The Comfort Of Your Chair, Your Church, and Your !!!? 2/29/2020

Good Morning,

I write to you this morning while watching the sun lighten the sky. Our den faces East and the pink horizon looks wonderful to me. I am enjoying a cup of Door County Vanilla Creme' Brulee Coffee.

John 13:35  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 

We just had a tragedy in the major city we live near. Another mass shooting took place at a local place of business which employs a large amount of people in the city. I know for sure that many who read this have prayed for the survivors, the victim's families  and the business also. I have prayed for the shooter's family also. I have done this all from the comfort of my chair, bed, and while driving. Tonight we will pray I am sure for the incident and all involved from the comfort of our church.

This is all good and every prayer is heard from above. Please do not think that I am throwing darts at these prayers of the faithful. Tragedy struck and evil hit hard. On Monday hundreds will go back to work in a place that was violated by evil. I can only imagine what will be on their minds and the heaviness that will be on their hearts. They will never forget the day that the shots fired from a gun by evil changed their world.

I for one will always think about the day of evil when I drive by or see the company sign while sitting in our stadium parking lot, tailgating  before a baseball game.

During times like these God's people who represent Him on Earth are to rise up and show those who are hurting the Love of Jesus. We need to leave our chairs, our pews, and our precious comfort and get active and motivated. The evil of depression and horror is on that place and in the hearts of many who work there. We must continue to pray for them. On Monday the streets will be filled with those going back to work, and the media will be there like hair on a dog. To me to be there would be just adding to the confusion. I will be praying on Monday for sure at home.

But tomorrow morning ( Sunday 6:AM) I will be there as the sun comes up to pray for the workers, the families of the victim, and for the shooters family. I will pray in the name of Jesus to dispel the heaviness of evil from the plant and the campus. and I am hoping that a few people will join me. Satan needs to see a praying people united  in love for those he attacked.

Friend's God gave us feet and we are to use them and represent Him when things like this happen. They must see the love of God through the actions of the church. When tragedy strikes are you stuck in the pew ( stink) of your own laziness to do more than wait on the pastor to pray and have a moment of silence?  or do you move to where the action is?

Food for thought.

Marty

Down On Our Knees 2/28/2020

Good Morning,

Friday arrived right on time as usual. I am in need of a hot cup of Door County Roasted Pralines Coffee and some prayer time.

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

I have been thinking a lot about our world lately and I will say this. We have allowed the media to take control of too much. I, as much as many people want to hear more about this coronavirus. But all we hear about it is doom and gloom from the media who have already caused a small panic. They continue to hype it up and any illness is serious especially when it causes deaths. I am not trying to minimize the impact of the virus. But in media hype they have already caused more damage. They talk of shortages and risks galore but have they consulted anyone but the scientists and the CDC? Have they asked anyone to lead the nations or world in prayer and televise it world wide?The answer is no. What are they afraid of?

They are afraid of what they do not know. They are afraid of seeing God at work,  promoting peace, and healing through prayer to Him. You see, God doesn't need to buy time from the media. The sun rises and God doesn't get the credit for it. "Mother Nature" provided the picturesque sunset or sunrise. Yet we all know there is no such thing as Mother Nature.

It is time for Christians to call on one another and meet to pray, cry out, and be heard in heaven. These things that are happening should bring us to prayer, not for a run to the store for masks and antibiotics. Yes friends if you are ill' see a doctor and take your medications. We work out to stay in shape, but do we meet to exercise our God given right to pray against the evil illnesses of the world?

If I ever need to replace my knee joints again I hope that the wear and tear on them is from praying.

It's time friends to meet and pray.

Marty

Thursday And This Week Hurts 2/27/2020

Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and will end with prayer, Lord willing. I am drinking a hot cup of Door County Roasted Praline Coffee and although it tastes good, I think my taste buds are as numb as my heart and brain.

Earlier in the week I received a text message from a friend. Their 24 year old daughter had died. This was a shock to me and I cannot imagine what they are going through.

The the stock market crashed because of the caronavirus that is impacting many countries. It seems to be spreading and has killed many.

Then yesterday a man opened fire on his co-workers at the local brewery where many people from our city work. We prayed and waited to hear if one of the ladies from our church was safe. She was, yet 5 lives were lost to a senseless act of violence.

I know that God is right next to me as I write this, but this has been a week of pain for many people including Rene and me.  I asked God as I prayed "did You see this stuff"? I know He did and I really have no right whatsoever to ask that question of God, who holds my next breath in His hands. He answered me softly with patience,I did not deserve.

Pastor Roger Thomas wrote "Sometimes tragedy happens because of Satan. The Bible is clear. Satan is real. He is not make believe. He is not a fantasy or a symbolic idea. Despite the claims of many wishful thinkers, Satan is alive and well on Planet Earth. The Bible says he prowls the world like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8-9). We live in a war zone. People get hurt when spiritual forces clash.

Satan is behind the hatred, war, oppression, and corruption in the world. He works behinds the scenes in every level of society. Much of the world’s suffering flows directly from his successes. The Bible tells us that it will get worse before it gets better.

One only need watch the newscasts of the looting, crime, price gouging, and general meanness taking place in the aftermath of the hurricane to know that a lot of suffering is the result of spiritual wickedness.

The Bible has one other very important word to say to our questions. This answer is the most important one. Even when bad things happen, God is still in control. Nothing that happens escapes God watchful eye or tender concern. Jesus taught us that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30-31)."

I need and we all need to trust by faith in God who never sleeps, never lies and is with us through these storms. I trust in the end of the story. Jesus comes back for us and there isn't anymore pain. sorrow or stress. Their aren't any tears in heaven.

God bless,

Marty

The Furnace Of Choice 2/26/2020

Good Morning,

My coffee cup is filled with Door County 100% Colombian this morning.

In my part of the country a furnace is a necessity in the winter. A fireplace is always nice if you are blessed to have one of those also. The photo is from the Gateway Lodge In Wisconsin. Now that's a fireplace!

A furnace can warm your home and keep the family healthy. But a furnace can also be dangerous. In the Unites States many home fires are caused from broken furnaces, or items kept to close to the heat source. Today we will see that three guys got themselves into a hot spot but trusted God to see them through. God was and will always be victorious.

. Spurgeon observed that God's people are often in the furnace, and though there are different kinds of furnaces they serve similar purposes in our life
· There is the furnace that men prepare (our own sin)
· There is the furnace that Satan prepares (evil itself tries to trap us and discourage us)
· There is the furnace that God prepares ( refines us and makes us stronger)

Our own furnace is usually kindled by greed, lust, anger, self centerdness, lying, cheating and stealing. If this is where you are today, get out of that one.

Satan's furnace is one that that needs to be avoided at all cost. Once Satan has us discouraged we tend to jump into our own furnace and get a double roast. This is not good.

New International Version (NIV)

The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. ² He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. ³ So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

⁴ Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: ⁵ As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. ⁶ Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
⁷ Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
⁸ At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. ⁹ They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! ¹⁰ Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, ¹¹ and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. ¹² But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Misha and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
¹³ Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, ¹⁴ and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? ¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
¹⁹ Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual ²⁰ and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. ²¹ So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. ²² The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, ²³ and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
²⁴ Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
²⁵ He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
²⁶ Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, ²⁷ and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel  and rescued  his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ²⁹ Therefore I decree  that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

This furnace was first a choice by our three heroes. What would you have chosen?
This furnace was produced by evil and they endured. And they trusted God.
This furnace refined and rewarded. Are you in the furnace today. Will it warm you or hurt you or will you trust God to use it to refine you?

God bless,
Marty

Before You Go Over 2/25/2020

Good Morning,

A blessed Tuesday to you. Starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee.

I have witnessed many a Christian that tries on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior only to walk away later. I used to listen to them and wonder why?

The usual explanation I received was "God doesn't seem to work for me".

I usually chuckle to myself although I hurt for them. They seem to miss the whole point.

God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die in atonement for our sins. We will never experience death but have life eternal. Does the Creator of all things owe us anything else?

Where they have gone wrong is adopting the "what's in it for me mentality". They assume God works for us and us not for Him. Plain backwards!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is where they go wrong. They don't read the whole passage.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

God first, and if He never does another thing for us, hasn't He already done enough?

God bless,
Marty

Starting On Monday! 2/24/2020

Good Morning,

Monday arrived like a bowling ball rolling the stairs. You just can;t stop it until Tuesday. I just poured myself a huge mug of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee and now after prayer time it ss time to write.

Colossians 3:23  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.

Monday is a lot like Friday. It is just another day. Everyone knows that there are 7 days in a week and although the activities can vary day by day, they all have one thing in common. God made the day and He is in it with you. We tend to minimize God when we act the way we do at work. Do we give our employer everything they pay for? Are we always complaining? Can we be counted on to give our work better than our best? How about those cell phones? Are we on those things all day long? Are we grateful for our jobs? Do we spend too much time taking our breaks? We forget that God is with us at work and we are the impression we leave with our coworkers and managers. What impression of God do we leave with those around us. Do we work like we are a child of His? We do represent Him if we call ourselves Christians.

So today, let's follow God's advice for working. Work to represent Him. Do a good job and give your employer what they pay for and more.

God bless,

Marty

MMM

Doing Nothing Isn't The Answer 2/23/2020

Good Morning,

It is a joy every morning just to wake up and smell the Door County Coffee brewing in the kitchen. Our home was built to be an open concept. So this morning wherever I am, the coffee aroma can tease my nose. I brew a pot of Peanut Butter Crunch and will serve it later. Rene and I are having a guest for breakfast and the coffee needs to be fresh.

James 4:17 Therefore,  to him who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is a sin.

Have you ever wondered why God exposes you to certain events? For instance if you believe in prayer and I most certainly do, what do you do when you drive past a car accident or see an ambulance speeding to a hospital? Just the incident alone has the parties involved on a nervous edge. It could also be that injuries were incurred. They may be minor or major life threatening injuries. Rene and I never pass by without praying. It's the least we can do. If the accident is new and authorities are not there to assist yet, we stop. A few car blankets have been left with distressed strangers over the years.

Not long ago on a cold, cold morning a little toddler had wandered away from home wearing, just some pajamas. The toddler was in freezing weather and the danger was real. There is street camera video of people seeing the child and then driving by without stopping. This child wasn't old enough to know the dangers of a busy street. A bus transit driver saw the child and pulled over. She scooped the child and took him or her into the warm bus and called authorities. This little buddy had escaped from grandma, who was frantically searching for this little Houdini. All ended well because someone did something to help.

It might be that you hear first hand that someone who through bad circumstances is starting over and doesn't even have a pot to boil water in let alone food to cook. You think about the shelf in your home where pots and pans are accumulating dust. Can you part with a couple or are you hoarding them so those who buried you will wonder why you kept them? God put you in a place to help others and show the love of Jesus by doing so. You can't help anyone once you enter the grave. The time to act is when you see a need. 

It was in the national news where a thug on the subway just started  beating an elderly man for reading his Bible. No one helped or stepped in. Really??? I saw the picture of the thug and one good man could have put that woman down in an instant. Two or three people, which there should have been would have easily restrained her. No one called the police. They took out those stupid cell phones and videoed the incident. Disgusting inability to act for the good of someone else.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Friends, you are where you are at the moment. God is right next to you and He sees what you see or hear. He also sees your inability to act. Doing nothing is never the answer. I repeat, failure to do good is never the answer. Never! God expects more of His children and that is why we are where we are!

So, get involved and make a positive difference in the lives of others. That little dude had someone who cared stop and change what could have happened. You too can be that hero. You just have to do something besides go "Oh My" and video the whole thing. 

God bless.

Marty

Seeking Your Identity 2/22/2020

Good Morning,


It's early Saturday Morning  and I just sat down to write. Our two English Springer Spaniels are at my feet and my mug is filled with Door County Black and Tan Coffee. It has a little more punch to it than some of the flavors I drink normally. But that extra zip is needed today. 
— 

I find that my subject today is one that we all struggle with from, time to time. Identity Crisis 101

1 Peter 2:10

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

People often base their self- significance on their accomplishments or lack of accomplishments. But our relationship with Jesus Christ is far more important than our job status,  We promote our successes as a measure of status. We measure our wealth and might feel proud or let down. It's one or the other. Some people seek great knowledge and measure their identity by that. Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are His own brothers and sisters. God the Father welcomes us into a relationship with Him for eternity. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. You now have been called to represent Him to your world. You have worth because of what God did, what He still does and will do. Not because of what you do or what you own or what you look like. You are a child of the King. You have your identity in Him and you were worth dying for.

Happy Saturday. Be a blessing to someone today.

Marty

Let's Go To Church 2/21/2020

Happy Saturday,

What is hot and tastes like liquid blueberries? My Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee this morning.

Psalm 122:1

King James Version (KJV)

 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Well it's Friday morning. Many people will go to church tomorrow or Sunday I am 63 years old now and for all those years the day after Friday has always been Saturday. And the day after Saturday has always been Sunday. I hope you will agree with me that this is pretty much a constant!!!! Why does it seem as if Sunday or Saturday night worship times come like a big surprise to people? So why is it that many people rush to church and then rush through it? Oh they might plan their clothing, prepare a tithe, but, will most cut short the Saturday activities and be well rested to go into God's house and not sleep through the service and then say "I didn't get much out of that."?

I think as much as being on time is important and laying out your clothes is important, preparing your heart, mind, body and soul, prior to entering God's house is more important. For many people throughout the world and over the years church attendance has been taken away. Think of those locked away in the concentration camps of World War 2. They lost that privilege.

As we prepare to assemble this weekend let's rejoice because we can attend. Let's take time to prepare our hearts, minds and rest our bodies. Let's get the most out of our time together with God.

Love to all

Marty

When Your Plate Is Full 2/20/20

Good Morning,

There are a lot of twos in the date today. I find little things like at amusing. I do find the cup of Door County Vanilla Cappuccino Coffee sitting next to me to be hot, tasty, and ready to drink.

Yesterday was my birthday and when birthdays arrive for my wife Rene and I we do one of two things. We either go out to eat and celebrate another year of life or we choose one of our favorite meals and cook it at home. I chose to stay at home and eat some slow smoked barbecued pork with a side of garlic spinach and mushrooms. Popcorn was our dessert.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.

Matthew 25:40 And the King will tell you. " Whatever you do for the least of these that you do unto Me. 

For me, I would say my meal was fit for a king, of which I am not. Before we ate we both sat down and gave thanks for the day and the food we were about to eat. Later while I was outside with our dogs hauling in some firewood I gave thanks for the warmth of a hot fire.

I counted my blessings and was content to sit later and doze off in a comfortable chair. God has been very good to Rene and me. Our church has a small food pantry and people donate food items to be given to those in need. I see people come with bags of food and place it in a cart weekly. I am proud to be part of a church which feeds those who need a little help.

I have been to parts of the world where one meal a day if even that much was all that some people had to look forward to. I recall a mission trip where we cooked beans and rice. Then we fed a large group of kids. I watched some of the older kids eat less so they could give more to their little siblings. Although that broke my heart, it also showed me the love a sibling has for a brother or sister who is hungry.

Friends, I want to say "hats off" to those who donate time, money, or food to help those in need.  I want to ask this. If you fasted one whole day, and are able to do so, could you take the cost of what you would have spent on your meals and turn it in to a food donation at your local food pantry. Or could you use the cash to prepare a meal for someone? Could you turn some dollars into beans and rice and send it off to feed a child you never met?

Think about it. If you have been blessed can you bless back in return.

Have a great day.

Marty

Stuck In A Rut 2/19/2020

Good Morning,

This day started with some wonderful memories, prayer and a large mug of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. For quite awhile I had our two dogs Leo and Gibbs laid out on my feet keeping my toes toasty warm.  They moved on and are sound asleep after running outside for awhile. It is time to write.

James 1:7-8 For that person should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double minded man unstable in all his ways. 

My wife Rene and I like to go out to eat now and then and we usually frequent 3 different places and usually do not try much in the way of "new to us" food emporiums. When we do venture outside of our comfort zone we always say that we are "stuck in a rut" and need to change.

That is not the rut I want to talk about.  Friends, we all too often try to balance two lives. There is the life that strives for goodness, love, grace and dignity. In essence we want to live a life pleasing to God. Then there is the other part of our life that we just keep dragging with us and it seems to always pull us back in. It is the life of the little sins we like to keep. In some instances these are physical addictions or attractions of the mind that we lose and then come back to.

It's like driving a shiny new car with one wheel in the rut and the other three on the highway. Sooner than later that one wheel pulls us into the ditch and dirties us up. Left long enough in the ditch and we become stuck in it, which is a real mess. Friends this is what God warns us about. Do not be double minded. We need to sort all that we say and do over in our hearts and minds and toss the things that pull us into a rut of dirt and folly. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if everyone honored God and His capacity to be everywhere? Just think about it. When you struggle with alcohol and a beer with your fish fry just sounds so right and you go ahead and take that first sip. He is next to you. We lessen our opinion of God and treat Him as if He can't see all that we do. The one beer takes us down into the rut and before you know it a couple after work sounds good too. We cry out when the law takes our drivers license away for driving intoxicated, We pray and ask God to lessen the punishment. We don't want to believe that possibly He wants us to be punished. We think that our Good Buddy will overlook our crime of driving in the rut and rescue us. Perhaps the punishment is part of His plan to rescue us and clean us up.

We all know our sins that we like to keep. If we are sinning, we are at war with God. If we aren't for Him all the time we must be against Him.

So today, like we all do now and then with our possessions, sort, keep the good, and toss those things in our life that so easily drag us down.

God bless,

Marty

Under The Snow 2/18/2020

Good Morning,
My cup is full of hot Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee. I pray for everyone reading this today that your day will be blessed in an unexpected way.

As I write this, several things are going on around me. My house has an upstairs loft. I am sitting up in the loft at an antique desk. Two Springer Spaniels are laying on my feet and my fire place has a crackling fire going. From my vantage point I can look out a window and see the snow coming down with small wet flakes. My yard has a fresh blanket of snow. Underneath the snow are still a few dead leaves, some bare spots in the lawn caused from last summer's drought, and probably a couple "Springer Spaniel Land Mines" (Doggy Poop) that did not get picked up before the snow fell.

But I do not see anything but the beautiful pure white snow. You would never know what is under the snow.

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

It is the same with God's forgiveness of our sins. Once we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and ask to be forgiven of our sins, we still know the sins were there but God does not see them anymore.

This regeneration of our lives then propels us into wanting to repent of our of sins " not wanting to dirty the lawn of our life anymore". We desire a change in our life actions. The Holy Spirit then empowers us to leave our sinful ways. God and godly service become the desires of our heart. We want to love more, hate less, forgive more, lose grudges, and show more kindness. Then when people look at us they do not see a sin filled lawn, they see us whiter than snow. When I look at the snow it reminds of what God desires to do for us. How about it? Will you ask God for a heart blizzard today?
Love you all,

Marty

Breakfast For Two 2/17/2020

Good Morning,

My day is going to start soon and I will be on the road for work. My travel mug will be filled with Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee. I am looking forward to a new challenge today at work. By the grace of God and lot's of prayer we will conquer the new challenge smoothly and efficiently.

Proverbs 5:18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you find joy in the wife of your youth.

My wife of 1000 years always claims that if she could only have one meal per day, it would be a hearty breakfast. In our home I do most all of the cooking and to be honest, I have paid a little more attention to her claim lately.  I see bigger smiles at breakfast from Rene than I do at lunch or dinner. She loves a nice, well planned hot breakfast. Ham and cheese omelettes are her favorite.

I usually try to sit down with her while she eats, I miss breakfast now and then because it really isn't my favorite meal. I will have some juice or a biscuit with honey and sit and keep her company. If I do not sit down she will say  "breakfast is made for two people to eat. While I was working for forty years and my day started at 4:30 am we  did not eat together for breakfast except for weekends.I really never talked to anyone at breakfast for forty years."

I never thought of that! Now and then I would be up and headed out the door before her, or with her, but we never sat down during a work week and ate breakfast together. Now that I am semi retired we are making up for lost time. If at all possible, I make breakfast and at least sit down and drink some coffee with Rene before I leave for work.

Friends, all the purchased jewelry in the world is meaningless compared to spending time with the person you love. Take the time to have a meal together. Shut off the phones and televisions. Put away the newspaper and talk. You just never know when it will be just one of you sitting there wishing you had eaten more breakfasts together,

How would you like your eggs today?

Marty

The Wrestler And His Dad 2/16/2020

Good Morning,

My, has this weekend flown by quickly. I will be heading to church shortly, but I know for sure that I will be traveling with another hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Creme Coffee. This first cup of mine has warmed me right to the bones.

Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are a crown of the aged and parents are the pride of their children. 

One nice thing about social media is that it allows you to be part of the lives of friends who do not live near you. You can stay in contact and know when they need prayer. You can rejoice with them when it is time to rejoice or you can console and mourn with them when the time calls for it. I have many friends like that and I really enjoy reading their posts and at times from a long distance I can pull right along with them in their life's adventures.

I have one such pair of friends who served with us when we led the youth group at our church. They moved away quite a few years ago and social media has allowed us to keep in touch. I remember when they did not have children and now they have two who are fully grown and heading into the world to make an impact on it. It will be a positive impact. 

Today I write about Dad. We don't always agree on everything including some politics and especially his poor choice he made for his favorite football team. He has much to learn about quality there.
LOL. We needle each other a little during the season and it gets quite amusing from time to time. Both parents in my mind are two that I would want to raise my children in my absence. They are those kind of quality people. I have watched my friend back both of his children with his wife at his side for every volleyball tournament, football game and wrestling match. They back their kids with pride and enthusiasm. They have instilled the drive to win and in rare instances to accept a loss with dignity and respect. What I admire most about Dad is that he publicly praises his children and expresses his love for them. The family is seen hugging in public and displaying affection toward one another.

Yesterday their son ended a twelve year career in competitive wrestling and the message posted on social media was enough to make this tough guy have a hay fever attack in February. Remember friends, real men never cry, they just suffer from hay fever which causes eye leaks.

My point is this. Life is busy, families are broken, but we all need time to tell the kids in our lives, how much we love them, and how proud we are of them. If that young man is smart, and I know he is, he will print that message of affection, put it in his Bible and read it now and then. It will remind him to pass on the affection he received from Dad to his own children later in life.

Guys!! Step up, for the kids God placed in your life. Your children, your grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Let them know they are loved and the light is always on and they are welcome at anytime. Remember the ones who are fatherless or who's dads haven't amounted to much more than a pimple on a good mans back side The ones who don't back their kids. Step up and encourage those who don't receive any encouragement and praise from their dads. Attend a football game or a volleyball game or spelling bee. Let them know  that some male God sent their way is proud of them. Pray for them. Let them know they are loved. Ladies!!!! Do the same!!

Have a great day!!!

Marty

By The Light Of The Fireplace 2/15/2020

Good Morning,

It is still dark outside as I write today. I have two English Springer Spaniels at my feet this morning. One is sound asleep and the other one is watching every move I make, so he doesn't miss me taking  a trip into the kitchen. My mug is filled with Door County Coconut Cupcakes Coffee and now it is time to write.

I was awake for awhile now and the first thing I did this morning was to make a small fire in the fireplace. I am writing by the glow of the fire. I sat in the dark praying before writing today just watching the logs burning slowly. It was a time of peace and tranquility for me. My wife Rene is still asleep so my thoughts, prayers, dogs, and coffee mug were my companions in the early morning.

As I prayed and gave thanks to God He reminded me that although the house was dark, and the dogs were motionless, there was more to the morning than what met my eyes. He was with me and although I was enjoying my quiet time I was not really alone.

Jeremiah 23:24  Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Declares the Lord.  do I not fill heaven and the Earth? Declares the Lord. 

Friends our God is right next to me as I write and He is sitting next to you as you read right now. It is an amazing attribute of God for Him to be everywhere and then I was also reminded that He has angels watching over us. Those thoughts were like adding an extra blanket to my bed on a cold, cold night. That feeling of security and warmth when that extra blanket is pulled up around your ears and you drift off to sleep.  My morning was great. But for some of you barely treading the storms of life, if just for a moment you can know and embrace the fact that God knows the situation and is with you in every step. You are not alone.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And he delivers them. 

As you read this and I don't know who will, add this to your day. I am praying for all of you who will read this and you are loved.

God bless,

Marty

The Blackboard Of Your Heart 2/14/2020

Good Morning,

I just sat down to a hot cup of Door County Toasted Praline Coffee and my Bible. The coffee is a new flavor to me and I am really enjoying the sweet taste. The fireplace is spewing forth some much needed heat to the house and it is time to write.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

As I was cleaning out the ashes from the hearth of the fireplace this morning, it dawned on me that it is Valentines Day. For some reason my mind went back to being in grade school and receiving little Valentine cards from the kids in your class. It was a nice custom and it was set up so that each kid received some and no one was left out.

My mind took me back to a classroom and I remember the chalkboards or as some would say blackboards that ran the total length of two walls. Kids, that was what we used to learn our lessons from. The teacher or sometimes us would write things out on the board to make the illustration large enough for everyone to see. Then you could copy it on to paper for reference later. The problem with that, was this. If you weren't fast enough taking your notes because you were staring at the girl next to you making goo goo eyes at her, the board would get erased and the information was gone. Not saved to a zip file or hard drive. It was gone! Now I will go to my grave not sharing the name of the girl who caused a bad grade or two for me. My secret crush is a secret.

But here is the point of the day. In life we may have experienced relationships that have not worked out and like the chalk board, those people have been erased from out hearts. But, the chalkboard and our hearts were made to be used again and again. The minute you erased the board it had room for another lesson to be studied. At night the boards would be cleaned and made to shine again and utilized the next morning. Our hearts have immense room to love and be loved.

So friends your heart might have erased some bad memories from it that were caused by sour relationships, but it was never meant to not be written on again. To have a heart filled with love you have to put love out there again.   Tennyson wrote "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Don't be afraid to write again on the blackboard of your heart. Be open to love, possibly in different paths that God may want to take your heart. I always thought that dogs were just pets. Now having had a few hunting dogs come in and out of our lives, I found that you get attached to the fur balls and they write on your heart also. I have a wonderful wife and family who I love dearly, but I have also learned to love those who come weekly to listen to my sermons on Saturday nights. Don't erase the the blackboard with tears and never write on it again.

Have a blessed day.

Marty

If Is A Big Word 2/13/2020

Good Morning,

I would love to sit down with some of you this morning and pour you a cup of Door County Heavenly  Caramel Coffee. I just think it would be awesome to meet some of the readers in other countries.  I finished praying and it is time to write.

The word If only has two letters in it, yet it as a word can carry a lot of weight. All too often we throw the word If around and tie it to our dreams. For instance, "If I win the lottery, I will ........."
Then the word If can be used to say no but take the sting out of the situation.  "If you bring that D on your report card up to an A we will go to Disney World to celebrate" Face it that kid is a B student and you answered their request to go to Disney Word with an If. An if that in all reality will never happen. If this, if that, if if if if if. We use the word if too much.

Matthew 5:37  But let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything more than these is from the evil one.

What if God was a God of If's? Imagine God saying "Call out to Me and I will answer you If you stand on your head for an hour and blow bubbles out of your ears." He did not say He would not answer us, but the If put a no in the way of our relationship and trust in God.

Be careful my friends as to how you use If.  Honey, "if  I have some extra time Saturday I will paint the kitchen. Saturday comes. Honey I will be home after I golf and maybe If I take a nap and feel good I will paint the kitchen." We iffed our way right into lying. You had no intention of painting.

So, let your yes be yes and your no be no. Save the Ifs for another day. Can you be trusted to do what you say?

Have a great day!

Marty

A God Without Change 2/12/2020

Good Morning,

The java maker turned on a few minutes ago and I can smell the Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee all the way up to our den. I hear the flu bug has hit a lot of people I know recently. Soup is on the agenda for tonight and a couple house calls.

Our weekly Bible study at church is really impacting a lot of us men. This last week we started to dig in on God's immutability. One of the questions for discussion was how does His immutability comfort us?

The Immutability of God is an attribute that "God is unchanging in his character, will, and covenant promises." The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that "[God] is a spirit, whose being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth are infinite, eternal, and unchangeable." Those things do not change.

en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Immutability_(theology)

Immutability (theology) - Wikipedia

I really pondered that question and there is comfort in the fact that God doesn't change plans and I can count on His word to be the truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father except through Me" John 14:6

So this really assures me that I don't have to figure out anything new under the sun to attain a life with the Father. Jesus is the only way. I can't work my way to heaven. I can't pray my way in. I can't buy my way to heaven. My faith in Jesus is what I need.

Psalm 102:27 But you are the same. and Your years have no end. 

You can call that  "Blessed Assurance"

Have a great day!

Marty

Romance Is Not Dead 2/11/2020

Good Morning,

There were still some hot embers in the fireplace this morning so it was easy to get a warm fire started. As for me, the combination of a crackling fire and a large cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee feels way to good for this old guy. I could just pull up a chair and my Bible and sit here for a couple of hours.

Men and ladies, we need to discuss romance for a little bit today especially since we are drawing near to Valentines Day. My wife Rene watches the Hallmark Channel and sees plenty of Hollywood romance. Now remember ladies it is Hollywood and every guy can't make it snow just as the Christmas tree is lit for the first time and most of us don't know how to make hot chocolate.

Guys that doesn't take you off of the hook. Most women appreciate the effort even when it falls short of you riding into her work setting in a white limousine and carrying her off, away from her job. However it is important to try and always put some romance into your relationship.

I for one am not a romanticist at all. I can still remember purchasing a fishing pole for Rene when we were first married, thinking that spending time with me fishing would be the bees knees. Might I say, I was wrong. Now for some ladies fishing with their man is just awesome. But men, know your partner and remember to bring some flowers on a fishing trip now and then. I have since learned that baking an apple pie for her and having a card on the table has a different impact. When Rene was working, flowers delivered to her work place was a great hit. For those in America, "Every Kiss Begins with Kay". But finances did not always cooperate and gifts were not always affordable.  I found that a note on the windshield of her car declaring my love for her was always a winner when she would leave for work at 3:45 AM . I would place it there the night before.  Getting up with her at 3:AM and having some hot biscuits come out of the oven for her breakfast said "I Love You" in many different ways.  I once met her at her car after work on a steamy hot day and had the air conditioning running and I handed her a very cold can of Diet Dr. Pepper for her ride home. Simple things yes, but winners in the romance department.

Song Of Solomon 7:6 ESV  How beautiful and pleasant you are, O Loved one, with all your delights.

Many years ago, to help me get some ideas for romance, I purchased a book on how to be romantic and I would read it secretly. It now sits on our fireplace mantel, all the best ideas are used up. But it is a reminder that no matter how old we get, marriage needs romance.  So guys, plan ahead, put some chocolate kisses in her purse or slippers. Sit down and go through the wedding photos and put one on her pillow with a thank you note for marrying a slug like us. You have a few more days to get going. Better yet, make romance a part of the year and not wait for an assigned day in February. Ladies remember! It's not Hollywood at your house and the dogs will probably eat the Tootsie Rolls in your slippers. Appreciate the effort.

Good luck, and God bless.

Marty

Thankful For Great Neighbors 2/10/2020

Good Morning,

I just finished letting the dogs run around outside and my Door County White Christmas Coffee has finished brewing. It is now time to pray and write.

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

I remember as a young kid our old neighborhood very well. We grew up on the South Side of Milwaukee Wisconsin.  We had some wonderful neighbors. As a matter of fact one of them was my aunt and her family. So not only a great neighbor, we had someone who loved us right next door. I  always considered that to be a special blessing.

But then there was that one guy, who lived behind her and diagonally behind us. That one guy who seemed to wake up and make it his goal to be a stinker to everyone. Heaven forbid if your ball went into his yard by accident or if he caught you picking your own lilacs. He had an opinion that was contrary to everyone else. You could try to be nice and shovel the snow ( I did it anyway) from his driveway and he would threaten to call the police and have you arrested for trespassing. His wife would chase him into the house and she would roll her eyes and say thank you. This was just one miserable guy. Later in life Rene and I purchased my parents home and thinking that this guy must have mellowed out over the years, never happened. We built a shed and stained it with an redwood coat. He reported us to the city (We had a building permit) for the shed color not conforming to his white garage. The city did not make us change the color and when they suggested to him that he try to be nice, he blew up at the inspector.  You get the picture.

Now I want to talk about yesterday. We had a heavy wet snowfall come through the territory and it snowed all day. Come about 5 PM I received a text message from one of our neighbors asking me if I needed help with the snow removal. I was just dressing to go outside and get it done when the message came. They knew that  I have been hobbling on a bad foot for a few days now. I declined the offer and was touched that they offered. I did let them know that I was going out and I would also be plowing out our neighbor to the South who are experiencing some health issues. The good Samaritans replied "We got it"!!  Wow when I came outside they had already started in on the neighbors house and Dad and the kids were human snow plows. My heart was warmed up from seeing God's love through others. Rene and I made short work of the mess and then noticed the lady who lives across the street was staring at her snow blower. It was obviously broken and she was going to have to shovel.  I went over with our equipment and finished the little bit she needed done.
She thanked me and said that she was hoping to get hers done and then come over by us and help out.

There are times when I am just amazed as to how God takes care of us. I saw His love for us and our neighbors through the actions of others and their good intentions.  I went to bed later, smiling, knowing that once again God blessed us.

What kind of neighbor are you? Are you a Mr Cranky Pants or someone who is a blessing to others? Do the kids in your neighborhood know they can count on you to throw the ball back or offer a safe haven if needed?

Food for thought.

Marty

A Blaze Within 2/9/2020

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a big cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee this morning. Snow is in the forecast for our area today so a little extra coffee for later will be a good call for the day.
Our two English Springer Spaniels are very subdued today and they are both warming up my feet. It is time to write.

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name," His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

If I were to list all the things I have seen God do in my life I would have a rooms of books filled with His wondrous deeds. If were to document all that He has done for me I would have a very large book,

God is easy to talk about and I often get excited when I can tell others about the one major thing that still stirs my soul when I speak of it. Before anything existed God made the plan of redemption for man. He knew before anything was formed that we would fall from grace because of sin. Jesus was to come to Earth, and pay the price, for my sins and yours. The cross of Calvary would be where this price would be paid. And through faith in Jesus our sins would be washed away.

Titus 1: 1-2     1. Paul a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,  2. in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised from the beginning of time.

When I think of God as always existing and then loving us enough to have a plan for our failure back before anything was created, I want to shout and cry at the same time. To think that whenever that was, He loved us so much that we were known to Him before the Grand Canyon existed. Before the oceans were created and filled. It is just too much to fathom. But I will state this fact, I am forever grateful.  And as long as I live His deeds will be on my lips. As I grow older for some reason these wondrous attributes of God blaze within me and I get more excited to share these facts about our loving God.

My hope for you this morning is this. May you all just sit for a moment and try to take in His immensity and great love for you.

Marty

Dead Noses Don't Smell Roses 2/8/2020

Good Morning,

My day started with a short trip and a big cup of Door  County Jamaican Blue  Mountain Blend Coffee and prayer.

Job 14:5 Since his days are determined and the number of his months  is with You, and you have appointed his limits that  he cannot exceed. 

Valentines Day will be upon us like a hungry guy on a burger next week. Usually men and women will purchase a gift or card for their sweetheart on this holiday of love. I usually purchase some sugar free chocolates from a great emporium for my wife Rene. We participate and have done so for many years.

Here's  my point. When someone  we love dies we decorate the church or coffin with flowers showing our grief and love for the deceased. Then a few times a year we go to the cemetary and decorate the graves with more flowers. I think we should do this.

But to wait a year to give a gift of love to someone on Valentines  Day is terribly presumptuous on our part
 We assume that we will be alive or our sweetheart  will be there next year. Let me suggest that we don't  play God and act like we know the future. It can all end with a car accident or a heart attack. Buy the roses, candy, or perfume throughout the year. Go together for that ice cream cone. No one ever said from their coffin, "Man those lillies  smell good."

Not the happy sappy message this could be. But it is filled with reality.

Food for thought.

Marty

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart 2/7/2020

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to all. I wish I could share my Door County Brownie Batter Coffee with you this morning. I was outside with our two dogs  this morning while they ran and played around and sitting in the middle of our yard was a rabbit. Both dogs saw the hare and the chase was on. They came from two different directions and with one quick move the rabbit had the dogs bouncing off of each other and wondering where the bunny went. Two dogs plus me equals the Three Stooges.

Today I want to concentrate on this passage of Scripture for a moment.

Mathew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God 

Most of the time when I read this verse I think about how those who are forgiven of their sins in Jesus have been made pure in heart. When they die and go to heaven, they will see God. It is correct to believe this. But for today my challenge to all of us is to live this day with pure hearts, clean minds filled with pure thoughts, and watch for God at work in our lives and the lives of others. Live a life today that is Spirit led and be prayerful as you go. I have something heavy on my heart today and I lifted it up to God in prayer. It is still there, but God has given me a peace that I can't fathom. I will try to continue this and although I cannot see the Invisible One, I can see how He calmed my soul. I need to try and do this daily and know that God is everywhere and actually is watching me write.  I need to keep looking up to Him and know that He is with me.

So to all, run the race. Keep the faith. Let go, and let God.

Marty

The Kind Lady At The Desk

Good  Morning,

I just had the last of my Door County Highlander Grog  Coffee. I am so glad that I filled my Thermos bottle yesterday with enough to get me through today. It was still warm.

Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, passed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured  into  your lap. For with the measure  you  use, it will be measured to you.

Last night I checked into a hotel to stay for the night. It had been a long hard day and I guess I looked like something my dogs dragged in.  The young lady working at the desk remarked that I looked tired. I really was beat. She asked me if I had eaten yet and I hadn't.  This young lady asked me what I would desire to eat. I told her that a sit down burger would be nice. She then googled the directions  to a restaurant  not to far away and printed them for me. She said, "you will love this place".  I followed the directions  to the Road House and sat down. I then enjoyed a great meal.

When I returned  to the hotel the young lady asked me how my dinner was and I said "Great ". She smiled and wished me good night. She went the extra mile in her customer service. I plan on staying here again because of her.

Today we all have a choice to be that great servant to others and make their day with that just something extra

You will know when it is your turn to "serve up". How about at home? What little extra thing could you do for someone who lives with you?

Have a great day.

Marty

Bread For A Road Trip 2/5/2020

Good Morning,

I can't write much today except to say that my travel mug is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and I am headed out for work with a road trip that will last a couple of days.

Matthew 4;4 It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Hopefully, I have remembered to pack everything I need for this trip to be able to perform my job. Yes I have come out from retirement to work part time in a field that serves health care. I guess I wasn't able to be put out to pasture just yet.

The one thing I am looking forward to while driving each way a few hours will be to listen to my favorite Christian radio stations and take in a sermon or two from the morning speakers. I guess you could say that I am a captive audience. But this time will help to fill my spiritual gas tank and I find that before I know it, my destination is in my sight.

So if you are traveling today whether by auto, plane or train, consider listening to some type of Christian message, or music. If you are not driving, take out your Bible and read. There is something for everyone within the Word of God and what you read or hear was just for you. God bless.

Marty

A Big Cup Of Can Do 2/4/2020

Good Morning,

You know that your mug full of Door County White Christmas Coffee is hot enough when the sides of the cup are too hot to hold and the handle has to be the carrying implement. That rising steam sure smells good.

Today I want to theoretically speak of another beverage that I think a lot of us could use a mug filled to the top. It is the "Cup Of Can Do".

Some of you or either you know someone who will need this as encouragement today. You are faced with something big and it is like slaying a giant. So we will face it with you in prayer. I just prayed for everyone who will read this today and in the future.

1st. Isn't it awesome that we love a God who can honor this prayer? I don't know who will read this, but He does. His Word within this document is good for today and tomorrow and forever. It will accomplish what He desires.

Isaiah 55:11 So My word that goes forth from my mouth will not return to Me empty. It will accomplish what I desire and will achieve the purpose for what I sent it to do. 

2nd. He knows what we all need before we ask and if this blog applies to you today or tomorrow He knew just who needed to read it. Today your spiritual beverage is one of "Can do". And God will supply the strength for this day and the next day.

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

3rd. Not only does He give us the strength to carry our burden, job, or calling through, He goes with us and leads us through it.

Isaiah 41:13 For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand , saying to you., "Fear not, I will help you".

So friends the preceding verses are that big cup of "Can Do"  If you say you can't, you won't. If you say you can, you will.

Hang in there and count on God today. You face the day with Him at your side.

Marty