Not In The Plans 4/29/20

Good Evening,

My day started a long time ago and I didn't get a chance to even brew a cup of Door County Coffee today.

My day took me on quite a journey. I have been dealing with some health issues lately and as things would go I am writing  to you from the hospital.

I returned to the hospital that  retired from back in September. Now I am the patient where I worked.

I would call today's experience a "homecoming" of sorts. I was met wth smiles, compassion and professionalism. If you have to be hospitalized  it's  nice to know your surroundings.

So I will try to write tomorrow and hopefully be on the mend.

Philippians  1:3 I thank God with joy everytime I remember  you

I just finished pray that God would bless and keep all of you under His loving care.

Marty

The Old Key Rings 4/29/2020

Good Morning,

Happy Wednesday and I really mean it. I started today with a big cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.

If you are at all like us somewhere in your home you have a crate, box, or drawer that holds a bunch of junk. Some of the stuff you use now and then. Tape, glue, tacks, string, pens, scissors, rubber bands etc.

I noticed in our drawer that in one container way in the back we had several key rings with a few keys on each. I asked my wife if she recalled what the keys were for. So the adventure was on. We found that we had keys from our first mini van purchased in 1987. That one was put to scrap many years ago. We found some keys to locks that we cannot find. We also found keys to cabinets that were thrown out in 1994. More keys were found from other vehicles that have long ago been junked or sold.
All in all, out of about 40 keys we found two that were still useful.

Did you know that Jesus also holds keys?
Revelation 1:18

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Jesus is explaining here. He is the same one who took on the form of flesh and died on the cross for our sins. The resurrected Jesus makes a proclamation of His victory over death. He rose never to die again. The humanity of Jesus sits at the right hand of the throne of God forever. He is throughout eternity the unique person of the universe. Death will never make any claims on Him again. Jesus died on the cross. John saw Him dead on the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross gave Him authority over death. That is why He has the keys of Hades and Death.

Death can no longer affect Jesus and it can no longer affect the Christian. Once we become Christians, we become children of Heaven.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.”O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’” (1 Corinthians 15:51-55).

I bet He doesn't forget what He holds the keys to.

Have a great day,

Marty

Peeling An Onion 4/28/2020

Good Morning,

Morning has arrived and for me sleep hasn't visited yet. I will have a cup of Door County Coconut Cupcakes Coffee later in this morning.

John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge by right judgement and with a clear view. 

I know my way around the kitchen pretty well and would consider myself to be above average when it comes to preparing a meal. From breakfasts, to lunches and an evening dinner I have many recipes that I like to use for many occasions. A lot of the dishes I prepare call for onions as one of the ingredients. I have yet to find an onion that will peel itself so the chore needs to be done if I want the dish to be all that it can be. So in peeling a thousand or more onions in my days here on Earth, I made a discovery for myself and probably am the only one who cares about it. When you start to peel the onion the first layer you remove is the outside protective skin that really does not look like the fruit of an onion. You have to peel it away to get to the next layer. Once you have arrived at the next layer you discover that an onion has many layers to it and to get to the next layer you have to peel another one away. An onion has many layers to it. Pretty outstanding thought here!!

When we first look at an onion after it has been removed from the ground, what we see is rough and dirty and one could assume not worth much. Once that first layer is peeled away we discover more about the onion and we see it's potential to be used.

Friends all of this babble is to teach us this lesson. Our first impression of a person doesn't always reveal what is on the inside. At first appearance we might assume someone is rough and gruff, instead we find out that the person is shy and very quiet. It takes time to get to know a person and peel away the layers of  very complex personalities. Believe it or not, you might think that you are very simple to understand and get to know, but in reality we are all very complex and we don't let many people into the inner sanctums of our thoughts and personal lives.

So we don't invest the time to get to know someone and we run off with the first impression as the lasting one. People are worth more than an onion and we should get to know a person before we label them with our first impression of them. I would like to say that we owe it to the person to gain knowledge of them before we judge and make assumptions. But I really want to say that we owe it to ourselves to peel back some of the layers of a person so that we might meet a friend that we would never have had if we went with our first impression.

Food for thought.

Marty

Tougher Than Nails 4/27/2020

Good Morning,

Monday arrived right on time and with gusto. I just poured a cup of Door County Black and Tan Coffee for myself and It is now time to write.

Little boys are expected to play rough, be tough, and always come back for more. Deep down inside each grown man also aspires to have that same macho image of rough and tough ascribed to their name.

I have read the formula for developing that rough tough unstoppable attitude. I thought I would share it today. One needs to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders and carry it uphill. But in order to do that one needs to start out with a simple exercise. This exercise requires kneeling down. Once through with this exercise and after making this part of every day, one can take a beating without complaining, carry heavy loads, be tougher than nails, still take care of their mother, and have a sweet spirit of forgiveness. Let's see how this is done.

Matthew 26:36-46

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus Knelt and Prayed

³⁶ Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. ³⁸ Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
³⁹ And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” ⁴⁰ And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? ⁴¹ Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Mark 15

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jesus before Pilate

15 Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole ^[a]Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. ² Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” ³ The chief priests began to accuse Him ^[b]harshly. ⁴ Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” ⁵ But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed.

John 19

Common English Bible (CEB)

Jesus is whipped and mocked as king

19 Then Pilate had Jesus taken and whipped. ² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. ³ Over and over they went up to him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.

⁴ Pilate came out of the palace again and said to the Jewish leaders, “Look! I’m bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no grounds for a charge against him.” ⁵ When Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here’s the man.”

Luke 23:34 Jesus is Tough Enough to Forgive

King James Version (KJV)

³⁴ Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

John 19:25-29 Jesus on a Rough day Still Took Care of His Mother. This proves He was tougher than nails.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Behold Your Mother

²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

The King on a Cross John 19:17-18

¹⁷ And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, ¹⁸ where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 

Being tough starts with kneeling and prayer. Only God can equip and carry us through the worst of days. In other words a manly man is a man of prayer.

God bless,
Marty

Be Good At Life 4/26/2020

Good Morning,

Rise and shine and let your feet hit the floor. I just poured myself a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee to help kick start this day. Now, it is time to write.

The New York Life Insurance Company sponsors a television advertisement about Love In Action and at the end of the commercial there is a statement that says "Be Good At Life". They have done a good enough job of advertising that the commercial has caught my eye.

The word Love can be a noun or a verb and I believe that the word love as a noun describes an emotion that we all wish to feel and experience. As a verb, love is seen as an action and I truly believe that one form of the word cannot exist without the other. They go hand in hand.

I however  like the ending of the commercial best, when they flash "Be Good At Life". My thoughts are this. If one wants to be good at life they must desire to be loved and also to love. Love in action is "being good at life". The first step to being good at life is to start by Loving God with all your heart, and with all your soul. The second step is to love you neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:36-40  36"Teacher which is the greatest commandment in the Law"? 37 Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these these two commandments."

Friends, love that sits idle is only half of the recipe for being good at life. Putting love into action completes the recipe. I see that those who are happiest are practicing love in action. And the desired result of wanting to be loved is experienced in return.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8   4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8. Love never fails. , where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

So today. "Be Good At Life". Strive to do your best at loving God and others. Take love off of the shelf and put it into action. Love on the shelf, only collects dust.

Marty

Lots Of Changes 4/25/2020

Good Morning,

The day began a little while ago for me and I was glad to be able to welcome it in with a big cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and some prayer.

I guess I will be redundant and say we sure are going through a lot of changes right now. The world went from booming economies to a virtual stand still. Gasoline is less expensive to purchase than milk. People are restricted to their homes and wearing a mask is now fashionable. Toilet paper is a hot commodity at this time. Many people do not have to battle rush hour anymore because they work from home and in all reality there isn't as much traffic out there. Bars have a new closing time for now and for the future won't probably be the place to meet someone and pick up a date. Churches, usually a place of refuge are closed and virtual services are the norm. Suicide is on the rise and worry has taken the place of a more care free environment.

I can speak for most people and change is never really all that popular and the phrase "those were the good old days" is very commonly heard now. People are looking for some type of stability and for things that haven't changed.

I offer one unchangeable thing that never changes and should be the One we turn to. My friends, God never changes. His love cannot be muted or even measured. He is the one constant that we have and should  be our stability during steady times, turmoil and times of instability.

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and yesterday and forever.

Malachi 3:6 For I the Lord do not change, therefore you, O children you are not consumed.

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

Isaiah 49:15-16  Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will never forget you!
See, I have carved you on the palm of my hand. Your walls are always before me.

So today friends, as the world spins to a new tune and it's hard to feel like you can be heard or thought of. Turn to the One who never changes.

Marty

A Crazy Day 4/24/2020

Good Morning,

Have a cup of coffee and get going. My coffee this morning is Door County Blueberry Cobbler. I am still in quarantine so it's not like this day can get too far out of hand for me.

There have been many phrases used to describe life or a person's day. Forest Gump. "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your going to get". Doris Day. "what will be will be". Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way". "This day has been a full can of crazy" Author unknown.

Someone told me that the other day was the first day of her new job and on the way to work the heel broke on her shoe. Not long ago my car stalled at the left turn signal and this guy pulled up and went ballistic because he missed his turn just as my car restarted. I had to laugh at his anger and slurs considering this is a conceal carry state. I heard about a guy today that wants to raise honey bees. He purchased 90 bees and did a release into their new home, they all flew away. What about the new car with the dent in the door from some careless person in a parking lot. Then one of the kids gets sick or decides to fly off the bunk bed playing Spider Man and breaks an arm. And why does one actually put real dish soap in a dish washer and wonder why there are suds everywhere? Or you can't wait to get home and start the grill to cook a little supper. 20 minutes later as the grill goes out you remember you were supposed to pick up propane on the way home. As you return to your car with the propane you find that you have a flat tire. Or the duck that walks through your wet cement. Some days are just 7 kinds of crazy.

But here is the good news. A day only lasts 24 hours.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness

Despite the day of days, it only lasts 24 hours and each day is new. God shows up all day and all night.

Try to laugh today. Tomorrow is coming.

Marty

Take The Pledge. Issue A Challenge 4/23/2020

Good Morning,

Rise and shine you're burning day light. Grab your coffee. Mine is Door County Maple today.
This morning I have put together a small pledge and a challenge. I would like to see how many will do this.
This might be a pledge and challenge we should all do during this pandemic crisis and beyond.

 Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

I will quit whining about life.
I will stop focusing on what I don't have.
I will count my blessings.
I will quit holding out or holding back.
I will quit running away.
I will burn sinful bridges and blaze new trails of morality and goodness..
I will not let what's wrong with me keep me from worshiping what's right with God.
I will listen for God and obey,
I will stop a bad attitude the minute it starts.
I will step out of my comfort zone and value every experience, even the difficult ones.
I will worry less.
I will pray more.
I will choose to love.

God bless,
Marty

On This Day In 1823 4/22/2020

Good Morning,

Morning came later for me today and I got a late start on everything. My coffee of choice this morning is Door County Highlander Grog.

Photo Credit Wikipedia.

I decided to look at what happened on this date many years ago. Many amazing things happened throughout the years, some of it tragic and some of it wonderful. The one that stood out for me was the fact that "roller skates" was patented on April 22nd in 1823 by R J Tyers.

Proverbs 15:30 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is crushed.

This got me to thinking about people moving around. The thought of people with wheels on their shoes had to be a novel idea back then. I would imagine as the idea caught on, the visits to the hospitals and doctors increased as well.

As a kid I wasn't to keen on the idea of roller skating  but would occasionally go with my sister and cousins to an indoor skating rink. I would usually come home with more than my share of bruises and floor burns from my consistent falling. I soon decided that football was more fun and less punishment on my body. I recall having to make a trip into the men's room and not being able to stop on skates. I fell into the urinal as it flushed. I had a shower in the pee trough and was quite humiliated.

Ethel Barrymore once said. “You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.”

The point is this. When I think about the experience I can laugh about it now. It is better to be able to learn to laugh at yourself and not take things or myself too seriously. Try to find the humor in each day and be able to laugh at yourself. Some of the best humor is at your own expense. I think I grew up a little on the first day I decided to laugh at myself.

God bless,

Marty

Welcome To Bedrock 4/21/20

Good Morning/

I just poured myself a large, very hot mug of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee and now it is time to write.

I don't like to copy articles or paste from work books. But i need to share this a give the credit to John Snyder from his book "Behold Your God" The Weight Of Majesty.

He writes. "The bedrock foundation that God has provided for every follower of Christ is clearly portrayed at the end of Romans 8. This passage might be described as a series of questions that the love of God asks and answers for the Christian."

Romans 8:31-39

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, Who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."  But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John Snyder writes " These verses contain the questions that all Christians ask when they see how often they fail to live a Godward life, how often they revert back to selfishness, pride, and unbelief. God has asked these questions for you in Romans 8 and He has provided you with the answers, which are fundamentally tied to His love."

Friends, after reading this passage I found myself studying, mining and searching for more on God's love. I don't believe I will ever get to the end of that search in this life.

Despite anything you are going through and no matter what you feel. You are loved by God Who's love we cannot even fathom. It is boundless and unable to be interrupted.

This is a piece of Scripture you should underline in your bible. You just landed on Bedrock.

Marty

Forgive Aggressively 4/20/2020

Good Morning,

I have chosen for my cup of coffee today a big cup of Door County Candy Cane. Sometimes you just need a little sweetness in your life. Today is one of those days.

Aggressive Forgiveness

I Love That Phrase! Aggressive forgiveness we call grace. Aggressive Forgiveness one of those hot words with some pretty negative connotations. But the aggression of God is the full force of his love in his pursuit of us, HIS children. Lord, do not relent in your pursuit!

Romans 5:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

This term seems to be the new buzz word floating about in Christian chat rooms and coffee shops. So as I have been studying Grace I can see how the term "aggressive forgiveness" applies to God and how it should be applied by us.

We can say without a doubt that God's Grace to all sinners is an aggressive grace and that He laid out a very aggressive plan that we might be saved from eternal hell because of our sins.

Romans 5:8 (ESV)

⁸ but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

To sacrifice a life for that of another is aggressive behavior. This tells us exactly how much God loves us. We can see that God is in the business of saving lives. This all is summed up with one word, Grace! God's aggressive plan to extend an offer of salvation is Grace.

Now if forgiveness of our sins has God seeking us out to offer His aggressive plan, shouldn't we also extend Grace to others who have offended us?

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 18:15
       
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Both of these verses describe the urgency of forgiving others. We would do well to try and imitate God and forgive aggressively.

Let me know what you think?

Marty

Covid 19 No Surprise 4/19/2020

Good Morning,

The sun rose quickly this morning and is beautiful to see. I watched it come up this morning with a cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee in my hand while our two dogs gave chase to a few robins in our yard.

Of course the all the news carries these days are stories of the covid 19 virus, it's woes and threats as well as a victory now and then. The internet is besieged by banter good and bad. Many people looking for someone to blame for the disease and lack of PPE.

Now this has come as a shock to the world and I hear many statements from the religious leaders asking for prayer and patience. As well as they should. I believe the world should learn a lesson from this and they probably will heed some caution for awhile, and then return to the old ways of living not taking this seriously. This should not come as a surprise to any of us. The Bible talks about calamity such as this and we are to expect it. No one wants to mention it and be called a fool. Well I am used to it so here goes.  I am not a man who is going to run and cry the end is near. I am foolish, but not stupid, because no man knows the time of the return of Jesus with the rapture. But Jesus does talk about it. Churches are closed. All schools are closed right now. Remember that the public schools removed prayer. The courthouse have removed the ten commandments, and even our currency in the United States that spouts "In God We Trust" is not really wanted now. A plastic card is preferred for our purchases. Churches are also making a preference and appeal to people to give on line.

This virus should not be a surprise to anyone. Here are some hard, cold Biblical facts that you don't see or hear people talking about in their daily outhouse of statements on social media now.

Luke 21:5-11

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, "As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down." They questioned Him, saying, "Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" 
And He said, "See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time is near ' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately." Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

I wonder how many people will actually return to their church buildings when this calamity ends? Or will a vacation be more important? Will prayer be instituted back in the schools? I doubt it. It didn't take much to close both the churches and schools. Earthquakes and tornadoes are rampant. Flooding seems to be normal occurrences. And O yes plagues, pestilence or virus, whatever you want to call it is here. A booming economy is barely alive now. Dental offices are closed now. Yet some of the choices of businesses to remain open are very questionable as to why they are open.

I have seen a lot of good come from this event like sharing, caring and concern. But how long will that last? A few have written about this and I am not the first at all to say this should not have come as a surprise to anyone. I will go about life, hoping for some normalcy to return, but also hoping that some of it doesn't return.

Again. not saying this is the end. But in reality the end started on Easter Sunday many years ago. Jesus will return some day and I hope we start living like we know it. It really shouldn't be a surprise to you. God keeps His Word. For the rest of the story. Pick up your Bible and read it. Does God have our attention now?

Marty

Right Where You Are 4/18/20

Good Morning,

My Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee is done brewing and when I am done writing to all of you I will drown my taste buds with a large cup of it.

After the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to many people before He returned to heaven. I like to read about all of His appearances, but the one I like the most is Breakfast By The Sea

John 21 New King James Version (NKJV)

Breakfast by the Sea

21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”

They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and [a]immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”

They answered Him, “No.”

6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

We see that the disciples were a little lost and they decided to follow Peter and go fishing. They were going to soak their nets and think, relax, mourn or just catch fish. But notice, Jesus came to them over breakfast. They weren't all spiffed up. They had nothing to give Jesus until He provided the fish. He met with the guys who were wet, smelled of fish, sleepy and in a state of confusion. He went where they were, accepted the way they were, and broke bread with them. Once again He provided for their needs. 

All too often we wait to tell others about Jesus by bringing them to church and expecting them to fit in. Those who are not really acquainted with church find that many of us start talking in a foreign language with terms like salvation, saved, repent, resurrected life, on and on. We all rely on the church and it's services to lead people to Jesus. Did you ever think that Jesus could show up in the fishing boat, or the picnic, breakfast,or the golf course?  He will, if you bring Him as your guest and introduce your friends, loved ones or acquaintances. Jesus was known to attend a party.

Where or when will He attend your next gathering.

Marty

Waiting On The Lord 4/17/2020

Good Morning,

I am writing late today and I apologize for doing so. This virus took me to task last night and I finally feel asleep around the time that I usually write to all of you. My wonderful wife just placed a cup of hot Door County Churro Coffee into my room. It's a wonderful teat for the day.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know, that the testing of you faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish it's work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

This is day 24 for me with a fever and if I have learned anything from this experience is that patience is not one of my virtues. I thought for sure I would have been better by now and out and about doing as I please.  Many people have been praying for me and I want to say thank you. I am not suffering anything that is unbearable. The fevers can be treated with Tylenol, the cough is almost gone. My eye is itching and red but has stopped weeping all over.  My body aches, but the Tylenol usually tames the aches and pain.

I have prayed for my health as well as my wife, friends and family has. Each morning we look for a feverless day with the hopes of stringing three days together and calling it cured. That hasn't happened.

So my take on this is to count my blessings.

1. It could be worse. I am glad it isn't.
2. I have been able to study more.
3. I have been able to pray for others more.
4. My wife is learning to cook and the food has been excellent.
5. I was taught a lesson or two.
6. I am learning to be content .
7. I have learned that I am a not a patient man. ( I kind of knew that)
8. I am learning more about being patient. Another word for patience is perseverance
9. This virus time is teaching me patience and it will benefit me somehow, someday, somewhere.

I am waiting on The Lord and want to publicly say that I know this wait is for my own good. Only the future will tell what I will tell us what the patience is for.

God bless,

Marty

Bring Out The Bear 4/16/2020

Good Morning,

Thursday arrived right on time and I can see a glimpse of Friday in my glasses. My cup of Door County Churro Coffee is brewing in the kitchen and I feel the need to retrieve it.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.

I will tell you something I learned many years ago. If you ever want to see a mom go over the edge crazy, just mess with one of her family. Whether or not it would be one of the kids or her husband, mess with one of them and you just poked the bear. I have seen my wife take some verbal abuse over the years and it just rolls off of her. But let something happen to me, our daughter or grandson and her gloves come off and it can get ugly. I feel sorry for those who cross the path of Mamma Bear.

She has declared war on the is covid 19 virus. The house get's cleaned, re-cleaned, and then stared at with that death look of "I just dare you to get dusty". Her energy level has increased and there isn't a thing that she believes she can't do. I believe that men also possess this quality, and they would fight to the death for their families.

What gets a woman to go hours and hours on end for her family? I believe it is love. I believe that love in action draws on energy reserves  that we don't realize are even there. Kids have you ever wondered how mom can stay up late and repair clothing even when they do not feel good? It's so you look good and no one can say anything about your clothes and make you feel bad.

Have you ever watched a mom cuddle you when your heart is broken while she plots revenge in her head ? She is thinking about turning Dad loose at Cabelas for ammunition that mames. Yet she remains composed and gives you good guidance showing control. That is love for you.

So friends give Mom a hug today and say "Thanks Bear" Regardless of what you think she has been there for you and will be again in a pinch.

Marty

Hot Chocolate Goes A Long Way

Good Morning,

Happy Wednesday to all of you. I just poured a cup of Door County S'mores Coffee and now it is time to write.

Matthew 25:40 The King will reply. Truly I tell you, whatsoever you do for the least of these brothers and sisters, of mine, that you did for Me. 

Not much works for curing this virus and in all reality the best thing I have found is to make myself as comfortable as I can. Rest and good beverages seem to help. The hotter the beverage the better.

I know we have an army of healthcare workers in the middle of this ruckus. They deserve a big shout out and all of our appreciation.  I want to take a moment though to give a shout out and my love to the caregivers on the home front. I get greeted every morning by my wife who has donned her mask and gloves and is armed with a hot cup of coffee. Later she changes roles and becomes the laundry technician.  Clean sheets, clothes and a fresh supply of tissues are brought to me every morning. Later my non cooking wife becomes a chef in training  and she is seen prepping things in the kitchen for lunch and dinner. I have not lost weight.

She runs the dogs and the yard is totally clean of dog land mines.  Then just before I attempt sleeping she arrives with a large cup of hot chocolate. The steam opens my nose and lungs.

So to all those who are out there and taking care of others at home. I salute you and thank God for you.

Now all of you who are receiving this great care. Mark it down and remember it. You just never know when it will be your turn to become a nurse, chef and pooper scooper.

Marty

A History Lesson 4/14/2020

Good Morning Friends,

Tuesday and the coffee of choice today is Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. I hope your day will be peaceful.

I watch a lot of World War Two documentaries the battle of Britain reminds me our battle right now. This Covid 19 pestilence reminds me of all those healthcare workers who are giving it their all in personal care and research right now. First Responders haven't quit. These are amazing people.

You can easily determine the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him or her This week we all face some unknowns.
Scripture tells us

If you faint in the time of adversity your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10

Wikipedia

During the air battle for Britain in World War Two, day by day and night by night British airmen fought off the attacks by Nazi Germany. The word quit was not in their vocabulary. If it were not for their bravery Britain would have been lost to Germany. I would say these were high caliber men and women.

"The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." Winston Churchill

Whatever you face this week, you have all you need to bear up and face it. You are not alone. With God, you and He are the majority.

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

Because He lives we can face tomorrow.

God bless,

Marty

Remember This. Mark It Down 4/13/2020

Good Morning,

The weather in this part of the world does not resemble spring at all today. It has a bite in the wind and is cold and damp. If I didn't know better I would swear it was late November. My cup of Door County Smores' Coffee is doing the trick to warm me up right now.

Psalm 71:9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age, forsake me not when my strength is spent..

We have an assisted living home in our neighborhood. I have written about it before, but today has the home for the elderly wrapped in a new message.  Yesterday being Easter Sunday I wasn't surprised to see the home empty of visitors. This covid 19 virus has everyone restricted from visiting  and basically from traveling around except for necessities and work. Normally, holidays bring out many visitors to the home to spend time with their loved one who lives there.

I was outside watching our two dogs run and play and I could see one of the ladies inside of the home looking out of the window. I waved and she waved back. She was watching our two furry clowns playing and chasing birds.

I hear of people who are really struggling right now being restricted to their homes and I know that the struggle is real. But I want us all to remember this and never forget this time of pestilence and strife. Remember what it was like to be restricted to your home. At least many of us can go outside. So when this ends some day, let us all recall what it was like to not be able to visit with our friends and families as we pleased. Those folks inside the assisted living home just wait for visitors to bring some new part of the world to them.

Let's not wait for holidays or weekends to visit. Because of age or disabilities these folks have to live there. They can't come and go at will. They wait on us to visit, but are often the last thing on the list to accomplish on a busy holiday weekend. They live this covid type life 365 days a year. Most couldn't do a ZOOM meeting if their life depended on it.

Let's never forget this lesson world. Never forget it. Visit while you can and visit often.

Marty

Easter Sunday 4/12/2020

Good Morning,

There is a fresh pot of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee brewing in the kitchen. I was awake for some time now, waiting for the sunrise. I fed our dogs Gibbs and Leo and they ran around outside. And now they went back to sleep as I write and get ready to worship on this Easter Sunday. I pray that God blesses all of you on this resurrection Sunday.

Matthew 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ¹⁷ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Have you ever wished you had been in a certain place at a certain time during the Earthly life of Jesus? I have several instances that I would have liked to be a witness to. The resurrection of Jesus being one. But one that I go back to as thinking it would have been neat to see, is the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. I often wonder what I would have done when the heavens opened and a dove descended and God spoke from Heaven.

I cannot attend or perform a baptism without thinking about this verse. What an example of obedience and humility for the Son of God to be immersed like everyone else, giving us the example of why He came.
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior and the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his or her faith in the final resurrection of the dead.
The word for baptize in Greek is baptizo, which means "to dip, plunge, submerge, or immerse."
Jesus submitted to John's baptism (Matt. 3:16) not to demote repentance but to authenticate John's ministry, to set an example for His followers, and to dedicate Himself publicly to His redemptive ministry. In so doing Jesus symbolized His death, burial, and resurrection.

I wonder why so many believers have not followed through as adults and been baptized by immersion and publicly identify with Christ?

If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me.

Have a great day!

Marty

Saturday The Day Before Easter 4/11/2020

Good Morning,

I am waiting for the Door County Lemon Shortbread Cookie Coffee to finish brewing. Then I will pour a large mug and go outside with our dogs.

Yesterday was Good Friday and tomorrow will be Easter Sunday. As a young boy I always thought of this day as being on hold for me. The crucifixion was complete and Jesus was buried. Sunday morning we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. Taking this all in as a little boy I would almost get depressed about the fact that Jesus had to be laid into a grave. I used to wonder how His mother handled Saturday, not knowing that on Sunday God would raise up His Son. I used to think about how bad His apostles and disciples had to feel.

One year when Easter was in April like this year, I went out to the back yard and saw our wild roses all bloomed on that morning. The yellow was as yellow could be. The roses were a month earlier than their usual arrival. I will never forget that day. What does this have to do with Jesus and Saturday? I had nothing to give my mom for her birthday that year. I had said a little prayer on Friday asking God  to show me what I could give my mother for her Birthday on Saturday. I believe God answered my prayer with warm weather and blooming roses. I cut a small bouquet of roses and put them in a cup and gave them to my mother. The roses were God's timing and they opened up when He wanted them to.

Mathew 12:39-40 He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonahs was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the Earth.

So today, I will watch for God to be working somewhere doing something just like I did many years ago. But I know this for sure. The day of the resurrection, God opened that grave right on time. His timing was perfect. He did all things according to His will that the Scriptures would be fulfilled. Thus making it so much easier for all of us to believe that we serve a risen Savior.

Looking forward to writing to all of you tomorrow.

Marty

The Friday Before Easter 4/10/2020

Good Morning,

I am writing to you this day with a somber heart and a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee steaming at my side.

In the life of a Christian the Friday before Easter is called "Good Friday". It is the day we remember Jesus going to the cross and dying there for the payment of our sins. We are reminded today that God hates sin and if we all had to endure God's wrath for our sins we might not stand up to the punishment.

Yet, God loves us so much that He placed His full wrath upon His Son who was without sin that we might find salvation in Jesus.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world. that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, bur have eternal life. 

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So today I will be somber in my mood knowing that a perfect man and loving Savior suffered, and died in my place. I have to live with that thought. But, I will also celebrate the fact that this was done for me. Celebrate, mourn because of guilt and being grateful all in one day is my goal.

Think about it. What a gift! What a terrible cost! What love!

Marty

Thursday Before Easter 4/9/2020

Good Morning,

I was just drinking a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and praying for all those who will read this today. It's time to write.

John 14:31 But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. 

As a young boy most of my heroes were sports figures. I recall going to watch a Milwaukee Braves Game and just hoping that my favorite player would be playing that day and that I would get to see him. Henry Aaron played right field for the Braves and was known as "Hammerin Hank". Eventually Mr. Aaron went on to break Babe Ruth's home run record. That night at the game I had a seat in right field and Mr. Aaron came out I was yelling and waving at him and he waved back at me. He looked me right in the eye and waved. I will never forget what he did. I was at the last time he appeared at the Old Milwaukee County Stadium before it was torn down. Same spot and same guy yelling and waving at Mr. Aaron and believe it r not, we made eye contact and he waved. He to me was a true hero. To me there are other heroes in my life.......

But as we approach Easter my thoughts turn to my real Hero. Jesus endured the full wrath of God for our sins. God the Father held nothing back in His hatred for sin. Jesus the man took it all. He stepped up out of love for the Father and a love for a lost world. He stepped to the plate took one swing and hit the Grand Slam of my life and yours. So today when you can, take some time to say thank you to the One who died for us.

God bless,

Marty

The Wednesday Before Easter 4/8/2020

Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee is at my side and two dogs at my feet.

Our Men's Bible Study has been working through an excellent book by John Snyder. Behold Your God. The Weight Of Majesty has us in chapter 9 . The Bible verse that kicked off this study is found in the book of Colossians.

Colossians 2:6-7  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 

For today, let's focus on the word walk. I think everyone can picture this in their mind. During this Corona Virus Stay at home model. I see more people walking the neighborhood for exercise than ever before. They are keeping distance between them and others. The weather has been nice enough to get out there and enjoy some sunshine. Unfortunately I feel sorry for many of the folks. I bet they wish to be walking where the scenery changes and they get to see something besides the grumpy old man who lives in our house. That guy is my wife's husband.

The Apostle Paul used the word "walk" here with the intention that our walk with God lead us to a destination. My poor wife and neighbors are walking the subdivision and going from home back to their home, never really seeing much more of the world lately. Now each of the steps they take keeps them healthy and that is a destination unto itself. But each step or decision in our day should always lead us closer to God. For instance. If I choose to disobey a commandment of God's like do not lie. I take a step away from my walk with God. It should be our goal to make every daily step, one that takes us closer to God in our spiritual walk.

Let's make that our goal as we head toward Easter. Let's walk like we know who we belong to.

God bless,

Marty