When The Road Map Looks Like A Bible 3/31/2017

Good Morning World!
Friday and I am celebrating with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.

The other night I was traveling with a friend to another part of Milwaukee that I was not familiar with. My friend  has a smart phone with one of the GPS units that speaks and tells you where to turn in order to arrive at your destination. It even tells you when you have arrived.
Here was this little gadget that we listened to and followed each instruction perfectly.

We never questioned it even one time.

Well that got me to thinking. We trusted a man made machine with our destination and arrival. Yet many of us do not trust the ultimate GPS. God's Positioning System. THE BIBLE
We trust running our lives to our own judgement. Let me ask you this. Have you ever been lost and needed some directions? Of course the answer is yes. We trust others for those directions. They are human also. Or we trust a man made machine to guide our path.
But when it comes to life, many of us want to adjust the directions found within God's word, take a short cut or take our life down a dangerous path. This is contrary to what God writes in

Psalm 119:105

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Bible knows the way for every day, knows the ultimate destination, what it is like and can even tell us where a short cut outside of a life saved by Jesus Christ will take us.

Dust it off, open it up, read it and obey.

God bless,
Marty

Hello, God Is Calling 3/30/31

Good Morning,

The Coffee is done and it will be Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle that will be embracing my taste buds very soon. Changing my flavors up a bit these days.

From time to time God will lay upon our hearts a task that He would like for us to join Him in doing. Notice I said "join Him in doing". God is at work at all times and never slumbers.
Jesus said. "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life." John 6:40

God's will is that none should perish. So He calls on us to join Him in His work. It might be a short term missions or relief trip. It might be a visit to a nursing home to assist the elderly. It might be to work with the kids or teen group at your church. It might be that He calls you to mop the floors in your church. It might be that He asks you to sing, preach, teach a Sunday school class, serve food, or work at a camp for a month. Remember it is all for His perfect will that none should perish. Some of these things could be way out of your comfort zone or schedule. You might be the only person they see that represents Jesus. It might be in a part of town that scares you. Some of these things I just listed might make you feel uncomfortable. But you keep thinking about them. You know that God laid them on your heart. You want to obey but end up paralyzed by fear and doubt. God is calling!

As always God has an answer of reassurance and hope. 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 in my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

God does call us to different and tough tasks. But He is already there and doesn't plan on leaving.
So when He calls, say yes no matter what. You just might be part of changing eternity for someone. Most of all you can join God in what He is doing. It might just change you in ways you never expected. I can vouch for that.

God bless.
Marty

Dine Right! Assemble With Others. 3/29/2017

Good Morning!!!

Smile, God loves you. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and let's read and pray. My cup is filled with Door County Raspberry Sorbet Coffee and next to me is an English Muffin and a banana. I really couldn't ask for more.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

Throughout my life I have heard people say that they should leave their church for many reasons. It is not too often that I hear the "God called them elsewhere". I have heard, "I am not being fed, the music does nothing for me, the church is full of hypocrites, I cannot relate to the Pastor's messages, the people are not friendly, not enough people my age, or last but not least the building isn't appealing.

I am here to say that  when I hear those statements I begin to pray. Because what I am really hearing is an excuse, and it is only hiding a cold heart. Usually when a Christian loses his love for the members and leaders of a church he or she is rationalizing his or her own poor relationship skills with people and with God.
If our Christianity depends upon the pastor's preaching, then we are a long way from being where we should be. If you do not have a way of life that leads daily to the Well of God you will never be satisfied at any church.
If we eat three meals a day and there are seven days in a week, we then eat 21 meals in a week. Would you sit down and eat all 21 on Sunday and starve the rest of the week? No we would not. Yet many expect to not spiritually feed themselves all week and hope that the big Sunday service will take the place of what they missed all week. If we actually ate our food that way we would get sick on Sunday from overeating. Maybe the food for that day might not be what we prefer. So we search elsewhere. But it might be that the Spiritual meal that day was for others. Shouldn't we be there to pray for those who need the message?
God called you to a church. Only let God call you out. If you have issues where you hang your church hat it is probably you. We should not forsake gathering together. We gather to bless each other and worship God together.
We should ask "God, please make me a blessing today at church". With that attitude you will be fed. It takes the focus off of you and puts it on others.

 If you desire prayer leave a comment just asking for prayer. Details are not important. God will know, and you will be prayed for.

Dine right!
God bless.
Marty

You've Got A Friend 3/28/2017

Good Morning,

I never thought when I was a young man that I would be drinking Coffee that was named Door County Turtles In A Cup, but I am. It is a real treat to this day! I was listening to my wife's music that she was playing  last night on the stereo. James Taylor was singing. "You've got a friend". Sometimes that song just reminds me of Jesus and an old buddy of mine. Last night the melody took me down the Jesus road.

John 15:13New International Version (NIV)
¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

I participate in social media conversations and what I have observed at times are pleas from people just hoping to hear something nice. Just to hear a compliment, or to be appreciated seems to be the silent plea of many.  There is nothing worse than feeling alone in this great big world. But we are never alone and the One Constant we can count on is Jesus. He is our Savior, God, Lord, and Friend. The Son of God who loved us so much that He left Heaven to die and prove His love for us.  You've got a friend in Jesus. No one on loves us that much, except for Jesus.

Proverbs 18:24New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 

We all have that one sibling or close friend that we can count on. But even the best of friends and family can have an off day, where they can't be there for us. But Jesus never leaves us. He said " I am with you always"  You got a friend in Jesus.

 

On our best days, He is there. In our deepest and darkest days He is the Light that leads us on. He is our strength when we are weak.  You've got a friend in Jesus.

 

Smile Dear Ones. You've got a Friend!

 

Marty

 

 

Preparing For Easter. Reality Of The Cross 3/27/2017

Good Morning,
Monday and the coffee today is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch.
 What did the cross do to Jesus?

As we venture through Lent and some of us have given up a treat or two to prepare for Easter, I think it is important to study the crucifixion process. This is the pain that Jesus endured for our sins and for the provision of forgiveness. We look forward to celebrating the resurrection day which is utmost to the faith of Christians everywhere. But in order to resurrect, Jesus had suffer and die. This brief exploration into the process should help us grow in appreciation of the price paid.

Hung completely naked before the crowd, the pain and damage caused by crucifixion were designed to be so devilishly intense that one would continually long for death, but could linger for days with no relief.
According to Dr. Frederick Zugibe, piercing of the median nerve of the hands with a nail can cause pain so incredible that even morphine won’t help, “severe, excruciating, burning pain, like lightning bolts traversing the arm into the spinal cord.” Rupturing the foot’s plantar nerve with a nail would have a similarly horrible effect.
Furthermore, the position of the body on a cross is designed to make it extremely difficult to breathe.
Frederick Farrar described the intended, torturous effect: “For indeed a death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of horrible and ghastly—dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds—all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to the suffer the relief of unconsciousness.”
One doctor has called it “a symphony of pain” produced by every movement, with every breath; even a slight breeze on his skin could bring screaming pain at this point.
Medical examiner, Dr. Frederick Zugibe, believes Christ died from shock due to loss of blood and fluid, plus traumatic shock from his injuries, plus cardiogenic shock causing Christ’s heart to fail.

What did the cross do for us?

John 1:12-13
¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

God bless,
Marty

Who Am I? 3/26/2017

Good Morning,


I started early today. I worked through the night and found my bed in the AM instead of the PM. So I welcome my cup of Door County Black Velvet Coffee and a slice of melon for breakfast.

I was considering just how much God loves me yesterday and in doing so I was humbled beyond belief. The thought of Jesus leaving heaven to come to Earth and then suffering and dying on a cross for me, brought tears to my eyes. As I summed up my life, I just could not see me being worth all that suffering and pain.  My thoughts reminded me of a song that I loved to hear sung by the late Elvis Presley.                                                     

                                                                    "Who Am I"

When I think of how He came so far from glory
Came to dwell among the lowly such as I
To suffer shame and such disgrace
On Mount Calvary take my place
Then I ask myself this question
Who am I?

Who am I that the King would bleed and die for
Who am I that He would pray not my will, Thy Lord
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
But to that old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?
 

When I'm reminded of His words
I'll leave Him never
If you'll be true I'll give to you life forever
Oh I wonder what I could have done
To deserve God's only Son
To fight my battles until they're won
For who am I?
    

Who am I that The King would bleed and die for
Who am I that He would pray not my will, Thy Lord
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
But to that old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?

But to an old rugged cross He'd go for, who am I?

Now evidently Jesus never counted the cost of His suffering. He died willingly that we might live with Him for eternity.  I guess I will never understand the depth of His love. But I am sure glad He loves me. He loves you too. Now there is a "warm fuzzy" for this Sunday.

God Bless,

 

Marty



Trimming The Branches Of Your Life. Spring Clean Up. 3/25/2017

Good Morning,

The old mug was just filled with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. It has been joined with some Cream of Wheat Cereal and a glass of orange juice. This is a breakfast that will warm me up on this dreary and rainy day in Wisconsin.

John 15:1-3New International Version (NIV)

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

 

 

 

As I gaze out of the second story window of our den, I can get a pretty good view of our apple trees and our flowering trees. The winter hasn't been very kind to some of them. But most are ready to start coming back to life. I noticed two trees in particular that will need some trimming. One has a branch that is healthy, but it is growing in such a way that when it fruits out, it will not allow sunshine to reach other branches. It needs to be trimmed in such a manner that others might grow. Do you desire all of the attention when you are with others?   The other one out of the clear blue, has a branch that decided to grow in a direction that is causing damage to the house. It is now rubbing on the siding and in high winds makes a noise that keeps Rene awake. Next week it too will be trimmed and redirected. The tree when it is flowering is very beautiful it is causing damage to those around it. Do you cause damage to those around you?

 

God often uses circumstances in our lives to trim us up a bit and straighten us out. Sometimes when we become selfish and we reach for more than our own share of sunshine, we experience something that sets us back a bit.  I for one am not always very good at giving sympathy. This last year I learned how to receive it.  I went for a haircut this week and the experience was pleasant. I chose to be trimmed up. I recall a day, way back in time when I played football in high school and long hair and a moustache were not allowed.  I decided to push the rules. The haircut and upper lip trim I received from a coach was less than desirable and it actually hurt.

 

I think we can all assess our lives and make the cuts that need to be made before God does it for us. Trees do not know any better and they need a vine dresser. But we have been given the Holy Spirit to teach us all things. We should be able to clean up the yard of our life and improve our spiritual status by asking instead of waiting. Then we must follow through.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Marty

The Ministry Of Prayer 3/24/2017

Good Morning!!

Happy Friday to all of you. May God bless you in ways that only He can do. I wish you were all with me to sit down and share a cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee and some eggs with bacon.

I would like to discuss the need for prayer today. A church or personal prayer program that goes no further than our own needs, is a weakened form of God's intention for prayer. It is by the amazing grace of God that we have been called to be intercessors in His kingdom.

When we intercede in prayer for others we become co-workers of the Great Intercessor Jesus Christ. Our prayers become part of His perfect prayer. We pray in His name for His church, our friends, authorities, families, pastors, heathens and for missionaries. We pray for healing, provisions, and peace.

They will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest all of you who pray to the Lord. Isaiah 62:6

We are never, ever alone during our interceding prayers, but are closely united with others around the world through Jesus Christ. We are taught by the Holy Spirit how to pray, even when unsure as to how or what to pray for. As Christians we are to fulfill this lofty calling to the best of our ability, not giving prayer our leftover time and strength, but set aside time to pray.

Andrew Murray said "Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; Where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever increasing prayer." 

Those engrossed in prayer cannot help but see the fruits of their prayer in the lives of others. Our own lives become part of it. We can never pray for others without part of the blessings flowing back into our own lives.

Dear Friends, these are days that should receive our prayers.  Please join me in prayer today for others and our world,

Marty

A Godly Fragrance 3/23/2017

Good Morning,

I hope this finds you all filled with peace and love today. I just poured a big cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java for my morning start up.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

I was thinking about kindness last night and into the morning. My sleep was interrupted by many thoughts last night, but being kind and spreading kindness was at the top of my sleep deprived brain.

I was doing some reading last night and I am convinced that I found the perfect definition of kindness.  Kindness is love that spreads a Godly fragrance. It is the nobility of the heart.

Kindness is a special relationship with God and with people. Kindness possesses a forgiving heart, a basket of patience, a boat load of compassion, and does not arouse anger. Kindness does not accuse impulsively and is never arrogant. Kindness comforts a sad heart and is slow to contradict. Kindness builds up, and tears down as needed, but gently. Kindness does not abuse power and respects authority. It is appreciative and thankful.

As the spring lilacs in our yard spread an aroma that makes us just want to leave the windows open, so does kindness. It is inviting and pleasing to be around. It is the fragrance of God.

So today my friends, practice being kind. It might just make someone's day. It might be your day that is made better.

Marty

Peace During Stressful Times 3/22/2017

Good Morning,

I say,  this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. So Wednesday, I salute you with a big cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee.

Today as I pen this blog I am writing for a friend who is experiencing some great stress. The particulars are not important. What is important is the message to my friend.

The overwhelming pace of today's life is speeding up day by day. We can feel the impact of this pace on our bodies, and our thoughts. Unfortunately stress becomes and integral part of our lives. Our thoughts are often drowned in trivialities and our spirit is not nourished with positive and uplifting thoughts. This takes us to spiritual malnutrition and steals our peace of mind. We are robbed.

It is imperative that we spend time alone with God to prevent stress from overtaking us. Jesus is our perfect example to follow. Despite the impact and busyness of His ministry, Jesus often took time to be alone and pray. This is where He found his peace and strength.

Each day as I move into my daily grind, I spend time alone with God in solitude. No matter how little the time is, I get that alone time.  When we don't, we tend to overestimate our own abilities and strength. Our strength is limited as well as our abilities. We need to rely on God. Better to have only two minutes with Him than to spend twenty minutes with our minds wandering through the issues of life.

Don't think of your prayer life and Bible time as a test of endurance. Think of those times in the Word and prayer as a tranquilizer to calm you in your busy and crazy life. Allow the peace of Jesus to descend upon you and let the stress flow from you to Him.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of Earth. Colossians 3:2

Dear ones,  life is too short to let stress rob you of your health and happiness.

Slow down, trim the list of to do's and spend time alone with God.

Marty

Fear Should Not Be A Counselor 3/21/2017

Good Morning,

I challenge everyone today to greet others with a smile and a big hello. As I write, my cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti sits steaming next to me. Without a word it has said to me "Good Morning".

Since the fall of man through Adam and Eve, fear came into the world.

Genesis 3:10New International Version (NIV)
¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Because of sin, fear entered the world. I believe that fear is one of the first emotions a baby experiences when they cry out, missing the close heartbeat of their mother. Something changed, and where is Momma?

As we grow older fear becomes a counselor to us. Nicolas Berdyaev said " Fear is never a good counselor and victory over fear is the first spiritual duty of man." Fear begins to counsel our decisions and we learn to rely on fear to guide us. When we turn to fear for counseling instead of God we move contrary to God's plan.

From birth to death fear casts a shadow over us. It causes us to avoid change. It causes us to miss opportunities and it convinces us we cannot serve the Lord. It causes us to be terrorized by the death bed. Where as, God has conquered death and it's sting for us. We need to break the chains of fear.

John 3:16New International Version (NIV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.       In this action God defeated fear.

God's desire is to deliver us from fear.

2 Timothy 1:7New International Version (NIV)
⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

When we listen to fear our ears close to God. When we stop hearing from God our world really does go silent. Like a baby who cannot hear Momma and feel her heartbeat, fear causes our hearts to beat so loud we cannot sense the presence of God. We often react to the fear by making a wrong choice, missing out on God leading us through and out of our self imposed prison of fear.

So today, lean on God and stay off of the couch of the fear counselor. You and God can do it.

Marty.

Lessons From Porcupines And Dogs 3/20/2017

Good Morning,

Monday came and it wasn't a surprise that the Door County Cherry Crème Coffee was ready or me. Rene started the pot as she headed to work today. So when I awoke I could smell that familiar flavor coming from the kitchen. How nice is that?

I took a couple days away from writing and spent it with three good friends. We got off the grid and did a little hunting and shooting. We took some time to refresh and wind down a little.

Galatians 5:23English Standard Version (ESV)
²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law

While pheasant hunting on Saturday my dog started sniffing around a small fir tree and I thought for sure I would see a pheasant come flying out. What he found was a dead porcupine. Now, I thought the porcupine was harmless, but my curious dog stuck his nose in the bush and came out with a snout that had a few quills embedded in it. We were able to hold him still and remove the quills without too much effort. But my four legged hunting partner still had a sore nose.

Now that experience is worth relating to on this blog. Although the porcupine was dead and seemed harmless it still could cause damage. In life, I believe we all flirt with dead porcupines from time to time.

What seems to be harmless fun just might hold some hurtful consequences. We think that a little over the speed limit won't hurt, but our teens learning to drive watch our speedometers while we are driving. When they get a speeding ticket we wonder why. When we call in to work saying that we are sick, when we aren't, we  then wonder why our teens  have lied to us? How about what we watch on television and then wonder why they are attracted to R rated movies and fight with us when we say no to there request to go see one?

Just a little sugar sweetens a cup of coffee and just a little vinegar makes it taste terrible.  We have to be careful. What seems to be a dead harmless issue can be a big pain in the side later.  Parents, grandparents, be careful. The example we set might have some sharp quills of pain for our kids and grand kids. Be careful not to set a bad example. What you do they justify in their heads as harmless and it really isn't.

Have a great day!

Marty

Learned To Apply Helplessness 3/17/2017

Good Morning,

Wearing the green today? My mug is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and I am off to get an oil change for the Old Ford Truck.

I must admit that I am a little tired. It has been a long week. This coffee is way too good!
A wise pastor recently spoke  and said that he believes that "all people possess the gift of helps". I tend to agree.
Now just the opposite is where we are looking this morning.

— Proverbs 26:13-16 —
A sluggard says, "There's a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.

I do believe that we are to help one another. But I also believe the following. That as a culture many have learned to be "helpless". And they have learned to apply it. Ouch! A new term "applied learned helplessness". Many people have decided that playing helpless is easier than pulling up their big boy pants or big girl pants and getting to work. Some continue to not follow good advice and perpetuate their helplessness. They are there for support and a handout but feel no need to improve their situation. They have become content with being helpless.

My mother used to say. "If you are looking for a helping hand,  first look at the end of your own arm."

When it comes to helping others, the same people who receive help, often are not available in any way to help others. I recently timed what it takes to make a phone call of encouragement to someone. A whopping four minutes!!!!! We must teach and encourage each other through love and accountability to do what we can for ourselves and others.

Pray today for God to stimulate us to move on our own behalf, evaluate if we can do it ourselves, and if not, while others might be helping us, seek what can we do for someone else. And do it without grumbling. Feel free to pass this one on. You might just save someone from a case of terminal "learned applied helplessness".

God bless,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Marty

Thou Shall Not Steal 3/16/2017

Good Morning,

Thursday has arrived right on time and it helped me to welcome my cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. I raise my mug in a toast to the day before Friday!

Thou Shall Not Steal.
I believe just about everyone knows this statement as the eighth of the Ten Commandments. It is pretty self explanatory. DO NOT STEAL. Seems simple enough to understand even for this pea brain of mine.

When we think about it for a moment we probably all hear this commandment and say "Well, I have never robbed a bank, or shoplifted. I pay my taxes and don't cheat on them. I never go to the movies and watch two and only pay for one. I work hard and never cheat my employer by not working for my pay. Therefore I do not steal". If this is your thoughts on the subject, you are pretty much correct in your thinking.

I would like to talk about a different kind of thief. One who steal opportunities from others. Are you one who when applauded without deserving it, still accepts the acknowledgement? When the instance arises where someone else could experience being first, or be the chosen one, do you knowingly turn on the charm to outshine them? I believe we all have the ability to steal away opportunities from others. And when we do, we sin. I am not saying to not do your best to obtain a job or a promotion. But when the times come where we can let others be best or first without lying to them we should put others first. For instance, your neighbor is entering a chili cook off and is all pumped up for it. You know your chili is better so you decide to enter to win and rain on his or her potential parade in the neighborhood. This is selfish. I could give a million examples of being selfish. Being selfish is stealing. And stealing is a sin.

Philippians 2:3English Standard Version (ESV)
³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Don't be selfish, you might be stealing the life right out of someone.

Marty

And The Puppy Grows Older 3/15/2017

Good Morning,

I hope your day is a great one. Mine started with a cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee and prayer.

Last night I finished smoking some Salmon and it will be made into fish tacos tonight for dinner. Started the day great and I hope to end it in a great way. Next week our little English Springer Spaniel Gibbs will turn five years old. it's funny how fast time flies by. It seems like just yesterday that he was peeing on the floor and chewing everything in sight.

Time has been kind to Gibbs and he has turned into a great companion and an excellent hunter. He holds his own with pheasants and some very big Canada Geese. He has a lot of heart and doesn't know the word "quit". I have seen him struggle with a large goose, but he sticks to it, gets a better grip and retrieves some of the biggest birds around. As he completed his first goose retrieves and grew up, he became more confident. When retrieving a bird he always knows that I am close by and that he is returning to a dry boat or a comfortable blind. I will take the load from him and put it away.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Eph. 6:10

So today I want us to ask ourselves this question. Are we quitters? When the going gets tough do we quit? When one more mile will do it, do we quit? Do we leave things undone? Do we see things through to the finish line? Do we forget that God is there to strengthen us?

When you feel like giving up, you are missing out on what God has to offer. There are so many things that demand our attention and while it may be good to leave behind unhealthy relationships, jobs, and habits, it's also important to keep fighting for what is good and right. Fight for marriage, fight for your kids, fight for your health - don't give up! Know that you are not alone, and know that we are in the hands of God- He will provide us with strength when we need it. As we place our faith in Him we become more confident in Him.

Go ahead and try it. Don't quit again!

Marty

The Sound Of Music 3/14/2017

Good Morning,

Door County Black Velvet Coffee is in my mug and the mug is steaming next to me. One Maple English Muffin is on the plate next to a few grapes. This day has possibilities!

Last night I came home and Rene was ironing and watching an old classic movie.

 "The Sound of Music" The Sound of Music is a 1965 American musical drama film produced and directed by Robert Wise, and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film is an adaptation of the 1959 Broadway musical The Sound of Music, composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The film's screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman, adapted from the stage musical's book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Based on the memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp, the film is about a young Austrian woman studying to become a nun in Salzburg in 1938 who is sent to the villa of a retired naval officer and widower to be governess to his seven children. After bringing love and music into the lives of the family through kindness and patience, she marries the officer and together with the children they find a way to survive the loss of their homeland through courage and faith.

Rene has watched this movie at least twice a year for as long as I have known her. She was overdo. This is a very wholesome movie and is a beautiful musical which causes her to sing along. But last night I heard her say "They should make more movies like this, something that makes you want to sing". I laughed at her and said " I don't need a movie to make me sing. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I am free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."

God is worth singing about. He is the one that can place a melody within a heart, where once there was loneliness and no sound of life. He puts the splashing sound in a wave. God is the Sound of Music.

Matthew 10:29-31New International Version (NIV)
²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Sing with me and say Amen???

Marty

Soaking It All Up. 3/13/2017

Good Morning,

I have filled my mug with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and exercised my faith by praying this morning. Coffee and prayer just seems like a winner to me.

Whenever there has been a liquid spill which I have been a party to, I found that the best method of clean up was to use a large sponge and a bucket. This always seems to work better than paper towels. The sponge just seems to attract liquid and is very easy to wring out. A good sponge can be rinsed out, dried and used again.

As a sponge sucks up water we are to desire to learn more form God's Word and absorb as much of it as we can. When a sponge has retained all the liquid it can, it is wrung out and the liquid is place into a bucket. If we absorb God's Word we will find that the more we absorb and learn the more we will see things in our life that need to be wrung out and tossed. God's Word is used by the Holy Spirit to convict us of the things in our life that we shouldn't be there. God's Word will also will always lead us to desire a deeper relationship with God. The more we are cleaned up the more we desire to be refilled with the Word and let our love for God grow.

It is hard to clean up a spill with a concrete block. No one would do that. But give a person a spill and a sponge and they can start the cleanup.

Are you a sponge or a concrete block. Do you absorb God's Word or let it bounce of you?

Psalm 42:1New International Version (NIV)

¹ As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God

Is your desire to be closer to God? Will you commit to soaking up some of His Word today?

God bless,

Marty

Sweet Sweet Prayer 3/12/2017

Good Morning.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!!!
Starting today with a hot, hot cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee.

Thursday this week I had an extended drive between appointments. I took advantage of the quiet and played some quiet Gospel music which was instrumental only. The sun was shining and my mind began to wander. It seemed just right to me. But something was missing. I felt restless and not at ease. Then it hit me. This would be a good hour to spend with God in prayer. And pray I did. I asked the Holy Spirit to lead my prayer. As people would come to mind, I would pray for them, praise God as I was led, thank Him and just enjoyed the time. When I arrived my mood changed. I was content. The restlessness was gone. I had just spent an hour alone with God. I wanted to keep driving. I knew then that I would share this in our devotional. Last night I added some more prayer time to the church service and the requests from the attendees was awesome. They also shared answers to prayer and God was truly glorified. Those moments in time reminded me of an  old hymn.

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   That calls me from a world of care,
   And bids me at my Father’s throne
   Make all my wants and wishes known.
   In seasons of distress and grief,
   My soul has often found relief,
   And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
   By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
   Of those whose anxious spirits burn
   With strong desires for thy return!
   With such I hasten to the place
   Where God my Savior shows His face,
   And gladly take my station there,
   And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Throughout Scripture we are reminded God is always with us and desires a relationship with us. How does one have a relationship with anyone? Get to know that person better. How do you do that with God? Study the Word, His Word, the Bible and pray. Prayer is the instant messaging system of God. God never sleeps. He hears everyone of our prayers 24/7/365. " In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief."
Can you say that? Do you turn to God for refuge and strength in time of need? I hope so. Do you make all your wants and wishes known? I hope so. Do you praise Him in times of joy and in times of grief? I hope so. Are we all learning the power of a sweet hour of prayer? I hope so.

"You who answer prayer,
   to you all people will come." Psalm 65:2

Have a sweet day.
Marty

Spring Ahead 3/11/2017

Good Morning,

Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee is adorning my cup with aroma and flavor this fine frosty Wisconsin morning. March seems to be more like what February should have been.

Tonight we are to start the process of Daylight Savings Time. So before going to bed we will perform the chore of setting the clocks in our home, our cars and our watches ahead one hour. I am not a lazy person, but I really could care less about having an extra hour of Daylight for part of the year and then set back into darkness the other half of the year. Seems like we could just leave time alone. Setting the clocks ahead is a pain and a chore I dislike.

 

Last night we gathered as a family to celebrate my cousin's son's promotion within the local police department. We went to eat at a fine dining emporium and ate a "Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry". You have to be from the area to understand the Friday fish ritual. Our family is quite small now, and as a matter of fact this side of my family was never very big anyway. But it is much smaller now as time has claimed most of those who were ahead of me. As we were talking and celebrating my mind wandered for a moment and instead of setting time ahead inside this pea brain I allowed it to go back and picture the table with those who would have gathered for this occasion if I could have turned back time. Those who would have been there were the ones who built me. Not one of those who would have been there in my recollection of time did not have an impact on who I am today. My cousin taught me how to play football. Grandpa taught me how to fish. My uncle helped me survive Algebra. Grandma taught me to hate picking berries and enjoy pasta more. Dad taught me how to work and hunt. Mom taught me how to tie my shoes and much more. But as quick as that memory started, it had to end. I can not turn back time. So I concluded that Time is not a thief, it is part of God's design for this world and that I should enjoy the here and now. I should make a difference while I can. Grudges are only mistakes and should be forgotten. You can relive the past if you continue doing stupid things the same way. Learn from mistakes and do not relive any of the "uglies" in life. Love much, and love often. Share more. Be humble. Be kind. Love the Lord with all your heart and smile more. Don't miss family gatherings. They change too soon and without notice. Some day that table of family will change again and again. New folks will be there and some of us won't. So take time to remember, but also take time to make new memories. The memories you make might not be for you, but they will be for others to recall later when you are gone.

Don't place time in a bottle and try to keep it in one place. You can't reset it. But you can live it here and now.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8New International Version (NIV)

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,    a time for war and a time for peace.

 

Enjoy your day. Tomorrow it will be a memory. Make it a good one.

 

Marty

Feeling Like A Fool 3/10/17

Good Morning,

The Old Java machine is spewing forth some Door County Jingle Bell Java Coffee this fine morning. I have been waiting all week for this weekend. We have a special guest staying with us for a few days. My Aunt Betty made the trek to Wisconsin from Central Florida to watch her grandson receive a promotion as a police officer. She has always possessed a knack for making special days even more special.

But today I want to talk about feelings and how at times they are best left untrusted.

Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

Many people search for God by feelings. I believe Eve felt that she needed an apple. I believe Eve felt she had a right to the tree.  Eve might say. "I was fooled by a feeling, now I am feeling like a fool." When people choose to claim that a worship experience is all about feelings, I often ask them what happens when the feelings aren't there? Do you just stop worshipping? I don't always feel like going to work, so should I stay home? How long do you think I would be employed if I just listened to my feelings? I choose to trust in God despite my feelings.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 14:12-13
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.

On the other hand!
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Feelings! Or faith built upon God's promises found within His word?
Trust in God by faith, not by feelings.

God bless,
Marty

Surrounded? Don't Give Up! 3/9/2017

Good Morning,
Had a great challenge last night and my poor neighbor still does not have hot water. The chances of a brand new hot water heater being defective is pretty slim, but that's what happened. Coffee pot was set for 4 AM and it was filled with Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee. Can't wait for that first cup.

 

I like to watch old war movies and cowboy movies. Over the years I have noticed a few things. But one stands out as note worthy. Being surrounded by your enemy, human, or sharks never seems to be a good idea or extremely popular by those who are surrounded. It always seems as if fear is a top commodity. Escape is a priority. Nerves are stretched  further than ever. Sometimes there is conflict with others who are on the same side. Indecision seems to take the place of decisiveness. In one of John Wayne's movies He said to one fella,
"Looks like you got yourself surrounded". The other man replied "Yes and I plan on getting myself unsurrounded." Even John Wayne did not like the idea of being surrounded.

On the other hand there are times I cherish being surrounded.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people. For this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2

We can count on God to surround us with His love and presence. I mentioned this to someone yesterday and they replied. "But I am surrounded by troubles."  "Oh yes" was my reply. "But think about it. Your troubles are surrounded too." When you look at it that way, surrounded doesn't sound so bad. God has your back!

God bless,
Marty

Books In Our Den 3/8/17

Good Morning,

My coffee of choice is Door County Mocha Mint. Very soon I will be out the door and into the Jeep and off to work.

Rene and I have collected quite a few books throughout the years. Actually it could be considered a small library. We have books in, business, radiology, anatomy, engineering, hunting, fishing, camping, survival, comedy, romance, cooking, history, westerns, religion, and Bibles. Some of the books are antiques.

I am sure I missed a few in that list. We do like to read, especially early in the morning on cold winter days. Our goal next weekend is to go through some of the books and donate them or toss a few. You would think that with the amount of books we have that we would be scholars at the very least. I will admit that many of our books have been used to gain knowledge. We are not scholars, but we like to learn. Of course our Bibles are our favorites. Our supporting books that help us study our faith and come closer to God rank second.

There are many times that I use a book to escape from reality for awhile. I have a very vivid imagination that allows me to actually see in my mind the scenery described in books. When I read a book about duck hunting and close my eyes I can actually hear the ducks and smell the marsh.

I do the same with my Bible. I love the Lord there is no doubt. I believe every word in the Bible. So when I read that heaven awaits me I start to day dream and picture what it might be like. But here is the difference. There is no fiction to read in the Bible. And although heaven will be beautiful, the one thing I dream about most is meeting the One who paid the price for me to be there. I have enjoyed many books, laughed while reading some, cried with others, learned from a few, but not one has ever impacted me the way God's Bible does. My Bible led me to Jesus and it will lead me home!

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Awaiting the New Body

5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

God bless,
Marty

How God Looks At Us 3/7/2017

Good Morning,

My day will begin with prayer, hope and love today. The kitchen is sending me the aroma of some Door County Cherry Coffee right to the desk!

Everyone likes to think that the cultural and social divisions are more common now then back when Jesus walked the Earth. Not necessarily so! Jews distanced themselves from the Gentiles, slaves were treated like property, a woman was only worth as much as the amount of children she could produce and men and women could not just be friendly in public. The list goes on and on.

Today we have cultural differences that seem to divide us to the core. We will continue to have these differences and difficulties until we look at others through the eyes of Jesus.

In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free people, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:28

Jesus broke the mold of mold of social divisions. He spoke with prostitutes and taught them. He associated with Gentiles, rich and poor. He touched lepers, and embraced children. He treated everyone with dignity, because He knew that we are all made in the image of God despite our differences.

We live in a diverse world, no different than when Jesus lived here, worked here, and died here. If racial and social differences do not hinder His love for people than it should not stifle ours.

Are you hindered by race, religion, gender, age or social status? If so ask Jesus to show you how He looks at all of us. He looks at us through the eyes of love. Love so strong that He died for us.

Have a great day!

Marty

Mr. Potato Head Rides Again 3/6/2017

Good Morning.

 

I am hot on today's trail with a good cup of Door County Maple Coffee in my hand. Let's get going.

 

If you are my age you will remember this.

 

This is the original potato head game. You actually used a potato and adorned it with things from the game box and created funny looking potato men and women. I loved this game as a kid. Of course we did not play it too often because it wasted food.

 

I remember making my best potato head face and body ever. The potato was perfect and the end result was hilarious. I decided to keep it. But after a few days the potato started to ooze liquid and began to smell funny. Within a week my artwork was shriveled and smelled even worse. You see the tater head I created was dead. It did not have life and it stunk. God has created us all to be alive in Him and use our gifts that He has given us. Those saved in Jesus Christ have been given spiritual gifts. And they should be used. We can use our gifts and talents to benefit others.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

 

 

Christians who do not exercise their spiritual gifts are lazy and out of shape spiritually. They get crabby and complacent. They then begin to stink up their lives and the lives of others, just like a rotten potato does for the whole tater sack.

 

We need to be a sweet aroma to those we meet, work with, worship with and live with.

 

Come on. Don't be a Potato  Head.

 

God bless,

Marty