God's Perfect Timing 1/31/2019

Good Morning,

Once again we are facing antarctic temperatures today. I just came inside from starting and warming up two of our vehicles. Both started very well and I will be driving Rene into work today. Yes my leg therapy has come to the point where I am allowed to drive!! I just poured a travel mug of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee and I am ready to write.

Wouldn't you know that it had to happen. Yesterday I ran into my best Buddy as I was leaving a Dr's appointment. He was going in for his own appointment and we ran into each other at the hospital. I was waiting around to see my wife as she left the hospital so I could giver her a ride to the parking structure. Rene and I did not connect and she is not one to ever turn her cell phone on. So after waiting for twenty minutes to intercept her I headed for home. I no sooner got home and she called saying that the Jeep wouldn't start. I turned around and headed back to the hospital.

In the mean time I prayed and remembered that my Pal might still be there. I called him and he was just leaving. He drove over to the parking structure and put Rene into a warm car. In the mean time he jumped the battery and had her Jeep running by the time I arrived.  This man and I pray for each other daily and we pray over our families. I doubt they even know how much and what we pray for. His appointment was delayed for some reason or another. It was supposed to be earlier in the day. But I believe God worked it out that when the battery died He had help close by. We took the Jeep to a repair garage and they are installing a battery today. Prayer,+God = His Timing.

There is no other way to explain how that happened. Friends, have a prayer partner, pray for one another and foster friendship. God used my Buddy to help my wife and it was all timed perfectly.

God bless.

Marty

Take Care Of One Another 1/30/2019

Good Morning,

I just sat down to write after being up and moving for an hour. I have embraced a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee as my life jacket this morning.



I am still unable to go to work after having knee replacements and my usefulness around the house is also limited. A doctors appointment today might just turn out good enough to lift a few restrictions. We who live in the Midwest are in the grip of a cold front. the likes of which have not been seen in many, many years. -18 degrees without the wind chill is tough on the body, the home  animals and the vehicles.

Proverbs 27:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

    and give attention to your herds,

²³ Know well the condition of your flocks,

Rene and I did everything we could to prepare for the cold, including prayer. Of course hospitals never close and when the phone rang at 3:30 AM in this morning I knew it would be the hospital looking for Rene to come in earlier. It seems as if a co-worker of hers had one of the many vehicles that might fail in the next few days. Rene was out of bed quickly and I was getting bundled up when she asked me what I was doing. My reply was that we have three vehicles and one has to start to get you to work. My intent and hopes would be that all three would start and praise God they did. The Jeep seemed to be the most logical one to travel in. I threw in some disposable hand warmers and a blanket just in case of an emergency as well as a better flashlight.

I can't do much, just yet but I can start a car, warm it up and hand it off to the caregiver needed at the hospital. As I write, I am waiting for that call from Rene telling me she made it to the hospital safely.

Two of our vehicles stay in our garage and our big truck stays outside.I was scraping the windows of the Old Ford, and I looked and saw that our trusty dog was standing next to me. Gibbs had followed me outside.  He was looking pretty cold. He is like a ninja and follows me wherever I go. I opened the truck door and put him inside. It took a good ten minutes for the truck to start spewing out some heat. The back seat of our truck is lined with a nice wool blanket and Gibbs was making the best of the blanket. I joined him in the truck to get out of the cold. I gave him a sip of hot coffee from my insulated mug and all was well. We sent Rene off in a Jeep that was toasty warm and both of us came in after the truck was nice and warm also. Gibbs is already sleeping.

There isn't a whole lot that I can do except very simple things right now. But getting up with my wife ans ensuring a warm ride to work is the least I can do. Making sure our dog is cared for it the least I can do. So my advice for the day is this. If you can, and this cold weather has you in it's strangle hold, make sure to help others when you can. Dress in layers and always take extra with you. You don't know who you will meet on the road in distress. Don't count yourself out as not being able to help. If someone in the house has to go out, pack them a Thermos Bottle of hot cider or hot chocolate. Everyone can care in some way or another.

God bless.

Marty

The Deep Freeze 1/29/2019

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee is giving me an aroma to take in as well as a hot drink to warm up with.

The weather forecast for this part of the world where I live is "Deep Freeze". We are expecting weather temperatures to be well below zero and combined with heavy winds  it is a deadly combination.  The news services are warning everyone to try not to travel during these cold days. They have made recommendations  on how to get by. They advised us to stock up on food, change the filters on our furnaces, keep extra clothes in the car in case you have to travel, and cover any exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Advice has been given to us to keep our pets inside as much as possible.

These are all good things to heed and to be honest I will be doing most all of those. I have learned to respect the cold weather and the damage it can do.

Psalm 119:76 New International Version (NIV)

    according to your promise to your servant.

⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,

One thing none of them have advised on  is what to do while cooped up. I think they believe that everyone will occupy their time wisely.Well, families are not used to being kept inside and they probably will watch a lot of television. That grows old quickly. Some people will catch up on some extra sleep. My advice would be to take this time and spend it reading your Bible, praying with the family and then sit down to a board game or two. My Bible has been used to warm my heart many times. It starts a fire within my soul and leads me trough long days and long nights.

Think ahead and call  the elderly neighbors and check on their well being. Bring them a pot of soup, if you can.  A little extra cooking could be done by a few family members.

A warm heart is the first need every day. and nothing warms a heart like a praying, family.

God Bless,

Marty

Trusting Your Feelings 1/28/2019

Good Morning,

Door County Mocha Mint Coffee just splashed into my cup and the steam is rising toward the ceiling of the kitchen. I have a front row seat to a blizzard in front of me. It didn't take our dog Gibbs too long to get his business done outside this morning. The weather chased him right back into the house.

I learned a long time ago that facts, faith and feelings are three separate things. Along with feelings, usually come emotions and the two can be a bad combination.

I never lean on my feelings or emotions. Those two things, when combined can make for a bad cocktail. To survive in this world I rely on my faith in God.

The writer of Psalm 138 says of God, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” When we are right with God, we never go into turmoil alone. We have the Creator of the Universe on our side.
For example, take David and the story of how he killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17) At the time, David was a shepherd boy, not a warrior. But when he saw Goliath mocking God's people, David approached the king and asked to go down and fight. Picture the babysitter next door or the kid who delivers your papers telling the President, "Let me handle this one." 
David's ability to not be shaken by Goliath's size or insults was the result of David's faith in God. David tells the king, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David had faith that God would defeat the giant and deliver His people, so David to stood up to the king and then to the giant.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." 
Faith is the result of believing the Gospel — the good news that Jesus died for our sin and made a way for us to be right with God and spend eternity in heaven. When we allow the reality of the Gospel to affect every part of our lives, it changes the way we think which changes how we behave.
Faith causes us to act on what we haven't experienced yet, to believe promises in the Bible that haven't been fulfilled yet, and to trust God when our situations haven't changed yet.

If I followed my emotions or feelings I would be inconsistent in my approach to even the simple things of life. I love my job, but many days when I wake up I don't feel like going to work. I therefore would miss a lot of work and would be out of a job. If I followed all of my emotions, anger would take over too many times and I would be beat up or in jail for beating on others.

I place my faith in God, and trust the 66 books of the Bible to ground me and give me God's reference on life with the facts of His desires. Faith, along with Biblical facts  not emotions or feelings set my life in the right direction. It's when I wander from this plan that I find myself  compounding the turmoil of life.

Faith is fact, not the fiction of feelings or emotions. Be safe out there.

Marty

Answering The Call 1/27/2019

Good Morning.

This morning I hope you are well physically and spiritually. I have chosen a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee to start my day.

Isaiah 41:9-10

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,

    from its farthest corners I called you.

I said, ‘You are my servant’;

    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

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.

Many of us this year will hear a call from God to get involved in something that represents a charity, family, or ministry. Many of us will doubt that we are equipped for such a calling or experience. The truth is that when God calls upon us we really are not equipped or ready to handle what He has called us to, without His help. But God promises those whom He calls His right hand is there to hold us. God never calls if He is not into what He calls us to.  With God to help us how can we fail?

So when He calls, drop the excuses of inadequacy, timing, and fear. Join in and do not be dismayed at what God can do through and with you. God loves to do the extraordinary with ordinary people.

God bless,
Marty

Lost In The Calamity 1/26/2019

Good Morning,

The frigid weather is still with us and I sure do appreciate my cup of Door County Maple Coffee this morning. It is supposed to be even colder next week. My kind of weather! No mosquitoes for sure. The hearth is hot with another load of firewood.

This week has been an avalanche of news that would throw any mind into a spin. Building a border wall, shutting down the government, people without jobs, unsafe skies, abortion law changes in New York, spies, and poor politics took the headlines and the wind right out of many of us. 

Matthew 6:9-13 New International Version (NIV)

hallowed be your name,

¹⁰ your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.

¹² And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

¹³ And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

Hidden back behind these other news attention mongers was the fact that a three year old boy in North Carolina had wandered away from home and was lost in the freezing elements for three days. Search parties sought to find him without success.

Rene and I honestly prayed about all of these news items and are still seeking God for the answers. We also prayed for that little boy to be found. Time was running out and one of the short updates on him was that officials were losing hope. I am sure prayers for him were many and non ending.

But low and behold right after what I would call the nightmare of news that actually just angers me, the announcement came that this little guy was found alive and would be fine. This was good news, for all to hear. I have been lost in the woods when I was about twelve years old while deer hunting. Darkness came, i was dressed for the weather and knew that someone would be looking for me. i was armed with a rifle, but yet I can still recall a little despair setting in and thinking I just might sit out all night was not a great feeling. Yet this little guy made it.  Who knows what he went through waiting and wandering looking for home and his mom?

In the midst of political calamity the prayers for a small boy and his safety were heard and answered. That snippet of news made my night and for a short while, I cared less about a wall, lost jobs, and two political parties that should be ashamed of themselves for being stooges on a world level.

The good news reminded me of what can happen when people agree and pray.  We need a little more of that, don't we?

Have a great day. May it be one of prayer and peace of heart.

Marty.

Taking Out The Trash 1/25/2019

Good Morning,

I just let our dog Gibbs back in from his morning trek outside and the cold weather greeted me like a slap in the face. My Door County Maple Coffee just finished brewing and it is a welcome addition to my table.

On a weekly basis our household trash gets picked up from the curb in front of our home. During the week as everyone does, we have things that need to be thrown away. Those items are tossed into two different containers. One container is for garbage and the other is for things that can be recycled.

On the night before the trash is picked up, we walk these two containers to the curb and when we return the next day from work they are still there, but they have been emptied. The trash is gone. And gone for good. None of it is left in the trash containers. they are empty.

Now and then due to weather difficulties or when trash day falls on a holiday, we miss the pick up and disposal of our trash. We have to wait a day or two longer before the public works department can get to us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 New International Version (NIV)

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Now once Rene and I throw something  out, it stays thrown out.  Friends, now and then we all accumulate trash of the heart, mind or soul. For instance if we hung on to the meat wrapper that encased our ground beef for too long without throwing it out, that rancid smell would permeate the house. To harbor trash of the heart and today we will focus on forgiveness, is a practice that will pollute the heart, mind and soul. It will eat at us from the inside out and soon enough it shows in our attitudes and our actions.

When something smells, it can leave the  unpleasant odor on our clothing, or in our homes and it is difficult to remove it. The longer we wait to truly forgive someone makes it more and more difficult to remove the odor of hate and malice from our lives. Nothing seems to go right until we remove the stink of not forgiving from our life.

Friends, let's make today a day to forgive and forgive all the way, not holding on to any of the trash that needs to be tossed. You will feel better because you just stopped carrying a heavy weight hung around your heart.

Love to all,

Marty

Keeping It Simple 1/24/2019

Good Morning,

I hit the floor this morning and much to my surprise the floor was very cold. Our furnace thermostat had accidentally been turned way down. It has been rectified and a small fire was made in the fireplace to supplement the need for some heat. The cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee at my side is a welcome gulp of flavor and warmth this chilly morning.

2 Corinthians 1:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul's Change of Plans

¹² For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

We are preparing for a drastic drop in temperatures, that will begin today and last for a few days. To prepare I made a pot of pheasant and wild rice soup  and some bread buns. The vehicles are ready and are equipped for emergencies. Rene has disposable hand warmers in her back pack. Warm socks and boots will be in fashion for us. Extra blankets are ready if needed. I will be praying for her safe travels.

Friends, it wasn't a big effort to prepare for this frozen spell. Nothing we did is elaborate or over the top. We keep things simple in this home.

This simple mindedness can be applied elsewhere in life. Our finances have a way of getting out of control unless we keep things simple.We do vacation, but plan ahead and save the money and then try to stay within our budget.  Cars are nothing but rust and salt collectors where we live, so we wash them and maintain them. They last longer. We read the newspaper and use the savings coupons provided when we grocery shop. We eat what our appetite can afford, not always what our appetite wants. We have a garden in the summer and tomatoes, peppers and apples are preserved for the winter. We stay home a lot and try to enjoy time with friends when we can. We purchase things that will last and last they do. We avoid the I want and use the I need instead of making compulsive purchases.

Nothing I wrote about is complicated and it has been very successful for us. We are content and happy. Try living a simple life. Cut down the schedules, trim the waste in your home. Make plans that don't require payments later.

God bless,

Marty

Fighting The Temptation 1/23/2019

Good Morning,

A snowstorm wrapped us in a white fury last night and there is a driveway and sidewalk that needs some attention this morning. But, that can wait until later. I just plan on sitting here for awhile. I finished my prayer time and now it's time to enjoy a cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java Coffee.

My knee replacement journey has delivered me to an out patient physical therapy clinic which is very close to our home. Yesterday I was there for one of my scheduled appointments. I want to give a shout out to my caregivers at the clinic. They are very compassionate and supportive. I would call them a credit to their profession.

We have discussed progress and goals for my recovery and my goal is to be able to duck hunt in October as well as go back to work and drive soon. There is a hidden goal that I must confess to.

Just West of the clinic is a Frozen Custard emporium. They advertise the flavor of the day on a big sign in front of their store. I was looking out of the window of the clinic as I was attempting some stair climbing. That sign with the Kit Kat Swirl was staring me in the face. It seemed like there was nothing more I wanted than a scoop of frozen custard.

I made myself a promise. I will give into the temptation when I can walk from the clinic, into the store of frozen delights, purchase heaven's gift of eggs and cream, and return by walking back to the clinic without a cane or any assistance and treat my new friends to an afternoon dish of custard.

There is a time in all of our lives when we need a helping hand. The caregivers are doing their job with enthusiasm and professionalism. But in all honesty, I need them and their skills that I do not possess. I can only do what they teach me to do. I have to accept help.

Many times pride gets in our way of accepting help and we try to go it alone when there are people ready to help us.  I am a big guy and used to bulling my way through obstacles, but on this journey I have needed a lot of help and had to swallow my pride and accept assistance here and there. Assistance has come in many forms. Each is a blessing.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Value of a Friend

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

¹² Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

⁹ Two are better than one,

I relearned something I knew but did not always apply. Two are better than one.

So here's the point.  Help others when you can. Accept help from others when it is offered. Thank God for those He sends your way.

And every time you can, enjoy some frozen custard!

Marty

A Smile Goes A Long Way 1/22/2019

Good Morning,

I just sat down with a cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee at my side. My night was filled with prayer and reading. My eyes are a little heavy as a write today.

Hebrews 13:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

² Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 

My temporary desk at the kitchen table has a benefit or two. If I time things just right my wife Rene sits next to me eating her breakfast before she heads to work. This morning we are dining on apple slices covered with peanut butter and a couple warm fresh biscuits. Great start to the day.

For me, just having Rene smile and I seeing her flip a piece of apple to our dog Gibbs is worth getting up early. He always heads to the heat vent in the winter to warm up after he has had his breakfast. He has done this since he was a puppy. We have an odd dog.

 I have a physical therapy appointment later this day for my two recovering knees. The progress is slow, but steady and the bed seemed like a good place to stay, but the experience of sharing breakfast and a smile with my wife called me to write early and miss a little sleep.

I did mention that smile I received from Rene. A smile is a symbol of recognition, love, acceptance or respect. It doesn't take much to look someone in the eye and smile. The receiver of the smile if they are even remotely human has an emotional experience. They can smile back, nod, or let the smile warm a cold broken heart. If the person smiles back and adds a pleasantry such as a "Good Morning" it is acknowledged as being received and appreciated. In twenty seconds a day can have a dose of sweetness from the "sugar tree" of life. It is also exercise for the face muscles for all of you fitness gurus.

Sometimes after greeting someone, while walking away I say a prayer asking God to bless the person who smiled at me or I greeted. Again in 20 seconds heaven can move. So today if someone greets you with a smile, appreciate it. Smile back and lose a calorie. Extend a greeting, and possibly a prayer. Your smile and that prayer can go a long way in twenty seconds. You might never know just how it impacted someone's day. And it might be best not to know.

Impact eternity in twenty seconds? God knows who needed the smile or He knew you needed one. Have you ever thought of a smile and a greeting as a heavenly experience? Now you know why you have those facial muscles. How about getting those muscles in shape today? When greeting a stranger, could it be an angel? Something more for you to ponder.

God bless,

Marty

Just Laugh It Off 1/21/2019

Good Morning,

This day started early for me. As usual it started with prayer and a cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. The temperature outside is frigid and I wanted to start my wife's day with a hot breakfast. So as I am writing she is eating some hot hopple popple and fruit.

Colossians 3:12-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

Character of the New Man

¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Everyone has an opinion on everything under the sun. This includes opinions on people also. For instance some people will favor a particular athlete over another one, just because one of them has "won enough games already" and others prefer the winner  just because he is a winner.

Unfortunately people often share their views openly which causes a "difference of opinions" and leads to more opinions being formed. My mother always said, "if you don't have anything good to say, then it is best to not say a word.

We should work to build each other up. It only takes one bikini clad celebrity bragging about how she controls her figure to tear down people who have some extra weight around the middle. The world tears down people all day long. Shouldn't we work to build each other up, using our words as a bridge of peace, hope and love? Sometimes opinions are best left to one's self or shared privately to the individual they are intended for. If the opinions shared are about you, laugh it off and let them go in one ear and out of the other unless there is something to glean from the statements. Getting angry is falling for the bait that Satan put in front of you to create barriers and ill feelings towards others.

People choose your words carefully. What you sow, you just might reap. Words that cause harm are words hard to digest.

Happy Monday!!

Marty

Some Things Never Change Sharing Is Caring 1/20/2019

Good Morning,

I just sat down after prayer to a cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee and a plate of bacon and eggs. This man is blessed to be able to enjoy

Luke 3:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Winter finally hit our portion of the world and it left us with a pile of snow and now some very cold weather. The fireplace is providing some extra heat to our home and I have concluded that the best place to observe the cold weather is to observe it from the inside of a warm building.

Cold weather can be dangerous if one is not dressed properly for it. More automobiles experience cold weather failures than on any average summer day. I have made too many cold weather mistakes in my life that could have been avoided had I heeded the warnings and not challenged the weather. If one can avoid going outside, it would be a wise choice to stay indoors. Nothing about cold weather has changed in my life time. I for one dress to be warm. I wouldn't say that I am a fashion statement.

We need to respect the weather elements that God gives us and if needed or possible help those who are less fortunate. Two blankets might be needed, but if a person has none or only one they will suffer. If you have extra, please help those who are less fortunate. This goes with cold weather as well as severe summer weather. If you can share during a hurricane or extreme heat, wild fires or flooding we must do so.

Blessings are meant to be shared. Warm hats, gloves and coats are made to be worn in the cold weather. Watch and see how you can share and impact the environment or situation of another person or family.

Simple message for today, but one we need to hear more often.

Marty

Sitting Here Resting My Bones 1/19/2019

Good Morning,
My view from the window shows me a winter scene that came in fast last night and now looks like it is going to stay for awhile. I poured myself a hot cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and I will let these bones rest a little longer.

Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In my therapy for knee replacements I have progressed to more of an aggressive plan now. Yesterday was the first time I was allowed to get on to a stationary bicycle. I gave that bike a long look before I ventured on to the seat. I have been on many stationary bikes in my day, but with these two surgeries, the one I was facing yesterday was a bit intimidating.

My wonderful wife Rene was there, my physical therapist and her intern were there also. All three were like Mom's cheering me on like I was the last batter who could win the Little League Baseball World Series. "You've got this, you can do it" is all I heard.

Once on the bike, the goal was to not make full revolutions, just half trips. Forward and backwards, nice and easy were the instructions. Each time as I warmed up I was to see if I could take the "semi revolution" just a little further. Then it happened. As I pushed myself further along, the travel measurement was almost a full turn around. My next spin took me to the edge of no return. I couldn't stop the bike from following through and we made a full revolution all the way around. There was silence in the room. My knees were singing the Hallelujah Chorus, but it was definitely off key, because they were barking from pain. The knees went all the way. I continued slowly then, making several full cycles on the bike that goes nowhere. It didn't take too long to wear me out and it was very soon after I was off of the bike they packed my legs in ice to control the pain and swelling.

It was a long day and the pain lasted well into last night. Friends I am not complaining. I knew this would be a long haul before we began. I have been praying through this ordeal, including therapy trips. Things are looking good. Without some pain there will be no gain. Today we will do a couple flights of stairs. Tomorrow I will be back on a bike.

God has carried me this far and I am counting on Him to continue. He has given me the strength to go when I did not want to. He has delivered excellent caregivers to me and has given Rene an extra dose of patience to be able to meet my needs. We go through things together.

I pray before every therapy session. Skilled hands guide the steps. But it is God who oversees all healing.  Friends this may sound trivial, but pray about everything that you have to encounter. Let God be the guide to buying a new refrigerator. Which person should you date. Ask Him for protection while driving. I will swear to it until I die. I believe an angel gave that bike pedal a little push yesterday just to help me go further than we all thought I could.

Friends, pray, pray and pray again. This fear conquered. I just might try ice fishing next year.

Marty

Your Plans Or God's Plans? 1/18/2019

Good Morning,

This day began a few hours ago for me and it was greeted with prayer and a cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. I needed more time to pray today before writing. Now it's time to write.

Proverbs 19:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

²¹ There are many plans in a man’s heart,

Proverbs 28:26 English Standard Version (ESV)

    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

²⁶ Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,

According to scientists there are four personality/style  types. Aggressive/Drivers, Passive/Just go with it, Data/ I need proof, and Expressive, Lets Talk it through. These four have been renamed in many booklets and most people in management know where they sit on the chart and they then learn how to work with the other style types.

 I want to talk today about God, church and leadership. The first style Aggressive Drivers are needed in many instances to get things done. But very often they will arrive at a decision without all the facts and most importantly without God's plan that has been prayed out and needs to be followed. If the plan fails the driver, is then sent into reactionary mode and will often again make a decision without prayer. They often will pair themselves with another reactionary to balance out their decision with numbers agreeing, but still  in lack of prayer and direction.

Passive church members are always needed and they go with the flow and allow others to direct them. In many instances though they become people followers instead of God followers. When things just aren't right, they will leave a church without asking God if they should leave, nor do they want to fix a problem. They leave, "not wanting to make waves or speak up".

Data driven people are a good check and balance group. They will look at facts before committing dollars to a project, check Scripture for accuracy, yet they are hard to lead into a decision that counts entirely on faith.

Expressive people love to involve everyone and this is a great trait. But they also like to talk, and then talk some more which often holds up progress or decisions with a time frame.

A church is made up of many members and all the members provide a talent or function. Each one is important. Yet God does not always disclose His plan for individuals to the whole church, until it is needed.

The church though must be reminded that there is One Head and that is Jesus Christ. Any plans prayed about and agreed upon, which are Scriptural and providing good fruit should be the course to follow. God lays out the plan but not always does He reveal the next steps until we are faithful in our ability to follow what He last instructed. Next steps should be prayed about and not rushed into as a reaction to a perceived need. When we go outside of God's plans without prayer, data, and agreement we become our own little idols. Little idols like to take charge and alter a course even when the course has been successful. They lack data, and knowledge from heaven. They react without inviting prayer into the camp and clear direction.

Friends, God is very clear on making plans without Him and seeking Him in prayer.

Be careful the steps you take could be the wrong ones. Like antique dishes, a broken plan can't always be fixed when it breaks.

Marty

Nehemiah And A Day Of Prayer 1/17/2019

Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and a small cup of Door County Highlander  Grog Coffee. My night was long and lacked enough sleep for me to be too chatty this morning. We will continue with part two of the prayer life of Nehemiah. You can refer to yesterday's blog to assist in your prayer venture.

Nehemiah 2

New International Version (NIV)

Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem

2 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, ² so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, ³ but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
⁴ The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Notice! Nehemiah's prayer was answered. His petition for others was granted.
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, Nehemiah was in constant prayer (spiritual prayer). I am sure he did not call a time out to pray for an hour and then answer Artaxerxes. But before speaking he prayed. Do you and I do that or does our mouths run ahead of our prayer life? Are we pompous and rely on our own wisdom before consulting God? ⁵ and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
⁶ Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. With every petition comes an answer. Then a call. Notice Nehemiah had no idea all that would encounter him on his journey yet he did not hesitate to set a time and then go.. His answered prayer gave him extra faith in what God would and can do.  
⁷ I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah?  ⁸ And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” God also provided wisdom for Nehemiah to ask for the papers he would need. God provided those provisions. And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. He acknowledges who performed the miracle. ⁹ So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
¹⁰ When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. Of course with a call answered by prayer and endorsed by God we will continue to need to rely on God.

Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls

¹¹ I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days ¹² I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.
¹³ By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal^[a] Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. ¹⁴ Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; ¹⁵ so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. ¹⁶ The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.
¹⁷ Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” ¹⁸ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Faith in answered prayer can be contagious. Prayer often requires the action of follow through.
¹⁹ But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” When people scoff at your call and answered prayer, do you stop. Often times we will be ridiculed by our own friends, family or church members. We must be faithful to God who spoke to us and follow through.
²⁰ I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. Faith in answered prayer builds confidence. Not in our abilities but in God's promises to follow though. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

Friends when was the last time you had a Nehemiah type day? My advice is to get going. The day has already started and it will be tomorrow soon and you might just miss out on God at work.

Love to all.
Marty

Lessons From Nehemiah 1/16/2019

Good Morning.

Starting what will be a long day with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. I pray that your day will be one of peace joy, and happiness found in the Lord.

Today I am going to try something different. I am going to print a passage from the book of Nehemiah and then add my comments between verses. Then I am going to ask you to see where you fall in line with the Scripture and comments. This is the Marty Commentary!

Nehemiah 1

New International Version (NIV)

Nehemiah’s Prayer

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, ² Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. This was what was left after 100 years of exile.

³ They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Their city was in ruins.
⁴ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. ⁵ Then I said: Notice that Nehemiah went to prayer for days and he fasted. His prayer was filled with emotion.

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah knows who he is praying to. The custom of pagans was to pray to many Gods. Many Israelites had fallen into that habit. Nehemiah prayed to the one and only God.  ⁶ let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. Notice as he interceded that he admitted being in sin as well as the sins of others. He knew how holy he wasn't. ⁷ We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
⁸ “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, ⁹ but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ He knew God's promises.
¹⁰ “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. ¹¹ Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah knew that he would be going before the king and needed the help of God. He asked for what he was afraid about.

Friends what type of prayer life do you have? Do you intercede for others with a "High and Mighty Attitude? Or do you remember that you too are imperfect before God and admit it. Where do you draw the line on prayer time? Notice Nehemiah prayed day and night before God.  

Makes you wonder what our world would be like if we all prayed like Nehemiah.

Tomorrow I will continue the story of Nehemiah. Let's see how this ends.

God bless,
Marty

Notes Under A Rock 1/15/2019

Good Morning,

It is a cold damp day here where I live and my cup of Door County Frosting On The Cake Coffee is hot and tasty. It is working to fight off the chill in our home.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing

As I recuperate from knee joint replacements, the kitchen table has become my desk. I haven't graduated to moving back upstairs to my den. The kitchen window has gifted me with being able to observe more people  and their daily routines.

I have been watching all kinds of things from joggers, to dog walkers, kids waiting for school buses and one young lady who receives a ride to school. A van with a female driver picks her up. This just looks like one family helping another. Prior to the van pulling up, the young lady walks down to the end of the street and waits on the corner for her ride. This does not happen every day. Yesterday I happened to be outside with our dog when she made her morning trek to wait for her ride.

I have been noticing that this young lady takes a very small package and places it in the landscape rock of the yard bordering the street corner. Later another young lady comes by to catch a ride about twice a week and she retrieves the little package.  I believe they must attend different schools.

So my curiosity got the best of me. I asked the young lady what she was doing and she said "my friend struggles with school and when I know she is ride sharing I leave her a note of encouragement in the rocks. I read a daily devotional and I share a page or two with her. I cut the message from my book and save it for her. We study hard and do not have time during the week to chat and be friends". She showed me the contents of the package. It was exactly what she said it was.  I thanked her for being a good friend to her pal. " Before her ride came, she went on to explain that the receiver of the note also shares the message with other teens who enjoy an encouraging word.

I see in this last couple of weeks, teenagers caring for others. They are not hurting the landscape. But they are making the world a better place one little page at a time. When was the last time you sent a note of encouragement?

Marty

The New Bicycle A Sense Of Encouragement 1/14/2019

Good Morning,

My day started with prayer and a cup of Door County Frosting In The Cup Coffee. It is damp and dreary here, but we haven't had the wrath of winter show it's head yet in these parts. We are in a snow drought.

As of late, my writings have been heavy and strongly worded. God laid on my heart to send a word of encouragement to all of you today.

Isaiah 41:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

¹³ For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,

Yesterday I watched a young couple and their oldest daughter who would be four to five years old try out a new bicycle. We have a sidewalk on one side of our neighborhood made for bicycle and pedestrians. Mom was pushing a stroller with a well bundled up baby. It was a family outing.

I  assumed the bicycle was Christmas present as it still had some Holiday ribbons on it. Again I make the assumption that the child lobbied the parents into "trying the new bike or learned to ride a bike". She was a little feeble on her riding abilities. The two wheel freedom mobile was equipped with training wheels for stability. Dad was very close to his daughter as they maneuvered the sidewalk.

The family made a couple of laps around the neighborhood and I am sure those little legs were all tired out. Mom looked ready to head into the house and warm up. On the second lap around our portion of the world I noticed that our young speed racer would get ahead of dad by 30 yards or so, showing her independence. But then she would stop, turn around and look to see if Dad was coming along. She enjoyed the assurance that Dad was close by.

Friends, every day is a new bicycle ride for all of us. Our bicycle rides take us down familiar paths as well as new or unknown roads. But when we venture too far or get the least afraid we to can turn around to a gracious God and know He is behind us, and even closer. He holds our hands and gives us that tug as He leads us faithfully through the path.

Have a great day!

Marty

We Tend To Forget That We Will All Be Judged 1/13/2019

Good Morning,

Door County Candy cane Coffee was chosen as the java of my morning and it is a delight to hear it perking and awaiting my taste buds.

Christians who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have been given the gift of eternal life with God the Father.  My fear is that although this is true, many live their lives wearing the safety net of salvation , but they forget that we will still stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives.

Now once saved by the blood of Jesus, nothing can separate us from that love. Nothing!

Romans 8:31-39 New Living Translation (NLT)

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

³¹ What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? ³² Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? ³³ Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. ³⁴ Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

³⁵ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ³⁶ (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” ³⁷ No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But we forget that it is graced that saved us and yet we will look Jesus into the eye, stand before Him and give an account of our life on Earth, the good and the bad.

Romans 14:5-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Every knee shall bow to Me,

And every tongue shall confess to God.”

⁵ One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. ⁶ He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. ⁹ For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰ But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ¹¹ For it is written:

“As I live, says the Lord,

¹² So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

1. When we stand before Christ as Judge, we will be judged according to our deeds in this life. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” This is not an isolated teaching in the New Testament. Jesus said in Matthew 16:27, “The Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and will then recompense every person according to his deeds.” And in the very last chapter of the Bible Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to render to every person according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). In other words, the way you live is not unimportant. It does not mean you earn your salvation. Yet we are to be rewarded for the good we do in our lives and account for the lack of obedience along the way. We do not lose our place in heaven. We forget that we will look Jesus in the eye and give this accoint, yet our sins are washed away by His blood. 

We are saved through grace yet our lives should reflect our faith. You can't earn your way to heaven, but it is also not a free pass to keep a life of sin.

Heavy thoughts for a Sunday.

Marty