How to plan a vacation 5/31/13

Good Morning,
Once again my coffee comes from the Door County County Coffee Company. I am drinking some Heavenly Caramel this morning.


Well school will be out soon, the weather is warmer and some vacations are planned. Summer goes by so fast. ( Not fast enough for us duck hunters)

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

³¹ Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

I want to ask you a few questions about your summer plans?

Have you made arrangements for a special time with God this summer?
Teaching Vacation Bible School?
Short Term Mission Trip?
Visiting a nursing home with the kids? (They can stay up later now)
Attending church while traveling? You can be blessed and be a blessing to another congregation at the same time. What if Jesus decided to take a vacation on the Friday before Easter? Church attendance should not be skipped because of vacation.
Volunteering for a service project?
Giving the church a paint job?
Working a car wash for charity? Getting your car washed for the right charity?!!!!!!!
Watching the children of someone working a car wash or helping with a service project?

Well If you need help planning, email me at fritzschutte@aol.com and I will be happy to assist with your vacation plans.

God bless,
Marty

Memorial Day 5/30/13

Good Morning,
My coffee today is Door County Cherry Creme. I am enjoying a big cup today and looking out at my American Flag while I write.

John 15:13 (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Please note that this was written for today, not by mistake, but well thought out and planned. In America we recently celebrated a holiday known to us as Memorial Day. Below I have attached the web definition of Memorial Day. The date for Memorial Day was changed from May 30th to the last Monday of May many years ago. So please veterans bear with me as I explain that I did not forget our fallen on Monday and I am not being disrespectful. I did pray and thank God for all throughout our history that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The reason this seems to be written late is not in rebellion, but I want it to be read outside of the meaning of what I believe Memorial day has turned into. You will see from the definition that it has changed over the years and not necessarily for the good. I was riding in my car the other day when the radio DJ announced "Memorial Day, the Official Start of the Summer Season. get the grill and the beer out and have at it". I must admit that set me off like a short fused firecracker. I am not against picnics or family gatherings. But let's not have this definition of Memorial day define our nation. Let's place the fallen first!

I am asking all who read this to pass it on today. Then next year remember the true meaning of Memorial Day which is to honor the fallen who have given their life for our country and the freedom we enjoy. Visit a cemetery, pray for the families that lost those precious loved ones, and get that flag up high and be proud.

Marty

Memorial Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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This article is about an American holiday. For other uses, see Memorial Day (disambiguation).

Memorial Day
The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are decorated by U.S. flags on Memorial Day weekend.
Type	National
Date	Last Monday in May
2012 date	May 28
2013 date	May 27
2014 date	May 26
Observances	Remembrance of American war dead

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May.^[1] Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.^[2] Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service^[3]. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
By the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of their deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events.
Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountains. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with kinfolk and others. There often is a religious service and a "dinner on the ground," the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. It is believed that this practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.^[4]
Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead.

Bakery and God 5/29/13

Good Morning.
Let it be known that I truly enjoy a piece of bakery with a cup of coffee. I am pretty fond of brownies with frosting. This morning I an enjoying a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.

You might be asking what does bakery have to do with God?????? Good question.

Well to make a piece of bakery you need a recipe.
The recipe always tells you which ingredients to use to be successful.

Once the ingredients are mixed, baked according to the instructions you have a product worth eating.

Our Bible is our instruction book unto salvation in Jesus Christ for lost souls.

John 3:16New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The ingredients needed are Jesus and faith.  The results are heavenly!

Enjoy some heavenly pastry today.

Marty

Preparing for fall 5/28/13

Good Morning,

Four days after shoulder surgery. Could use some prayer here. But that hasn't stopped me from a good cup of coffee. Today's flavor is Door County Blueberry Cobbler.

One of the things I look forward to is the the different seasons we enjoy in Wisconsin. All four seasons are quite distinct and have something I can enjoy during each of them. My favorite obviously is fall. But in the spring I begin to prepare for fall. Part of what I enjoy in the fall are our apple trees. I really enjoy them three times. In the spring we enjoy the beautiful blossoms that remind me of the resurrection of Jesus. John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
The trees have been leafless and dormant through the winter and then spring back to life. We trim the trees and save the wood which is then used to smoke different meats which adds an apple wood flavor which reminds me of how God desires us to be an aroma of good that represents Jesus in the world.
2 Corinthians 2:15  For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
In the fall we enjoy a harvest of apples that reminds me that the fields of lost souls are ripe for the harvest and that some day Jesus will return and only those saved in Him will be picked.
Daniel 12:2 - And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

Some have said that I have a weird way of looking at things in nature. I must be honest about that. I can't help but see God in nature. God is the creator of all things and I truly believe that. When I look at the things I see I know God has created them for us. Looking at nature that way just seems to make it that much more special.

Enjoy and apple today. God made them for you.

Marty

I am excited to follow Jesus 5/27/13

Good Morning,

May your day be blessed with peace love and joy. My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Creme.

There was an old Hymn that we used to sing at the end of our church service that was used as a song of invitation to surrender your life to Jesus. Many a person stepped out of their chair and walked down an aisle to a preacher to profess a new life in Jesus while the song. "I have decided to follow Jesus" was sung quietly.

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

I always wanted to change the words to "I am excited to follow Jesus". I personally find that listening to God and having Him speak and direct me is very exciting. I also see that when I am not excited about Jesus I am usually occupied by something else that is consuming too much of my time.

John 10:27 (NKJV)

²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Can you imagine being bored while actually being with Jesus? I can't! I have always been one to live life on the edge.
A life in Jesus is exciting. The things He might direct you to do just might impact eternity.

<sup>Luke 10:17-23

17</sup> The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

²¹ At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

²² “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

²³ Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. ²⁴ For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it

Now as the 72 that Jesus sent out returned does it sound like they were bored? I doubt they were ever bored again.

Follow Jesus! It will be the most excitement you have ever had.

Marty

Pot Holes 5/26/13

Good Morning,

Today is the second day after I have had a shoulder repair. I must admit I am in a quite a bit of pain. My coffee today is Door County Almond Toffee. I am thankful for my wonderful wife who is caring for me and made a fresh pot for me.

While coming home from the hospital I was reminded that winter only left us a couple weeks ago. In Wisconsin the winter weather wreaks havoc on the highways with the freezing, thawing, plowing and salt. How I was able to remember the winter was as I traveled home every pot hole that was created by the winter seemed to jump up under the car and then smacked me in the shoulder causing immediate pain.

I want to put this experience into a Biblical application. Life is full of pot holes in our roads. We encounter bumps each day. We are let down by someone, missed out on a promotion, ridiculed, the wash machine floods the house, the baby is sick. All of these are bumps in the road that cause pain. The pain in my shoulder will get better. I can't let it keep me from moving on. So it is with every bump in the road. We need to keep going. But just like my coffee this morning had to be poured by someone else and this devotional typed by someone else, sometimes the bumps in life cause us to need help. This is OK and is very Biblical.

 Psalm 46:1 NIV

New International Version

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 

We can go to God and pray for help. He often sends others to assist us. Never be too proud to accept the help.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

⁹ Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

 

Pot holes are never fun. But sometimes allowing someone to help does more than accomplish a task, it causes friendship to grow.

 

Love ya,

Marty

Jesus Christ Super Star 6/6/2013

Good Morning,
Starting my day with a cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee.

When I was a boy, ( some would argue that mentally I am still a boy) we were blessed to have television. Yes it was black and white with poor reception at times. And no I did not play the drum in the American Civil War!

Two of my favorite TV shows were the Three Stooges and Superman. Superman was promoted as a hero who would just show up when someone was in great danger or a disaster of gigantic proportions was about to happen and he would use his super abilities to save the day. He could fly, leap tall buildings in a single bound, more powerful than a locomotive,and he had X-ray vision.

Think this one through.

Matthew 14:22-33

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Walks on the Sea

²² Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³ And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ²⁴ But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,^[a] tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
²⁵ Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Matthew 24:30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all Matthew 24:30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 JESUS WILL BE IN THE AIR- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Matthew 8:28-34

New King James Version (NKJV)

Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed

²⁸ When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergenses,^[a] there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. ²⁹ And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
³⁰ Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. ³¹ So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away^[b] into the herd of swine.”
³² And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
³³ Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

John 4:39-42 JESUS KNOWS OUR PAST³⁹ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. ⁴¹ And many more believed because of His own word.
⁴² Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ,^[a] the Savior of the world.”

John 20:26 JESUS WALKS THOUGH WALLS TO GET TO US

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”


JESUS SAVES!
Acts 4: 10-12 "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Well this was a long one. But my point is this. If there ever was a hero it is Jesus. HE IS MINE!

God bless,
Marty

Friendship is hard work. Part 5 5/25/13

Good Morning,

Today I can resume drinking coffee. I will be enjoying some Door County Cherry Creme this morning.

This is the last on our series about friendship. Today is my wife's birthday. Let me tell you about our marriage. I married my friend! She is a joy that is indescribable. I find now that I am temporarily disabled for a few weeks and that I really need my friend. She checks on me for ice packs, asks how my pain is and runs for things before I can get to them. I have described her as a "Good Christian Woman" in past writings.  How do I know that she is a Christian? Well I was there when she made a profession of faith in Jesus. But more than that I see the Friendship that Jesus speaks of within her.

Jesus on Friendship

John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

My wife makes sacrifices all the time for me. She gave up her life to be married to an imperfect man with all kinds of faults. She does not complain nor does she ask for much. Her laughter is music for my heart.  In her I see Jesus daily.

Sacrifice time for one another. It is a form of laying down your life.

God bless,
Marty

 

Friendship is hard work part 4 5/24/13

Good Morning,
No coffee today. I find myself having surgery on a very sore shoulder and the process calls for fasting. It's good to give up some indulgences once in awhile.

I want to finish our series on friendship in the next two days. Bear with me if the devotional is a little late in the next few days. I will be limited in the use of my arm. We will do our best to one finger type.

I will find that in the next few weeks that I will need to rely on family and friends for a little help. As that happens I will go to God my Best Friend and pray for all those who are aiding me.


The Best Friend we can Have is God Himself.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

While being laid up I hope to have more prayer time and time to catch up reading my Bible. All that will draw me closer to God.

God bless,
Marty

Friendship is hard work part 3 5/23/13

Good Morning,
Headed to work with a cup of hot Door County Jamaicaan Me Crazy Coffee in my hand.

As we continue this series on friendship it is important that we know what the Bible has for instructions on the way we should treat our friends. The best way to be a good friend is to follow God's design.

Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.


So if we were to number the verses above and then assign a grade of 1-5, 1 being poor and 5 being great what would your friendship score be? Would God agree?

Have a great day. God bless you Dear Friends.
Marty

Friendship is Hard work Part 2 5/22/2103

Good Morning.
Indulging in a good cup of coffee is a great way to start an early morning. My source of indulgence is some Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

I want to resume our series on friendship. We choose to be friendly or not, This basically indirectly implies that we also have to choose our friends. It is important to choose our friends wisely. The Bible actually gives us instructions on how to choose our friends. Let's see what God has to say.

Proverbs 12:26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 14:6-7 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

My prayer is that we will all be the type of friend God desires us to be. Let's all pray for one another today.

God bless,
Marty

Friendship is Hard Work Part 1 5/21/13

 Good Morning Dear Friends.

My cup is overflowing with some Door County Coconut Crush Coffee.

This morning I started this devotional with "Good Morning Dear Friends".  Many of you who read this are from different countries and I have never met you. Some who read this are from my own church or are relatives. I call you Dear Friends because I want you to know that someone loves you. God loves you and has called me for now to write these snippets as He leads. So whoever reads them and gets anything at all from a particular day it is because God loves you and sent a message through me to you. We will be starting a short series on friendship and hard work.

There are times that I struggle to stay up late to write to you or get up early to launch the devotional for the day. I am not complaining because I consider it pure joy to be used by God. It is a labor of love. Which now leads me to the lesson. Anything worth doing takes work. Friendship is definitely something worth doing. Friendship is not easy or cheap. A good friend does not count the cost of being a friend.

Here is what the Bible has to say on that subject. So today will be the first of a short series on friendship.  Friendship was made by God for us. Here are some verses that tell us how important friends are.

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

God bless,
Marty

May 20th Holiday 5/20/2013

Good Morning and Happy May 20th.

My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Creme.

Do you know why I said "Happy May 20th". Do you know what happened today on this date?

Here are some items that I found.
1891 - History of cinema: The first public display of Thomas Edison's prototype kinetoscope.
1892 - George Sampson patents clothes dryer
1892 - Triple Alliance between Germany, Italy & Austria forms
1895 - 1st commercial movie performance (153 Broadway, NYC)
1896 - The six ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier falls on the crowd resulting in the death of one and the injury of many others.
1900 - 2nd modern Olympic games opens in Paris (lasted 5 months)

Really now, if you look this date up on the Internet you can read at least 100 things that happened on this date. Some are important and have changed the way we live. But none are as important as today. What are you going to do today that might impact the life of another for eternity. You see Christians have the responsibility to tell others the "Good News". That Good News is that Jesus Christ died for their sins, and that they need to invite Him in and ask for forgiveness of their sins. That is the only way to have a relationship with God the Father who loved us enough to send His Son to die in our place. In God's record book who's name can be added today on May 20th 2013? He expects us to go out and tell the Good News.

John 4:35 (NKJV)

³⁵ Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

OK it's your day. Who will be grateful for you 40 years from now! Go and tell the news!

Marty

Potato Soup for My Soul With a r9/13ecipe 5/1

Good Morning,
The coffee filling my mug is Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. What a title and what a flavor!

James 1:17          
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

On a recent Saturday a friend of ours came over to assist me with some home chores. I normally do these myself but I found that my healing knees and ice are not a good mix.

I am an early riser for study and prayer no matter the day. While I was downing some coffee and thinking about all we had to do that day I remembered that my friend really likes soup. The weather here was a true winter that morning. Cold cold and more cold. I decided to whip up a crock pot of potato soup for him to take home. My goal later was to stop at a local bakery and pick up some fresh bread for dunking. (Which I did)

When he arrived he came in for coffee and I told him about the soup and there was a big grin on his face.. You could already smell it simmering away. Later that day he left soup and bread in hand. I thanked him for all the hard work and said "enjoy the soup". There was the biggest smile on his face when he said "oh ya!".

So who was blessed, the receiver or the giver?  Oh my wife was happy that the ice dam on the roof was gone. But I argue that it was me who was most blessed. We made quick work of a nasty chore. But a simple pot of soup made a young man smile and grin. You see that smile meant the world to me. It reminded me how much I am loved by God. I wasn't alone to try and do all that work. I have been blessed with relatives and friends who will help me over these next few weeks. And even being somewhat laid up God sent someone to me that I could be a blessing to.
God shows Himself through others and circumstances. Yesterday with my eyes wide open I saw God at work. And through friend  He smiled at me and grinned.

God bless,
Marty

Baked Potato Soup
Original recipe makes 6 servings

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 4baking potatoes
• 2/3 cupbutter
• 2/3 cupall-purpose flour
• 6 cupsmilk
• 1 cupchopped green onions

• 3/4 teaspoonsalt
• 1/2 teaspoonground black pepper
• 12 slicescooked bacon, crumbled
• 5 ouncesshredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) containersour cream

Directions

1. Bake potatoes 1 hour in a 400 degree F (200 degree C) oven. Scoop out the inside of the potatoes and set aside. Reserve the skins for another recipe or discard.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until all the milk has been added. Bring heat to medium and keep stirring until the soup mixture starts to get thick.
3. Add the potatoes, green onions, salt, ground black pepper, bacon and cheese. Stir well and continue to heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Stirring well, mix in the sour cream until well blended with the soup. Serve immediately.
4. You might want to add some bacon pieces that have been fried and dried.

Will we chow down in heaven? 5/18/13

Good Morning. My coffee is hot and tasty. This morning the flavor is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch.

Many people ask whether we will eat food in heaven because eating is not only necessary to stay alive, but it is also so very enjoyable! Because eating is enjoyable, many people conclude that what is enjoyable on earth  will naturally be present in heaven. Although the Bible does not give us a detailed answer to the question of eating food in heaven, a few observations from the Scriptures are in order.

Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples shortly before His crucifixion, He referred to eating and drinking in the kingdom. “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God’ ” Mark 14:25 The earthly millennial kingdom is certainly in view here, and in that kingdom all who are His followers will have already received their resurrection bodies. It would appear from this statement that we, in our glorified bodies, will eat and drink in the millennial kingdom. But what about the heavenly kingdom?

When John the Apostle was given a vision of the New Jerusalem he was shown “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse…” Revelation 22:2-3 The text does not say whether we will actually eat the fruit of the tree of life, but that is certainly possible.

If we will be eating in heaven, we don’t know for sure what the heavenly menu may contain, although it has been suggested that perhaps our diet will be like that of Adam and Eve in paradise before the fall. “And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food’”  Genesis 1:29

In the end, we don’t really know if, or what, we will eat in heaven. Believers only “know in part” 1 Corinthians 13:9 The joys of being forever with our Jesus our Savior who is the Bread of Life are beyond our small minds to comprehend for “...it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure” 1 John 3:23God bless,
Marty

Good Coffee and God 5/17/2013

Good Morning,
Today I am enjoying a hot cup of Heavenly Caramel Coffee from the Door County Coffee Company. As you all know I like to start each day's devotional by letting you know what coffee I am drinking. Someone asked me why I do that.
It all started with some friends on Facebook. I would say good morning and tell them the flavor of my coffee and then post a Bible verse. It just seemed to carry over when our church started a blog.

But the truth in all this is that I enjoy early mornings. I am usually surrounded  by my two dogs, drinking a cup of coffee somewhere either at home, in the car or in my duck blind. I watch the sun come up, read some scripture and pray. This may sound a little foolish to some, but for me the sunrise, the coffee, the dogs, Scripture and God is a Holy Moment. Now truly it is God, prayer and Scripture that makes it holy, not the coffee or the dogs. Those two remind me of how blessed I am to have a cup and two affectionate dogs.

But it is that sunrise that reminds me that God is on His throne. His Word leads me each day, and I know He listens to my prayers. Wherever I am is then Holy Ground because I then am reminded that He never leaves me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 113:6

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

So when these are published each morning you all share just a moment in my quiet time with God, my coffee and me.

God bless,
Love you all
Marty

Stop The World And Let Me Off. 5/16/13

Good Morning,

Drinking some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee to start my day.

Does it seem to you that the world spins faster and there just isn't enough time in a day to keep up with life? I have declared today as stop the world day! Now how can I do that? I really can't control the speed of any other life but my own. I am not advocating for a sit down or strike. But my plan sometime today is to sit, be still, pray and read my Bible slowing down                                                                     enough to hear from God and wind down.

1 Kings 19:11-13   God’s Revelation to Elijah

¹¹ Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; ¹² and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

I can only imagine that if I were with Elijah when this took place I am sure I would not have been wondering about getting to the dry cleaners on time, mowing the grass, or paying the bills. For a short time I would have been concentrated on God and in a way that the world would have been stopped for awhile.

So my plan today is to take that time find a quiet place and let God stop the world for just a little while so I can enjoy Him!

Want to have a great day? Just let God stop it for an hour or two!
Love ya!
Marty

Friendship what is it? 5/15/2013

Good Morning,

Coffee today is Door County Hawaiian Hazel Nut!! Good to the last drop.

Over the years I have been blessed with a few friends. To me each one is special and brings out the best in me and others. But what does God say a friend should be?

The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him.

If we were to take these passages as a survey or quiz on ourselves what would your test score say about you as a friend? Do you go the extra mile without being asked? Do you give up time for others?

God bless,
Marty

A Steady Retriever 5/14/13

Good Morning,

Today I am slurping down some very hot Door County Totally Nuts Coffee. No comments on the nut drinking the coffee please.

A successful duck hunter needs a few pieces of equipment. A gun, some duck calls, waders, decoys, ammo, and a steady dog. A dog that can be counted on to listen, sit and follow directions. One who can hold still despite shooting going on, duck calls blaring and birds approaching. The wrong move at the wrong time could flare the birds, interrupt a shot and also be dangerous to the dog if he leaps in front of the gun.

As Christians we are to listen to God and follow His commands.   

Proverbs 2:1-5     My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.        

John 10:27-28    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

A steady dog uses less energy, accomplishes much, and is rewarded by His Master. A steady dog is patient and waits on the Master's command. We too should be steady people waiting on a command from our God.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Are we steady and patient with God who has all the answers or are we running out there under our own power wasting time and energy? Do we wait on Him or jump in a mess it all up?

Sit, be still and know that He is God.

Be happy,
Marty

Harley Davidson 110th Anniversary and God 5/13/2013

Good Morning,

I am starting today with some Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. Now for some Cheerios and off I go.

Last week our church met with a cycle group called the CMA. Christian Motorcycle Association. My church (Faith Bible Church) has a few of our members who are part of the group of riders. They have a vision to minister in prayer and outreach during Harley's 110th Anniversary. During the Labor Day weekend hundreds of thousands of riders will come to Milwaukee to celebrate. Our church will be used as a head quarters and camp ground for the Christian Riders who will man booths around the city for prayer and presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the many many riders from around the world.

This partnership in the Gospel is not complete yet and all the assignments are not quite handed out. What I saw here was the power of God to use people clothed differently, of like minds to unite in a cause to further His Kingdom. As we prayed together I was wondering what God might be thinking.

This verse came to mind.
Philippians 1:18
 ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.


I am not a cycle rider. I am a duck hunter through and through. My hobby dresses me differently from the passion that Harley Riders have for their cycles. But all of us there were saved by grace through Jesus Christ. We may dress differently but we are all of one mind in Jesus. So with the power of the Holy Spirit uniting two different groups in a Holy cause, God's will be done!
Pray for us as we head to a mission field that God sent to us! I can't wait.

Have a great day.
Marty

Mothers Day 5/12/2013

Good Morning.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Moms out there. My coffee cup is raised to you in tribute and it is filled with Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee.

Mothers Are Still God's Children.
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.
"Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:13-16, NLT)

Mothers exert constant and considerable energy to meet the needs of their families. Parenting is full-time work, and mothers know this full well. How many mothers might be blessed by the reminder that God still sees them and adores them as His own children? The Psalmist, King David, expressed this truth so clearly in Psalm 139.
What mother would not take comfort in some tender parenting of her own, such as only our loving Heavenly Father can provide, on Mother's Day and any day?

Mothers, we know we let you down now and then. But God has His hand upon you and He loves you.
Thanks for all you do.
God bless,
Marty

Wood Ticks and You Anoint My Head With Oil 5/11/2013

Good Morning Dear Friends,

My Coffee this morning is Door County Coconut Crush. Tropical taste in the Midwest.

Psalm 23:5
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;

Earlier this week it was time to treat my two dogs for the onslaught of mosquito and tick season. This is done by taking the treatment and starting at the top of the head and applying a little all the way to the tail. Both dogs held very still and when we were done they both sat expecting a little treat for being good. I did reward them with a doggie biscuit.

This caused me to think about Psalm 23:5 You see the shepherd would take the sheep to soft green grass on the side of a hillside. The hillside would often contain holes that held vipers. The sheep being nosey and wanting to eat would stick their heads into the holes and then be bitten by the vipers. To basically vaccinate the sheep from the vipers the shepherd would anoint the head of the sheep with oil. This oil was a process they used to keep the vipers away.

God treats us the same way. He desires for us to live a full life and avoid evil. He anoints us with His Word and His promises. Let me show you some examples.

Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)

¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

 

God has given us a beautiful world to live in, yet there is evil in the world. But He is the Faithful Shepherd and has the ointment against evil ready for us to apply. Be safe out there.

 

God bless,

Marty

Bible Verses on Hope. Friday recipe included 5/10/2013

Happy Friday,

Coffee today????? I will let you guess which one I made today from the Door County Coffee Company.
There are many today that are facing life situations and there seems to be no hope. Today I wish to share some verses that are found in God's Word that express hope. You are loved and important to God, others and me!

Job11:18
18 You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Psalm 25:2-3-6
2 In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. 6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Psalm 31:24
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 33:20
20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:22
22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 39:7
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 42:11
11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 62:5
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 65:5
5 You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas

I hope this helps someone. Pass it on.

God bless,
Marty

Sometimes Comfort Food is just like stepping into your favorite slippers. Just the name of this one makes me feel better.

Mom's Pot Roast

Ingredients

       .   1 (12-oz.) bottle cola

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 (3- to 4-lb.) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon fresh coarsely ground pepper
• 8 carrots (about 1 1/2 lb.), diagonally sliced
• 7 Yukon gold potatoes (3 lb.), peeled and cut into eighths
• 2 large onions, cut into eighths
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Preparation

1. 1. Combine cola, next 4 ingredients, and 2 Tbsp. oil in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Add roast, turning to coat. Seal and chill at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Remove roast from marinade, reserving marinade. Sprinkle roast evenly with pepper.
2. 2. Brown roast 4 minutes on each side in remaining 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large heavy-duty roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add reserved marinade, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of pan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. 3. Bake at 300° for 2 1/2 hours. Turn roast, and stir in carrots, potatoes, and onions. Bake 2 more hours or until roast and vegetables are tender. Transfer roast and vegetables to a serving platter. Skim fat from juices in roasting pan.
4. 4. Whisk together cornstarch and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk cornstarch mixture into juices in pan; cook over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until thickened, whisking to loosen particles.
5. 5. Drizzle 1/2 cup gravy over roast. Serve remaining gravy with meat and vegetables.

Jesus Trivia 5/9/2013

Good Morning,

I am drinking some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee this morning to get me up and going!

I thought it might be a little fun to test our brains today and see if we can't learn a little about Jesus Christ the Son of God by posing some trivia facts today. Let's see what we know. You might want to use this at a Bible study as an ice breaker.

1. Who ordered the census which brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem?

2. Where did Joseph, Mary and Jesus live?

3. What type of work did Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father) do?

4. How old was Jesus when He first taught in the temple?

5. How long was it before Joseph and Mary discovered Jesus was missing?

6. Where was Jesus baptized and by whom?

7. What were the three temptations that Satan gave to Jesus?

8. Who was the first disciple to come to Jesus in John 1?

What was the first recorded miracle of Jesus?

9. What was the first recorded miracle of Jesus?

10. Whom did Jesus call the “generation of vipers?”

11. What was Jesus doing when the disciples were scared during a storm on the sea?

12. How long had Lazarus been dead when Jesus brought him back to life?

13. What was the reaction of the people after Jesus cast the legion of demons into the swine?

14. Jesus said, “Get thee behind me Satan” to which disciple?

Answers

1. Caesar Augustus. Luke 2:1

2. Nazareth. Luke 2:3

3. He was a carpenter. Matthew 13:55

4. Twelve years old. Luke 2:42-47

5. After one day they knew He was missing, but it took a total of three days to find Him. Luke 2:42-47

6. In the Jordan river by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:13-17

7. Satan asked Him to turn the stones into bread: Matthew 4:3; To prove that He was invincible: Matthew 4:5-6; To worship Satan for the purpose of having the kingdoms of the world given to him: Matthew 4:8-9

8. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother and one of John’s disciples. John 1:40

9. Turned the water into wine and the marriage of Cana of Galilee. John 2:1-11

10. At various times the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Sometimes separately and sometimes together. Pharisees and Sadducees: Matthew 3:7; Pharisees: Matthew 12:34; Scribes and Pharisees: Matthew 23:33

11. Sleeping. Mark 4: 35-41

12. Four days. John 11:39

13. They were angry and wanted Him to leave their city. Matthew 8:28-34

14. Peter. Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33

How many did you get?

14 out of 14. Excellent
12 out of 14  Nice Job!
10 out of 14 Pretty Good
8   out of 14 Fair
6  out of 14 Not Too Good
Less than 6. Better study up a bit.

Have a great day. God bless.
Marty

On a hill far away. 5/8/2013

Good Morning,
My coffee of choice today is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch.

There is an old Hymn that I love to sing. It is titled "The Old Rugged Cross". I have copied a little bit of my favorite parts below.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

• Refrain:
  So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
  Till my trophies at last I lay down;
  I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  And exchange it some day for a crown.

I saw a beautiful cross this weekend in an antique shop. I pondered the beauty of it. Many people have seen a cross and know how Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay for our sins. I do not worship a cross. I do however worship the One who died there for me. I have listed below some Bible verses that talk about atonement for our sins and who paid the price. Then when you see a cross somewhere this week. Just look up and say thank you to the One who paid the price. But more importantly if you have rejected this gift and have decided not to invite Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, reconsider please. If you were the only one on earth Jesus would have died just for you.

That is the purest form of worship and the best way to say thank you. Don't waste the gift.

Revelation 5:9 - And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

1 Timothy 2:6 - Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 John 2:2 - And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Hebrews 9:12 - Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Jesus is the Way. "Cross" the gap between your sin, and God.

God bless,

Marty

The Old Man and the Boy 5/7/2013

 

Good Morning,

The old cup is filled today with some Door County German Chocolate Coffee.

I have been blessed with 12 year old Grandson who resides in Florida. Over the past few years he has braved his way to Wisconsin on a plane by himself. While visiting here we usually head to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit my Dad. Our visit will always include some fish on a small lake where we enjoy a lot of action. Last summer it became time to teach him another manly skill. The art of shooting a rifle. We taught him how to handle a 22 single shot rifle. We used balloons as targets and he did well. He had to stay disciplined to hit the target and be safe.

We do a lot of things while he visits. He enjoys a lot of fishing, shooting and go-karts.

One other many thing we do is talk about Bible Verses and we memorize some together. I consider that the job description of a Dad and Grandpa. It is also my job to help him to stay of target with a Godly life.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

So spend time teaching kids God's Word. It is in your job description as a Christian.

God bless,

Marty





Sheboygan Wisconsin and the Tool Box 5/6/2013

Good Morning,
Once again it is Monday. I will be drinking a large cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee as soon as I hit the road for work.
Yesterday I traveled to Sheboygan Wisconsin for a couple hours of work. My wife and I attend a Saturday evening church service in Greenfield Wisconsin. You will find us there most every Saturday, because I do about 90% of the preaching for that service. I try not to work on the Sabbath but occasionally I have to put in some weekend duty.

My wife was able to travel with me and while I worked she read a book and within two hours we were back on the road. We decided to tour the quaint harbor of Sheboygan which is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. We had lunch at a place called "The Mucky Duck" and then proceeded to check out some antique shops. We did make a purchase. We found an antique tool box that was hand crafted somewhere around the early 1900's. It is in very good shape and you could tell from the company name on the side that it was used to carry carpenters tools. As we drove home we talked about how we would put the tool box to use and where it would be within our home. We then talked about how Jesus was the earthly son of a carpenter and how he had to learn a trade. Once going forth into His ministry, the tools Jesus used changed. He performed miracles, displayed love and compassion. He taught from Scripture and spent much time  in prayer. If we are to be imitators of God. Do we pray for miracles? Do we fill our tool boxes with love , compassion and Scripture each day before we head into the world. Are we ready each day to do God's work?

Ephesians 5 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Think about it. Ready for work?

God bless,
Marty

Gardens And God. Reap What You Sow May 5th 2013

Good Morning. God Bless Your Day.

Starting this Sunday with some prayer and a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

 

This past week warmed up a little in Wisconsin and a friend of ours came over and turned over our garden and it is ready to be planted. I really like fresh vegetables from our garden. Truth be known I especially like tomatoes. I like to take the tomatoes and make fresh spicy salsa and freeze plenty to carry us through the winter. One of the other things we like to do is to share some of the blessings from our garden with others. So today might just find me planting some lettuce and onions.

Here is what I have learned about gardening. When I plant a lettuce seed, lettuce comes up. When I plant a tomato seed I get tomatoes. Same thing with squash. Life is like that too. If you perform evil you get evil in return. If you send love and goodness you get love and goodness in return. If you deal with anger you get angry and anger in return. Our Pastor refers to this as the law of the harvest.

Galatians 6:7-10
⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

So today what will you plant in your heart or in the hearts of others?

Have a wonderful day. Plant good things!

Marty