Good Morning,
I was listening to a young man and his little boy this weekend and I cannot help but write about the experience. So as I sip on my cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee my thoughts will pour on to this page.
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.
I was grocery shopping this weekend when I heard a little boy ask his dad a question. "Dad why are we buying this food for poor people?" Their grocery cart was stacked full. Dad's answer was right on. "Because we can afford to buy a little extra and give some to people who aren't blessed with as much money as us. Some people have bad luck once in awhile and need a little help. So we are going to give these groceries to a shelter that will help people." My ears strained to hear as I followed them. The little boy asked "So God doesn't love them?" Dad replied "He certainly does love them. He blessed others so they can help those with less.. We are blessed to be able to help and the people receiving this are blessed to receive it." "I wish Mom was here to see this big cart of food, said the little boy." Dad replied, "me too. But she is the one who taught us to do this. She always gave right from the heart." "Is that why she gave her heart away when she died in the crash?" Said the little boy. Dad just smiled and said "she always gave to others, even if she didn't know them."
These parents taught their little boy to give to a need without expecting a thanks. They give with the right heart.
Can you afford not to teach your kids this lesson?
Have a great day,
Marty
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Longing For God 3/30/2015
Good Morning World.
My morning was just made better with prayer, scripture, and a cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. That will be the last of this flavor until next fall.
One thing about Wisconsin is the cold weather just doesn't impact our desire for a frozen custard treat. Like a hot fudge sundae covered with a few cherries. It can be 10 degrees below zero and our frozen custard emporiums will have customers. We love our custard here. Ice cream is good but frozen custard is tops here. Last night I had an urge for a frozen treat and I know it doesn't take too much arm twisting to get my faithful shot gun rider wife to go along.
But here's the problem. I was already in my pajamas and did not want to change into travel clothes. So the short trip and the treat did not happen. I guess I did not desire the custard enough.
Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for water, so I long for you Dear God.
A white tail deer runs quickly and for long distances if it senses or smells a threat. After this long runs on a hot July night the deer needs water. I have watched a deer panting for water in the cold fall morning as it comes to the water's edge to drink while I am duck hunting. You can hear it's breathing in the stillness. It has come to the water source that it knew was there. It needed to be refreshed and replenished. Only the water would help. That's all the deer desired. Deer usually fear people. That deer knew that I was there and there wasn't anything going to stop it from drinking what he needed.
How long can we go without intimate time spent with God? I really like custard but will be just fine without it. I wasn't willing to pay the price of changing clothes to obtain my custard fix. Really? Changing clothes is not that big of a deal. But what keeps us from spending time with the Creator of all? Do we allow little things to get in the way? If we do, I have to say that the desire just isn't there. It should be! If it isn't, you need to look within yourself and ask "what is holding me back? What is more important than spending time with God"?
Have a great day. Satisfy your soul with some quality time spent with God.
Love you all.
Marty
My morning was just made better with prayer, scripture, and a cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. That will be the last of this flavor until next fall.
One thing about Wisconsin is the cold weather just doesn't impact our desire for a frozen custard treat. Like a hot fudge sundae covered with a few cherries. It can be 10 degrees below zero and our frozen custard emporiums will have customers. We love our custard here. Ice cream is good but frozen custard is tops here. Last night I had an urge for a frozen treat and I know it doesn't take too much arm twisting to get my faithful shot gun rider wife to go along.
But here's the problem. I was already in my pajamas and did not want to change into travel clothes. So the short trip and the treat did not happen. I guess I did not desire the custard enough.
Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for water, so I long for you Dear God.
A white tail deer runs quickly and for long distances if it senses or smells a threat. After this long runs on a hot July night the deer needs water. I have watched a deer panting for water in the cold fall morning as it comes to the water's edge to drink while I am duck hunting. You can hear it's breathing in the stillness. It has come to the water source that it knew was there. It needed to be refreshed and replenished. Only the water would help. That's all the deer desired. Deer usually fear people. That deer knew that I was there and there wasn't anything going to stop it from drinking what he needed.
How long can we go without intimate time spent with God? I really like custard but will be just fine without it. I wasn't willing to pay the price of changing clothes to obtain my custard fix. Really? Changing clothes is not that big of a deal. But what keeps us from spending time with the Creator of all? Do we allow little things to get in the way? If we do, I have to say that the desire just isn't there. It should be! If it isn't, you need to look within yourself and ask "what is holding me back? What is more important than spending time with God"?
Have a great day. Satisfy your soul with some quality time spent with God.
Love you all.
Marty
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Sliders 3/29/2015
Good Morning,
Sunday once again has peeked over the horizon. As I sit and ponder what this day might bring with the dog curled at my feet. I can't help but smile as I drink my Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. This is the day God has made and I am blessed to be a part of it.
Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
Pictured above are "sliders" being prepared for the grill. A slider is a small sandwich, typically around 3 in across, served in a bun. The term primarily refers to small hamburgers, but can also cover any small sandwich served on a slider roll. Although the slider is a small hamburger it is still a hamburger. If you eat two - three of them you really have eaten a full hamburger. So you really can't say that you have just eaten a small hamburger.
That's just how people like to relate to being lazy in their faith. "I'll just miss church once this month". "I'll just skip reading my Bible on the weekends". "I don't have time to use my gifts or talents for God" "No one will miss me anyway if I don't come" "I just want to get drunk once in awhile".
Anyway you slice this pie it is backsliding. Although we dress it up as "just this once, just a little bit, something else came up", it is what it is. Backsliding in you faith. You have to call a burger a burger. You have to call backsliding a sin.
Enjoy your day! Church anyone?
God bless,
Marty
Sunday once again has peeked over the horizon. As I sit and ponder what this day might bring with the dog curled at my feet. I can't help but smile as I drink my Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. This is the day God has made and I am blessed to be a part of it.
Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
Pictured above are "sliders" being prepared for the grill. A slider is a small sandwich, typically around 3 in across, served in a bun. The term primarily refers to small hamburgers, but can also cover any small sandwich served on a slider roll. Although the slider is a small hamburger it is still a hamburger. If you eat two - three of them you really have eaten a full hamburger. So you really can't say that you have just eaten a small hamburger.
That's just how people like to relate to being lazy in their faith. "I'll just miss church once this month". "I'll just skip reading my Bible on the weekends". "I don't have time to use my gifts or talents for God" "No one will miss me anyway if I don't come" "I just want to get drunk once in awhile".
Anyway you slice this pie it is backsliding. Although we dress it up as "just this once, just a little bit, something else came up", it is what it is. Backsliding in you faith. You have to call a burger a burger. You have to call backsliding a sin.
Enjoy your day! Church anyone?
God bless,
Marty
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Saturday Sunrise 3/28/2015
Good Morning,
May your day be blessed from above. Our weather is very cold this morning for a spring day in March. A heavy frost is on the ground. That warrants two things in this house. A small fire is crackling in the fireplace and the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is just a little hotter.
I was up and out of bed early. I wanted to see the sun come up. Usually I am already inside at work when the sun rises. So today I didn't have to work. That afforded me time to get to the den and sip on my coffee as the sun came up. There is just something about a sunrise and a sunset that is magnetizing to me. I love to watch both. I especially love them in the fall when I am with a hunting buddy, sitting on a lake or a marsh waiting for a flock of ducks to fly by. The coffee tastes sweeter and the donut seems bigger during a sunrise.
I guess watching the sun start a day and then later lay it to rest is a miracle of love that reminds me that God painted that scene and He knows that I will see it. Billions of people see it also. But God knows that I see it too. He reminds me that I am loved. Even a large, grown, old man likes to know that he is loved from above. In order to do that though, it takes a little time to be still and observe. No greater time than a quiet morning to reflect on God's love and watch the picture He paints for you.
Psalm 65:8New International Version (NIV)
May your day be blessed from above. Our weather is very cold this morning for a spring day in March. A heavy frost is on the ground. That warrants two things in this house. A small fire is crackling in the fireplace and the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is just a little hotter.
I was up and out of bed early. I wanted to see the sun come up. Usually I am already inside at work when the sun rises. So today I didn't have to work. That afforded me time to get to the den and sip on my coffee as the sun came up. There is just something about a sunrise and a sunset that is magnetizing to me. I love to watch both. I especially love them in the fall when I am with a hunting buddy, sitting on a lake or a marsh waiting for a flock of ducks to fly by. The coffee tastes sweeter and the donut seems bigger during a sunrise.
I guess watching the sun start a day and then later lay it to rest is a miracle of love that reminds me that God painted that scene and He knows that I will see it. Billions of people see it also. But God knows that I see it too. He reminds me that I am loved. Even a large, grown, old man likes to know that he is loved from above. In order to do that though, it takes a little time to be still and observe. No greater time than a quiet morning to reflect on God's love and watch the picture He paints for you.
Psalm 65:8New International Version (NIV)
8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
If you missed it today, get up early tomorrow and enjoy God's masterpiece he has just for you. You won't be late for church.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, March 27, 2015
Grilled Fish 3/27/2015
Good Morning,
Friday has returned just in time. I need a break and a slow weekend. I had a warm biscuit this morning with my Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. Nice start to a day.
The only thing that has disrupted the start of this day was our supper from last night. We had made earlier plans to eat pizza but changed our minds when a friend of ours gave us some walleye filets. I love grilled fish, but was just a little too tired to start the grill and cook outside.
We are blessed to have a small electric grill that can be used indoors. The fish was delicious, but as hard as we tried to remove the smell of cooked fish from the house it still has the aroma of grilled fish. Not too pleasant of an odor to wake up to.
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
God is serious when he tells us that we reap what we sow. I cooked fish so the house smelled like fish. When we sow the life if sin our life reaps the consequences of sin. Our life begins to smell to put it bluntly and in many instances the smell of our mistakes lingers for a long time.
So it is best to think before we go ahead with evil and stop to count the consequences. Just like cooking the fish would have been a better experience if it was cooked outside or at least when it was warm enough to open windows. I reaped what I sowed!
Have a great day.
Marty
Friday has returned just in time. I need a break and a slow weekend. I had a warm biscuit this morning with my Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. Nice start to a day.
The only thing that has disrupted the start of this day was our supper from last night. We had made earlier plans to eat pizza but changed our minds when a friend of ours gave us some walleye filets. I love grilled fish, but was just a little too tired to start the grill and cook outside.
We are blessed to have a small electric grill that can be used indoors. The fish was delicious, but as hard as we tried to remove the smell of cooked fish from the house it still has the aroma of grilled fish. Not too pleasant of an odor to wake up to.
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
God is serious when he tells us that we reap what we sow. I cooked fish so the house smelled like fish. When we sow the life if sin our life reaps the consequences of sin. Our life begins to smell to put it bluntly and in many instances the smell of our mistakes lingers for a long time.
So it is best to think before we go ahead with evil and stop to count the consequences. Just like cooking the fish would have been a better experience if it was cooked outside or at least when it was warm enough to open windows. I reaped what I sowed!
Have a great day.
Marty
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Bible Verse For the Morning. 3/26/2015
Good Morning,
My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Crème. My day has started with a Bible verse that I think should be just enough to write about.
Mark 12:30-31
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Have a great day. This one will carry you through,
Marty
My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Crème. My day has started with a Bible verse that I think should be just enough to write about.
Mark 12:30-31
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Have a great day. This one will carry you through,
Marty
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Radical Faith 3/25/2015
Good Morning,
As I head out of the door and into the car a very hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is in my left hand. I remembered to pack my lunch today. I am blessed with cottage cheese and hot pepper relish as well as some oranges that were sent to us a long way by a friend of ours. God is good.
When I use the words "radical faith" many people cringe. People picture many things in their minds. They might picture large groups drinking juice laced with poison and all dying together. They might picture a suicide bomber approaching a large building to kill and cripple many others. Some might picture people selling carnations on the curb for days on end, not eating and supporting some guy half a world away who has proclaimed himself to be the "chosen one". These all give the term radical a bad rap. This type of faith although radical in it's approach is not from God.
Isaiah 6:8New King James Version (NKJV)
By the way Lord, I'll go.
God bless,
Marty
As I head out of the door and into the car a very hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is in my left hand. I remembered to pack my lunch today. I am blessed with cottage cheese and hot pepper relish as well as some oranges that were sent to us a long way by a friend of ours. God is good.
When I use the words "radical faith" many people cringe. People picture many things in their minds. They might picture large groups drinking juice laced with poison and all dying together. They might picture a suicide bomber approaching a large building to kill and cripple many others. Some might picture people selling carnations on the curb for days on end, not eating and supporting some guy half a world away who has proclaimed himself to be the "chosen one". These all give the term radical a bad rap. This type of faith although radical in it's approach is not from God.
Isaiah 6:8New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
I sat last night teaching a new group of radicals. It's a small group who answered God's call to give up a week of their time and serve within our city to help young women this summer. Their call is to make a difference by loving their neighbor who they haven't met yet. They are hoping for an explosion also. They want an explosion of the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of men, children and women in revival for Jesus Christ. This is truly radical faith. They will leave the comfort of their homes, surrender their ipods, serve people they don't know, love those who God has placed in their paths and spend a week with people they barely know. This is radical faith. They know God is at work and they have answered His call to join Him, trust Him and grow closer to Him. This is the type of radical faith that moves mountains and breaks down walls. This type of faith requires an obedience to answer the call of God. Radical faith in God is obedient faith.
I am looking forward to joining them in His work.
Jeremiah 33:3New King James Version (NKJV)
3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.By the way Lord, I'll go.
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Sugar Substitute 3/24/2015
Good Morning,
What will you do today that makes a positive difference for someone? I wish that we could have a cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee together this morning.
Hebrews 13:8New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Many years ago the first substitute for sugar came on the scene. It radically changed the soft drink world. Sugar free, 1 calorie, no calories, were the new claims with celebrities saying " you can't tell the difference between the "sugar free" and the original flavor. Street polls were watched and people were blind folded and asked to sample two drinks and then pick out the one with the sugar. And then they were asked while blind folded "which one tasted best?" Undoubtedly they always showed the person picking the new "sugar free". I actually use a sugar substitute in my coffee. Yes it makes the coffee taste sweeter, but not as sweet as actual sugar.
Jesus is the same. There are many people who will try to substitute other people or things in their lives for Jesus. H. A. Ironside said "Christ is a substitute for everything, but nothing is a substitute for Christ".
Ephesians 2:8-9New King James Version (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Philippians 2:8-11New Living Translation (NLT)
I hope you get the picture. There is only one Jesus, one Lord, one way to heaven, one Son of God, and one Savior. Nothing on Earth can take His place.
God bless,
Marty
What will you do today that makes a positive difference for someone? I wish that we could have a cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee together this morning.
Hebrews 13:8New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Many years ago the first substitute for sugar came on the scene. It radically changed the soft drink world. Sugar free, 1 calorie, no calories, were the new claims with celebrities saying " you can't tell the difference between the "sugar free" and the original flavor. Street polls were watched and people were blind folded and asked to sample two drinks and then pick out the one with the sugar. And then they were asked while blind folded "which one tasted best?" Undoubtedly they always showed the person picking the new "sugar free". I actually use a sugar substitute in my coffee. Yes it makes the coffee taste sweeter, but not as sweet as actual sugar.
Jesus is the same. There are many people who will try to substitute other people or things in their lives for Jesus. H. A. Ironside said "Christ is a substitute for everything, but nothing is a substitute for Christ".
Ephesians 2:8-9New King James Version (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Philippians 2:8-11New Living Translation (NLT)
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 4:1221st Century King James Version (KJ21)
12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”
I hope you get the picture. There is only one Jesus, one Lord, one way to heaven, one Son of God, and one Savior. Nothing on Earth can take His place.
God bless,
Marty
Monday, March 23, 2015
Don't Water Down The Diet Dr.Pepper 3/23/2015
Good Morning,
Monday is here and I am looking ahead to Tuesday night when we kick off our first meeting for our church mission trip. My coffee this morning is Door County Blueberry Cobbler. The first day for their spring flavors to fill my cup.
My wife, Rene likes to drink Diet Dr. Pepper for a treat during the day. She has it refrigerated to keep it cold. She likes a cold glass at the end of her work day. I have learned throughout our years together that she will never add ice to the glass. "Ice just waters down my drink and it loses flavor that way" is what I have heard at least a hundred times. " Who wants watered down Diet Dr. Pepper"?
One thing worse than watered down Diet Dr. Pepper is a diluted gospel message.
Getting the right medicine in the right dose makes a world of difference to cancer patients.
So it is with the gospel. If we don’t get the full strength, we could be deceived into thinking we’re really healed when we’re actually getting worse. Likewise, the devil is mass-distributing a watered-down version among God’s people. He’s content to let you go to some churches because the medicine there is often so diluted it won’t make any transforming difference in your life.
You have preachers who are not sharing a straight message, and you have people who don’t want a straight message. The people don’t want to take anything that’s hard to swallow. They generally want what’s easy and sweet to the senses. They want someone who will give them a prescription for candy-flavored, chewable medicine.
So beware of the goal of Satan to water down the message. A clear gospel message is not what He wants. A clear Gospel message heals the lost soul. A clear Biblical message calls sin a sin. The same way you wouldn't call cancer a case of the sniffles.
Make sure you are hearing the full message of the Bible. I for one believe that all 66 books of the Bible are to be read literally. All of God's rules are meant to be followed and only Jesus can save the lost.
So as a soda will go flat if it sits open too long, so will a Christian's life go flat with a Bible that is only open to the verses we want to hear, and give us warm fuzzies.
Hang in there today.
God bless,
Marty
Monday is here and I am looking ahead to Tuesday night when we kick off our first meeting for our church mission trip. My coffee this morning is Door County Blueberry Cobbler. The first day for their spring flavors to fill my cup.
My wife, Rene likes to drink Diet Dr. Pepper for a treat during the day. She has it refrigerated to keep it cold. She likes a cold glass at the end of her work day. I have learned throughout our years together that she will never add ice to the glass. "Ice just waters down my drink and it loses flavor that way" is what I have heard at least a hundred times. " Who wants watered down Diet Dr. Pepper"?
One thing worse than watered down Diet Dr. Pepper is a diluted gospel message.
Getting the right medicine in the right dose makes a world of difference to cancer patients.
So it is with the gospel. If we don’t get the full strength, we could be deceived into thinking we’re really healed when we’re actually getting worse. Likewise, the devil is mass-distributing a watered-down version among God’s people. He’s content to let you go to some churches because the medicine there is often so diluted it won’t make any transforming difference in your life.
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4).
In this verse, Paul describes a problem in the pulpit and in the pew.You have preachers who are not sharing a straight message, and you have people who don’t want a straight message. The people don’t want to take anything that’s hard to swallow. They generally want what’s easy and sweet to the senses. They want someone who will give them a prescription for candy-flavored, chewable medicine.
“Savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29).
The gospel gets watered down because preachers/pastors want to be popular and some, for pride or money, want to draw away disciples after themselves for power and influence. (See Ezekiel 13:10.)So beware of the goal of Satan to water down the message. A clear gospel message is not what He wants. A clear Gospel message heals the lost soul. A clear Biblical message calls sin a sin. The same way you wouldn't call cancer a case of the sniffles.
Make sure you are hearing the full message of the Bible. I for one believe that all 66 books of the Bible are to be read literally. All of God's rules are meant to be followed and only Jesus can save the lost.
So as a soda will go flat if it sits open too long, so will a Christian's life go flat with a Bible that is only open to the verses we want to hear, and give us warm fuzzies.
Hang in there today.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, March 20, 2015
Correcting Your Hearing 3/20/2015
Good Morning,
Happy Friday to all of you near and far. I wish I could be drinking some Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee today. But for the first few hours of this fine Friday I need to fast. So my thermos bottle is filled for later. Later always seems to take a long time getting here.
Genesis 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
When it comes to hearing God's word we need to remember that Satan the liar will work to convince us that what God says in the Bible has "wiggle room" and that it is not really what God meant.
The "Old Snake" will twist the truth and bend it just enough to make your choice a bad one. It might be a choice that doesn't seem to be a big deal and really only caused a little harm, but much later might have bigger consequences. Eating a piece of fruit didn't seem like a big deal until Satan convinced Eve that she could be like God and later the consequences were huge.
God's Word is not to be twisted and turned until always comfortable. God established the Bible for our good and there is only one way to follow it, and that is to take it literally.
2 Timothy 3:16New King James Version (NKJV)
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
So beware of those who at times will bend Scripture to satisfy a need, and work to convince you that you can do the same. This is not from God and is not to be followed. Make sure to correct your hearing. Know who you are listening to.
Enjoy your weekend. I will be taking two days away from writing to reflect and study. The blog will continue on Monday March 23rd. Until then, enjoy your weekend. May your tomorrows be better.
Marty
Happy Friday to all of you near and far. I wish I could be drinking some Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee today. But for the first few hours of this fine Friday I need to fast. So my thermos bottle is filled for later. Later always seems to take a long time getting here.
Genesis 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Temptation and Fall of Man
3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
When it comes to hearing God's word we need to remember that Satan the liar will work to convince us that what God says in the Bible has "wiggle room" and that it is not really what God meant.
The "Old Snake" will twist the truth and bend it just enough to make your choice a bad one. It might be a choice that doesn't seem to be a big deal and really only caused a little harm, but much later might have bigger consequences. Eating a piece of fruit didn't seem like a big deal until Satan convinced Eve that she could be like God and later the consequences were huge.
God's Word is not to be twisted and turned until always comfortable. God established the Bible for our good and there is only one way to follow it, and that is to take it literally.
2 Timothy 3:16New King James Version (NKJV)
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
So beware of those who at times will bend Scripture to satisfy a need, and work to convince you that you can do the same. This is not from God and is not to be followed. Make sure to correct your hearing. Know who you are listening to.
Enjoy your weekend. I will be taking two days away from writing to reflect and study. The blog will continue on Monday March 23rd. Until then, enjoy your weekend. May your tomorrows be better.
Marty
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Fear Knocked At The Door. 3/19/2015
Good Morning,
I think this day is going to be packed with a lot of things to do. It should go by fast. So I will jump start this morning with a strong cup of Door County Chocolate Coffee.
1 John 4:18New King James Version (NKJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
There may come a time in our lives when we are paralyzed by fear. Fear should not rule the life of a Christian. The worst thing that can happen to anyone is to spend eternity in hell separated from God. This cannot happen to a Christian saved by grace , through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. So the worst thing that could ever happen cannot happen to a Christian. So what is there to fear? The ultimate fear "death" is gone. This is perfect love. Love that removes the fear of death. Today we will look at three lives that experienced a knock on the door from Fear. Faith answered and no one was there.
Love removes all fear, love lasts forever. Jesus the perfect example of love defeated fear for us.
Have a great day,
Marty
I think this day is going to be packed with a lot of things to do. It should go by fast. So I will jump start this morning with a strong cup of Door County Chocolate Coffee.
1 John 4:18New King James Version (NKJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
There may come a time in our lives when we are paralyzed by fear. Fear should not rule the life of a Christian. The worst thing that can happen to anyone is to spend eternity in hell separated from God. This cannot happen to a Christian saved by grace , through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. So the worst thing that could ever happen cannot happen to a Christian. So what is there to fear? The ultimate fear "death" is gone. This is perfect love. Love that removes the fear of death. Today we will look at three lives that experienced a knock on the door from Fear. Faith answered and no one was there.
Daniel 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Image of Gold
3 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Saved in Fiery Trial
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”[a]
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel[b] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon
Love removes all fear, love lasts forever. Jesus the perfect example of love defeated fear for us.
Have a great day,
Marty
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Only A Fool Would Say, There Is No God. 3/18/2015
Good Morning,
May the Lord bless you today with peace from above. I am looking forward to that first cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee this morning. I don't know what the day will bring, but with God for me, who can be against me?
May the Lord bless you today with peace from above. I am looking forward to that first cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee this morning. I don't know what the day will bring, but with God for me, who can be against me?
Psalm 14:1-2
14 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
I was listening to a man yesterday tell a few others that "there is no God". I was not in the mood to debate with the fella. I was however in the mood to pray for him. I kept thinking, hasn't he witnessed a sunset, or a full moon? Has he never watched the tides come and go? Has he never seen a new born baby snuggle with mom and know exactly how to eat? Has he ever tasted honey? He must never have eaten fresh roasted summer corn. He must never have experienced love. I wondered if he ever watched the snow fall? I struggled with his statement, but most of all I felt sorry for him. He had no one to thank for all he possessed, saw, or experienced. I know it all came from God, but remember what he said "there is no God".
Later I heard this man boast about all of his accomplishments in life and then I realized that he suffered from terminal selfishness. He did not want to give anyone credit for anything they did for him. He did it all himself. He finally won me over and I had to tell him that he was right and wrong. I explained, to him, the God I love and honor does not exist. But that there was definitely a god in his life and if he wanted to see his god, he should just look in the mirror. His sin of selfishness was robbing him from seeing that God the Father truly exists.
I had to walk away in prayer for him. I shed a tear for the man God has labeled a fool.
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Take Me To Church 3/17/2015
Good Morning,
Today will be my last cup of Door County Christmas Coffee until July. I stored some away until then to have "Christmas In July". I hope and pray that your day is filled with the joy of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:25New King James Version (NKJV)
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Last night Rene and I met with our attorney to work on our wills, and or power of attorney for health and finances. We have started to compile lists of what we want done with personal belongings. No, nothing has happened that has caused us hurry and get this done. We just want to make sure that our needs are met, for one another, and that we would not leave a mess behind someday for family to work through.
After reading the documents and seeing how our estate would be settled some day, or decisions would be made for us, all I could think about is this, when I get too old to drive and if I live to a ripe old age "how do I get to church?" We don't have a written plan for that.
You see, for us, church is a place to worship God with others. It is a place to learn and to serve. It is a place to see God at work through others. More times than I can count, church has been a place of fellowship and family. God clearly desires for all of us to be part of a local Bible believing church. Our desire should always be to be present in church and to belong. When attending church becomes an option, is it really an option at all?
Some day all of us will grow old and attending church might not be easy for us to do or even try to at all. So why not take full advantage of attending now while it is easy. Make a difference by getting involved. You are gifted and have a lot to offer.
Food for thought!
God bless,
Marty
Today will be my last cup of Door County Christmas Coffee until July. I stored some away until then to have "Christmas In July". I hope and pray that your day is filled with the joy of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:25New King James Version (NKJV)
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Last night Rene and I met with our attorney to work on our wills, and or power of attorney for health and finances. We have started to compile lists of what we want done with personal belongings. No, nothing has happened that has caused us hurry and get this done. We just want to make sure that our needs are met, for one another, and that we would not leave a mess behind someday for family to work through.
After reading the documents and seeing how our estate would be settled some day, or decisions would be made for us, all I could think about is this, when I get too old to drive and if I live to a ripe old age "how do I get to church?" We don't have a written plan for that.
You see, for us, church is a place to worship God with others. It is a place to learn and to serve. It is a place to see God at work through others. More times than I can count, church has been a place of fellowship and family. God clearly desires for all of us to be part of a local Bible believing church. Our desire should always be to be present in church and to belong. When attending church becomes an option, is it really an option at all?
Some day all of us will grow old and attending church might not be easy for us to do or even try to at all. So why not take full advantage of attending now while it is easy. Make a difference by getting involved. You are gifted and have a lot to offer.
Food for thought!
God bless,
Marty
Monday, March 16, 2015
Follow The Trail To God's Presence 3/16/2015
Good Morning.
I hope your weekend was as nice as mine was. But as usual, I am looking forward to the next one. My travel cup is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and off I go to work.
I believe that God still speaks to us in many ways. His number one way of speaking is still through His word the Bible. His word is alive and well.
Hebrews 4:12New King James Version (NKJV)
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
People are always seeking the "meaning to their life". Yet many, many people do not follow the trail that leads them to time spent here on Earth in God's presence, let alone for eternity. They look at the Bible as a nice collection of stories and good rules to live by. The reason for that thought, is they really haven't read through it and experienced the truth, love, and communication that comes through the Bible when read with the right attitude toward God. I define the right attitude as "Loving The Author". To read it is to know just how much God loves you. Reading God's Word and loving Him is a step down the pathway to His presence.
The nice thing about this trail to His heart is that it can be done anytime and is not weather dependent. It is not dependent on the day we had, or how much money we have. All it takes is a submissive heart.
Hike on!
Marty
I hope your weekend was as nice as mine was. But as usual, I am looking forward to the next one. My travel cup is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and off I go to work.
I believe that God still speaks to us in many ways. His number one way of speaking is still through His word the Bible. His word is alive and well.
Hebrews 4:12New King James Version (NKJV)
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
People are always seeking the "meaning to their life". Yet many, many people do not follow the trail that leads them to time spent here on Earth in God's presence, let alone for eternity. They look at the Bible as a nice collection of stories and good rules to live by. The reason for that thought, is they really haven't read through it and experienced the truth, love, and communication that comes through the Bible when read with the right attitude toward God. I define the right attitude as "Loving The Author". To read it is to know just how much God loves you. Reading God's Word and loving Him is a step down the pathway to His presence.
Psalm 119:105New King James Version (NKJV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
And a light to my path.
The nice thing about this trail to His heart is that it can be done anytime and is not weather dependent. It is not dependent on the day we had, or how much money we have. All it takes is a submissive heart.
Hike on!
Marty
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Sinking Sand 3/15/2015
Good Morning,
As I look out of my window I see that God has painted the grass with some spring frost this fine morning. The sun is coming up and the frost will soon disappear and give way to the warmer air. In the meantime my view looks like our grass has been sprinkled with crystal. To help warm me up my mug is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Spring has arrived.
Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.
Yesterday was a day that a few chores needed to be done. A couple of the chores required the use of a large ladder. As I described in my opening remarks, spring has arrived and the snow banks that once buried our property are melting. The ground has absorbed about as much water as it can right now and the soil is not firm at all. I noticed that on the Eastern side of our property, water actually flies up when the dog runs in a couple areas.
So I set up the ladder to get to the top of our house and proceeded to climb. About half way up my journey the ladder started to lean to the right. I was only up about ten feet but it was time to come done before my decent was a little more rapid. Going any further would have resulted in a trip to the hospital. The problem was that one leg of my ladder had begun to sink and caused the leaning. I was not on solid ground. I needed a firm foundation. Armed later with heavy plywood that spanned a larger mass on the ground, I was able to set up the ladder successfully and complete the repairs.
There is an old hymn that speaks of Jesus Christ as our foundation. " On Christ The solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand". In my own efforts to perform the repairs to our home I could not get the job done without a solid foundation. Many people work long hours and seek counseling to repair broken lives without the proper foundation to start with. All the world has to offer in assistance is only setting up our hopes in sinking sand. All life repairs need to start on a firm foundation. Jesus Christ the True Architect of all life is that foundation. Jesus calls to us to come to him so he can repair broken lives. The following verses are an invitation from Jesus to give the load to Him. I have added nothing to the dialogue from God's Word. He is speaking to you right now, not me.
Matthew 11:28-30
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.”
1 Peter 5:7
Romans 10:13
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
As I look out of my window I see that God has painted the grass with some spring frost this fine morning. The sun is coming up and the frost will soon disappear and give way to the warmer air. In the meantime my view looks like our grass has been sprinkled with crystal. To help warm me up my mug is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Spring has arrived.
Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.
Yesterday was a day that a few chores needed to be done. A couple of the chores required the use of a large ladder. As I described in my opening remarks, spring has arrived and the snow banks that once buried our property are melting. The ground has absorbed about as much water as it can right now and the soil is not firm at all. I noticed that on the Eastern side of our property, water actually flies up when the dog runs in a couple areas.
So I set up the ladder to get to the top of our house and proceeded to climb. About half way up my journey the ladder started to lean to the right. I was only up about ten feet but it was time to come done before my decent was a little more rapid. Going any further would have resulted in a trip to the hospital. The problem was that one leg of my ladder had begun to sink and caused the leaning. I was not on solid ground. I needed a firm foundation. Armed later with heavy plywood that spanned a larger mass on the ground, I was able to set up the ladder successfully and complete the repairs.
There is an old hymn that speaks of Jesus Christ as our foundation. " On Christ The solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand". In my own efforts to perform the repairs to our home I could not get the job done without a solid foundation. Many people work long hours and seek counseling to repair broken lives without the proper foundation to start with. All the world has to offer in assistance is only setting up our hopes in sinking sand. All life repairs need to start on a firm foundation. Jesus Christ the True Architect of all life is that foundation. Jesus calls to us to come to him so he can repair broken lives. The following verses are an invitation from Jesus to give the load to Him. I have added nothing to the dialogue from God's Word. He is speaking to you right now, not me.
Matthew 11:28-30
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.”
1 Peter 5:7
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
John 3:16
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.Romans 10:13
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 14:
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Friends, you might not be in need of this today, but someone you know has never invited Jesus Christ into their lives as Lord and Savior. Their life is standing in sinking sand. They have no hope for tomorrow, no hope for eternity and they don't know where to turn. Send this to them, share it on social media.
But it might just be you that needed to hear from God's own word that you are loved and He desires to have a relationship with you that all starts with Jesus. Won't you do that today?
God bless,
Marty
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Lord, I Need A Lift 3/14/2015
Good Morning World!
Nothing like a quiet Saturday morning, with a little extra time to see my first robin sitting in a tree outside of my den window while enjoying my cup of Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle Coffee.
Last year just around this time I was assisting a sister hospital within our healthcare system with a project. I still have fond memories of that one. Part of the project required some mechanical equipment changes. In order to accomplish this we needed to perform several crane lifts from the ground to the roof. No matter which way I planned this out I could not avoid having to change the equipment. I had no choice and my deadline was approaching. I needed a lift! And I could not do it myself.
Whether it be a hard day at work, family trouble, health issues, heartache, depression, or a relationship that is causing stress in your life; there is always something in the Bible to look up to and lift us up when we are feeling down.
It is in God's Word that we can find encouraging verses to uplift us and give us hope when we are down. For anyone who is feeling the "weight of the world" on their shoulders, cast your care upon the One up above whose shoulders are big enough to carry the burden for you.
Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint
I need a place to run and get lifted up from time to time. I run to our Father and seek Him out in His word. I read my Bible daily, but always go for more when it seems like I just can't get my head above the waters of life. Every now and then we all reach that point. You have a heavenly crane on your book shelf or next to your bed. Time to admit you need the crane!
Have a wonderful day.
God bless,
Marty
Nothing like a quiet Saturday morning, with a little extra time to see my first robin sitting in a tree outside of my den window while enjoying my cup of Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle Coffee.
Whether it be a hard day at work, family trouble, health issues, heartache, depression, or a relationship that is causing stress in your life; there is always something in the Bible to look up to and lift us up when we are feeling down.
It is in God's Word that we can find encouraging verses to uplift us and give us hope when we are down. For anyone who is feeling the "weight of the world" on their shoulders, cast your care upon the One up above whose shoulders are big enough to carry the burden for you.
Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint
I need a place to run and get lifted up from time to time. I run to our Father and seek Him out in His word. I read my Bible daily, but always go for more when it seems like I just can't get my head above the waters of life. Every now and then we all reach that point. You have a heavenly crane on your book shelf or next to your bed. Time to admit you need the crane!
Have a wonderful day.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, March 13, 2015
Let Go Of The Past 3/13/2015
Good Morning,
Happy Friday to you. I hope this day is one that leads to a great weekend filled with faith, hope and love for you. My coffee which will be fueling my giddy up and go this morning is Door County Cherry Crème.
Many relationships suffer from memories that are too good. Every relationship between two people will be strained somewhere along the life of the relationship. It's at these times when there might be a disagreement that bad memories from the last disagreement or wrong doing are dredged up. It's amazing how a mind that can't remember what to pick up from the market after work can remember things from 30 years ago when anger kicks in. Thus, the bad memory adds fuel to the fire of an already inflamed encounter. The Bible has a lot to say about forgetting the past and letting that issue go.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Dwelling on past wrongs that were committed against us blinds us as to what God is doing now. Who really desires to go through life blind to God's good works.
How can the other person know that they been forgiven? They have to relive the guilt and bad memory as well as you do when it is brought back up. Our anger has just caused harm to the other person in our relationship.
Psalm 37:8 Living Bible (TLB)
8 Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm.
So when it comes to healthy relationships and disagreements develop a healthy case of amnesia and forget the past.
God bless,
Marty
Happy Friday to you. I hope this day is one that leads to a great weekend filled with faith, hope and love for you. My coffee which will be fueling my giddy up and go this morning is Door County Cherry Crème.
Many relationships suffer from memories that are too good. Every relationship between two people will be strained somewhere along the life of the relationship. It's at these times when there might be a disagreement that bad memories from the last disagreement or wrong doing are dredged up. It's amazing how a mind that can't remember what to pick up from the market after work can remember things from 30 years ago when anger kicks in. Thus, the bad memory adds fuel to the fire of an already inflamed encounter. The Bible has a lot to say about forgetting the past and letting that issue go.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.Dwelling on past wrongs that were committed against us blinds us as to what God is doing now. Who really desires to go through life blind to God's good works.
How can the other person know that they been forgiven? They have to relive the guilt and bad memory as well as you do when it is brought back up. Our anger has just caused harm to the other person in our relationship.
Psalm 37:8 Living Bible (TLB)
8 Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm.
So when it comes to healthy relationships and disagreements develop a healthy case of amnesia and forget the past.
God bless,
Marty
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Standing Up For A Child 3/12/2015
Good Morning,
Each day we receive, is a gift from God. I opened my gift pretty early today. My coffee of choice today is Door County Mocha Mint. Nothing like a hot mug of coffee and prayer to start the day.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
I listened intently to a friend of mine as he requested prayer for a family the other day. It seems as if the father of this family was roughing up his kids physically and mentally. During fits of rage the father performs these acts of abuse. Of course there was immediate prayer and concern. I literally could not sleep thinking about the kids within the family. What truly amazed me is that the mother has not taken action to leave the situation and protect the kids.
Psalms 27:10- When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
This lack of action is equally a sin and for either, there is no excuse.
My wife has offered up our home as a place of refuge for the wife and children. It did not take her long to tell me what we needed to offer as an action to stand up for these kids. I asked her what she would do if the father showed up here all angry with rage? Her reply was, "that's what the police are for, we have a dog, and I am sure I can shoot straight. This home belonged to God long ago. It was protected from a tornado, ice storms and flooding. It has always been open as a refuge. I'll trust God to protect it again. And remember I sleep with a lion"
We all have the duty to do more than just pray for kids being smacked around. We need to step up and protect them. If you have the opportunity to help someone who is being abused don't hesitate. Give them an out.
God bless,
Marty
Each day we receive, is a gift from God. I opened my gift pretty early today. My coffee of choice today is Door County Mocha Mint. Nothing like a hot mug of coffee and prayer to start the day.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
I listened intently to a friend of mine as he requested prayer for a family the other day. It seems as if the father of this family was roughing up his kids physically and mentally. During fits of rage the father performs these acts of abuse. Of course there was immediate prayer and concern. I literally could not sleep thinking about the kids within the family. What truly amazed me is that the mother has not taken action to leave the situation and protect the kids.
Psalms 27:10- When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
This lack of action is equally a sin and for either, there is no excuse.
My wife has offered up our home as a place of refuge for the wife and children. It did not take her long to tell me what we needed to offer as an action to stand up for these kids. I asked her what she would do if the father showed up here all angry with rage? Her reply was, "that's what the police are for, we have a dog, and I am sure I can shoot straight. This home belonged to God long ago. It was protected from a tornado, ice storms and flooding. It has always been open as a refuge. I'll trust God to protect it again. And remember I sleep with a lion"
We all have the duty to do more than just pray for kids being smacked around. We need to step up and protect them. If you have the opportunity to help someone who is being abused don't hesitate. Give them an out.
God bless,
Marty
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Jesus, Forgive Me. I know It's Not All About Me 3/11/2015
Good Morning,
Wednesday already? Where does time go? Last night went quite late with an elders meeting at church. So a little extra coffee is in order this morning. My flavor of choice is Door County Christmas.
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Wednesday already? Where does time go? Last night went quite late with an elders meeting at church. So a little extra coffee is in order this morning. My flavor of choice is Door County Christmas.
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Romans 12:10
Love is not only essential to obtaining peace upon this earth; love is also vital in adhering to the will of God… The word of God tells us that we were given a New Commandment regarding love in the gospel of John through the very mouth of Jesus Christ; in this gospel we find these words recorded, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Notice that Jesus says you MUST love one another; loving is not optional or something that we can turn on and off in the body of Christ… When we love we are not just showing kindness to one another; the love spoken of in that portion of scripture speaks to the fact that we are actually put God on display in our very lives as we are told in the bible that God is love…
I hear from time to time, those people who leave churches because the music or message did not reach them. I often wonder what brought them to the church to begin with. I also hear people say that they are all about love and want to express the love of Jesus. But the message and music needs to inspire them to be able to do so.
I have to admit that I have sat through many a sermon that I just couldn't relate to. I recall one on drug addiction that really meant nothing to me. I had the Packer game on my mind within minutes. Half way through the message I realized that the one person I had been praying for who was an addict was there that day. The Holy Spirit pointed me in the right direction, I didn't need the sermon. I was blessed to not need the message. But someone else did and I was being selfish by wishing for some other message. My duty was to take part in the message by praying for those who needed to hear it. It wasn't long after that day when the message was on being selfish.
Once I realized that not every moment has to be about me and that I can be fed by being there and praying for others my worship experience became much, much more to me. I needed to see that my love for me was all I worried about. I was not showing the love of Jesus by disengaging from the service.
I guess I really wasn't showing love by my actions. I really proved that I would pray for the addict but really did not care. I grew up that day, big time.
How about you? Are you self serving? Can you share God's time with others?
Have a great day.
Marty
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Stay, Just A Little Longer 3/10/2015
Good Morning,
I hope your day is easy come and easy go. I am starting this fine morning with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Some people wake up to smell the roses. My nose leads me to the coffee pot.
16 Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. 17 And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, 18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” 20 And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
I hope your day is easy come and easy go. I am starting this fine morning with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Some people wake up to smell the roses. My nose leads me to the coffee pot.
Genesis 18:1-5, 16-22 New King James Version (NKJV)
18 Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
In our text today we see that God pays Abraham a visit. we are specifically told in Gen. 18:1 that the Lord (YHWH) appeared to him (Abraham) near the trees/oaks of Mamre. The Hebrew makes it perfectly clear that Yahweh himself appeared, at least at some point in the story. The Greek translators confirm, albeit somewhat more generically, that it was God (ho theos) that appeared.
After these words of introduction, we are told that Abraham, while sitting in his tent, looks up and beheld three “men” approaching. Neither the Hebrew nor the Greek call them “angels” here, but use common words for mortal men. However, in the next chapter, Gen. 19:1, two of the “men” are called angels (or “messengers”, in both Hebrew and Greek). If two of them leave for Sodom, then apparently the third is left behind. The way the narrative comes to us, the third visitor would seem to be the Lord, who is left by the other two and remains speaking to Abraham in the last part of chapter 18.
What has always intrigued me was how comfortable Abraham was with God. Abraham knew that he was in the presence of God and opened his home asking God to stay on longer. I wonder how many of us put a limit on our time with God and how many of us would ask to have more time with Him? Are our homes open to spending time with God? Makes you wonder how people can easily miss church without batting an eye. Abraham clearly let God know that He appreciated the visit and wanted more. I wonder if we all do that?
Time to go to work now. Think this one through.
Marty
Monday, March 9, 2015
True Accomplishments 3/9/2015
Good Morning Dear Friends,
Today will start early and run late into the day. I am looking forward to my big cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. I had a great weekend and I am still a little tired. Fresh air and walking will always wear me out. These legs don't work as well as they used to.
Yesterday was day two of the Faith Bible Church Men's Ministry Annual Pheasant Hunt. The weather was warm and the guys shot very well over trained dogs. A great time was had by all.
All of us have achieved goals or accomplishments that have either been set for us, we stumbled into, or we chose to do. I for one have never bowled a great game, but many others have. I have never received a medal for being able to spell but others have. I have never saved a life, but others have. I have achieved some awards with my hunting dogs and have massed huge amounts of bird retrieves over the years. Yesterday we celebrated as Gibbs passed the 400 mark while still 2 years old. He will be 3 soon though. But in the realm of heaven all of our accomplishments, although some are brave and brilliant are nothing compared to what Jesus has done for all of us by dying on the cross to save a world. What does it matter how many retrieves a dog makes? None really.
Acts 20:24New King James Version (NKJV)
24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God
The closest I can come to a heavenly accomplishment is to try and live out Acts 20:24. I do look forward to the finish line some day.
I must confess that as much as I cook and make some pretty nice meals I cannot make a Jello mold. I have tried and tried, over and over again, without success. Even if I master the Jello mold some day, what will it matter except to me? When I die, do you think that someone will get up and say, I remember his one good Jello mold? No they won't.
Our goal should be to hear; ............
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:21King James Version (KJV)
Aim high today!
God bless,
Marty
Today will start early and run late into the day. I am looking forward to my big cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. I had a great weekend and I am still a little tired. Fresh air and walking will always wear me out. These legs don't work as well as they used to.
All of us have achieved goals or accomplishments that have either been set for us, we stumbled into, or we chose to do. I for one have never bowled a great game, but many others have. I have never received a medal for being able to spell but others have. I have never saved a life, but others have. I have achieved some awards with my hunting dogs and have massed huge amounts of bird retrieves over the years. Yesterday we celebrated as Gibbs passed the 400 mark while still 2 years old. He will be 3 soon though. But in the realm of heaven all of our accomplishments, although some are brave and brilliant are nothing compared to what Jesus has done for all of us by dying on the cross to save a world. What does it matter how many retrieves a dog makes? None really.
Acts 20:24New King James Version (NKJV)
24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God
The closest I can come to a heavenly accomplishment is to try and live out Acts 20:24. I do look forward to the finish line some day.
I must confess that as much as I cook and make some pretty nice meals I cannot make a Jello mold. I have tried and tried, over and over again, without success. Even if I master the Jello mold some day, what will it matter except to me? When I die, do you think that someone will get up and say, I remember his one good Jello mold? No they won't.
Our goal should be to hear; ............
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:21King James Version (KJV)
Aim high today!
God bless,
Marty
Sunday, March 8, 2015
The Train In The Distance 3/8/2015
Good Morning,
May your day be blessed from above. May your coffee be hot and tasty. My mug is filled with Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle Coffee the fine day.
Our bodies were made with warning signals also. Someday each of us will pass away from this Earth. That is God's timing and His alone. But in the meantime we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves as best as we can. For instance when something internally is wrong, a signal is pain, or a bloody discharge which is out of the normal parameters of life. This is a warning sign telling is to seek medical attention. Thinking that it will just disappear especially after it persists for a few days or returns is like standing on the railroad tracks thinking that the train will stop in time and not hit you. A woman with lump in her breast is give a clear signal that something is wrong and it needs to be checked out.
God created us in such a way that we are wired with signals all throughout or bodies. He has given us the responsibility to heed the signs and reasonably seek medical attention until He heals us permanently when we go home to heaven.
Dear friends, take care of yourselves, heed the warning signals your body gives you. God equipped many people with brains for medicine now and advances are made each year in health repairs and maintenance of the body. Doctors and nurses are a gift that God uses to sustain us until our journey ends. I had a shoulder repair a couple years ago that took a long time to heal. The physician said the reason it took so long to heal was that I made it worse by waiting too long for the repair. I guess the numbness and pain weren't enough to convince me to seek help. I had to wait until I couldn't pour my coffee!!! That was the last straw. This guy likes his coffee, but it was way too long of a time to wait. Things became worse. Listen to the signals. God speaks to us through the signals and advises us to use the gifts He has provided.
Have a great day! Love you all.
Marty
May your day be blessed from above. May your coffee be hot and tasty. My mug is filled with Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle Coffee the fine day.
As I began to write to you this morning I could hear a train sounding it's horn in the distance, warning automobiles that it was approaching a road crossing. We live fairly close to the railroad tracks and when we first moved into our home and heard the rumble of the train and the horn we thought we would never get used to it. After a few months you just didn't seem to know it was even there. It is easy to ignore. I actually love the sound in the winter on a very cold night. My ancestry has a railroader in it that causes me to recall a loved one who taught me a few things about railroad tracks. The horn is very loud and signals a clear warning of imminent danger. Our road crossings have signal lights that start flashing and gates that swing down to block the road. You can still drive your automobile or bike around those gates. I see people do it all the time. I read all too often in the newspaper about people who know the train is coming but yet cross the tracks with the train approaching instead of waiting. The reason it made the news is that it did not end well for the driver when the car stalled or got stuck and the train collided with which is now usually a dead driver and passengers. What a tragedy to not listen to the warning.
Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Our bodies were made with warning signals also. Someday each of us will pass away from this Earth. That is God's timing and His alone. But in the meantime we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves as best as we can. For instance when something internally is wrong, a signal is pain, or a bloody discharge which is out of the normal parameters of life. This is a warning sign telling is to seek medical attention. Thinking that it will just disappear especially after it persists for a few days or returns is like standing on the railroad tracks thinking that the train will stop in time and not hit you. A woman with lump in her breast is give a clear signal that something is wrong and it needs to be checked out.
God created us in such a way that we are wired with signals all throughout or bodies. He has given us the responsibility to heed the signs and reasonably seek medical attention until He heals us permanently when we go home to heaven.
Dear friends, take care of yourselves, heed the warning signals your body gives you. God equipped many people with brains for medicine now and advances are made each year in health repairs and maintenance of the body. Doctors and nurses are a gift that God uses to sustain us until our journey ends. I had a shoulder repair a couple years ago that took a long time to heal. The physician said the reason it took so long to heal was that I made it worse by waiting too long for the repair. I guess the numbness and pain weren't enough to convince me to seek help. I had to wait until I couldn't pour my coffee!!! That was the last straw. This guy likes his coffee, but it was way too long of a time to wait. Things became worse. Listen to the signals. God speaks to us through the signals and advises us to use the gifts He has provided.
Have a great day! Love you all.
Marty
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Back To the Beginning. 3/7/2015
Good Morning Dear Friends,
My coffee this morning is Door County Caramel Apple. What a nice start to a Saturday. Off to the fields to chase some ditch chickens (pheasants).
Last night I was able to meet with an old friend for a cup of coffee. My friend is at a cross road in life and wanted to talk. A little coffee, a little prayer, a little listening, and a little advice, were all part of our meeting. I believe that in everyone's life there comes a time when the right choices need to be made.
Psalm 22:9-10New King James Version (NKJV)
My coffee this morning is Door County Caramel Apple. What a nice start to a Saturday. Off to the fields to chase some ditch chickens (pheasants).
Last night I was able to meet with an old friend for a cup of coffee. My friend is at a cross road in life and wanted to talk. A little coffee, a little prayer, a little listening, and a little advice, were all part of our meeting. I believe that in everyone's life there comes a time when the right choices need to be made.
Psalm 22:9-10New King James Version (NKJV)
9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.
I have learned that in order to get the proper perspective on the future that I often need to go back to the beginning and remember the past. This is what King David did in our Scripture this morning. David went back as far as his birth. Life hadn't always been this tough. David told us the truth when he said that if it weren't for God he would not have even existed. He remembered how God had always helped him. Looking back he wrote that his whole existence was God's will. There was more to life than his present suffering.
If things are rough right now, go back and remember the love relationship you once had with God. Go back to when he carried you last. If you can't remember that, go back and know that He formed you in the womb and brought you into this world in His time. He gave you strength to grow and will do it again and again and again.
I titled this "Back To The Beginning. " Maybe it should have been titled "Back To The Future". Sometimes in order to move forward we need to carry our past into the future.
God bless,
Marty
Friday, March 6, 2015
Watching And Waiting 3/6/2015
Good Morning,
Happy Friday! My mug is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and my face is decorated with a smile.
Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour
I love to duck hunt. There is no doubt about it. One of the things a duck hunter must do is to be watchful at all times. Many hours are spent watching the sky and the waves for a glimpse of a duck or flock of ducks coming toward the hunter's decoy spread. The other thing a duck hunter must be ready to do, is to shoot right away when the duck gives you that chance at a shot.
I can tell you of a time while duck hunting in the cold that I fell asleep and woke up to a bunch of mallards sitting in the middle of my decoys. I was startled and when I moved my shot gun slid down into the boat. My movement to get my gun caused the ducks to take flight faster than you can imagine. Needless to say I missed my chance at a duck supper. You never really can tell when those ducks will come in.
Jesus will return and no one knows the day or the hour. Many people are fooled into believing false prophets who claim to know exactly when Jesus will return. This is very far from the truth. God's Word says we will not know. But what we should do is "be ready to go".
Many women have a bag packed during the last days of pregnancy because they want to be ready to go to the hospital when little Johnny or little Gertrude decides to grace the world with their presence.
We need to have our bags packed also. What do I mean? Jesus is coming back some day. You might be ready to go because of your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Good for you and me. But what about those friends and relatives that have not received Jesus into their lives and accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Those bags aren't packed. So since we do not know when He is coming, but like the duck hunter who is watching and anticipating a return some day, shouldn't we be ready and have those bags packed full of our relatives and friends? Tell them about the love Jesus has for them. Lead them to Jesus.
Why not be ready? He is coming back!
Marty
Happy Friday! My mug is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and my face is decorated with a smile.
Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour
I love to duck hunt. There is no doubt about it. One of the things a duck hunter must do is to be watchful at all times. Many hours are spent watching the sky and the waves for a glimpse of a duck or flock of ducks coming toward the hunter's decoy spread. The other thing a duck hunter must be ready to do, is to shoot right away when the duck gives you that chance at a shot.
I can tell you of a time while duck hunting in the cold that I fell asleep and woke up to a bunch of mallards sitting in the middle of my decoys. I was startled and when I moved my shot gun slid down into the boat. My movement to get my gun caused the ducks to take flight faster than you can imagine. Needless to say I missed my chance at a duck supper. You never really can tell when those ducks will come in.
Jesus will return and no one knows the day or the hour. Many people are fooled into believing false prophets who claim to know exactly when Jesus will return. This is very far from the truth. God's Word says we will not know. But what we should do is "be ready to go".
Many women have a bag packed during the last days of pregnancy because they want to be ready to go to the hospital when little Johnny or little Gertrude decides to grace the world with their presence.
We need to have our bags packed also. What do I mean? Jesus is coming back some day. You might be ready to go because of your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Good for you and me. But what about those friends and relatives that have not received Jesus into their lives and accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Those bags aren't packed. So since we do not know when He is coming, but like the duck hunter who is watching and anticipating a return some day, shouldn't we be ready and have those bags packed full of our relatives and friends? Tell them about the love Jesus has for them. Lead them to Jesus.
Why not be ready? He is coming back!
Marty
Thursday, March 5, 2015
The Pheasant Hunt and Bacon 3/5/2015
Good Morning Dear Friends!
This morning is unusually cold for March in this part of the world. So as I head out of the door with a song in my heart, one big, hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is in my hand.
This coming weekend I will be out chasing pheasants with my dog and a bunch of great guys. We really enjoy each other's company and of course we like to eat. Pictured above are some pheasant breasts, that are stuffed with peppers and mushrooms and then wrapped in bacon. We like to cook up what we shoot that day. It seems to add a little more macho to the day when you dine on what you shot. Anyway, anything always tastes better with bacon on it.
Proverbs 12:27New Living Translation (NLT)
The book of Proverbs deals with many practical subjects as well as spiritual ones. In this verse, we are given advice on hunting. It is not wrong to hunt; however, Proverbs 12:27 says that the man who hunts for game and just kills it, and does not take possession of it for eating is a slothful man. The diligent hunter takes his game for food (roasting) and considers it a precious possession, as he has food for his family’s table.
Looking forward to the hunt. Really looking forward to a feast later.
God bless,
Marty
This morning is unusually cold for March in this part of the world. So as I head out of the door with a song in my heart, one big, hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is in my hand.
Proverbs 12:27New Living Translation (NLT)
27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
but the diligent make use of everything they find.
but the diligent make use of everything they find.
The book of Proverbs deals with many practical subjects as well as spiritual ones. In this verse, we are given advice on hunting. It is not wrong to hunt; however, Proverbs 12:27 says that the man who hunts for game and just kills it, and does not take possession of it for eating is a slothful man. The diligent hunter takes his game for food (roasting) and considers it a precious possession, as he has food for his family’s table.
Looking forward to the hunt. Really looking forward to a feast later.
God bless,
Marty
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Batman, Robin, Starsky, Hutch, Lone Ranger and Tonto. 3/4/2015
Good Morning Dear Friends,
Today's coffee is Door County Cherry Crème. I tip my cup and wish our grandson a happy birthday.
I have watched all of the television shows with the characters listed above in the title. Each of the shows featured two partners that fought crime and injustice together. From what I remember of the stories portrayed in the scripts, from time to time one partner would be in a near death experience, and just in the nick of time his crime fighting partner would show up and save him. Many times in the dialogue the partner that was rescued would say " I knew you were coming." "What took you so long"? Or, they looked each other in the eye and without saying a word hugged or nodded an affirmation of trust.
Proverbs 18:24New King James Version (NKJV)
Today's coffee is Door County Cherry Crème. I tip my cup and wish our grandson a happy birthday.
I have watched all of the television shows with the characters listed above in the title. Each of the shows featured two partners that fought crime and injustice together. From what I remember of the stories portrayed in the scripts, from time to time one partner would be in a near death experience, and just in the nick of time his crime fighting partner would show up and save him. Many times in the dialogue the partner that was rescued would say " I knew you were coming." "What took you so long"? Or, they looked each other in the eye and without saying a word hugged or nodded an affirmation of trust.
Proverbs 18:24New King James Version (NKJV)
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
I believe we all have a friend that we just know will be there when the chips are down. One who doesn't care how we look when beat up by the world. We have the kind of friend that would charge into a fire with a squirt gun just to rescue you. That certain someone you can count on for anything.
Someone who can cheer you up when no one else can like Lucy and Ethel, is just a phone call away.
Proverbs 27:17New King James Version (NKJV)
17 As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
There is that friend who makes you a better person, one who will hold you accountable for defeating work weaknesses. A friend who will carry you during your weak moments.
I believe a man has many friends, but each man or woman probably can probably only list one or two who are your side kick, besties, BFF, partner, confidant or mentor. Having one or two friends like that is a blessing from above. Make sure they know how you feel. I am sure they do. But it never hurts to tell them.
So friends go out and fight injustice, change hot water heaters together, laugh at your high school picture together, fish all day and exaggerate about the fish together, mourn together, grow together, but make sure to thank God for that friend.
God bless,
Marty
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