Alone after all these years. 7/31/13

Good Morning,

Not in position yet to start my day with a hot cup of Door County Coffee. But If I were, it would be a big cup of Jamaican Me Crazy.  www.doorcountycoffee.com

                                                     

A few years ago my mother went on to be with the Lord.  A few weeks later my Dad expressed to me how much he missed her and that it seemed like every day was a new first for him. He explained that the first time he drove past the ice cream shop was a first. He went on and talked about how he and mom used to stop there for an ice cream cone or sundae. So seeing it the first time without her was a first. My heart ached for him. I never thought of it that way.

A few weeks after that my wife and I went to Door County for a few days of rest and antique shopping. Life had been pretty stressful for me also. I was still at that time, recovering from an illness and the loss of my mom which was very unexpected and it had taken a toll on me. The get away was much needed. We had a wonderful time and my wife purchased an antique desk. I have written about the desk before. Since it would never fit in our Ford Escape she told the antique dealer that I would be back the following weekend with a truck to pick it up.

The following weekend I found myself back in Door County Wisconsin. I arrived before the antique shop opened for business. The week before my wife and had eaten breakfast at the Door County Coffee Company. I love their baked oatmeal. Well not being one to never treat myself to a goodie or two I returned to eat breakfast and ordered my baked oatmeal. I was sitting there alone thinking about the wonderful time we had when she and I were there just days ago. But now she wasn't. I felt alone and almost in tears when I realized what my dad was experiencing. It hit hard.

I bet many of us have attended funerals and we all say. "Just call if you need anything". And for a couple weeks we call the widow or widower and before we know it we just don't call as much if at all. Yet they are still going through "firsts". We need to continue with compassion and remember our friends and loved ones who have experienced the loss of their child, mate, or parent.  I know I fall short in this 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.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

 

Colossians 3:12-13  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.

 

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself  unstained from the world.

Let's remember those going through firsts. And make sure we call them. They probably really won't call us.

God bless,
Marty

Meeting People 7/30/13

Good Morning,

Back to work and if I were starting my day with the coffee of my choice it would be a huge cup of Door County Maple. I am longing for fall to arrive so I can order some. It is one of their seasonal flavors.

Each day is a new dawn. Each day brings opportunity to meet a new person, a new encounter with someone. It might be at work or school. It could be at the market or just on the street. In each new encounter a person that meets you for the first time starts to form their opinion of you. It is this first impression that is one that is hard to change for the good or bad. This usually takes place in the first 20 seconds of the encounter.

Do you greet people with a smile?
Do you say "good morning, good afternoon, or good evening'?
Do you extend a handshake?
Do you open the door?
Do you make eye contact?
Do you seem approachable?
Do you say please and thank you.
Do they see Jesus in you?

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In a few short seconds an opinion of yourself and your Savior can be made. That few precious seconds are very important. We waste a lot of time doing things. But don't waste the first 20 seconds of a first time meeting. The Jesus you represent might be the only bit of Jesus someone will see all day.

God bless,
Marty

Itching Ears 7/29/13

Good Morning.

Once again no coffee for me today. But if I could have some it would be a gallon of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Counting the days until I once again can have a cup.

Have you ever known of someone or experienced for yourself having an ant or mosquito find their way into your ear? I have and it is enough to drive you crazy until it is removed or dies. You are willing to try anything to get it out. Nothing satisfies the urge to keep trying more ways to stop the itch that occurs when this happens. I actually had someone tell me to pour very warm tea into my ear to cure the itch I received from the bite of an angry ant. I had fallen asleep while on a mission trip outside on the ground. Little did I know that I was on an ant hill. It did not work and all I did was waste fresh clean water trying to make tea.

The world is full of fables and old wives tales. I am afraid that in many churches and Christian lives we are falling for the itching ear that is spoken of in 2 Timothy Chapter 4.

2 Timothy 4  (NKJV)

Preach the Word

4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 

Many people are looking for a preacher or message that will tell them "what they want to hear" but not necessarily the TRUTH. The itch in their ears is not from the Holy Spirit but from the world. They want God but have become a people of "have it your own way". They no longer want to conform to the Word but want  the Word to conform to them. Beware of this. Paul clearly tells us that we are to Preach the truth not change it to fit the person. Sometimes the truth hurts, but in all times the truth sets people free if they desire to hear it and obey. Some will no longer preach heaven and hell. Some will not preach creation. Some will not preach the 10 commandments. This is not fulfilling our call.

 

You might not always agree with what I write. But it will always be the Truth. Some day when I leave this world and go on to be with the Lord I hope someone will say "hey that Elder was old school". Yes I read my Bible, meet just for prayer, believe in all 66 books of the Bible and preach heaven or hell. Fire and Brimstone. Well I guess so!

 

God bless.

Marty

Wild Boar 7/27/13

Good Morning.

Happy Saturday to you. No coffee for me for a week. I will explain next week. But if I were to drink some coffee today it would be some Door County Peanut Butter Crunch.

One of my more exciting hunting trips was the time that I went hunting for Russian Boar. It was a successful day. The old boar head hangs on a wall in my house. A boar can be very dangerous if cornered. Their tusks are razor sharp and the temper is just plain mean. They are much faster than they look. But let's go back to being cornered and hurt. That is when they are most dangerous. They seek to destroy anything they consider to be a threat.

When we step out in faith to serve our Lord we anger the prince of darkness. ( The Old Devil)
He is threatened and wants to stop us in our tracks. He is cornered and wants us to believe he is dangerous. But Jesus is our guide. We have nothing to fear.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So anticipate an attack when you answer God's call. But know this, when the bell rings at the end of the fight you are always the winner. Because Jesus fought for you.

God bless,
Marty

Music for my soul7/28/13

Good Morning.

No Coffee for me this morning. But if I were able to drink some today it would be some Door County Blueberry Cobbler.

There is many types of music that one can listen to these days. Our television has about 60 different music stations that we can tune into. The selections are way too many to mention. I do like to listen to music and enjoy many different types.

But the best music for my soul is that melody I enjoy while laughing or hearing laughter. This laughter needs to be wholesome and not malicious in nature. There is nothing funnier than watching a baby giggle for the first time. Did you ever wonder what they are laughing about. Well, they are looking at you!

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

² A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

 

We all spend a lot of time being way too serious. What I remember about the first date I ever had with my wife was the laughter we shared while in a canoe. It had been a long time since laughter filled my belly like that day. As I mentioned before that was our first date. We have been married as she says "a thousand years now". But we still laugh together.  

 

So today share a laugh with someone not at someone.

 

God bless,

Marty

Cherry Picking 7/26/13

Good Morning,
Friday once again and today I am celebrating Friday with a cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee.

I recently was watching the news on television when they ran a short spot on how the cherries were ripe and it was a great crop this year in Door County Wisconsin, home of my favorite coffees.

As I began to think about the cherries and all the different things that would be made from the cherries I could not help but think about Jesus. Once a cherry is crushed the juice that runs from it is dark red. Almost blood red. Most of us when we think of anything bloody we say "yuck". But as great things come from the juice of the cherry, the crimson blood shed by Jesus on the cross of Calvary paid the price for the sins of the world. For you and me. His body if you will was crushed and salvation is now offered to all who will receive it. So I see the beauty and love in His shed blood,

John 1:12-13
¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Have you received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Are you willing to accept His free gift today by praying and inviting Him into your heart asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins? Do you know someone you should forward this message to? It is a matter of life in eternity with God or hell with Satan. You get to choose.

Have a wonderful day.
Marty

Apple Pie, Devotional and a recipe 7/25/13

Good Morning,

Starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. I will admit this one thing. It is a huge cup today!

My wife and I are both fond of apple pie. To be honest there are very few pies that I am not fond of. But together we enjoy a nice slice of apple pie. It is the one pie I can actually make. So how do we make apple pie and a Christian devotional go together? Really this could be about anything that you can share with a loved one. It's not so much the pie as it is the time we spend together making the pie, tending our apple trees, and enjoying the aroma in the house from the hot pie baking away in the oven.

You see there is a time to enjoy people you love and a time to share goodies with each other. There is a time for laughter and smiles. There is a time to enjoy a sweet aroma. There is a time to be a family. There is a time for apple pie.

Ecclesiastes 3 New International Version

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

God Bless,

Marty

Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe

• Prep time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Cook time: 55 minutes

 

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
• 1/2 cup finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour (can substitute 1/2 cup flour if you don't have almonds)
• 16 Tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes, chilled in freezer for at least 15 minutes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 heaping teaspoon brown sugar
• 3 to 6 Tbsp water, very cold

Filling Ingredients

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 pounds of 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices of peeled and cored good cooking apples such as Granny Smith, Pippin, Golden Delicious
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 Tbsp cream

Method

1 In a food processor, combine flour, almonds, salt and brown sugar, pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times, until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea size pieces of butter. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time, pulsing until mixture just begins to clump together. If you pinch some of the crumbly dough and it holds together, it's ready, if not, add a little more water and pulse again.
Remove dough from machine and place on a clean surface. Carefully shape into 2 discs. Do not over-knead the dough! You should still be able to see little bits of butter in the dough. These bits of butter are what will allow the result crust to be flaky. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
2 Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 375°F.
3 Combine sugar, flour and spices in large bowl. Use your hands and mix in the apples so they are well coated, then add brandy and vanilla extract.
4 Remove one crust disk from the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle some flour on top of the disk. Roll out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to a 12 inch circle; about 1/8 of an inch thick. As you roll out the dough, use a metal spatula to check if the dough is sticking to the surface below. Add a few sprinkles of flour if necessary to keep the dough from sticking. Gently fold in half. Place on to a 9-inch pie plate, lining up the fold with the center of the pan. Gently unfold and press down to line the pie dish with the dough.
5 Spoon in apple filling, mounding slightly in center.


6 Roll out second disk of dough, as before. Gently turn over onto the top of the apples in the pie. Pinch top and bottom of dough rounds firmly together. Trim excess dough with kitchen shears, leaving a 3/4 inch overhang. Fold dough under itself so that the edge of the fold is flush with the edge of the pan. Flute edges using thumb and forefinger or press with a fork.
7 Stir yolk and cream in small bowl to blend. Brush over top of pie. Cut slits in top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake pie until crust begins to turn golden, about 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F. Tent the rims with aluminum foil or a pie protector if the edges are browning too quickly. Bake until crust is golden and juices are bubbling, anywhere from an additional 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of apples you are using. Transfer to rack; let stand 1 hour. Serve pie warm or at room temperature.

His Eye is on the Sparrow 7/24/13

Good Morning Friends,

I am starting my day in prayer and then having a big cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee.

I must admit I have something on my mind that has me devoting a lot of time in prayer. Several friends of mine are on the mission field for Jesus or are heading out leading some short term mission trips. They are all over the world right now. I also have a grandson toughing it out in a Bible Military Camp for three weeks. Besides that, it won't be long until I head out to lead a short term mission trip. So lots on my mind.

Luke 12:7

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

One of my favorite songs to sing is "His eye is on the sparrow". It reminds me that God has each of us in sight at all times. He knows our comings and our goings.

 

His Eye Is on the Sparrow Civilla D. Martin, 1905 Copyright: Public Domain Main subject: Comfort Scripture: Matthew 10:29-31

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I will turn all my worries to Him for he cares for me. God bless, Marty 

Sunday Afternoons7/23/13

Good Morning Dear Friends.

I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Our Subject today will be rest. I have done this before but I believe God desires us to keep the Sabbath holy and rest.

In my line of work (health care) we expect that to be a 24/7 type job. So today I am not going to talk to those who have to make a living and work on Sundays. I will however challenge those who have to work Sundays to try and get to church on Saturdays. Many Bible based churches offer a Saturday evening or Sunday evening alternative.

But what I am noticing is that many folks are choosing to miss church because of sports or other non-work activities. Really? Does Little League Baseball or soccer, or volleyball for kids need to be such a priority that we pay huge dollars to get the kids into these clubs or schools and then forsake worship? When we vacation do all the churches close in the location we chose? I am very proud of a young lady from our church that told me where she was vacationing and asked if I knew of a good church there? We wonder  why the youth of today fall away from the church when they reach 18-30 years old. Well that is what we as parents taught them. Let's place the blame where it needs to go. With us. Church attendance is secondary to everything else. Don't get me wrong I love these sports myself. But there comes a time to draw a line. What is more important.

Friends I am an avid duck hunter and weekends in the fall are often the time when I can get my hunting in. But I must tell you that the guys ( and ladies) I hunt with always attend their church on the weekends. They hunt outside of the church hours. I am proud to be associated with them.

Now you might say "he's on his soap box again". Very true, I am. But God's Word backs me up and I am not afraid to say His Word doesn't need me at all. It stands very well on it's own, because it is God Himself speaking.

Mark 2:27 ESV     
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Leviticus 23:3         

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places.

Exodus 20:8-11     

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Hebrews 10:25New King James Version

²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Proverbs 22:6New King James Version

⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

 

Well I think God has spoken through His word. The question is. Will we be obedient and listen?

 

God Bless,

Marty

Cure for Mondays 7/22/13

Good Morning Everyone!

I am starting my day with a big cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee.

Does anyone ever go "oh no Monday again". I must admit that I do that a little bit. But I believe I have found the cure. The cure is to count you blessings.

God offers this inspiration to us through His Word. I often use the term Word. What I am referring to is the Bible. God's Holy and Inspired Word.

#1 of 10 Bible Verses about Counting blessings – Favorite Bible Verse
Favorite Bible Verse about Counting blessings
Psalm 103:1-2, KJV Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:2, NLT Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
#2 of 10 Bible Verses about Counting blessings – Bible Quotes Example
Psalm 105:1-5, ESV Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
#3 of 10 Bible Verses about Count your blessings – Focus on things that are good and praise worthy. Count blessings, not problems!
1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Philippians 4:8, NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
#4 of 10 Bible Verses about Counting your blessings – Name them one by one!
What are the good things God has done for you? Think about them, name them one by one.
Psalm 103:2-5, NLT Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
#5 of 10 Count our Blessings Scriptures – God cares about you
God’s character is unchanging
Psalm 103: 6-7, NLT The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
#6 of 10 Bible Verse Count your many blessings – Praise the Lord!
Psalm 103:8-10, NLT The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
Romans 5:6-8, ESV For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
#7 of 10 Bible Quotes on Counting your blessings – God is good!
Psalm 103:11-12, NLT For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
#8 of 10 Bible Scripture Count your blessings – God’s Love is a blessing!
Psalm 103:13, ESV As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
#9 of 10 Count your many blessings Bible Verse – God’s steadfast love
Psalm 103:17, ESV But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
#10 of 10 Count Blessings Bible Verse Scripture – Give Thanks to God!
2 Peter 3:9, ESV The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Psalm 118:1, ESV Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

I see said everyone. This is the cure. Count them all now! Then Mondays become a blessing!

God bless,
Marty

The Least of These Part 3 7/21/13

Good Morning,

Sunday and I am headed to church. But not before I have a large cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.


Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Today is the last day in our three part series titled "The Least of These". To recap, the lyrics to this song were given to me to use by a young music composer. If you joined us today for the first time you really should go back and absorb all three messages.

Verse Three

 

The Least of These

 

They didn't ask for this.

This wasn't their dream.

Raised in the hood, they've done all that they could, just for some peace.

No Father who comes around.

And Mom's smoking weed

The streets are their lives, the guns and the knives.

And gangs are their family.

 

Chorus

And they are the least of these.

He has his own name.

He's someone that God's only Son came here to save.

What are we doing to reach him?

How are we meeting his needs?

Cuz whatever we do for him we do for our King

 

All three verses of this song ask us to stretch and reach those who some have called "beyond help".

Sometimes we lack reaching out because of fear. We are not to fear. We are to hope and reach the lost. I want you to read the account of Nicky Cruz. I had the privilege of working in one of his restoration camps in Peru. We need to reach out without fear. The Holy Spirit does the rest. I can only say that it was an amazing experience to hold a dinner for the "drug addicts and criminals" that day. Some of the most hardened people you have ever met. We did this with a group of teens and a few adults. I never felt safer and we were treated with the utmost respect. The men were told to listen as we preached and shared Jesus after feeding them the first beef they had tasted in months. During our altar call we saw grown men cry and reach out and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Oh by the way that group of teens was 90% girls.

 

Nicky Cruz

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Nicky Cruz
Born	(1938-12-06) December 6, 1938 (age 74)Las Piedras, Puerto Rico
Occupation	Christian Minister
Nationality	Puerto Rican
Notable work(s)	Run Baby Run,One Holy Fire,Soul Obsession.
nickycruz.org

Nicky Cruz (born December 6, 1938) is a Christian evangelist, the founder of Nicky Cruz Outreach, an evangelistic Christian ministry. He was also once the director of Teen Challenge, serving under David Wilkerson before founding another ministry home himself in California. Prior to his conversion he was the leader of a New York City gang, The Mau-Maus.

Contents [hide] 1 Early life 2 Conversion

Early life

Cruz was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico where he was raised by his parents. His parents practiced brujeria and were followers of spiritism ("espiritismo"). They mentally abused him; his own mother would call him "Son of Satan". The neighborhood in which he lived was one of the worst in Puerto Rico and Cruz was always getting into trouble. According to his book Run Baby Run, his parents sent him to live with his brother in New York City when he was 15, and Cruz soon ran away and started living on the streets of the city. He became a member of the Mau-Mau street gang, and about six months later Cruz was elected Warlord of the gang. He quickly rose to be their leader.^[

Conversion

Shortly after Cruz's ascension to leader of the gang, David Wilkerson was preaching in the neighborhood when Cruz encountered him. The preacher told Cruz that Jesus loved him and would never stop loving him. A shocked Cruz responded by slapping Wilkerson and threatening to kill him. Wilkerson looked Cruz in the face and said that he could cut Wilkerson into a thousand pieces, but every piece would still say Jesus loves him. Wilkerson said that no one can kill love, and that God is love. That afternoon the preacher showed up at the Mau-Mau's headquarters to repeat his message, and was slapped again by Cruz. Wilkerson just smiled, and then prayed for Nicky.
Two weeks later, Wilkerson had an evangelistic meeting in the neighborhood. When Cruz heard about it, he decided to go and teach the preacher a "lesson" and, with some of the members of his gang, he headed for the boxing arena where the rally was being held, on a bus sent specially by Wilkerson. According to Cruz, when he arrived at the arena, he felt guilty about the things that he had done and started to pray. Wilkerson preached, then asked the Mau-Maus to take up a collection. Nicky sprang to his feet and led a group of the gang through the crowd insisting on people giving money. Going backstage, he saw an exit, but was struck by the fact that someone had actually trusted him. He gave the money to Wilkerson on stage. Later, Wilkerson gave an altar call, and many gang members responded. Wilkerson prayed with Cruz, and Cruz asked God to forgive him.
The following day Cruz and some of the gang members who converted went to the police and turned in all of their bricks, handguns and knives, shocking the police officers in the station. They said that if they had seen the group approaching, they probably would have shot them down. Cruz began to study the Bible and went to Bible College. He became a preacher and returned to his old neighborhood, where he preached and persuaded some of the Mau-Maus to accept Jesus, including the gang's new leader, Israel Narvaez

Now how can you argue with the fact that we need to go and love on people that seem hard to love? Nicky reaches thousands each year.  What's our excuse?

God bless,
Marty





Least of These Part 2 7/20/13

Good Morning,

Happy happy cup of coffee to you this morning. Mine is the very last of my holiday stash. It is a hot cup of Door County White Christmas.

I am continuing our series from my song writer friend. Today we will look into the dark side of prostitution and sex trafficking.

 

 

The Least of These 

 

Verse Two

 

She didn't ask for this.

This wasn't her dream.

Sold to a man who had his own plans.

No care for her needs.

She being passed around.

She's a commodity

An object of lust, with no ounce of trust.

And love is a word that makes her scream.

 

Chorus

And he is the least of these.

He has his own name.

He is someone that God's only Son Came here to save.

What are we doing to reach him?

How are we meeting his needs?

Cuz whatever we do for him,

We do for our King.

 

 

I remember being in another country on an evangelical mission trip. One of the ladies in our group started a conversation with a prostitute. Another local lady came over and asked our lady this question. "What are you doing talking to her? She is a prostitute" I watched both of the young ladies heads begin to fall. It was then that a man from our group came over and finished the conversation. He handed the young woman 20$  and told her to go home and rest. He had just presented her with the loving Gospel message of Jesus Christ. He quoted our Lord and told her to "go and sin no more".
We found out later that because of a hurricane that had come through and killed her sister this young lady took in her sister"s kids in and sex was the only way she could pay to feed the kids. A collection was taken and food was purchased for the family that would last a full year. She is now a teacher and works in a school for troubled teen girls.

What goes through your head when you hear the word prostitute? Most are not in that profession by choice. Some have been sold into slavery by their parents. What goes through your head when you see a prostitute? Would you be seen giving one money and buying her a night of rest? Would you invite him or her to church and sit with them?

According to the New Testament Bible, Jesus did talk to prostitutes. He had compassion on them because they were trapped in sin (in wrongdoing). He spoke to everyone. There is no type of person that was excluded. Since Jesus came to die for the sins (wrongdoing) of mankind, sin did not prevent Him from loving people. He loved all sinners, including prostitutes.

Read here the story of Jesus with a prostitute as seen in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament Bible:

Luke 7:36-50.

36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

So he said, “Teacher, say it.”

41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”

And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

God bless.
Marty

Least of These Part One 7/19/13

Good Morning Dear Friends.

I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Some days are Cherry Creme kind of days.

Last weekend I had the blessing to meet with a young song writer. He asked me to listen to a song that he had written. I listened while he played the music and sang. After he was finished I asked if I could publish the lyrics in this devotional. I am thankful that he granted me permission.  Each verse of the song has a common thread to the others. The chorus got to me and made me think about how we look at those less fortunate within our society. So for the next three days I will devote a day to each song verse and Scripture. What impact it has, is all up to the Holy Spirit.

 

The Least of These

 

He didn't ask for this.

This wasn't his dream.

To reach out his hand, and ask every man for a small offering.

The clothes that he wears around someone threw away

The food that he eats, he calls it a feast.

He found in the trash today.

 

Chorus

And he is the least of these.

He has his own name.

He is someone that God's only Son Came here to save.

What are we doing to reach him?

How are we meeting his needs?

Cuz whatever we do for him,

We do for our King.

 

 

Friends we are all surrounded by those in need. What do we think when we see a homeless man or woman asking for a dollar? Someone with a sign that says"will work for food"? A family of 9 living in a cheap motel? One room with nine inside. These too are God's children.

 

Matthew 25: 35-40 "‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ "

 

 

I wonder if God ever sends angels in the disguise of these to test us? It says in Matthew 25:35-40 that whatever we do to the least of His brothers we did to Him. I wonder how many of us pass Him by. And think about this. What if it were you and you had to beg?

 

God bless,

Part two tomorrow.
Marty

 



Mowing the Lawn 7/18/13

Good Morning,

Starting today with a large, very large cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.
www.doorcountycoffee.com 

Well summer is here and the spring has disappeared. We have reduced mowing the grass to once a week now instead of twice. The only difference now is that the chore usually needs to be done after work on a hot evening. So it is not as nice of a chore as it was a month ago. But the results are needed.

We do enjoy our yard. We are truly blessed by our Heavenly Father to have been able to use it for about 25 years now. I remember when our house was first built. Our yard was clay, rocks and dust that first year. Then it started. Some sweat equity, apple trees, grass, bushes flowers, lilacs, blue spruce, maple and white birch trees have all matured. Yet the yard still requires maintenance and work.

Friends, we are all like that. Rocks and clay that God can take and make useful to others for His Kingdom. God is never finished with us until He calls us home. He started on us from the beginning and will see it through to completion. And from time to time He has to prune us, just as we prune our trees for health and better fruit. God wants to prune us through His personal relationship with each of us. He knows what is best and desires us to feed on His word, grow through prayer and obedience. I have attached some Bible verses to help walk you through my thoughts.

Philippians 1:3-6  He will complete what He has started in you.
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;


John 15  (NKJV) From time to time we need pruning

The True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;^[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will^[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.


Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV) We are fed through His word.

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.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 God requires us to be obedient.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
God loves you and if you haven't heard it from someone today that you are loved. I love you too.

Marty

Basil Pesto Recipe and God 7/17/13

Starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee. Good Morning Dear Friends.

I have learned to develop new tastes over the years. At one time if the sauce on my pasta wasn't red it wasn't going to be eaten. I have discovered that I am fond of fresh basil pesto sauces on pasta now. If you read the recipe below and look at the ingredients and try each one individually they may or may not taste all that great. But no matter how you do it eating each ingredient one piece at a time will not give you pesto sauce. Combined they form a wonderful taste and are very different than when alone.

That's how it is supposed to be in churches. All people have different gifts and talents. Some alone themselves are useful but combined with others can be an awesome display of God's love, His plans, and His strength.

Here are my favorite Bible verses pertaining to the Church Body of Believers.
Romans 12:3-5
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

God bless,
Marty

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Special equipment needed: A food processor

Method

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Yield: Makes 1 cup.

Worry Part Two 7/16/13

Dear Friends. Good Morning.

I am starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee as we look at "Worry Part Two".

I journal quite a bit. I write down things I am praying for or things on my mind or let's call it what is. (Worry). I go back a year later and re-read my journal and look at how those particular things worked out. Sometimes I then can see God's hand clearly in the matter and how He worked my way through it. It is not always how I would have preferred for them to be worked out but I have learned that in some things we have no control and worrying is not going to help at all. We must by faith in Almighty God trust that He is in control. He can be counted on no matter how it looks to carry us through.

It is at these times I turn to some of my favorite passages on worry.

Psalm 23:4
⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Romans 8:28

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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 recommend a journal. It tells your life story and sometimes we need to go back and read how the road of our story was walked. It might be possible to pass these on to our loved ones when we pass. It might help them to know how we relied on God and gave our worries to Him. So today let's all try to take one worry if not all of them and cast them where they need to be.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you

 

Have a great day. God bless,

Marty

 

 

Worry Part One7/15/2013

Good Morning,

Monday once again and I am starting today with a big cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.

I am going to start a two day series on worry. Let's look at what can happen from worry on the physical side.

Can Excessive Worry Make Me Physically Ill? WEB MD

Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions such as:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fast heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Inability to concentrate
• Irritability
• Muscle aches
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Nervous energy
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling and twitching

When the excessive fuel in the blood isn’t used for physical activities, the chronic anxiety and outpouring of stress hormones can have serious physical consequences, including:

• Suppression of the immune system
• Digestive disorders
• Muscle tension
• Short-term memory loss
• Premature coronary artery disease
• Heart attack

If excessive worrying and high anxiety go untreated, they can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
Although these effects are a response to stress, stress is simply the trigger. Whether or not you become ill depends on how you handle stress. Physical responses to stress involve your immune system, your heart and blood vessels, and how certain glands in your body secrete hormones. These hormones help to regulate various functions in your body, such as brain function and nerve impulses.
All of these systems interact and are profoundly influenced by your coping style and your psychological state. It isn’t the stress that makes you ill. Rather, it’s the effect responses such as excessive worrying and anxiety have on these various interacting systems that can bring on the physical illness. There are things you can do, though, including lifestyle changes, to alter the way you respond.

We all worry. There was a popular song in the 80's that said "don't worry be happy". Oh friends there are bills to pay, illnesses, family issues galore. But does worry help any of these?

What does the Bible say about worry?
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“

Luke 12:25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Worry Bible Verses- All About Peace

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved

May your worries be non existent or at least a lot smaller today.

God bless,
Marty

Prayer Time 7/14/13

Good Morning,

Sunday Morning and it is supposed to be hot and humid today in Wisconsin. I am starting today with a large cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.

Last night after our Saturday evening church service we held an extended time for a prayer meeting. There is never a time limit set for the prayer time and I have witnessed them lasting until dawn the next day. But last night finished after about two and one half hours. Many circumstance received prayer, intercession for others took place and it was a least to say a "sweet time" with other believers and God.

Today I am choosing to ask you to answer a few questions about your prayer life. No need to email or comment just grade yourself.

1. In a crisis do you pray first or pick up a phone and call someone?
2. If you do call someone do you ask for prayer?
3. Would you say that your daily prayer time is adequate?
4. Do you believe that God hears your prayers?
5. Is your prayer life more of a personal shopping list or do you intercede on the behalf of others?
6. Now how would God answer these questions about you?

Here are some helpful verses on prayer.

1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

Psalm 4:1Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 145:18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

 Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Matthew 7:11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Luke 6:12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Luke 18:1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:17pray continually;

1 Timothy 2:8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Hebrews 4:14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

James 1:7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

James 4:3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

Have a wonderful Sunday. Be sure to get to church.

Love you,
Marty

A walk in the Harbor 11/13/13

Good Morning.

I hope your day starts well and ends well. My day has started with a cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee. Not much left of my holiday coffee stash. I must be the only one around wanting Christmas to hurry.



Last night my wife and I went for a walk along the harbor in our home town. It was just before dusk and there were still lots of water craft out on Lake Michigan. Some people were still swimming and some of the boats returning to shore were displaying their catch of salmon to the onlookers.
During our walk we saw geese, ducks and a bunch of white tail deer. Some were still with the spotted fawns.

The water was beautiful to see. The wildlife and fish were an added surprise. Both of us remarked that God had really put on a display of His creation for us as we walked. Some people go to the theater for a show. And we do enjoy a movie or two. But somehow we just knew that Our God just put on an award winning show for us.

Genesis 1:20-24
²⁰ Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” ²¹ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ²² And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” ²³ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

²⁴ Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. ²⁵ And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

We agree with God,
What we saw was good.
Have a great day.
Marty