Good Morning,
I just started my day with a hot cup of Door County Coconut Crush Coffee. Time for prayer and some Bible reading and I can head to work.
I have been to a few cookouts or picnics in my life time. What I noticed is that whenever something sweet is dropped on the ground and then left for a few minutes, it won't be long until it is covered with ants trying to devour the sweetness from the item that was dropped.
They all are trying to get their share. One thing we all have access to is the Bible. The Bible is God's Holy and Inspired Word.
I have found some Bible verses to describe it and our need for it.
Psalms 119:105 - NUN. Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Matthew 4:4 - But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Psalms 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
God's Word can be the sweetness of our day, our source of hope. Like ants at a picnic we should be all over it. Yet I am sure that many Bibles are sitting unused and collecting dust.
What do you say? How about dusting it off and tasting the sweetness?
God bless,
Marty
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Trains in the distance 8/6/13
Good Morning,
Starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.
Last Sunday morning while sitting at my picnic table just as the sun was coming up enjoying my coffee and watching the dogs run around I could hear the Amtrak Train whistle bellowing in the distance.
It sounded so hollow and like it was crying out to let people know it was there. They do blow the whistle to warn people that they are approaching the railroad crossing of a road. The message is loud and clear.
There is a message that has been given over and over again. And even though many assume that it won't apply to them and it won't happen, like the train is usually on time and comes roaring through the crossing the return of Jesus Christ will come and it won't be stopped. Many times I have read about someone being killed on the railroad tracks because they crossed when they shouldn't have and the train could not stop in time. When Jesus returns nothing will stop Him.
Matthew 24:29-31
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Now the question is this. Are you ready to meet Jesus? This train will come some day. The whistle is blowing. Where will you spend eternity? There are only two answers. Heaven or Hell. The road crossing is simple.
Jesus said.
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Invite Jesus in to your heart today. I hear that train coming. Is your ticket punched?
God Bless,
Marty
Starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Totally Nuts Coffee.
Last Sunday morning while sitting at my picnic table just as the sun was coming up enjoying my coffee and watching the dogs run around I could hear the Amtrak Train whistle bellowing in the distance.
It sounded so hollow and like it was crying out to let people know it was there. They do blow the whistle to warn people that they are approaching the railroad crossing of a road. The message is loud and clear.
There is a message that has been given over and over again. And even though many assume that it won't apply to them and it won't happen, like the train is usually on time and comes roaring through the crossing the return of Jesus Christ will come and it won't be stopped. Many times I have read about someone being killed on the railroad tracks because they crossed when they shouldn't have and the train could not stop in time. When Jesus returns nothing will stop Him.
Matthew 24:29-31
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Now the question is this. Are you ready to meet Jesus? This train will come some day. The whistle is blowing. Where will you spend eternity? There are only two answers. Heaven or Hell. The road crossing is simple.
Jesus said.
John 14:1-7 (NKJV)
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Invite Jesus in to your heart today. I hear that train coming. Is your ticket punched?
God Bless,
Marty
Monday, August 5, 2013
Jesus and the ten Lepers 8/5/13
Good Morning,
I am starting today with a big cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee and back to physical therapy and work. My recent mission trip to Washington DC took me out of rhythm on the therapy and I need to resume where I left off on my shoulder. I want to say that I feel much better and it is still coming along nicely. Thanks to all who prayed for me and helped the Mrs. and me during the early weeks.
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
There can be two lessons found here, maybe more. But we will just look at two.
Ten lepers were healed by Jesus but only one came back to thank Him and all ten should have. While I was in DC last week early one morning we were bringing sack lunches to homeless people living in a park on a rainy morning. We talked about it later. I asked, "did anyone say thank you"? The answer surprised me a little. Each person who was handing out food said " there wasn't one who didn't say thank you". Most all of these accepted our offers to pray with them and they shared needs and requests.
Later that day when we were ministering in another more upscale park handing out free ice cold bottled water on a day that turned extremely hot and humid I noticed something else. Many of the people who were well dressed and heading somewhere would say "sure" when asked if they wanted the water. Then quite a few just went on without saying thank you. Most, when asked if we could pray for them or if they needed prayer said no.
Notice who was thankful. Those who had the least! We all need to thank and praise God for each and every thing we are given.
Second lesson.
During the morning while handing out the food. One lady said to one of the teens and myself. "Please sit down for awhile and eat some of my crackers with me. You have given to me and I want to give back. Please let me enjoy your company for awhile". So we sat and ate a cracker that she had given us and we talked and prayed with her. Then she prayed for us. Who was blessed? We were!
The next day we were cleaning the fountain at Union Station. It was a mess like I cannot describe. Things cleaned out of there are best left unmentioned. As I was struggling with a pile of refuse that needed to go to a dumpster across the street I had to push a button that would allow for a pedestrian to cross. Some of the same upscale folks that we gave water to the day before saw me struggling. I did not expect them to help carry the refuse. Some of it was infested with lice. But yet not even an assist pushing the button or a thank you for cleaning a mess where they worked and passed by each day.
Now friends we did everything we did not looking for praise or thanks. Our goal was to reach people for Jesus and be obedient to our call from God. Rewards were not what we desired.
Friends thank God each day if you have a place to sleep, some food to eat, a job and family. Say thank you to one another. Praise Him for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that you might be eating. I saw others cry and praise God for some chips and a ham sandwich. Don't walk by someone who needs a hand crossing the street. Take time, our rewards are in heaven, but I will never forget the smiles and tears we saw.
God bless,
Marty
I am starting today with a big cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee and back to physical therapy and work. My recent mission trip to Washington DC took me out of rhythm on the therapy and I need to resume where I left off on my shoulder. I want to say that I feel much better and it is still coming along nicely. Thanks to all who prayed for me and helped the Mrs. and me during the early weeks.
Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
There can be two lessons found here, maybe more. But we will just look at two.
Ten lepers were healed by Jesus but only one came back to thank Him and all ten should have. While I was in DC last week early one morning we were bringing sack lunches to homeless people living in a park on a rainy morning. We talked about it later. I asked, "did anyone say thank you"? The answer surprised me a little. Each person who was handing out food said " there wasn't one who didn't say thank you". Most all of these accepted our offers to pray with them and they shared needs and requests.
Later that day when we were ministering in another more upscale park handing out free ice cold bottled water on a day that turned extremely hot and humid I noticed something else. Many of the people who were well dressed and heading somewhere would say "sure" when asked if they wanted the water. Then quite a few just went on without saying thank you. Most, when asked if we could pray for them or if they needed prayer said no.
Notice who was thankful. Those who had the least! We all need to thank and praise God for each and every thing we are given.
Second lesson.
During the morning while handing out the food. One lady said to one of the teens and myself. "Please sit down for awhile and eat some of my crackers with me. You have given to me and I want to give back. Please let me enjoy your company for awhile". So we sat and ate a cracker that she had given us and we talked and prayed with her. Then she prayed for us. Who was blessed? We were!
The next day we were cleaning the fountain at Union Station. It was a mess like I cannot describe. Things cleaned out of there are best left unmentioned. As I was struggling with a pile of refuse that needed to go to a dumpster across the street I had to push a button that would allow for a pedestrian to cross. Some of the same upscale folks that we gave water to the day before saw me struggling. I did not expect them to help carry the refuse. Some of it was infested with lice. But yet not even an assist pushing the button or a thank you for cleaning a mess where they worked and passed by each day.
Now friends we did everything we did not looking for praise or thanks. Our goal was to reach people for Jesus and be obedient to our call from God. Rewards were not what we desired.
Friends thank God each day if you have a place to sleep, some food to eat, a job and family. Say thank you to one another. Praise Him for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that you might be eating. I saw others cry and praise God for some chips and a ham sandwich. Don't walk by someone who needs a hand crossing the street. Take time, our rewards are in heaven, but I will never forget the smiles and tears we saw.
God bless,
Marty
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Mission Trip Washington DC 8/4/13
Good Morning,
Once again I am home and my coffee cup is filled for the second time with some long over due Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. I hope and pray this day finds you in church to worship our God.
I am home now from a short term mission trip to Washington DC. The mission was to assist those who are homeless, veterans or in extreme poverty showing them the love of Jesus Christ. Souls were won for the Kingdom of God and physical work was performed to assist a Housing Project, open a new Christian School, provide clothing and food to a pantry, as well as make food and deliver it to the homeless living in parks and on the streets.
I led this trip and had 20 others with me. Most of these were teenagers and one 12 year old. They did have a few adult leaders to guide them. But the majority were teens. Now that I explained the dynamics of our team you might be thinking "wow that was nice, what a good thing to do". No way did we do this for the praise of men. This team was called by God to GO! They were obedient and went. They worked hard, prayed hard and slept very little.
The two that stood out for me were not even from the group. They were two little boys who lived in a housing project where our team was working to beautify the area by using wheel barrels full of mulch and cutting weeds. These were long treks up and down very big hills with heat and humidity that was very high. These two boys came and just hung around for awhile. We struck up a conversation with them. We learned that they had just received Jesus as Lord and Savior at church the day before. They wanted to hang out with Christians. But they also wanted to help. Those little boys shoveled, swept, raked and led prayer walks taking us to the sick and those that they knew needed prayer. They lasted all day!
We shared lunch with them and made sure to bring plenty of extra food the next day. Funny thing. The boys never ate all the food we gave them. They saved half for their families.
In two days I saw more true Christianity from those little guys, just new to the Lord than I see from many long time and "established Christians". They wanted to hear more Bible verses and one boy had already memorized one.
So today quit singing "Standing on the Promises of God" while sitting on your backsides. Get up and experience Jesus like those two boys. Make a difference and show the love of Jesus.
To the team members with me and to the two boys. Well God says it best.
Love to you today.
Marty
Once again I am home and my coffee cup is filled for the second time with some long over due Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. I hope and pray this day finds you in church to worship our God.
I am home now from a short term mission trip to Washington DC. The mission was to assist those who are homeless, veterans or in extreme poverty showing them the love of Jesus Christ. Souls were won for the Kingdom of God and physical work was performed to assist a Housing Project, open a new Christian School, provide clothing and food to a pantry, as well as make food and deliver it to the homeless living in parks and on the streets.
I led this trip and had 20 others with me. Most of these were teenagers and one 12 year old. They did have a few adult leaders to guide them. But the majority were teens. Now that I explained the dynamics of our team you might be thinking "wow that was nice, what a good thing to do". No way did we do this for the praise of men. This team was called by God to GO! They were obedient and went. They worked hard, prayed hard and slept very little.
The two that stood out for me were not even from the group. They were two little boys who lived in a housing project where our team was working to beautify the area by using wheel barrels full of mulch and cutting weeds. These were long treks up and down very big hills with heat and humidity that was very high. These two boys came and just hung around for awhile. We struck up a conversation with them. We learned that they had just received Jesus as Lord and Savior at church the day before. They wanted to hang out with Christians. But they also wanted to help. Those little boys shoveled, swept, raked and led prayer walks taking us to the sick and those that they knew needed prayer. They lasted all day!
We shared lunch with them and made sure to bring plenty of extra food the next day. Funny thing. The boys never ate all the food we gave them. They saved half for their families.
Luke 18:17 (NIV)
17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
In two days I saw more true Christianity from those little guys, just new to the Lord than I see from many long time and "established Christians". They wanted to hear more Bible verses and one boy had already memorized one.
So today quit singing "Standing on the Promises of God" while sitting on your backsides. Get up and experience Jesus like those two boys. Make a difference and show the love of Jesus.
To the team members with me and to the two boys. Well God says it best.
Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV)
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Love to you today.
Marty
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Union Station Washington DC and Compassion 8/3/13
Good Morning,
I wish I was starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog. One more day until I reunite with my coffee cup.
I will be returning from a short term mission trip tomorrow. I have been in Washington DC with two wonderful groups leading them on a service / evangelical mission trip. During the week we ended up going down to Union Station to feed the homeless and tell them about our Lord Jesus Christ and Savior. God had provided an abundance of food to give out and the teenagers added things to the lunch bags like chap stick, rain ponchos, sun screen, and hand sanitizer. Many great things happened for the kingdom of God.
One of the mission participants was led to clean out the non-functional fountain that once stood so proudly outside of Union Station. It no longer holds or sprays water. It was filled with hypodermic needles, liquor bottles, card board, bottles filled with urine, and lice. We did protect ourselves and finished cleaning it out. Deep in our hearts we know that in a few days the fountain will look like that again. But as one young girl said "at least these homeless addicts will have a clean place stay for a couple days." She has her heart in the right place. She had compassion on those who are more than less fortunate.
It broke our hearts to know that this once grand fountain now housed those with no where to go. It wasn't the fountain we cared about. We never saw the people that live there. But today they knew that someone cared.
Proverbs 19:17
He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.
God bless. Have compassion on someone today even if it is anonymous.
Marty
I wish I was starting my day with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog. One more day until I reunite with my coffee cup.
I will be returning from a short term mission trip tomorrow. I have been in Washington DC with two wonderful groups leading them on a service / evangelical mission trip. During the week we ended up going down to Union Station to feed the homeless and tell them about our Lord Jesus Christ and Savior. God had provided an abundance of food to give out and the teenagers added things to the lunch bags like chap stick, rain ponchos, sun screen, and hand sanitizer. Many great things happened for the kingdom of God.
One of the mission participants was led to clean out the non-functional fountain that once stood so proudly outside of Union Station. It no longer holds or sprays water. It was filled with hypodermic needles, liquor bottles, card board, bottles filled with urine, and lice. We did protect ourselves and finished cleaning it out. Deep in our hearts we know that in a few days the fountain will look like that again. But as one young girl said "at least these homeless addicts will have a clean place stay for a couple days." She has her heart in the right place. She had compassion on those who are more than less fortunate.
It broke our hearts to know that this once grand fountain now housed those with no where to go. It wasn't the fountain we cared about. We never saw the people that live there. But today they knew that someone cared.
Proverbs 19:17
He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.
God bless. Have compassion on someone today even if it is anonymous.
Marty
Friday, August 2, 2013
Vows are to be taken seriously 8/2/13
Good Morning.
Still missing the early morning Door County Coffee. But if I were able to brew some it would be a Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee kind of day.
I want to make time today to talk about vows. Vows are to be taken seriously. As Christians we are not excused from vows that we make. We represent the Holy God, The Alpha and Omega. We are at all times ambassadors for Christ. Yet we do not at all times fulfill our vows.
1. We promise to go to church, yet we miss, without a real excuse.
2. We promise to support the church yet we spend our money on other things.
3. We claim Jesus and say we will serve him yet do it half way or not at all. I see this one way too often. People get all fired up from a mountain top spiritual experience and make all kinds of promises yet never fulfill one of them. Beware of the goose bump experiences. Although we should all experience them from time to time these goose bump experiences can be more of a case of spiritual chicken pox. If we do not have goose bumps in every service many feel they are no longer in a spirit filled church. Which is probably not the church, but the failure of the individual to follow through on their vows they made during their last infection! I call this a "failure to launch".
4. Mortgages and Credit, We sign on the line and many just walk away during hard times and say oh well! I know times are tough I will admit it. But do we just walk away and say "it's the bank's problem.?"
5. Marriage. We make a vow till death do we part. But then something happens and well we walk away. We choose to break a vow. We choose not to forgive. We choose to cheat.
Go back and read the Scripture above. Fear God's judgment on breaking vows.
Think about it. Go back and keep the vows you made. God does require it of you.
Love you all.
Marty
Still missing the early morning Door County Coffee. But if I were able to brew some it would be a Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee kind of day.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5New International Version
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
1. We promise to go to church, yet we miss, without a real excuse.
2. We promise to support the church yet we spend our money on other things.
3. We claim Jesus and say we will serve him yet do it half way or not at all. I see this one way too often. People get all fired up from a mountain top spiritual experience and make all kinds of promises yet never fulfill one of them. Beware of the goose bump experiences. Although we should all experience them from time to time these goose bump experiences can be more of a case of spiritual chicken pox. If we do not have goose bumps in every service many feel they are no longer in a spirit filled church. Which is probably not the church, but the failure of the individual to follow through on their vows they made during their last infection! I call this a "failure to launch".
4. Mortgages and Credit, We sign on the line and many just walk away during hard times and say oh well! I know times are tough I will admit it. But do we just walk away and say "it's the bank's problem.?"
5. Marriage. We make a vow till death do we part. But then something happens and well we walk away. We choose to break a vow. We choose not to forgive. We choose to cheat.
Go back and read the Scripture above. Fear God's judgment on breaking vows.
Think about it. Go back and keep the vows you made. God does require it of you.
Love you all.
Marty
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Staying Flexible 8/1/13
Good Morning,
And If I were in a position to drink coffee, today would be a Door County Cherry Creme day. Next week for sure!!!!
I have been blessed to be part of many short term mission trips throughout the years. It has been amazing to see God work in so many ways. I also have been taught a few things along the way. Notice I did not say I learned a few things. I had to be taught.
One of my many issues is that I like to be in control. Every time I take one of those personality tests at a conference or class I am always type A Expressive. Which means I am wired to be a driver of processes and people. It also means I will be heard.
What I was taught can be summed up in a few short Bible verses.
Isaiah 55:8-9
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.
I was taught a few times the hard way that it does not matter how I lay out the day for a mission trip. It can and many times will be changed by God for the greater good of His Kingdom. What I learned from what I was taught is to be flexible and roll with the Holy Spirit. It boils down to trust in God.
And If I were in a position to drink coffee, today would be a Door County Cherry Creme day. Next week for sure!!!!
I have been blessed to be part of many short term mission trips throughout the years. It has been amazing to see God work in so many ways. I also have been taught a few things along the way. Notice I did not say I learned a few things. I had to be taught.
One of my many issues is that I like to be in control. Every time I take one of those personality tests at a conference or class I am always type A Expressive. Which means I am wired to be a driver of processes and people. It also means I will be heard.
What I was taught can be summed up in a few short Bible verses.
Isaiah 55:8-9
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.
I was taught a few times the hard way that it does not matter how I lay out the day for a mission trip. It can and many times will be changed by God for the greater good of His Kingdom. What I learned from what I was taught is to be flexible and roll with the Holy Spirit. It boils down to trust in God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
I guess that pretty much says it all. Learn to follow God in prayer and reach your world. Be flexible.
God bless,
Marty
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