you need to and hide in God.
God bless,
Marty
Coffee today is Door County Cherry! Saving the Maple for a cold cold day.
— Psalm 11:1-4 —
In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:?
"Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?"
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
When the foundations of our lives are being shaken and shattered, where can we turn? We can turn to the one and only living God. He never sleeps and watches our comings and goings. Our work, our rest, our play and our worship, God watches over all. And He invites us to run to Him.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
It's ok. Go ahead if you need to and hide in God.
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Seek
Good morning, Door County Cherry this morning.
— Matthew 7:7-11 —
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
I love these passages. I want us to pay attention to the second part of the first sentence. We find the word "seek". It may sound that we should run and pester God until He gives in. What it means is to seek out His will and ask Him " is this good for me? Is this what You want for me or others? To seek His wisdom is the best place to start!
God bless,
Marty
— Matthew 7:7-11 —
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
I love these passages. I want us to pay attention to the second part of the first sentence. We find the word "seek". It may sound that we should run and pester God until He gives in. What it means is to seek out His will and ask Him " is this good for me? Is this what You want for me or others? To seek His wisdom is the best place to start!
God bless,
Marty
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tomorrow
Good morning.
My oatmeal matches my coffee today. Both are maple flavored!
— James 4:14-15 —
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Because I belong to Jesus Christ, I focus on all that I've been spared from rather than what I could be subjected to. I do not live in fear of the unknown. Instead, I rediscover a miracle each morning: I am able to walk, see, think, and my first thought is to praise Him. The first 60 seconds of your morning should be spent praising God for another day.
God bless,
Marty
My oatmeal matches my coffee today. Both are maple flavored!
— James 4:14-15 —
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Because I belong to Jesus Christ, I focus on all that I've been spared from rather than what I could be subjected to. I do not live in fear of the unknown. Instead, I rediscover a miracle each morning: I am able to walk, see, think, and my first thought is to praise Him. The first 60 seconds of your morning should be spent praising God for another day.
God bless,
Marty
Who are your looking for?
Good Sabbath to you. My coffee today is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. And I must say it goes well with Captain Crunch.
Here we go! John 20:10 But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. The angel asked "Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Mary was looking for a dead body of a loved one. We don't need CSI to figure that one out for us. Mary was just plain dealing with the circumstances of what she knew.
Jesus then spoke her name: "Mary" Tears fled. Faith hope and love revived she called out "Rabboni". John 20-18 After that her message to the others was simple. "I have seen the Lord"
It may not be exactly the same for us today. But it maybe similar to what happens to us. People look for things within religion, dead things. When what God has for us is a living Jesus. As one who's Godly calling requires me to read, I can say that there are fewer things deader than mere "habitual or book theology" if Jesus is not in it.
Theology is important! Very very! But theology is "the study of God". And God is a living God. "If "God" means anything, then a theology without acknowledging the living God and the living Jesus is the deadest of all things. If a person has good theology, a good form of religious worship will usually follow. If they have "dead theology" usually a dead form of worship will follow. If you have been seeking religion but have found your heart is still empty and your souls is screaming out for something real. It may be that you are not seeking the living God at all. What God has for you is Jesus. What Jesus asks of you is. "Who is it you are looking for? Not "what are you looking for"? Whom today are you looking for?
God bless,
Marty
Here we go! John 20:10 But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. The angel asked "Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Mary was looking for a dead body of a loved one. We don't need CSI to figure that one out for us. Mary was just plain dealing with the circumstances of what she knew.
Jesus then spoke her name: "Mary" Tears fled. Faith hope and love revived she called out "Rabboni". John 20-18 After that her message to the others was simple. "I have seen the Lord"
It may not be exactly the same for us today. But it maybe similar to what happens to us. People look for things within religion, dead things. When what God has for us is a living Jesus. As one who's Godly calling requires me to read, I can say that there are fewer things deader than mere "habitual or book theology" if Jesus is not in it.
Theology is important! Very very! But theology is "the study of God". And God is a living God. "If "God" means anything, then a theology without acknowledging the living God and the living Jesus is the deadest of all things. If a person has good theology, a good form of religious worship will usually follow. If they have "dead theology" usually a dead form of worship will follow. If you have been seeking religion but have found your heart is still empty and your souls is screaming out for something real. It may be that you are not seeking the living God at all. What God has for you is Jesus. What Jesus asks of you is. "Who is it you are looking for? Not "what are you looking for"? Whom today are you looking for?
God bless,
Marty
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Has God Forgotten Me?
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Good morning. Ahhh! Saturday. Maybe a little extra sleep for you today? I hope you all are well and take time to savor a moment with the Lord and enjoy your morning. Coffee today! Door County Cherry.
Often I have heard people say, "where is God in all this?" There are times when I too wonder. So much hurt, pain, or stress.
I keep a daily journal just for those times. I write down my feelings, struggles, daily grind issues, hurts, troubles, praises, prayers, good times and loving moments. Most of all I record my time spent with God.
During some of my darkest times of wonder, fear, doubt, or anger, I go back and read my life story. I can then remember other dark times and I am reminded how God carried me. It tells me that there will be more times that I will rely on Him to carry me in the future and that He can be counted on. He never allows even one, to stand alone. Eventually at death's door one does not have to stand alone either!! If you have entrusted your life to Jesus, as Lord and Savior, He comes for you. He said in Matthew, "and I am with you always." We are never alone.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him' (Psalm 103:11).
"There is an ocean of God's love available — there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love — whatever the circumstances."
— Corrie Ten Boom
Today I need to swim in God's ocean of love. Join me?
God bless,
Marty
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Good morning. Ahhh! Saturday. Maybe a little extra sleep for you today? I hope you all are well and take time to savor a moment with the Lord and enjoy your morning. Coffee today! Door County Cherry.
Often I have heard people say, "where is God in all this?" There are times when I too wonder. So much hurt, pain, or stress.
I keep a daily journal just for those times. I write down my feelings, struggles, daily grind issues, hurts, troubles, praises, prayers, good times and loving moments. Most of all I record my time spent with God.
During some of my darkest times of wonder, fear, doubt, or anger, I go back and read my life story. I can then remember other dark times and I am reminded how God carried me. It tells me that there will be more times that I will rely on Him to carry me in the future and that He can be counted on. He never allows even one, to stand alone. Eventually at death's door one does not have to stand alone either!! If you have entrusted your life to Jesus, as Lord and Savior, He comes for you. He said in Matthew, "and I am with you always." We are never alone.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him' (Psalm 103:11).
"There is an ocean of God's love available — there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love — whatever the circumstances."
— Corrie Ten Boom
Today I need to swim in God's ocean of love. Join me?
God bless,
Marty
Friday, September 21, 2012
I Will.
Good morning,
Rise and shine you're burning day light. Grab your coffee. Mine is Door County Maple today.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I will quit whining about life.
I will stop focusing on what I don't have.
I will count my blessings.
I will quit holding out or holding back.
I will quit running away.
I will burn sinful bridges and blaze new trails.
I will not let what's wrong with me keep me from worshiping what's right with God.
I will listen for God and obey,
I will stop a bad attitude the minute it starts.
I will step out of my comfort zone and value every experience, even the difficult ones.
I will worry less.
I will pray more.
I will choose to love.
God bless,
Marty
Rise and shine you're burning day light. Grab your coffee. Mine is Door County Maple today.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I will quit whining about life.
I will stop focusing on what I don't have.
I will count my blessings.
I will quit holding out or holding back.
I will quit running away.
I will burn sinful bridges and blaze new trails.
I will not let what's wrong with me keep me from worshiping what's right with God.
I will listen for God and obey,
I will stop a bad attitude the minute it starts.
I will step out of my comfort zone and value every experience, even the difficult ones.
I will worry less.
I will pray more.
I will choose to love.
God bless,
Marty
Thursday, September 20, 2012
My Refuge
Thursday 9-20-12
Good Morning,
Road trip for me today. Long drive. My coffee is Door County Cookie Dough. Coffee up, let's go.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, 'Destroy them!'
God is our refuge, our only true safety net. How often we entrust our lives, and our families to other things — perhaps money, career, a mission trip, a good cause or a lifelong dream. But our only true refuge is the eternal God, who always holds out his arms to catch us when the shaky supports that we trust collapse and we fall! How nice to know that as we sleep, our God never needs rest and watches over us.
God bless you with joy today.
Marty
Good Morning,
Road trip for me today. Long drive. My coffee is Door County Cookie Dough. Coffee up, let's go.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, 'Destroy them!'
God is our refuge, our only true safety net. How often we entrust our lives, and our families to other things — perhaps money, career, a mission trip, a good cause or a lifelong dream. But our only true refuge is the eternal God, who always holds out his arms to catch us when the shaky supports that we trust collapse and we fall! How nice to know that as we sleep, our God never needs rest and watches over us.
God bless you with joy today.
Marty
Faithful Servant
Wednesday, September 18, 2012
Good morning. I trust that your coffee is hot. Today it is cold in Wisconsin. Frosty! My kind of day.
— Psalm 4:3 —
Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
The Godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that He loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect or want. Try to look at the circumstances through spiritual eyes. Try to see it as God sees it.
God bless,
Marty
Good morning. I trust that your coffee is hot. Today it is cold in Wisconsin. Frosty! My kind of day.
— Psalm 4:3 —
Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
The Godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that He loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect or want. Try to look at the circumstances through spiritual eyes. Try to see it as God sees it.
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Taking a Chance
9-18-12
Good morning! Real early start for me. Sad to say "coffee on the run". Hope your cup is tastier.
— Psalm 27:14 —
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
From this verse we can see two things. We must wait on the Lord. And waiting often takes strength. Waiting for anything is never easy.
God leaves nothing to chance. He does not place a decision before us with the hope that we'll make the right choice. That would be irresponsible and out of character.
Yet, He asks us to wait. Why? Because with time He shows us the right choice and the correct path.
Waiting is not being passive or lazy. Those who wait are usually in prayer, possibly fasting, and still serving the Lord. This takes strength. And as we exercise our strength in waiting we become stronger.
We become better at not rushing into things and then cleaning up our messes.
God bless,
Marty
Good morning! Real early start for me. Sad to say "coffee on the run". Hope your cup is tastier.
— Psalm 27:14 —
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
From this verse we can see two things. We must wait on the Lord. And waiting often takes strength. Waiting for anything is never easy.
God leaves nothing to chance. He does not place a decision before us with the hope that we'll make the right choice. That would be irresponsible and out of character.
Yet, He asks us to wait. Why? Because with time He shows us the right choice and the correct path.
Waiting is not being passive or lazy. Those who wait are usually in prayer, possibly fasting, and still serving the Lord. This takes strength. And as we exercise our strength in waiting we become stronger.
We become better at not rushing into things and then cleaning up our messes.
God bless,
Marty
Monday, September 17, 2012
Affirming Our Faith
Good morning,
How's the coffee? Mine is super hot, Door County Cherry this morning.
— Psalm 31:14-15 —
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me.
In this Psalm King David is affirming his faith in God by placing "his times" into God's hands. He trusts God despite the circumstances he is facing.
What can you just quit managing on your own today? Something seem impossible? Place your day in the hands of the Creator of your day!
God bless,
Marty
How's the coffee? Mine is super hot, Door County Cherry this morning.
— Psalm 31:14-15 —
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me.
In this Psalm King David is affirming his faith in God by placing "his times" into God's hands. He trusts God despite the circumstances he is facing.
What can you just quit managing on your own today? Something seem impossible? Place your day in the hands of the Creator of your day!
God bless,
Marty
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Way To Go
Thursday 9-13-12
Good morning,
Just a cup of Door County Blueberry Crunch Coffee, to start the day.
— Proverbs 4:18-23 —
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Maybe you or someone you know just can't seem to move away from a habit or life style that keeps you or them from the life God intended. From the Scripture above we see that God chooses to be a guiding light for those who seek them.
In comparison, we see a life of wickedness is compared to darkness, never knowing what even makes us stumble.
We read how God advises that we heed His Word as it is life itself.
Open your Bible and let God lead. Expect that God's Word will do something. Change you, mold you, convict you, instruct you, grow you, or stop you. It is a living document, with living power and results! And if this does not apply to you, the next sentence does. Open your Bible and share some of your time and Scripture with others.
God bless,
Marty
Good morning,
Just a cup of Door County Blueberry Crunch Coffee, to start the day.
— Proverbs 4:18-23 —
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Maybe you or someone you know just can't seem to move away from a habit or life style that keeps you or them from the life God intended. From the Scripture above we see that God chooses to be a guiding light for those who seek them.
In comparison, we see a life of wickedness is compared to darkness, never knowing what even makes us stumble.
We read how God advises that we heed His Word as it is life itself.
Open your Bible and let God lead. Expect that God's Word will do something. Change you, mold you, convict you, instruct you, grow you, or stop you. It is a living document, with living power and results! And if this does not apply to you, the next sentence does. Open your Bible and share some of your time and Scripture with others.
God bless,
Marty
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thanks for What?
Good morning,
Door County Cherry coffee again this morning. I hope your coffee is hot and your eyes wide open.
— Ephesians 5:20 —
...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are two words that have the same letters, but in a different order. Tried and tired.
You might be in a situation that just tires you from trying and trying again. You find yourself "retired". Excuse the sick humor. But God requires us to be thankful in everything. Too tired to keep trying. Call upon God and ask for help. "Call out to Me and I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3
It's ok. God doesn't need any sleep. But you do.
Have a great day!
Marty
Door County Cherry coffee again this morning. I hope your coffee is hot and your eyes wide open.
— Ephesians 5:20 —
...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are two words that have the same letters, but in a different order. Tried and tired.
You might be in a situation that just tires you from trying and trying again. You find yourself "retired". Excuse the sick humor. But God requires us to be thankful in everything. Too tired to keep trying. Call upon God and ask for help. "Call out to Me and I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3
It's ok. God doesn't need any sleep. But you do.
Have a great day!
Marty
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Wisdom
Good morning. The coffee today is Door County Cherry.
— James 1:5 —
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need.
On this day we remember a fatal terrorist attack on the United States. Over 3000 lives were lost that day.
I believe we need to pray for our National Leaders. We should ask on their behalf for wisdom in leading this nation and keeping it safe. As we pray for wisdom in our lives we should take time to remember those who have the job of leading all of us.
God bless
Marty
— James 1:5 —
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need.
On this day we remember a fatal terrorist attack on the United States. Over 3000 lives were lost that day.
I believe we need to pray for our National Leaders. We should ask on their behalf for wisdom in leading this nation and keeping it safe. As we pray for wisdom in our lives we should take time to remember those who have the job of leading all of us.
God bless
Marty
"Love On Someone"
Sunday 9-9 2012
Good Morning,
Today's coffee is Door County Cookie Dough. It is early Sunday and a pot of venison vegetable soup is simmering for later. The house smells great!!
"Three things will continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
What a statement! Jesus said we are to "love one another". Love can be a verb or a noun.
As I lead mission trips I am often accompanied by college kids. A few years back they adopted the term "love on each other". At first I thought it sounded like way too many group hugs. I am not a huggy type person. The term is still being used. But I understand it better now. When they are "loving on someone" they are usually going out of their way with kindness, a servants heart, a listening ear, a shared tear, extra prayer, words of encouragement and a time commitment. I do every once in awhile hear them affirm their love by actually saying it.
But what I noticed is that they use the word love in the verb tense. They show their love for God through their actions to others. Let's all be college kids today and "love on someone". I am sure God would say. "Well done good and faithful servant".
You might just be the next one to need some love.
God bless,
Marty
Good Morning,
Today's coffee is Door County Cookie Dough. It is early Sunday and a pot of venison vegetable soup is simmering for later. The house smells great!!
"Three things will continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
What a statement! Jesus said we are to "love one another". Love can be a verb or a noun.
As I lead mission trips I am often accompanied by college kids. A few years back they adopted the term "love on each other". At first I thought it sounded like way too many group hugs. I am not a huggy type person. The term is still being used. But I understand it better now. When they are "loving on someone" they are usually going out of their way with kindness, a servants heart, a listening ear, a shared tear, extra prayer, words of encouragement and a time commitment. I do every once in awhile hear them affirm their love by actually saying it.
But what I noticed is that they use the word love in the verb tense. They show their love for God through their actions to others. Let's all be college kids today and "love on someone". I am sure God would say. "Well done good and faithful servant".
You might just be the next one to need some love.
God bless,
Marty
With Love
Good morning,
I hope wherever you are, that as you read this you know it was sent to you with love.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Why should people go to church? One of the main reasons I hear and completely believe in is to "worship". Today I choose to talk about another reason.
We should attend church with the "how can I be a blessing to someone today attitude?" We see from the Scripture above that we all need encouragement in loving others and doing good deeds. Good deeds are always needed by someone. Often they are more fun and rewarding when we can do them as a unit of two or more. Many people need to be encouraged to love with their actions. For some it is hard to do. So they stand alone thinking life and love passed them by. If you are one who is always involved in loving on others, invite someone to join you. You can be a blessing to those who stand alone afraid to love, by loving them with "inclusion."
Attending church is a great place to worship. Loving God and one another is a form of worship. Imitation is a way of worship. God loves you. Imitate Him with love for Him and others. You will experience worship. Get to church! It's a good place to get in on the love.
By the way! I love you too.
God bless,
Marty
I hope wherever you are, that as you read this you know it was sent to you with love.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Why should people go to church? One of the main reasons I hear and completely believe in is to "worship". Today I choose to talk about another reason.
We should attend church with the "how can I be a blessing to someone today attitude?" We see from the Scripture above that we all need encouragement in loving others and doing good deeds. Good deeds are always needed by someone. Often they are more fun and rewarding when we can do them as a unit of two or more. Many people need to be encouraged to love with their actions. For some it is hard to do. So they stand alone thinking life and love passed them by. If you are one who is always involved in loving on others, invite someone to join you. You can be a blessing to those who stand alone afraid to love, by loving them with "inclusion."
Attending church is a great place to worship. Loving God and one another is a form of worship. Imitation is a way of worship. God loves you. Imitate Him with love for Him and others. You will experience worship. Get to church! It's a good place to get in on the love.
By the way! I love you too.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, September 7, 2012
I AM
Hi!
Today's coffee flavor is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. This cup was a great one.
Today we will start with Scripture. Hang on tight!!!!
— Revelation 2:23 —
...I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Whoa!!!! Enough said. The I am in this passage is no one else but God! Sometimes less is better. So ponder this verse and decide how you will live after reading it!! As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!
Have a great day.
God bless,
Marty
Today's coffee flavor is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. This cup was a great one.
Today we will start with Scripture. Hang on tight!!!!
— Revelation 2:23 —
...I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Whoa!!!! Enough said. The I am in this passage is no one else but God! Sometimes less is better. So ponder this verse and decide how you will live after reading it!! As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!
Have a great day.
God bless,
Marty
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Hunt
Good morning. Door County Blueberry Cobbler is the coffee flavor of the day.
— Revelation 1:8 —
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Most of you who know me, are aware that I like to hunt. I like to be ready to go at a moments notice. In order to do that everything that I need has to be available. Everything I need has a place. The most important item is my shot gun. Without it, all I can do is holler "bang". So it needs to be the first item available and the first item packed. Without it my hunt would be worthless.
Too often we pack God away into the closets of our hearts and minds. He isn't always the most important item on our list each day.
In today's Scripture we are reminded that He is, was and shall be God Almighty. Without Him life is worthless. He is to be the first thing we look for each morning and the last thought on our minds before sleep. Make sure He has the proper place in your heart.
Happy hunting,
Marty
— Revelation 1:8 —
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Most of you who know me, are aware that I like to hunt. I like to be ready to go at a moments notice. In order to do that everything that I need has to be available. Everything I need has a place. The most important item is my shot gun. Without it, all I can do is holler "bang". So it needs to be the first item available and the first item packed. Without it my hunt would be worthless.
Too often we pack God away into the closets of our hearts and minds. He isn't always the most important item on our list each day.
In today's Scripture we are reminded that He is, was and shall be God Almighty. Without Him life is worthless. He is to be the first thing we look for each morning and the last thought on our minds before sleep. Make sure He has the proper place in your heart.
Happy hunting,
Marty
Searching for something
I hope this finds you well and your coffee hot.
— Deuteronomy 4:29 —
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Today, what will you search for? I typically cannot find my glasses. Today it was a tie for my suit. Seems I laid it out last night and forgot I had done that. Sometimes we search frantically for these items. Yet God says if we seek Him we will find Him. How much time do we spend seeking after God? And with how much passion? Without my glasses I struggle to see. How much more do I need God to light my path so that I will not stumble through life?
Think about it!
Have a great day!
God bless,
Marty
— Deuteronomy 4:29 —
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Today, what will you search for? I typically cannot find my glasses. Today it was a tie for my suit. Seems I laid it out last night and forgot I had done that. Sometimes we search frantically for these items. Yet God says if we seek Him we will find Him. How much time do we spend seeking after God? And with how much passion? Without my glasses I struggle to see. How much more do I need God to light my path so that I will not stumble through life?
Think about it!
Have a great day!
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Labor Day 2012
Good morning,
While reading my Bible today, this Scripture helped to take me back 31 years. It was the second verse that I ever memorized. Read on.
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 —
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
31 years ago a mentor took me through a book titled "Survival Kit for New Christians. Scripture memorization was part of the study. 2 Corinthians 5:17 was the second verse I had to remember.
.
Back then it reminded me to turn from my old life and forge on into a new life as a Christian. As I pondered it today, that same application is relevant to all of us. But this morning it reminded me that every day has a beginning and an end. And life should be taken step by step day by day. Each day is a new chance to be better than you were the day before. Thus with the passing of each day the old is gone and the new is here.
Live better than yesterday because yesterday is gone. This next 24 hours are all new to you!
God bless,
Enjoy the fruits of you labor.
Marty
While reading my Bible today, this Scripture helped to take me back 31 years. It was the second verse that I ever memorized. Read on.
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 —
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
31 years ago a mentor took me through a book titled "Survival Kit for New Christians. Scripture memorization was part of the study. 2 Corinthians 5:17 was the second verse I had to remember.
.
Back then it reminded me to turn from my old life and forge on into a new life as a Christian. As I pondered it today, that same application is relevant to all of us. But this morning it reminded me that every day has a beginning and an end. And life should be taken step by step day by day. Each day is a new chance to be better than you were the day before. Thus with the passing of each day the old is gone and the new is here.
Live better than yesterday because yesterday is gone. This next 24 hours are all new to you!
God bless,
Enjoy the fruits of you labor.
Marty
From the Goose blind
— Psalm 40:5 —
Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Good morning,
This message comes from the goose blind. Yes hunting season has started in Wisconsin. I am with good friends and with great Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.
I witnessed a great sunrise, some doves, and a couple cranes. I realized that God knows just where I am right now and He painted the scene. His chapel has the sun over my shoulder and a cool breeze. Need I say more? What an awesome God we have.
God bless,
Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Good morning,
This message comes from the goose blind. Yes hunting season has started in Wisconsin. I am with good friends and with great Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.
I witnessed a great sunrise, some doves, and a couple cranes. I realized that God knows just where I am right now and He painted the scene. His chapel has the sun over my shoulder and a cool breeze. Need I say more? What an awesome God we have.
God bless,
Learned, Applied, Helplessness
I must admit that I am a little tired. It has been a long week. This coffee is way too good!
A wise pastor recently spoke in our Men's group and said that he believes that "all people possess the gift of helps". I tend to agree.
Now just the opposite is where we are looking this morning.
— Proverbs 26:13-16 —
A sluggard says, "There's a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
I do believe that we are to help one another. But I also believe the following. That as a culture many have learned to be "helpless". And they have learned to apply it. Ouch. A new term "applied learned helplessness".
My mother used to say. "If you are looking for a helping hand, first look at the end of your own arm."
The same people who receive help often are not available in any way to help others. I recently timed what it takes to make a phone call of encouragement to someone. A whopping four minutes!!!!! We must teach and encourage each other through love and accountability to do what we can for ourselves and others.
Pray today for God to stimulate us to move on our own behalf, evaluate if we can do it ourselves, and if not, while others might be helping us, seek what can we do for someone else. And do it without grumbling. Feel free to pass this one on. You might just save someone from a case of terminal "learned applied helplessness".
God bless,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Marty
A wise pastor recently spoke in our Men's group and said that he believes that "all people possess the gift of helps". I tend to agree.
Now just the opposite is where we are looking this morning.
— Proverbs 26:13-16 —
A sluggard says, "There's a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
I do believe that we are to help one another. But I also believe the following. That as a culture many have learned to be "helpless". And they have learned to apply it. Ouch. A new term "applied learned helplessness".
My mother used to say. "If you are looking for a helping hand, first look at the end of your own arm."
The same people who receive help often are not available in any way to help others. I recently timed what it takes to make a phone call of encouragement to someone. A whopping four minutes!!!!! We must teach and encourage each other through love and accountability to do what we can for ourselves and others.
Pray today for God to stimulate us to move on our own behalf, evaluate if we can do it ourselves, and if not, while others might be helping us, seek what can we do for someone else. And do it without grumbling. Feel free to pass this one on. You might just save someone from a case of terminal "learned applied helplessness".
God bless,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Marty
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