Colonoscopy Needed? 3/31/14

Good Morning,

I am starting early today and it will be a long one! My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Crème.

In America when a person turns 50 years old doctors recommend that their patients obtain a colonoscopy for the detection and prevention of colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).

Being 57, I am on my second go around with this test. I call it the longest yard. I will tell you that the preparation and the procedure are not on my top ten list of fun things to do. But it does allow the doctor to really look inside of you and diagnose problems before they become worse.
I would prescribe for every Christian to have a Spiritual colonoscopy at least twice a year.

Psalm 139:23-24(NIV)

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Being proactive with sin is the best way to keep it in check. From time to time we let things creep into our lives that at first seem harmless and we disguise them as "habits, no too bad', won't do it too often type things". But before we know it the simple glances at the opposite sex becomes flirtations, and then worse. The occasional argument becomes full blown battles in our marriages. The little bit of charging on the credit cards becomes a huge debt.

So what I recommend is for all of us to pray the Psalm above and truly ask God to point out what needs to go. Even if we do not see it as a potential problem, our Great Physician knows what is best for a healthy spiritual walk

So tonight make an appointment with our Heavenly Doctor and spend the time it takes to be spiritually healthy.

God bless,
Marty

Sunday Morning Contentment 3/30/14

Good Morning,

I have started today with a steaming cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. I do not have a lot of words of wisdom today. I want to spend some time just letting you know what I observed early this morning.

My day is starting early. I do need to go to work at one of our hospitals later today. My day will have about three hours spent on the road. So my plan was to get up early and spend time outside with God, our dog Gibbs, drink coffee and pray.  My main thought for today is that God is alive and well.

Psalm. 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

Anyone with any intelligence would acknowledge the evident fact of a living God.The greatest proof apart from Scripture of the existence of God is our daily fellowship with Him in prayer.

I. PROOF FROM SCRIPTURE

Psalm. 19:1, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." The beauty and glory of the heavens speak loudly saying, "God exists."

Rom. 1:20 goes farther and suggests that creation even teaches about the eternal power of the Godhead, "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

The man who accepts Scripture will readily acknowledge the existence of God.

I know that there is a God because I talked to Him today and He heard and answered the prayer of my heart though it was only whispered silently.

 

But here is how the morning went.

 

Gibbs and I headed outside to sit at the picnic table and it was still dark. I made a small fire in the fireplace and the smoke aroma filled our back yard. This was the first time in many months that I could sit at the picnic table without two feet of snow covering it. The snow is almost gone now. I started with prayer and listening. While sitting there I watched the sun come up in a glorious sunrise. God is alive.

 

The sunshine illuminated our maple tree and I could see fresh buds on the end of the branches. A new season is upon us. God is alive.

 

Gibbs wandered toward the creek and a duck launched in flight passing by me. God is alive.

 

Up on the peak of our roof top two morning doves cooed and made music for my soul. God is alive.

 

Many, many birds sang the melody of a wake up call as I sat there. God is alive.

 

In the distance a flock of geese honked and flew by as they headed North. God is alive.

 

Next as the steam from my coffee swirled upward a big dog appeared in our yard wanting to play with Gibbs. My brave little hunting dog decided that this one was too big to play with and presented danger. ( Gibbs is a great hunting pup, but somewhat of a coward). So he parked himself  on top of the picnic table, tail wagging and it was only less than a minute when his tail went into my cup and he proceeded to stir my coffee with his tail. Of course the hot coffee surprised his ambitious tail and he jumped. My coffee spilled ( cup is safe) but I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. Life is humorous when you look at it. God created humor too. God is alive.

 

My neighbor wandered over ( this is all before 6:30 AM) and offered me a fresh cup of coffee from his portable pot. He said "you will like this one, it is Door County Highlander Grog". So I was blessed with company and a fresh cup of coffee. God is alive.

 

As I sit and finish this blog, I am content. It's going to be a busy day. But in an hour I was able to see more of God just by praying, watching, and listening than most people will see all month. Does that make me special? Not really. I set out with a purpose this morning and that was to seek God.

Jeremiah 29:13

¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 

Philippians 4:11

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

 

Have a great day. Take time to seek God and find Him.

  

Marty

 

Stand By Me 3/29/14

Good Morning.

My coffee today is Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti. I must say that this morning finds me extremely tired. Work ended up being a 15 hour day yesterday. But, praise God a lot of work was accomplished. So the coffee and some time in study and prayer seems like just what I need.

I really love old Gospel Hymns. I also like to listen to a variety of other music. I am old so my music tastes have not yet and probably won't develop to the point of liking Hip Hop. There is a song that also became the title to a movie. It is "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King   So yes, I admit it. I like to listen to Doo Wop music while I work out. The song speaks of not being afraid because a girl friend will always be standing with the person singing the song. To me it is a moving love song. When I listen to it I first think of God who is always with me.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Then I always think of my wife who has been with me through thick and thin.

Ruth 1:16-17

21st Century King James Version (KJ21).”

¹⁶ And Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

¹⁷ Where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.”

 

Next I think of a friend of mine, who is my accountability partner and mentor.

Proverbs 18:24

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 

All three have a part in my life, God being Number One. They are there each day to stand by me. So today I am counting my blessings and taking a moment to be thankful. It is so nice to know that this man does not stand alone. If you are reading this, be thankful for those who stand with you. Also make sure you are never letting anyone stand alone.

God bless,
Marty

Stand By Me"

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
All the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand
Stand by me

 

Defense Against Satan 3/28/2014

Good Morning World.

 I can always say that I look forward to Friday. I filled my mug with Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. It's going to be a long day so just a little extra coffee will be the order of the day.

Last night we watched some March Madness. The Wisconsin Badgers were playing Baylor in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Badgers went on to win quite handily.
During the game I noticed that what really set the Wisconsin team up to win was a strong defense. The strong defense really was the catalyst for the offense.

This made me think about our battle with Satan daily. We really have the defensive tools to defeat Satan.

Preparation is basic to living an effective Christian life. The strength of the Christian life is depending on God--on being "strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (v. 10).

Any other strength proves to be impotent. Our own strength is never enough to oppose Satan, but when we are strong in the Lord, even a little of His strength is sufficient to win any battle. Paul said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). It is not the amount of strength we have that's important--only its source.

To the extent that a Christian is strong in the Lord, his victory is guaranteed over the worst Satan has to offer. We are in a war--a terrible and fierce war--but have no reason to be afraid if we are on the Lord's side. Appropriation of that strength comes through what the Puritans referred to as "the means of grace"--prayer, knowing Scripture, obeying it, and faith in the promises of God.

Ephesians 6:13 says, "Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." God gives no deferments or exemptions. His people are at war and will continue to be at war until He returns and takes charge of the earth. But even the most willing and eager soldier of Christ is helpless without God's provision. That is Paul's point: "Take up the full armor of God" (emphasis added). We have His provision in being His children, in having His Word, in possessing His indwelling Holy Spirit, and of having every resource that our heavenly Father possesses. God is our strength, but His strength is appropriated only through obedience. His mighty armor must be put on (v. 11) and taken up (v. 13).

In the great spiritual warfare in which we do battle, we are called only to resist and stand firm. James said, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Peter counseled us to "be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We have what we need to win. What we have to do is desire to win and not be defeated. God's defense is our guarantee to win.

Have a great weekend. Don't settle for second. Strive to win and then win.

God bless,
Marty.

Penny Candy 3/27/14

Good Morning,

Thursday already. I hear a warm up might be in store for our region this weekend. I am headed off to work with a cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy in my hand. It sure tastes good today.

When I was a little kid large chain grocery stores had not really arrived on the scene. Most grocery stores were small Mom and Pop places located on a corner within the neighborhood. It was amazing how much and how high they owners could stack items on shelves. Isles were crammed and two grocery carts could not pass each other without yielding a right of way. I used to do the shopping each Saturday with my Dad. At the one and only check out lane was a rack filled with candy. It was sold for a penny each. Some of the candy was sold "two for a penny".  My dad would let me pick out two pieces for myself and then two for my sister. That was a real treat for us. Those are good memories. But it wasn't the candy that was the treat. It was spending time with my dad, learning how to tell a good piece of beef from a bad one, adding the dollars to know how much we were spending, and then watching as he paid the bill. I always wondered why he paid more for the groceries than what we purchased. I asked him one day. "Dad if we bought $15 worth of groceries how come they charged us $22?" He replied "because we owed $7 more." Dad explained that during the week if we needed something and my mother sent me to the store (which was safe to do back then) and they gave it to me, they gave it to me on credit. It never dawned on me that I left the store without paying. But Dad explained that it was very important to go in each Saturday and pay our bill. "Good credit is important to have as well as a good name."

That has always stuck with me. It is a lesson that we can all learn from yet today and it certainly is a Biblical practice that is best to adhere to.

Romans 13:8         
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Psalm 37:21                    
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;

I have learned a lot from my Dad. I do remember the candy, but I remember the life lessons on money and how to enjoy a good cut of beef! Pay our bills on time and have a good name.

God bless,
Marty

Forbidden Fruit 3/26/14

Good Morning,

Wednesday and it's half way to Friday. My weekend ahead looks to be one of work. I have a big project that needs attention this weekend. I am hoping for great results on this one. But construction and old hospitals don't always mix well. So I will take a little extra time this morning to pray and drink some Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee.

I wrote about dating on Monday. I want to challenge each and every adult to go back and share Monday's blog with any teens related to you. This last weekend I was able to spend a couple days with good friends. Our conversation turned to temptations of the flesh and that all of us are tempted by "the forbidden fruits of the flesh".

But it is time to dust off our Bibles and sit our kids and grand kids down and speak about modesty. Is there anyone out there besides me who is tired of seeing pants being worn way down below the underwear? Is there anyone besides me that is tired of trying to hold a conversation with a young lady who forgot most of her shirt and her two friends named "right and left" are hanging out for the world to see? I think at times we justify not speaking up against right and wrong so we don't offend others. So we compromise and put the stress on others to conform to immorality.

It's time to say "I believe in the whole Bible". This is not condemning others, but leading them to the right choices. Even Jesus did not condemn the prostitute, but He did tell her not to sin anymore.

It's time we did the right thing and sit our kids down an explain Biblical dress and morals regarding premarital sex and risque behavior. To not do this is to defy what God tells us to do. We are to teach the younger ones. This does not mean we declare a holy war. This means we teach them with love, dignity and respect.

James 4:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Modesty for men and women is a condition of the heart.
But as Christians we are free from the slavery of sin because we are united to Christ. Paul exhorts us to live out this freedom: ”Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions” (Romans 6:12). When it comes to modest dress, we can follow Paul’s next statement quite literally: Do not present the members of your body to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

When Paul says that women should wear “respectable apparel,” the term “apparel” is probably translated too narrowly: it is a term that encompasses not just clothing, but one’s whole demeanor, attitude, and actions. This thought can relate to men and women.
Ultimately, what should adorn a people is not just clothing but “good works.” As Christians, we are being remade by God for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Christ died so that we might be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). People should seek to dress their lives in works that do good to others, marked with godly love.
This means modesty is not simply about what we wear, but how we act, how we communicate, and how relate to others.

Friends, think this through. It's time to take back our families. The mess you stop now might not need to be cleaned up later.

God bless,
Marty 

Rough Roads Ahead 3/25/14

Good Morning,

Cold in Wisconsin again today. I am breaking out the last of my fall coffee. This morning in the pot is Door County Maple. If it feels like fall I have to drink like fall.

For about the last 5 months I have been assigned to assist another hospital in our network of hospitals in Wisconsin. I work for the largest health network in Wisconsin and it affords us the luxury of using our talents in other settings from time to time. This assignment has me traveling North from my home once a week and every now and then a few more times. I travel Interstate 43 North out of Milwaukee. About half way to my destination there is a flashing sign that warns drivers with this statement. "Beware, Rough Roads Ahead, Next Ten Miles". This Wisconsin winter has been brutal to the roads here. Pot holes and huge roller coaster bumps decorate the highways. For some reason the stretch with the sign is really bad! As I traveled through it yesterday I thought how nice it would be if we knew how long the bumps of life would last when they happen. Sometimes it seems like the problems of life just don't seem to have an end. The job that never arrives, the teen that won't cooperate, the alcoholic spouse who won't quit drinking. When will it end?

When facing hardship we may think, "I just can't hold out." We may convince ourselves that, to expect someone to continue under our circumstances without sinning, would be expecting the impossible. So we may justify ourselves for disobeying God. But consider the Bible's teaching that we can endure.

The Bible Says!

1 Corinthians 10:13 - God will not allow you to face a temptation that is beyond your ability to endure. Every temptation will be accompanied by a way of escape so you can endure it.
This means we can endure every trial without sinning. If you think you "can't do" what God said to do, or if you ever justify disobeying God, you have believed the Devil's lie. What we need to do is to quit looking for excuses and look instead for the way of escape!
Psalm 34:19 - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all." God may not remove all the afflictions, but He makes sure we are able to endure them faithfully - all of them.
Romans 8:35-39 - No temptation or trial can separate us from God. In them all, we are "more than conquerors." If we endured the temptation without sinning, we would just be "conquerors." But we are more than conquerors because the problem can actually make us better people. (See also 1 Pet. 5:8,9; James 4:7; Eph. 6:10-18; Prov. 24:10.)

Bible Examples

Not only does the Bible promise that we can endure faithfully, it gives us examples of many people who DID so. If they did, we can too.
James 5:10,11 - Job and Old Testament prophets are our examples of suffering. Have we suffered as much as Job? Surely not. Yet he remained faithful and so can we.
2 Timothy 1:8 - Paul suffered great hardship for the Lord, and we should share in those sufferings. If he endured without falling away, we can too. He is the example we should imitate (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Hebrews 12:1-4 - Jesus (and faithful Old Testament characters) are witnesses to what we can do under trying circumstances. Our temptations are no worse than theirs. All these examples show that God will keep His promises to help His people endure faithfully. (1 Pet. 2:19-23)

If you are going through a trial or problem, drop a comment and I will be happy to pray for you.

God bless,
Marty

I Want To Hold Your Hand 3/24/14

Good Morning,
Monday once again and I am headed to work. I have in my hand a large mug of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee.  Friday looms on the horizon!

I have written a lot about marriage relationships in the past. I have not mentioned much about dating and the Bible. I think it is important to start a dating relationship under God's ideas for dating.. We would do well to teach our children Biblical dating principles.
Although the words “courtship” and “dating” are not found in the Bible, we are given some principles that Christians are to go by during the time before marriage. The first is that we must separate from the world's view on dating because God's way contradicts the world's (2 Peter 2:20). While the world’s view may be to date around as much as we want, the important thing is to discover the character of a person before making any commitment to him or her. We should find out if the person has been born again in the Spirit of Christ (John 3:3-8) and if he or she shares the same desire toward Christ-likeness (Philippians 2:5). The ultimate goal of dating or courting is finding a life partner. The Bible tells us that, as Christians, we should not marry an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) because this would weaken our relationship with Christ and compromise our morals and standards.

When one is in a committed relationship, whether dating or courting, it is important to remember to love the Lord above all else (Matthew 10:37). To say or believe that another person is “everything” or the most important thing in one’s life is idolatry, which is sin (Galatians 5:20; Colossians 3:5). Also, we are not to defile our bodies by having premarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:9, 13; 2 Timothy 2:22). Sexual immorality is a sin not only against God but against our own bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18). It is important to love and honor others as we love ourselves (Romans 12:9-10 ), and this is certainly true for a courtship or dating relationship. Whether dating or courting, following these biblical principles is the best way to have a secure foundation for a marriage. It is one of the most important decisions we will ever make, because when two people marry, they cleave to one another and become one flesh in a relationship which God intended to be permanent and unbreakable (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5).
These are good ideals to live by, both for young and old. Pass them on to whoever needs them.

God bless,
Marty

Much Needed Rest 3/23/14

Good Evening,

I haven't forgotten to write. I took a couple days away to enjoy Christian fellowship with some my friends, and my dog. We had a mini retreat. It included some Door County Highlander Grog coffee, pheasants, shooting shot guns, Bible time and a church service. Tomorrow I will be back on schedule.

Worry, anxiety, stress, and busyness are some of the things we go through everyday. God and His holy word though calls the Christian to act differently. We are to have peace and to rest in the promises of God. Are you needing rest and peace today? Read through these Bible verses slowly and ask God to reveal them to you. Go to God in prayer and ask him to give you rest.
10 Bible Verses About Rest
Mark 6:31 - Words of Jesus
And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Isaiah 57:1-2 - Peace
The righteous man perishes, and no man takes it to heart; And devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from evil, He enters into peace; They rest in their beds, Each one who walked in his upright way.
Psalm 23 - He Restores our Soul
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Exodus 33:14 - Jesus is with us
And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28-30 - Give your burdens to Jesus
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
Psalm 37:7 - Patience
Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
John 14:27 - No Fear
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 16:33 - Jesus has overcome the world already
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:9-11 - God also rested
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience.

God bless,
Marty

If I Only Had a Brain. 3/21/14

Good Morning,

It is Friday and I am headed into one of those "don't know what to expect days". So I will coffee up with a fresh cup of Door County Cookie Dough and head out the of the driveway with a song in my heart and prayer on my lips.

As I get older I find myself needing to make notes to remind me of what I need to remember to do. I believe there are two things causing this. 1. I am getting older. 2. I am so busy at times I can't keep things straight.
 Last night I went into the basement to get some food for the dog and when I got down there I couldn't remember why I went to the basement. It was after I went back upstairs and Gibbs was looking at his empty dish that I remembered why I went to the basement. I laughed and said to myself "if I only had a brain".

I do have a brain. I admit that it is probably smaller than most brains but it is the one I have. The "old nugget" is a little over worked these days".

So I am escaping this weekend to the Woods with some friends to do a little game farm pheasant hunting and trap shooting. We will have prayer and read our Bibles, talk stupid to each other, laugh, eat and enjoy friendship at it's best. Now what does this have to do with a daily devotional? Lots!!!! This is Biblical. We need to rest and renew. And what better way than for men to laugh, pray and read God's word together as well as shoot a few guns?

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

So here's to shooting straight, hearing from God and eating enchiladas.

God bless,
Marty

Oatmeal 3/20/14

Good Morning,

I just checked and I can see Friday sneaking up on us. This morning I am enjoying a big cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

I was thinking about my Mom yesterday. She used to serve us oatmeal on cold winter mornings for breakfast when we were kids. It has taken me a long time to embrace eating oatmeal. As a kid I just couldn't stand the taste of oatmeal. My Mom would put some butter on it for me and add some brown sugar and syrup to make it taste better. It was about the only way I could eat it.

She knew how to take something that I conceived as bad and make something good out of it. She did that because she loved us.

God does the same thing.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

He takes things that happen to us and uses them to make us stronger, rely on Him more, teach us patience, equip us to help others, and show us His strength.

James 1:2-4 (NASB)

² Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We need to give God a chance to show himself at work.

Have a great day,
Marty

Ruining Your Testimony 3/19/14

Good Morning,

I went to bed looking forward to a big cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee this morning. As planned the coffee pot fired up before I awoke and it spilled forth this morning delight.

 Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 

I studied this passage last night with a group. We came up with a list of things that men might think gaining in life would be worth losing their reputation and testimony for Jesus.

The answers are not surprising. Money, possessions, family, jobs and the other sex were at the top of the list. What we came up with is that as a group we may have all chosen or considered at least one of these during a time in our lives. None of us were proud.

It makes you think about what you will encounter today. What choices might come our way? Will we be strong enough to resist the temptation?

James 4:7 NKJV

Humility Cures Worldliness

⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

We had to deal with the fact that at times we become useless to God because of our sinful choices. The only answer to the question of how can we survive in this world and all of it's temptations is to be humble and submit our lives to God.

God bless,
Marty

And Then Some 3/18/14

Good Morning,

Today is a day that I look forward to every week. Each Tuesday I am blessed to lead the Men's Ministry Bible Study at Faith Bible Church. It is always a long day before I get home for the night. So this morning it is time to coffee up with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Crème.

I don't think there is a day that goes by without a prayer request coming across my email or telephone. I would bet that many Christians receive prayer requests daily. But here is what I have witnessed during my life as a Christian. People receive prayer requests and then they pray, either immediately or later. Some will actually continue in prayer for many days. This is a real prayer "warrior".
Then there are the "one hit wonders" they pray and move on to the next requests. This is not a knock on those who pray when asked for prayer. But it ends there.

Then there are the "and then some prayer warriors". They are the ones who pray as long as the need is out there but go further. They call the requester and offer encouragement, they send cards, they bring food, they visit, they clean or do laundry to help. They read the want adds and watch for job openings and then email with the listing, while still praying for a job for the requester. These "and then some warriors" get involved and show the love of Jesus in prayer and actions that produce love, peace, joy and hope.

James 2:14-26 (NKJV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your^[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my^[b] works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?^{[c] 21} Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”^[d] And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Friends, what type of prayer warrior are you? Are you an "AND THEN SOME"?

God bless,
Marty

Shock Absorbers 3/17/14

Good Morning,

On my way out the door and headed to Sheboygan Wisconsin for work today. My coffee mug is filled with Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch this early AM!

I am happy to say that I was able to spend some time this weekend with my Nephew Nick. Nick has a Ford pick up truck that is named Taco Bill. Don't ask why , none of us are sure how that came to be. As Nick and I traveled this weekend he was telling me that he had spent a lot of time replacing the shock absorbers on Taco Bill. I asked if changing the shock absorbers improved the ride? Nick replied that it made a "big difference". The winter in Wisconsin has been extremely cold, icy and snow filled. Spreading salt on the highways to melt the snow and salt along with the damage from the snow plows has created huge pot holes in the roads. A vehicle without good shock absorbers is going to bounce all over and could possibly crash if the driver loses control of their vehicle.

Life is the same way. As we travel through life we encounter the "pot holes" in the road of our lives. These circumstances or happenings in our lives can cause us to lose focus and become lost in life. Some people never recover from the pain of a heartache like losing a spouse to infidelity. Many of these circumstances are tough. And at times they just seem to swallow people up. But I find that the people who survive these set backs are those who have good shock absorbers on their lives.

What am I talking about? The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. They are the Ones who can take a bad bounce and turn it into something good. Only they can smooth out the road by absorbing the hurt and pain for us. But the thing many forget is that they have to be part of your life to begin with. No one in their right mind would drive on these Wisconsin roads without any shock absorbers. They would be in a ditch with a wrecked car. Yet people try to navigate through life without the help of the Creator Of All Life, The Savior Of The World, and The Comforter To All.

To have these takes a  decision  from us. A decision to follow Jesus and invite Him into our lives by faith. For those who have done this and still struggle, your life is out of balance. Like wobbly tires we need to be balanced with prayer, Scripture and obedience. This is also a decision to pull off the road of life you are on and turn your travels over to the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Let Jesus take the wheel.

John 3:16 (NKJV)

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

 

Once this is done we have access to the Father and the Holy Ghost dwells within us. Jesus also shepherds us.

 

John 14:6 (NKJV)

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

 

Ezekiel 36:27          

 

"I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

 

 

 

John 10:11-18 (NKJV)

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
¹⁷ “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

As Nick smoothed out the ride in his truck and keeps Taco Bill on the road. Many must make a choice to submit to the call of Jesus before the road of life ends up in a hot mess called hell.

Jesus is calling many today.

Matthew 11:28-30(NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Well, you make the call.
God bless,
Marty

Girl Scout Cookies And Grocery Shopping 3/16/14

Good Afternoon.

I was up and out too early to launch the blog today. So I need to catch up. I did however try a new Door County Coffee flavor today. I must say that it was very good and I would recommend that you all try a pot of Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti. It was a winner.

Later today one of my chores was to perform the monthly grocery shopping. As I mentioned, my day started basically on Saturday night. Sleep deprived would be a understatement. Anyway off I went to the local food market. For a Sunday afternoon it was quite crowded. I struggled to make sure that I said hello or good afternoon to the people I passed. I am not one who smiles much but I did the best I could. I figured being friendly to strangers is a good way to brighten a day.

I did have to make one more stop to make the last of my pick ups. When I entered the last store, I was asked by some little Girl Scouts if I would like to purchase some of their cookies. I promised them that when I came out I would purchase a couple boxes. A man of my word and also a guy that likes cookies I returned as promised and made the cookie transaction. As I left and stepped into my car I recalled that their were several adults that were supervising the kids. Each adult was helping the kids open doors for people, all said thank you and one had even offered to carry my packages to the car.

They were doing this for everyone even if the people did not purchase cookies. What struck me as nice, was that these kids were actually enjoying the act of being kind.

We could all learn a lesson from these adults who gave up an afternoon to assist the kids and teach them the values of kindness and service.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Have a great day!
God Bless,
Marty

When I Die Bury Me In Flannel 3/15/14

Good Morning,

I hope this finds you all well and in love with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. My coffee this morning is Door County Jamaican Me Crazy.

I had to work today for a short period and now have time to write. On the way home from work I was listening to the radio and there was a song playing that spoke about "If I die young bury me in satin". Well that song started the thought process. I don't have to worry about dying young. I am already old.

But it made me think. What will I wear to my funeral. I have worn tailored expensive suits, football and baseball uniforms, sweat pants, jeans, sweaters, tuxedos and my birthday suit. Often as I have attended funerals I will see the deceased in a new suit or their Sunday best. They are all decked out and as people pass by they say things like "oh he looks so good". Argh how does a dead person look good?

So I decided to write my wishes. When I die bury me in flannel, with my Bible and my duck calls. Form two lines to view me. One for those who wish to mourn with my family and the other line for those who want to make sure I am dead. Put my camouflage Stormy Kromer hat on my head and a smirk on my face. Don't put me in a tie and suit. That wasn't how I was most comfortable and really isn't the true me.

Romans 12:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

³ For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith

When my day comes, this is all that can be said. I was a sinner saved by grace.  I loved Jesus, loved my family, read my Bible, went to work, served God when He asked me to, hunted ducks, and treated my animals with love.

So don't dress me in something I am not, make me sound like I walked on water, or was anything but a common man.

Now all said and done. Who really cares about any of this. I really don't. Why? Because I won't be there. Dress me up to look like Elvis if it will help you. I don't really care. I won't be there. Bury me in a swamp. I don't really care. I won't be there.

2 Corinthians 5  (NKJV)

5 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, ³ if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

⁶ So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Well enough on that subject. Have a great day.
Marty