God the Painter 4/30/2013

Dear Friends,
Good Morning. My day started with a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

Today I want to share with you a picture from a recent vacation. My wife and I were blessed to be on a beach last December. We took this photo of the sunset.

 

I am reminded that every time I am blessed to see things like this God knows exactly where I am. The Bible tells us that God knows everything about us and knows exactly where each of us is all the time. So then our Great God takes time to paint the landscape we see. What a marvel. And He does this for each and everyone of us.

Psalm 139

New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵ You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall^[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

 

God does paint the landscape before us. We have a few paintings in our home and they are beautiful. We had to pay for them. But none compare to what God has allowed us to see. And He does it each day for no charge. Appreciate what you see and thank God that you have seen it.

 

God bless,

Marty

Going My Way 4/29/2013

Good Morning.
Where did the weekend go? I am starting my Monday (very early) and I have a travel cup filled with Door County Coconut Crush Coffee.

I have used the expression a few times in my life. "Going My Way"?. Sometimes it is just an attempt at starting a conversation with someone. Many people you meet each day are actually headed in the same direction as you. We usually exchange pleasantries with others. ( If not, you should). Good morning, how are you? Most responses are "fine, yourself"? Do we really mean what we say? What if someone stopped and said "I am terrible and I found out yesterday that I have three months to live. Would we stop and spend more time with that person? Would we add them to our prayer list? Would we go out of our way to make them a meal and take care of them?

We are all very busy and we usually use that as an excuse. Jesus was busy and tired too but He took time to have compassion every chance He had.

Mark 6:34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

I know I fall short in this area and, instead of constantly looking to show love, I often will give in to a love of self instead of a love for others. Maybe you too can identify with that thought. We try to show compassion like Jesus did but it doesn’t always come easy.

So to be compassionate one needs to practice compassion. I believe Webster has it wrong in the dictionary. Compassion should be a verb not a noun.

God bless,
Marty

Green Green Grass of Home 4/28/2013

Good Morning. Blessed be your Sunday. I am starting today with a couple biscuits and some Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.

When I was a young teenager I used to love to listen my grandparents 8 track tape player. Now for you younger folks that was the next thing that came out after vinyl records. While other kids were listening to the Rolling Stones or Bobby Sherman I would be listening to Dean Martin and Tom Jones. Both artists performed a version of a song called The Green Green Grass of Home. It basically talks about a man knowing that he will be executed in prison and then finally reach his home town where he will be laid beneath the green grass of home. He does not talk about reaching heaven for eternity. His goal is short of what is truly needed. (Lyrics posted below)
As I am writing this I can look out my window and see the grass of my lawn turning green. We have been blessed for many years to have a home and yard we love. Today has me thinking about my own mortality and that some day I will be laid beneath the grass in a cemetery within my town. But I really won't be there. What is left of my used up body will be. But I won't be there and I really don't care.. I will have joined my Lord and Savior in heaven. That's where you will find me.

Revelation 22:3-5

And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has.

So my wife might plant me in a beautiful spot and there will be a stone to say where this heap of flesh was buried. But I won't be there. Your desire should be to spend eternity with God not just to visit me in heaven. So if you have not invited Jesus in as Lord and Savior do so today.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

John 3:36
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Acts 4:12

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Invite Him in today. I will see you on the green green grass of heaven!

God bless,
Marty

"Green, Green Grass Of Home"

The old home town looks the same,
As I step down from the train,
And there to meet me is my mama and my papa.
Down the road I look, and there comes Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

The old house is still standing,
Though the paint is cracked and dry,
And there's the old oak tree that I used to play on.
Down the lane I walk with my sweet Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

Yes, they'll all come to see me,
Arms reaching, smiling sweetly.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

Then I awake and look around me,
At the four gray walls that surround me,
And I realize that I was only dreaming.
For there's a guard, and there's a sad old padre,
Arm in arm, we'll walk at daybreak.
Again, I'll touch the green, green grass of home.

Yes, they'll all come to see me
In the shade of the old oak tree,
As they lay me 'neath the green, green grass of home.

Capital Punishment and the Bible 4/27/2013

Good Morning,
Saturday and I am headed to work for a few hours. But I am not leaving until the coffee is ready. I am brewing some Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee.

With the events that took place in Boston recently, the debate of whether or not capital punishment is legal or not will start again. I take only one stand, and that is our country was founded on Godly principles and we should not have strayed from them. The Bible does allow for capital punishment.


Leviticus 24:17-22 - And he that kills any man shall surely be put to death.    

Exodus 21:16 - And he that steals a man, and sells him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

The Bible also allows forr us to protect our families and homes.

"If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him," we are told in Exodus 22:2. The next verse says, "If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft."

I believe in the principles found within God's word.

Have a great day.
Marty

Abundant Life 4/26/2013

Good Morning.
Headed out to begin my Friday with a steaming hot cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee. I hope your coffee is at least half as good as mine.

John 10:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.


Ahh the abundant life. Many of us assume that being a Christian allows us to interpret this verse as a blank check written by God to grant our desires. Many believe this verse entitles us to things.

The kind of abundance that Jesus is speaking of in this verse is a measure of the quality of life, not the quantity of possessions. You can't measure the abundance in square feet or bottom lines. Jesus promised to provide a inexhaustible supply of what makes life worth living- things like love, grace, guidance, forgiveness, and peace with joy. These are the gifts to us. A life that is overflowing with riches of the heart that cannot be taken away.

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)

⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

 

In the verse above I find that the abundant life Jesus spoke of can be also found. It talks about desires. One once again could interpret these desires as things. Pay attention to the first part of Psalm 37:4
Delighting in God will make Him become the desire of your heart. In turn you desire more in your relationship with God and He supplies all of those desires according to His riches. He will never run out of wanting to hear from you, spending time with you or love for you. That is the abundant life.

Have a great weekend. Spend time with God. Live the abundant life.
Marty

Fertilizer 4/25/2013

Good Morning,
Starting my day with some Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. This is one I recommend to my friends who are chocolate lovers.

This past weekend we had one beautiful afternoon that afforded me enough time to lay down the first grass fertilizer treatment for our lawn. The winter was very hard here and caused the grass to sustain a lot of ice and snow damage. As I looked at the lawn it just seemed to be crying, "help me". I knew from past experience that it will not take long for weeds to grow instead of grass. The weeds would eventually overtake the grass and kill it off.

I look at life the same way. Some of the seasons of life that we go through are hard. Like grass we need to be nurtured and cared for. If not, life will overtake us and we will be choked by circumstances.

I see God as the Great Gardener who desires for us to flourish during and after tough seasons in our life. He desires to feed us spiritually through His word daily and protect us from the "evil one".

Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV)

³ So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Like lawns we need to be fed, trimmed and kept weed free. The only way to do this is through an intimate relationship with God who feeds us through prayer ( crying out for help) and through His word.
Open your bible today. Start the feeding asap.

God bless,
Marty

Administrative Assistants are Moms Too. 4/24/2013

Good Morning,

I will soon be off to work. A big hot cup of Door County Blue Berry Cobbler Coffee will be in my hand.

Today in the United States  We are celebrating Administrative Assistants Day. In my secular job I have been able to work with quite a few. For the past few years I have been blessed to have hired the one that works with me now. I will leave out her name so as to not cause her embarrassment. She is very organized, very prompt, tolerant of my computer inabilities, keeps me on time, reminds me of my targets, and watches out for me. She does a great job. But working with her these past few years I noticed another quality that stands out above the others. She is a single mom with a little girl. I see her work hard each day to provide for her daughter. She goes without to make sure her daughter doesn't. She does so much for her daughter and does not complain.

What I am saying here today. If you know a single mom, go ahead and let her know you appreciate all they do for their children. Ask God if there is something you can do to help. Pray for them but also do something practical. Bless them and let them see Jesus in you.

Isaiah 66:13 "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

I see Jesus in a lot of these moms. They know what sacrifice really is.

Have a great day.
Marty

God does not sleep. 4/23/2013

Good Morning,

I am starting my day with some Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. That should put some get up in my go!

This past weekend I awoke in the middle of the night and started to praise God. Praising God in the middle of the night? Yes. I awoke and knew I was never alone. God reminded me at 2 AM of His great love for me.

Here is what I remember of the night. My mind did wander to the creation of man. I was reminded how God breathed life into the first man.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

⁷ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

While contemplating that, I realized that God still breathes life into each of us with every breath we take. What amazed me as I praised Him was that while I slept God does not. He gives me every breath I take 24 hours a day.

Psalm 121:3 (NIV)

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

 

Then, while I sleep God thinks about me and has plans for me. All this while I sleep!

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

I went back to sleep feeling loved and secure in my faith. My love for God overflowed and I slept with a rest that I have not had in a long time.

 

Dear Friends I pray that God is the last one you think of before you sleep and the first one you greet in the morning or in the middle of the night.

 

Have a wonderful day.

Marty

 

Vacation Planning 4/22/2013

Good Morning,

Here it is once again. Five days until Friday. Well no sense in wishing our lives away. I am starting my day with some Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.

Many of us are thinking about summer. We are thinking about getting away from work and stress, sitting by the lake or somewhere else that tickles our fancy. It is called vacation. If you are blessed enough to receive time off from work and can get paid for it, wow!

Let me ask you a question. How would you like to get away and see God at work? Have you ever thought of a short term mission trip or a relief trip that would get you away and your week off might do many more folks a lot of good? How about it? There are plenty of great mission organizations, relief groups, Habitat Groups etc.

How about taking a week and giving of yourself?

Romans 10:15 (NKJV)

¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV)

⁷ How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,

 “Your God reigns"
 

God Bless. Vacation anyone??????????????

Marty

 

 

 

Jobs 4/21/2013

Good Morning,

Sunday and for me not a day of rest. I started my day with a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

My wife and I both work in health care. Today my job takes me to some weekend duty at a small hospital. Many people these days are out of work. I am blessed to have a job I like,  an employer that is good to us and I work with people I love.  So each day I am employed I am thankful.


But who gives us the things we should be thankful for? All good things come from God. Do we spend enough time being thankful for our blessings? As you pray today "express thanks to the provider of all that we have.
Honor God by giving your employer your best. Here are two Bible verses to inspire us to be thankful.

Colossians 3:17
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.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God bless,
Marty

Help Me to be strong in the Lord 4/20/2013

Good Morning,
Today I am kicking my Saturday off with a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.

Last night I was recalling a song that I sang with a men's group many years ago. The chorus is below.

"Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And be of good courage, for He is your guide.
Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And rejoice, for the victory is yours."

Today my prayer is that God would help me to be strong in Him. Being strong in the Lord means we have learned to rely on Him in our weakness and for or power. Here are some Bible Verses to help us lift some spiritual weights and get stronger in the Lord.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weary.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Have a great Day

Marty

God where are you? 4/19/2013

Good Morning,

May the peace of Jesus fill you today. This morning I am drinking a large cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee.

Have you ever experienced the feeling that God just might not be with you at the moment? He seems awol? I am sure there are many people who have those feelings from time to time. Notice that the key word is FEELING. We can be deceived by our feelings. There are many days that I don't feel like getting out of bed, but I do. If I don't my employer won't be my employer for too long. I don't always feel like driving the speed limit, but if I don't it could get expensive! Don't trust in feelings.

What I have to do when these feelings come that God has abandoned me is to go back and read my journal and recall how many times God was there for me in the past. Basically I need to review the Godly markers of my life. This in turn always sends me to my Bible. Once reading  God's word and His promises to me, my faith renews  and I realize that it was the evil one deceiving me once again.

Here are some verses to help fight the "Where is God today blues".

When in sorrow: John 14 (John 14:1-Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.)

When men fail you: Psalm 27 (Psalm 27:10-When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.)

If you want to be fruitful: John 15 (John 15:5-I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.)

When you have sinned: Psalm 51 (Psalm 51:2-Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.)

When you worry: Matthew 6:19-34 (Matthew 6:25-Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?)

When you are in danger: Psalm 91 (Psalm 91:10-There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.)

When God seems far away: Psalm 139 (Psalm 139:3-Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.)

When your faith needs stirring: Hebrews 11 (Hebrews 11:6-But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.)

When you are lonely and fearful: Psalm 23 (Psalm 23:1-The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.)

When you grow bitter and critical: I Corinthians 13 (I Corinthians 13:2-And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

For Paul's secret to happiness: Colossians 3:12-17 (Colossians 3:17-And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.)

For understanding of Christianity: II Corinthians 5:15-19 (II Corinthians 5:15-And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.)

When you feel down and out: Romans 8:31-What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

When you want peace and rest: Matthew 11:25-30 (Matthew 11:28-Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.)

When the world seems bigger than God: Psalm 90 (Psalm 90:17-And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.)

When you want Christian assurance: Romans 8:1-30 (Romans 8:1-There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)

When you leave home for labor or travel: Psalm 121 (Psalm 121:8-The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.)

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish: Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:3-Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.)

For a great invention/opportunity: Isaiah 55 (Isaiah 55:6-Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near:)

When you want courage for a task: Joshua 1 (Joshua 1:9-Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.)

For how to get along with fellow men: Romans 12 (Romans 12:3-For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

When you think of investments and returns: Mark 10 (Mark 10:25-It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.)

If you are depressed: Psalm 27 (Psalm 27:14-Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.)

If your pocketbook is empty: Psalm 37 (Psalm 37:16-A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.)

If you are losing confidence in people: I Corinthians 13 (I Corinthians 13:8-Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.)

If people seem unkind: John 15 (John 15:12-13-This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.)

If discouraged about your work: Psalm 126 (Psalm 126:6-He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.)

If you find the world growing small and yourself great: Psalm 19 (Psalm 19:13-Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.)

For dealing with fear: Psalm 34:7-The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

For security: Psalm 121:3-He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

For assurance: Mark 8:35-For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For reassurance: Psalm 145:18-The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth.

When you think about Jesus's return: Revelation 1:6-8 (Revelation 1:6-8-And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.)

When you wonder why Jesus died for us: John 3:16-17 (John 3:16-17-For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.)

The Lord's Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13 (Matthew 6:9-After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name."

When you wonder about purposes: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Ecclesiastes 3:1-To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.")

When you need comfort: Psalm 23 (Psalm 23:1-The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.)

God bless your day,
Marty

True Worship 4/18/2013

Good Morning Dear Friends,

I am starting today with a hot cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee. I woke up and needed a strong cup to go.

This past weekend I spent three days in Atlanta renewing my Mission Trip Leader Training. What I will remember the most was not the particulars of the safety rules, financial policies, or the team building activities.
What I will remember for a long time was the worship sessions. At my age (old) I was in the minority. So I wasn't expecting too much from the worship leader in the skinny jeans. But was I wrong. The majority (20-30 year olds) knew how to worship. The worship leader led them in new songs and old worship hymns. The Holy Spirit was in control. I watched as everyone including myself dropped the "self" and concentrated on God in our worship. The wonderful song leader and musician could have been playing the kazoo and no one would have cared. They were there to worship and love others.
It was so good I hated to see it end.
When was the last time you worshipped the Great the Father God like that? Has it been too long? I noticed one thing more. They were all happy. Including me! The old guy!!!!!!

So what do you say? Let's drop the self in church and come to worship God. The music will be just fine, the message just fine, and you will see others as "just fine folks".

 True Worship

Psalms 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Psalms 29:2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

Psalms 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

Psalms 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!

John 4:21-24 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Have a great day!
Marty

Lost On The Path. 4/17/2013

Good Morning.
I find myself needing some comfort and a little lift this morning. Broke out my old faithful Door County Cherry Coffee today.

I have been hunting for about 46 years now. I have to admit that there were several times that some how, some way I lost my way in the woods or foggy marsh. A couple of times not only was I lost but nightfall had come upon me. The first time I was lost and it was dark, I did not have a flash light at all. The second time I became lost I had a small flash light with me. It was light but not too much comfort in that little beam and I could not find my way. As the years went by I became a little smarter and realized that a guy that hunts as much as I do should invest in good strong lights.
These new lights have helped me navigate swamps and thick woods taking me to better game areas. They also lead me home in the dark.

Have you ever felt like there was no light directing you in life? I have felt that way myself. But each and every time I find myself in need of light and direction I pray and go to God's Word.

Psalm 119:105

King James Version

¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Don't travel without light and direction through life. Pull out your Bible and travel this world without fear.

God bless,
Marty

Boston Marathon 2/16/2013

Dear Friends,

In honor of the tragedy that took place yesterday in Boston, I will not be making lite of my coffee. I myself as well as people around the world are reeling from the senseless attack on people enjoying a tradition and overall fun event. I see other bombings in other parts of the world. I see these as cowardly attacks on God's creations.

I want to direct all of us to God's Word for comfort.

1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation

⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

I have no idea why these things happen except to say that there is evil in this world brought about by the first sin of Adam and Eve within the garden of Eden.

Our Heavenly Father is on His throne and we need to trust Him at all times. We pray for Him to comfort those who have experienced great loss and pain.

John 16:33

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

 

Please join me in prayer today and remember the families of those who lost loved ones yesterday. Pray for those who are in pain today.

 

I want you to know you are all loved and I pray for those of you who read this.

 

God bless,

Marty

Miracles 4/13/2013

Good Morning.
No coffee today. Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a long story and I will share next week.

Someone asked me if God still performs miracles today. Let me answer that this morning. I believe He still does.
Healings Still Occur
There are literally hundreds of accounts of miraculous healings today among countless Christians but these are at the discretion of God alone. God miraculously heals some while choosing not to heal others for His divine purpose. No one would accuse the apostle Paul of having a weak faith  yet God refused to heal him after he asked three times. In God’s higher wisdom  He knows who and what to heal and what is best for the believer in choosing not to heal someone. Yes, miracles still happen, but they are not at the direction or discretion of believers but a decision of God alone. He does heal, rescue, provide through petitions of prayers  but there are times when His answer is no because He has a higher purpose in mind. Our sufferings and afflictions work out a purpose that we may not be able to understand at this time (Romans 8).
Miracles Still Happen
God is still in the business of miracles. I believe that the greatest miracle of all is that of converting a blind sinner to see their sin and to change the human heart; from one of serving the god of this world to seeing their own sin and the need of a Savior in Jesus Christ. The miracle of human conversion is actually greater than any healing miracle because this brings eternal life in Christ. A healing miracle is only temporary. The person healed will eventually die but the one that is born-again has inherent eternal life that can never be lost and that person can live with God for eternity, never to die again (John 3:16).

So yes I am a walking talking miracle. How about you?

God bless,
Marty

What Must I Do To Be Saved? 4/12/2013

Good Morning..

Happy Saturday and may God's blessings find you today. I started my day with a hot mug of Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee.

Salvation, Born Again. Saved. Redeemed. All words related to being forgiven of our sins through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Eternal life in heaven, but how does a person get saved, or born again? How does one get to heaven?

Good question. There is only one answer. The answer comes directly from God's Word, the Bible.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

I wanted to speak plainly. Man is not saved by works, sacraments, or sacrifices. How do I know this. God clearly explains it in the Bible.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

Jesus said. John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

So that is the way. Now the choice is up to you. Eternal life in Heaven or eternity in Hell.

What is your choice today?

God bless,

Marty

Mother's Birthday 4/11/2013

Good Morning.

May your day be like a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Sweet and smooth, that's what I am having.

Today would be my Mother's birthday. She passed three years ago and is now home with the Lord. I would be lying if I said that we did not miss her. We surely do and I think about her very often. But today I will celebrate her life by raising my coffee cup and saying happy birthday Mom. Now my my mother is in the presence of God. I am sure she is not sitting there in heaven watching over the family and worrying about us. That would not be heaven. Mom is worshipping the King, the great I Am, the Alpha and Omega. She is no longer of this world. Oh I might receive some flack on this, but think about it. I can't imagine her saying " Oh not now God, I am watching my older son  now write a blog post". We need to look at Scripture and get real with our thoughts about heaven.

John was carried away to heaven in Revelation chapter 21 and this chapter is perhaps the best description of heaven that we know of; at least the heaven that will be seen by those who are Christ’s today. John describes it in Revelation 21:10-27:

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.
11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.
14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia [or 1,400 miles!] in length, and as wide and high as it is long [1,400 miles wide and tall!].
17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits [that is 200 feet!] thick.
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.
19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst [these last two stones are unknown or only exist in heaven today].
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.
27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

In verse 27 we see that nothing impure will ever enter heaven. Worry is impure and no way can Mom be doing that. So today I toast Mom and am just a little jealous knowing Who and what she sees right now.

God bless, Let's get real with our thoughts on heaven.
Marty

As the deer pants for the water. 4/10/2013

Dear Friends,

Good morning and peace to you. I am starting my day with a big cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee.

Today I want to get right to God's Word.

Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,So pants my soul for You, O God.

I have hunted lots of deer and have been successful at it now and then. All too often I see the white tails of the deer bounding off safely to refuge. A deer uses it's keen senses to avoid danger. Combining their senses with agility and speed they can be gone in a heart beat. They run to protect themselves and their young. Even in the hottest weather they will run. I have witnessed a tired deer stopping by a stream, overheated and exhausted to quench their thirst. The water is all they want and they pant for it.

I see many Christians today trying to satisfy their spiritual needs with books, programs, and debate. Often times this will erupt into differences of opinions. This at times will churn into ugly. Each person wanting their own way. The Christians lose sight of what is important.  What is that? A strong desire to be with God, serve God, build His Kingdom, sacrifice self, love others, and get there at all cost. They will then compromise God's Word to satisfy their needs. But yet are never refreshed or truly alive.

Is God all you want? Or is there a stronger desire to please yourself. When God becomes just a part of your life, He is really no part at all.

Sad message. But here's hope.

James 4:8
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

When we turn to God He comes closer to us. Quit turning to yourself.

Have a day you will never forget. Surrender!

Marty

Take me out to the ball game. With a recipe 4/9/2013

Good Morning,

I broke into my holiday stash of Door County Coffees. I am downing a big cup of White Christmas Coffee. How many days until fall????

Well it is baseball season and the major leagues have cranked it up. In Milwaukee we have the Brewers. I must admit that I enjoy a game or two each year. One of the customs in many cities is to "tail gate" before the game. Basically this is a picnic in the parking lot. You will see smoke rising from the grills and music playing,. People will be playing catch with their gloves and baseballs. I enjoy watching people have good fun. I especially enjoy afternoon games on a hot day.

What does this have to do with a devotional?

Well baseball abounds in hope. At the start of the season each fan is hoping for their team to reach the world series. Each inning fans hope for a home run from their hero. Each pitch is hoped to be a strike that is un-hittable by the opposition.

As Christians we are to abound in hope.  God never throws a curve. Our hope in Him is secure. We are to "overflow in hope". In that we have joy eternal. God hits home runs for us daily. He has fans that count on Him.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Enjoy a ball game. Cheer on a little league team. Watch the pros. Pick up a bat and get some exercise. But every time you step on to the diamond, let it remind you of the diamond of your life.

God our Father.

 

Have a great day.

Marty

 

 

BLT Burgers

Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

• 1/4 cup(s) ketchup
• 1/4 cup(s) light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon(s) yellow mustard
• 1 1/4 pound(s) lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper
• 8 slice(s) bacon
• 4 sesame hamburgers buns, split
• Lettuce, tomato and/or onion, for garnish

---

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high (or preheat your broiler)
2. Stir ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl until blended; set aside.
3. Shape beef into 4 patties, each 3⁄4-inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each burger with 2 strips of bacon, crossing each other at right angles.
4. Place patties on the hot grill rack (or broiler pan) and cook about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness, turning once. Place the buns on the grill to toast during last 2 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and ketchup sauce. Potato salad is a must.

Monday Monday Monday Motivation 4/8/2013

Good Morning.
Monday once again. I have chosen an appropriate coffee for this day. I am drinking a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.

Where did the weekend go? I hope you were able to charge up and rest. Today I want to see what the Bible says about motivation.

When you're lacking motivation or simply feel down in life, where is the best place to go to feel inspired? Well, you're likely to have a dusty book sitting on your shelves right now that is a great resource for inspiration. Below, you'll find some verses from the Bible that should help you through some of those times.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Now the apostle Paul is not telling us that we can do everything. He is saying that we can do God's will and we are empowered by Christ. Whether it is getting through a rough time in your life, or doing something right even when it seems hard to do, know that you can accomplish it with God's help.

Well I guess it's time to get going!
God bless,
Marty

Seek First 4/7/2013

Good Morning,

A blessed Sunday to you. Starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee.

I have witnessed many a Christian that tries on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior only to walk away later. I used to listen to them and wonder why?

The usual explanation I received was "God doesn't seem to work for me".

I usually chuckle to myself although I hurt for them. They seemed to miss the whole point.

God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die in atonement for our sins. We will never experience death but have life eternal. Does the Creator of all things owe us anything else?

Where they have gone wrong is adopting the "what's in it for me mentality". They assume God works for us and us not for Him. Plain backwards!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is where they go wrong. They don't read the whole passage.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

God first, and if He never does another thing for us, hasn't He already done enough?

God bless,
Marty

On the Sixth Day God Created Man and Woman. 4-6-2013

Good Morning,

Starting my Saturday with some Door County Blueberry Crunch Coffee. I will be doing a little dog training later this morning with my young Springer Spaniel Gibbs.

God created man on the sixth day of Creation.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day."

GENESIS 1:27-31
 

 Do you notice anything about this passage? God created male and female and said "be fruitful and multiply. Someone asked me this week what I thought the make up of a family should be. I quoted this verse. I believe marriage should be for a man and a woman. I was then asked "why". I quoted Scripture again.

2 Timothy 3:16(NKJV)

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Folks the ultimate authority for me is God's Word. I believe in every word from the book of Genesis right to the last word in the book of Revelation. For me there is no other source of truth.

Open your Bible a whole lot of truth awaits you.

God bless,
Marty

North Korea and Talk of War 4/5/2013

Good Morning,

I am as frustrated as much as anyone about the threats of war with the United States from North Korea. I choose this day to start with a hot cup of coffee from the Door County Coffee Company. The flavor is Cookie Dough.

The Bible has much to say about war. War should not be a surprise to us.

Matthew 24:6
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

I am praying that this does not have to happen. There are three things that come to mind as I write. North Korea has declared that we are the enemy.

What does the bible tell us to do?
Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

 

What does North Korea need?

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
⁹ “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
¹⁰ “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. ¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

What does the United States need? The same thing. Jesus Christ as Lord. Making God number one in our nation would return us to a nation founded once again on Biblical principals. Does the calamity surprise you?  Join me today in prayer for our nation and  a return to God. Pray that if we must go to war our troops win swiftly, our nation is protected, our leaders do the right thing, our troops are safe and their families taken care of and God is with us.

God bless,
Marty

Spring and Blossoms 4/4/2013

Good Morning,
Still waiting for spring to warm up in Wisconsin. My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Creme. Good to the last drop.

I noticed that many of the trees here are starting to bud and will blossom soon unless a killing frost comes. I look forward to the apple blossoms, cherry  blossoms, lilacs and other things that grow in our yard. But it doesn't take much frost to spoil it all.

Life is the same way. We start each day anew and with good intentions. Then something causes us to lose sight and our behavior changes and it leads us into sin which can ruin a whole day. Much like the blossoms we can't get them back or get the same day again and start over. We must guard our days and not allow ourselves to be "ruined for the day". Sometimes days run into weeks and even years. What a waste! Here are some verses yo help us through.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Philippians 4:6 (NASB)

^{6 (}Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God

Galatians 5:16-25 ESV    
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ...

Be safe and enjoy your day.
Marty

Teenagers and Fun 4/3/2013

Good Morning,

Started today with a Hot Cup of Door County Highlander Grog coffee.

Last Friday night I received via Facebook that one of my nephews had accomplished a goal in school. earlier in the week his brother also had a good thing happen for him.

I called to congratulate him and while we were speaking had an idea. Why not celebrate tonight with a meal somewhere. Now these two are older teenagers. We have lived close for many years. When they were little I would ask  if I could pick them up and go for breakfast. Oh! Those were good times. They were a hoot! One of them would always spill something and we would have so many laughs.

So I asked if they might like to spend some time with their Aunt and Uncle on short notice. Now Fridays for a teen are usually busy doing anything but spending time with old people. They replied "sure". We met for dinner and I noticed that these two were no longer little boys anymore. I don't know why it took this long to see it. We had a good time and are usual laughs. No spilling occurred.
Another sign of growing up. But our table was alive with stories, congratulations and just plain good talk. Not once did they look at their watch or say "well we have to go".

The night ended and I hurt inside a little. My two little buddies were grown. But I was proud to be part of their lives. I am sure we will spend more time together over the years if God wills. But this night was special to me as I recalled all the "old days".  Spend time with teens, don't write them off as "they would not enjoy this." They love to be included.  Celebrate with them, love them, teach them, and enjoy them.

God has something to say about spending time with kids and teens.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Ecclesiastes 7:14
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Enjoy a teen. It starts with a kid. Live, Love and Laugh with one today.

God bless.
Marty

I've Got You Babe 4/2/2013

Good Morning,
My coffee today is Door County German Chocolate Cake.

Today I want to challenge all of us to be thankful for someone. There has been someone in your life that you have been blessed to have known, and impacted you positively. I can name many and could keep writing for years about all of them. But today I choose my wife. She is the apple of my eye, the sugar for my coffee, my partner in good and bad, the one who can snore in harmony with me, and my God given help mate. If you ask her how long we have been married she replies "a thousand years". I wonder what that means?

She collects, antiques, loves Christmas, penguins, snow men, still cries in a movie and is kind to others. She is a servant to God.

Today I want you to equate your special person to a Bible verse. When you read that verse does it remind you of that person. Don't be afraid to comment on the blog post. Share with others. We would all like to hear.

Here is mine for the Mrs. Hey Hon. I've got you Babe!

Proverbs 31:10-31

English Standard Version

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

¹⁰ An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

 

God bless,

Marty

April Fools 4/1/2013

Good Morning.

Just wanted to say that when you read this "you are loved"! I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch coffee.

April 1st is a day where people will pull a harmless prank on someone and then say"April Fools"!
I have no idea where or when this started. You do the research and let me know. I have been on the receiving end of the pranks and have actually pulled a couple myself. So if the jokes are harmless and cause no pain I guess the tradition goes on.

God actually uses the word fool in the Bible. I thought it would be interesting to see some verses that God equates with fools. Enjoy the reading!

There are Bible verses about fools that help guide us in our daily lives. Many verses in Proverbs and Psalms tell us how to avoid fools, to choose wisely and to live according to God's will. The foolish make bad decisions and can be easily led astray.

Being a fool doesn't mean you are stupid. In fact, usually a fool is someone who just is too lazy to think about the consequences of their actions. So take heed of what is in the Bible about foolishness. That way, you can more easily lead a smart and holy life.

Psalms 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 10:13 In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.
Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

God bless,
Marty