Crucified, That We Might Live 3/31/2018

Good Morning,

The view from our den is still dark on the outside and the wind is staring to pick up some speed. Our Springer Spaniel Gibbs is next to me chewing on a bone. My wife is still asleep and it is very quiet in our home. I have a very hot cup of Door County German Chocolate Coffee to drink and many thoughts on my mind. Some of them will be on this page very soon.

Colossians 2:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Yesterday was the day that Christianity calls "Good Friday". The day is remembered for being the day that Jesus Christ suffered on the cross unto death for our sins, the sins of the world. He paid the price so that those who would receive Him as Lord and Savior would never spend a moment in hell, but rest in for eternity in Heaven. Let's just read a short account of the verses explaining His death.

Then Pilate set Barabbas free for them; and after he had Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26)

 

When they came to the place called “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. (Luke 23:33)

 

We despised him and rejected him;
he endured suffering and pain.
No one would even look at him—
we ignored him as if he were nothing.
“But he endured the suffering that should have been ours,
the pain that we should have borne.
All the while we thought that his suffering
was punishment sent by God.
But because of our sins he was wounded,
beaten because of the evil we did.
We are healed by the punishment he suffered,
made whole by the blows he received.
(Isaiah 53:3-5)

On that day, I, the LORD God,

will make the sun

go down at midday,

and I will turn daylight

into darkness.

(Amos 8:9)

 

When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, “He really was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

 

“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

 

For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually (1 Peter 3:18

These verses help to walk us through what happened on Good Friday. Jesus was beaten, mocked, flogged and then nailed to the cross on display in pain and agony. I want you to think about this. Jesus paid the price for our sins. The price for our sins is a heavy load. If He had not paid that price we would be destined for hell. I venture to say that Jesus bore an eternity of pain and horror during that time on the cross. Not only was there physical pain but every ugly sin was represented there and He was alone. The fright alone would have killed me. Total darkness occurred and the pain of raw nerves rubbing against the cross and to be horrendous. The pain of having nails pierce His hands and feet is unimaginable. My friends our debt of eternal hell was experienced that day by Jesus. I for one cannot fathom that kind of love. I just can't imagine the ugliness of that day.

Revelation 14:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

1 Peter 2:24 New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Dear Friends, when I think about a King who came from glory to suffer and die for me, I ask this question, "Who am I"?  I kneel with my head bowed and I am grateful for the love displayed on that cross. You might want to share this one, it is the reality of the cross. A reality hard to swallow.

God bless,

Marty

Falsely Accused, Preparing For Easter Part Five 3/30/2018

Good Morning,

There is a small cold spell that has our home in it's grip. Cold weather doesn't discourage me. It just helps me enjoy my cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee all that much more.

As we prepare to greet Easter this coming Sunday, I want to take a moment to look at something that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Jesus was arrested and put on trial three times and in all three instances the authority over Him did not find Jesus guilty of any crime. Ultimately, Jesus was sentenced to death and was an innocent man. He was labeled a criminal because of love. If you or I were put on trial for loving others would we be convicted?  Would there be enough truth and evidence of our love to be guilty as charged?

Luke 23:1-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Handed Over to Pontius Pilate

23 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. ² And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the^[a] nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

³ Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”
⁴ So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”
⁵ But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Jesus Faces Herod

⁶ When Pilate heard of Galilee,^[b] he asked if the Man were a Galilean. ⁷ And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. ⁸ Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. ⁹ Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. ¹⁰ And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. ¹¹ Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. ¹² That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

¹³ Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, ¹⁴ said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; ¹⁵ no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him;^[c] and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. ¹⁶ I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” ¹⁷ (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).^[d]
18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— ¹⁹ who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.
²⁰ Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. ²¹ But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
²² Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”
²³ But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.^{[e] 24} So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. ²⁵ And he released to them^[f] the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will

Notice that Jesus did not defend Himself. He was continuing the battle against evil with the power of love. Love for a lost world kept Him moving forward. Jesus was and is the perfect example of loving others until it hurts. He did not count the cost. He was headed to a flogging and the cross next.

Marty

Prayer On The Way To The Cross. Preparing For Easter Part 4 3/29/2018

Good Morning,

I will pray today for all of those who read this that God might bless you as only He can. I am sipping on a quick cup of Door County Strawberry Smoothie Coffee and waiting for the sun to show up.

No doubt about it Jesus was headed for a rough time of pain, despair and agony as the day grew closer to Him completing the task of providing a Savior for the world. He knew what was coming and in His despair, Jesus showed us the path to dealing with anxiety. He prayed, and He prayed hard. He poured Himself into prayer despite the fact that the outcome would not change. He sought peace and strength to face the gruesome task. We are witness to His emotional strength that during His arrest one of His companions cut off the ear of a servant of the High Priest in anger. Jesus was able to show love in the face of evil and He healed the ear with a touch from His hand. Jesus did not fight back, get loud, or resist in any way. Love was leading Him to go ahead and prayer guided His steps.

The Prayer in the Garden

³⁹ Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰ When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
⁴¹ And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” ⁴³ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.^[e]
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. ⁴⁶ Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane

⁴⁷ And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. ⁴⁸ But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
⁴⁹ When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” ⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
⁵¹ But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.
⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ⁵³ When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

What are you facing this year at Easter? Is their someone you won't dine with for Easter dinner, because forgiving is not within your heart? Are you withdrawn because of emotional hurt, not willing to go to church and praise God with others? Pray through it and ask for strength to overcome your anxiety, anger, or fears. Jesus did.

Marty

Sifted, Preparing For Easter Part Three 3/28/2018

Good Morning,

May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless you this day and may your troubles be few. I just filled my insulated bottle with Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and soon I will be on the road to start my work day.

As we continue our venture toward Easter Sunday I want to take a look into another happening prior to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial Luke 22:31-34

³¹ And the Lord said,^[c] “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
³³ But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”
³⁴ Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

We see Jesus turn to Simon Peter and He called to him. He called to him "Simon, Simon," which signifies importance by calling out the name twice. Jesus is saying to Peter, pay attention, this is important. I see within this passage a statement that has chilled me to the bone many times. We hear that Jesus has talked with Satan and that Lucifer has asked to shake up Peter's world just to see what he is made of and how he will stand up under the stress of fear, anguish and lack of faith. So from the statement we can derive that Jesus allows this to happen and that He knew Peter's faith would be shaken but not fail completely. We also see that Jesus has prayed for Peter to be able to endure the sifting. He knew that Peter would eventually return to his full faith. He told Peter in this passage that he would be used to strengthen the rest. They would look to him for leadership.

Peter boldly stated that he was ready to die with Jesus, yet Jesus told him that he was not strong enough yet and that Peter would deny even knowing Jesus three times. But Jesus was still going to use Peter in a mighty way. Friends, at times God will allow us to be sifted just to have impurities within us removed. God allows the sifting to take us to a new level of obedience and service to Him. What we see as failure or inabilities, God sees as opportunity to grow. Jesus confronted Peter's arrogant exuberance with the truth. But years later it would be this same Peter who would die a martyr's death after leading the New Testament Church. Peter was stubborn at times but was still teachable. He learned from his mistakes.

As Jesus was headed to the cross He was still concerned about the Spiritual growth of Peter. Are you concerned with your own Spiritual growth? How about the growth of others?

Happy Wednesday!

Marty

Preparing For Easter Part Two 3/27/2018

Good Morning,

How about that? It's already Tuesday and I am looking forward to a busy day. The old mug was just filled with Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee and now it is time to write.

We are another day closer to Easter and I want to look at something else that happened on the way to the cross. Jesus and the Apostles celebrated the Passover meal together. At a time when Jesus knew what he was facing within hours He had dinner with His followers. He knew that His betrayer (Judas} was at the table with Him.  While at dinner, a petty disagreement on who should be the greatest among them broke out between the apostles. Jesus like a loving Father had to settle an argument between the kids while the weight of the world was on His shoulders.

Jesus began to show great restraint and patience that would carry Him through bogus trials and accusations. This restraint, combined with compassion would be shown later as He pleaded for the forgiveness of those who were killing Him.

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper Luke 22:14-30

¹⁴ When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve^[a] apostles with Him. ¹⁵ Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; ¹⁶ for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
¹⁷ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; ¹⁸ for I say to you,^[b] I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
¹⁹ And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
²⁰ Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. ²¹ But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. ²² And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”
²³ Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

The Disciples Argue About Greatness

²⁴ Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. ²⁵ And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ ²⁶ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
²⁸ “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. ²⁹ And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As I read these passages I know how I would have reacted to those around me who were more concerned about their status among each other than the fact that I was headed to the cross for them. My patience and restraint levels would have knocked the teeth right out of Judas. Yet Jesus began to show just how strong He was and gave us a great example of being calm while under stress.

Today, when you are ready to snap at someone with a derogatory comment because they said or did something that rubbed you wrong, remember Jesus came to serve and He served unto death. He put all others, before His own feelings. Share this with someone who needs an Easter nudge.

Marty

Preparing For Easter Part One 3/26/2018

Good Morning,

The old alarm clock signaled that it is time to rise up and face the morning. I found my glasses and my mug of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and I will begin to write now that I can see.

Easter is almost here and as many people are doing we too our planning our Easter weekend which includes a dinner and fellowship. But as we arrive to the weekend it is also time to put Easter in perspective and treat it as it should be. I have already purchased a ham for dinner and without Jesus in Easter, it is just a good dinner, nothing more.

Easter week is a time that we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ my personal Lord and Savior. Jesus paid the price on the cross for our sins, my sins. It is very personal to me. He left heaven on a mission to save lost souls from eternity in hell and He saw it through from the beginning to the end. So for this next few days I will look into the Easter week and try to lead us to a level of somber reflection and joy.

First off the suffering, death, burial and resurrection is God's plan to redeem lost souls. It is a free gift and not forced on anyone. It is a gift of love, that Jesus willingly suffered for our transgressions that we would not have to.

John 3:16 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

Romans 5:7-9 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

Now we have established the plan of salvation. Jesus is the Way The Truth And The Life!

Let's take a look at what led up to Easter. Jesus was betrayed by a friend who Satan had entered into. We see possession by evil take place. Judas an apostle of Jesus was possessed by Satan. I believe that Satan entered a heart that had made room for evil. Judas was the keeper of the money and greed got the best of Him. Satan found a heart open to evil and made a home there.

 

Luke 22 New International Version (NIV)

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, ² and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. ³ Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. ⁴ And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. ⁵ They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ⁶ He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

 

No one likes to be betrayed by a friend. Yet that hurt and pain was not enough to stop Jesus from completing His mission of love. For many of us, we will experience betrayal this week or have been betrayed lately. It might be our health, our family, our government ,who we feel or know has betrayed us. And we most likely would say that supporting them or loving them is just now worth it. Jesus did not see it that way. His love for the Father and us kept Him from quitting even though He was betrayed at the start by a friend. He was ready to take on evil and He started the battle against evil with Love. Have you made a home for any evil in your heart? We will look at more this week as we prepare for Easter. Hang with me and share the posts with those who might need an Easter push. 

 

God bless.

Marty

My Bologna Has A First Name 3/25/2018

Good Morning,

From where I sit in our den I can see the sun trying to peek out over the horizon,. On my feet is a sleepy Springer Spaniel and at my side is a mug of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee.

Yesterday I took the time to make a late breakfast for Rene and me. It wasn't much, just a few sausages wrapped in biscuits. We both had a glass of pineapple juice and a couple of strawberries to round out the breakfast.

While eating, we discussed our plans for the day and I was explaining to Rene the dreams I had been blessed with while sleeping that night. I was telling her about having a small picnic with my grandparents on my mother's side of the family. This would happen once or twice a summer and we would always grill some hot dogs, just like Rene and I do now. In our house we are not partial to any one brand of hot dog, but we tend to buy those made locally. But back in the day there seemed to be only one brand in the grocery store in Northern Wisconsin. It was a company named Oscar Mayer. They were and are famous for their bologna and their hot dogs. They still have a vehicle they drives around known as the wiener mobile. Every time we had that small cook out, the hot dogs would be the Oscar Mayer brand. I don't know why I thought that it was important to tell Rene about the brand of hot dogs in my dream, but I did.

Rene drank a little pineapple juice and then said "did you eat their bologna as a kid"? I replied "oh yes'! She asked me if I remembered their bologna advertisements and the bologna jingle. I started to sing the commercial and the next thing I knew we were singing "My bologna has a first name it's O S C A R. My bologna has a second name it's Mayer" in harmony. We finished the complete tune and ended up laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. Rene then made a profound proclamation. " I sometimes can't remember why I went to the basement, but I can remember a bologna commercial from 50 years ago," We laughed again. I love to hear the sound of laughter in our home and our marriage.

Ecclesiastes 3:2-4 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

Proverbs 31:25-26 She is clothed with strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

A joyful heart is always good
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression.
Proverbs 15:15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Friends there is so much going on in the world that it's hard to find things to laugh about. The news is filled with bombings, wars, school shootings, stock market plunges, and other vile things. Rene and I do have serious conversations and a  lot of them. But for a short time we found something to laugh about together. It didn't cause anyone any harm and it felt good to be silly. So today here's to a little silliness and laughter today.  It's good for the soul.

"I love to eat it every day, And if you ask me why, I'll say. Oscar Mayer has a way with 
B O L O G  N A.

Marty

In Beautiful Dreams 3/24/2018

Good Morning,

We are having some pretty cold weather for March this morning. So the fireplace is full of maple hardwood just glowing with heat, and I just filled my favorite mug with Door County Black And Tan Coffee. I was outside with our dog Gibbs and the smell of the smoke from the fireplace brought back some very fond memories. My family will know what I am talking about.

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care” (1 Corinthians 3:10).
Rene and I had just been discussing this week that this past winter was one of the hardest and longest we have experienced in many years. There was snow and not all that much, plenty of icy days, sub zero cold and illness galore. Both of us experienced the illnesses and for Rene one is still lingering. Hours at work have been more than plenty and between work, illness, and a foot injury I for one have a depleted body. Friends, I am not whining just stating a fact. Last night after dinner my body "hit the wall". I just could not stay away later than 8PM. I gave in and went to bed. I am usually awake by 4AM and that was still the case this morning. But just for a couple of minutes.

I usually don't dream very much and I am not one to interpret dreams or put much stock into them. But last night while in a deep sleep I dreamed about family that have passed on and are no longer with us. In my dreams I relived some memories of grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and our parents. Those of us still here were in those dream also. Most of dreams took place at a small lake in Michigan. 4AM came pretty quick and I awoke like normal. Now I had already slept for 8 hours, two hours more than normal for me. I looked at the alarm clock and in a minute or two I was sound asleep until 7AM. During that time, those dreams continued. I have never had that happen before and 11 hours of sleep is unheard of in my routine.

Let me summarize this. I believe God knows that my energy tank is empty. I was locked into some late night work hours and some late night ministry this week. I believe all good things come from God and I believe He caused a deeper sleep and one filled with fond memories. I believe my 4AM wake up was just an intermission to a great show that God allowed me to see. Thank you Lord for those beautiful dreams.

But the lesson here was found later this morning. Last night I laid out my boots so they could be oiled today. The oil I use is the same type my grandfather and my dad used. They taught me to oil my boots. I built a fire today using cedar kindling, they way they taught me to. I am making some meatloaf today, the way my mother showed me how to do. I walked past my golf clubs in the garage and was reminded that an aunt of mine taught Rene and me how to golf. I saw my Bible on the table and thought of my mother. My baseball glove (well oiled) is hanging in the garage and I was reminded of a cousin who taught me to throw straight, which served me well, back in the day.

In my daily life I relive my heritage over each day. I go to work and am proud of what I do. I try to take care of my family, I put up items I will need to make it through to winter in the fall. My animals are well taken care of and I celebrate family. Then there are the little things my family taught me. I love coffee. I don't have dull knives. Keep your tie straight. Say thank you and please. Don't wear white while eating spaghetti and many other lessons.

We will all leave this earth one day. What heritage or legacy will you pass on? What memories will you leave for others? What are you teaching today. Is it a good example that you would want family to relive daily or in their dreams?

Have a great day.  God loves you!

Marty

The Gift Of Restlessness 3/23/2019

Good Morning,

Friday came to save me from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and it arrived right on time. My prayer today is again one of thanks. I am thankful for my wife and family. I am also thankful for a mug of very hot Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee.

Have you ever had a restless soul? The restless soul is a gift. It is God calling us to something more. More than what we are, more than what we have, more than we can imagine, is God's call to us. He is always at work and will call upon us to join Him. At first it causes a crisis of faith. Can I do that? Am I equipped? Do I have time? The answer to all three questions is "PROBABLY NOT". God takes the ordinary and does the extraordinary.

God desires for us to follow obediently in faith and He will supply the smarts, the resources and the vision.  He does wonders with those of us who can be teachable and are willing to step up and fly.

We can sense that stirring in our souls when God calls us through prayer, sermons, or someone asking us to step out for the Lord. our thoughts turn to the calling and we begin to contemplate it, consider it and find ourselves sorting out the pros and cons. It is on our mind and we hear it more than once. God wants to lead us to more of Him and we find more of Him as we answer His call in obedience.

Philippians 4:19 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We need not worry about the details God will supply. When going on short term mission trips I have had a person come up and ask me where I am going and then pay for the whole trip. God supplied the finances. I was helping a teen earn some money for one of her trips and we did some plumbing work for a family. They asked us what our bill was when we finished. We told them we would take whatever they offered. They wrote a check that covered her whole trip and then some. It was 100% more than what I would have charged. God laid it on their heart to provide. In the middle of a mission trip I was leading,  I needed to leave for a day. The only trained leader I had was a 19 year old. I left her in charge and she did just fine. God gave her wisdom and leadership skills well beyond her age.

What is God calling you to do today? Will you say yes? You can do it!

Marty

Sometimes You Just Have To Get Up And Get Going 3/22/2018

Good Morning,

I heard the sound of the Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee brewing from the kitchen. My prayers today started with thanking God for another day here on Earth to smile at someone today and say good morning to a stranger.

There is a time in life when we need to cry out to God and then there are the times to get up and get moving. There are many circumstances that would make us cry out to God for help. Very often after we cry out we receive instructions from God which require us to do something and not to wait on the action. We need to get ourselves into gear and get going.  Let's look at a Biblical example. The Israelites are being pursued by the Egyptians after Moses led them out of Egypt. What they saw was utter destruction. They and Moses cried out. Notice God had His eye on the circumstances. He did not abandon them. Then after they cried out and whined a little, God used Moses and parted the Red Sea. Had the Israelites not moved when the sea opened up and traveled across, the story would have been different. Eventually the Egyptians were destroyed in the same Red Sea that the Israelites had just crossed.  In their rescue, there came a time that they needed to take action and be obedient.

Some people continue in strife and they know the way that God has led them to. Yet they do not act on what He has directed them to do. They wander like the Israelites did later, and lack peace and contentment. In many instances these same people deny their need of a Savior and want to wait. Sometimes they wait too long and they never see the gates of Heaven.

If God is calling out to you today and it requires some action, what are you waiting for? Don't let the sea of fear or doubt swallow you up because you failed to act.

Exodus 14 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Red Sea Crossing

14 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. ³ For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ ⁴ Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

⁵ Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” ⁶ So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. ⁷ Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. ⁸ And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. ⁹ So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
¹⁰ And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. ¹¹ Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? ¹² Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”
¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
¹⁹ And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰ So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.
²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
²⁴ Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. ²⁵ And He took off^[a] their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of 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 waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” ²⁷ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. ²⁹ But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
³⁰ So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.


Go ahead. God is calling you. Move!

Marty

Hot Dogs On The Grill 3/21/2018

Good Morning,

May God bless you today and I pray that all of you are well. I just poured a cup of Door County Blackberry Short Cake Coffee and as soon as I finish praying I will write.

 

Proverbs 5:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁸ Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
    Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Last night Rene and I were talking about the weather and how cold it is and looks to be for a week. I am a winter person and Rene is definitely a summer time gal. I asked her what she was hoping to do this summer. I was wondering what she was planning for us.

She replied, "keeping it simple this summer would be nice. I am looking forward to you grilling some hot dogs on the grill and the two of us eating at the picnic table. Those simple meals are the best". She went on to say that she enjoys hearing my radio playing in the garage. "I know you enjoy listening to baseball games or sermons on the Evangelical station, when you are puttering on our projects." She told me how she peeks into the garage while watering the flowers to see me working on some antique or restringing some duck decoys.  "That dog doesn't leave your side until you come in for the night. I think that he likes listening to the radio with you." She laughed and said. "You two are a pair for sure".

It's funny that what she looks forward to are the simple nights spent outside until dark. Rene is looking forward to a meal that at most, takes 10 minutes to prepare. The ambience is our own yard and our companions are each other and the dog. Then she said, "I see you listening to a sermon and I know that we are going to be ok, because you are seeking God. It is most assuring to be married to a guy who seeks guidance from God." I was speechless. ( Which for me is a miracle) I had no idea that I was being watched and that she even noticed what I was listening to. She explained that on the day that my habits change and I am not feeding my soul, she will be worried. "That's why I try not to bother you while you are working and listening. I also can tell when you are praying. I  love to see that after your time spent with God you drink your sweet peach tea and turn on the baseball game. It is usually not long there after, that you are sleeping in the chair, next to the dog. That is summertime peace."

I guess my wife knows me pretty well after being married for 1000 years. I am blessed to be married to someone who values their own relationship with God as well as valuing mine.  Friends do you work to make sure your spouse has time with the Lord? Do you encourage it?

Food for thought?

Marty

Blessed Assurance 3/20/2018

Good Morning,

I woke up and went straight to the kitchen for the mug of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee that was waiting for me. The coffee combined with two biscuits covered in honey set me up to make it through the day.

I was listening to the old hymn Blessed Assurance last night as I studied and prayed. I decided to look up the origin of the hymn and here is what I found.

Ira Sankey, good friend of hymn author Fanny Crosby, once related this story about the comfort “Blessed Assurance” provides:
“’During the recent war in the Transvaal,’ said a gentleman at my meeting in Exeter Hall, London, in 1900, ‘when the soldiers going to the front were passing another company whom they recognized, their greetings used to be, “Four-nine-four, boys; four-nine-four;” and the salute would invariably be answered with “Six further on, boys; six further on.” The significance of this was that, in ‘Sacred Songs and Solos,’ a number of copies of the small edition of which had been sent to the front, number 494 was ‘God be with you till we meet again’; and six further on than 494, or number 500, was ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine’” (My Life and Sacred Songs, 69).
From the very day she wrote them, Crosby’s words have provided comfort for millions of Christians in the face of fear, persecution, sorrow, and doubt. In spite of all the trials that may come, we know that we serve a Savior who came to bring the Kingdom of God on earth, and as we serve Him, we participate in, and belong to, that Kingdom. We each play our own part in that “glorious foretaste” of what is still to come. We belong to Christ and his Kingdom – what an assurance this is.

1 John 3:19-24 New International Version (NIV)
¹⁹ This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: ²⁰ If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. ²¹ Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God ²² and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. ²³ And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

Blessed Assurance Lyrics

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

When I hear this old hymn I think of 1John 3:19-24. Just knowing that we have the Holy Spirit living within us, is enough to carry us through each and every day. The assurance of heaven as our eternal home is a blessing to be lived out each day.

Food for thought.

Marty

Shake The Sugar Tree 3/19/2018

Good Morning,

I decided to re-post a blog note from a few years ago. I was doing some shooting with my nephew on Saturday and this memory popped into my head.  I am a blessed man to have family.  This is from a cold November morning on Thanksgiving day. Enjoy!

Good Morning,

Thanksgiving Day and I filled the Thermos Bottle with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and went out hunting.

I want to talk about yesterday though. My good friend Steve, who is like a brother to me, our grandson Dominick and I went out to hunt in the morning. We were all set when we noticed another hunter's truck pulling into the parking lot. I started a short walk to the lot and thought I recognized the truck. I was right. It was my nephew Nick and his girl friend . Circumstances had prevented them from hunting in a different spot. They joined us for the hunt. Earlier when I stopped for some bakery, something told me to buy extra. It was great sharing donuts and cinnamon rolls under a tree. We prayed, laughed a lot and shot at a few geese. Sad to say that we did not hit anything though. Now later today we are all headed in different directions with other commitments.

For me, I received two Thanksgiving dinners. One was in a swamp where family gathered to pray and enjoy fellowship as well as some sweet treats. Today some more of my family and I will get holiday fat on some turkey, another blessing has beset me.

Both will be nice. But yesterday God decided to shake His "Sugar Tree" for me. Although there wasn't any game put into the freezer, the blessing of gathering in the swamp with family was beyond measurable. I thank God for the experience of family.

Psalm 39:7New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ “And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.

God Bless. I am thankful for all of you.

Marty

Going My Way? 3/18/2018

Good Morning,

There will be a cup of Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Navel Coffee waiting for me when I get to the kitchen. It is a new flavor for me and I can smell the peaches coming from it now. Later this morning I will be going to breakfast with some of my buddies. This has the makings of a great day.

Many years ago when Rene and I were both single and working at the same hospital we met and fell in love,. And all the ladies are saying "awe' right now. But it did not happen right away. Rene was kind of shy back then and I, well let's just say , I haven't changed. I had noticed her a few times at work and while actually working together she kept the conversations purely business. Not one to discourage easily I did not give up. One hot rainy August day as I was starting my drive home from work, I saw her walking down the street. I thought "here's my chance to win her over by giving her a ride home." I pulled over and said "would you like a ride"? Her answer was a swift "no thank you, I only live a couple blocks from here and this daily walk is my exercise." I could see this was going nowhere and the timing just wasn't working in my favor. I began to think that this gal was never going to be going my way or me going her way.

The following year we were dating and a wedding date was set for a year later. What does this have to do with a devotional? Not much at all. Last night I was making a lunch for my Radiology Warrior and she was headed to bed. Rene has to work today at the medical center. I heard the familiar "good night Hon. Love you". I finished making the lunch and said a little prayer for her and then laughed. At one time I would have never thought that we would be married for 1000 years and I would be making a lunch for the lady who shot me down like a clay target with four gunners shooting at it.

Philippians 1:6 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

When I look back on it now, God was involved right from the beginning. Neither one of us was ready for a relationship at that time. God was working on both of us and there was some major work being performed on me. Rene wasn't ready either. God is at work all the time and whatever He has started in us, He will complete. He is faithful to do so. We need to be patient and let God complete His work one project at a time. If we had dated and married earlier we would have been in counseling within 3 months or worse. God knew the timing for us to meet someone and fall in love.

So just know this. God is still working on Rene and me. He is still working on you too.

God bless.

Marty

A New Addiction 3/17/2018

Good Morning,

Nothing like a good night of sleep and then waking up to a mug of Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee.

Matthew 4:4 New International Version (NIV)
⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

The word addiction when heard by most of us gives off a negative connotation almost immediately. It is often thought of in the negative arena of drugs, alcohol, sex or anorexia. In a lesser way, I have heard people use the word addictive to describe a great taste like chocolate. " That candy bar is addictive", meaning that the chocolate tastes so good that it makes you want more and more.

When I first became a Christian and purchased my first Bible and then opened it, the Word of God became alive in my heart and mind. I wanted to read more and more of it and just couldn't seem to get enough Bible time. Someone said to me "Your new obsession has become an addiction. you need to quit". At that point  I was barely working and I had plenty of time to feed my addiction.

In all honesty Dear Friends, those were probably some of the sweetest times of my life. I spent tons of time reading God's Word and desiring more of Him. As I learned more about God ,my relationship with Him grew. I was convicted of changes that needed to happen in my life and it was easier to accomplish them and live in obedience.

It was an addiction I am glad to say that I had and still have. A day without Bible time is like a day without water for me. Yes there are times that like a drug addict I find myself binge reading to satisfy my soul. But this addiction has never hurt me in any way and has helped me grow in order to help others as led by God.

I would recommend this life long addiction to anyone and if it were contagious I would pass it on like a flu bug out of control.

Open your Bible today and read it. Once you pick it up, it is the only Book that leaves a lasting impression on your soul.

God bless,

Marty

The Value Of A Dollar 3/16/2018

Good Morning,


Once again Friday arrived just when I need it most. I lower my head in prayer and raise my mug of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee in salute to the weekend!

Leviticus 25:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁴ And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.

I was doing a little shopping this last week for a new pair of shoes for work that will support these weary knees until they get replaced this summer. Now shoe shopping isn't something I enjoy at all. But one can learn a lot while shopping. I went to one of the supposedly finer shoe emporiums and found that there is little or no customer service for assistance. I managed to find something that I thought would suffice, but could not find a seat to sit down on to change the shoes.

I tried doing a balancing act and looked like a drunken hippo in a ballet while attempting to get the shoes on. When I asked for a little assistance finding something else I received this answer. "Have you thought about wearing tennis shoes instead of leather shoes?" The clerk tried to sell me some athletic shoes in red saying that they come in many colors. Imagine the next business meeting I went to and looked like I was unable to coordinate my clothing and was headed to the basketball court instead.

I decided to go and find a better shoe store and I did some research on their service before I went. Their service was rated highly as well as their product. I was greeted when  entered the store, and asked how they could help me. I explained what I was looking for and a sad expression appeared on the face of the clerk. " I am afraid that you won't find what you are looking for in our store. But let me recommend another store and I will call ahead for you." I replied that it would be great if he did that and followed his instructions to the next store. Again in the new store I was greeted, assisted, thanked and left very happy with my purchase. I did however return to the last store to thank the clerk who directed me away from his store to purchase shoes elsewhere. While there, I spied some socks that looked warm and inviting. I was also in need of some new socks and I purchased two pair while there.

These two stores valued making money. That is what they are in business for. But they decided to meet the needs of their customer and not pad their wallets instead. Both had respect for the customer and the potential for the correct sale. They will be recommended by me for references on good places to shop. They valued future references over the immediate sale. They respected how hard people have to work for their money.  These were honest business men!

God bless,

Marty

Phone Etiquette 3/15/2018

Good Morning,


The night was a long one, but a little prayer and a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee will help to start the day off right.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call out to me and I will answer you!

I believe that a few things of days gone by are worth bringing back. I for one would like to see customer service really come back and especially some telephone etiquette.

Today, whenever you call a business for anything they have you talk to a machine and punch 1 for yes 2 for no, 3 for ten other languages and when you get nowhere, they put you on hold for an hour so you can talk to a human you can't understand anyway.

Or there are those who think that they will make a sale over the telephone by calling you after 8 PM when you are winding down.  This my friends is lack of true customer service and poor etiquette. This is placing no value on the customer's time or family. This is rude business behavior and I for one would rather deal with a human who I call for something I need. Don't call me. I will call you. Then there are the machine calls to your home, a machine that just postpones the inevitable wait to get to a human voice. Really?

I am glad that God does not work that way.. He listens and responds, and you can call him 24/7 through prayer. We could learn a few business ethics and etiquette from God.


Just saying!

Marty

Pine Cones, Pine Cones Pine Cones 3/14/2018

Good Morning,

Time for some prayer and a big mug of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. I look forward to starting each day with prayer and that cup of coffee.

I started cleaning up the yard a little this week and I noticed that we have a lot of pine cones to rake up. They fell from our fir trees during the fall and winter. There seems to be more than ever. There used to be a lady that would come by and ask for the pine cones. She used them to make wreaths and other crafts.  I know there are many uses for pine cones and some are edible. I have heard that the right ones, while green make an excellent jam. We haven't seen her in a few years.

Today, pine cones are prized food sources for squirrels, woodpeckers and crossbills, but about sixty million years ago, they were a favorite meal of Parasaurolophus, the famous crest-headed hadrosaur (often referred to as duckbill dinosaurs because their skulls resemble modern ducks). I hope I don't see any dinosaurs in the neighborhood.

We have an ample supply of squirrels and other birds who munch on the pine cones. It is just another way to show that God takes care of His creation. I am sure that most of you will nor sit down to eat a plate of pine cone stew tonight, but some squirrel thinks that they are fine dining. They rely on God to provide for them. Out trees started out as 8 inch saplings and now stand very tall. I remember praying over each one that they would be sturdy and provide a wind break for the house. They have served us well and fed hundreds of birds, held nest after nest and provided food for plenty of squirrels. Some of those pine cones probably adorn a home or two at Christmas. I will save a small pile of the cones for our furry friends. A fresh batch will be here before you know it.

Matthew 6:25-34 New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I said I start each day with prayer and it is usually a prayer of thanks for all we have been given and who  Rene and I have been blessed with to love. God has taken care of our needs and deserves our thanks. Again I see Him at work caring for the critters in our yard.

God bless,

Marty