Heaven Came Down And Spoke Today 4/30/2015

Good Morning,
Just a little sore this morning. I tried working out last night, and well, it hurt. That's what I get for slacking off for a few months. My coffee this morning is Door County Highlander Grog. I hope it clears the fog in my brain. What you will read below, I wrote last night while the thoughts were clear in my head.

Nehemiah 9:13-14New International Version (NIV)

¹³ “You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. ¹⁴ You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses

Today heaven came down and spoke to me. I woke up and I was alive and well. Heaven let me know that it wasn't yet my time to go home.

On the way to work two mallards flew in front of me. Heaven showed me two of the things I really like to see. Heaven let me know that I am loved.

I had extra time to pray today. Heaven told me who to pray for. Later it was confirmed through a phone call.

There were some real challenges at work today. Heaven let me know that it was time to grow and use some old skills. Heaven allowed me to be challenged.

A Pastor took time in his busy day to pray for me. Heaven told me I am cared for.

I watched a beautiful sunset tonight and Heaven let me know Who created the sunrise and sunsets.

My supper was grand with many of the things I like. Heaven gave me a job and the ability to purchase groceries. Heaven let me know that I am blessed.

My wife and I moved furniture later and Heaven reminded me of the precious gift my wife is to me.

Some people go through life and wait for God to speak from a burning bush just like He did for Moses. I, for some reason slowed down today just to listen and was I surprised to hear.

God bless,
Marty

Gentleness. 4/29/2015

Good Morning,

Here comes another day. I wonder what challenges this day holds? My mug is filled with Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. My mind is filled with many thoughts today.

Galatians 5:23              
Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

One thing a bird hunter does not want is a dog with a hard mouth. No one wants to eat a bird that has been all chewed up by their dog. What the hunter desires is a dog with a soft mouth. A dog that retrieves the bird in his mouth without biting it. The dog has control of the bird but doesn't harm the meat. They are firm with the bird but yet with a gentle mouth.

I see all too often while out and about, many parents who want their children to behave yet they cannot seem to fathom gentleness. Now I believe that the bottom of a backside can sustain a spanking from time to time, yet one has to show self control and not turn a spanking into a beating. The same with the mouth. A child needs to be corrected sternly from time to time but without permanent emotional injury that can come from the hard mouth of a parent that is out of control. Some words are worse than a beating. This is the same for spouses and friends.

"Hearts are flowers, they remain open to the soft falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain". Jean Paul Richter 

If you want to gain and keep the heart of a child, spouse or friend, treat their hearts with gentleness. Hearts break and are hard to repair.

Have a great day.

Marty

Eyes Right! And Stay Busy. 4/28/2015

Good Morning,

The day has started with my mug filled with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. Spiritually, my cup runs over with anticipation as to what God has planned for our church mission team.

2 Samuel 11 New International Version (NIV)

David and Bathsheba

11 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

² One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, ³ and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” ⁴ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. ⁵ The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

This story starts with King David not staying busy leading the Israelites as he was called to by God. During his time of chosen idleness David fell to temptation by not keeping his eyes at home. When we choose to be inactive or away from what God wants us to do we leave ourselves wide open for trouble to knock on our door. The problem is that when trouble knocks it is already too late. We are pretty much ready to open the door.

Men and ladies we all need to be about the Lord's business, working in our vocation and tending to our families as we are called to do so. Idleness is dangerous to our spiritual health.

Stay busy, doing the right things and you will avoid a whole lot of heartache.

God bless,
Marty

Where Does Time Go? 4/27/2015

Good Morning Friends,

I look forward to a busy week at work and in ministry. The agenda is full and my energy fuel tank along with my spiritual bank were filled up this weekend. I rested and sought time with the Lord.
My coffee this morning is Door County Coconut Crush. At the end of next weekend I wouldn't mind being somewhere tropical resting on a beach.

Where does time go. It seems like just yesterday that it was 1975 and high school graduation was approaching quickly. It seems like just yesterday that I could run for hours and wake up the next day and do it again. This weekend had me looking at my retirement plan and thinking that it won't be too long if the Lord wills that I can pull the plug at work. Now that doesn't make me elderly just yet but it heightens my awareness to the approach of it and that some of my past mentors are now elderly. I am taking this time to remind churches that we have a responsibility to the elderly.

Christian ministry to the aged involves caring for each elderly individual as a person created in the image of God and as a person for whom Christ cares (Matthew 25:31-46).(Genesis 1:27)

Genesis 1:27New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁷ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Matthew 25:31-46New International Version (NIV)

The Sheep and the Goats

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

In the Bible, old age is considered the positive and good fulfillment of a life devoted to God. Both the blessings and responsibilities of aging are to be accepted with gratitude and in a sense of stewardship, “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Families have an obligation to provide for their aged members.
“Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

How are you doing, taking care of the older folks in your church?

God bless,
Marty

Never Turn Your Back On A Rattle Snake 4/26/2015

Good Morning,

The sun has just come up in my part of the world and the weather looks to be dry today. However it is pretty cold this morning so I am using an insulated mug to keep my Door County Cherry Crème Coffee warm. I couldn't resist the sunrise and decided to write from the patio all bundled up in warm clothes. The fresh air is so rejuvenating today.

I like to watch old classic Western television shows now and then especially in the winter. I can recite several quotes that were written for some of the heroes to proclaim.  One has stuck with me for many years. It was from an old show called Bat Masterson.  In it, Bat had just disarmed a bad guy and had taken his gun away very quickly with a cane he carried. This was done in a fast move and then Bat walked away as he said "I never turn my back on a rattlesnake unless it's fangs are removed".  The fangs were this man's gun.

I always knew that I would fit this into a devotional and today is the day.

Ephesians 6:12

                        

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places

We who love Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior know that there are spiritual battles going on in the world and personally each day. We are in the middle of those battles all the time. Satan uses every tool he can to persecute Christians or to make them stumble in their walk. God clearly warns us of this within Scripture. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan. Yet Jesus disarmed him and Satan had no power to harm him. God has given us that same power and knowledge. Yet too often we don't use it. Instead we tend to walk right into the snake's path hoping that he won't bite. We travel in the land of the evil one and aren't ready to smash it or disarm it.  Now let's look at the rest of this passage.

Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Next step! Remember to fight with might, you are armed also.

James 4:7New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

Memorize Scripture, use it when tempted or battling Satan. Pull the trigger on that loaded gun and let him have it right between the eyes. No need to be bitten and defeated.

 

 

Isaiah 55:11King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

 

 

Have a wonderful day. Don't let the snake ruin it.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

Friday Night At Home 4/25/2015

Good Morning,

The sun is going to struggle to be seen today. Cold and damp is the best way to describe the view I see out of the window. My cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee tastes so good that I brought out my largest cup to help warm me up. Of course the fire place is crackling this morning with a small fire and Gibbs is curled up on top of my feet.

 

Ecclesiastes 9:7             

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Rene and I are fairly disciplined into a routine and our lives really don't vary from week to week. Our Friday nights are usually spent doing very little except for relaxing and winding down from a hectic work week at home in our sweat pants and sweat shirts. Last night we knew that one of our nephews would be coming over with his friend to show me a duck gun that she was looking to sell. When they got to the house we talked and looked the gun over chatting about duck hunting and shooting techniques. My nephew mentioned that his younger brother would be showing up shortly to visit also. Rene asked if they were thirsty or hungry as she is always a good hostess. Now asking young folks on a Friday night  if they are hungry is like asking a puppy if they want to play. It wasn't too long before the griddle was out and some burgers were frying and the big frying pan was loaded with potatoes and onions. All three kids ate and drank their share. But what they didn't know was the story behind the meal and how we were blessed.

While grocery shopping a couple weeks ago the ground beef was on sale. I have to say that the price was very low and it caused me to think about having some frozen beef patties in the freezer "just in case". I prayed before going shopping for a deal on my groceries and had no intention of buying ground beef when I left our house. The bag of potatoes were given to me by a friend of mine two days ago while he was passing through. He is a potato farmer. The onion used was one given to us by a neighbor who bought a very large bag of onions and wanted to give onion gifts to the neighborhood. I thought that the gift of onions was a nice thing but somewhat odd.

Here's my point. We had such a nice time fellowshipping with those young folks. It was a break from the norm at our house. What a blessing to hear laughter and to be able to share some food with others. The house was filled with some hospitality and  fun. We were blessed to have those kids stop by. Now here's the question. Who blessed us? Of course it was God Our Father In Heaven. He knew two weeks ago about what we would need and when. He put together our evening for us. While we laughed and ate I could not but help but to smile and think. How great Thou art!

Have a great day.  How about letting God plan one out for you?

Marty





When God Smiles 4/24/2015

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to each of you. I pray that your needs are met and that you are all able to be a blessing to someone else today. The old mug is filled with some Door County Cherry Crème Coffee this morning. I believe the coffee pot started to sing it's wake up call at 4:00 AM, and I should have gotten out of bed then. But that extra half of an hour felt pretty good.

Numbers 6:24-27New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favor as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of this blessing, and the sum total of all blessings. In so rich a list of mercies worldly joys are not worthy to be mentioned.

Have you ever thought about God smiling on you? Have you ever wondered what makes Him smile? You make Him smile when you approach Him with a relationship of love, fear, respect, and obedience. He smiles when we ask to be forgiven of our sins. He smiles when you tell Him how much you love Him.

I know many of you who read this and there are many, many, more who I do not know. But I know God loves each and every one of you. Call out to Him in love today and know that He is smiling.

Have a great day.

Marty

Where Are The Other Nine? 4/23/2015

Good Morning,

My Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee is nice and hot and is soothing the sting of this cold April morning. Before you know it the temperature will go from thirty degrees to ninety degrees in a flash and we will wonder where spring went. Thankful for these two ladies who have blessed me with being part of my life.

Luke 17:11-19New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy^[a] met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

There are many times right after reading the passage above that I wonder why the other nine lepers did not come back and thank Jesus. I bet that like me, many of you have thought the same thing and thought that they were a bunch of ungrateful sluggards. Then I always stop and think about how I have been in life. There are plenty of times when I have forgotten to say the two simple words of thank you to someone. Or when I knew better and just was too self centered to say how grateful I am to someone that just did something for me. I then find that I am no better than the 9 lepers who did not come back to say thank you. When was the last time you just told someone that you are grateful that God put them into your life? Maybe your spouse, kids, grand kids, parents, co-workers or friends.

Before we condemn the 9 maybe we need to realize that all too often we do the same thing. Guilty as charged!

Make a change today!

God bless,
Marty

Hold On 4/22/2015

Good Morning,

From my desk this morning I can hear the Door County Mocha Mint Coffee brewing. The aroma is slowly making it up the stairs to tease my sense of smell.

1 Timothy 1:19

Holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

 

By failing to maintain good consciences, some of us have shipwrecked our faith. "Shipwreck" indicates destruction by a storm or collision. It depicts a ship that left but never arrived at its destination. Likewise, we not only need to start in faith but also maintain that faith until it brings us to the desired result. There is not much worse than someone who's faith has been shipwrecked because of circumstances or false beliefs. To keep our faith on course and avoid a shipwreck, Paul said we must have a good conscience.  That is done through the combination of not defiling our consciences as much as possible, and then using the blood of Jesus to cleanse away any condemnation from past sins and failures.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy his young brother in Christ. Timothy would be taking over for Paul. He knew that his time on Earth was coming to an end very soon. The Holy Spirit penned this passage through Paul to implore Timothy to hold on to his faith and encourage others.

There are many things that throughout my years on Earth that I have gained and then lost, purchased and then sold or gave away. None of these items is as precious to me as my faith in God is. But for some their faith is a commodity to be used as needed. Some walk away when the results they wanted were not what God desired for them.

If you are at this point and are ready to walk away. Hold on! Hold On! Hold On! If you gain everything the world has to offer and lose it, you have lost nothing. If you have Jesus In your heart and walk away from Him you have lost everything.  Hold on!

God bless,
Marty

The Sock Drawer 4/21/2015

Good Morning,

Cold day here in Wisconsin. I am enjoying a big cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee.
I really don't think that I need another dose of crazy!

Last night it was cold and rainy outside and it wasn't a nice night to even work on a restoration project in our garage. So to be productive I decided to clean up my sock drawer. As I was sorting them by color and type, ( dress, work, warmth, etc.) I finally reached the bottom of the drawer and found two brand new pairs of black socks. They were a Christmas gift from two years ago. Last week I was just telling Rene that I needed to purchase some new black socks. I had forgotten that those two pair were placed in the bottom of the drawer. I was waiting to use them when some others needed replacing. Had I not decided that it was time for a sorting night, those two pair of socks would probably not have seen any use and new ones would have been purchased.

Isaiah 49:15-16                                

"Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Unlike me God never forgets where you are. You certainly are not stuffed away in His sock drawer where His favorite pair get attention while you just sit there waiting on Him.

Isaiah 49:15-16 confirms that God is almighty and does not forget those He created. This verse has reassured me many times during some rough days that I am not abandoned. It tells me that I am heard when I cry out to God just like a baby cries to be fed. God treats all of His children the same and knows them inside and out and has us in the palm of His hand.

There is nothing sweeter than holding a new born baby as a parent. Isaiah 49:15-16 lets us know that God sees us as His babies at any age and enjoys taking care of us as He sees fit. Sometimes parents have to let a baby cry a little while until they fall asleep. Even when we cry we can know that we cry for awhile and God has a purpose in allowing us to wait on Him. He is a good parent and loves us.

So today, take some time to know that in His palm is where you rest best.

God bless,
Marty

In The Cleft Of The Rock 4/20/1015

Good Morning,

Monday has arrived and I will embrace this day with prayer and a song in my heart. The day will also start with a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. So, off to work I go.

 

I am posting  Scripture from the Book of Exodus 33:12-23. This particular passage has always intrigued me.

Moses and the Glory of the Lord

¹² Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ ¹³ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
¹⁴ The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
¹⁵ Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. ¹⁶ How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
¹⁷ And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
¹⁸ Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
¹⁹ And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. ²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
²¹ Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.

There are songs written about this passage and probably thousands of sermons preached over many years. I am astonished how God converses with Moses and just how comfortable Moses was in talking with God. But then I see that Moses forgot just who he was speaking to. It was during this dialogue that Moses was reminded that he was a man, and God is God. 

 Moses  demonstrated that he was listening.  But then he seems to have gone too far,by asking the most astonishing thing of God he could ever ask: "Reveal to me now your glory!" Ex 33:18. More than God's ways, God's actions, Moses wants to look right into the heart of God. But he has now gone too far.
"I will cause all my goodness  to pass before your face, and I will announce before your face the name "The Lord" I will show favor to whomever I show favor and mercy on whomever I show mercy. But you are not able to see my face, for no human being shall see me and live!" Ex 33:19-20 You may know my name, says God, as mysterious as that is, and you may know that I am free to act with favor and mercy with anyone I choose, including you, but my face, my glory, my essence, my person is forever hidden from any human being, even from you, Moses, my great friend.

All too often we go before God and ask Him questions and advice and then don't follow the advice. People ask advice of each other all of the time. And many times those asking for the advice do not follow it. But when we go before God and He tells us what to do and we do not follow His advice we are attempting to lower God to our standards and treat Him like a buddy or girlfriend. We forget who we are calling on.  Let's all keep God on His proper throne and not lower Him to try and meet our standards. Remember who you called upon!

God bless,
Marty

When The Neighbors Move After Not Choosing! 4/19/2015

Good Morning,

What a bright and sunny day we have been blessed with here. I took some time to watch the sun come up with a cup of Door County Orange Crème Coffee to warm me. It's pretty cold outside but it's that time of year when I can enjoy sitting on the patio and taking some time to here our yard wake up.

Joshua 24:14-15English Standard Version (ESV)

Choose Whom You Will Serve

¹⁴ “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I have since then moved to our second floor den, which gives me a different view. From my desk I can see a big truck that is the type used for moving a family to another home. One of our neighbors is moving. I also saw it this morning from the yard below and spoke with the neighbor who was packing it very early. It is not a view that I am enjoying.

It is a young couple with four daughters. This move is anything but sweet. There has been a bitter divorce and family split. Three of the daughters are moving somewhere with dad, while the youngest will be living with Mom. This is a shame. I can't say I know them very well but I have helped them in times of flooding with some plumbing assistance. During those times they assured me that they were Christians who attended a church that I do know of. I had remarked a couple of times that their church was a long ride away. Their goal for several years was to find a church closer to home so they could get "more involved". They never had time to join us for Bible study nor did they really attend church very much. It seems as if they both have found new now partners also.

Now their time will be consumed even more. Keeping two households, sharing time with the kids, dating, and just plain recovering from a mess will eat into their available time. I know the husband better than I know his ex wife. I asked if he would stay local and he is. I asked If he would like to come with me to our Men's Bible study. His face looked tired and worn. The reply was "I'd really like to. I just have to find the time". I prayed with Him and wished him well, gave him my phone number and told him to call if he needed anything. I didn't preach to him but told him that all evidence shows that if he ever needed some time with God,  it is now. His reply leveled me. "I know, I know, we should have sought help, been active in church, but most of all personally active with God. We blew it for us and our kids. I regret not listening to all those who reminded us of our commitments to Jesus. I guess we weren't committed at all."  I will follow up with him from time to time and see if these lives can be turned around. My fear is that too much damage has been done and there is no desire to reconcile. But my prayer will be for their return to God. It all starts there.

Today, what started out with peace, quiet, and tranquility has turned to a day with my heart heavy for a family that made a wrong choice.

Friends, if you know someone heading down this road, intervene as much as possible. Intercede in prayer for them. Invite them over more often. I wish I had.

God bless,
Marty

Seventy Times Seven! Are You Kidding? 4/18/2015

Good Morning,

My day has begun with a big cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee, some Cheerios, and prayer. I am a little behind this morning and I need to push it a little.

Matthew 18:21-2
²¹ Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” ²² Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

By saying we are to forgive those who sin against us seventy times seven, Jesus was not limiting forgiveness to 490 times, a number that is, for all practical purposes, beyond counting. Christians with forgiving hearts not only do not limit the number of times they forgive; they continue to forgive with as much grace the thousandth time as they do the first time. Christians are only capable of this type of forgiving spirit because the Spirit of God lives within us, and it is He who provides the ability to offer forgiveness over and over, just as God forgives us over and over
I have listened to many sermons on this subject and have preached a couple on it myself. This is easy to preach but not always easy to follow. I have looked a person in the eye and told them "but we are to continue to forgive", after their spouse cheated on them for the millionth time. The same goes for a parent who has been hurt over and over by a wayward mean out of control child. Or a battered spouse who is afraid of the person who claims to love them and begs forgiveness, yet continues to beat them.
Some ask "how can I do this"?

We have to remember that we have a seventy times seven, twenty four /seven God. When we choose to obey and forgive He carries us and gets us through the long haul. He will never let us down.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Have a blessed day.

Marty

The Same Mold, Different Spiritual Gifts 4/17/2015

Good Morning,

Friday at last and I am on the road again for a bit of a trip. I filled my cup with Door County Coconut Crush Coffee and packed a lunch that will be easy to eat on the road. I know just where I will stop to take in the view of Lake Michigan.

I took a picture of the mold I use for baking corn bread. Now corn bread is a favorite of mine, especially if it has some finely diced jalapeno peppers in it. Notice each of the sections within the mold are identical. A small corn shaped bread is removed once the baking is complete. Each one looks like the other. Nothing is different. But if some, contain jalapeno peppers, some cranberries, and some onion, they might look alike but are extremely different.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11English Standard Version (ESV)
⁴ Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵ and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ⁶ and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸ For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

As to Spiritual gifts. Those saved through the atoning grace of Jesus Christ all possess the Holy Spirit. They all have the same Savior and have that in common. Scripture tells us that all are given at least one Spiritual gift or more. Each person has access to the Holy Spirit. But not everyone has the same gifts. But each has a gift or more. What is important is that we use the gifts bestowed upon us.


Romans 12:6-8English Standard Version (ESV)
⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷ if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,^[a] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Like the bread mold. We all come from the same place, but what's inside is different, delicious, and is needed by someone else.  Find your gifts and use them.

Have a great day.

Marty

It's All In The Plan 4/16/2015

Good Morning,

This day I choose to have a praise for God on my lips and I am ready to share with anyone who would want to share one right back with me.
I just filled my mug with Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. Something tells me that I am up to something good.



Every building starts with a plan or blueprint. We built our home and it all started with a plan. The only time anything went wrong is when the builder strayed from the actual plan and actually talked us into changing something that we later found out was only to benefit him.

Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has plans for each and everyone of us. Where things go wrong is when we don't consult the Great Architect and ask Him what those plans are so we can follow them to the exact last detail. We, like my home builder all want to take short cuts or redesign God's plan to fit our thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

 

Stop before making any decisions and pray. Ask God to show you the direction He wants you to go or not go. Then go or not go obediently and quietly.  Trust Him to know best.

 

God bless,

Marty

 

 

Timber and God 4/15/2015

Good Morning,

How about that? It's Wednesday already and I am looking forward to Friday with a passion. My coffee pot is calling out my name as the last drop of Door County Highlander Grog is brewed.
My goal this weekend is to do some final trimming on some apple trees and a little concrete repairs.

Where my family comes from there has always been a timber industry. Basically logging timber for wood products or paper has supported a few of my family members in one way or the other. As a kid I watched my uncle log, my grandfather cut fire wood and I have stacked my share. What every logger has to do is keep whatever cutting tool he is using very sharp. There is nothing worse than trying to take down a tree with a dull axe or a dull chain saw. Both need to be honed to perfect sharpness to cut safely through a log.

Every Christian man needs to keep sharp also.
Accountability. It’s an often neglected discipline in the church, especially in the life of a Christian man. The writer of Proverbs gives us a good look at  the purpose of accountability: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17 -
The fact is, we were never meant to walk this life alone. God made that very clear when he stated it as His very reason for creating a partner for Adam in Genesis 2:18, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’” After God repeatedly says “it is good,” we get our first picture of what God deems to be “not good.” But why is it “not good” for man to be alone? Because we were created for community and partnership.
To hold each other accountable and make each other strong is not an option, it’s a command of Scripture. Paul commands in Galatians 6:2, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” This brings forth the question, “How does sharing your burdens allow you to obey the law of Jesus?” Because when you have someone encouraging you to do what is right, and kicking your butt when you screw up, you’re going to be walking in the Spirit and following His law.

Proverbs 12:15 tells us, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” This was likely written by Solomon, the wisest man in all of Scripture (aside from Jesus). Why would the wisest man alive have a need for counsel? Because counsel makes you wise. The Holy Spirit speaks through others, so it is wildly important that you keep close trusted Christian friends whom you can trust to advise you biblically. -

Men pick an accountability partner and start meeting with each other and praying for one another. Make sure this accountability partner is not of the opposite gender and do not use your wife to hold you accountable.

Be wise in your choice, but make haste to do so.

God bless,

Marty

Anger and Hurt Part Two 4/14/2015

Good Morning,

Last night I was working on a message for this weekend with the window open in my den. It was warm enough for kids to be outside playing. Their laughter and the bounce of a basketball let me know that spring is here. This morning started some time ago with a hot cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee.

 

As I promised, we will continue and finish looking at what Psalm 37 has to say about Anger and Hurt.

We will start where we left off. I have high lighted the areas from yesterday in red and today's thoughts in green.

A Psalm of David. Psalm 37:1-8

37 Do not fret because of evildoers,

This is where we all at times try to play God and handle the wrongs all by ourselves. If you find that interacting with people who hurt you has you physically tired, you are trying to manage this alone. Worrying and fretting over the behavior of others is tiring. Anger by itself is physically draining. We find ourselves instead of praying, telling God how to handle other people.
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

Envy often kicks in here when you see people prosper who are causing you grief. Notice these two commands do not allow for debate. God just plain says "Don't go there".
² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

God does not tolerate the wrong doings of others. But in His time He corrects them. Remember in His time. During the process of His timing He might be teaching you something. This is not always accomplished in the time frame we want.

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Key word here TRUST. Do you trust God to keep His word? When His timing is right He moves. But God gives you something to do in verse three to carry you until His timing arrives. Trust Him and continue to do good, especially to those who are hurting you. Now dwelling in the land is God telling you to enjoy the blessings he has bestowed on you and not to coop up in self pity. Dwelling means to live and enjoy. You might want to sing praise choruses or hymns. Feeding on His faithfulness is where you pull out your Bible and read seeking comfort. Also feeding on His faithfulness is taking time to go back and remember all the times God has come though for you and others. I don't think people do this enough.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
I look at this the same way I look at a scoop of frozen Custard. Custard always leaves me wanting more. We need to remember God's love for us and all He does for us. This makes us want a deeper relationship with Him when we learn to appreciate Him.
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
When we reach the point of appreciating God and working on our love relationship with Him, He alone becomes the desire of our heart. Everything else seems secondary. If we are as close to God, as we can be and He fills our heart, is there any room for anger and hurt?

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
This type of love and appreciation takes commitment.
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
Again God days to trust Him and he will bring it to pass. Have you ever eaten spoiled food by accident? The results are truly some that you can't wait to pass. But the process is painful and sometime smelly. But God is faithful and He alone brings it to pass, in His time.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
While keeping yourself right with the Lord, and if your actions toward others are not sin, you are justified before Him and that's all that matters. He approves of you.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Here we are invited to sit by and wait on God to show us the way. We do not need to go on the attack. No need to play God and award punishment.
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
Last but not least. Do not let your wrath get the best of you. It only makes it worse. In this passage God knows that you have already plotted some type of answer or revenge. When He says cease, He means it because He knows you have already gone too far in your mind.

So my friends, God has much to say about anger and hurt. He is the only answer that can soothe a hurt and wounded heart.

God bless,
Marty

Anger and Hurt Part One. 4/13/2015

Good Morning,

Monday arrived as promised and I really had a nice weekend. That makes it much harder to say goodbye to Sunday and then embrace Monday. My coffee today that has me waiting for the pot to finish brewing is door county Peanut Butter Crunch. For the next couple of days instead on a devotional I have been led to teach a little. We will take a look at a portion of Psalm 37.

We have been hurt by others at one time or another. More often than not the hurt can and does turn into anger. God warns us of this and encourages us to take a Biblical approach to anger and hurt. I will add my comments in red between the verses. as a reminder, this will take two days.

A Psalm of David. Psalm 37:1-8

37 Do not fret because of evildoers,

This is where we all at times try to play God and handle the wrongs all by ourselves. If you find that interacting with people who hurt you has you physically tired, you are trying to manage this alone. Worrying and fretting over the behavior of others is tiring. Anger by itself is physically draining. We find ourselves instead of praying, telling God how to handle other people.
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

Envy often kicks in here when you see people prosper who are causing you grief. Notice these two commands do not allow for debate. God just plain says "Don't go there".
² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

God does not tolerate the wrong doings of others. But in His time He corrects them. Remember in His time. During the process of His timing He might be teaching you something. This is not always accomplished in the time frame we want.

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Key word here TRUST. Do you trust God to keep His word? When His timing is right He moves. But God gives you something to do in verse three to carry you until His timing arrives. Trust Him and continue to do good, especially to those who are hurting you. Now dwelling in the land is God telling you to enjoy the blessings he has bestowed on you and not to coop up in self pity. Dwelling means to live and enjoy. You might want to sing praise choruses or hymns. Feeding on His faithfulness is where you pull out your Bible and read seeking comfort. Also feeding on His faithfulness is taking time to go back and remember all the times God has come though for you and others. I don't think people do this enough.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

 

We are going to stop here for today and will complete this tomorrow. In the meantime pray for one another. Love at all times. God loves you friends, and so do I.

 

Marty

Hunters Safety And My Mouth 4/12/2015

Good Morning,

We have a nice refreshing day here in Wisconsin and I am enjoying some quiet time before heading to church. I have a big cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee sitting next to me as I write some thoughts for the day.

James 3:2-10English Standard Version (ESV)
² For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. ³ If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,^[a] and set on fire by hell.^{[b] 7} For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,^[c] these things ought not to be so.

Yesterday our church sponsored a Hunters Safety class for those wishing to obtain a license to hunt wild game. It was mostly kids and their parents who attended. I however decided to attend. I was grandfathered because of my age and am not required to have a certificate from the state to obtain a license to hunt. But since the class was offered at church Grandpa decided to attend. I am proud to say that I graduated. One can never be too safe with a gun.

But while I was there learning a few things and realizing I was already doing the safe things but just never had to complete a written exam and a field test, my mind could not help but equate gun safety to mouth safety.   One acronym we had to know was TABK.

T  Treat every gun as if it is loaded.  We need to treat our mouths as if they were loaded guns and
     could go off on purpose or accidentally. We need to think before we speak.

A  Always have the gun muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Speaking kindly is always a 
     safe approach to keeping your mouth pointed in the right direction.

B   Be aware of your target and what is in front of it and beyond.  What collateral damage can the
      words that are coming out of your mouth going do to the target of your words and possibly
      others? It might be best to be quiet and not take that verbal shot.

K   Keep your finger at all times outside of the trigger guard until ready to shoot. This reminded me
      that if we all shoot with our mouths  first and ask questions later in life, we are going to assume
      that we had all of the information and we could be speaking out of turn and worse yet out of
      ignorance.

So in closing I think we should all obtain permits to use our mouths!! No not really. We just need to practice good mouth safety.

God bless,

Marty