First Mosquito 3/31/2016

Good Morning.

Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee is dripping into the carafe and the aroma has filled the house.

I will be looking tonight to see if the robin's nest survived some strong weather last night. It was pretty rough.
Last night prior to dark I surveyed the yard and prepared for the storms. The nest was almost complete. While walking the yard our Springer Spaniel Gibbs was bounding about.  The emergency generator started and went through it's automatic weekly test run.
All seemed well and then I saw it. My first mosquito of the year graced me with his or her presence. It seemed as if my little paradise had been invaded. No one dislikes mosquitoes more than I do.

My purpose is this. I did stay outside as long as I could and I enjoyed the warm dry weather that was present. I did not let a pest or small disappointment rob me of the gift of fresh air.  Things come along each day that are not desired or in the plan. But if we let them ruin the whole day we lose a day of our life to anger or frustration.

Proverbs 15:13. A merry hesrt makes a cheerful face.But by sorrow the heart is broken. 

So don't sweat the small stuff. Look for the good today.

Marty

The Forgotten Prayer 3/30/16

Good Morning.

Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is brewing in the kitchen and our dog is ready to run. Looks like Wednesday is here to stay.

Last night I received an email from a friend who let me know that while riding his bike earlier, he was struck by a student driver. His bike is a wreck and he has some injuries.  I replied that I would pray for him and I did. As I was thinking about it later I was very angry with myself. I had forgotten to pray for the student driver. This young person made a mistake and probably feels terrible. No lives were lost and my friend's bike can be replaced. I know the heart of my friend and the driver was probably forgiven within seconds of the accident. I did pray for this teenager.  But was disappointed that I was not smart enough to get it right the first time. I was too self centered and thought I knew what was best for the situation. God had to correct me again.

We need to always include all parties in prayer. When we go to pray we should ask God to show us the big picture before we pray. We wouldn't want to forget anyone. Even the one who made the mistake needs comfort.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with g roanings which cannot be uttered. 

Pray often. But don't forget to consult with the Holy Spirit.  He will direct you to all the prayer needed for everyone.

Marty

The Robins Nest

Good Morning,

My day began with an impatient Springer Spaniel urging me to get moving. He heard the java machine gurgling my Door County Cherry Creme Coffee into the carafe.

To help heal this cold heal up I had to leave work early yesterday.  The weather was warm and the sun was shining. I let Gibbs run around in the yard for a few minutes and I started to pick up some yard debris from some of the latest storms.  The day before I had picked up some heavy grasses that had died from the winter. I had piled it neatly in place to be thrown out.
 I ran out of energy and decided to rest. The picnic table provided my rest stop. I saw that my neat pile was strewn about. I moved away and sat resting this illness. Then I saw a robin fly into my pile and extract a piece of straw and return to the nest she is building. My energy spent, I sat and watched  this over achiever work and work on her nest. I was impressed with her diligence. I wrote about this robin last week. We watched a robin in the same tree last year and were able to capture pictures of the babies. The nest is higher this year and if I want to get pictures it will be from our roof. That is not going to happen!

Here's the point. Her work ethic is impressive. She is working for her family. Shouldn't we all strive for a good work ethic?

Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread. But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. 

I will keep a watch over the nest and see what happens. But regardless of what comes about. I have concluded that our little friend is one hard worker.

Have a great day. Work hard. It has a reward.

Marty

Burned The Rolls 3/28/2016

Good Morning,

I heard the java machine kick in long before the alarm clock sang me a wake up call. My cup of Door County Harvest Blend awaits me in a few minutes.

Both of us are still down and out with a severe chest virus. Although I believe that I am doing better than Rene. Yesterday I decided to warm up some dinner rolls, thinking that some hot buttered rolls would go good. I know my way around the kitchen pretty well and can usually make a decent meal. I did not set a timer and then soon forgot about the rolls.  Needless to say the rolls were somewhat charred. They really weren't edible.  The story for today us this. We all forget things and I am King of forgetful.  The rolls weren't important. But I was trying to multitask. Some things just require your main focus and attention, for instance your family. If you try paying attention by multitasking with your family you will inevitably forget or miss something. The picture above is priceless time spent with our grandson. If I had missed that day it would have been gone forever.
There is a time for everything. We need to focus on our priorities and give them their needed attention on time. This way no one gets burned.

Ecclesiastes 3:1. To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. 

Make time for family. Mark the calendar to remember important dates. Don't make them part of other tasks.

Have a great day.

Marty

Love Kept Him There 3/27/2016

Good Morning,

Easter Sunday has arrived and to celebrate our Risen Savior I will raise my mug of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee in praise and say thank you for bearing the sins of the world on the cross. Most of all I will bow my head and say I'm sorry that mine were there.

We honor Christ's resurrection today. Friday we remembered His death. Have you ever wondered what kept in on the cross that day? I know I have spent hours wondering why He stayed on the cross.

In my research I found many answers. Much reading went into this journey.

1. It was God's plan right from the start.
2. Jesus was obedient unto death.
3. Jesus fulfilled the many prophecies of His death, burial,  and resurrection. What God says will happen, always happens.

Within my studies and search I found some things that did not keep Jesus on the cross.

1. The huge spikes running through His hands and feet did not keep Him there.
2. Armed Roman guards did not keep Him there.

Here is what I found that kept Jesus on the cross.  It is something we all can experience, and give to others. LOVE KEPT HIM THERE. Love for a lost world. Love for you and me.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13

Friends you are loved. An empty cross and grave prove it.

God bless,

Marty

The Day After 3/26/2016

Good Morning,

I have a cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java next to me as a write to you this morning. The skies are clear and the scenery is painted with a heavy frost. It is very quiet in the house. I was outside for a couple of minutes with our dog Gibbs earlier and it was so quiet and still that I thought I could hear my heartbeat. As I look out the window I can see a robin in the crab apple tree making a nest. I hope that it is filled with eggs and tweeting babies soon. Just like last year. I guess you can say that this is a beautiful morning.

Tomorrow we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. Yesterday we marked the day "Good Friday" as the day He was laid in the tomb. Not much is ever said about the day in between. The day when there was no Jesus to be seen or heard from. Heaven was silent. As bad as the suffering was on the cross, just a day before those around Jesus still had Him with them. There was hope, I assume some who had witnessed His miracles were waiting for the cross to be split in half and for Jesus to stand boldly, healed from all the torture. That did not happen. He died and was buried. With that, the funeral plans were set in motion. I have been part of a few funerals for loved ones. To me the most awkward days are the ones in between the passing and the funeral. No one is really ever sure of what to do or why. I am sure that is how they all felt so many years ago.

But what they forgot was this. Jesus promised His resurrection.

Matthew 16:21English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

²¹ From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Since the apostles had not received the Holy Spirit yet they did not recall all that Jesus had taught. They were caught in the "not knowing what to do mode". They weren't waiting at the tomb for the event. But we have a Risen Savior who sits at the right hand of God the Father alive and well. Today should be preparations for celebration. We know what tomorrow means. We should be preparing our hearts for celebrating Christ's victory over sin and death.  We actually could celebrate daily.

John 3:16New King James Version (NKJV)

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

Plan ahead for tomorrow. Be on time for church. Spruce yourself up a little. Make plans to be with those you love. Make time to say thank you to the One who died for you and me.

God bless,

Marty

Fighting Off A Cold 3/25/2016

Good Morning,

My hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is complimenting the weather today.

Winter threw a few last darts at us yesterday and this morning. It was just a couple of weeks ago that we in this area were lulled into complacency by warm weather. I actually saw some folks wearing shorts on those days.

Rene has picked up a nasty cold and needed some medication. So it was off for a visit with the doctor yesterday. We share a lot of things together and this is one of those times when we shared a cold. I don't think I will need a doctor but how I feel isn't worth much right now.

It sounds like I am complaining and I guess I am doing that a little. But each of us has taken turns taking care of the other. My statement is this. If I have to have a cold I am glad that I have someone there who cares for me. I am sure Rene feels the same way. We are both thankful for each other and feel blessed to be sick together.

It is a good occasion to practice this Bible verse.

Philippians 2:3-4New King James Version (NKJV)
³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.


God bless,

Marty

Old Coins And Worth 3/24/2016

Good Morning,

Enjoying a cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee is eluding me today. It seems like my mind is a million miles away.

At the end of each day I always empty my pants pocket and remove whatever change I have acquired during the day from whatever purchases I made. I put the money in a cup and when the cup is full Rene takes it to the bank and deposits the change in an account for our grandson. But yesterday as I was taking some change out of my pocket I noticed a quarter (25 cents) that looked old and tarnished.
To my surprise it was from 1967. My mind wanders without any need to direct it to take a journey. But I started wondering about all the places that quarter might have been since 1967. How many purchases was it involved in? How many people might have carried the quarter?

Here's all I know from my wandering mind. In 1967 it was worth 25 cents in a purchase. In 2016 it was part of my change in a purchase and was still worth 25 cents. But I can safely assume that in some way, that coin was used and was now used again.

Despite being almost 50 years old it was still having an impact in 2016, as it was in 1967. It had a purpose and was recirculated to who knows where for who knows what. It continued all these years to use it's purpose and is still of value.

We have all been given some talents or skills. It would be a shame to be selfish and not use them. If we use our given talents or skills for others we can make a difference. Being needed and used for good allows us to "recirculate" and live with a purpose. Our talents and skills are always needed and can be used. Don't store your talents for a rainy day. Use them and recirculate what you were given.

James 1:17              
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Have a nice day. Use those talents.

Marty

Prayer For Brussels 3/23/2016

Good Morning,

It won't take long for me to write today. I am finding no solace in my cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee.

The tragic senseless attack in Brussels has me almost speechless once more. The world has once again experienced evil and this attack can only be seen as evil. There is no other words to describe it. There is nothing good in it. My heart goes out to all those who were hurt in the attack and for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

I am calling on all of those who will read this blog to stop and bend a knee crying out to God in Heaven to comfort those in need and to make Himself known to those who would perpetrate such evil. Once again this type of tragedy is a call to prayer. Won't you join me today?

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

God bless you all.

Marty

In It To Win It 3/22/2016

Good Morning,

The liquid decorating my cup is Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Nothing like pleasing the palette with a morning cup of java.

Throughout my years of life I have been in a lot of competitions, from football, baseball, some basketball, trap shooting, bowling, volleyball, cribbage, Scrabble and a chili cook off or two. No matter what the competitive event was or is, I always plan on going and giving it my best effort to win. No one likes coming in second. The times when I have lost and there have been many, when I find myself upset for losing, were the times when I did not give it my best effort. I gave a second best effort and did not achieve the prize. I was there. I showed up. But I was not in it to win it.

The Apostle Paul tells us that we are saved through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But why did he write that we need to run the race in order to receive the prize?

Philippians 3:14New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

One of the saddest things about any race is that it is possible to persevere through all of the training, exert all of the energy to run the entire course, only to be disqualified because of an infringement of the rules.

There are rules that must be followed in any race or else the race is forfeit.  The spiritual race that we run is no exception.

 

What are the rules of the race?  They are the commands that God has given to us.  They are His instructions found in His Word.  The temptation is always present to run in a haphazard direction, taking “short-cuts” and ignoring the rules.  But to do so involves disaster.  To do so will result in disqualification.

 

I have known a number of Christians who have been disqualified from the race.  They had spiritual gifts.  They sometimes even built up great ministries.  They seemed to have an exciting relationship with God.  Then sin crept in.  Sin is always a disqualifier.

 

How about you?  Are you running the race?  Are you doing so with motivated efficiency as you lead a disciplined life?  There is still a warning.  It is that it is possible for one to run the entire race and even come across the finished line, only to find that you have been disqualified because you did not run according to the rules.

 

Remember that these principles are given in the context of the issue of the weaker brother.  The question was whether Christians would see fit to limit their own liberty in order to build up the body of Christ.  Building up the body of Christ involves us loving our neighbor. This is running the race. That we might be used to lead others to Christ. That is the prize.

 

Self control

Motivation

Efficiency

Approaching ministry in accordance with God’s principles -- “playing by the rules

 

Food For Thought!

 

Marty

 

 

 

Dog Tired 3/21/2016

Good Morning,

Monday has arrived as planned and we have a busy week in front of us. My coffee flavor is Door County Cherry Crème. I was away this weekend and missed out on my Door County Treats.

In the picture below you see our Springer Spaniel Gibbs after a successful hunt at a game farm this weekend. He is really tired and you can see it in his eyes. He worked hard and then was cleaned up, fed and rested. He was ready to go before the next morning.

People use the expression "Dog Tired" when they explain how they feel. They are expressing that they need sleep and could sleep the day away like many dogs do until their owners come home.  Some people I interact with are "Dog Tired" each and every day. Some of these are noteworthy. They besides being tired, are usually a little crabby and can be very short with people. I wonder if being "Dog Tired" has anything to do with the fact that they have been growling all day long? It takes a lot of energy to be crabby and mean. If you are repeatedly "Dog Tired" it could be one of two things. You might be overworked and stressed. Or it could be that in addition to your daily routine you have elected yourself the "Junk Yard Dog" of your life and those around you. You spend your days working and growling at people. This would wear anyone out.

 Proverbs 16:24   
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Slow down there Bark Meister and have a better day.

God bless,

Marty

Beyond The Sunset 3/18/2016

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to all and I hope this day finds you blessed with peace. My choice for a hot beverage this morning was Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. The mug is full but it will be drained in a few minutes.

Beyond The Sunset is a song that I find myself humming softly from time to time. I have added the lyrics from this beautiful music written by Virgil Brock to this post today.

Beyond the sunset,
O blissful morning,
When with our Savior
Heav'n is begun.
Earth's toiling ended,
O glorious dawning;
Beyond the sunset
When day is done.

Beyond the sunset,
No clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten,
No fears annoy;
O day of gladness,
O day unending,
Beyond the sunset,
Eternal Joy.

Beyond the sunset,
A hand will guide me
To God, the Father,
Whom I adore;
His glorious presence,
His words of welcome,
Will be my portion
On that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset,
O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones
Who've gone before;
In that fair homeland
We'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset
For evermore!

Virgil Brock

 

The apostle Paul assured the Thessalonians of this truth. “The dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17 NIV). That assurance is for us too. There are three words in Paul’s statement that provide hope, comfort, and assurance for the brokenhearted: we, together, and them. We (people on earth) who are still alive will be caught up together (two parties meeting) with them (those who are in heaven). These words of reunion indicate that God’s children never have to experience permanent separation. That’s good news! One day you and I will be reunited with our loved ones who believed in Jesus while on Earth. What a glorious day that will be.

 

I am looking forward to being united with some dear loved ones some day in heaven. And besides that I will get to see the One who died for me. I think on this Friday that is all I have to say as I daydream about that great reunion. I'll bet that you have someone on your mind right now also.

 

Love to all,

 

Marty

Am I Still Your Only Love? 3/17/2016

Good Morning,

The night was too short and morning came in like a wrecking ball. So with my Door County Autumn Spice Coffee in hand, I will head out to make a living.

Yesterday was a little different. Our region experienced some high winds and our home sustained some siding damage. We were blessed to have a friend from church who is in the home repair business come to our aid and within hours we were repaired safe and sound. Later we lost power and the candles were lit. What a night.

Have you ever watched a child unwrap a present for their birthday or Christmas? A picture is taken with the gift and off they go to enjoy their treasure like never before. But then there comes a day when the gift is replaced by something else and the original piece is laid aside and seldom remembered.

I think many people have done that with God. They establish a relationship with Him and then they "Honeymoon" for a few months or even a couple of years. Then the excitement ends and they set God on a shelf and pull Him down when in need of something or a crisis occurs. But it just isn't the same as it was in the beginning. They have made room in their life for other things and have started to take the one True Love for granted. They do not live a love relationship with God on a consistent basis. They run hot and cold. The result between the hot and cold is an average of lukewarm. God has given us His opinion of this lifestyle.

 Revelation 2:1-7New King James Version

The Loveless Church

2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. ⁶ But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
⁷ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

Have you lost that loving feeling? Where are your priorities? When God becomes one of many choices, He really is no choice at all.

Think on that one.

Marty

A Cure Needs A Disease 3/16/2016

Good Morning,

I stayed up a little too long watching election results for the United States presidential primaries. So my cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee is much needed and appreciated.

The title for the blog this morning might have you confused. In order for a "cure" to be a cure, it needs a disease to work on. I have witnessed crabby people who respond to strife with a barrage of insults, and terror. They think that because of strife in their life they have the right to take their diseased minds and turn their emotions loose on others. The problem with emotional responses to strife is that the outbursts and uncontrolled anger often go untreated when there is a simple cure. Others can do things to try and help but the owner of the issue needs to admit he or she has a disease of the heart. The disease is called "self centeredness". The cure for self centeredness is this. It's called the Golden Rule.

Luke 6:31New King James Version (NKJV)
³¹ And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

But in order for this cure to work a person must admit they are diseased and want to be cured of their self centeredness.  A cure sitting on the shelf needs a disease to be active. A cure is no good until it is used.

So enough of that for today. Be kind, you reap what you sow.

God Bless,

Marty

Not made For This Time 3/15/2016

Hello and Good Morning,

My day is starting with oatmeal, toast and a cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha. I need to order some more of that flavor. The old pantry just gave up the last of it.

Hebrews 13:8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 

 

The pictures above were taken while on vacation a few years ago. The first one was taken inside the lighthouse and the other was taken outside. While taking the tour of the lighthouse you are reminded that many years ago these beacons were manned and the living conditions for the lighthouse keeper and his family were very primitive. Loneliness and living off of the land seemed to be just part of the job. Whenever we tour old historic sites I always tell Rene "I could live here". I usually get this for an answer. "By yourself!" I am one that does not need television, big crowds, major shopping, or freeways. I often walk away thinking that I was born in the wrong era. But I am writing to you from a computer. I guess we would have had difficulty reaching the readers from yesterday in India and Guatemala. I think about the hard work involved in the "old life", it is different but still work. I think about the food and it probably was different, but it was food. I think about reading in front of a fire without the television invading my quiet. Life was different then compared to now.

Matthew 24:35New King James Version (NKJV)
³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Two things haven't changed. The Bible hasn't changed and is still the Word of God. Jesus hasn't changed and won't. He came to forgive. He did, and still does and always will. He came to save a lost world and always will.  I truly believe those statements. So besides not being able to run to Taco Bell anytime I wanted to, I guess I would have fit in well, during the "Old Days". The best things never change with time. And those two are the best.

Have a great day!

Marty

Keeping It Fresh 3/14/2016

Good Morning,

Monday! Here we come to start the week and make a difference for others. My mug is filled with Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. Let the day begin.

The picture above is our new canister set. It is a repurposed antique sewing machine drawer and some old canning jars. They are used to keep the coffee, sugar and flour dry and fresh.
We like old tings and we often look for new ways to repurpose items we find during our travels. The old drawer needed some sanding, stain and varnish. A new drawer handle and finding three big jars that would fit and we were in business. The main thing is this. We want to keep dust, water or ants out of the coffee, sugar and flour. We want to keep it safe and fresh.

We also need to do that with our faith. We need to keep it fresh and alive. The best way to do that is to treat it as something important that you need. This will cause you to protect it.
Like flour, sugar or coffee, if we only took the items out off the jars without adding some we would run out and the supply canters would empty soon.  A good way to add to your faith is to serve God.

James 2:14-18English Standard Version (ESV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good^[a] is that? ¹⁷ So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Seeing God at work and joining Him increases our faith. Without works our faith is dead. The same way flour and sugar would be tossed away if it wasn't protected from water, dust or bugs. We can have faith but it will seem to be lacking.

So go and add to your faith. Keep your faith canister full. Enjoy the work God has given you.

Marty

Bible Verses For Bedtime.3/13/2016

Good Evening,

I was detained in my writing today and by now many of you are already asleep or are getting ready for bed.

I want to share some of my favorite bedtime Bible verses. these are the ones I like to read at night for comfort. May they comfort you tonight as much as they comfort me.
      

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.         

         

Proverbs 3:5-6       

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

               

Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

       

Revelation 21:4

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."         

      

 Matthew 11:28       

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

 

May you all be blessed with peaceful sleep.

 

Marty

Oops The Elevator Stopped 3/12/2016

Good Morning,

Headed out to work today a little earlier than usual. I have a couple of projects going on at two hospitals. It's nice to be needed. So today I broke out the big Thermos bottle and filled it with Door County White Christmas Coffee. Time to order the spring flavors now. As I think about going to work, my thought is this. It is good to have a job that I like.

A couple nights ago while on my way to attend a meeting downtown I found myself waiting for an elevator to take me to my destination in an office building. The building was closed basically except for the meeting. No one was around except on the floor where I was headed. The doors to the elevator opened and I pushed the button for my desired floor. The doors closed and the elevator started to move upward. Very soon into my ride the elevator car stopped. The floor indicator in the car let me know that it had stopped between floors. I pushed a lot of buttons and nothing happened. My ride was suspended in air and I wasn't moving. When I used the phone inside the elevator it instructed me to leave a message and someone would call back. My cell phone did not have reception so using that idiot box that the world depends on was not going to work. To complicate things, the super sized soda that I was carrying (almost empty) had overloaded my bladder. My mind was going a million miles a minute. Do I use the cup as a toilet and risk the doors opening mid stream? Do I continue to hold the pressure back and die from bladder poisoning?  This was the topper to a day that I would not describe as an "Eat Some Cake" day. A good friend of mine from work announced her retirement and it was a surprise. I am extremely happy for her but was looking forward to a swan song of knocking the ball out of the park with one last inspection. My Jeep decided to act up and needed a repair, and another friend of ours was taken off of life support.  I began to think that staying in the elevator over night and using the super sized cup as a toilet wasn't all that bad. It seemed as if life would stop until the next morning and nothing else could bother me if I stayed there, locked in.

Now, about twenty minutes later the elevator moved and opened to a maintenance technician who had answered the message. He had reset the elevator and I started moving again. I did thank him for rescuing me from my safe haven quickly. The bladder was still full and a restroom was down the hall. I believe I just ran my first and last 4.9 second forty yard dash. He must have had a good laugh.

What does this have to do with a devotional? Well, life throws some curve balls at us once in awhile and does not go as planned. We can withdraw and pout within ourselves creating a fortress that can't be moved. Or we can stop for short time to ponder or rest and then move on. When the load gets heavy we need to keep moving, but not on our own. It's ok to pause and look up to the One who loves you most.

Isaiah 40:11                 
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

More good advice. never drink a super sized anything before an elevator ride. If you do, take the cup along for the ride.

God bless,

Marty

Television And God 3/11/2016

Good Morning,

I need the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee to not only taste good but I need it to warm me up this morning. Sleep was not a friend of mine last night.

Today is the last day in our series "A Crisis Of Faith". A few years ago while project leading a large group in a small country with many needs I planned a day where the we prayed and asked God what He wanted us to do. This caused us to have many little  groups all responding to a call from God to join Him in his work. We did have one large group that decided that God told them to stay together and go into town and perform a mime drama that they had prepared. They were going to do this in the streets. It was a beautiful drama with a call to Jesus for salvation at the end.

Some other groups split off and did various things. One group in particular was led to go up on a hill and pray. They stayed there all day. Later in the afternoon all the groups returned and I had them tell all of us about their day. God was great in so many ways. But the one I am writing about today comes from the guys on the hill who were praying.  They shared that they prayed for each person on the trip, and then prayed for many other needs, "Our prayer was truly Spirit led". They also told us that what God revealed to them up on that hill was that all the little shacks where people lived could be seen from the hill. As poor as the people were they noticed that just about every home had access to a television. They said that the Holy Spirit led them to pray that somehow the people could be reached through television.  That's when the drama team fell off of their seats. It seems that while performing their mime/drama in the street a local television producer came by and thought that it was so good that he wanted to televise their drama that night. We had to make some travel arrangements for the evening and our driver agreed to stay late. The group went to a very undersupplied recording garage and their Gospel production hit the airwaves. Later they told us that while performing in the street that had prayed for a bigger exposure to people.

Both groups prayed, God led, they obeyed and heavenly food was produced.

Here's the crisis of faith. They knew what God wanted, but had no way of working it out until He took over and provided a way. He will do the same for you,.

Proverbs 2:9New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ Then you will understand righteousness and justice,Equity and every good path.

 

Happy Friday,

 

Marty

The Shoe Shine Evangelist 3/10/2015

Good Morning,

Here we go into Thursday. My mug is filled with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and I intend to enjoy it slowly and contemplate my prayers for awhile.

As we continue to discuss "The Crisis Of Faith" which happens when we accept the work God has for us to do as He molds us and teaches us to rely on Him. God is always at work and desires for us to have a deeper relationship with Him. When we have to take a stand for our faith in His call we often find that if we take His word literally we know what He wants. His desires are sometimes contrary to how we think things should be done. Here is an example. But His ways are not our ways.

I like to talk, and preach, there is no doubt. While on a short term mission trip in a tropical part of the world, I was leading a group of teenagers on an evangelical/construction week. Our project leader asked us to go to the town square and pray for the program that would be done later in the week to reach people for Jesus. Prior to that during my morning devotions I read Psalm 46:10.

Psalm 46:10New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

 

I had been praying and asking God what He wanted me to do in the square. Psalm 46:10  spoke clearly to me. I was to go to the square set up my teenagers on a prayer walk and I was to be still and just pray. I instructed my team and also told them that I would be sitting on a park bench, praying and observing silence. " No talking".

 

I was sitting, praying and reading my Bible when I was approached by a young boy about 8 years old. I did not speak Spanish and he did not speak English. He gestured that he would like to shine my shoes. I gestured back with a no thank you. He stood there staring at me. He looked about as poor as poor can be. I remembered that God is always at work and maybe this boy was who He was working with. I gestured for him to go ahead and shine my shoes. While working hard on my shoes the boy looked up an mumbled "Biblia? "and pointed to my Bible. I nodded a yes and he picked it up. I then remembered that I had a Spanish Bible and a kids Spanish Bible tract with a cartoon presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I handed it to him. He could read and he read out loud. I could make out the verse John 3:16. At the end of the tract there was an invitation to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. I saw Him bow his head and pray. When he looked up his little eyes were filled with tears and he was smiling. He found out just how much Jesus loved him that day. He hugged me with all of his might. When I looked behind him a group of young shoe shine boys were standing there looking at us as well as many adults. My little buddy took the tract and stood on the park bench next to me and started to read and preach to the group that had formed. My team of teenagers walked over and mixed in. At the end of his little sermon the same results occurred. The group prayed with him and they all were crying with joy for their choice to follow Jesus. The teenagers handed everyone a Bible and some tracts of their own.

 

I never spoke a word that morning. What I learned was this. God was at work, and He really only needed me to deliver a tract. He did the rest through the Holy Spirit. I was there to pray and observe.

Instead of using the one who likes to preach He used a child. The young boy finished the shine job on my shoes and I paid him fairly. As I was walking away I waved goodbye. He in return pointed to him and me. He then pointed up and waved goodbye. I knew then that what he meant was that he and I would meet in heaven some day. I look forward to it.

 

Matthew 19:14New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

 

Will you take God at His word? What does He want you to do today? Maybe He wants you to forgive someone so He can use you in His work. Forgiveness is often a crisis of faith, because to the world forgiveness does not make sense. But to God it does.

 

Think on it!

 

Marty

Don't Tap The Rock Again. 3/9/2016

Good Morning,

From where I sit at this desk the world looks beautiful today. It is beautiful because you are in it. Tell someone you love them today and know that you are loved also. I am sipping on a very hot cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java Coffee. This is what we do around here in the morning!

We will continue to discuss "Crisis Of Faith". This is when God calls you to where He is working and you respond in faith. This always produces a test of your faith somewhere, somehow.

Yesterday I wrote about a short term mission trip to Mexico. My story continues today and it is all about water. The temperature in Mexico was averaging 111 degrees Fahrenheit each day. I had never experienced heat like that before. The large group we were leading was very inexperienced and somewhat immature. They really did not want to experience God, but wanted a feel good "canned mission trip" with lots of music and baby hugging moments. In all reality this makes for an easy mission trip, but rather boring.

Hydration was very important with that extreme heat. We had a good supply of pure bottled water. The team did as they were told and drank the right amounts of water. By mid week our water supply had dwindled down. As any good project leader would do, I ordered a supply of water from our host. Si Si sir he said and told me the water would be there tomorrow. We had enough for a day and a half.  Our team of teenagers had several adult leaders who worried about everything. The next morning they came to me in a group. This was after I told them the night before that I had ordered water. They wanted to let me know that the water supply was low. I assured them that we had enough for the day and enough to get us into the night. But I could see that this was not good enough. So I said let's pray. We prayed and I went to my room to work on some paperwork before we left on buses for ministry. I was just into my work when my friend and travel companion came knocking on my door. "Hey they are really worried about the water supply", she said. I assured her that we had prayed and needed to trust God.  After she left I was just about to pray again when as clear as a bell the following account of Moses came to my mind. I opened my Bible and read this.

Numbers 20Living Bible (TLB)

20 The people of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin in April^[a] and camped at Kadesh, where Miriam died and was buried. ² There was not enough water to drink at that place, so the people again rebelled against Moses and Aaron. A great mob formed, ³ and they held a protest meeting.

“Would that we too had died with our dear brothers the Lord killed!” they shouted at Moses. ⁴ “You have deliberately brought us into this wilderness to get rid of us, along with our flocks and herds. ⁵ Why did you ever make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this evil place? Where is the fertile land of wonderful crops—the figs, vines, and pomegranates you told us about? Why, there isn’t even water enough to drink!”
⁶ Moses and Aaron turned away and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face downward before the Lord; and the glory of Jehovah appeared to them.
⁷ And he said to Moses, ⁸ “Get Aaron’s rod;^[b] then you and Aaron must summon the people. As they watch, speak to that rock over there and tell it to pour out its water! You will give them water from a rock, enough for all the people and all their cattle!”
⁹ So Moses did as instructed. He took the rod from the place where it was kept before the Lord; ¹⁰ then Moses and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock; and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?”
¹¹ Then Moses lifted the rod and struck the rock twice, and water gushed out; and the people and their cattle drank.
¹² But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe me^[c] and did not sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring them into the land I have promised them!” God was angered when Moses hit the rock twice instead of just speaking to it. I was not going to ask twice.

I opened the door and called her back. I told her "Do not pray for that water again and do not let them bait you into pestering God. He said He would take care of us and He knows we will need water later."

Within minutes a man with a donkey arrived with just enough water for the next day. Our host had called him and asked him to share his water until a truck could come with more.

I explained to the team that God had provided water for the day and we should be thankful. They were quiet but not content. Later that day as we returned from ministry work after they had asked me to buy water in the city all day long at a higher price than what we were paying just because of their fear, I saw a big truck at our ranch delivering water enough to last a week, We only had three more days to go. Besides that, the delivery man brought us a large supply of ice for the freezer. Ice cold water in Mexico! God is good. The team drank cold water but never realized how God had really come through. Did I mention the truck was not refrigerated and the delivery man brought us ice? Did I mention that the temperature was 111 degrees Fahrenheit? Only God could keep the ice from melting! The team missed the whole miracle. But not my friend and me.

That night as I was praying, I asked God what would have happened if I had prayed again for water after asking Him once. There was no reply, but that night as I slept I kept dreaming about being flooded. I wonder? What will you trust God to do today? Can you trust Him to comfort you in the midst of troubles?

God bless,
Marty

Ever Need A Phone Call? 3/8/2016

Good Morning,

The coffee is on and my flavor is Door County Cherry Crème. As I write I can hear geese traveling North . That's a great sound to wake up to.

I will be continuing our lessons on a "Crisis Of Faith". If you have missed the last two they are archived by date on the blog page. www.martyschutte.blogspot.com  .

One of my many short term mission trips found me headed to Mexico to be the project leader for a large group. My travel companion and buddy was a young eighteen year old, full of energy for the Lord. My travel dates changed because the countries changed for some reason and I was not heading to Peru but going to Mexico. I always tell those who go on short term mission trips that "flexibility" needs to be one of their personal attributes. So I agreed to go and it was short notice. My friend and I were on our way within two weeks of notification. Here's the crisis of faith. About four days before I was to leave my mother called and informed me that she was going to have a heart procedure to add a defibrillator unit and new pacemaker. It would be the same day that I was leaving for Mexico. I knew that the Blackberry phone I had would probably not receive phone service where we were headed. I considered backing out of the trip so I could stay home and be there for Mom. Everyone assured me that I should go, including my mother.

 Matthew 6:8
For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

The day I left the wash machine broke and I had to leave Rene fending for herself to get a new one. Crisis of Faith #1. I was feeling guilty for leaving and thought that I might not of heard God correctly about going to Mexico.

Our flight went well and we were picked up and escorted to a camp for traveling missionaries to rest for awhile. This camp was not even close to the city we were supposed to be in for the trip. We were then informed that we would have to stay where we were for the night because the transportation did not show up. I kept thinking "what a way to start a trip."! We weren't even in the correct part of the country.  After dinner I went outside to watch the stars and pray. My friend came out and asked me what I was doing. I was looking at some pictures of my family on the Blackberry. All day I had no reception to make a call. I said "I wish I knew how my mother was doing". Crisis of Faith #2. My friend looked at my phone and said, "why don't you try calling her?" My phone was now showing reception bars. So I called the medical center in Northern Wisconsin to inquire about Mom. The hospital operator let me know that Mom was in the Intensive Care Unit and that she would put me through to the nursing station.  A friendly nurse answered and I explained that I was inquiring about Mom's condition. The nurse said for me to hang on for a couple of  seconds and she would let me speak to Mom for a minute. The voice on the other end was Mom, she was tired and weak but assured me that she would be staying for two days and going home. She said that she already was feeling better and had been praying for me. We exchanged "I love yous" and then the phone went dead.

I did not have reception again for about four days, until I made it once again to a big city. We camped in the middle of a dessert for most of the week.  You see God called, we answered, and He knew what was on my mind. Here is what He did. He sent me to a different country where I could actually be contacted. He arranged for us to be in what we thought was the wrong city. He arranged for a clear signal for a short time so my worries were put to rest.  The trip went well from there until we ran out of water.. Oh that's for tomorrow! We returned home and I went to visit my mother. She wanted to hear about my mission trip.

God bless,

Marty

God Had The Supplies. 3/7/2015

Good Morning,

Yesterday I felt like I was walking on sunshine. Today I feel like I walked too much. Ha! The cup next to me is filled with Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee and it is tasting very good.

I want to continue from yesterday my thoughts on a "Crisis Of Faith" when God calls you to do something.

It seems like yesterday that I led a group from the United States to another country to help after a major earthquake devastated a large region. We arrived in country, in two large groups and one small one. The flights landed safely and the only group to get all their clothes and supplies was the small group. I had arrived early with my little team of three and surveyed our work week. I was asked if I would pray and see if God would take us beyond the original plan that was talked about while I was still in the United States. The host commented that where we were would be working and giving away supplies was already blessed twice that summer and they seemed to be "getting fat" while not far away a refugee camp that was considered least worthy of assistance by the locals because of their ethnicity was starving and in need of supplies. I prayed and God laid it on my heart that we were to go and do as much as we could for the refugees but still fulfill our obligations to the original group. The answer came as to how I could appease the obligated needs of the people who had already been blessed and were pretty much back on their feet. We would do that through labor and give them what we had which at that time was nothing. Still no supplies had arrived from the States. A little luggage was coming in each day. By mid week we had all the luggage and our team actually started smelling better. But no supplies.

Each day we would meet our obligations by performing labor in the area. I kept praying. We all did. Later that week we were to go to the refugee camp and we had nothing but love to give. The original pastors we were sent to help expressed how unhappy they were that we did not have more supplies to help them restore their school. I kept thinking about the piles of clothes that was already there that could help this starving refugee camp. It was cold along the ocean and these people barely had the clothes on their backs. Yet these Christians would not share. In addition, they were not happy that we were leaving a day early to minister where I knew God expected us to show up. I washed my hands of these people.

We had team meetings and decided that we would give all of our clothes away except for what we needed to travel in at the refugee camp. We also would cut our vitamins, ibuprofen, and aspirin in half and give it out in the camp as needed. We had nothing to give. We also devised a plan to pool our money and buy as much rice and beans as we could and have our "in country" contact distribute it fairly.

Psalm 23New King James Version (NKJV

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever

But then came the call. All the supplies had arrived but they were three hours away. Only I could sign for them and I had to go and claim them to see if taxes would be levied. I got on a bus by myself in a country where I do not speak the language. The teams prayed for me and I promised that I would see them the next day. The bus conductor came to my seat and motioned for me to stand and that I would not be allowed to sit. So to keep myself awake I recited Psalms in my head and other Bible verses. I remember praying quietly Psalm 23, I actually thought about throwing the conductor off of his bus at  one point but decided praying was best. I had answered the call, God knew where I was and so far it was inconvenient but had not really created a "crisis of faith" just yet. Until!  Two hours into the trip I could see the bus driver talking on a cell phone and looking back in my direction through his mirror. I knew some of the slang spoken in the country and could tell he was talking about me. Ten minutes later in the middle of nowhere, the bus stopped and I was told to get off. Now was the crisis of faith. As the bus pulled away a van was pulling up. I pictured my mother watching the world news seeing me with a bag over my head as a hostage for ransom. I remember saying "Lord this will be a good fight, fill my arm with strength. No one loves me enough to pay to get me back". When the door on the van opened up it was a bunch of American college missionaries. The bus driver had called my "in country contact" and expressed that he was worried about my safety. Our contact sent these kids to intercept the bus and bring me to the city safely. Wow and another wow.

The kids took me to eat and I dined on delicacies indigenous to the country. They took me to the airport where our contact was waiting and we picked up all the supplies which was more than I expected. We filled the back of a bus, no taxes were levied and the bus company did not charge us for the huge quantity of boxes. !!!!!!!!!!!

We had everything we needed for the refugee camp, including some blankets, clothing  and medicine.
God delivered the supplies just in time. Had they come earlier we might have given some away to appease the greedy pastors in the first community who did not want to share. God knew what we needed, when it was needed, protected the delivery boy and served up one feast for the chubby guy.

That day in the camp, heaven moved and besides meeting personal needs, the Gospel was shared and many received Jesus. Later emails were sent home by the teams and money was raised and sent to feed that camp for a year.

I saw God at work that day and He included me.



Marty

A Crisis Of Faith 3/6/2016

Good Morning,

The fireplace is glowing  and the heat coming from it is just enough to take the chill out of the house. My mug of Door County Highlander Grog is working hard to assist with the warm up. Nothing like the comforts of home to make one content and happy.

Have you ever noticed that the slightest call by God on your life will cause a "crisis of faith". This is a term used by Henry and Richard Blackaby in their book "Experiencing God". I am a firm believer that the minute we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God begins to show us what He desires us to do, because He is always at work and desires a deeper relationship with Him. This is accomplished through meeting His invitations and the demands of the invitation. God is easy to work with.

 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.

It starts with attending church and worshiping regularly with a body of believers. This is a good place for beginners to see God at work because it offers many avenues for people to see Him at work and allows the Holy Spirit to call you to join in. Here's the crisis. You have to attend and that is not always convenient. Too bad, you adjust your schedule to God's timing and let Him work out the details. Early in my career I was always on call and my pager would go off constantly in church. It really did not allow me to sing in the choir. I knew God was calling me to teach Sunday School. I said yes to His call. Three days later I lost my job. I thought it was the worst thing that could happen. Three days after that my company let me know that I had received a promotion, had a better job and that I would still be wearing a pager that might ring now and then. It hardly ever rings. God solved the problem. But when I was first told that my job was eliminated my faith tumbled. (Crisis of faith)Through that experience, I learned to trust God more. I answered the call and God worked out the details.

Then for those who have children. God calls you to raise your children in His standards.  This is no easy task. God tells us plainly how to raise kids in the Bible. But kids do not always like to be "raised". Parents will often compromise instead of following what God wants them to do which is plainly stated in His Word. They do this so they do not have to take a stand of faith. They allow the kids to run the family and thus negating the call on their life. This is another example of a crisis of faith and requires the believer to trust God, take a stand and wait on Him. Many people do not see raising kids as a call to experience god on their lives.

These are two of many "Experiences With God" that I encountered. I am on in years now and July 7th 1981 when I chose to follow Christ seems like a thousand years ago. But I know this. From then until now God's invitations to join Him in His work continue. Each one has brought a "Crisis of Faith". Each time I embraced the crisis and waited on God to work it out and while I trusted on Him the experiences grew sweeter and relationship with God intensified.

I am going to be writing for a few days on those experiences to give our awesome God some praise for all that He has allowed me to see.  So tune in and we will let Him amaze us and show you how He can use even an idiot like me from time to time. Maybe then you will answer the call He has placed to you.

God bless,

Marty

Prayer Over The Miles, Old Fords and Radios 3/5/2016

Good Morning,

My cup is steaming hot, filled with Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee and it is begging to be consumed. I will grant that wish as I write to all of you. I hope someone tells you that they love you today. But just in case that didn't happen I want to let you know that you are loved right from this antique desk in Wisconsin.

Yesterday our grandson celebrated his 15th birthday which is really making me feel older than this desk I am sitting at. By the way the desk was in use as far back as 1941. As is customary we always try to follow up a  card and gift with a phone call to the that special person on their birthday. Grandma was like a bird dog on a pheasant last night and hunted him down with calls until she reached him. He lives several states away and sometimes it seems like he is half way around the world . During the phone call of happy wishes and laughs I asked him what he would be doing for the evening. He explained that he would be socializing with friends at the mall and then the next day the family would be all going out for a special dinner.

I zeroed in on the Friday night at the mall. I recalled Friday nights when I was a teen in my mind. Many were spent "cruising" in our souped up jalopies, radios blaring, loud mufflers purring as we headed to the root beer stand to flirt with the cute car hops or from there to a custard stand to hang out. Shopping Malls were just coming about when I was younger and really did not hold much of an attraction for us except to buy things. Well, the phone call ended with good advise from us. "Have fun and behave". Now there's an evening wrecker from the grandparents. I forgot to mention that I was still recalling cruising to the custard stand from the pizza palace and occasionally those 1961 Fords would hit speeds of 100 miles per hour or more with my girl friend throwing water balloons out of the window.

So as every reckless grandparent would do I smiled and said "let's pray". Grandma who was born a conservative and her idea of fun Friday night as a teen was to take in a movie and laugh about it on the way home said "sure why"?.  I replied, " he is a good kid and uses good judgment. But don't we owe it to him to keep him on that track and hope that the little acorn fell further away from this tree? And we can pray for protection from the others who won't exhibit good judgment tonight" Grandma then recalled some of my antics and it seemed we prayed just a little longer.

We will all let our kids out of the house or our grandchildren will be venturing into the world. This is normal and you can't lock them up and keep them playing Monopoly forever on a Friday night. But you can pray from a half a world away for them and when they return home safe and all is well, you know you did your job.

I will admit that there was a temptation to call him later and make him say I love you over the phone in front of his buddies and the girls he was probably flirting with, but I saved that for our daughter who at anytime just might show up at the mall. Now that little acorn did not fall far from this tree. She loves her boy and is very protective. I wouldn't poke that bear.

Back to the prayer. We owe it to be praying for those entrusted to us by God and to protect those same ones.

Matthew 18:10New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰ “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

The word despise is used in the passage above. I would offer that we actually despise our kids and grandchildren when we do not pray for their protection each and every day. We acknowledge their importance and our love for them to God by praying. Little did our young man know that angels were in that mall.

Don't forget to pray. By the way. Rene and I went out last night in the Old Ford F250 pick up truck. As we turned on to a highway, I floored the beast just to get it up to speed with traffic. She asked what that was all about? I replied, "Memories baby, memories, want some custard" as I turned up the radio to the Oldies Channel.

Love ya,
Marty