Working My Way Back to You 8/31/13

Good Morning from our home to yours.

Early riser again today. Starting today with a fresh cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee.

There was a popular song performed by a couple of groups years ago. "Working my way back to you". Of course it is a love story of how a guy did the girl wrong and now he is working hard to get back to her and in her good graces.

One thing I know from either side of the genders is that when a spouse messes up badly it is a lot of work to get back and be the same.

Yet with God it is different. We all have sinned and fall short of the mark. Yet God embraces our return to Him with open arms.

James 4:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

One step toward God and He steps toward you. As far as working our way back to God that is impossible.

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

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

Jesus is that gift. Inviting Him in to be your Lord and Savior is the first step. Jesus paid the price by death on the cross for our sins. Asking for forgiveness through faith and accepting it is the second step.

John 14:1-7

English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me. ² In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?^{[b] 3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”^{[c] 5} Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.^[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

 

Working our way back to God? Take the route God planned out. Take Jesus.

 

God bless,

Marty

NFL Pre-Season Football 8/30/13

Good Morning,

Friday once again and I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee. I am really looking forward to a three day weekend!

Last night I took a little time away from everything and watched a  bit of the NFL pre-season football game between the Greenbay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. I really don't get fired up about the pre-season warm up games at all. At the end of the season they really don't count. But for some who really follow football closely it is a chance to watch players and evaluate whether or not they will make the team. Now those fans will never be consulted on who makes the team or who doesn't, what plays get called, who starts, who doesn't, punt or not, run or pass. So pretty much they can cheer, complain and go crazy from the couch or sideline. Their number never gets called.

But in God's super bowl everyone who wants to play and get into the game can do so. We can all be part of God's work. As there are many different positions in football, there are also many different gifts and talents among all Christians that can be used to glorify God and build His kingdom. Everyone in the game is an MVP.

1 Peter 4:10-11

                        

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.


So get into the game this weekend. This is not the pre-season. What you do counts now.

God bless,
Marty

Walworth County Fair 8/29/13

Good Morning,

A big cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee to start my day. A little set back with the shoulder. Back to therapy again this morning.

It won't be long until we will visit the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn Wisconsin. Just a few days and we will be attending the "Beach Boys Concert". There are many things to do at the fair and many good things to eat. Fair food can be fun.

I am particularly fond of one vendor who sells Italian Sausages with peppers on a bun. I eat it and always want another. I used to be able to pound down a couple but as I get older I find that one is really enough. But it still leaves me wanting more.

Time spent with God is the same way. As a sausage is a delight to the pallet, God is a delight to the soul. Spending time with God always leaves us wanting more time with Him.

Psalm 42:1 NKJV     

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

 

It is OK to over indulge on God. Go ahead and get plenty.

 

God bless,

Marty

 

Duck Boats 8/28/13

Good Morning.

Headed off to work with a time of prayer and a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

This past weekend I started the process of getting my two duck boats ready for the season. I am blessed to have two boats. One is smaller for little ponds and dragging to a river. The other is bigger for larger bodies of water.

I was able to purchase the smaller one at an estate sale last year. I quickly cleaned it, sanded it and sprayed a coat of duck boat paint on it. I knew it would be OK for the season but it really needed two coats. Well the second coat was finally applied over the last few days. We used the boat quite a bit last year and I really enjoyed the time spent in it with friends and my dog Fritz. As I was sanding the boat down and starting the repainting process I started to think about every guy who went out with me in that boat. They are all good men, honest and hard working. I am blessed to call them friend. I stopped painting for awhile just long enough to say thank you to God for those friends. I stopped to count my blessings.

Psalm 103:2 ESV          
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

Today. Count your blessings. And I bet when you count them you will find that you count someone!

God bless,
Marty

Corn bread and Contentment 8/27/13 With a recipe

Good Morning.

Headed off early this morning running out the door with a cup of Door County Chocolate Meltdown Coffee.

My mother had an aunt named Hazel. Hazel lived in the Milwaukee area and was more like an aunt to us than she was to our mother. Hazel was a strong Christian who believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior. She loved to play board games, especially Parcheesi. As kids we would visit and there would be some long nights playing Parcheesi with the family.

Just before she passed on and I was visiting, we were actually recalling those nights and laughing together. She asked me what I liked best about those nights. I hesitated to tell her what it really was. But there was no time like that moment to be honest. I told her that I always looked forward to having a piece of her corn bread when we visited. Hazel could make corn bread like no one else I know. She said " I know. We used to watch you and when we ate our meal your corn bread was gone first. And if you asked for seconds on anything it was always the corn bread.". I guess my love for corn bread didn't fool anyone. She told me that she enjoyed corn bread too. She went on and reminded me that our mother had been sick quite a bit when we were younger and that she always thought that game night, and a meal with some corn bread would be a treat and comfort for a young family. As I get older I can see God at work in our lives even when we were little kids. He provided a jolly, laughing lady with corn bread to brighten my day. I can't help but eat a piece of corn bread without thinking about her. You might not be a corn bread expert but you can be a person who shows compassion. Ask God to open your eyes and show you something you can do for someone that would be their corn bread. You see what she did lasts a life time. When I eat a piece of corn bread and think of those great times I find that the things bothering me leave for awhile and I find contentment. Here is the secret to being content.

^{Philippians 4:6-9
6} Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Won't you be the corn bread for someone today?

God bless,
Marty

Ingredients

 Hazel's Cornbread

•                                         

Original recipe makes 9 servings                    

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Epidemic Needed 8/26/13

Good Morning Friends,

This morning I will be starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts coffee. I will be breaking out my order of fall flavors in September.

Today I am declaring that what we need is an epidemic. Now before the local police show up and I am declared insane let me define an epidemic. I see hatred among nations, chemical warfare on people, murder in the streets, mayhem in families. I see the need for an epidemic of change. Revival is the cure, world wide.

ep·i·dem·ic

/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/ Show Spelled [ep-i-dem-ik] Show IPA

adjective

1.

Also, ep·i·dem·i·cal. (of a disease) affecting many persons at the same time, and spreading from person to person in a locality where the disease is not permanently prevalent.

2.

extremely prevalent; widespread.

noun

3.

a temporary prevalence of a disease.

4.

a rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something: an epidemic of riots.

 

Now let me explain the epidemic we need.

 

Now I am not sure that this definition will keep me from the ward for the insane. But I believe that what the world today needs is an epidemic of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and with that you will see an uncontrollable outbreak of love, kindness and forgiveness. Might I suggest world revival? I guess a flame starts with a spark. So let the revival begin with you and me.

 

The Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions;^[a] if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.^{[b] 3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The Father Revealed

⁷ “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

 

Revelation 21:3-4 ESV           And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

What the world needs is the Love of Christ in the hearts of all men. Join me in prayer for world revival today.

God bless,
Marty

Watching a Sunrise and the AntiChrist 8/25/13

Good Morning,

This morning I am starting the day a little early and I have filled my cup with some Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee.

I am up before sunrise. I guess I have duck season pulsing through my veins and next weekend will start the Canadian Goose Hunt. Well my biological calendar must be kicking in and telling me to practice getting up earlier. So later today I will be on the river doing some dog training with my young dog Gibbs. We will practice having him swim past the decoys and retrieving a real bird on the water. ( frozen pigeons). This is not something new for him. I have been practicing that for awhile and I try to incorporate that into my training. Nothing more embarrassing than having your dog bring back the decoy instead of the goose or duck.  It is easy to get confused in the dark with guns going off all over.

Back to sunrise. I am facing East and the sun is coming up directly in front of me. There is no mistaking the sun. It is the only one I have ever seen, it comes from the East every day. What is somewhat blinding me now, is the same one and only one that I see each and every day. There is no way I can be mistaken.

But God warns us of those fakers who will claim to be from Him, claim to be the Messiah, claim to be Jesus, claim to know the truth, claim that the Gospel today is not the same ad days of old, and they will be slick. Many will fall prey to their lies. But here is how we can know for sure that they are of God and are false prophets and the Antichrist. Note how many verses I have attached below. This list could go on with a lot more. We need to heed the advice given and beware of anything less than the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, His death burial and resurrection for our sins. Jesus is the one and only "SON".  Pay attention to all the verses. Especially the ones from Romans and Timothy. I believe they describe the times we are in right now and people are being confused by emotions and not faith in Jesus.

• Matt 7:15-20 (NKJV) Jesus warns, "BEWARE of the FALSE PROPHETS, who COME TO YOU in SHEEP'S CLOTHING but INWARDLY are RAVENOUS WOLVES. You will KNOW THEM (identify them) by their FRUITS. Do men gather GRAPES from THORN BUSHES or FIGS from THISTLES?  Even so, EVERY GOOD TREE bears GOOD FRUIT, but a BAD TREE bears BAD FRUIT. A GOOD TREE CANNOT bear BAD FRUIT, NOR can a BAD TREE bear GOOD FRUIT. EVERY TREE that does NOT bear GOOD FRUIT is CUT DOWN and THROWN into the FIRE. Therefore by THEIR FRUITS you will KNOW THEM.”
• 
  
• Matt 24:4-5 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone Mislead you, for MANY will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will DECEIVE MANY."
• 
  
• Matt 7:21-23 Jesus warns, "Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the WILL OF MY FATHER in Heaven will enter. On Judgment Day MANY will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We PROPHESIED IN YOUR NAME and Cast out demons in your Name and Performed many Miracles in your Name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who BREAK GOD'S LAWS."
  

         Matt 24:11 (NKJV) Jesus warns, "MANY FALSE PROPHETS will rise up             
         deceive many.

• Matt 24:23-26 Jesus says “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For FALSE MESSIAHS and FALSE PROPHETS will rise up and perform GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS SO AS TO DECEIVE, IF POSSIBLE EVEN GOD'S CHOSEN ONES. See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it!"
• 
  
• Mark 13:22 Jesus warns, "FALSE CHRISTS & FALSE PROPHETS shall rise, and shall show SIGNS & WONDERS, IN ORDER TO LEAD ASTRAY, if it WERE POSSIBLE, even the ELECT. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance."
• 
  
• Rev 2:2 Jesus says, "I know ALL the things you DO. I have seen your Hard Work & your Patient Endurance. I know you DON'T TOLERATE EVIL PEOPLE. You have EXAMINED the CLAIMS of those who SAY they are APOSTLES but are NOT. You have DISCOVERED they are LIARS. You have Patiently Suffered for Me without Quitting...(6) You HATE THE EVIL DEEDS of the Nicolaitans, just as I do."

• Matt 16:4 Jesus says, "ONLY an EVIL, ADULTEROUS generation would demand a Miraculous Sign..."
• 
  
• Acts 20:29-32 "I know that FALSE TEACHERS, like VICIOUS WOLVES, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the Flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and DISTORT THE TRUTH in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. “And now I entrust you to God and the Message of his Grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself."
• 
  
• Rom 16:17-18 (KJV) “MARK THEM which cause DIVISIONS & OFFENCES CONTRARY to the DOCTRINE which you have learned; and AVOID them. For they that are such SERVE NOT our Lord Jesus Christ, but their OWN BELLY (personal interests); and by GOOD WORDS & FAIR SPEECHES (smooth talk) DECEIVE the HEARTS of the SIMPLE (i.e. innocent, unsuspecting, naïve, undiscerning)."
• 
  
• 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) "But there were also FALSE PROPHETS among the people, even as there will be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who will SECRETLY bring in DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES, even DENYING the LORD who bought them, and bring on themselves SWIFT DESTRUCTION. And MANY will FOLLOW their DESTRUCTIVE WAYS, because of whom the WAY of TRUTH will be BLASPHEMED. By COVETOUSNESS they will EXPLOIT you with DECEPTIVE WORDS; for a LONG TIME their JUDGMENT has NOT been IDLE, and their DESTRUCTION does NOT SLUMBER."
• 
  
• 1 Tim 4:1 (NKJV) "Now the SPIRIT expressly says that in LATTER TIMES some will DEPART from the FAITH, GIVING HEED to DECEIVING SPIRITS & DOCTRINES of DEMONS."
• 
  
• 2 Tim 4:1-5 (NKJV) "I Charge you therefore before GOD & the Lord JESUS CHRIST, who will JUDGE the Living & the Dead at His Appearing & His Kingdom: PREACH THE WORD! Be Ready in Season & Out of Season. CONVINCE, REBUKE, EXHORT, with all LONG SUFFERING & TEACHING. 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; and they will TURN their EARS AWAY from the TRUTH, and be turned aside to FABLES. But you be WATCHFUL in ALL things, ENDURE AFFLICTIONS, do the Work of an Evangelist, fulfill your Ministry."

God bless,
Enjoy the Son of God and some sunshine today.
Marty

Orange Sherbert and the Pool Hall 8/24/13

Good Morning,

This morning will start with some exercise, and a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

I was going way back into the memory vault of my mind for no particular reason to try and recall why I like Orange Sherbet ice cream. It made me think about where I may have tasted it for the first time. I couldn't recall anything except that when I was around 6 years old and my sister was three we lived on the South Side of Milwaukee in a typical neighborhood. What made it typical for Milwaukee is that on one corner was a bowling alley and bar and on the other corner was a mom and pop small grocery store and lots of kids.

Just next to the grocery store was a Billiards Room. It was owned by an elderly gentleman named Joe Burgerino. Joe also had a chest freezer where he sold ice cream from his pool emporium. The only flavor he had was orange sherbet. A bunch of us would walk the neighborhood and find soda bottles which at that time were glass and could be redeemed for the deposit money. When we had enough bottles we would take them by Joe and he would redeem them in ice cream cones for us.

What does this have to do with a devotional. Note I said I was 6, my sister who was 3 often tagged along. We walked past a bar, went to a pool hall, scrounged in the neighborhood with other kids. Note no adults were with us. But we were safe. We had learned how to cross the street safely and be home at a certain time. Most mom's were home back then and watched out for all of us when we would walk by. But we were safe. No one bothered us and as much as this old mind can remember I was never kidnapped. Kids today do not have that luxury. This world has gone bad. Each day I read of another tragedy that involves kids. More and more there are incidents of school shootings.

My point is this. We need to pray for our world to change. We need to pray for the safety of kids even if they are not ours. We need to pray for a Godly revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV         
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

I wish I could give kids today a neighborhood like that again

God bless,
Marty

Full Moon 8/23/13

Good Morning.

Up very early coffee is brewed and I am looking forward to that first cup of Door County Coconut Crush. Ah Friday how I love you.

I woke up this morning and there was still a clear remnant of a full moon. I came home from a meeting last night and marveled at the clearness of the sky and the beauty of the full moon.

The moon has a lot of impact on the Earth. Here are some facts about lunar tides.

The gravitational force of the moon is one ten-millionth that of earth, but when you combine other forces such as the earth's centrifugal force created by its spin, you get tides.

The sun's gravitational force on the earth is only 46 percent that of the moon. Making the moon the single most important factor for the creation of tides.

The sun's gravity also produces tides. But since the forces are smaller, as compared to the moon, the effects are greatly decreased.

Tides are not caused by the direct pull of the moon's gravity. The moon is pulling upwards on the water while the earth is pulling downward. Slight advantage to the moon and thus we have tides.

Whenever the Moon, Earth and Sun are aligned, the gravitational pull of the sun adds to that of the moon causing maximum tides.

Spring tides happen when the sun and moon are on the same side of the earth (New Moon) or when the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth (Full Moon).

When the Moon is at first quarter or last quarter phase (meaning that it is located at right angles to the Earth-Sun line), the Sun and Moon interfere with each other in producing tidal bulges and tides are generally weaker; these are called neap tides.

But here is one fact that we all tend to forget. God hung the moon and the stars.
Psalm 8:3                    
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

The next time you find yourself in awe of the moon and stars. Remember who hung them in place and say thank you.

God bless,
Marty

 

Storms Coming 8/22/13

Good Morning,

Starting my day with a cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.

Last night around 5pm I was speaking with my Dad who lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I asked him what he was doing and he replied "I am watching a rain storm. I hear they are headed South tonight and should reach lower Wisconsin." When I got home and was able to listen to my favorite radio sports program for a few minutes, they gave the weather forecast during a commercial and talked about the impending storms. It seems that we spend a lot of time and money predicting the rain, snow and ice storms. Don't get me wrong. I believe it is good to be prepared and it is totally OK to listen to the forecasts and take action accordingly.

Here's my point. Jesus warns us of His return and that we will all be judged for the good and the bad we have done. When I went out to my driveway tonight my neighbor said "ready for the storms"? My reply was "as much as possible." I asked him if he was ready to meet Jesus? We all need to tell others about the future forecast of Jesus' return. Test yourself. Do you talk more about Jesus and His Good News compared to weather chat? You give yourself the grade.

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

—Matthew 24:23-31     

Matthew 24:36-44

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

—Matthew 24:36-44

You make the call!
God bless,
Marty

Teenage Dating 8/21/13

Good Morning,

Starting my day with a big cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee.

I am often asked the question "at what age should I let my child start dating"? Well in most cases the parents have already determined the age they think is appropriate for their child. What has happened that causes them to ask me is that they have just told the child when he or she could date and they now disagree. In most cases the dating has begun in secret and now the battle has begun.

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.

So here is my point. Why wait until just before they would start to like the opposite gender to inform them of the rules? Begin communicating rules and expectations at an early age.

Here's a hint. If they are going to date at a specific age. Spend as much time with the young couple as possible. Date with them once in awhile. Have the other person be comfortable with the parents. Meet with his or her parents and go over the ground rules and expectations and have the kids there.

Now. If when explaining to your child what time to be home you have to say " I want you home when the big hand is on twelve and the little hand is on nine". They are way too young and you are crazy.

Communicate at home.

God bless,

Marty

Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven 8/20/13

Dear Friends.

I hope today will be a blessing to all. I am starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee.

Matthew 6:14-15    
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.


I see many people weighed down by the burden of being unable to forgive others. It is a weight around our necks and causes us to sink to depths that we cannot imagine.
I wish that when I was younger I would have read the story of Corrie  Ten Boom. Hers is an amazing story of faith and forgiveness.

Writing in Christianity Today. Professor Lewis B. Smedes relates a story about Corrie Ten Boom to illustrate the power of God and forgiveness.

She was stuck for the war years in a concentration camp, humiliated and degraded, especially in the delousing shower where the women were ogled by the leering guard. But she made it through that hell. And eventually she felt she had, by grace, forgiven even those fiends, who guarded the shower stalls.

So she preached forgiveness, for individuals, for all of Europe. She preached in Bloemendaal, in the United States, and one Sunday, in Munich. After the sermon, greeting people she saw a man come toward her, hand outstretched; "Ja Fraulein, it is wonderful that Jesus forgives us all our sins, just as you say." She remembered his face; it was the leering, lecherous, mocking face of an SS guard of the shower stall.

Her hand froze by her side. She could not forgive. She thought she had forgiven all. But she could not forgive when she met a guard, standing in the solid flesh in front of her. Ashamed, horrified at herself, she prayed. "Lord forgive me, I cannot forgive." And as she prayed she felt forgiven, accepted, in spite of her shabby performance as a famous forgiver.

Her hand was suddenly unfrozen. The ice of hate melted. Her hand went out. She forgave and she was forgiven.

Many of us will go through life with the cancer of a grudge. It eats away at us from the inside. We need to forgive others as God forgives us. He doesn't keep a grudge and neither should we. Only God can help us forgive others. He also gives us the power we need to move on.

Have a good day. Forgive someone and let go of the grudge.

Marty

Running the Race 8/19/2013

Good Morning,

Monday already and my coffee to start this week off will be some Door County Chocolate Meltdown.
Great Flavor but probably not the name to use to start a week. !!!!!!!

The two pictures below are to illustrate my thought today. See the puppy waiting patiently.

 Now look at him go.

This past Saturday I went out to train my youngest hunting dog Gibbs. We train year round and this will be his first duck season. One of the finer points we are working on is to stay put once the gun fires and not move until he is told to. For dogs the prize is to get the bird. The ultimate experience is to swim or run hard and bring that bird back to the hunter. But many times there is more than one shot at a flock of ducks coming into the decoys. If the dog breaks early this causes the dog to be in harms way or stops the hunter from filling his limit of fowl. But mostly it is dangerous for the dog and hunter. A dog leaping from a canoe can tend to get the hunter a wet rear end or worse. So in training we practice on retrieving dummies scented like ducks. The duck call is sounded, a blank shot fired and a dummy launched on to the ground or water. You see the dog tense up and wait for his or her name to be called. That's when I drink a cup of coffee and talk gently to the dog or sternly if they release early. Then for behaving well they are released to retrieve their prize. (the retrieve).

God is like a patient trainer and we should be like a patient retriever. Let's look at how.

Psalm 40

New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Persevering in Trial

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

40 I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
² He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
³ He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.

We are to wait patiently for God's commands and eventually we all see that His commands are for our own good. We learn to trust the Master Handler. Then the task or personal growth God desires from us becomes a prize that we strive for.
         
1 Corinthians 9:24-27                    
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

        

Hebrews 12:1                     

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Philippians 3:13-14                    

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

Have a great week and think about this one.

Marty

Picnic Tables That Last 8/18/13

Good Morning once again.
It's nice to be able to say that. Pass it on in a text, call, email, or better yet in person. I am having a cup of coffee from my picnic table very early on an August Sunday in Wisconsin. The coffee of choice is Door County Cherry Crème. My dogs are running around chasing each other and all is good. It won't be too long and this table will be frozen and covered with snow. I still try to uses it as much as possible despite the cold.

Let me tell you about the table. We built our home in 1994 and in 1995 the landscaping was started. The landscaping did not go too well and had to be re-done within two months. Well of course our funds ran low. I mentioned to a co-worker and friend John Mussa ( who has gone on to be with our Lord) that I wanted to build a picnic table. I asked if he had plans for one. John was very skilled in carpentry as well as many other things. He said that he did and he gave me a list of what to purchase. He said it would be a picnic table that would last a long time. On the following Saturday he would come over to the house and we would build it together. Friends you have to know this. Carpentry and me. It's like fire and gasoline. And really most anything I would build ends up in the fire. So Johns offer was taken and much appreciated.

So we built it together and John explained how each joint supported the other and within a few hours we were finished with our project. John also explained that the wood should receive a preservative spray each year. (This has been done faithfully since 1995.) This picnic table sits out all winter long and all through the hot days of summer. It has never been covered or put away. It did however leave the yard once during a tornado and visited the neighbors house. The house sustained a lot of damage that day but we just carried the picnic table back. Praise God our home only had a broken light and a missing picnic table which my CSI type wife found shortly. It still has a dent in the wood but it survived a calamity.

So what does this all have to do with a Christian Devotional? Here's the answer. When built by a master carpenter instead of a want to be hack, things last. When taken care of properly things last. And so it is with our families and life. I can go back and see every time I wandered from God's master hand in my life and I am not surprised that my life reflected the bad choices I made. I walked away from the builder and followed my own plans. And sooner or later those choices cause something to fall apart.

The Bible gives us God's plan for life and the family. Things happen in life and we receive some dents along the way. Then there are times when we screw up and suffer by our own choice. But a foundation of life and family built by the Master can stand. My recommendation from poor choices and not following the right plan is to follow God's plan and let Him be the Master Builder.

Psalm 127  (NKJV)

Laboring and Prospering with the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep.

 

God bless,

Marty

Treasure Hunting 8/17/13

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday to you. Time for a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and headed off for some dog training on the water. Time for the fine tune before Goose Hunting Season starts.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I will admit that I do like to watch the occasional television show that follows people in search of hidden treasures. Some look in abandoned storage lockers, old buildings, deserted mines, at the bottom of the sea, rummage sales, antique shops, or estate sales. I think I watched every documentary they have filmed on the Titanic. My wife and I went to see the traveling Titanic exhibit and thought about what it would cost to own just one dinner plate from the Titanic. I did convince her that it was much cheaper to purchase an antique dinner plate back from the time when Walgreens had sandwich counters. If you remember that, you are at least as old as me. But you see, all these things are only worth money if someone is willing to buy them. I am sure after we pass on our heirs will say "what good is one plate from Walgreens? Just toss it out." And I know for sure that my spirit will not waltz into heaven with my bag of treasures collected over the years.

I read where a young lady recently found a sizable amount of cash hidden within the walls of a home that she just purchased. The home had been in one family since it was built in the 1920's. She tracked down the family and gave them the money. She felt that since the home had always been within the family it belonged to the last surviving owner. The last owner was a young couple who sold the home to pay doctor bills for their little boy. This young lady could have purchased a pretty nice car and pay in cash with what she found.

I say her heart treasured blessing others and her heart was in the right place. Scripture says for us to 
"lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven". The next time your local food pantry runs out of food for those who are in need will you take something out of the cupboard that is just ready to expire or go to the store and purchase some of the better items that will last and be nutritional? What do you treasure most? Things of this Earth or Heavenly treasure? Where are our hearts?

God bless,
Marty

Harley Davidson and the CMA 8/16/13

Good Morning,

A day without coffee is just a day. But a Friday with a cup of Hot Door County Chocolate Melt Down Coffee just has to be off to a good start.

In a few weeks Harley Davidson will be celebrating it's 110th anniversary in motorcycle production. Every five years they celebrate and cycle riders from around the world come to Milwaukee Wisconsin for the days filled with festivities. Makes me wish I had a cycle and could join them. But then I would probably be writing this from a hospital bed or worse. And my wife won't let me get one. LOL She says when I stop sinking boats I can ride something on two wheels.

The CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) has a chapter in our area. A few CMA members belong to our church. Together they have a vision for missions. Their vision is that thousands of bikers will come to Milwaukee and that they can minister to them by having booths at dealerships where they will pray over the riders and their bikes. As well as distribute Gospel tracts to those who desire to hear about God. Our church as agreed to be CMA Central where they can keep their supplies, camp, eat, shower, pray and worship. So the other night we met and started the "move in" process. I must say this about the CMA. They are a well oiled machine, not afraid of long hours and hard work. They have a goal and that is to represent Jesus Christ to the world.

So here is what I am asking all of you. Pray for them, and all the riders coming in. Cycle accidents are often fatal. Pray for their safety. Pray for their strength to endure a long week of work for God.
Pray that if they have other needs our church can be there for them. Our church is a stand up kind of church that I am proud of. The church will not be the center focus for the week, but sees, and believes in the vision these dedicated souls have. We have been blessed with land, and a building. This time it needs to be shared and used by others. I am looking forward to seeing what God can do through their dedication and a church that sees beyond itself.

 MATTHEW
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.”

 I will keep you posted,

Marty

Apple Jelly and God with a Recipe 8/15/13

Good Morning,

I am starting my day with a big cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee. Sometimes you just have to be a little nutty first thing in the morning.

I am watching my apple trees and how heavy the branches are as the fruit gets larger and the apples are ripening. I recall posting a picture of the apple blossoms earlier this year. The season is changing. I do enjoy the fruit from the labor of our work. We make apple sauce, pie filling, and jelly. Each one is good and I enjoy them all. But some how I always lean toward the jelly. It always tastes so good on a piece of toast in the middle of winter on a Saturday morning.

So how do we tie in a devotional to jelly? Here's the way. You see the toast is always good to eat, but adding my favorite jelly turns it into more than a breakfast it also becomes a treat. It also satisfies my desire for something sweet to eat. Each day is just a day until we add being a blessing to others to our day. We start each day and in many instances the day goes by as being nothing special. But when we add to our prayers "Dear Lord make me a blessing to someone today" we add a dose of spiritual sugar to our lives. When you spread joy to others you can't help but be cheerful yourself. It's like watching a little kid eat a jelly sandwich. Much of it goes in their mouth but usually much of it ends up on their hands or elsewhere. But they are happy in the goo. And we know how the goo can end up everywhere. How about taking the chance on spreading the joy of being a blessing to someone today? It could just spread around as easy as jelly.

Proverbs 11:25 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

God bless,
Marty

APPLE JELLY

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 100 servings                    

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 3 1/2 pounds apples, cored and diced
• 3 cups water
• 7 1/2 cups white sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional)
• 1 (2 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin                                                    

                

 

Directions

1. Place apples in a large pot; cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until apples are slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Crush cooked apples and simmer for 5 more minutes.
2. Transfer crushed apples to a sieve or cheesecloth. Let drip into a bowl until all liquid has drained, pressing gently to release all the juice. Measure 5 cups apple juice, adding water if necessary to have exact amount. Stir sugar into juice; add butter to reduce foaming.
3. Bring juice mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin; boil for exactly 1 minute to dissolve pectin, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off excess foam with a metal spoon.
4. Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Ladle apple jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/8 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
5. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark area. Refrigerate opened jellies for up to 3 weeks.

God's Right Hand 8/14/13

Good Morning.

This morning I hope you are well physically and spiritually. I have chosen a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee to start my day.

Isaiah 41:9-10
⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Many of us this year will hear a call from God to get involved in something that represents a charity, family, or ministry. Many of us will doubt that we are equipped for such a calling or experience. The truth is that when God calls upon us we really are not equipped or ready to handle what He has called us to, without His help. But God promises those whom He calls His right hand to hold us. God never calls if He is not into what He calls us to.  With God to help us how can we fail?

So when He calls, drop the excuses of inadequacy, timing, and fear. Join in and do not be dismayed at what God can do through and with you.

God bless,
Marty