Saying Goodbye To The Ham Radio Operator 4/30/2019

Good Morning,

I just woke up a little groggy from sleeping too well last night. It seems that I need a cup of Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee to shake the dust off of my brain. A time of prayer, a little writing and then it's off to work.

Today is a bitter sweet day for me. One of my staff members is retiring today. We are all happy for him and rejoice that he is in good health and is ready to pull the plug on over thirty years of health care service. I won't mention his name because he is a quiet guy who seldom likes to be recognized. One of his hobbies is to operate his ham radio from his home. He talks to people all over the world. He really enjoys making contacts and chatting on his radio. If he treats the people he meets on his radio the way he has treated me, he is cared for around the world.

When I was in the hospital with my knee replacements he checked on Rene for me, and was the first to check on me in my room. He knows that I like different types of mustard. When he travels, he always returns with a sample of the local mustard. I take in extra coffee and will many times fill his mug with the last of my coffee before I leave at night. My Hammy works the night shift and is well liked by the people he serves with at night.

So today I will say goodbye and he will move on. I am sure we will keep in touch now and then, maybe even more now that we will be on the same time zone. But he left an impression on my heart because he treated me at all times with dignity and respect. He will do well in retirement, bringing fun and joy to his grandchildren.

Philippians 1:3 NIV

I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

What he doesn't know is that I will be praying for him now and then. That's what friends do. Make sure to pray for your friends. That is one way to treat others with love, dignity and respect.

God bless,

Marty

The Day After The Snow Storm 4/29/2019

Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee awaits me after I finish writing and praying. It looks like rain is on the menu for the week. Oh well, it will help the grass grow.

On Saturday we received a few inches of snow and to be honest with you all I did not give Sunday much hope to be a nice day. In the early morning the snow was still here and it was wet as all get out. But by 10 AM it was sunny and later it was dry and warm enough to mow our grass for the first time. It was two days that were just exact opposites.I accomplished a lot yesterday. I drained the snow blower, started the weed cutter and leaf blower. The grass was mowed and trimmed. I was feeling pretty good about myself until I recalled the lousy mood I was in earlier in the morning.

Now I have no excuse for being crabby and a little cross with her. Then I remembered once more that I broke my routine of praying before leaving the bedroom. I was feeling pretty good about myself and then remembered how I felt at 6 AM. I started to feel a little guilty about grumbling about a little snow o early in the morning. I let the weather impact my mood and I wasn't exactly pleasant to Rene when she came to the kitchen for breakfast. I had prayed a little for some others but not for the two of us. I was mad at myself for not mowing the grass on Friday and was picturing myself mowing a hay field by Thursday. My procrastination made a little snow a big deal. But God proved me wrong and dried it up so I could not complain or have an excuse for a shabby lawn.

I contemplated this for awhile and came to the conclusion that God had corrected me for being lazy and for having a nasty mood. He stuffed me with a day of sunshine. Not to be one who makes the same mistake twice I got going and finished my chores.

Job 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

  ¹⁷ “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; 

 therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.

God did not have to spank me with the razor strap, but He got my attention through the Holy Spirit. I was ashamed of the bad attitude all day. 

Have a wonderful day,

Marty

In This World You Will Have Trials. But He Has Overcome The World. 4/28/2019

Good Morning,

As usual, I can be found at my desk in the den with a cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. It was still hot and fresh from yesterday. The money I spent on that Thermos bottle 30 years ago was well worth it. Yes, it is yesterdays coffee, but waste not want not. I am staring at some late April snow outside of the window. So A pot of chili will be made to ward off the cold and dampness.

Several of my friends, family and us are experiencing some trials right now. We attended our regular prayer meeting last night that was filled with the Holy Spirit. I believe God knew we all needed to see a quick victory. One of our closest friends lost her coat and hat while moving yesterday. She is the last one that could afford to lose a coat. We prayed and a temporary coat was given to her to use for as long as she needed it. Now you might find it trivial to pray for a coat and hat. We are known for putting everything to prayer. After the prayer service two guys followed  this angel of a lady home and found her coat in a pile of snow in the parking lot with her other belongings that she had placed in a bag. Everything was there but totally soaked. I called her this morning and she said "Praise God I have my coat and hat and everything is already dry." We are all rejoicing with her. God came through. The snow that we all cursed probably kept anyone from taking her belongings.

John 16:33 New King James Version (NKJV)

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you ^[a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So my friends our Lord knew what we would need ahead of time. The snow was just what we needed to protect our little friend. Oh by the way! We prayed about this move for weeks that all of us would be able to mover her, efficiently and safely.God provided the snow after the move. We didn't slip and slide during our task. Right on time Father God! If you are experiencing a trial, look to God, and see that some how He will carry you through and show you a silver lining in the storm.

God Bless,

Marty

Where Did Our Patience Go? 4/27/2019

Good Morning,
I can't believe that there is snow in our forecast for today. Therefore I will heat up my Thermos Bottle Of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee a little hotter today. I wrote on patience in 2012 and after this week of surprises I thought I would recharge myself to be patient. 

"In an age where we can obtain information with a touch of a screen and purchase things without even making a phone call faith and patience seem to have no place.When I was a kid and we wanted soup we opened the can, placed the soup in a pan and placed it on the stove to boil. Now we can just plop it into a bowl and microwave it within seconds. I have watched people tap their fingers with impatience on a microwave when they think it is taking too long. We have become a impatient people.In today's text we see that in our faith we need to wait on God for His timing and answer."

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

—Romans 8:25

If we wait on God and trust in His wisdom to do only what is best for us we can wait with patience. In God we trust. It is more than just a phrase on a coin.

Marty

Munching On A Thought 4/26/2019

Good Morning,

I awoke this morning to our dog happier than usual and looking to get outside. He was happy to embrace the morning with me after his run outside and we shared some rough housing play time. I filled my cup with Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee and now it is time to write.

Lately I have had a lot on my mind and my brain was munching through a lot of deep thoughts last night. Rene will be retiring in a couple of weeks and I won't be too far behind her. Dealing with the fact that we aren't kids anymore just settled in on me.

Munching on healthy snacks in moderation is a good thing. Eating the wrong stuff for too long has it's issues and rears it's ugly head eventually. So munching on thoughts that are out of your control is not all that healthy for you either. It is at times like this that it is a good idea to purge your head and fill it with the things of God.  One can never have enough good thoughts on God. It is the gift that keeps on giving. I like to pray for Him to share His thoughts with me. And some times He does.

Psalm 139:17 English Standard Version (ESV)¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!    How vast is the sum of them!

Happy Friday,

Marty

Satan Likes To Attack After A Spiritual High 4/25/2019

Good Morning,

Today started with prayer and deep thoughts. To add to my peaceful morning I poured myself a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.

I have accumulated some knowledge in 62 years of life. I know for a fact that many believers suffer great temptation after spiritual triumphs or declarations. My good friend and I have learned this lesson the hard way. We are very careful to stay in the Word and prayer after a spiritual victory. We actually pray for others who took a stand for God in a big way and will usually be targeted by the demon himself just to discourage them.

Mac Brunson, pastor of Green Street Baptist Church, High Point, N.C.
"You begin to experience some spiritual victories in your life and you're going to come under an intense period of extreme temptation," Brunson declared  during a chapel address at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

1 Peter 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Shortly after Christ's public baptism, recounted Brunson, the Gospels record that Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days in the wilderness.
"Jesus had just come out of the waters of the Jordan River where he had been baptized," said Brunson. "The heavens opened up and the spirit of God descended like a dove and the voice of the Father said, 'this is my beloved Son, in whom I'm well pleased.'" At Christ's baptism, the Son of God was publicly declaring to fulfill his Father's will by identifying himself with condemned humanity including thieves, liars, prostitutes and murderers.
"When he stood there, he said these are the people that I'm going to identify with because I've come to deliver them out of the domain of darkness and into the kingdom of Light," said Brunson.
Unlike Christ, who was able to reject Satan's temptations following John the Baptist's proclamation of Christ as the Messiah, Christians have difficulty handling spiritual victories in their lives, he said.
Too often, Brunson said, when Christians are blessed by God, they are vulnerable to becoming less dependent on the spirit of God. Daily prayer and Bible study are usually the first spiritual disciplines Satan attempts to conquer, he said.

When you experience a spiritual victory stay in the Word and pray more than ever. Seek God first in all things and do not let down your guard.

Food for thought,

 Marty

Weed Guard For The Garden 4/24/2019

Good Morning,

My day started with prayer, some bending exercises and a very large mug of Door County Kona Coffee. There is a little bit of a chill in the air, but nothing a sweater won't take care of.

Rene and I just had the vegetable garden turned over and we will be ready to plant soon. The garden will comprise itself of tomato plants, pepper plants and a couple of squash vines. We will be trying something new this year. To avoid the weeds that seem to clog the garden every year, we will be installing a weed fabric. We will cut holes in the fabric just to accommodate the plants and not allow the weeds to take over.

To me, life seems to be a lot like gardens. If we don't control the weeds of life, they take over and pretty much ruin a great life garden. The weeds I speak of are bad habits and sins we tend to ignore because we think they are not too bad. They become easy to overlook and before you know it, they are easier to keep than get rid of. Unfortunately they often block us from the blessings God would bestow on us.

We need a weed fabric for our mind, heart and soul. God's Word read daily is the key to a weed free life. It teaches us, reprimands us and sets our paths straight.

Psalm 119:105 New King James Version (NKJV)

נ NUN

And a light to my path.

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet

So today would be a great day to weed the garden and apply some weed prevention application to our lives.

God bless,

Marty

Sri Lanka Our Prayers Are With You 4/23/2019

Good Morning,

This morning started with a somber tone. I love my morning cup of Door County  Mocha  Mint Coffee. But I am finding it hard to be joyful today.

It is hard to imagine sitting in church and having a suicide bomber blow up the church, your family and friends. It doesn't  surprise me that evil is so obnoxiously cowardly that it resorts to attacking places of worship. We have experienced this hatred in the United States also.

My heart and prayers go out to all of the families of recent martyrs murdered for their faith. The suicide bomber accomplished his goal. He died. But those martyred in the name of Jesus live on. In a useless, senseless attack on Christianity the terrorist accomplished one thing he set out to do. He died and now awaits the final judgement where he will spend eternity with others like him. They lose. They just don't know the end of the story.

Romans 8:38-39 New International Version (NIV)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 20:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

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 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Pray on Dear Friends. Keep the faith.

Marty

Sitting At The Window 4/22/2019

Good Morning,

Monday rolled in quietly and it is here to stay for 24 hours no matter what we say or do. I just poured a cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee just because it was the one that was closest to the top of my brew stash.

Yesterday I was sitting at my desk, with the window open enjoying a fresh breeze blowing across the papers where I write. I observed our neighbor installing a new fence and the quandary he encountered. In order to observe property lines and be respectful he built
 the fence line so close to a tree that he had to cut the fence at the bottom to accommodate the tree trunk. I feel for the guy, because up until that snafoo his fence was a class one installation. The fence posts have been cemented in and starting over was not an option. Even if he did start over he would be infringing on our property line. It would take a court hearing and a written variance with us granting him permission to install the fence a few inches over. I hope he knows we would have granted that variance without wanting anything for it. It would have been about four to five inches.

Isn't it a funny world where a few inches would require a court hearing , when his fence actually benefits us too. But I suppose, later down the road and the properties are sold, come legal beagle would make an issue out of it, holding up a land sale. So the poor guy has a hole in a beautiful fence. it reminds me of the guy who built an outhouse and didn't plan enough leg room. So He cut two holes in the door for the knees .

Proverbs 16:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

But the Lord directs his steps.

⁹ A man’s heart plans his way,

Friends, we plan and sometimes plans don't go as we thought they would. Sometimes you can start over. Sometimes you have to adjust the plans and keep going forward. But no matter what, we can always make the best of it.

Marty

Easter From My Point Of View 4/21/2019

Good Afternoon,

I was able to enjoy a cup of Door County Dublin's Delight this morning with some eggs and sausage. It sure was a match for the beautiful day God gave us to celebrate the resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday was special to both my wife Rene and me. Our church served a breakfast to all those coming for the Sunday service. Rene and I were able to work with a great team of people to prepare and feed a large number of attenders. It reminded us of our younger days when three families would work together and serve a sunrise breakfast for Easter at the church we attended at the time. Those are very fond memories. The breakfast went off without a hitch and we both went home like the rest of the team tired and weary, but content knowing we had served as good as we could.

I would say it was our best attempt at celebrating a Risen Savior and serving at the same time . I can speak for the  group of workers and each one cherishes what Jesus did on the cross for the whole world, yet we all agree that He still knows us individually by name. The thought of His love for each of us stirs a person to want to serve.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene John 20:11-18

¹¹ Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
¹³ They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
¹⁷ Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

In the text above Jesus said Mary's name to her to get her attention. I believe if you or I were there He would have spoken our names too. He knows His sheep.

God Bless,

Marty

That Day In Between Friday And Easter 4/20/2019

Good Morning,

I started this day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee. You are probably thinking that this old boy doesn't know that it is spring and tomorrow is Easter. I am of sound mind and body today. The White Christmas Coffee is one of my favorite blends and I just felt like treating myself to something special today.

We have all experienced the day after the death of a beloved family member or a dear friend. The day of their passing finds us in shock, filled with adrenaline, wondering why, how, what more we could have done, do we have to travel, or where is all that paperwork? Our minds race at 100 miles per hour while we are in deep anguish. I have experienced these days and I dread any more that are to come.

Then comes the next day when reality has really set in and you are exhausted, yet things need to be done or you are in the middle of traveling to a destination. Your appetite is gone. The socks you are wearing don't match, and you really don't care. You are numb and just going through the motions. Activities have slowed down and you are most of the time deep in thought.

Jesus had family members and many followers who on the day after His death were going through what we have experienced in our own lives. They forgot what He taught them. The cross was empty and the tomb was filled.

Matthew 17:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection

²² Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, ²³ and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

For me Easter weekend is very personal. I always write on Good Friday and about the suffering and death Jesus experienced on behalf of me and my sins. On Saturday I  experience the thought that Jesus, body (Only His Body) is still laying in a tomb because of me.

Luke 23:39-43 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” ⁴³ And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Now you and I know the rest of the story. On Easter Sunday God raised Jesus from the grave and we celebrate His power over death and sin. Our price was paid once and for all time. So in a little while I will drop the reflective mood and prepare my heart to worship and serve tonight and tomorrow.

I am asking all of you to do the same. Reflect on what was done for you. But prepare yourself in prayer to celebrate, worship and serve tomorrow. Put Easter Sunday in the right perspective. Lay out your clothes tonight. Make sure you can arrive at church on time.  Be there ready to worship. Jesus deserves your best every Sunday, but more so tomorrow. The egg hunt and jelly beans can wait until later. Go and experience a Risen Savior like never before.

God Bless,

Marty

Thoughts For Good Friday 4/19/2019

Good Morning,

This morning's cup is filled to the top with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. It is just what I needed. We are approaching Easter and Sunday will soon be upon us. Let's see what lesson we can learn from the cross of Jesus Christ today.  



There was the crucifixion guard.  They were there for two purposes. 

They were to carry out the crucifixion, execute the criminal and  to maintain order. They would be there to keep anyone from interfering in the execution, either to free a prisoner or to torment him physically.

Their purpose there was simply to obey orders. They did not have an emotional stake in the proceedings. Whomever the ones being crucified on that day, either the Son of God or a wicked criminal, meant nothing to them.  These soldiers could be expected to be coarse and vulgar, having no sympathy for Jesus.

 John 19:2-3 "And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. {3} Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands."  Luke 23:36- "The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine,"

There was the commander of the crucifixion guard. 

 He would be a centurion, normally in charge of a hundred troops, he would be delegated to make sure that the crucifixion was carried out properly without any complications.  He would be a career soldier who had worked his way up through the ranks by virtue of courage and intelligence.  He would be expected to be cold and efficient. His first task would be to carry out the orders of his superiors. Jesus had contact with an earlier centurion, who desired for him to come heal one of his servants. This would be a different day.

 Matthew 8:5-10
⁵ When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ⁶ “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed,suffering terribly.”
 ⁷ Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
 ⁸ The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁹ For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
 ¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

 LOOK AT THE REACTION OF THE SOLDIERS TO THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS. 

                        The guards seemed to have absolutely no pity for Jesus and his agony. 

They went about their task with cold precision. There were only four legionaries there. There would be no need for more. There would be no mob rush to save the Son of God.
John 19:23- "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece."  

 As the custom was, the crucifixion guard would divide among themselves the meager possessions of the condemned criminals. While the Son of God hung naked for all to see and mock at, they cast lots for his  coat that was used to cover the entire body.

 John 19:23-24- "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. {24} They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots."

The soldiers did these things . 

The Centurion was different.

           Somewhere along the way, he became impressed with Jesus.

 It could have been the way he held up under the anguish of the cross. It could have been the way he lovingly made allowance for his mother's care.  It could have been how Jesus prayed for their, and specifically his, forgiveness. He had almost certainly never heard such a prayer from a cross.

It was also, no doubt, because of the signs that took place during the crucifixion.

 Matthew 27:51-54- "Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, {52} and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; {53} and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went  into the holy city and appeared to many. {54} So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!""

                  He went on to express a belief in Jesus' innocence.

  Luke 23:47- "So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying,      "Certainly this was a righteous Man!""

 It could well be possible that this centurion was like the centurion earlier, and Cornelius in Acts chapter 10, in that he was a believer in the one true God. Notice that he "glorified God."

One can't but wonder about how coming in contact with Jesus affected the soldier's lives.

                               Did they become Christians?

The Pulpit Commentary relates the tradition that the centurion's name was Longinus and that he became a devoted follower of Jesus, preached the gospel and died as a martyr. We do not know if any of guards ever became followers of Jesus.

          We can be sure that their lives would never be the same after seeing
         The Son of God on the cross.

                 TWO LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THESE ROMAN SOLDIERS.

 Even the most holy and spiritual activity can appear carnal to those who are not spiritual.

 Titus 1:15-16- "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. {16} They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him,
being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work."

Here was a man giving his life without complaint, without pleading for mercy, and the Roman soldiers were casting lots for his meager possessions.   We should not be terribly surprised when those who are not Christians do not see the great spiritual significance to the Lord's Supper, baptism, etc.

 Romans 8:5-8- "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. {7} Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. {8} So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

The cross of Jesus has the power to change the individual. The centurion began a Roman officer overseeing a crucifixion, but ended the day acknowledging that Jesus was the Son of God.

Have a beautiful day.
Marty

Lesson From A POW 4/18/2019

Good Morning World,

I woke up this morning and I am not in hell. It is more than I deserve. Top that off with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and I find myself most blessed.

I am a strong supporter of our Country's Veterans. I say thank you and pray for them. My heart goes out to them, especially the ones who have the title of POW. Prisoner of War. Their stories of survival amaze me. Their will to live astounds me. I am usually brought to tears when I read their accounts. I want to share a short story written by an American POW who was captured in Vietnam during the war. Howard Rutledge found peace and learned to appreciate what God was teaching him during the time of his captivity. Howard writes.

" During those long periods of enforced reflection, it became so much easier to separate the important from the trivial, the worth-while from the waste...

My hunger for spiritual food soon outdid my hunger for a steak.  I wanted to know more about the part of me that will never die. I wanted to talk about God and Christ and the church. It took prison to show me how empty life is without God....

On August 31st, after twenty-eight days of torture, I could remember I had children but not how many. I said Phyllis's name over and over again so I would not forget. I prayed for strength. It was on that twenty-eighth night I made God a promise. If I survived this ordeal, the first Sunday back in freedom I would take Phyllis and my family to their church... confess my faith in Christ and join the church. This wasn't a deal with God to get me through that last miserable night. It was a promise made after months of thought. It took prison and hours of painful reflection to realize how much I needed God and the community of believers. After I made God that promise, again I prayed for strength to make it through the night.

When the morning dawned through the crack in the bottom of the solid prison door, I thanked God for His mercy." Rutledge and Rutledge In the Presence.

We all go though trials and major issues in life. We can view them as trials and struggles or we can view them as teaching and preparations for life. God never promised an easy road that would be trouble free or painless. But God can use these seasons for something good. Our trouble is not punishment, it is training for life as one trains a child, which is the normal experience of children.

Psalm 119:102 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰² I have not departed from your laws,
    for you yourself have taught me.

Sometimes a season of learning lasts a lifetime, Our faith in God brings Him to our side. As a student learns, they are always taught to apply the knowledge of that day to the next day even though the chapter is not finished.

We learn as we go and need to apply it daily.

Whatever we are going through. With God we can get through.He will carry us and give us strength to endure.

Deuteronomy 11:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

Remember what you learned.

11 Love the Lord  Your God and keep His requirements, His decrees, His laws and His commands always. ² Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the Lord your God: His majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm;

God bless,

Marty

Is Telling A Lie Ever OK? 4/17/2019

Good Morning,

Coffee is done, and my prayer today is for wisdom in some decisions to be made. My coffee is Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut. I really enjoyed seeing the first flower blossoms in our yard yesterday, despite the 5 inches of snow on Saturday.

Being truthful at all times. Is it ever correct for us to lie? I would call this a great question. If I answer Yes you probably will stop reading. But bear with me. Scripture forbids telling a lie.

Exodus 20:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Lying is wrong and is a sin and is listed as a heinous sin before God. God never lies.

Proverbs 12:22

New King James Version (NKJV)

Numbers 23:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

In some Scriptures it is indicated that lying was not condemned. The Hebrew midwives were instructed by the Pharaoh of Egypt to let newborn boys perish, the midwives disobeyed the Pharaoh and lied to him when interrogated.

Exodus 1:15-19

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵ Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; ¹⁶ and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” ¹⁷ But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. ¹⁸ So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?”
¹⁹ And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.”

The Hebrew midwives saw lifesaving as higher on an ethics scale than telling the truth. God not only did not punish them for lying but rewarded them with kindness.

Exodus 1:20

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful.

During the Holocaust where Jews were being murdered by the millions, numerous Christians  lied to the Axis powers to protect Jews from being captured and killed. I believe that in circumstances as these telling a lie is permissible because saving a life is a higher issues and ethic that truth.

But beware not to take this out of context. It is not many instances where a life hangs in the balance on a lie. One must pray for wisdom in all circumstances. God does punish lies.

Acts 4:32-37

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. ³³ The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. ³⁴ There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them ³⁵ and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

³⁶ For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. ³⁷ He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts 5:1-11

New Living Translation (NLT)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. ² He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. ⁴ The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”
⁵ As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. ⁶ Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”
“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
⁹ And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
¹⁰ Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.

In all things pray and study Scripture. You will do well.

God bless,
Marty

Mind Over Mattress. The Battle For Supremacy. 4/16/2019

Good Morning World!

We have arrived to Tuesday in one piece. My heart and prayers go out to France as they watched a famous cathedral burn yesterday. My heart is heavy because the Cathedral Of Notre Dame is on my bucket list. So I raise my heart in prayer for those who hold this historical building dear to them.  I will move on to writing to all of you after this first sip of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee.

Some of the best intentions or plans never get off of the ground due to procrastination or laziness. Many plans or projects need a full day or several days to complete. Some of us have a love affair with our mattress and cannot seem to leave it on time. In due time our mattresses become blood sucking parasites that take the ambition right out of us.

I often see it in churches where people just seem to be showing up later and later for Sunday Services.. They have been seduced by their mattress and all of a sudden it is an addiction of laziness that tells you "just 15 minutes more is all you need"

People, some of you have to exercise mind over the mattress and put that heap of feathers or memory foam in it's place. Nothing get's done while "sleeping on it". I see more and more jobs being lost by tardiness and lack of ambition. I never saw a mattress pay the grocery bill, unless you are being paid for a sleep study.

God's Word has a few things to say about sleeping too long and developing lazy habits. Scripture also says that too much sleep may reflect laziness. Consider Proverbs 6:9-11, which asks sarcastically, “How long will you lie there, O sluggard?” and warns that one who sleeps when he should be working will come to poverty.

In contrast, the Proverbs 31 woman routinely rises early to work in her home (Proverbs 31:15). Just as failure to rest can indicate a lack of faith in God’s provision, refusal to work when we’re tired can indicate a lack of drive and work ethic.

Finally, the Bible teaches that there is a time to sacrifice sleep for a greater spiritual good. Jesus regularly rose early to pray and even prayed all night on occasion (Luke 6:12), recognizing that sometimes communion with God is more necessary for His children than physical rest. The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, for example, He told Peter, James, and John to pray that they would “not enter into temptation.” When they fell asleep instead, the Lord rebuked them and said there would be other times for sleep (Matthew 26:36-46). Their abandonment of Jesus during His arrest and trial was a result of their choice to sleep rather than seek God

Proverbs 20:13 New International Version (NIV)

    stay awake and you will have food to spare.

¹³ Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;

Come on now. Time to rise and shine.

Marty

April Snow Brings? 4/15/19

Good Morning World!

Monday came, even after I tried staring it down. My day began with prayer and it was good for me to pray. I addressed the java maker that was brewing a pot of Door County Black and Tan Coffee with a laugh and a salute.

Yesterday we had a snow storm which in my lifetime was the first one in April. It was a wet heavy snow which one weather forecaster termed "WEAVY" . I can agree with the term. One scoop of snow in my shovel was a load to throw. I tried the snow blower and it jammed up with the frozen slush time after time.

Psalm 135:7 New International Version (NIV)

    he sends lightning with the rain

    and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

⁷ He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;

What good was the snow? I am trusting God that He knows what our area of the world will need to sustain the water tables and continue to provide drinking water for us. I have know idea why God sends the precipitation in the form of snow, rain or dew. Only He does and I have never had to ration water or worry about our trees dying from drought.

So I am content in saying that as far as all weather goes, it's all in God's hands. Wet, dry, cold, damp, hot, freezing, windy, stormy, or as calm as can be it's all up to Him. The best thing we can do is to be prepared for what comes. I am preparing to roast corn in August!

Have a great day.

Marty

Even The Wind Can Sound Lonely 4/14/2019

Good Morning World!

I am writing today with a Cup of Door County Just Peachy Coffee next to me and our dog Gibbs sitting at my feet chewing on a rawhide treat.

Psalm 147:3 New International Version (NIV)

    and binds up their wounds

³ He heals the brokenhearted

The weather today is anything but stellar. As I sit in our second story den I can hear the wind  blowing through the apple tree and then along side the house. It is strong enough to make a howling noise from time to time. If it were October this would be a great day for duck hunting, although it would be rough on the water. I believe I would be fighting some white caps out there.

My wife Rene went to work at the medical center early this morning and I will be speaking later at the church of a friend as a guest speaker. As I sit here writing to all of you, I can see how people would feel lonely on days like this. I too must stop by at work for a minute today and check on a project. I will then be in a church with plenty of people. Later, God willing, Rene will come home and we will dine on some fresh chicken soup. So loneliness for me is temporary.

Everyone struggles with loneliness at some point. Whether you are going through something hard that you don't think anyone else understands or you are facing a change in life where you just feel alone, God's Word provides hope and strength. There is someone who is closer than a brother and is always with You - Jesus Christ is our friend and comforter!

My Dad used to tell me after our mother passed away, he was loneliest on dreary days. It seems that the weather had something to do with it. It might be that it just isn't fit to get outside and the sunshine is not going to happen. For some reason I can understand what he was saying today. I used to call my Dad daily and check on him. But it was days like this when he would call first, or make a second call to tell me something that he forgot to say during our fist call. So friends if you have plenty of people around you, but for some reason this weather has you grumpy and you feel out of sorts, think about the person who is alone. Give them a call and brighten their day. It will also brighten yours. It might be that God is using you to heal the brokenhearted who just can't seem to find their way to Him. So He sent you to comfort them and show them the way.

Marty

Don't Be A Bear. Only You Can Prevent Arguments 4/13/2019

Good Morning,

Friday why did you leave me for so long? This morning my cup is filled with Door County Just Peachy  Coffee. I apologize for not writing yesterday. A severe cold kept me quiet all day.

A hunting lodge operator who shot and killed his wife was brought up on second degree murder charges in 1984. The jury deliberated for close to ten hours before they finally acquitted him. The man had mistakenly taken his wife for a Grizzly Bear. I do not make jest of murder but there is a lesson to be learned from this joke.

Most of all the this lesson can be learned by either gender. Too many times we growl, snarl, and roar at others because we think it is OK. We are to love one another as Christ loved us. We are to speak with love and use kind words.

Proverbs 15:1        

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

         

Ephesians 4:29        

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

         

1 Thessalonians 5:11        

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

         

Proverbs 25:11    

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

I guess we need to "bear" with one another. Be nice today.

God bless,
Marty

That One Friend And Yet There Is Another 4/11/2019

Good Morning World,

I am rejoicing today as I heard that my prayers had been answered and the little boy who was very ill is on the mend. Thank you Lord!. I bow before you in humble awe. Later I will pour myself a cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee and go to work.

1 Samuel 18:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

Saul Resents David

18 Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

I hope all of you can identify with this because to be friendless is a sad situation. There is that one friend who knows you better than anyone else. That one friend that makes you laugh, even during anxious times. There is that one friend you can count on in snow storms to help you out. There is that one friend who prays with you, and for you when you are sleeping and he is awake asking God to provide on your behalf. There is that one friend who doesn't mind telling you when you are out of line or wrong. You are soul mates.

If you have a friend like this, you are blessed. But we all have another friend who does all of the things listed above and yet He does even more. Jesus is that friend. He laid down His life for you. He stays awake at all times interceding on your behalf and he is with you always.

John 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Matthew 18:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

You don't have to be friendless.

Marty

When We Pray We Are Teaching Our Children. 4/10/2019

Good Morning World.

I am enjoying a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and some prayer time deep from within my soul today.

I am praying for a one year old boy today who is fighting a severe illness. It has been a long road for this little fella.

I am a firm believer in prayer and that God hears the prayers of all believers and I also believe that if God chooses through His divine wisdom to hear the prayers of a non- believer it is His perfect choice to do so.

Parents often teach their children simple little prayers to say before dinner and at bed time. I believe this is a good practice. But I also believe the parent or grandparent should join in at prayer time, keeping it simple yet allowing the child to hear you pray. While doing this you are communicating with God, affirming what you are teaching. Pray for the child in front of them. Agree with them in prayer. Record answers to prayers with them. Teach them that the God you pray to is alive and well, even when the answer to prayer seems to be no.

• “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
• “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” (Psalm 34:11)
• “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.” (Proverbs 29:17)

A praying child often seeks out a personal relationship with God through Jesus sooner than others.

Have a great day!!

Marty

Not All Pasta Sauce Is Red. With A Recipe 4/9/2019

Good Morning World.Today I started the morning with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee.

I have learned to develop new tastes over the years. At one time if the sauce on my pasta wasn't red it wasn't going to be eaten. I have discovered that I am fond of fresh basil pesto sauces on pasta now. If you read the recipe below and look at the ingredients and try each one individually they may or may not taste all that great. But no matter how you do it, eating each ingredient one piece at a time will not give you pesto sauce. Combined they form a wonderful taste and are very different than when alone.

Here are my favorite Bible verses pertaining to the Church Body of Believers.
Romans 12:3-5
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

That's how it is supposed to be in churches. All people have different gifts and talents. Some folks alone are useful, but combined with others can be an awesome display of God's love, His plans, and His strength. Working together they are a symphony of love and praise to Jesus Christ.

God bless,
Marty

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Special equipment needed: A food processor

Method

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Yield: Makes 1 cup.