You Don't Ever Have To Stop 10/31/2018

Good Morning,

The morning is a little damp and my cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee is working hard to take the dampness out of my bones. Always thankful for that first cup of hot coffee.

I don't do this enough and today is the day to say something about God and His greatness. We serve an awesome God and it is impossible to explain all of His power, wisdom, and love.

Romans 11:33 New King James Version (NKJV)

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

There is so much about God that we can learn and experience that I am afraid there is not enough time  even in a life that spans 100 years to even fill a thimble full of what we can learn. We can learn about God in His Word and just when we think we know all that there is to know He reveals more to those who seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

The nice thing is that you never have to stop learning more about God. He reveals more of Himself when we get to heaven. We will be lovingly amazed by God Almighty forever. There is no stopping point, except for the ones that we place in our journey to know Him better. We choose the stop points with excuses of why we can't find time or the desire to learn more.

Psalm 25:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

May your day be bright and your spirit light.

Marty

When I Decided To Ask The Question 10/30/2018

Good Morning,

I just wanted to say with gusto "Good Morning" again. I sit here wondering what today will bring as I pray, write and sip my cup of Door County White Chocolate Cinnamon Dolce Coffee. Whatever will be, will be.

This last synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh didn't surprise me as the world never ceases to amaze me as to how some people can embrace pure evil. I personally want to condemn this senseless act of terror. I do not support hate crimes of any kind.

But for the first time in a long time. I contemplated the shooting and began looking for answers. I did the ultimate in stupid as I pursued answers and asked God "why didn't You do something? When will this stuff stop?"

God was silent in my life and He said nothing. As I was studying last night, my quest for Biblical knowledge of God led me to a passage in the book of Job.

Job 9:1-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

Job: There Is No Mediator

9 Then Job answered and said:

² “Truly I know it is so,

But how can a man be righteous before God?

³ If one wished to ^[a]contend with Him,

He could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.

⁴ God is wise in heart and mighty in strength.

Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?

⁵ He removes the mountains, and they do not know

When He overturns them in His anger;

⁶ He shakes the earth out of its place,

And its pillars tremble;

⁷ He commands the sun, and it does not rise;

He seals off the stars;

⁸ He alone spreads out the heavens,

And ^[b]treads on the ^[c]waves of the sea;

⁹ He made ^[d]the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades,

And the chambers of the south;

¹⁰ He does great things past finding out,

Yes, wonders without number.

¹¹ If He goes by me, I do not see Him;

If He moves past, I do not perceive Him;

¹² If He takes away, ^[e]who can hinder Him?

Who can say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’

¹³ God will not withdraw His anger,

The allies of ^[f]the proud lie prostrate beneath Him.

¹⁴ “How then can I answer Him,

And choose my words to reason with Him?

¹⁵ For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him;

I would beg mercy of my Judge.

¹⁶ If I called and He answered me,

I would not believe that He was listening to my voice.

¹⁷ For He crushes me with a tempest,

And multiplies my wounds without cause.

¹⁸ He will not allow me to catch my breath,

But fills me with bitterness.

¹⁹ If it is a matter of strength, indeed He is strong;

And if of justice, who will appoint my day in court?

As I was reading this passage my own view of myself became smaller and smaller. I have no idea as to why this tragedy happened except that evil was brought into the world with the sin of Adam and Eve. As I became smaller in my view of self, God became larger and then this passage put me in my place. Not all things are for me to know and how can I accuse God of being passive. I cannot fill an ocean and know how many gallons of water it holds, but God can. I cannot cause a newborn baby to come forth and breath, but God can. My feeble thoughts are not His thoughts. I showed how small I am, even thinking I could contend with God. For whatever reason this crime happened, the only thing I can do about it is to pray for comfort for those hurting. I can look for ways to help. I know without asking God, that showing kindness and concern is the way to go. In the end God triumphs over evil. I will rest now and don't need to tell God how to do His job.

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

The Defeat of Satan

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

Revelation 21:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”


I asked the question and was put in my place. I rest in God's promise to us that some day this will end and He holds the keys of justice, and the future.

Marty

Neighbors And Candy 10/29/2018

Good Morning,

My Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee can be heard brewing all the way to my den. It is a sound that resonates with most of my mornings. It is a very welcomed sound.

Matthew 22:36-40 English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Yesterday our town observed Trick or Treat and our streets had plenty of costumed children going from door to door petitioning homeowners for candy. My wife and I do not support Halloween and the occult. But we find that having kids from our neighborhood or other neighborhoods visiting our driveway along with there parents gives us the opportunity to be neighborly. We hand out candy and there have been times when you just knew that the candy you gave would be the only treat that certain child would be receiving. Not all families can afford treats for their children. Yesterday I was able to speak with some new neighbors and we discussed landscapers as well as the local sports teams.

We offer tissues to the parents and kids with runny noses. The cold weather turns on the nose faucets. We offer hand cleaner for the kids who need a clean up from wiping there nose with their hands.

It is just being neighborly. One of our neighbors is collecting the left over candy and is sending it to our armed forces. I think it is wise to avoid the occult and the darkness of Halloween, but sharing goodies with friends, troops and neighbors is just the neighborly thing to do.


God bless,

Marty

Finishing A Long Night 10/28/2018

Good Day,

I just woke up a few minutes ago and missed the best part of my day. I usually embrace the mornings with a cup of Door County Coffee and prayer.  Not today, I missed the morning!

My job at the hospital had me working through the night yesterday on a project with a tight time frame for completion. I arrived home this morning and found the comfort of our bed most welcoming.

I started that project last night with prayer and when it was completed I finished with prayer. God was with us every step of the way and for that I am truly grateful.

I looked at that project and saw that God had helped us out and through it our team grew in experience. I also see that God never leaves a project and a person incomplete. Some of you won't like to be called a project, but it's the best these tired eyes can come up with right now.

Philippians 1:3-6

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

If we work with God and allow Him to lead us He never leaves us incomplete. What God starts He always finishes, unlike the many little home projects I have started and are still sitting there waiting for me to get back to them. Some day that room in the basement will be finished!

So relax and know that God never makes a mistake in a project, doesn't have to throw away the board He measured wrong. Whatever He is doing in your life He is leading you to the finish line of perfection.

God Bless,

Marty

Don't Drink The Poison 10/27/2018

Good morning,

Sitting in the goose blind on Saturday. It's cold and I am drinking some Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Cobbler Coffee. Nothing like a hot cup of java, a cookie, a dog and a buddy or two to start the day. And of course don't forget a great field.

John 3:20-21
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear there deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Let's face it. What we are talking about is sin. We all know that sin in our lives has a natural reaction. "We want to hide it". I hope none of us would walk to the pantry and drink a big cup of bleach. We know that it would cause great physical harm. POISON!!!! The sins we like to keep are also poison. We work hard and often work overtime to keep these secrets. This poison often keeps us from living our life fully, free from worry and guilt. POISON!!!!

We all know which ones we keep. So here it is. Go into the closet of your life and toss the poison. It is hazard control for your heart. God is gracious and even says He will help.

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Have a great Saturday,
Marty

Food That Smells Good. It's All In The Attitude 10/26/2018

Good Morning,

Friday is here and once again it arrived with gusto. I am embracing the day with prayer and a cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee. I am looking forward to a very busy weekend.

There are just some of those dishes we cook in our kitchen that while cooking leave an aroma you don't mind having in the house. I am very fond of Italian food and I enjoy waking up to the slow cooker finishing the last few minutes of cooking  pasta sauce. The sauce has been simmering slowly all night. The meatballs hidden inside are marinating within the hot garlic laden sauce and the aroma is sweet to the trained nose. A beautiful aroma has been known to put a smile on a face or two.

Now, I want to compare the word aroma to the word attitude.  An aroma can be  pleasing to all. But in some instances an aroma can stink and leave a foul smell/odor in a house. Then the aroma is known as one that stinks.

Attitudes can be the same way. An attitude that exudes humility, positivity, compassion, dedication, service and kindness is an attitude that produces a  sweet aroma. An attitude of selfishness, anger, rudeness, negativity, doubt or lack of kindness leaves an odor that can stay in a house for a long time. The attitude stinks. I for one need an attitude adjustment now and then. I use Psalm 23 as my attitude adjuster.

Psalm 23 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

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

⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

So my food for thought is this today. How does your attitude smell? Sweet or stinky. It's yours. You own it. It is as stinky as you want it to be.

Marty

Astrology Yes Or No 10/25/2018

Good Morning,

Door County Maple Coffee is in my cup. And It is time to write.
For some reason Winter is on my mind.

Today we will discuss a topic that many people think is harmless. Skunks might be cute, but do you invite them into your home? Astrology is false, dangerous and should not be considered "entertainment or harmless". It is not to be the choice of a Christian. 

Follow me as we study.

Does Astrology Work?
The book of Genesis says: “God made two great lights: the larger one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth.” (Genesis 1:16-17 ) Clearly, God created the heavenly bodies to light the earth, but not to function as a therapist, oracle, or god. The idea that the sun moon and stars have a mind of their own has been disproved by modern science, so there is no need to perpetuate it with a belief in astrology.

Is Astrology “Bad”?
Horoscopes, sun signs, and psychics all operate on the premise that heavenly bodies and celestial events determine what will happen in people's lives. However, the Bible says that only God determines our lives: “You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book.” (Psalm 139:16)

Therefore, people who consult the stars are relying on the creation instead of the Creator who made them. Looking to anything other than God for guidance and assistance is not just an insult to the Almighty, but is also idolatry,which is forbidden by God: “Do not worship any god except me. Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky…” (Exodus 20:3-4)

God bless.

Marty

Some Distractions Can Teach A Lesson 10/24/2018

Good Morning To You

Today I am drinking a cup of Door County German Chocolate Coffee.

I sometimes get distracted when wanting to study or write these devotionals.  Well, while writing a post a few years ago I noticed it was too quiet in the house and one dog was missing in action. Now Gibbs was a 10 month old puppy at that time.  I have to say as puppies go he had been pretty good in his behavior. But when I found him that morning he had committed the ultimate crime in our home. He went into  my wife's plant room to chase the older dog. You see he still thinks that every day is a play day. You just gotta love puppies. But HE TRASHED A SMALL PLANT! Argh ! One that had been watered the night before. Oh boy, I thought we will both suffer the wrath of the keeper of the plants. ( Dear Wife) In all honesty it did not hurt my feelings to toss the plant, but they are hers and I felt bad for all three of us. I am not a lover of plants  unless it produces food!

What to do? Well I found out we owned a vacuum cleaner. I also found out you can't vacuum mud!!  Now what? I do recall a machine my wife uses to clean carpets! Ah Ha.  A mud remover!!! Now I did tell her about the incident. But it was already cleaned up asap, once I pulled it all together.

The whole thing reminded me of two Godly ideas. We have all sinned and need atonement. Romans 3:23
Like the puppy we cannot clean up the mess ourselves. We need Jesus Christ the Son of God to do it for us. Now the puppy gladly accepted the help and the consequences of a time out for his sins. But all, everyone, has sinned and needs a Savior.

John 3:16

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

What do you say to that? This is the Good News of Jesus Christ. You can have the assurance that your sins can be forgiven and have an eternal home in heaven with God. If you have never invited Jesus in, say a prayer something like this.

Dear Jesus,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent of rejecting you all these years. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.Amen.

If you prayed that prayer contact me at fritzschutte@aol.com and I will email you the the next steps in Christian growth.

If you are a Christian and know someone who needs Jesus as Lord and Savior link them to this page or share the Good News with them today.

God bless,
Marty

Bacon And The Almighty 10/23/2018

Good Morning,

My coffee today is a hot cup of Bourbon Vanilla Creme from the Door County Coffee Company!

This past week, friends of ours were telling us about an event that took place in Milwaukee called Bacon Fest. It is held at the Harley Davidson Museum. They said there were a lot of vendors giving out samples of different things covered, smothered or made with bacon. My personal bacon of choice is from a small town in Wittenberg Wisconsin. Nueske's Cherrywood Smoked  Bacon makes me drool.

Well I am a fan of bacon and truly believe that many things are just better if they contain bacon, or are covered in bacon. My Dr. would advise me that it is better to cover a burger with bean sprouts and broccoli! Or eat a veggie burger. Argh.

But Bacon fest reminds me of God. "What, you say?!!!!!!"

Romans 8:31       God’s Everlasting Love

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

Think about it! Isn't everything we do better if God is involved. Even SIN! "What, you say? Sin is better with God in it?" No, I did not drink real bourbon with my coffee!!! Sin is better because if God is in all we do He convinces us that the sin is not a good idea and gives us Biblical principals to live by. He always provides a way out of falling to the temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Amazing thought! God and bacon! Does He cover your life and add a sweet flavor to all you do?

God bless,
Marty

Should We Fear God? 10/22/2018

Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee awaits me down in  the kitchen. Once I am finished writing to all of you I will imbibe on my  morning java.

Should those who love God, fear Him? A question like this was asked of Reverend Billy Graham. I like the way he answered it.

Question

How can we fear God and also love Him at the same time? Isn't that a contradiction? I suppose I mainly fear God and try to do things that I think will please Him, but I know the Bible also tells us to love Him, and I have a hard time doing that.

---

Answer: Reverend Billy Graham October 14th 2007

"Yes, the Bible’s command to fear God and yet also love Him may seem like a contradiction at first—but once you understand what the Bible actually means, the contradiction goes away.
Let me explain. It’s true that the Bible repeatedly tells us to fear God: “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him” (Psalm 33:8). But what does it mean by “fear”? We usually fear something (such as a vicious dog or a violent storm) when we expect it to harm us. In other words, we fear something that has no concern for us, and is a source of constant danger to us.
But that isn’t what God is like! God created us, and He also loves us—and the proof is that He sent His only Son into the world to die for our sins. Would He have done this if He hated us? No, of course not. The Bible says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Stop right now and thank God for loving you and sending His Son to die for you.
To fear God is not to shrink back from Him in terror. To fear God is to have a deep reverence for Him, and to stand in awe at His holiness and majesty and power and love. Only then will we love and serve and worship Him as we should."

Reverend Graham did an excellent job of answering this question. My view is the same except that I believe I would like to add that a healthy fear of God is missing in many lives. People have lost their reverence and awe of God. We have made Him to be small and us to be larger , making us our own little idols. When we lose that reverence we make it easy to disobey and falter in sin. We decide what is right and wrong not God's Word. We learn to justify our sins instead of repenting from them.

It is time to bring back some fear of God by loving Him.

Marty

Advice Given And Advice Not Taken 10/21/2018

Good Morning,

I started this day with prayer and I am sure it will also end that way. The aroma of a pot of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee has filled the room where I sit. Prayer, coffee and quiet. It doesn't get much better than that.

Yesterday while visiting Door County with our friends we decided to do the tourist thing and and actually take a tour that was pretty much filled with a lot of historical facts. But as with every history tour some of the history you hear always contains a tragedy or two. Door County is basically surrounded by one of the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan to me is pretty much a small ocean. It has been known to get quite rough on the water and has swallowed many ships throughout history. Boat travel was very common and the best way of transportation when Door County was settled back in the day.

Our tour guide told us about a steamship that was used as a ferry. Later in the early 1900s it was converted to haul supplies as well as people to and from ports on Lake Michigan. The life of the ferry was pretty mundane and it hauled people as well as cargo for quite a few years without any incidents.

That was until the last trip the ferry ever made. It was on a night when Lake Michigan was howling and the swells of the waves were very threatening. It was quoted that the weather on Lake Michigan was like a tornado on the water. The captain of the ship made the decision to not leave the port the ferry was snuggled in because of the weather. The passengers lobbied ( we assume very passionately) with the captain and insisted that he take them home without a weather delay.

Now the captain had sailed the unforgiving lake for many years and his advice was to wait the storm out. But he eventually succumbed to their whining. He up until this point had survived performing his trade. The boat ended up taking on too much water in the storm and it sank.. There were a few survivors of that fateful night but the majority of the passengers drowned never to see home again.

Our tour led us to a cemetery for more historical facts and the tombs of a few of those impatient people were housed there in their final resting place. Seeing the evidence of the early deaths was sad for me. There was solid advice given through years of knowledge and experience. Because of the impatience of people, their fate was terrible. The rest of history was impacted by not following good advice from someone who knew what the danger was. The captain who knew the danger also gave into not wanting to deal correctly with the passengers. I believe he chose popularity over doing the right thing by keeping his ship in port.

We have two fatal mistakes here. People who wouldn't follow solid advice given. And one who wouldn't stand his ground for the right thing. God has something to say in His Word about both.

Proverbs 12:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, 

but a wise man listens to advice.

God gave the folks an experienced leader who knew what to do. Yet they decided to tell him how to navigate wild waters. It did not work out too well for them. They were fools. Do you seek sound advice and then not follow it? An example would be to go to a physician and find out that an aspirin a day would be well advised for your health and then not take the aspirin. God gave you an educated physician and then you don't follow the advice? Or you see the sign that says to slow down at the next curve and yet you speed through it just to find yourself in a twisted mass of metal that used to be your car. You are the fool God speaks of in Proverb 12:15.

Now we have the captain, who knew better but went ahead and it killed most of his crew and passengers. He suffered the consequences of his decision and it gave him a watery death and a history lesson to the rest of us. God educated him and gave him a skill, yet he abandoned his training. He knew better than his passengers what the risk was. 

James 4:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

2 Chronicles 15:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

Advice given. Advice not taken. Are you the fool who knows everything?

Marty

Cheering For The Home Team 10/20/2018

Good Morning,

Of all the dumb things I have done this week, this one is the topper to the cake of my life. I am traveling this weekend with Rene and some dear friends of ours and I forgot to pack some Door County Coffee. This will be corrected for tomorrow morning, since we are in Door County and I know where to purchase some. Argh.

We are visiting the area, taking in the fall colors. The view of the the landscape is a credit that only God can take. He is the Divine Artist of what we have seen and will see. Last night, as we dined on fresh fish. The emporium we chose to dine in had every television tuned into the National Baseball League Championship Series. Our home team is in the series. The games have been very close. And last night our home team had to win just to continue on to the final game. Every time our team did anything good, the crowd in the restaurant would cheer loudly. We are a couple hundred miles away from the stadium where the game was being played yet I heard people say things like "way to go Brewers" or "nice one fellas" and they said it loud. It was almost like they thought the team could hear them. The revelers were showing their pride and affection for their team.

Yesterday afternoon a young lady troubled by problems of the world and in need of a Savior called me while we were traveling. She has been searching for answers for a long time. Yesterday we spoke on the phone for quite some  time and I told her that the Who she needed was Jesus Christ, the One who died for her. Over the telephone she prayed to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior. There was an immediate change in her speech and you could just tell when the Holy Spirit entered her life. I told her how Heaven was rejoicing because of her decision. Heaven was cheering for the "Home Team Kid".

Luke 15:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Heaven cheers each time one person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I swear that I could hear those angels praising the Slugger who paid the price for all of us. I swear that I could  hear them cheer when that gal came sliding into to Home plate, never to wonder about the Way, the Truth and the Life anymore.

How about you? Heaven is waiting for you to take that swing on a fat pitch over the plate of life.

Acts 4:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 10:13 New International Version (NIV)

¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Many will read this but few will pass it on. But there is someone out there that needs to hear Heaven cheer for them. These verses and your prayers are the fat pitch they just might need to take a swing at. Throw the pitch friends. For those of you sitting their wondering about the final answer for life take the swing. You need a Savior and relationship with God. I am ready to cheer!

Marty

My God And My Coffee 10/19/2018

Good Morning,
Today I am enjoying a hot cup of Heavenly Caramel Coffee from the Door County Coffee Company. As you all know I like to start each day's devotional by letting you know what coffee I am drinking. Someone asked me why I do that.
It all started with some friends on Facebook. I would say good morning and tell them the flavor of my coffee and then post a Bible verse. It just seemed to carry over when our church started a blog.

But the truth in all this is that I enjoy early mornings. I usually have my dog with me., while drinking a cup of coffee somewhere either at home, in the car or in my duck blind. I watch the sun come up, read some scripture and pray. This may sound a little foolish to some, but for me the sunrise, the coffee, the dog, Scripture and God is a Holy Moment. Now truly, it is God, prayer and Scripture that makes it holy, not the coffee or the dog. Our dog reminds me of how blessed I am to have a cup and an affectionate, loyal dog.

But it is that sunrise that reminds me that God is on His throne. His Word leads me each day, and I know He listens to my prayers. Wherever I am is then Holy Ground because I  am reminded that He never leaves me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 113:6 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

So when these are published each morning you all share just a moment in my quiet time with God, my coffee and me.

God bless,
Love you all.

Marty

Just Be Nice. Say Something Encouraging. 10/18/18

Good Morning,

Happy Thursday. My morning is starting with a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee.

Today I want to challenge everyone to have kind thoughts toward one another and say kind words to someone today. Someone told me how much they appreciated the devotional yesterday and that they knew I was thinking about them.
This is very true. Each morning when I awake and pour that first cup of coffee I say "thank you Lord, this tastes good." My thoughts then turn to two dear family members who were struggling financially at one time, but yet made sure that I had a cup of coffee when I visited even though coffee was an expense that they could not afford. They went without something else to give me a cup of coffee. Just writing this puts a tear in my eye.

You see friends, I will admit that I had a very rough day yesterday and getting a note of encouragement meant a lot to me. We can put on our "nasty hats" or decide to be nice and supportive of others in words and deeds.  God has a lot to say about how we should behave toward others. As a matter of fact he expects it of His children.

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

Your words are your choice. They are as kind as you choose them to be. You have the power within you to make the day brighter for someone by just speaking a word of love or kindness.

Psalm 27:13 ESV       
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

You are where you are, and each person was made by God. If you look for the good in a person because God desires us to do so, you will find it. You will discover that the grumpiness has left the chambers of your heart and mind and you will want to say kind things. Look around you. There are people within speaking distance.

So here is my shot at this today. Thank you for reading this devotional. You are loved. May God bless you all. And you two coffee elves know who you are. My heart misses you more than you know.

Have a great day.  Be safe.

Marty

Does The Word Of God Cause You To Tremble? 10/17/2018

Good Morning,

A big cup of Door County Tanzanian Peaberry greeted me this morning and it is just what I needed to sip on while I finish this thought for the day.

Isaiah 66:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

True Worship and False

66 Thus says the Lord:

“Heaven is My throne,

And earth is My footstool.

Where is the house that you will build Me?

And where is the place of My rest?

² For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,”

Says the Lord.

“But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

I decided to get a little serious for today. I hope you will bear with me. I want to talk about the Bible, God's Word. We as Christians have been blessed to be left with God's Living Word stored into 66 books. God has always placed a great importance on His word, spoken and then placed into written form.

"God speaks His word in the heart of the believer. Moses in making reference to God’s commandment says: "the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it" (Deuteronomy 30:14). If this was true of the Old Testament believers, how much more of the Christian believer. For within him is the "implanted word" (James 1:21), the word that God speaks: it is living and growing. The continuing challenge was spoken by Paul: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). Ever and again God speaks His word within the believer who is open to what God has to say." Dr. J Rodman

Many people read their Bibles regularly and walk away feeling good about doing so. This is a good practice. But many walk away never feeling anything. They go to the Word with low expectations and read just out of habit. Their low expectations show their low esteem, fear and love for God. They have made themselves lord of their Bible reading. They have literally told God "There Is nothing here for me, because that is what I think." God has become small to them and they have become larger in their own minds.

But then there are those who read the Word and cherish the fact that God has not left us in total silence or directions. They read the Word and see the awesomeness of God. The awesomeness of God causes them to tremble at His Word. Their reactions to His Word lead them to want more and be a part of His work at all cost.

What happens when you read your Bible. Does it lead you to fear, awe, love, respect or desire for more of God? Read on and reintroduce yourself to the Almighty.

Marty

Orange Sherbet And Kids 10/16/2018

Good Morning,

This morning will start with some prayer, and a cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee. Time to write.

I was going way back into the memory vault of my mind for no particular reason to try and recall why I like Orange Sherbet ice cream. It made me think about where I may have tasted it for the first time. I couldn't recall anything except that when I was around 5 years old and my sister was two we lived on the South Side of Milwaukee in a typical neighborhood. What made it typical for Milwaukee is that on one corner was a bowling alley and bar and on the other corner was a mom and pop small grocery store and lots of kids.

Just next to the grocery store was a billiards room. It was owned by an elderly gentleman named Joe Burgerino. Joe also had a chest freezer where he sold ice cream from his pool emporium. The only flavor he had was orange sherbet. A bunch of us kids would walk the neighborhood and find soda bottles which at that time were glass and could be redeemed for the deposit money. When we had enough bottles we would take them by Joe and he would redeem them in ice cream cones for us.

What does this have to do with a devotional. Note I said I was 5, my sister who was 2 often tagged along.I pulled her along in a coaster wagon. We walked past a bar, went to a pool hall, scrounged in the neighborhood with other kids. Note no adults were with us. But we were safe. We had learned how to cross the street safely and be home at a certain time. Most mom's were home back then and watched out for all of us when we would walk by. But we were safe. No one bothered us and as much as this old mind can remember I was never kidnapped. Kids today do not have that luxury. This world has gone bad. Each day I read of another tragedy that involves kids. More and more there are incidents of school shootings.

My point is this. We need to pray for our world to change. We need to pray for the safety of kids even if they are not ours. We need to pray for a Godly revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV       
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

I wish I could give kids today a neighborhood like that again

God bless,

Marty

The Potato Bar And Friends 10/15/2018

Good Morning,

Monday arrived even after I asked it not to. I was really enjoying the weekend and Monday could have stalled out for a day. I just poured myself a cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and now it is time to write.

The Fellowship of the Believers Acts 2:42-47

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved

We have a Saturday evening service at our church each week. The attendance varies and I would say that in my opinion it is meager. But the group is close and in being small we can do things like stop the service to pray for a need that someone mentioned during our sharing time. It is a blessing to all who attend every week. But, there is more to it. Read on.

From time to time we stay later at church to fellowship with a meal. This last Saturday night was capped off with a "Baked Potato Buffet". We baked some rather large potatoes ( Not as large as the potato in the picture) and everyone brought something to put on top of the potatoes. Some folks brought pies, corn bread and Jello as well. It was a feast that was delicious and yet easy to accomplish.

Why am I writing about this? Church should be more than a 1 hour visit each week for everyone. We need to serve and worship together, yet we must take time to fellowship enjoying the company of others. Christians should never be hermits if at all possible. God made us to be relational and that means getting to know each other better as we grow in the Lord. Gathering is Biblical and should be a part of our Christian walk. Look at your calendars. Is fellowship at church on there somewhere? If not sign up for something!


God bless,

Marty

I Am Alive And Well. So I Will Celebrate 10/14/2018

Good Morning,

A big Thermos full of Door County Maple Coffee is going to be with me today as I do a little hunting. The weather is just right to make that coffee taste even better as it warms me up. An apple cider doughnut will be my snack this morning until I get to some bacon and eggs back at the house.

I am usually with a buddy or two when I hunt, but today my company is God and our dog Gibbs. Every now and then a guy just has to hunt alone. I can't talk to myself, that would be a little weird. But the quiet in the marsh affords me some time to write this from my telephone and chat with God.

As I assess my surroundings and the season of my life I have come up with the conclusion that I don't like arthritis and it was nicer when I had a full head of hair. I asked myself this question a few minutes ago. "Are those two things really worth complaining about"?  The answer was no. This last year has presented Rene and I with a few problems now and then, but nothing too drastic.

As I conversed with God I did most of the talking and found myself thanking Him for the warm clothes I am wearing, our dog, a warm home to return to and a wife who will listen to the tales of my day of hunting. I thanked Him for my job and then I prayed for friends and family who need some prayer.

At the end of my prayer time I decided to tell God "Hey I am alive and well". That's when He decided to speak in my heart and He said. "I know, I am with You always." 

Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ So 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 with my righteous right hand.

I  am definitely not alone as I hunt, and His watchful eye is forever over me. I threw God and me a little celebration of life as I raised a cup of my coffee up in a toast to Him and heaven and said "Here's to you Heavenly Father, without You I am nothing"  Time to hunt.

Love to all,

Marty