Chasing Your Tail And Going Nowhere 4/30/2023

 Good Morning,

This day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. It's time to write.

I will begin this blog today with a question. Have you ever found yourself in the same place spiritually, over and over again? You find yourself chasing after every false hope. You then end up empty and thirsty, tired and having no place to rest your soul. Have you then cried out to the Lord until He came until He came in His goodness and rescued you.  

Life makes many promises of satisfaction and indulgences that really never produce true contentment and peace. A new spouse or an affair of the heart provides momentary gratification, but not peace. Drugs and alcohol are just an illusion of peace like a mirage in the desert. Money can be gone as fast as it is made. Read the stories of lottery winners who lost all their money or the millions they won caused them nothing but problems. Look at the famous athletes who chased fame and let that fame take them to an early grave. Sin's power is in it's false advertisement. It promises us a paradise, but in the end it leads us to that dry mirage.

What does provide peace, joy and consistency is our God who never changes. A good start to setting yourself in the right direction and off of the carousel of sin and discontent is to embrace God for His loving kindness and His awesome wonders. 

Psalm 107:8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and His wonders to the sons of men. 

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

Today might just be the day that you have to call out and accept the rest God has for you. His rest is never forced on to us. It is an invitation to free our hearts and souls from the bondage of sin that we have embraced. 

That rest is found in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ taken by accepting His love and forgiveness. Get off the track of worthless promises and accept the One who can change hearts.

Food for thought. 

Marty. 

 

Your Church Needs You. 4/29/2023

 Good Morning,

I am up early and will be without my Door County Coffee for today. It is time to write. I will be back to my regular routine tomorrow. 

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

I am headed to our church to make some breakfast and lunch for a group of folks taking a class at the church today. I asked for some volunteers to help with the task and I have just enough people on board to handle the work. These are the folks that usually say yes to assisting with many little projects like this. They are dedicated to God and the church. 

My point for this morning is this. If you look hard enough within a church you can always find a way to help. There are so many things needing to be done that it is impossible to not find one that you can do. You might not ever see the fruit of your work, but just maybe what you helped with, will rewrite eternity for someone. It might be that your act of service allowed someone else to study, recharge spiritually, or find their way as they struggle through life. Any job, big or small is an important one in the Kingdom of God. Last night as I delivered supplies needed for today, I ran into a man a few years senior to me. He showed up and readied the large coffee urns for this morning. All I have to do is turn them on today. Just the fact that he cared enough to help made me smile all the way home.

Can you be the catalyst to a smile on the face of someone else? Your Church Needs You

Marty

Greatest Form Of Flattery 4/28/2023

 Good Morning,

This Friday finds me with some work to do for my employer. It is an early start and I am looking forward to drinking my first hot cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee. I am pretty sure that will happen in the truck on the way to my job. 

I believe one of the greatest forms of flattery is imitation. When I was a young boy, we would have pick up football games in our neighborhood. Each kid would show up with an oversized shirt with a number on it that had been drawn won it with permanent ink. If you were really blessed and your folks could afford a replica of a professional football league jersey you would assume the identity of your favorite player. My homemade shirt had two numbers. 66 while I was on defense and 15 while I was on offense. These two numbers were from Ray Nitschke and Bart Starr. They were awesome players for the "Glory Years Green Bay Packers". Both players were intense in their own different ways. I believed they were the best and when I stepped into that pick up game I wanted to play like those guys. I felt that imitating their style of play was a form of flattery.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. 

So if we were to imitate God today, we would need to forgive others, serve others with patience, lead others in a way that glorifies God and ,most of all love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Imitation is a great form of flattery. Try it!

Marty

Work Is Not A Dirty Word 4/27/2023

 Good Morning,

The sun is shining through the window of our den and it feels good to be drinking some Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee as I enjoy the morning. 

Romans 4:4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift, but as his due. 

My professional work life has pretty much taken me to retirement and the part time job I have is really part time now. For one who has always been busy enough for two people it has been hard to adjust to slowing down. 

I was a bit of hard to raise kid and would often spend my summers with my grandparents. For the first few years of my summers away from home, my grandfather was still working. He was a section foreman for the railroad. He would come home hot and sweaty from a long day of track repairs or a small new installation. Everything was done by hand back then. The rails were heavy and those guys drove in the spikes by hand with a sledge hammer. 

During our times alone I was always subject to a life lesson from grandpa and the range of those lessons could be from how to identify a spring of water under a gravel road, to how to properly swing a sledge hammer. 

One lesson that had many chapters to it was work ethics. Grandpa used to tell me over and over how important it was to earn your wages, and always stay busy while on the company clock. "Don't abuse the lunch or break times. Stop your breaks and lunches on time. To extend them a few minutes here and there is stealing from the company." He reminded me that there is really no allergy to work and that work was not a dirty word." I learned that there was a time for everything and fishing came after work.

I always took pride in doing a job worthy of my hire and I still do. Honesty with an employer goes a long way. So you can imagine now that slowing down in the work place is a hard adjustment for me. 

Friends, while you still can work, do so. Give a days work for a days pay. Take pride in what you do. Remember this, you are God's representative where you work and no where in God's Word does He ever say to be a sluggard or dishonest. 

Food for thought!!!

Marty

If We Only Understood 4/26/2023

 Good Morning,

I woke up to a heavy frost on the ground and it would be most welcome in October ,but I am not to fond of it in April. I just sat down to write after pouring myself a very hot cup of Door County Black And Tan Coffee. It is time to write. 

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well. 

One of the things I like about people is the fact that we are all unique. No matter the DNA make up of anyone, no one is the same. We might look like an identical  twin, but no matter the looks we are all different.  For instance, my wife and I both like Italian food, and I like all Mexican food. My wife on the other hand only likes tacos. We have been married for a thousand years and she still surprises me now and then with a view point I did not expect from her. 

The point for the day is that we can travel swiftly through life and not be interrupted by what we don't know, UNLESS we slow down and try to understand other people and where they are coming from. We don't always have to agree on everything, but trying to see where people derive their viewpoint often opens insight into their feelings. This takes some time and we might not understand them fully, but taking the time to understand opens a view of the heart. The time is fully worth the effort and sometimes the investment opens doors and windows that have been closed for years. 

Let someone know you care just by trying to understand their thoughts and feelings. Don't be moving so fast that you miss something important. Try to remember that we all handle what life brings to us differently. 

God bless,

Marty

Jesus Was Obedient And Faithful 4/25/2023

 Good Morning,

I am sitting in the den enjoying some prayer time, and quiet. Needless to say I also have a hot mug of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee with me. It also won't be long until my breakfast will be in the pan.

Isaiah 50:4-6 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples. That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning. He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord God has opened My ear and I was not disobedient. Nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me. And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard. I did not cover my face from humiliation and spitting.

Mark 14:65 Some began to spit at Him; and to blindfold Him and beat Him with their fists, and say to Him, "Prophesy"! And the officer received Him with slaps in the face.

Isaiah 50:4-6 speaks of the Son's faithfulness by showing the results of His life. He has the words to sustain the weary soul. Jesus was the example of the perfect student. 

His qualities are spoken of also. Jesus was never disobedient to what The Father taught Him in the Scriptures. Jesus was obedient even when it meant death on the cross. It is important to note that never once did Jesus tell the Father no. Never once did Jesus step out of line with Scripture.  He never shirked His responsibilities by pretending He did not hear them. For thirty three years His joy was to express His love for the Father through His perfect faithfulness and obedience.

Friends. today if we truly want to express our Love for God, the best way is to be 100% faithful to His word. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Do Not Localize God 4/24/2023

 Good Morning,

I am waiting on the Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee to finish brewing, so for now I must just enjoy the aroma coming from the kitchen.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

I do most of the preaching for our church on Saturday nights. Now, it is always nice to have someone say that they liked the message or that the message hit home. We sing the old time hymns and not much other than those songs and prayer makes up our Saturday night. 

In some churches the praise and worship time is there to set the tone for a God type experience. This could be enhanced by candles, lighting, music or fog. 

Either one works for those who choose to attend. I have attended a few rallies for God and I hear people say "God was hear tonight. We should gather here tomorrow because God was really here." I would caution folks to be careful to not localize God and then satisfy your spiritual hunger by attending events once a week or once a month. We should experience Him and behold Him at all times.

(Quote Behold Your God) By John Snyder 

If God only lives in religious places, and only attends religious events. then most of your life (which is made up of non-religious things) will be viewed as spiritually meaningless and without purpose. The (all presence of God) guarantees that all of life has value because all of life is lived before His face. Mundane tasks may be done with Him as near to you as He is when you are reading your Bible. 

God has no boundaries or limits. We would do well to remember that. 

Happy Monday.

Marty

God And The Person. 4/23/2023

 Good Morning,

The Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee is tasting exceptionally good this morning and I find it hard to put the cup down as I write. Lots to look forward to on this fine Sunday. The crock pot is slowly cooking a goose breast so it can be used in making some empanadas later today. 

Last night I spoke in church and the lesson was a hard long look at the 23rd Psalm. What I want to share this morning is just the first verse. 

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. 

Photo Credit Mount Lebanon Lutheran 

The first thing I want to say is this. That verse is one powerful statement. From the Old Testament though the New Testament we see, we find, we can know, that God is relational. He desires to be our God, our Shepherd, our Father, our All In All. On our part it is our choice to make. No one can make that choice for us. We cannot purchase our way through it. We have to make a decision and stake our claim to God as being our God. The choice is never forced on us by God. 

King David made the claim, wrote the statement and it is here for all of us to read. The second part of that verse goes with the rest of the Psalm as it talks about how God provides rest, protection, comfort and necessities. What I find in that statement is this. As much of God as I desire I can have. I will never be cut short by Him on love, His time, protection, guidance, wisdom. peace, correction, joy, and the rest of the fruits that a relationship with God gives us. I will never be able to say that I WANTED more of those things and I never got them. I will never be able to say that I did not get enough. I shall not want! His supply of the gifts of the relationship with God as My Shepherd is never ending. 

So today as you start out and pray, drink a little coffee, take time to say. You Are My Shepherd. You give me all I want of You. Psalm 23. is more than a passage to be read at a funeral. It is a statement of love and celebration. It is your statement to make. 

Have a great day!!!

Marty

Home Again 4-22-2023

 Good Morning, 

A Thermos bottle is packed with Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee  for me to drink later as I turkey hunt for a little bit today.

Ecclesiastes7:1 A good name is more valuable than precious ointments.

I traveled to Albany New York for a family funeral this week. We lost a young cousin this time around. 

The tribute to her life was very touching and it reminded me of the word Legacy. 

If we were to pass from this life, what would our legacy be? What would people say about us? I knew this young gal was special, but it was affirmed repeatedly all afternoon long by friends and family.

The best thing was that never once did she do something for others, expecting anything in return. The legacy of "Giver and "Unselfish" was the theme carried throughout the day. 

What is your legacy going to be? Only you can write it. 

God bless.

Marty.

My Blog Will Be Down From 4/20/2023 Until 4/23/2023

 Be well and God bless. I will be back with you all soon. 

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart.

 Good Morning,

I am ready to write a little bit earlier today. I am waiting for the Door County Cherry Creme Coffee to finish brewing and I will be filling my travel mug very soon.

I had a man tell me how he just doesn't see God at work in his life. He feels abandoned and claims to be depressed. He continually worries about things that are no real concern of his and has anger outbursts that can be measured on the Richter scale. At a time when He does need to see God at work in his life he has distanced himself from God because he allows himself to walk a path of anger, malice, crude talk, untruths and a mind full of self pity.  

There is only one person responsible for our walk with God and that is ourselves. We are responsible for how close we are with Him. And we are as close to Him as we choose to be. Only you can choose the path that leads to God. 

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts you double minded. 

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

Have a great day.

Marty

Enjoy The Victory 4/18/2023

 Good Morning,

The busyness of this week is accelerating a little bit and I find myself in a hurry to get some extra work done today. With that in mind I just poured a hot mug of Door County Cherry Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We want to make sure to thank God and consider it important to do so. The Apostle Paul is giving thanks for the victory Christ has won, triumphing over death and releasing us from the bonds of sin. It's this ultimate victory and the prize of heaven that we can enjoy and anticipate. We should enjoy this victory that can never be erased nor taken away from us. Just a little food for thought as you sit down to pray today! Say Thanks!

God bless,

Marty

When I am Angry With God. I am Really Angry With Myself. 4/17/2023

 Good Morning,

Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee just warmed me up and set my feet on steady ground and I am ready to write. 

I was conversing with a wonderful lady at church yesterday and the subject came up that she is worried about a family member who might be angry with God. I was reading my Bible last night and a daily devotional led me to read Psalm 73. 

I did some soul searching and recalled some times in my life when I was angry with God and found that each of those times had something in common.

1. In many instances my unhappiness, was caused by my own poor choices and my anger was misdirected.  I was really angry with myself and yet to save face to my inner being I blamed God from not rescuing me from the consequences.

2. The second thing on my list that made me at times snarly toward God was my lack of contentment. Jesus was sent to die for my sins. Isn't that enough? How dare I be dissatisfied with life and ask for more? So much awaits us in heaven. But yet there is only One who I need to thank and is the first One I want to see. 

Psalm 73:21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22. I was senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. 23. Yet I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand. 24. You guide me with Your counsel. And afterward you take me into glory. 25. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. 26. My flesh and my heart fail , but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Deep down inside I know that I have no one to blame for most of the troubles I have gone through in life except myself. 

God bless,

Marty

The Spring Sprung 4/16/2023

 Good Morning,

Door County Mocha Mint Coffee filled my cup this morning and it is doing a fine job of warming me up. It is time to write. 

Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.; You stretch out your hand against the wrath of the enemy. 

Yesterday had a lot of things going on for both my wife and me. Late morning I received a call from a dear old friend. I have known him since the 2nd grade and about once a month we reach out to each other. Our talk usually always consists of bringing each other up to speed on the things going on with us and our families. 

Yesterday was no different except for the fact that he wanted to share news about a huge blessing he received. My friend is a man of prayer and prays for others and his own family. 

He began his news with, "God protected me". He then went on to explain that he was traveling down the interstate and as usual he prayed for safe travels before hitting the highway. While enjoying the great sunshine that day and having a peaceful ride, a car in front of him lost a rear leaf spring. He couldn't avoid driving over it. This large piece of metal pierced the under carriage  of his automobile and  was stuck like a spear in a wild hog with sparks flying and bouncing along the highway. The metal missed all the vital components of the car, like brake lines, fuel lines, radiator, the gas tank, and the transmission. He just said to me. "It pays to pray and God was watching over me." He did say that a service center had a plan to to repair the large hole in the bottom of his car. 

Here's the point, the first thing he did when sharing the story was to praise God for His protection. The second thing he did was to credit prayer and the habit about praying before traveling. He said the large spring was a reminder to pray and praise God for the good and the bad. 

Just some food for thought before I head out on the highway to church.

God bless,

Marty 

Time To Trim The Branches 4/15/2023

 Good Morning,

What a nice week it has been in our part of the world and as I sit drinking a hot cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee I just need to smile and thank God for the warm weather and sunshine He gave us for several days.

John 15:1-4 I am the True Vine and My Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while very branch that does bear fruit, He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit itself, it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. 

It's that time of the year as I wait on the trees in our yard to blossom. I will then survey what branches are actually dead and hopeless. I will be trimming those branches so that new life can sprout from the main limbs. I will be doing that real soon.

The main point to my thoughts today is that we need to be aware that God surveys us like a gardener does his orchard and for our own good cuts away the limbs that rob the good fruit of water and nutrients. As God surveys us he often trims away the things that keep us from being fruitful within the church, our families and our work. 

I can tell you for sure that some of the branches from our trees, (the bad ones being removed) won't be able to protest, object or lobby to stay on the tree. In the same way, when God starts pruning us we are wise to accept the pruning and not fight it. The pruning process gives our trees more access to the sun. God's pruning removes all things that keep us from having a clear view of Jesus His Son

Food for thought. Out comes the saw!

Marty

Let's Reason This Out 4/14/2023

 Good Morning, 

Friday arrived and it was right on time. The beverage of the morning is a hot cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend and it is time to write. 

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 

I have a friend who I touch base with almost every day via text messaging or through a phone call. This friend has more going on in life than one person can handle. At times he is faced with decisions that are either thrust upon him or some are brought into the mix by his own choice. 

Each day we both will try to sort out the answers he needs to to be successful. It usually does not take long to reason things out. Our first step is to pray and seek God's wisdom. I pray for him every morning and he prays for me. Our next step is to see if the decision being made is biblical. Then we reason it out pro and con, cost and effect. There is good reward for seeking counsel and I am happy to assist him. 

If by chance there are no decisions to be pondered we just chat for 5 minutes and talk about anything under the sun. I usually am on my second cup of coffee by then and might be running off to work. Many times I converse with him while driving to a work appointment. 

If you have decisions to make, and can bounce them off of a friend who will give you sound biblical advice do so. Take time with the decisions to reason them out by praying and listening. If you are the one supporting a friend in some decisions take time to pray and be willing to tell them what they need to hear, not always what they want to hear. It is also ok to say "I m not sure, or I don't know. " Honesty in decision making is always the best policy. 

The last thing to do when giving advice to someone who asks for it is to write down some notes. Someone who is bombarded by decisions and woes has a lot going on in their mind, Later when they cannot recall what they were thinking or said about the subject, you can refer to the notes. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Losing Yourself For A Short Time. 4/13/2023

 Good Morning,

This day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee. I am ready to write.

Leviticus 26:12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you will be my people.

Every now and then the world seems to pile up on your shoulders. I find that when I am overwhelmed with responsibilities, work, or problems, that is the signal for me to go and get lost for a breather. I did not say to run from responsibilities, ignore issues. and quit work. I said get lost from them. Getting lost often implies that one will eventually be found. There are times when I find a secluded trail and just hike where no one else is there. I can sit by my favorite duck hunting spot on a river and just take in air that hasn't been breathed before. Sometimes you just have to "walk it off".

When I am getting lost or walking it off I do pray and ask God to bless my runaway respite. Usually on my walk back I am praying and listening to God. I blew off some steam and filled my lungs with fresh air and knew I could not run from God. I pray and ask Him to walk or run with me. It is an exercise that I do quite often and just being alone with God helps to set me back on the right path. 

Run on!

Marty

Are You A Star In Your Own Home? 7/12/2023

 Good Morning,

I just poured a large cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee and now t is time to write. 

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

One place that we should always try to be a positive influence is in our own home. I am not saying that we should ignore the outside world. But who knows us better? The strangers on the street or those within our own home? Of course our family and good friends know us better and they should be our first step of influence. We all feel most comfortable with our own family and close friends. But, a word of caution! They are used to you. They know the real you and our reputation with them might not be bright and shiny,   You are always building a legacy with those who are close to you. If we continually violate what they expect from us, we risk having them become people who regard us as foolish and hypocritical. In other words are we walking the talk?  Are we a resource of positivity, humility and  love? Do their eyes roll when we speak and do they shake their heads when we walk in the door? Do we put people on edge, not knowing what our response might be in any situation.? Are we on the invitation list and truly wanted or are we on the list of "duty invitations". Do people hope that we don't show? If we do miss a gathering, does anyone care? Have our mouths and actions caused us to be isolated? 

The best place to be a shining star is within our own family and friends first. Then tackle the world. 

God bless,

Marty

I Remember Mom And Straight Laces 4/11/2023

 Good Morning,

It is very quiet this morning as I sit at my desk to write. Next to me is a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. On the floor to my right our two dogs are once again sleeping. 

Proverbs 31:31 Honor her for all her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

Today is my mother's birthday and if she were alive she would be 86 years old. She went to heaven 14 years ago , when a simple cold went bad and laid her to rest. I think about her very often and especially when I am doing something she taught me. I recall her teaching me how to tie my shoes and how particular she was about having the laces perfectly even. It was mom who taught me how to swing a baseball bat from both sides of home plate. "You have more power when you swing opposite of your dominant hand". She was correct on that one and I still swing my axe as a lefty. You can't imagine how long that took to learn.

I could make a list of the things she taught me and it would be a long one. But that is not the point I hope to make today. All the things she taught us kids took time and the lessons learned sometimes had to be gone over and over again. But mom persevered and when necessary could be very strict. She would communicate and never glossed over the truth. She would let you know when you were headed for trouble or when you did a good job. You always knew where you stood with her. Our ages did not matter to her. Even as adults she would correct our way of thinking, pass on a new recipe, or call you with a word of encouragement. She spent her time on us. She prayed for us and when teaching us how to cross the street, the path she took led you to walk to church and back. Who knows how many hours she spent praying for this black sheep of the family. 

So what lessons are you teaching the children of your life? It could be your children, grand kids, nieces and nephews. Are you taking enough time to tell them what they need to know or what you have learned? So today, I will tie my shoes, brush my teeth, brown the garlic first before I make spaghetti sauce, and say please and thank you. I will thank God for my mom and look forward to seeing her again some day. I wonder if she will scold me that day for "being late"?

Marty

A Nice Day For A Visit. 4/10/2023

 Good Morning,

The den in our house is quite comfortable this morning. The house smells like Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and lilies. It is time to write 

Jeremiah 10:6 There is none like you O Lord. You are great and your name is great in might.

Yesterday as we observed Easter Sunday the weather was perfect. A warm spring day, sunshine and a small breeze just added perfection to a great day. We had family visit us and we shared a nice dinner with them. I wasn't really into the dinner as I am recovering from some surgical work on my jaw that took place Friday. But listening to the family banter was entertaining and refreshing. 

Later in the day, I took a ride to visit a dear friend who is residing in a nursing home. She is in rough shape. Her speech is reduced to one syllable at a time. But when the conversation turned to her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she could say his name as clear as a church bell ringing through the neighborhood, loud and proud. What other name is there that can bring a smile to a worn out body? What other name can be said clearly from the bed of a nursing home? 

Do you smile when you hear the name of Jesus? Do you want to talk about Him while struggling in pain? I am so glad I went to visit her yesterday. In that short little visit I saw the power that is just in a name. I don't know what the immediate future will be for my friend. But I know who holds it. 

Have a great week.

Marty

An Easter Thought On The Power It Took. 4/9/2023

 Good Morning,

I just poured myself a large cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee and it is just what I needed to wake up. 

Today we observe and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day God raised Him from the dead and was seen by many eye witnesses to be alive. Jesus prophesied many times  that this would be. He came from heaven  to be born in a manger, a birth though a virgin who conceived by the Holy Spirit. He lived as a human, and later  bore our sins on the cross after being beaten and whipped mercilessly. he died on that cross and was buried. 

On what is now known as Easter Sunday the stone which was placed in from of the entry of the tomb rolled away and out from the grave He came. He came from the grave and sits at the right hand of God the Father. 

I have seen my share of dead bodies in my lifetime, lifeless, and wilting. What amazes me is the power of God to raise the dead, roll away a stone and Jesus walked and talked and ate fish by the sea side. Power to put a life back together! It is very easy to end a life and anyone of us can do it. No one but God can restore a life. There is much more power needed to restore a life. God is still in the business of restoring lives. Lives dead in sin or tied to addictions can be saved and resurrected. He can restore families to a loving group. He leads the way to forgive us of our sins. He alone can save a marriage, or carry us through dark times.  Where there was once no hope he brings peace to families. 

There is no way I can do a good enough job of bragging on God. He certainly doesn't need me. I am only here because He came for me many years ago and helped me to put my life back on the tracks. I am not what I was, not yet what I will be, but I am so thankful that I am not what I used to be. I celebrate Easter every day!

Luke 24:5-8 Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying " the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words. 

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me for I am meek and lowly in heart: For you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden id light.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. 

God bless you all on the Easter Sunday.

Marty

Thoughts For The Saturday Before Easter 4/8/2023

 Good Morning,

My hot mug of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee will be a close friend to me this day. It is time to write. 

This morning finds all Christians in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In many homes, preparations are being made to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ tomorrow. Many will attend church and then eat a celebratory meal. Kids are anticipating a visit from the Easter Bunny and the potential to eat some jelly beans or a chocolate or two. So typically this Saturday is spent in expectation of Sunday.

Those disciples of Jesus really weren't expecting a resurrection even though Jesus spoke of it many times. The authorities brought it up because they were worried about a theft of the body of Christ and a fake resurrection. They knew what Jesus proclaimed. Today we have the luxury of knowing better. The resurrection happened!!! There were eyewitness accounts of Jesus appearing to a few and many. 

Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved. 

Acts 1:10-11 And while they were gazing into heaven, as He went m behold to me stood by them in white robes. 11. And said," Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same way you saw Him go."

Matthew 24:42 Therefore, stay awake for you do not know what day your Lord is coming.

Because of the triumph over sin and the grave, Jesus has provided atonement for anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. And with that gift comes another promise. Jesus will come again! Do we live our life, expecting His return? Do we look forward to that day? Or is every day just another day? And in reality, we say "not today Lord, I know you are coming some day, but not today Lord. I'll get right tomorrow." Do we place faith in the promises or do we live life really not expecting Jesus to return? Do we treat the future like the Saturday before Easter. Would we have expected the resurrection? 

Food for thought!

Marty 

Thoughts For Good Friday 4/7/2023

 Good Morning,

I am prepared to write. The dogs were fed and are already dozing off again. A hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee is steaming next to me. So let's go.

Today Christians will observe "Good Friday" . This is the day that over 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was put to death on the cross  and died. The cross He bore should have been ours. But yet the loving Jesus took our place willingly so that those who have trusted Him by faith will never see the place called hell. 

For many years now and again today I will look at my life and acknowledge that I am a sinner and basically review that if anyone ever needed a Savior it would be me. So as I look back at my life with humility and shame I can also experience a great wave of thankfulness. I can on the other hand count many blessings around me. But those blessing are in many instances just things. The One blessing that will stand forever, I cannot pay back. I can never lose it, and it stands for eternity. 

Psalm 32:1-2 Blessed the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered, Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and whose spirit is no deceit. 

So yes friends as we observe the day that Jesus paid the price for us all, it might generate feelings of guilt and shame. It also should generate a tidal wave of thankfulness. 

Have a nice quiet day! God bless. 

Marty

Let My Heart Be Right. 4/6/2023

 Good Morning,

I just awoke to a great aroma coming from the kitchen. It will be a pleasure to be pouring some Door County Toasted Praline Coffee in a few minutes. It will be a greater pleasure to be drinking some. 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast Spirit within me.

Tomorrow will be Good Friday and even as a young boy I could get caught up in the crucifixion and death of Jesus on Friday. Yet Thursday the day before all of that never really had me thinking about Good Friday and then Easter. Thursday had always just been another day for me, just as Wednesday, Tuesday or Monday. 

Friday was a day of being somber and we went to church. The church seemed to be quieter on Friday as we remember what happened that day. Jesus being nailed to a cross and then dying for my sins hit home with me even as a young boy. But Thursday was just Thursday.  

Later in life I started to appreciate each day more and more. Jesus lived on this Earth for 33 years and every day of His life was a definite countdown to His death, burial, and resurrection. Thursday brought Him closer by one day. I try to think about what I would all be doing if I was able to walk and talk like normal, knowing tomorrow would be the last day for me. The thought of that just weighs down on me. And as I ponder how I would act, my list of to dos gets to be more than 24 hours would allow for me. I know for sure I would be preparing my heart to see Jesus. I would be making sure my family knew I loved them. My friends would get a call and if there were any differences between us I would try to make amends.

So after I wrote this dribble, wondering how I will end it, it comes down to this. Why don't we treat every day like the Thursday before Easter, the day before your death?

Food for thought?

Marty

 

A Prayer For You 4/5/2023

 Good Morning,

My day began with a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and two fresh biscuits. 

As we begin to zero in on Easter this week I want to take time to appreciate those who read my blog. This includes anyone and everyone. We will over the next couple of days try to prepare our hearts for the annual celebration of Resurrection Sunday. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. 

Thank you to all who take time to read my writings and also for those who share them. This daily writing is a labor of love. If this one, on this day is the only one you ever read, know that you were prayed for this day and that you are important. You are so loved by Jesus Himself and that he died for you and me on the cross for the remission of our sins. I pray that these few days before Easter are a time of peace in your heart. I pray that your heart rejoices on Sunday as we celebrate and are thankful. 

Thessalonians 3;16 Now may the Lord of peace himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 

Have a great day! 

Marty

Back Yard Clean Up 4/4/2023

 Good Morning,

The day began with a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and prayer. 

Romans 14:10 Why do you pass judgement on your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 

Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 

As I get older I seem to recall some more of the statements my parents made and just how right the statements were. Some of the lessons they were teaching us and each other are more than valid today as they were many years ago. Both my mother and dad would say. "Best for everyone to clean up their own back yard before they start cleaning up someone else's."

Paraphrased , Don't gossip or complain about someone else's faults and behaviors until your own faults and behaviors are cleaned up and under control.  

We can get together in a group and tear someone down for their actions and the group will sentence that person in their own minds as "Imperfect". This is a good example of being a hypocrite. To condemn a lifestyle without examining your own is wrong. It was pointed out to me that a guy I know is smacking his wife around at home. He agreed to meet with me and hopefully I can do some good. One of the other men who brought him to me for attention, later ridiculed the man for his behavior. This was right after I asked him how his boy was doing in gymnastics and the reply was this. "Expletive Moron". This man condemned physical abuse but then referred to God's blessing of a son in a vulgar way. I am not condoning either one of those actions, but those who jump to condemning others are often trying to take the view of the world off of themselves. They too have a back yard that needs cleaning up. 

So before we go off on someone and say "How could you do that?" Look into the mirror at that person and say "How come you did that?"

Food for thought.

Marty

A Spoonful Of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down 4/3/2023

 Good Morning,

To my right sits a large cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

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

In 1964 the Movie Mary Poppins was released and it is now considered a classic. One of the songs in this classic had as part of it's lyrics the phrase "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" . I for some reason had that tune on my mind as I sat down and took some daily medications. They don't taste all that bad, but it is best to wash them down with a drink of water or some other beverage. 

So now as I am ready to face the day, I know that I will encounter a few people. Their view on encountering me is part of their day. We both control how that is going to go. Like the daily medications I take, according to my doctor two of them are not optional. So for instance, my wife Rene will encounter me today. We have a nice home, but it isn't that big where we can't bump into one another. So like her or my daily medicine we are both a daily encounter. It's like your medicine. There are some days that occur in each life when you just are a little perplexed or crabby. And most every day you will encounter people. Just maybe you are a "pill that is hard to swallow" as part of their day. It might be that you are or have been not so easy to deal with. 

So we are all part of someone else's day and it would be nice, if we gave out that daily dose of ourselves and laced it with some sugar. A smile and a warm, friendly greeting, goes a long way to making the rest of the day nice for others. And it also helps them stomach us. 

So shake that sugar tree and be nice, friendly, and approachable. You are a dose of someone else's day.

Marty

Praying For One Another 4/2/2023

 Good Morning,

I am writing super early today and I am not sure why I am awake at this time but I am. It's too early for coffee so I will step into writing and save the coffee for later. 

Job 42:10 The Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave to Jon twice as much as he had before. 

I fell asleep earlier for awhile, but woke up and just began to pray for a long list of friends and relatives going through  "things" right now. They were laid on my heart immediately after waking up and I went right at in prayer. In a few instances their situations are the type that there is nothing I can do to help, except to pray and and see if I am needed for anything. 

Praying for others is a special privilege God gives us to communicate with him on the behalf of others. Time spent with God for others is always time that is well spent. Most of these folks will never know that they were prayed for. They are near and dear to my heart. So when God wakes you up and you can't sleep, you could count your blessings or you could pray for others. 

Have a blessed day. 

Marty 

Be Quick To Do What Is Right 4/1/2023

 Good Morning, 

It was a night of strong storms and heavy rain. I am grateful to say that all it well with this homestead. I am enjoying a hot mug of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee as I write. We have a busy day ahead of us which includes attending a wedding. I am praying for the young couple, wishing them a marshmallow kind of day. 

If I were to give a young couple some advice as they start out I could write a book and there will never be enough time in my life to write down all that I have learned while attending the University Of Hard Knocks.

Psalm 101:8 Morning by morning, I will destroy all the wickedness in this land, cutting off all evildoers from the city of the Lord. 

But if I were to sit them down and say to them "Do this" It would be to stay away, or destroy anything that would cause them to separate, be angry with each other, or anything that causes mean thoughts between them. This should be a conscious effort on a daily basis to start the day with a pure and clean slate. And each day it should be done quickly. 

Anything that causes division within a marriage should be cut off and destroyed. This sounds like some very harsh words to start a morning or to say to a young couple. But, marriage is serious business. King David used this motto as he set to rule the Kingdom,  and it very sound advice. If more people, individually would do this, it would make for stronger couples and unmovable marriages. 

Have a great day!!!!

Marty