Prayer, Lest We Forget 4/30/14

Good Morning,

My coffee today is Door County Highlander Grog. My cup has a picture of my Dad, my grandfather, my great grandfather and me on it. I look at four generations of Martins when I raise my cup. Each time I look at it I see four hard workers and it reminds me to go to work and give it my best. I do this because it is Biblical and also because it is part of my heritage. So off to work I go.

Philippians 4:6 ESV         
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Today I can't help but have a heavy heart. I have watched the news this month and April has been a tough month for the world. A ferry sunk in Korea with hundreds killed, a mudslide in Washington killed more and just over the past couple of days tornadoes ripped through the Southern United States killing more.

Friends what can we do? The answer is now to pray for those injured, those left behind after the death of a loved one and for those who lost their homes and all their possessions. We must pray that the Christian church will rise to the occasion and pray for those in these predicaments. We must ask for Christian workers to come along side of those in distress and give comfort in the name of Jesus. We must pray for God to sustain them through the hurt and loss. We must pray and ask God what we can do. If you can offer kindness in any of these situations do it in the name of Jesus. Show love for your neighbors. Show love for those across the sea by getting on your knees in prayer.

Luke 6:31(NKJV)

³¹ And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

We can make a difference in a hurting life. You are as involved as you choose to be. Pray my friends pray.

Won't you join me today?

Marty

Nothing to Eat In The Fridge 4/29/14

Good Morning,

As you would hear on the show Duck Dynasty "Happy, Happy, Happy". My day is starting with a mug full of Door County Cookie Dough Coffee.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2       
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,

Many years ago our daughter was staring into the refrigerator which was full of food. The freezer was full as well also the pantry. She exclaimed "We have no food". I asked her what she might be looking for. "Well not this stuff." What she was looking for was something you would find in the freezer section of the grocery store that could be baked or microwaved quickly. Basically she was looking for a hot junk food snack. Thus, "We have no food!"

I see Christians today that attend churches and look for junk food. They want an immediate joyful experience that gives them a warm fuzzy feeling, but doesn't really last. They aren't interested in serving the Lord or growing through deeper study and prayer. These Christians are "junk food addicts". They avoid the parts of the Bible that makes them feel uncomfortable. This is a true worry of mine. I see it all the time. They aren't interested in the meat and potatoes, let alone the broccoli of Christianity. "Get involved? I don't have time. I did not like the sermon today. It might have offended someone by saying born again".  Imagine a steady diet of God loves you and then throw in a sermon on tithing, or abortion. Those looking to just hear that God loves them aren't ready to truly follow God into service or obedience. Then they say. "No food here, time to look for a candy shop type church." Oh what they miss by living for self.

Rate yourself today. Are you one who gauges a church on what it can do for you, or on what you can do for God through your church?

What do you say?

Marty

Skunk in the House 4/28/14

Good Morning.

Where did the weekend go? It seems to travel faster that the weekdays. My coffee today as I head out the door is Blueberry Cobbler made by the Door County Coffee Company.

Proverbs 12:2

A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil. - -



I can't remember ever hearing of a cologne called essence of skunk. I live in an area where we often are treated to the odor of a skunk that has dispensed his or her pungent tail blast on to someone or something. I don't ever recall my wife asking me to drive by the odor again by saying "please, please may we smell that again."

Skunks are what we would term with American slang language as a stinker. We also use the term "stinker" as a label for someone who is misbehaving. "Oh he is being a "little stinker". This implies that the "odor of behavior" is not wanted  or needed. You would rather not be around that person or you would prefer at the moment to not have them in the house.

In your home are you the stinker? Are you the skunk of the house? Does your family say to each other. "wow that stinker needs to leave"?

Our behavior and attitude should be such that we are a sweet aroma to our friends and family.

We don't have to be known as the "skunk in the house". Behavior is a choice. We choose just how we behave. So make the right choice. Start be telling someone today that they are loved by God and that you love them. Love is a cologne for the heart that removes the skunk odor that we have allowed to live within us.

God bless,

Marty

 

 

 

The Day that Time Stood Still 4/27/14

Good Morning,

It is a cold, damp Wisconsin day. My eyes are still wanting to close and get just a little more sleep. I have a pot of Door County Mocha Mint coffee brewing. I can smell it from where I sit.

Do you all know the day when time stopped? Can you recall that day from history? Think about it for a moment. It's really not that hard of a question.

Ecclesiastes 3:3-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

Everything Has Its Time

3 To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

² A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;
³ A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;
⁵ A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away;
⁷ A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak;
⁸ A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.

 

After you read the verse above twice, it should be very plain to you what the answer to the question is. If there is a season for everything and there is. You see that there is never a moment when time stopped. "Tide and time Wait for No Man" St. Marher, 1225:

After thinking about this the words of Jesus ring clearer in my mind. There should be a sense of urgency within today's Evangelical churches to present the Gospel of Jesus with every opportunity.

Matthew 9:35-38

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Compassion of Jesus

³⁵ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.^{[a] 36} But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary^[b] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

When we define the "church" it comes down to one point. We are the church. We personally have a call to present the Gospel at all times. We can't wait for a pastor to just be the one to lay the Gospel out on Sunday morning. We cannot stop time or make it move backwards.

No One Knows the Day or Hour Matthew 24:36-44

³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,^[e] but My Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ³⁸ For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴² Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour^[f] your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Our time on Earth is short friends. We must live in such a way that we remember that. What we say and do today could impact eternity for someone else. Urgent? I say yes. So let's go and "git er done".

God bless,
Marty

 

Sweet Coffee 4/25/14

Good Morning,

Friday at last you have returned. My coffee this morning is Door County Blueberry Cobbler.

Acts 20:35
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

By now if you read this devotional at least weekly you have figured out that I like my coffee. My wife is not a coffee drinker. She is a Dr. Pepper supporter. I think we should have purchased stock in that company. She hasn't grown up yet and learned to appreciate a fine cup of coffee. She doesn't know what she is missing. But among many things that she does know, there is one thing she knows well. She knows me inside out.

Since I am the coffee drinker the coffee pot is my duty to program for the morning, fill with water and choose the flavor of the day. With each cup of coffee I add a package of sugar substitute sweetener. I purchase the sweetener in bulk boxes. We have a small pantry in our basement where my supply of sweetener is kept. I have a container in the cupboard above the coffee pot that I fill with sweetener packs. The day before yesterday my sweetener container ran out of little pink packs. A trip was needed to the basement for more. That night I was exhausted and as I set up the coffee maker I pulled the container which does resemble a large shot gun shell and left it on the counter. I had made the decision that I was going to bed and I would refill the shot gun shell in the morning.

When the alarm clock went off yesterday morning and after I talked myself out of smashing it I was up and off to the kitchen. The coffee was brewing and I had my cup in hand. I looked for my sweetener container and it wasn't where I left it the night before. I looked in the cupboard and there it was, filled right to the top with pink packages of sweetener. I was amazed. I commented that I did not know that there was a coffee fairy.

What really happened was that my sweet wife who is worried about my rest and health made the trip downstairs to the pantry and filled the shot gun reservoir. That made my day. I came home last night and thanked her. A few moments later she asked me how my day was. I replied "very sweet because of you." We both laughed and agreed that I will never be a card writer for Hallmark. Rene does a lot for me, that's no doubt. But it is those little things that she does going out of her way that helps me to see the love of Jesus in her.

I pray that someone sweetens your day.

God bless,
Marty

When the New Wears Off 4/24/14

Good Morning,

My coffee this morning is hot and soothing a sore throat today. I chose today to drink Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. I did sleep well last night. I asked God to bless me with a good nights sleep and my request was granted.

When the new wears off! Have you ever smelled a new car? They have that new smell! Some of the air freshener companies have developed sprays that are called " new car fragrance". I have news for them. NOT REALLY. Once that new car smell is gone it is gone forever. The want to be fragrances are just impostors.

The same goes with couples and marriage. Boy, when we are first dating and everything is new what a feeling!!! "Awe" said all the ladies reading this. Then we marry and things change. "Oh" said the guys who are reading this. Yes that what she looks like without make-up. Oh no and he passes gas. Yes guys,  women also pass gas they just call it names like fluffing or butt biscuits.  Reality seems to take control and then we wonder where is that person I fell in love with? We want to go back to the old days. But that's when we step in poop from a loose diaper and we realize that we will never be alone until we are old enough to collect Social Security and spend all day signing up for Obama Care.

STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. That is wrong. Each year every individual experiences changes. For instance my chest that once stood proud with a rippled six pack below is now a chest of drawers. My chest fell into my drawers. My wife now has to maintain the color of her hair with assistance from a bottle. But being united in love through Christ allows us to experience being together through changes and falling in love all over again with the changed person. I actually help her color her hair and she buys me new pants. I tried getting Rene to lift weights for me but that doesn't really work. I fell in love with a young lady many years ago. Today I fell in love with the lady who still irons my trousers and laughs at my stupid analogies. Each year as we grow together  God gives us the chance to love the new experiences. This includes the loss of hair and colonoscopies. You don't know love until you helped take care of your spouse or your spouse takes care of you after a colonoscopy.

Proverbs 5:18-19

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.  A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may she satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love

Wow, I do rejoice in my spouse. Blessed to have her, blessed to grow older with her.

Grow old together. Learn to love the changes. That next change called till death do us part is painful.

God bless,
Marty

Pastors Get Tired Too 4/23/14

Good Morning,

I am headed off to work and my cup is filled with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. I really enjoy my coffee and listening to sermons while I drive. I have a few favorite radio preachers that I like to listen to as I prepare to meet the day.

Last night I had some ministry that needed attention at church. When I left it was late. I looked over at our Senior Pastor's office and his light was still on. As I went out to the parking lot I saw his car and the car of two others. This told me without looking in that he was counseling with a family late into the night. We are blessed to have three full time pastors. Two of them work long hours meeting with families or couples to mentor and counsel. Our third pastor works with the teens and the music. If we took their salaries and divided it by the hours they put in they would be working for three dollars an hour. They are dedicated men who have been called to shepherd the flock. Why do they put in long hours and then balance time with their families, respond to emergencies, prepare week after week sermons to be preached, and for a lot less than a fortune?

Here is why.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!^{[a] 5} You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ( They love the Lord)
⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, ( We are family to them) and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (They trust in God's Word)

I see them very often and I do have a good enough relationship to be able to say "hey you look terrible, are you taking care of yourself"? They usually laugh and reply "praise God I was I able to help someone today".

So if you ever wondered if God loves you, the answer can be seen in the eyes of a tired pastor. God sent an Earthly shepherd to care for you as part of their flock. Some people might even say "the pastor doesn't seem to have time for me". Well, be thankful you don't need him right now, but know that if you did they would be there.

When I look into tired eyes called to ministry I see Jesus and His love for me.

God bless your day.
Marty

Waiting On God 4/22/14

Good Morning,

My day is off and running. My coffee is Door County Cherry Crème and it is hot and sassy.

No one likes to wait for anything. I am one of those who doesn't like to wait for service or answers. I am not very proud of my lack of patience. Although I must say I am better each year and have made some big strides in patience compared to my early life. I have to credit God with the change that has been made.

I like prime rib roasts. A prime rib roast needs to be cooked slowly with just the right seasonings. A prime rib roast cooked to fast ends up being tough and lacking flavor. The time in the oven is everything.

There are times when God allows us to go through a season in life. Some of those seasons are tough and not comfortable. But God assures us that they will end. It is a sure thing. God will perfect everything in His time either now or later. His timing is best and is all in the recipe. It is called trust.

Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

A sure thing 100% it will be over when we reach heaven. But for some this isn't good enough. We want God to accelerate His process. We basically say that we don't trust Him. We want the season to end now. Many have prayed for seasons to end and when they don't, they quit on God. In the longest conversation recorded in the Bible, Job decides to let God know what he thinks. God then asks Job some questions. God lets Job know who is in charge. When we challenge God's answer we pull a "Job".

The Lord Challenges Job

38 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

² “Who is this that questions my wisdom
    with such ignorant words?
³ Brace yourself like a man,
    because I have some questions for you,
    and you must answer them.

⁴ “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
    Tell me, if you know so much.
⁵ Who determined its dimensions
    and stretched out the surveying line?
⁶ What supports its foundations,
    and who laid its cornerstone
⁷ as the morning stars sang together
    and all the angels^[a] shouted for joy?

⁸ “Who kept the sea inside its boundaries
    as it burst from the womb,
⁹ and as I clothed it with clouds
    and wrapped it in thick darkness?
¹⁰ For I locked it behind barred gates,
    limiting its shores.
¹¹ I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.
    Here your proud waves must stop!’

¹² “Have you ever commanded the morning to appear
    and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
¹³ Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth,
    to bring an end to the night’s wickedness?
¹⁴ As the light approaches,
    the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal;
    it is robed in brilliant colors.^[b]
15 The light disturbs the wicked
    and stops the arm that is raised in violence.

¹⁶ “Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?
    Have you explored their depths?
¹⁷ Do you know where the gates of death are located?
    Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?
¹⁸ Do you realize the extent of the earth?
    Tell me about it if you know!

¹⁹ “Where does light come from,
    and where does darkness go?
²⁰ Can you take each to its home?
    Do you know how to get there?
²¹ But of course you know all this!
For you were born before it was all created,
    and you are so very experienced!

²² “Have you visited the storehouses of the snow
    or seen the storehouses of hail?
²³ (I have reserved them as weapons for the time of trouble,
    for the day of battle and war.)
²⁴ Where is the path to the source of light?
    Where is the home of the east wind?

²⁵ “Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?
    Who laid out the path for the lightning?
²⁶ Who makes the rain fall on barren land,
    in a desert where no one lives?
²⁷ Who sends rain to satisfy the parched ground
    and make the tender grass spring up?

²⁸ “Does the rain have a father?
    Who gives birth to the dew?
²⁹ Who is the mother of the ice?
    Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?
³⁰ For the water turns to ice as hard as rock,
    and the surface of the water freezes.

³¹ “Can you direct the movement of the stars—
    binding the cluster of the Pleiades
    or loosening the cords of Orion?
³² Can you direct the sequence of the seasons
    or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?
³³ Do you know the laws of the universe?
    Can you use them to regulate the earth?

³⁴ “Can you shout to the clouds
    and make it rain?
³⁵ Can you make lightning appear
    and cause it to strike as you direct?
³⁶ Who gives intuition to the heart
    and instinct to the mind?
³⁷ Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?
    Who can tilt the water jars of heaven
³⁸ when the parched ground is dry
    and the soil has hardened into clods?

³⁹ “Can you stalk prey for a lioness
    and satisfy the young lions’ appetites
⁴⁰ as they lie in their dens
    or crouch in the thicket?
⁴¹ Who provides food for the ravens
    when their young cry out to God
    and wander about in hunger?

If this doesn't convince you to wait on the Lord. Well, read Job chapters 39-41.

But those who wait on the Lord, well, it's a sure thing.

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint

God bless,
Marty

Easter Leftovers. 4/21/14

Good Morning,

I am headed off to work today with some Door County Cookie Dough Coffee in my mug. I have to travel today so my morning started early today.

Well the Easter celebration is over. I hope your day honored Jesus with love and thankfulness. We of course celebrated with family. It is always a nice time having family to dine with. Our main course for tour dinner revolved around a baked ham. I am not a real fan of leftovers the next day. To eat baked ham is OK just not exactly what I like to do. It's the same as the day before. No changes. But I do like to take the baked ham and make it into a new creation like a ham and cheese omelet. This way you have the old ham, but in a new way. A whole new meal. It doesn't even look like a baked ham dinner. It is a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are still us but made new. We should have a different flavor about us. Our old bad habits should not appeal to us.

Often, we will find out what we are made of by what comes out of our mouths in both good and bad circumstances. When we have a change in conduct and character in our lives, it is a type of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . " (NKJV). A Christian's life should be characterized by these things. Are you producing fruit? Or is the opposite true? Instead of love, is there hatred, bitterness, or even prejudice in your life? Instead of joy, is there constant gloom? Instead of peace, is there turmoil? Instead of gentleness, is there a short temper? Instead of faith, is there endless worry? Instead of meekness, is there pride and arrogance? Instead of self-control, are you a victim of your own passions? If so, then either you don't know God at all or a recommitment to Christ would be in order.
If you are a Christian, then people should be able to look for—and find—fruit in your life. Why? Because a disciple of Jesus Christ will produce spiritual fruit. Jesus said, " 'My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father'" (John 15:8 NLT). Jesus also said, "'By their fruits you will know them'" (Matthew 7:20 NKJV).

Only Jesus can take the leftovers of a life and make something new and beautiful.

Think about it. What fruit do you bear? I heard an old preacher say once. "If you is where you was, you ain't"

Food for thought,

Marty

Stole Again and Heaven Bound? 4/20/14

Good Morning,

Happy Easter  to one and all. I am sitting down to a cup of Door County Cookie Dough Coffee and then off to work for a short time. Our Church has a Saturday evening service for those who can't make it on Sundays. We celebrated Easter last night with music, praise and a message from our pastor.

Our service last night spoke in the third person from some of those who would have been at the crucifixion of Jesus and at His tomb. One that wasn't mentioned was the thief at the cross. Jesus was crucified with two criminals. One of the criminals actually can be accused of stealing during their crucifixion. Let's look.

Luke 23:32-43
 

Luke 23:32-43, (NAS95) 32 Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. 33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
The above narrative is one of the most touching in the entire Bible. While the Lord was experiencing the physical, emotional and perhaps even spiritual agony of the cross, he still expressed the divine nature of His love for man. He had the compassion to listen to the pleas of one who had great need. He made the effort to repress his own pain to and answer to the needs of a sinner. He promised that man, that that very day, He would be with Jesus in Paradise. What a wonderful assurance this is.

 

But in this very passage we see that the thief  stole in front of Jesus and it is recorded in these verses.

What did he steal? He stole the heart of the Savior. You see Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins. It was this very act of asking Jesus to remember Him and recognizing Jesus for who He is, that Jesus came from heaven to die for. Jesus saw the fruit of His labor of love from the cross.  If that thief were the only one, Jesus would have done the same thing. What is really neat is that when we meet this guy in heaven he won't be known as a thief, we will call him brother. Wow that cross has power.

 

Now if that doesn't make you tear up, nothing will. We cry over rescued animals and we should. One stray sheep was rescued that day, I believe the other probably wasn't.

 

Happy Easter. Say thank you to Jesus and steal His heart away once more. He is the only God waiting to be robbed and will love it.

 

Marty

 

 

I Guess I am not Normal 4/19/2014

Good Morning,

Saturday and I feel a little lazy today. My coffee is Door County Mocha Mint. I am still in the middle of a battle with my health and I think my body made me rest a little longer than usual today. But I am up and at it now.

I have mentioned in earlier posts that this year began with me taking on a new job within the health care organization that I work for. I can say that it has been a good change and I am enjoying it. The people I work with are somewhat new to me and some I have known for awhile. I started my career in this hospital 30 years ago. I have returned now and there are new faces. I do have people who directly report to me as their manager. I have always had an open door policy. I never expected the visit I received yesterday while in my office.

One of the caregivers assigned to me walked in and said something that just floored me. " I noticed something about you. You are not normal. You don't swear at us, you just don't swear." I have been called a lot of things but this one took the cake. I explained that language in the work place should be professional and friendly at all times even during times of disagreement. He replied " but I have been watching you and you have been frustrated when we swear."  I then went on to explain that my expectations are that they also should be professional at all times even among their peers.

I told him that I choose not to swear and that when I do it bothers me because God expects more from me.

Friends I was speechless. I did not know how to respond to the fact that this is what he noticed and felt he needed to comment. What bothers me the most is the fact that people expect to swear and be sworn at. I think this lifestyle has become the norm. This is a sad day. It is twenty four hours later and this still bothers me. I don't want to be "normal". I can honestly say that today I am depressed over the "normal". This is something I try hard not to do. And no I am not perfect at being not normal.

I went to God's word in the Bible to help with this feeling of being depressed. I know that I am on the right track. And when I say that I am depressed it is because of the state of normal. I am not sure that being "not normal" will impact a change. But it is being watched. Now I really have to be on my toes.

This is what normal should be.

 Colossians 3:8        

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 

         

Ephesians 4:29        

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.             

Matthew 15:10-11         

And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

         

James 3:10        

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

I am not sure that I will see true normal until I reach heaven.

God bless,
Marty

Good Friday. You Were There. 4/18/14

Good Morning,

May your cup be filled with some Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee just like mine is today.

Today Christians remember the day that Jesus Christ was beaten and crucified on a cross on for the sins of the world.

Romans 5:8 (NLT)

⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

John 19  (NLT)

Jesus Sentenced to Death

19 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. ² The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. ³ “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.

⁴ Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” ⁵ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
⁶ When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
⁷ The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.”
⁸ When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. ⁹ He took Jesus back into the headquarters^[a] again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. ¹⁰ “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
¹¹ Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
¹² Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’^[b] Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”
¹³ When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). ¹⁴ It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people,^[c] “Look, here is your king!”
¹⁵ “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
¹⁶ Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

So they took Jesus away. ¹⁷ Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). ¹⁸ There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. ¹⁹ And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth,^[d] the King of the Jews.” ²⁰ The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.

²¹ Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”
²² Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”
²³ When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ²⁴ So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice^[e] for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.”^[f] So that is what they did.
²⁵ Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus

²⁸ Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”^{[g] 29} A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. ³⁰ When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.

³¹ It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. ³² So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. ³³ But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. ³⁴ One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ³⁵ (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe.^[h]) ³⁶ These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”^{[i] 37} and “They will look on the one they pierced."

In Romans 5:8 We are told that God sent Jesus to die for us. As we read the account of the crucifixion we should be thankful that it was not us nailed to the cross. The ordeal Jesus suffered through should have us all on our knees today in thanks. I read John 19 and I know that although I was not present on that day, my sins were. I am in awe of the love bestowed upon me a sinner saved by grace.


Not much more can be said about love.

John 15:13 (NLT)

¹³ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

God bless,
Marty

 

 

Inviting Jesus to Easter Dinner 4/17/14

Good Morning.

Time to order some more Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee from the Door County Coffee Company. I just used the last of that flavor.

Wednesday before Easter and the stores are crowded. I stopped after work last night to pick up a couple of things from the grocery store. Wow, was that store filled with people shopping for what I would call Easter Dinner items. I saw people purchasing ham, potatoes, rolls, butter, jelly beans and more.

I was day dreaming a little when couples would pass by with their shopping lists. I could picture them at a big table surrounded by family passing mashed potatoes to each other and enjoying a great time with one another. I stopped a moment to pray for these strangers and hoped that their day would be blessed and that they would be taking time to seriously remember what Jesus did for all by dying on the cross. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday and rightfully so. But wouldn't it be neat to use that day to pray and acknowledge Jesus as the VIP at our table and thank Him for His sacrifice.

Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

²⁰ “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Now could you imagine anyone at the table not being happy?

God bless,

Marty

Carnal Christians 4/16/14

Good Morning,

My coffee today is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. The brew is going down the old hatch just fine today!

Last night at Men's Bible study one of the men asked about the word carnal and how it applied to Christians. We embarked on a lively debate for awhile with a few others joining in. What a good time we had looking into God's Word.  I have studied the subject and researched last night, articles I have collected on the subject.

One of the best I have found was in Got Questions .org  The CEO is used for reference. S. Michael Houdmann
Question: "What is a carnal Christian?"

Answer: "Can a true Christian be carnal? In answering this question, let’s first define the term “carnal.” The word “carnal” is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which literally means “fleshly.” This descriptive word is seen in the context of Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. In this passage, the apostle Paul is addressing the readers as “brethren,” a term he uses almost exclusively to refer to other Christians; he then goes on to describe them as “carnal.” Therefore, we can conclude that Christians can be carnal. The Bible is absolutely clear that no one is sinless (1 John 1:8). Every time we sin, we are acting carnally.

The key thing to understand is that while a Christian can be, for a time, carnal, a true Christian will not remain carnal for a lifetime. Some have abused the idea of a “carnal Christian” by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a concept is completely unbiblical. James 2 makes it abundantly clear that genuine faith will always result in good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, that salvation will result in works. Can a Christian, in a time of failure and/or rebellion, appear to be carnal? Yes. Will a true Christian remain carnal? No.

Since eternal security is a fact of Scripture, even the carnal Christian is still saved. Salvation cannot be lost, because salvation is a gift of God that He will not take away (see John 10:28; Romans 8:37-39; 1 John 5:13). Even in 1 Corinthians 3:15, the carnal Christian is assured of salvation: “If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” The question is not whether a person who claims to be a Christian but lives carnally has lost his salvation, but whether that person was truly saved in the first place 1 John 2:19.

Christians who become carnal in their behavior can expect God to lovingly discipline them Hebrews 12:5-11 so they can be restored to close fellowship with Him and be trained to obey Him. God’s desire in saving us is that we would progressively grow closer to the image of Christ Romans 12:1-2, becoming increasingly spiritual and decreasingly carnal, a process known as sanctification. Until we are delivered from our sinful flesh, there will be outbreaks of carnality. For a genuine believer in Christ, though, these outbreaks of carnality will be the exception, not the rule."


I found that this article clearly defines the term Carnal Christian. This should settle things in your minds. But where is your heart? Do you struggle with being a "Carnal Christian"? Do you walk in the flesh or the Spirit? You are as close to God as you choose to be.

God bless,
Marty

The Way of Prayer 4/15/14

Good Morning,

My day is starting with a steaming hot cup of Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch coffee. There is enough in the pot for a thermos to take along to work. So shall it be done!

Today I want to challenge Christian leaders to be people of prayer. King Solomon's desire was to have wisdom like no other that he might rule the Kingdom of Israel as God would have him do. God blessed him with that request.

In 1 Kings Chapter 8 we see that the temple has been constructed. Solomon steps up and prays before the nation. He leads the people in prayer. Prayer is a privilege, and too often we as leaders do not lead our people to be people of prayer. We see in Solomon's prayer the example he sets for a nation. On a smaller scale, are we leaders who lead others to pray in our churches, ministries, and our homes? Do we pray for those who are unsaved and not part of our churches?

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

²² Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven; ²³ and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. ²⁴ You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day. ²⁵ Therefore, Lord God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me.’ ²⁶ And now I pray, O God of Israel, let Your word come true, which You have spoken to Your servant David my father.
²⁷ “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! ²⁸ Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You today: ²⁹ that Your eyes may be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. ³⁰ And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.
³¹ “When anyone sins against his neighbor, and is forced to take an oath, and comes and takes an oath before Your altar in this temple, ³² then hear in heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, bringing his way on his head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.
³³ “When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and when they turn back to You and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this temple, ³⁴ then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to their fathers.
³⁵ “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them, ³⁶ then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.
³⁷ “When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; ³⁸ whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows the plague of his own heart, and spreads out his hands toward this temple: ³⁹ then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men), ⁴⁰ that they may fear You all the days that they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.
⁴¹ “Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for Your name’s sake ⁴² (for they will hear of Your great name and Your strong hand and Your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this temple, ⁴³ hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.
⁴⁴ “When Your people go out to battle against their enemy, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the Lord toward the city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name, ⁴⁵ then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
⁴⁶ “When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to the land of the enemy, far or near; ⁴⁷ yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of those who took them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong, we have committed wickedness’; ⁴⁸ and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and pray to You toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name: ⁴⁹ then hear in heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause, ⁵⁰ and forgive Your people who have sinned against You, and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You; and grant them compassion before those who took them captive, that they may have compassion on them ⁵¹ (for they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out of Egypt, out of the iron furnace), ⁵² that Your eyes may be open to the supplication of Your servant and the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to You. ⁵³ For You separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be Your inheritance, as You spoke by Your servant Moses, when You brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.”

Why are prayer services empty? Leaders where are you in your own prayer life?

Something to think about?

God bless,
Marty

Hazardous Waste 4/14/14

Good Morning,

Starting a new week and a new day with a cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. My weekend went too fast. It was busy to say the least, but very productive.

Last week I was listening to a commercial on the radio. It was announcing that people who lived in our county could bring all their hazardous waste to the Wisconsin State Fair Park and it would be disposed of properly and at no cost. "Free" goes with everything I own.

It doesn't take me too long to recognize a good deal when I hear one. Over the years we have accumulated some items like varnish, paint stripper, oil based paint, fertilizer, acid, and oil that needed to be disposed of. Most of the cans were just about empty and really should have been tossed long ago. By the time we filled the car all those "little bits" added up to a large amount of hazardous waste, that we did not even realize we had accumulated over the years. I always was going to get "around to it". I really put our home and my family in danger by saving "those little bits". Laziness set in. My wife would ask me when I was going to get rid of that junk and I would say  "next ,month". I really did not make it a priority and I guess you could say I lied to her.

The Mrs. and I have made a vow to go through the house on an annual basis now and clean out the junk. All these "little bits" were either in the house or garage. Given a fire or an accidental spill that might have combined a couple of the chemicals we could have been in a real mess.

Our lives are like that. Slowly we compile sin and bad habits that alone on their own are bad enough, but when compounded by others, life can be an explosion waiting to happen.

2 Samuel 11

New King James Version (NKJV)

David, Bathsheba, and Uriah

11 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. ( Not in the right place, laziness)

² Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, ( Lust) and the woman was very beautiful to behold. ³ So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” ⁴ Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with ( Adultery ) her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. ⁵ And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”
⁶ Then David sent to Joab, saying, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. ⁷ When Uriah had come to him, David asked how Joab was doing, and how the people were doing, and how the war prospered. ⁸ And David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah departed from the king’s house, and a gift of food from the king followed him. ⁹ But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. ¹⁰ So when they told David, saying, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Did you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?”
¹¹ And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”
¹² Then David said to Uriah, “Wait here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. ¹³ Now when David called him, he ate and drank before him; and he made him drunk ( Deception ). And at evening he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.
¹⁴ In the morning it happened that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. ¹⁵ And he wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” ¹⁶ So it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew there were valiant men. ¹⁷ Then the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also ( murder)
¹⁸ Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war, ¹⁹ and charged the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling the matters of the war to the king, ²⁰ if it happens that the king’s wrath rises, and he says to you: ‘Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? ²¹ Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth?^[a] Was it not a woman who cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the wall?’—then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.’”
²² So the messenger went, and came and told David all that Joab had sent by him. ²³ And the messenger said to David, “Surely the men prevailed against us and came out to us in the field; then we drove them back as far as the entrance of the gate. ²⁴ The archers shot from the wall at your servants; and some of the king’s servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.”
²⁵ Then David said to the messenger, “Thus you shall say to Joab: ‘Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and overthrow it.’ So encourage him.”
²⁶ When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. ²⁷ And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.

David needed to get his life in order. The hazardous waste of laziness and lust that he let hang around, soon was out of control and spawned more sin. We need to take order of our lives and ask God to show us what needs to go before our lives are a mess that needs major clean up. In the past few years some major companies allowed for either oil to spill because of lack of diligence or short cuts. Not only did they pollute the Earth, their company names are now linked to failure. Besides the cost of the clean up they paid penalties. The costs were huge.

Getting rid of the sin in our life is free. It also keeps us from taking on more sin to cover our guilt.

Psalm 32:3-5
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Time for a spring clean up.

Have a great day.
Marty

God Rejoices Over Us 4/13/2014 With a Recipe

Good Morning,

Sunday, the Lord's Day and soon approaching Easter. My coffee on this quiet morning is Door County Caramel Latte. I have been trying some new Door County Flavors over the past few days and I have to recommend all of them. But this one today is going down especially nice. Heavy thunder storms rolled through our area last night which managed to keep me awake. I must say this. my wife can sleep through anything! I not only enjoy coffee, but I need a little wake up brew.

Zephaniah 3:17

 The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

I spoke on this verse last night. In the text God is encouraging Israel to be faithful and that they can count on Him. I chose to apply this verse to the faithful Christian.

Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are what Easter is all about. Jesus overcame death by being raised by the Father. His suffering and death on the cross was payment for our sin. The only thing left for anyone to do is to call upon the name of the Lord in faith, repent, be born again, and immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. God's plan of salvation is then complete for that individual.

Now that takes me to this thought of just how much God loves us. In the text we see that God rejoices over us in singing. He knows that those who have been saved through Jesus are coming home, they have their ticket and He will never miss a day of eternity with them.

Our daughter lives in Florida. We speak pretty often on the phone but we cannot see each other daily. I miss her dearly. So when I am going to Florida or she visits the frozen tundra of Wisconsin the excitement of just seeing her makes me rejoice. Yet God takes time to rejoice over us and we will never miss a day with Him.

It blows my mind to think of the Creator of The Universe rejoicing over people. And of all people me. Although that is just too much to fathom, I do find much peace in knowing that God loves us that much. I can't wait to hear the music. It has to be something else!

God bless your day. Listen for the melody.

Marty

We tend to always try and make our Sunday dinner special. We both work in health care and sometimes our jobs require us to work Sundays. Most always we are home in the evening and want to commemorate the Lord's day by being together at the table, not in a hurry, or maybe by sharing our meal with others. We did that last Sunday. Our church has a Saturday night service where I do most of the speaking. This affords us to be able to serve those who come on Saturdays and allows us to worship when we have to work. More often than not it seems that our Sunday meal has the main course as chicken. Today this is the style we will be serving and feasting upon.

Key West Chicken

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 4 servings                     

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

1. In a shallow container, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes. I prefer to allow this to marinate at least 4-5 hours.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear.

This will be served with red beans and rice, corn bread and Pistachio pie for dessert.