Like A Leaf On A Slow River 10/31/2017

Good Morning,

I pray this day finds you with a peace that surpasses all understanding, sent from Heaven above. My daily cup of warmth is Door County Frosting On The Cake Coffee.

When I duck hunt I sit on the edge of rivers and as the Fall Season strips the trees of their leaves, some of them fall gently onto the flowing river or stream. They ride the flow and go for a smooth journey enjoying the view that is along the banks of the river. Except for me and God no one else saw that leave drop or pass by. It traveled quietly at peace. It never made a splash, just silently fell and joined the river.

Sometimes in life it's just best to go with the flow and cooperate with others and be a team player. Many times when we complain about the direction others are bent on going there is no specific reason for us to object, The real reason we go against the flow is selfishness or wanting to be the center of attention. We want to steer the group or our partner in a direction that best suits us, not our partner or team members.

This causes strife and dissention within our groups, teams or families. One person can mess up the attitude and accomplishments of a group for no particular reason but selfishness or insecurity. Here are a few verses to ponder on being selfish.

Philippians 2:4   

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

2 Timothy 3:2-4

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

1 John 3:17   

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

 

 

So commit yourself to a promise of putting others first today. Don't be the cause of strife or grief. At all times try to live peaceably with everyone.

 

 

God bless,

 

Marty

The Long Long Road. Megan's Journey 10/30/2017

Good Morning,

Monday arrived like a wrecking ball this morning. It came in right on time. I for one didn't give Monday a huge welcome. My weekend was filled with work and some hunting. Spiritually I was able to study more than usual. So the weekend needed one more day to it as far as I am concerned. But alas, I dream on. My mug was just filled with Door County White Chocolate Cinnamon Dolce Coffee.  My breakfast of cereal and apples compliments the coffee.  Let's go.

Psalm 96:3English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!

This coming Saturday night at our 5:OO PM service we will hear the testimony of a young lady named Megan. She will give her testimony, detailing her journey with drug addiction, heartbreak, and recovery. This all started at a young age and spiraled out of control several times. Megan has been drug free now for almost a year. She will walk us through the darkest times and what led to her recovery. Many years were spent in prayer for her and her family. I saw  her personal heartbreak and agony. I saw the intense pain her parents and siblings went through. I saw their love for her and her children and must say that I admired their strength. Many others would have given up long before they saw the recovery. In the family I saw their hope in God and their belief in prayer. I saw the drugs suck the life from one of God's roses and once where there was no life, hope has returned and promises to flourish again.

God will be glorified in her talk as He never gave up on her and would often prompt many to go  prayer for her.

God does a lot for people every day and it is important for us to tell others the story of His love in our lives. We have so many good things that God does for us and yet we say very little or nothing at all. In thankfulness we should acknowledge Him and speak of His goodness. That is what Megan will be doing this weekend. I believe we should all testify of God's love for us in public and especially in our one on one time with Him.

Monday's Food For Thought,

Marty

The Little Things 10/29/2017

Good Morning!

Oh how I love cold mornings with the sun coming up and our dog sitting next to me. It's so quiet. I can hear my own thoughts for a change. The steam is rising from my thermos bottle full of Door County Maple Coffee. I am quite content. My breakfast was a blessing also. A cold biscuit and some apple slices. Our Springer Spaniel seemed to think the biscuit was great. I will be going into work later today and the thoughts of this peaceful morning will carry me through. Later tonight I will be dining on some chili that I have simmering in a crock pot. God is good.

 

Luke 16:10New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities

 

 

It's the little things that we forget to be true with, that sometimes causes us not to move forward. Jesus clearly points that out in Luke 16:10.  My wife is always one to remind herself and me of small details and choices that need to made which always need to be the correct choice. For instance, we very seldom do this much anymore except when traveling a long distance, but we have graced the drive up window of a few fast food emporiums in our day. Once in awhile after driving away, not checking the order before we drove on, we find to our own surprise that we were shorted on the food we purchased or the order was completely wrong. We have learned to check the order before we leave now. We have accepted that as "just the way it is". We did not return and get some poor overworked service representative in trouble.

 

Now on the other hand we one time received a bag that was filled with way more food than we paid for. I for one laughed and said to Rene that we were "finally paid back". She replied "turn around we just stole extra fries and burgers and some kid might have to pay this back at the end of the day. I am not a criminal and neither are you". I saw that look in her eye and I knew she was right so we went back and tried to pay the difference we owed. The manager just waved it off as "that happens all the time". ( That is another blog message".) Rene deposited the balance into a charity the food chain sponsors and we left with our consciences clear. The next day we were going down the road and I pulled into a drive through Coffee shop and when I handed my money through the window to pay I was told  that the people in front of us had just paid for our coffee. I believe God prompted those folks to an act of kindness. Rene however claims that it was a reward for being honest. I believe that debate will be settled on day in heaven.

 

In my job I have a lot of say so on what we purchase and who we purchase it from. Many, many dollars go through my office. Being faithful in the little things like my own personal purchases has awarded me the trust of my employer to decide what is best for the hospital. They trust my decisions and I am proud of that. I learned that honesty lesson one time from Rene when she said we just stole burgers and fries. I realize that not only her eyes are on me but also God's.

 

So when it says "free take one", don't take two. When there is a sign that says "honor pay" leave the money for the corn you just bagged up. Not every place allows for free refills, pay for the second one.

 

It's those little things!

 

Marty



Carving the Pumpkin 10/28/2017

Good Morning,

I was out of the house and down the road very early today. I will be goose hunting with my nephew this morning. Hopefully we will have some geese in the freezer tonight.

There will be a lot of pumpkins carved up this weekend as kids celebrate Trick Or Treat,. I am impressed with some of the carving work I have seen this week. In our neighborhood we have a few carving artists.

I for one am not fond pf pumpkin carving. In order to have a great pumpkin you have to start by removing the seeds and pulp from the inside of the orange sphere. When I was a kid I thought that this part of the task was gross and I shied away from it whenever possible. If you leave the junk inside the pumpkin, your masterpiece will rot from the inside out.  You won't have much of a jack o lantern.

Our lives are the same way. If we don't get them cleaned up and keep them cleaned up we begin to rot and what were small things  now become big things and are more painful to deal with.

In order for people to see the light shine in us from Jesus Christ we need to stay off of the guilt and pity pots and clean up our lives. God clearly commands us to do so.

 

Romans 1:28-32New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. ²⁹ They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. ³² Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice

 

 

We need to carve out the junk with the sharp knife of God's Word. Then others can see the light of Jesus in our actions and words.

To carve or not to carve??

Marty

Life Is Not A Burger 10/27/2017

Good Morning,

Friday arrived right on schedule and I for one am truly happy it did. My mug and insulated bottle were just filled with Door County Caramel Apple Coffee and now it is time to write.

This week was filled with blessings, trials, challenges and surprises. It was a week of diverse settings called "my life". I believe that if many of you were in the room with me you would be saying "amen, me too", while nodding your head in a yes motion.

I would say that if we could all choose how our week went, we would choose blessings over trials, challenges and surprises. One of the fast food burger chains had an add that said "Have It Your Way". None of their burgers were static and could all be made just to your liking. Life is not like that. We can't always have it our way.

If our lives were always just the way we wanted them to be we would choose to take the easy road. But it's the trials and challenges that help us to grow, spiritually and mentally. If we never had a trial or challenge come along we would never learn how to respond to adversity, help others through a rough time and we might not see God leading us through a tough spot. If God leads us to it, He will lead us through it. Our prayer life might not develop to a point of true intimacy with God.

James 1:2-4New International Version (NIV)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So God allows us to experience trials and challenges to lead us closer to Him and grow in a way that our experience can help others. It's best not to have the burger of life, your way. Not my will Lord, but Your will be done. Amen

Marty

Sweater Weather. Got Two? Share One 10/26/2017

Good Morning,

Once again I can smell the morning brew coming from the kitchen. Today's flavor is Sunrise In Door County. I am having mine black and super hot.

I have been waiting for the fall weather to hit this area for a long time. It is finally sweater weather for me. There is just something about having my upper body wrapped in a nice warm sweater. Rene says that she knows for sure she married and odd duck. It's funny how I find the strangest things bring comfort to me. When I look back in photos from my childhood and if the time of the year warranted it, the photo shows me wearing a sweater or a heavy flannel shirt.

Luke 3:10-11New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

¹¹ He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

One of my favorite sweaters was actually a hand me down given to me by my Aunt Betty. It belonged to my cousin Mike and he had outgrown it. Now, Aunt Betty always purchased quality items and it was no surprise that this sweater was still in good shape long after I out grew it myself. The grade school I went to was an old building with windows that let the cold weather in more than they kept it out. The windows would rattle in the wind and for a couple of years that sweater was worn just to survive school in the winter. Not to sound like the old guy who says we had to walk 5 miles to school in three feet of snow, but we honestly never called school closed for the cold. I guess we were tougher than the kids today. Ha!

So last night when I went outside to let the dog run around and to do a little retriever training I put on a sweater for the first time this year. Memories of other sweater days flooded my mind and I could not help but smile and watch as my breath swirled up into the cold night.

I will continue a tradition this year. The hospital that affords me a pay check has a clothing and toy drive at Christmas every year. I see some pretty neat toys being delivered to the local health department every year. But I will purchase a boys sweater and place it in the clothing bin along with a toy. I will never meet the boy who wears the sweater and enjoys the new toy. But I will have the satisfaction of knowing that he will experience the warmth of a heavy sweater. Maybe some day he will remember the warmth it brought and pass on to someone else a sweater at Christmas. It's funny what a little boy remembers as important and then what an old man recalls and then smiles.

Have a nice comfortable day! God bless.

Marty

Choose Your Friends Wisely 10/25/2017

Good Morning,

Yes the cold weather is here and I am one happy camper today. Here goes the first cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee right down the hatch! Cold weather and coffee, they just go together like peanut butter and jelly.

I have been blessed with friends though out the years and some are still around and some aren't. Those that have moved on are still friends of mine but we don't keep in touch as often. There are two others that I won't see until heaven calls me home. Others I see daily or on a weekly basis.

1 Corinthians 15:33New International Version (NIV)

³³ Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”^[

All of my friends are gifts from God. But it seems that God will provide a friend for a season in my life and once that friend has worked to teach me something, God moves them on. One thing I had to learn the hard way was to not always jump into friendships that don't improve my morals or relationship with God. If the friendship isn't uplifting and encouraging in either direction it might be one to avoid. I also believe that from time to time God sent me to others to try and teach them something or direct them in the way they should go. The friendship was only to last a season.

But there are the other friendships that are once in a lifetime experiences. They are precious and the friendship becomes a two way street of support, companionship, correction, and encouragement. These types of friends are priceless and that time spent together is a God given blessing from above. As partners in the friendship you sacrifice for on another and always work to uplift the other. Anger is an unspoken word and does not exist between two close friends. Forgiveness is given without asking.

If you have a friend like this or are blessed to have more than one, take some time today to pray for them. Pray a blessing over them. I just did.

Numbers 6:24-26New International Version (NIV)

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

Have a great day!

Marty

Fireside Chat With Jesus 10/24/2017

Good Morning,

A new flavor embraces my mug this morning. The coffee of the day is Door County White Chocolate Cinnamon Dolce. It's a new flavor to me, but one I will be drinking again.

Many people like to sit outside and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. You will find that some like to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot cider near the fire. Others like to roast marshmallows and appease their sweet tooth. But most of those hearty folks are just out there to enjoy the warmth of the fire and to be outside. I for one like a fire and I don't mind sharing it, but I really like it best when the embers are low and I can be there alone with my thoughts.  I am not antisocial at all, but sometimes it is nice to sit with just enough light to read and spend time in prayer.

So a different way for me to think about this is that I am not alone. Once I begin in prayer time and reading the Word of God I have invited Jesus to share my fire with me. So I am not alone, but the time spent with Him has been amazing and at times chilling to the bone. Other times the fire within my heart is hotter than the bonfire.
Dedication to spending time in the Word and then in prayer should always have an impact or a result. Sometimes it just causes me to pray longer or for those I would have forgotten. Peter needed a fireside chat with Jesus. Here we see that Jesus sought him out.

After His resurrection Jesus showed up on shore next to hot coals as the Apostles were fishing. He cooked them breakfast, but then spent time with Peter.  This Apostle had just denied knowing Jesus three times. He knew he blew it. But as Jesus taught the apostles earlier, He went to Peter who He had something against and went to restore the relationship one on one.

John 21:15-25English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus and Peter

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

The time spent with Jesus had to be chilling to the bone and in the next moment heart warming. I think from time to time we all need to spend some alone time with out Lord. Whether it is near a bonfire or just on a park bench we all need that time of soul restoration.

Food for thought.

Marty

Near The Cross 10/23/2017

Good Morning,

Peace and comfort to be yours today  in the name of Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith.
The lamp is lit and the Door County Autumn Spice Coffee rests at my side. It is time to write.

I woke up this morning well rested from a long sleep. The type of sleep that is not often afforded to me. One last day of vacation and then it is back to the grind tomorrow. It is the way that I woke up that is on my mind. I don't dream very often, but I woke up in the middle of a dream where I was having coffee with some old friends. One of those friends passed on to life in heaven a few years ago. We all used to work together and the dream was more like a reunion. I don't spend much time if any pondering dreams, but this one was just a nice one to have.

Galatians 6:14New International Version (NIV)
¹⁴ May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

But when I woke up I immediately had a song on my brain, one that is still there. It is an old hymn written by Frances Crosby "Near The Cross" just keeps playing over and over in my mind.

1. Jesus, keep me near the cross,
   There a precious fountain—
   Free to all, a healing stream—
   Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
   • Refrain:
     In the cross, in the cross,
     Be my glory ever;
     Till my raptured soul shall find 
     Rest beyond the river.
2. Near the cross, a trembling soul,
   Love and Mercy found me;
   There the bright and morning star
   Sheds its beams around me.
3. Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
   Bring its scenes before me;
   Help me walk from day to day,
   With its shadows o’er me.

I am very fond of this hymn and it's message of Jesus and His ever nearness to us through the Holy Spirit. I am reminded by the beautiful words that there is a heaven and it awaits me some day. When I hunt ducks on a river I seem to be  more at peace there then in a swamp or lake. Some day I will reside beyond the river in heaven.  What a beautiful thought for the day.

Revelation 22:1-2New International Version (NIV)

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

 

But until then I am reminded to stay close to Jesus and remember how He gave His life for our sins ,not to stray from the message of the cross and to walk worthy of that gift.

 

Keep a hymn in your heart and a smile on your face.

 

Marty

 

The Main Ingredient 10/22/2017

Good Morning,

My day began a few minutes ago with a cup of Door County Hazelnut Coffee and some prayer. I was  outside for a minute with our dog and it seems like there isn't any air moving at all. Very peculiar for an October day.

I like to cook and I own my share of cook books. I also have many recipes saved from newspapers or ones given to me by acquaintances, family and friends. I have specialties that I like to make and I lean toward Italian dishes. Each recipe comes with a list of ingredients and instructions on how to assemble and then cook the dish.

One thing that all the recipes have in common is that there is one main ingredient and the rest of the ingredients are there to make the main one taste better. In some instances you can substitute the minor ingredients with something else or eliminate them all together and the main dish will still taste good. But without the main ingredient the dish is a flop.

Life is like that also. We can do many things, accumulate many things, say many things, think many thinks but without the Main Ingredient we have a life without meaning or direction. That One Main Ingredient is Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of our Faith and life. Without Him as the purpose for our deeds, thoughts and reason to have things we miss out on making the dish of our life have meaning and one that lasts for eternity.

Jesus states his mission clearly. Matthew 7:21-23New American Standard Bible (NASB)
²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. ²² Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many ^[a]miracles?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

He adds to this message the secret to the recipe.

John 14:1-13New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

 
Jesus is the Main Ingredient . Without Him I can do nothing. Without Him my life is just a life. Without Him life eternal, spent in heaven  does not happen,

Is He the Main Ingredient in your life's recipe? If not, won't you add Him today?

Marty

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts From Friends 10/21/2017

Good Morning,

The smell of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee is coming from the kitchen which means it is time to get out of bed and get going.

This week has been unusual to say the least. Earlier in the week life found both Rene and I laid up with some ailments which really took the wind out of our sails. The ailments ruined a vacation and caused us both of us some sleepless nights. We are on the mend and doing much better.

With both of us being laid up we found ourselves in a position to have others check on us and love on us. This is usually what we do for others. It was odd to be on the receiving end of lasagna, bakery, soup and breads. All the care and prayers are appreciated more than we can express.

Both of us felt odd being in such a position. We talked about it and both agreed that we were blessed to have great friends and family who care about us. But it felt odd to be in that position.

God really slowed us down. He slowed us down to the point that we did not even have to cook. The rest was welcomed and needed. Two of our friends stopped by and Rene fell asleep while they were talking to us. She was so tired from not sleeping.

I petitioned God as to what I was to learn from this and it was twofold.

I was humbled by the gifts given to us. It taught me humility. It was easier to heal and rest, without having to cook.



The next lesson was to remember to do kind things in return for others.

Galatians 6:7New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

We were blessed by God through our friends and He showed His love for us by providing friends and family who love us and cared for us. I saw God at work this week.

But to be honest. I am happy to be getting on my feet once more. I like giving much more than receiving!

Marty

Not Forgotten. 10/20/2017

Good Morning,

I am supposed to be coming to you from Western Wisconsin today while on a short duck hunt. An illness has me writing from home. I once again went back into my archives to resurrect an oldie but a goodie. I enjoy going back and reliving my thoughts and even look at some of my old worries. It always reminds me of how God worked it out somehow.

Good evening,
Warm night in Wisconsin. Have to admit that the unusually warm weather changed my coffee choice for tomorrow morning. Breaking out the Door County Coconut! The coffee pot is all set for morning.

Ever have one of those days, months, or years? It just feels like you have been forgotten? Maybe the invitation you were hoping for did not come. Maybe no one included you in a group outing. Someone else got the job. Seems as if the post office lost your address on your birthday. Maybe you have been working hard and your friends don't check on you to see how it is going. You know the feeling?
I am here to tell you that God never forgets you. If he had a refrigerator your art work would be on it. If He had a calendar your birthday would be circled. How do I know that? He tells us so.

Isaiah 49:15-16  Can a nursing woman forget her nursing child? And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget. Yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have carved you on the palms of My hands; You are continually before Me.

God cares and knows right where you are. He is waiting to hear from you.

God bless,

If you need prayer just leave a comment. I promise you will get prayed for.
Marty

Shut Up Juice Reviewed 10/19/2017

Good Morning,

Still going retro today with a message I wrote in 2012 and one that I need to practice a little more. Enjoy your day and humor me with my throwbacks this week. Just having a few memories here. My duck hunting trip to the Mississippi River was preempted by a small health diversion. My prayers are with my buddies as they pursue those crazy ducks.

Good evening,
My coffee pot is ready for tomorrow. One big steaming hot cup of Door County Maple will be warming up in the morning.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

I coined a phrase a few years ago and just recently used it in a message I gave on how to get along with people. "Just take a big drink of shut up juice".

We must all realize that we are not perfect and neither is anyone else. So if we are not perfect, shouldn't we just cut each other some slack.. Instead of always pointing out faults or issues can't we just hold our tongue?

God says it would be best to guard our mouths. Instead of arguing with Him, just take a big drink of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . After all He is perfect and we should obey His advice.

God bless,
Marty

When God Calls 10/18/2017

Good Morning,

I am going to replay some throwbacks from 2012 for the next couple of days. I went back in my archives and a few of them deserve a replay. I wrote this one from the same desk I am sitting at today and the message was appropriate for that day as well as today.

Good evening,
Coffee pot is ready for tomorrow. Door County Cookie Dough Coffee will be embraced with two sleepy eyes.

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.

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. Some of the apostles were fisherman when they first joined up with Jesus. Those fisherman helped change the world.

God bless.
Marty

Surrounded . Refreshed 10/17/2017

Good Morning,

I looked back on one of my writings from 2012. It's hard to believe it has been five years already since this was written. I wanted to share it once more, because some of my friends need to read this again, or for the first time. I have friends with worries, struggles and all out despair. I thought about this blog and it just needs to be shared a second time.  It was written on a cold evening in October.

Good evening,
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 is set for 4 AM and it will be filled with Door County Maple 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 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

Thoughts For The Fall. October Colors.

Good Morning,

Let's start this week off right by going to God in prayer and obedience to His Word. I just filled my mug with Sunrise In Door County Coffee. It's a light brew, but is just what I need on this cool crisp morning.

Psalm 19:1New International Version (NIV)

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

October in Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful times of the year. God changes our scenery and paints the trees with colored leaves as He begins to bring us into winter. Our landscape is painted by the Master and each view is One of a kind.

When I see the leaves begin to turn color it reminds me to truly prepare for the snow and cold of winter. I see the geese fly in a V formation heading South and it reminds me that we serve a powerful and caring God. The apples are picked and stored. All of the tomatoes were harvested and placed in the freezer. The squash was harvested also and is packaged in frozen slabs within the freezer. Seeing these items as I go in and out of the freezer reminds me how God blessed us with plenty, and enough to share. Those tomatoes will make some great soup and the salsa will be served at the holiday gatherings and for the Super Bowl game.

When it gets colder  God will paint the grass and fallen leaves with the white lace of frost and maybe some light snow. The scenery will keep changing and the nights will get longer, but that's when the fireplace feels best. God gave us enough wood to burn this fall and winter. He is the Great Provider. God brings the cold to help me enjoy the heat of a fire. It is the simple pleasures that I embrace.

With all this, one could say that God is very busy. He is busy. He never sleeps. He is always at work. Best of all the Famous Artist still takes time to listen to every prayer, and He is always with us.

Hebrews 13:521st Century King James Version (KJ21)

⁵ Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”;

Fall always reminds me of this. I wish I could share this day with all of you. God bless.

Marty

Politics And Kids Not A Good Mix 10/15/2017

Good Morning,

 It's time to hunt and my hot Door County Mocha Mint Coffee is going to need to keep me warm and awake this morning.

There is a whole lot that can get this guy worked up and hot under the collar, but what I witnessed yesterday had my blood pressure up on a level that was way too high!

I was shopping at a local food emporium and I would guess that the young boy I will be writing about would be about seven years old. He was wearing his Boy Scout shirt adorned with several ribbons or patches. He and his mom were manning a table along with I assume, his younger sister. They were selling the annual popcorn that helps support their organization.

We all know that the Boy Scouts Of America made a major announcement this week allowing girls into their program. I will not share my opinion on that as it's not the focus of my thoughts. Whether you are for or against the announcement is your opinion and your right.

I was coming out of the store when I heard two fellas berating the mom and the boy for the announcement of letting girls join the boys. Like I said everyone has the right to an opinion.

Let's be clear and fair. The Mom, the scout and the little girl did not make the decision. They were keeping a commitment to sell the popcorn. I am sure this little boy does not sit on the board of directors. The two men were being very direct and making a point as to what they thought and why they wouldn't purchase popcorn. This kid looked like a fawn in the headlights. He was subjected to adult politics and behavior that aren't for kids. His mother thanked the men for their opinion and they still carried on. I had to resist putting a boot in their backside and leaving a print that would last a few days. That would be another lesson the kids did not need to learn. As fate would have it I only had a few dollars of cash on me and the scouts don't take credit cards. I decided to give the boy what I had and told him to just throw it in the total amount collected. I apologized and said I would be back later, which I did and purchased some popcorn. That's another story for another time.

When I took out my wallet those two guys quieted,  but gave me the look of death. That didn't bother me at all. I did youth work and we made the kids behave, so I have lived through the death stare many times.  Lo and behold these two poor souls were in the parking lot when I went to my car and one asked me how I could "support a stupid organization". My reply was simple.  " I was making up for two men who decided to take their frustration out on a little boy and I would be happy to debate that stance all day long . They gave me a salute of foul names after they retreated a distance of two rows away. I guess I can look pretty cantankerous.

Here's the deal, keep your opinions and share them appropriately. No one has the right to verbally attack a little boy and his family like that. What those men did is not covered under any God given rights or I'm in my mind the right to free speech. There is a time and a place for that.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.

So as the world gets more and more politically charged, share your opinions if you must, but not in this way. That kid did nothing to deserve that treatment. Adults, know your audience.

Marty

Some Things Just Need To Be Said 10/14/2017

Good Morning,

Saturday and I am up early and I will be out of the door to run errands pretty much all day long. My mug will be filled with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and my mind filled with good thoughts.

There are a few phrases that just need to be part of every vocabulary and most of us know them as please, thank you, excuse me, and sorry.  We throw those words out pretty well and should never part ways from using them.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3-4

However we tend to neglect some other phrases more than we realize. Many times it is assumed that people know we love them. It is very important to say those words and mean them. The affirmation of love comes through actions and speech. I or we love you are three of the most important words that can be said. The other phrase that gets swept under the rug of assumption is  " I or we are proud of you".  Making assumptions that people know our feelings is like playing Russian Roulette with all the chambers of the pistol loaded. There will be a bang of a calamity or hurt.

So get out there today and let those around you know, they are loved. Don't hand out the cheapened version of I love you by saying "Love You". Say all three words. It is more intimate and is definitely more heartfelt. Now even in the small things, encourage one another with affirmation of your pride in them and assure them of your support. Don't assume.

So have a great day and enjoy what God has given you. Pie anyone?

Marty

Talking To The Dog 10/13/2017

Good Morning,

When the night is over I always welcome the day with a cup of Door County Coffee. Today my flavor is Door County Caramel Apple. My prayer for you is that all are well and at peace.

We are the proud owners of Gibbs our English Springer Spaniel. Gibbs is family to us. I will admit it right off. I do talk to our little buddy. I always say good morning and talk about things using His name in the sentence. When I am speaking in a friendly tone using his name his tail wags and he often moves closer to have a hand pet his head or scratch an ear. He is happy when I am speaking to him.

When I lower my voice to that of a whisper I can watch him fade off to sleep. The whisper seems to let him know that it's time to settle in and rest.  When I raise my voice if angry and say his name he can tell that I am upset and he tends to go to another room.

Although he can't understand all that I am saying, he knows my voice. I have proved it. There have been times when we have had to kennel Gibbs while we travel. When we return and arrive to pick him up I have seen him playing with other dogs outside and be oblivious to the truck pulling up. I have hidden behind the truck and talked to Rene in a voice not all that loud but clear enough that Gibbs heard me speaking. I did not call his name and he could not see me. He started to bark and look for me. He knows my voice and among all those dogs and some of them were barking I could pick out his bark. I know our dog. The other dogs did not respond to my voice. They did not know me. They never relied on me nor did they ever experience love from me.

Gibbs relies on us for his food, shelter, water, fun, love and correction. When he is ill or hurt we are  his nurse or I we take him to the vet. If a coyote approaches us while hunting I am his protection. He relies on us for everything. We have a close relationship with the pooch.

God is the same way. We rely on Him for our every breath, our guidance, our food, our eternal life, our instruction and our correction. He knows everyone of us. God still speaks and His voice can be found in prayer, His Written Word and at times through others. But are we so close that we can pick out His voice that all too often must sound through the distractions of the world? Do we know His voice and do we respond when He speaks? Jesus is our Great Shepherd and he had this to say about it.

John 10;11-30

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³ The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
¹⁹ The Jews who heard these words were again divided. ²⁰ Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
²¹ But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims

²² Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. ²⁴ The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
²⁵ Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, ²⁶ but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one"

Do you look forward to hearing from the Master.? Do you love unconditionally like your dog does? Do you appreciate all that God does for you? Do You obey His commands?

Enough said?

Marty

Celebrating Life. Porktoberfest.

Good Morning,

I can hear my cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend  Coffee brewing as I write. The day has begun and I am looking forward to a long but, productive day.

Tuesday night at Men's Bible Study we held a little dinner gathering with all of the guys. We decided to celebrate October with some Kielbasa sandwiches and other dishes. We called the evening "Porktoberfest". The sandwiches were a hit and the Bible study was pretty serious. During our prayer time I closed my eyes a and started to think about one of the guys that used to come to our study. Bob started coming to the study later in life. He was a retired gentleman who had a hunger for the Word of God  and good fellowship. Bob always used get there early and would often stay later to clean up. Bob really thrived in this arena. I thought to myself that this would have been a night that Bob would have really enjoyed. Bob passed away a couple of years ago. We still talk about him and his passion to work for the Lord. The Men's leadership group has decided to do something like this once a month. Our goal is to celebrate each month with the guys who are there. We need to celebrate what God is doing in our lives , and the fact that we are all together, before life changes the dynamics of the group. You just never know.

Lamentations 3:21-25English Standard Version (ESV)

²¹ But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope:

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.

Celebrate more and grumble less. Recall what God has done for you. Life is too short not to.

Marty