Good Morning!
I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee. I actually filled a thermos with some today. I am experimenting with not stopping during the day and purchasing coffee to see if I can save money. It will also give me a chance to use the five thermos bottles I have on a shelf.
On particular passage in Scripture that I have studied will often get me riled up. Let's start with the passage.
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
In older English, 'suffer' means 'allow.' In the quoted phrase, Jesus is saying that even children can come to Him directly; traditionally, only adults were supposed to directly approach other adults, while children were supposed to wait for permission or until approached by an adult. This is a metaphor for His calling that all persons interested in salvation should feel free to seek Him out instead of waiting for Him to come to them.
This is a passage that can get me fired up. All too often I see parents who rely way too much on church programs to raise their kids in God's way for them. The parents desire to be in a throng of worshippers looking for a weekly experience while they drop off the kids to what is usually an excellent program designed to bring kids into a relationship with Jesus. But when do the kids really get to see what worshipping parents are like? How or when do they see parents expressing their love for God and others corporately? I would hopefully assume it is being done at home. Some how I have my doubts. Kids will seek out Jesus on their own and should, but they need guidance in doing so. They need to be nurtured in many ways not just by volunteer workers and under paid youth pastors. Mom and Dad get on it! If you are not the main part in the equation you are hindering the steps a child may be taking toward Jesus. I believe churches should have great kids programs. But I believe the best program starts in the home. Lost in how to do it.? Email me. fritzschutte@aol.com Consult your pastor or youth pastor. Better yet, read your Bible and then teach it to your kids.
God loves you!
Marty
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Thoughts from Proverbs 6/7/13
Good Morning,
The old cup is filled with Door County Almond Toffee Coffee once again today.
Our Pastor recommends to everyone that we should read a chapter from the book of Proverbs each day. Since there are 31 chapters each day of the month can be covered. I find it a worthwhile practice. I must admit that I do not always have every verse apply to my life that day. But however one or two verses usually pop out at me and cause me to think. So here is how it works. Today is June 7th. So we will read Proverbs 7.
The old cup is filled with Door County Almond Toffee Coffee once again today.
Our Pastor recommends to everyone that we should read a chapter from the book of Proverbs each day. Since there are 31 chapters each day of the month can be covered. I find it a worthwhile practice. I must admit that I do not always have every verse apply to my life that day. But however one or two verses usually pop out at me and cause me to think. So here is how it works. Today is June 7th. So we will read Proverbs 7.
As I read through this, I always pray first. What God has said to me today is that there are many temptations out in the world and I need to be ready, keeping His commands. It also reminded me to keep memorizing scripture. I will underline in red those verses that spoke to me today.
Proverbs 7
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 My son, keep my words,
And treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.
And treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.
The Crafty Harlot
6 For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.
I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.
10 And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,[a]
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,[a]
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to hell,[b]
Descending to the chambers of death.
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to hell,[b]
Descending to the chambers of death.
When you open God's word expect the Living Word to accomplish something within you.
Isaiah 55:8-11
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
This truly works. Try it. You just might like it.
God Bless,
Marty
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Figure Skating 6/5/2013
Good Morning to You.
My coffee this morning is Door County Almond Toffee.
A couple weekends ago Rene and I were invited to watch one of the kids from our church in a figure skating event. What a show in synchronized skating. Large groups moving swiftly and gracefully across the ice in rhythm to the music. Many of the moves reminded me of watching the Olympics and we both remarked about how difficult some of the jumps and twists had to be. During all of this I could not help but think that all it would take was for one kid to slip up and a whole bunch of skaters would crash.
Life is that same way. We think that our sins are ours. Truly they are, but our sins can impact others and cause them to crash with us. We must be careful not to make others stumble by our actions.
1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Have a wonderful day.
Marty
My coffee this morning is Door County Almond Toffee.
A couple weekends ago Rene and I were invited to watch one of the kids from our church in a figure skating event. What a show in synchronized skating. Large groups moving swiftly and gracefully across the ice in rhythm to the music. Many of the moves reminded me of watching the Olympics and we both remarked about how difficult some of the jumps and twists had to be. During all of this I could not help but think that all it would take was for one kid to slip up and a whole bunch of skaters would crash.
Life is that same way. We think that our sins are ours. Truly they are, but our sins can impact others and cause them to crash with us. We must be careful not to make others stumble by our actions.
1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Have a wonderful day.
Marty
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Milwaukee In The Summer 6/4/13
Good Morning,
Starting today with a physical therapy workout and some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.
My city is a suburb of Milwaukee Wisconsin. Milwaukee is a city that has a lot of different things going on during the summer. You see, summer doesn't last long and Milwaukeans need to make the most of the summer. Milwaukee sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Lake is used for boating, swimming, fishing, and other water sports. I know a crazy duck hunter that goes out there in the fall to hunt. The shore line will find people enjoying kites, picnics, roller skating, walking, jogging and a great sunrise. Lake Michigan is also the source of fresh water for drinking. Milwaukee and several suburbs draw from the lake for their drinking supply.
Milwaukee is also known for it's summer festivals of music, holiday and ethnic celebrations. Most are capped off each night with fireworks. My wife and I enjoy Italian Fest! We are especially fond of their fireworks. For many years now we have found a spot on the lake front to sit and watch the booming display. For about the last ten we have started to invite friends to our date night. It has grown in number each year. It ends up being a snack pot luck! Each family brings something to pass and their own beverage. It is a very cheap night out. The fellowship is priceless. God desires for us to have fun fellowship with one another. Plan a cheap night out. Include friends and family. It might be a night filled with blessings besides a sky full of fireworks.
Psalm 55:14
We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God in the throng.
God bless,
Marty
Starting today with a physical therapy workout and some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.
My city is a suburb of Milwaukee Wisconsin. Milwaukee is a city that has a lot of different things going on during the summer. You see, summer doesn't last long and Milwaukeans need to make the most of the summer. Milwaukee sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Lake is used for boating, swimming, fishing, and other water sports. I know a crazy duck hunter that goes out there in the fall to hunt. The shore line will find people enjoying kites, picnics, roller skating, walking, jogging and a great sunrise. Lake Michigan is also the source of fresh water for drinking. Milwaukee and several suburbs draw from the lake for their drinking supply.
Milwaukee is also known for it's summer festivals of music, holiday and ethnic celebrations. Most are capped off each night with fireworks. My wife and I enjoy Italian Fest! We are especially fond of their fireworks. For many years now we have found a spot on the lake front to sit and watch the booming display. For about the last ten we have started to invite friends to our date night. It has grown in number each year. It ends up being a snack pot luck! Each family brings something to pass and their own beverage. It is a very cheap night out. The fellowship is priceless. God desires for us to have fun fellowship with one another. Plan a cheap night out. Include friends and family. It might be a night filled with blessings besides a sky full of fireworks.
Psalm 55:14
We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God in the throng.
God bless,
Marty
Monday, June 3, 2013
Big John and His Twin. 6/3/13
Good Morning.
Starting my day with some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.
Philippians 2:3-5 ESV
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
I usually don't like to mention people by name in my devotionals. But today I will use first names only. I have a couple of good friends that I wish to speak about. I will start with John. John is a giant of a man. He is able to move couches by himself and often does so when as a church we join together to help people move into new apartments or homes. He is an auto mechanic and helps repair cars for many of us at church. He is always telling people "just call me and I will be there to help you". John is very quiet and shy.
Now for Steve. His stature is more like that of a leprechaun. He is much smaller than John and is quite outgoing and boisterous. He is many times the creator of a lot of laughter. Steve also is one of the first to show up and help others. He takes care of some of the older men at church sees that their needs are met.
When you see these guys side by side they remind you of Danny Davito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie "Twins". They are total opposites except for a couple of things.
They both are married. And according to our looks all three of us married up! We attracted beauty beyond our looks.
Back to John and Steve. Both of them have been saved by Grace through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They have invited Him in as Lord and Savior.
Both of them have a heart for others. Hearts do beat best when they beat for others. Their actions in helping others show their love for Jesus in all they do.
Although totally different they share the same heart. A heart bonded together by Jesus.
These are the kind of people I like to hang around with.
Have a great day.
Marty
Starting my day with some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee.
Philippians 2:3-5 ESV
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
I usually don't like to mention people by name in my devotionals. But today I will use first names only. I have a couple of good friends that I wish to speak about. I will start with John. John is a giant of a man. He is able to move couches by himself and often does so when as a church we join together to help people move into new apartments or homes. He is an auto mechanic and helps repair cars for many of us at church. He is always telling people "just call me and I will be there to help you". John is very quiet and shy.
Now for Steve. His stature is more like that of a leprechaun. He is much smaller than John and is quite outgoing and boisterous. He is many times the creator of a lot of laughter. Steve also is one of the first to show up and help others. He takes care of some of the older men at church sees that their needs are met.
When you see these guys side by side they remind you of Danny Davito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie "Twins". They are total opposites except for a couple of things.
They both are married. And according to our looks all three of us married up! We attracted beauty beyond our looks.
Back to John and Steve. Both of them have been saved by Grace through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They have invited Him in as Lord and Savior.
Both of them have a heart for others. Hearts do beat best when they beat for others. Their actions in helping others show their love for Jesus in all they do.
Although totally different they share the same heart. A heart bonded together by Jesus.
These are the kind of people I like to hang around with.
Have a great day.
Marty
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Man Does Not Live By Bread Alone And Eggs With The Boys. 6/2/13
Good Morning.
Let's make it a good one by starting with prayer, a short devotional and a hot cup of coffee. My coffee today is Door County Totally Nuts.
We had to make a fast trip to Michigan and my wife found some Door County Coffee for me.
I am a creature of habit. I have always given each of my dogs one egg a week. I was told by an old hunter that one egg a week keeps their coats shiny and more water proof. Now I have heard other theories on this. I also like to eat outside, enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I have been known to do this even on a frosty January morning. I start a Saturday very early or a Sunday with some scrambled eggs for me and the "Guys". All three of us enjoy the eggs and our time together. This sometimes is done later in the day if we have been out hunting. But during our nourishment time I open the Word of God and pray. You see as we feed our faces and I care for my "Guys" I take time to nourish my spirit. You see food for the soul is important as we go through the mucky waters of life. It keeps us water proof to troubles. Yes they are still there but we can plow through and know that God is there with us. So have an egg. ( You might have to argue with your Dr on this one.) But who really enjoys multi grain cereal outside in January? Take time to water proof your spirit!
God bless,
Marty
Let's make it a good one by starting with prayer, a short devotional and a hot cup of coffee. My coffee today is Door County Totally Nuts.
We had to make a fast trip to Michigan and my wife found some Door County Coffee for me.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV)
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
I am a creature of habit. I have always given each of my dogs one egg a week. I was told by an old hunter that one egg a week keeps their coats shiny and more water proof. Now I have heard other theories on this. I also like to eat outside, enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I have been known to do this even on a frosty January morning. I start a Saturday very early or a Sunday with some scrambled eggs for me and the "Guys". All three of us enjoy the eggs and our time together. This sometimes is done later in the day if we have been out hunting. But during our nourishment time I open the Word of God and pray. You see as we feed our faces and I care for my "Guys" I take time to nourish my spirit. You see food for the soul is important as we go through the mucky waters of life. It keeps us water proof to troubles. Yes they are still there but we can plow through and know that God is there with us. So have an egg. ( You might have to argue with your Dr on this one.) But who really enjoys multi grain cereal outside in January? Take time to water proof your spirit!
God bless,
Marty
Effective Prayer and the Dumb Elder 6/1/13
Good Morning,
I pray your day is blessed from above. My coffee this morning is Door County Jamaican Me Crazy. And I can tell you that it is hot, tasty and I filled a large cup. I enjoy looking at this cup. It has a photo of my dad on it. The picture is one of him serving as a US Marine in Korea during the Korean war. Here's to you Dad!
James 5:13-18
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Our church is a church of prayer. Monthly we have an all church prayer meeting after our Saturday evening worship service. I have been blessed to be the one who physically is there to lead the service many times. Fortunately for me the Holy Spirit takes over and we have one powerful time of prayer. The prayer time has been known to go on until 4 AM . I usually start the service by having people go and pray alone, using that time to clear their own minds and hearts, get right with God and ask the Holy Spirit to direct their prayers. I then will ask them to proceed to small groups or continue to pray alone.
This last prayer meeting went almost like that. I asked another prayer warrior if he would lead a small group if that is what the Holy Spirit would want and I would take another. I then asked people to go as they were led. It was almost kind of traumatic as no one went to the other guy's group. Everyone came by me. I started to feel bad. It would be like being the last one picked for a softball game, so I thought. That was not the case. The Holy Spirit and the prayer warriors decided that they wanted a large group for corporate prayer. We formed a large circle. I did however notice that a couple new people had come for prayer. They seemed to want to just observe a little and I noticed them agreeing with the prayers that were popping off like popcorn in a hot pan. It was a night to truly remember.
During the prayer service a Dear Friend of mine who usually is pretty quiet started to pray for me. She started to pray for an upcoming shoulder surgery. She asked God to heal me and guide the Doctors and nurses caring for me. But then she added please God we pray this because Marty prays for other people and helps others all the time and never asks us to pray for him and please lead us as to how we might minister to him now. Man! That hit like a ton of bricks. I do direct people to pray and love praying for others. I often teach on prayer and I do pray for myself. My humility in asking for prayer had become a sin OF PRIDE. I am a "Do it myself:" kind of prayer warrior and only a few do I ask to pray for me." This is not Biblical as we see from the passage above. Allow others to pray for you. If you think about it by not doing so you rob them of intercessory time for you with God.
Don't be a dumb Elder. It seems as if I have that title all sewn up.
God bless,
Marty
I pray your day is blessed from above. My coffee this morning is Door County Jamaican Me Crazy. And I can tell you that it is hot, tasty and I filled a large cup. I enjoy looking at this cup. It has a photo of my dad on it. The picture is one of him serving as a US Marine in Korea during the Korean war. Here's to you Dad!
James 5:13-18
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Our church is a church of prayer. Monthly we have an all church prayer meeting after our Saturday evening worship service. I have been blessed to be the one who physically is there to lead the service many times. Fortunately for me the Holy Spirit takes over and we have one powerful time of prayer. The prayer time has been known to go on until 4 AM . I usually start the service by having people go and pray alone, using that time to clear their own minds and hearts, get right with God and ask the Holy Spirit to direct their prayers. I then will ask them to proceed to small groups or continue to pray alone.
This last prayer meeting went almost like that. I asked another prayer warrior if he would lead a small group if that is what the Holy Spirit would want and I would take another. I then asked people to go as they were led. It was almost kind of traumatic as no one went to the other guy's group. Everyone came by me. I started to feel bad. It would be like being the last one picked for a softball game, so I thought. That was not the case. The Holy Spirit and the prayer warriors decided that they wanted a large group for corporate prayer. We formed a large circle. I did however notice that a couple new people had come for prayer. They seemed to want to just observe a little and I noticed them agreeing with the prayers that were popping off like popcorn in a hot pan. It was a night to truly remember.
During the prayer service a Dear Friend of mine who usually is pretty quiet started to pray for me. She started to pray for an upcoming shoulder surgery. She asked God to heal me and guide the Doctors and nurses caring for me. But then she added please God we pray this because Marty prays for other people and helps others all the time and never asks us to pray for him and please lead us as to how we might minister to him now. Man! That hit like a ton of bricks. I do direct people to pray and love praying for others. I often teach on prayer and I do pray for myself. My humility in asking for prayer had become a sin OF PRIDE. I am a "Do it myself:" kind of prayer warrior and only a few do I ask to pray for me." This is not Biblical as we see from the passage above. Allow others to pray for you. If you think about it by not doing so you rob them of intercessory time for you with God.
Don't be a dumb Elder. It seems as if I have that title all sewn up.
God bless,
Marty
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