Are You Worried? Bible Verses To Combat Worry. 8/31/2017

Good Morning,

Here we go Mr. Thursday! My cup of Door County Highlander Coffee is perfect for this day and I am ready to get it started.

Over the last few nights I have been cooking up homemade pasta sauce. The sauce is made from the fresh tomatoes in our garden. The tomatoes are a blessing from God and we are very grateful. When I am preoccupied with worry I tend to cook and stock up the pantry.

During the past few days I have been worried about some of my friends living in Houston. I have them on my mind a lot. I noted that if I was worrying about them, that it was time to address my act of worrying with some time in the Bible. So I thought I would share the remedy I found in God's Word with all of you.

Chronic worrying can affect your daily life so much that it may interfere with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, cigarette smoking or using alcohol and drugs.

The Bible has this to say about worrying. Print these out and have them handy for those days of worry.   God's Word is soothing to the soul.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.   

Matthew 6:25-34  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...   

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.   

Matthew 6:34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.   

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 straight your paths.   

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

Philippians 4:19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.   

Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”   

Romans 8:31    What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   

1 Peter 5:6-7    Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

These verses helped me in the last few days and I know they can ease your worry also.

God Bless,

Marty

A Storm Of Compassion 8/30/2017

Good Morning,

If you were here I would greet you with a smile, a cup of Sunrise In Door County Coffee, a chair and a toasted English Muffin. But since that can't happen today, I will greet you with a salutation, and a wish for happiness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Hurricane Harvey sure has wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast of the United States and has done enough damage so far for five storms. Living where we do in the Midwest, we can only imagine what the people in the wake of the storm have gone through and are going through. The evening news is showing the devastation and the sullen faces of those in true peril. Of course we are praying for those stalwart people enduring this storm and it's aftermath.

But, what the news is also showing is the compassion of people. The love of others. Race does not matter. Some people with boats are rescuing others along with a few of their possessions and maybe the family pet. They are working day and night  extracting people from flooded homes and at times with risk to themselves. I saw three trucks loaded with generator powered flood lights heading down the interstate with signs on the back saying. "We're coming Texas". Local television stations are seeking donations for the flood victims. High schools are collecting non perishable food and clothing.

 I have watched a couple of the boat rescues on television. The rescuers never asked the victims " What political party do you support?" There is just people helping people. The shelters are crowded with every race, age and gender. And although no one wants to be there because of the storm, they seem relieved to be safe and with others. Statues just don't seem to matter right now and are certainly not in the news.

At a time when I have questioned the values of Americans these days, I see the natural compassion and heroics God would expect from His creation  taking place in the Gulf Coast. I would never even try to say that God caused this storm to unite a country. I can't down play the loss of life. Each life is now being counted and someone is grieving. I'll bet that others are alongside the grieving to comfort them. Celebrities and football teams are donating large amounts of cash. Those who have very little are also giving from the heart. Has a storm started to make America Great Again? There is a human storm of love and compassion living in the Gulf Coast and a wave of love and compassion on it's way. Let's use this tragedy as a springboard to unite in love and strength to live as God intended. Let's show Him that He can bless America again. I see Him at work through others. I see His example of sacrifice and love in the unselfish sharing and heroic actions of a nation helping one another.

God Bless.

Marty

Are You Fighting Satan? Or Following Christ?

Good Morning,

Here's to all of us waking up and seeking some time at the foot of the Risen Savior in fellowship and prayer. My day started with a big cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and it is mighty tasty.

John 16:33New International Version (NIV)
³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Revelation 20:7-10English Standard Version (ESV)

The Defeat of Satan

⁷ And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸ and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them,
¹⁰ and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

I think many Christians spend way too much time giving Satan credit for the battles he brings to us. Yes we fight a spiritual battle, no doubt. But why play around? If you are going to fight, fight to win. Here's the deal. Satan was defeated on the cross. Sin and death were beaten on the cross and then in the resurrection of Jesus. The same power that defeated Satan then is available to us now in the form of the indwelling Holy Spirit. You are equipped with a mouth, now use it. Don't be afraid to tell Satan that sin and death were defeated and that he also has his ending all planned for him. Tell him when he attacks to "hit the road" and start heading to the lake of fire and don't let the door hit him on the way out.

I believe we spend so much time in battle that we lose time that should be spent following Christ. If you were in the boxing ring and had the power to knock out your opponent, would you let him hit you a few times just for fun? No way! You would slap him silly and knock him out asap!

How about more time with Jesus and less time fighting the Village Idiot?

God bless, Swing like you mean it. Take the gloves off. It is a sure win.

Marty

Grilled Corn, Little Boys And The Gulf Coast 8/28/2017

Good Morning,

Love to all today. May your coffee be hot and your troubles be few. I am pouring myself a big cup of Door County Highlander Grog and now it is time to write.

Yesterday our church held it's annual picnic on the church grounds. It was combined with a classic car show. Now, what a picnic and a classic car show need, is a day without rain. My duty for the day was to work with the men's ministry team to roast corn on the cob. They are a well oiled machine and are very task oriented, They at "Git r Done" fellas. They are the best!!!

James 5:9English Standard Version (ESV)
⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

The morning greeted us with rain and there were prayers being lifted up, asking God to halt the rain and let the picnic go on. There seemed to me that there was a little too much whining going on about the weather or this or that. God came though and there was a reprieve from the rain. The precipitation slowed us down a little, but it all came together as God would expect it to. We weren't waist deep in water, waiting for a boat ride. We had much to be thankful for.

My highlight was a four year old boy who came to the picnic later in the day. I was talking to his parents when he boldly told me "I like corn with butter". It wasn't a minute later and this kid was having at it like a chipmunk on steroids. There was the biggest smile on that little guy and when I asked him if he would like another ear of corn, his reply was "yes please". Now many people enjoyed the picnic, but this one kid made it all worth it for me. That smile melted my heart.

To be honest with you, my mind was elsewhere yesterday. Over the years, I have accumulated friends who reside on the Gulf Coast, and especially in Texas. My heart was heavy with concern for them while they endure Hurricane Harvey. I took part in the usual banter that men do, but all the time we were there my mind wandered back to prayer for those impacted by this storm.

The smile provided by that little boy, reminded me what it was to be a kid again and a not have any worries. His day was focused on buttered corn and the fact that these guys were handing it out. Oh, to be that innocent again. His joy over corn took my mind off of my thoughts and it felt good. He allowed me to focus on what was at hand and I received great joy from that smile. He thanked me, but that buttery smile did it all.

Today I am back in prayer for those in a watery mess. I am waiting to hear what we can do to help. I am asking for your prayers for those who have lost a lot, or everything. I know those people appreciate the kind thoughts. Would you ask God to show you what you can do to help?

When you think of a particular small irritation that happens today, praise God that you aren't waist deep in water. Some things just aren't worth whining about.

God bless,

Marty

Stay Out Of The Furnace 8/27/2017

Good morning,

My coffee cup is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry this morning.

In my part of the country a furnace is a necessity in the winter. A fireplace is always nice if you are blessed to have one of those also. Later tonight I will be doing a little prep of the furnace so it will be ready for winter. I have already cleaned the fireplace.

A furnace can warm your home and keep the family healthy. But a furnace can also be dangerous. In the Unites States many home fires are caused from broken furnaces, or items kept to close to the heat source. Today we will see that three guys got themselves into a hot spot but trusted God to see them through. God was and will always be victorious.

. Spurgeon observed that God's people are often in the furnace, and though there are different kinds of furnaces they serve similar purposes in our life
· There is the furnace that men prepare (our own sin)
· There is the furnace that Satan prepares (evil itself tries to trap us and discourage us)
· There is the furnace that God prepares ( refines us and makes us stronger)

Our own furnace is usually kindled by greed, lust, anger, self centeredness, lying, cheating and stealing. If this is where you are today, get out of that one.

Satan's furnace is one that that needs to be avoided at all cost. Once Satan has us discouraged we tend to jump into our own furnace and get a double roast. This is not good.

New International Version (NIV)

The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. ² He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. ³ So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

⁴ Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: ⁵ As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. ⁶ Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
⁷ Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
⁸ At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. ⁹ They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! ¹⁰ Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, ¹¹ and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. ¹² But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Misha and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
¹³ Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, ¹⁴ and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? ¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
¹⁹ Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual ²⁰ and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. ²¹ So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. ²² The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, ²³ and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
²⁴ Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
²⁵ He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
²⁶ Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, ²⁷ and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel  and rescued  his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ²⁹ Therefore I decree  that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

This furnace was first a choice by our three heroes. What would you have chosen?
This furnace was produced by evil and they endured. And they trusted God.
This furnace refined and rewarded. Are you in the furnace today. Will it warm you or hurt you or will you trust God to use it to refine you?

God bless,
Marty

Look Hard. No Hands 8/26/2017

Good Morning,

The weekend has started and it looks like it needs a little help with a big cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. Very soon I will be pouring some of the fall flavors into my Thermos bottle and hunting will begin. Just a few days away.

I hear people express their faith and love for Jesus Christ quite often. They talk about their church and all the services or activities it offers. They talk about their Bible studies and their Gospel music. But, not often enough do I hear them speak about God calling them out in a challenge of faith, where they just let loose and followed Him into the "unknown". It seems as if these very content people are happy just living inside the comfort of the walls of faith they have built. Now their is nothing wrong with being content. But contentment can disguise itself as fear or laziness.

Philippians 4:13New King James Version (NKJV)
¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

As a boy (my Aunt will cringe when she reads this) I played youth football. Football practices were held in the evening and very often they would last until dark. Most of us would ride our bicycles home. Now, where the football field was located I had two choices for going home. One choice provided a flat sidewalk to travel all the way home. That trip was always uneventful and very boring. My second choice involved a big arced bridge. The trip up the bridge was tough, but the ride down the other side was very exciting. The wind blowing in my face, the ability to travel at a high speed, and keep up with some cars was just too much to turn down. (We didn't wear biking helmets back then.) My football helmet was on the handle bars. That breeze in my hair after a tough practice felt so nice. But for me, some of the excitement was to put my hands behind my head or above my head and drive down the 35th street bridge without any hands on the  handle bars. You should have seen the looks on the faces of those passing by me in their cars. I do believe that cell phones have removed some of the fun in lives. Cell phones back then would have had me in a detention home for the insane adolescents. It wasn't too smart but it is helping me make my point.

We often put such tight controls on our faith that we forget to ask God what He is doing and how we can join in? We don't want to take the restraints off and step out in faith. We miss out on faith adventures because we want to drive the bike down the boring road. Unlike the unforgiving pavement of the 35th street bridge we have a safety net in God. If we fall He is there. If we step out He leads us. If we have needs during our "no hands adventures" He supplies. When we say "I can't" He says "you can".

Imagine if Peter had turned down the call to change professions. Look at what He would have missed.

The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-8

17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

You might say. "Yes and Peter was martyred later". You are correct, he was. He also walked on water for a little bit, saw the sick healed, healed the sick, and caught a boat load of fish. He saw the resurrected Christ. I am sure if when you get to heaven and would be willing to ask him if he would do it again, his answer would be yes!!

So, do you have both hands tight on the handle bars or are you willing to let God direct your ride through life? Are you willing to get out of the pew and do the impossible, when He asks?

I mentioned to my wife that I had a new idea for bike riding.  I think her answer is no. I believe we can do it!!

 Look hard, this life of faith has no hands!

Marty

Too Hard For Me, But Not For God. 8/25/2017

Good Morning,

I have Friday on my mind already this morning. I have a project to complete at work and then it is "the weekend". I am saluting this day with a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and waving it on!

I started sizing up a small wood restoration project over the last few days and more than once I said to myself. "this might be too difficult for me". I have a lot of power tools that would help in doing this project and I have the sharp hand tools needed also.

I pondered the fact that Jesus and His Earthly father were both carpenters and they had not one power tool. Everything was done by hand. Jesus did manual labor and not once in Scripture do we hear of Him complaining about it. He went to work without complaining. He did the job before Him.

God can build a chair and He also can make the tree that provides the wood. Nothing is too hard for God to do. Not only does He have the power to move lava flows, He has the power to restore lives.

Jeremiah 32:17
¹⁷ “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

He can take a drunkard and sober them. He can take things meant for evil and accomplish some good.

I have limitations as to what my talent will allow me to do. But,God is limitless.

"If God brings you to it. He will bring you through it." I believe we all forget just how great and awesome He is. Today if your are struggling, Why not ask God to lighten the burden? Ask Him to strengthen you and provide you with wisdom.

Enjoy the weekend! Build something!

Marty

Violence At Milwaukee School , Where's The Wooden Spoon? 8/24/2017

Good Morning,

This day began with prayer and a big mug full of Sunrise In Door County Coffee. I do believe I will have another cup.

Yesterday I watched a video on the evening news. It showed an altercation between a high school student and a teacher. The teacher was sucker punched by the student and then beaten while on the ground.

I hate to use the expression "back in the day" when I was in high school a teacher could and if needed, defend themselves.  Vice principals were feared and respected. Then on top of it, when you got home, there would be Dad to reckon with. For me, I could be as right as right could be, but my parents would side with the teacher every time. But that taught me to respect the authority over me, whether I agreed or not. Mom was no slouch either. She wielded a pretty mean wooden spoon and could raise a yelp out of a misbehaving teenager. I grew up just fine and have respect for others. I was not abused by discipline.

What I saw here was an angry young man with no respect for authority. I saw no one in the class willing to help the teacher. What that told me is this. There were other students who lacked respect and the ability to do the right thing. I saw cowards cheering and hiding behind their cell phones. What I saw sickened me. I saw a young life that if left untouched by the hand of the Savior, will be wasted in jail and serious trouble.

Matthew 19:14New Living Translation (NLT)
¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

What I saw angered me and my first reaction was to wish that I had been there to help the teacher and publically spank that kid. Then I realized that these young people are in bad shape. They need prayer and a Savior. They need a healthy dose of Jesus for their social ills. They believe that this behavior is acceptable. It is a shame that we have removed the Bible from the public schools along with prayer.

We as a nation have done wrong to the youth of this nation. We have removed them from Godly principles. We claim to be "Politically Correct" but we are so "Biblically wrong".

Think on this and then get on your knees and pray for the kids in that room.

Marty

I Have Called You Friends 8/23/2017

Good Morning,

Wow it is Wednesday already and it seems like I missed Monday and Tuesday. My mug was just filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and my plate is holding some cherries and a few grapes. Blessed to be alive.

John 15:15New International Version (NIV)
¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

As Jesus was talking to His disciples, men who ministered to Him and with Him, He spoke to them and said these beautiful words. "I have called you friends." My hope is that Jesus feels the same way about me. He taught them. He has taught me. What God the Father has revealed to Jesus, at times He has revealed to me. He sent the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. If you are reading this I am pretty sure that Jesus has done the same for you. But my thought is this. If Jesus calls us friends, would others know from our actions that He is our friend?

Would there be enough evidence visible to others to convict us of being a friend of Jesus? Would they see us as friendly or worth Jesus calling us friend? Are we friendly to others and each other? I ask you to think about this one, and if needed make a change or two to be able to be guilty of being a Friend of Jesus.

Convicted today? I hope so.

Marty

The Winds Of Change 8/22/2017

Good Morning,

The old house has that familiar aroma of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee coming from the kitchen and soon I will be sipping on a hot cup of the morning wonder.

Fall is just around the corner and due to the weird weather of this summer some tree leaves are already changing color and a few have fallen already. It's amazing how many leaves can fall from one tree. I have watched this annual tradition for most of my life. I usually will pick out one leaf and place it in a prominent position close to where it fell. In some of my experiments that one leaf gets covered up by many, many more and it just never moves. But then on any given day or night the wind blows harder and the mass of leaves on top of the one I chose are blown away and the leaf moved on to somewhere else.

 

People are like leaves. We are made to move now and then. We either move to other places to live, or we change jobs or move on to a different calling. It could be a combination of all three. But like the wind moves leaf clusters, God moves obstacles in our way that prevent us from completing our appointed travels or assignments.

When God calls for a change and you can't see how it can happen, He provides a way. When things seem to stall and you are facing a wall, God comes through. God often does His greatest work when things seem to be the worst. Exodus 14 has often given me hope against all odds many times. We just need to stay on the path God lays ahead of us. He moves obstacles. What sea needs to move for you?

Exodus 14English Standard Version (ESV)

Crossing the Red Sea

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, ² “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. ³ For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ ⁴ And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

⁵ When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” ⁶ So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, ⁷ and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. ⁸ And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly. ⁹ The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.
¹⁰ When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. ¹¹ They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? ¹² Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” ¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
¹⁵ The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. ¹⁷ And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
¹⁹ Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, ²⁰ coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night^[a] without one coming near the other all night.
²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. ²⁴ And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, ²⁵ clogging^[b] their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”
²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” ²⁷ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw^[c] the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. ²⁸ The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. ²⁹ But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
³⁰ Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Don't just stand there. Keep moving.

Marty

Babies And The Eclipse Of The Sun

Good Morning,

Monday came in like a lion today. Too much work this weekend has made the Monday warrior in me a little sluggish. But duty calls and the my mug of Door County Mocha Mint is singing loudly from the kitchen. This morning feels like a concert being played without the music sheets. So time to pray and write.

Today we will experience an eclipse of the sun. This celestial event is a solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours, from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location.  For this eclipse, the longest period when the moon completely blocks the sun from any given location along the path will be about two minutes and 40 seconds.  The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979.

People have flocked to areas where the view is predicted to be a total view and the best place to witness the event. Motels have been booked for months, cellphone towers are predicted to be jammed with usage. God is putting on a display of His power and might.

Psalm 19:1New International Version (NIV)

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

But, God does this everyday in many ways. Each day there are thousands of babies born around the world. And egg and a seed have come together and a baby was formed, nurtured miraculously and nine months later a child is born. The child comes out of the womb and with that first cry, air fills the lungs and the announcement of arrival is made by that little precious gift. Then little babies grow to be little boys and little girls.  Little boys grow to be men and little girls grow to be women.

Each day the sun rises and sets. The Earth spins in orbit and does not  fly out of control. Each day the ocean tide comes in and then goes out.

We haven't experienced this eclipse since 1979, so granted it is a phenomenon that many will want to see. As for me I will continue to appreciate the daily miracles that God shows us. I will rejoice with the morning dew and rejoice with the colored sunset.

Romans 1:20New International Version (NIV)
²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

I hope all of those who go to see the eclipse in it's best arena take time to recognize,Who makes the babies, Who hung the moon, Who placed the sun, and Who gave them eyes to see it all.

God bless and have a great day!

Marty

North Woods Peace 8/19/2017

Good Morning,

My day is beginning without my cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. I am in the North Woods of Michigan today working on my father's house. I will be joined by my siblings and their children. Together we will attack a couple of big tasks.

It is very peaceful here. Quiet time to say the least is on the menu this morning.  Heavy dew has coated everything outside. I need to experience quiet.

We are here readying dad's home for sale. Dad passed away last November. I could be doing this work alone today. I am very grateful for the help.I am not sure that I would get all that much done alone. But most of all it allows us all to be together. I have a few things weighing heavy on my mind and being with family will be mind and heart therapy. I am glad they could make the trip. God knew that I needed to have them around. He knows what we all need and when we need it. He knows just how much we can deal with. And when it starts to be more than we can handle He sends help.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.

Today he sent soul therapy in the form of family. At first it looked like I might be here alone but He rearranged schedules and brought it all together.

God is good all the time.

Marty

You Have To Board The Plane To Cross Over The Ocean 8/18/2017

Good Morning,

Friday at last has graced my doorstep and it is a welcome visitor. The old mug was just filled with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and now it is time to write.

In order to fly from New York and land in Paris an airplane must cross the Atlantic ocean. If you want to experience flying over the ocean the first thing you need to do is to board the plane. You have to decide to get on to the plane or not.

 

I hear from may Christians who seem to live bored with their Christianity. They have no spark, no stories of victories to tell and they seem like the unhappiest people on Earth. You can be a Christian, yet not experience Christianity. Many people miss seeing God at work, couldn't tell a blessing from anything, and miss out on celebrating their eventual eternal life now. Some Christians talk about going to heaven with a frown on their faces. They don't know that they have already started eternal life while living here on Earth. They don't have to worry about the fires of hell. They are already living victoriously, but they don't show it or live like they experience it.

I believe the reason for I this inglorious frame of mind is due to the fact that they have Jesus in their heart, but they don't live like He is there. It might cost them something , like time or commitment. Jesus might challenge them to rely on Him so they back down and live a boring Christian life. They must sell out to self and live for the King. The key is to deny self and follow explicitly. There is great joy in being submissive to the will of God. There is also great peace, with expectations of God leading us on His adventures to save the world.

 Matthew 16:24 New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Bored? Try following God with all your heart.

God bless,

Marty

 

You Had My Heart A Long Time Ago 8/17/2017

Good Morning,

I need to write and then get moving out of the door. Busy, busy day ahead of me and I need to be on time all the time. My travel mug was just filled with Door County Frosting On The Cake Coffee and boy it is hot.

I was reading my Bible last night and looking at the following passage.

Deuteronomy 6:5New International Version (NIV)
⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

I still recall the night that Jesus called my name in July 1981. Nothing in life has come close to that feeling of freedom and salvation in Christ. The reassurance that even a rough neck like me could be loved by God still amazes me. It was the first time that I felt that I actually belonged here and I had a purpose. I think about all of the things that God has done for me since that night. I cannot help but be thankful.

I have counted my blessings, not one was deserved for sure. The fact that Jesus died for my sins is too awesome to comprehend. If Jesus never did anything but die for my sins, that is enough. It is more than I deserve. Oh how He loves you and me.

When I gave Him my heart to be His home, I gave it to Him forever. Lord, You had my heart a long time ago. And I have never regretted it.

How about you? Does He have your heart? Is He at home there?

Marty

There Is A Last Time For Everything 8/16/2017

Good Morning,

Wow, it's Wednesday already and I am seeing Friday over the top of my glasses. I  just filled my cup with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and my heart is full of prayer today.

I remember the last football game I played and it is a fond memory. I still will throw the ball around a little, but that last game was the last game. My two knees would never last more than one play now. There will always be "last times" in our lives. Some day I will take my last breath until the day the rapture comes. Some day will be my last day to drive a car or to duck hunt. We all face those "last times".

Right now some of you are praying for some "last times" to take place. It could be the last payment on a home. The last time you will be in debt. The last time you or a family member will be drunk. Maybe it's the last time insults will be hurled at you by an angry spouse. Or the last time someone will beat on you. It could be that you are hoping for the last time you see your child, wild with drugs.
It could be you are praying for the last time you worry about the one who can't be found. Or the last time you visit the jail.

Two things can be said about the preceding paragraph. Those last times will all come. Some seem to be further away than others, but they all come. Not always the way we wanted them to, nor in the time we wanted. Some will rejoice with the sober spouse. Some will see the last pill ingested. But I know this for sure. We won't be waiting on these things when we stroll the walks of heaven.

Revelation 21:4New International Version (NIV)

⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

The second thing is this. Maybe you are the addict or alcoholic. Maybe you are the "over aggressive angry one". Maybe you are the habitual liar or thief. You can change and see the last of these bad habits. You can have power over them. You can win. But you need a partner who is stronger than you. One who can strengthen you.

 

 Philippians 4:13New King James Version (NKJV)
¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Now for a last sip of coffee.

Marty

A Note Of Cheer 8/15/2017

Good Morning,

My cup of Sunrise In Door County Coffee is calling to me from the kitchen. Soon I will fill my insulated bottle, pray and head to work.

As of late my messages have been a little on the gruesome side, talking about racism, and missiles. Those subjects can wear person down. So today I want to send out a message of good cheer.

Psalm 118:24New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

 

I decided that I would write a few statements of recent things that I can be rejoicing about. I think we can safely walk away from the doom and gloom of the news to celebrate some victories. We all need it.

 

1. Jesus died for me and my eternal home is set in place. He has prepared a place for me in Heaven.

 

2. My wife and I are both healthy. My family is healthy and they are in a good place.

 

3. I am sixty years old, can still work and I have a very nice job.

 

4. I found a new recipe for pork chops that I think is great. Ask me, I might share,

 

5. Hunting season is just around the corner.

 

6. I am blessed to have friends, both young and old.

 

Now, if I can do this little exercise, so can you. Try it. You have things to rejoice over and you need to celebrate. Go ahead and list some blessings to ponder over.

 

Here's a note if you still want to concentrate on the doom and gloom.

John 16:33New King James Version (NKJV)
³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will^[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

This world of doom and gloom is temporary. This world is not my home .I am just passing through.

Hebrews 13:14New Living Translation (NLT)
¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

God bless,

Marty
 

 

 

Virginia Violence 8/14/2017

Good Morning,

Once again I find the kitchen calling me to come and taste the Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and begin my day in prayer.

The peace was once again assaulted in the name of White Supremacy, which is just another name for racism, the Nazi party or KKK . It reared it's ugly head in Virginia. I and my house condemn these actions as barbaric and an insult to those men and women who fought to keep the world from thuggery like this in World War Two. These actions violate the Biblical principles of God and should cause every Christian to declare their disgust and examine what they can do to assist those who have been injured.
Look into your personal donations and make sure that without knowing it, you might be funding the supremacy ideals.  Be aware of these types of organizations that are popping up in many areas. Do you know who is speaking on your play grounds and at schools? Cut off funding to universities that would allow these types of gatherings.

Romans 12:18New International Version (NIV)
¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Mark 12:30-31New International Version (NIV)
³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Each home should reiterate to their children the basic life principles of God and clarify their beliefs of loving our neighbor. We cannot lose this next generation to thug beliefs.

Supremacy organizations come in many forms and many races. Don't be blind to the issue. Many fought and died for our freedom and to wipe out the hatred and murder. Please join me in prayer and be angry. But in your anger, rise above thuggery and pursue peace through Jesus Christ. Only the love of the Savior can change a poisoned heart.

God bless,

Marty

God And Apple Pies. He Knows What You Need. 8/13/2017

Good Morning,

May your troubles be few and your path today be a peaceful one. I just stepped outside with a cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. The morning is unusually cool for a day in August and my portion of the world and of the morning is very quiet. I wish you were here with me to enjoy a cup of coffee and some of my humble breakfast.

Due to previous hot weather, our apple crop is ready to be harvested. The heavy and at times vicious storms of spring destroyed most of the small apple blossoms, so the harvest will be a tenth of what it normally is. I find that almost fitting this year. The family that usually helps us pick our apples and share in the bounty is moving away. The pastor/dad received a call from God to move to another church in need of his skills. This is a bitter sweet time for us. We love that family and hate to see them go. We love God more and are happy that He called them to a bigger challenge. God must have known ahead that our local fruit partners would be moving and He gave us a crop that Rene and I will handle in a quick way today.  There will be apple pie baking tonight!

Matthew 6:31-32 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Now Rene and I do not survive on apples. This is not a major or even a minor life blow to us. God is resting the trees for next year and we will wait on Him. In the meantime our garden was blessed with more squash. cucumbers and tomatoes than we have seen in years. And we don't have to climb a ladder to harvest any of them. I find this just a little funny, because just right next door to us, our neighbors have apple trees also. Theirs are just hanging heavy with apples. They came over yesterday and asked if we would take as many as we would like because they don't care for apples. Their trees are very accessible and I will take them up on their offer. God provided for us, in another avenue. No ladders again. God provided low hanging fruit!!! The small amount of apples that we do have are the best apples we have ever harvested. They are red, ripe, no blemishes and sweet to eat. God is so good. My apple harvesting friends read this blog and  are busy packing for their new destination. They have blessed us time after time with love, friendship, assistance and laughter. Their new church will be blessed to have them. We will be sad and rejoice at the same time.

I did say that it was quiet this morning. But in my memory vault which resurrects itself from time to time I look out at those apple trees and see small kids climbing the trees, shaking the limbs and apples falling on Rene's head. Those will be fond memories forever. The trees supplied fruit and entertainment for many years. I see less apples as God's hand in signaling change and that He knew just how the apples would be harvested this year. He provided replacement apples and then blessed us with a garden like we haven't seen in a long time.

It feels so good to be here and see His hand at work on our lives and the lives of our friends and neighbors. Spend some time with Him today. Go slow and see what He is doing in your life. He brings seasons of change, and during those seasons He knows what you need.

God bless,

Marty