Good Morning,
Saturday and it's going to be busy around the house today. We still are doing yard repairs from last winter's barrage on property. My coffee this morning is Door County Heavenly Caramel.
We are have a few people over this week for a cookout. Some of them will be heading to Brazil the next day for a mission trip. My wife is already in "cleaning mode". The place has to look it's best for company.
Many times I hear people say that Jesus lives within them through the Holy Spirit. I ask where does He reside? They reply proudly "within my heart". I always smile because I like their answer and they show that they know and love Jesus. But here's the question. If Jesus were coming to live in your home, and you were to give Him his own room would it be clean? Would their be dust under the bed? Would the walls need painting? Would their be dirty socks on the floor? The answer is this, probably not! You would give him your best. But why is it that we believe that Jesus lives within us and we harbor things inside that really make our hearts a messy place to live? Anger, lust, greed, laziness, and un-forgiveness are just a few of the house guests that often have to live with Jesus. Wouldn't we want Jesus to live in a clean house?
Sit back today and reflect on what should be tossed from the home of Jesus. In our town Saturday is the day we can take things to the dump to be disposed of. No one ever goes to the dump and brings back what they took. How about making this a run to the dump day.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Have a great day in a clean home!
Marty
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Installing New Windows 6/13/2014
Good Morning,
Happy Friday to you all. My coffee this morning could only be Door County Cherry Crème. I am looking forward to the weekend and working a little and playing some too.
Recently we had to install new windows in our home. The old ones were worn and allowing too much of the cold Wisconsin winters through the sides and seals. The glass in one of the windows had become fogged and did not allow the best views to the outside anymore.
After the windows were installed and we could see clearly, my wife (Rene) commented on the installation process. She told me that as the old windows were coming out is was very apparent that the windows were beyond repair and that there was some rotting taking place. We never knew what had crept into the window cavity. They gave every impression that they were just old and getting weak. No way did we know that they were rotting on the inside. Fortunately we caught it before there was permanent damage within the walls.
Sin is like that. It gives the impression on the outside that it causes no harm. But on the inside sin starts a decaying process within a persons ability to have a personal relationship with God that is intimate and loving.
James 1:15
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Like a cancer that goes untreated we might not be able to see the cancer but it is rotting organs and flesh waiting to finish it's grim goal, sin is the same way. It might not be seen at first but it takes a toll until it beats down the believer convincing them that there is no hope.
But like windows, cancer now can be treated and sin can be replaced with life through Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
We have hope for a new start through Jesus. Our Spiritual life can be rebuilt, and resurrected in Jesus. We only have to call on the Carpenter. He makes house calls 24/7, 365 days per year.
Why have a life full of holes when it can be "holy" instead?
Food for thought.
God bless.
Marty
Happy Friday to you all. My coffee this morning could only be Door County Cherry Crème. I am looking forward to the weekend and working a little and playing some too.
Recently we had to install new windows in our home. The old ones were worn and allowing too much of the cold Wisconsin winters through the sides and seals. The glass in one of the windows had become fogged and did not allow the best views to the outside anymore.
After the windows were installed and we could see clearly, my wife (Rene) commented on the installation process. She told me that as the old windows were coming out is was very apparent that the windows were beyond repair and that there was some rotting taking place. We never knew what had crept into the window cavity. They gave every impression that they were just old and getting weak. No way did we know that they were rotting on the inside. Fortunately we caught it before there was permanent damage within the walls.
Sin is like that. It gives the impression on the outside that it causes no harm. But on the inside sin starts a decaying process within a persons ability to have a personal relationship with God that is intimate and loving.
James 1:15
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Like a cancer that goes untreated we might not be able to see the cancer but it is rotting organs and flesh waiting to finish it's grim goal, sin is the same way. It might not be seen at first but it takes a toll until it beats down the believer convincing them that there is no hope.
But like windows, cancer now can be treated and sin can be replaced with life through Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
We have hope for a new start through Jesus. Our Spiritual life can be rebuilt, and resurrected in Jesus. We only have to call on the Carpenter. He makes house calls 24/7, 365 days per year.
Why have a life full of holes when it can be "holy" instead?
Food for thought.
God bless.
Marty
Thursday, June 12, 2014
And The Kid Grows Older 6/12/2014
Good Morning,
Door County Highlander Grog is in the coffee mug today. It is a cold rainy day in Wisconsin. Last night it was so cold that the fireplace needed to be fired up for warmth.
We picked up our grandson at the airport last night. He is visiting for and extended period this summer. He comes from Florida, so to say the least this climate change has been brutal for him. We are looking forward to some fun time with him. Dominick is 13 years old now and stands taller than me. I guess that I can't call him "Little Crapper" anymore. It wasn't long after we were home that Grandma had him on a project helping her to hang curtains. He found the tools and started in on the project with Grandma as the supervisor.
I wanted so bad to jump in and help, but in all honesty they did not need me. The boy has picked up some skills and was proud to put them to use. I remember the first bird house we made together when he was a little boy. There was more paint on him than on the bird house.
So, to see him tackle a job that most men struggle with made this old man feel pretty good. I will be taking him out and teaching him to shoot his new shot gun this weekend. I wonder how long it will be before he can out shoot me at clay targets?
Here's what I have to say. Young people, if you have a skill use it. Develop new ones and don't be afraid of trying new things.
God bless,
Marty
Door County Highlander Grog is in the coffee mug today. It is a cold rainy day in Wisconsin. Last night it was so cold that the fireplace needed to be fired up for warmth.
We picked up our grandson at the airport last night. He is visiting for and extended period this summer. He comes from Florida, so to say the least this climate change has been brutal for him. We are looking forward to some fun time with him. Dominick is 13 years old now and stands taller than me. I guess that I can't call him "Little Crapper" anymore. It wasn't long after we were home that Grandma had him on a project helping her to hang curtains. He found the tools and started in on the project with Grandma as the supervisor.
I wanted so bad to jump in and help, but in all honesty they did not need me. The boy has picked up some skills and was proud to put them to use. I remember the first bird house we made together when he was a little boy. There was more paint on him than on the bird house.
So, to see him tackle a job that most men struggle with made this old man feel pretty good. I will be taking him out and teaching him to shoot his new shot gun this weekend. I wonder how long it will be before he can out shoot me at clay targets?
Here's what I have to say. Young people, if you have a skill use it. Develop new ones and don't be afraid of trying new things.
1 Timothy 4:12(NIV)
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
God bless,
Marty
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Acknowledging The Holy Spirit 6/11/14
Good Morning,
Didn't get everything done that I wanted to yesterday. I will give it a good try today. My coffee is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. While visiting Door County last weekend I found a supply of leftover Door County Christmas Coffee. I plan on breaking out a couple of those bad boys in July. I will start the holidays early.
I think we all know plenty of people who read their Bibles daily. Yet it doesn't seem to make a difference to them or in their lives. It has become a habit, not a matter of life itself.
Didn't get everything done that I wanted to yesterday. I will give it a good try today. My coffee is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. While visiting Door County last weekend I found a supply of leftover Door County Christmas Coffee. I plan on breaking out a couple of those bad boys in July. I will start the holidays early.
I think we all know plenty of people who read their Bibles daily. Yet it doesn't seem to make a difference to them or in their lives. It has become a habit, not a matter of life itself.
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.
People who really get this verse realize that when they read God's word and it speaks to them, and it causes a reaction or action, it is the Holy Spirit leading them. They know that there is no real life outside of God's word. You will never find theses people bored with life and their Christian walk. They do however hunger and thirst for more of God each day. The Holy Spirit within is ready and willing to fill every gap and more.
John 14:15-17
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
There is no end to experiencing God through the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. Yet this Blessed Helper is seldom acknowledged, used or appreciated. Many look for help during a crisis but not during times of plenty. Their diet of God is sporadic and basically incomplete. They wander and search never really knowing or experiencing God. They read and pray but do not expect to hear. Or if they have heard they might have decided not to obey what they heard. This is choosing the world over God and really not living the Spirit filled life. For instance we all know that we can get angry, but to enact our anger in revenge or hate is not submitting to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. How can one read God's word and not know to forgive? People say they have forgiven others yet refuse to speak to that person. Well God forgives us and desires to have us know Him in a relationship through Jesus. He sent the olive branch of atonement. Yet people are miserable and then make others miserable. Definitely not the Spirit filled life.
People who really get this verse realize that when they read God's word and it speaks to them, and it causes a reaction or action, it is the Holy Spirit leading them. They know that there is no real life outside of God's word. You will never find theses people bored with life and their Christian walk. They do however hunger and thirst for more of God each day. The Holy Spirit within is ready and willing to fill every gap and more.
John 14:15-17
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
There is no end to experiencing God through the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. Yet this Blessed Helper is seldom acknowledged, used or appreciated. Many look for help during a crisis but not during times of plenty. Their diet of God is sporadic and basically incomplete. They wander and search never really knowing or experiencing God. They read and pray but do not expect to hear. Or if they have heard they might have decided not to obey what they heard. This is choosing the world over God and really not living the Spirit filled life. For instance we all know that we can get angry, but to enact our anger in revenge or hate is not submitting to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. How can one read God's word and not know to forgive? People say they have forgiven others yet refuse to speak to that person. Well God forgives us and desires to have us know Him in a relationship through Jesus. He sent the olive branch of atonement. Yet people are miserable and then make others miserable. Definitely not the Spirit filled life.
Galatians 5:22-23(NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
So are you tired of wandering in life, bored with Christianity or just a plain old miserable person who claims to be a Christian? Pray and confess your situation to God. Clear your head and heart, open God's word and ask the Holy Spirit to take the written information and illuminate it for you. Then obey what it says to do.
God bless,
Marty
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Old People and Young Dogs 6/10/14
Good Morning,
Today is going to start with a cup of Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee and a mad dash out the door for work. I am hoping to get an early start and get home at a decent hour so I can shovel wood chips from five stumps that were ground out this weekend.
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Our neighbor Jeff owns a Red Labrador who's name is Murphy. Murphy is just about the same age as our Springer Gibbs. At night Jeff will take Murphy for a walk on the other side of our street. They stop for a few seconds and wait. Gibbs usually is watching out the window next to our front door. We know when Jeff and Murphy are across the street when Gibbs barks and whines a little.
When we open the door Murphy drags Jeff across the road and then we let Gibbs out. The two dogs run and wrestle for about a half an hour. They play for awhile and then stand by the garden hose until they get some water and then the circus starts all over. What is amusing is that our elderly neighbors move to their window to watch the two dogs play and run. When their window is open you can hear them laugh. Last night I heard them say "I hope they don't take them to the back yard, we can't see the dogs play back there." We had no idea that these two hunting dogs that like to play were also important to the neighbors. What is a good way for the dogs to exercise is also entertainment for some folks who can't get out much. We stayed in the front yard and intend to do so from now on.
I am glad that we are a part of the day that they look forward to. We both have great hunting dogs. The neighbors will never hunt over the dogs and see a bird flushed or retrieved . But they are appreciated by the older neighbors who just like to watch dogs. When you think about it, the play between the dogs is innocent. Two people sharing a laugh watching our two clowns is just plain joy.
Today is going to start with a cup of Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee and a mad dash out the door for work. I am hoping to get an early start and get home at a decent hour so I can shovel wood chips from five stumps that were ground out this weekend.
.jpg)
Our neighbor Jeff owns a Red Labrador who's name is Murphy. Murphy is just about the same age as our Springer Gibbs. At night Jeff will take Murphy for a walk on the other side of our street. They stop for a few seconds and wait. Gibbs usually is watching out the window next to our front door. We know when Jeff and Murphy are across the street when Gibbs barks and whines a little.
When we open the door Murphy drags Jeff across the road and then we let Gibbs out. The two dogs run and wrestle for about a half an hour. They play for awhile and then stand by the garden hose until they get some water and then the circus starts all over. What is amusing is that our elderly neighbors move to their window to watch the two dogs play and run. When their window is open you can hear them laugh. Last night I heard them say "I hope they don't take them to the back yard, we can't see the dogs play back there." We had no idea that these two hunting dogs that like to play were also important to the neighbors. What is a good way for the dogs to exercise is also entertainment for some folks who can't get out much. We stayed in the front yard and intend to do so from now on.
I am glad that we are a part of the day that they look forward to. We both have great hunting dogs. The neighbors will never hunt over the dogs and see a bird flushed or retrieved . But they are appreciated by the older neighbors who just like to watch dogs. When you think about it, the play between the dogs is innocent. Two people sharing a laugh watching our two clowns is just plain joy.
1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Smile and enjoy an older person and a dog today. They are gifts form God
Marty
Monday, June 9, 2014
How Good Is Your Name? 6/9/2014
Good Morning!!!
I hope your coffee is hot or your juice cold and tasty. My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Creme.
I just found out that you can actually purchase a book that has over 1000 names that you might want to consider when naming your child. I never knew that there was such a book. Inside they actually explain the meaning of the names in several languages.
But what does God have to say about names?
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4
Do you want to win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man? Put others before yourself. Be diligent and prompt at work. Love others despite their faults, always looking for the best. Be a friend when others run out. To have love and faithfulness bound around your neck means that these qualities can be seen in you always. You will be very valuable to your family, your church, your profession, God and your friends.
You may have a name given to you by your parents. But what names would others call you?
God bless,
Marty
I hope your coffee is hot or your juice cold and tasty. My coffee this morning is Door County Cherry Creme.
I just found out that you can actually purchase a book that has over 1000 names that you might want to consider when naming your child. I never knew that there was such a book. Inside they actually explain the meaning of the names in several languages.
But what does God have to say about names?
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4
Do you want to win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man? Put others before yourself. Be diligent and prompt at work. Love others despite their faults, always looking for the best. Be a friend when others run out. To have love and faithfulness bound around your neck means that these qualities can be seen in you always. You will be very valuable to your family, your church, your profession, God and your friends.
You may have a name given to you by your parents. But what names would others call you?
God bless,
Marty
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Visiting A Church 6/8/2014
Good Morning,
May your Sabbath be blessed, quiet, and restful. I am starting this day off right with a big cup or two of Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee.
My wife and I are taking some time to rest in one of the most peaceful spots in the world, Door County Wisconsin. We will head home after church. Our plan is to attend church in Ephraim Wisconsin with friends and then go home.
I like to attend church while away from home for two reasons. I want to gather with other believers and worship. I also want to relax and listen to someone else. I always hear God speak when I have time to listen and enjoy a message from an anointed Pastor. Vacation can be some of the best church experiences you might ever have. God knows you will be there for one Sunday only, maybe two. This message might be just for you. Take advantage of the get away. You might be one who serves in your church all the time for others and your worship time is cut short. God might have something special for you on your day of rest.
13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Have a great day. I am looking forward to being part of an experience that God has planned for us. Listen hard.
Marty
May your Sabbath be blessed, quiet, and restful. I am starting this day off right with a big cup or two of Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee.
My wife and I are taking some time to rest in one of the most peaceful spots in the world, Door County Wisconsin. We will head home after church. Our plan is to attend church in Ephraim Wisconsin with friends and then go home.
I like to attend church while away from home for two reasons. I want to gather with other believers and worship. I also want to relax and listen to someone else. I always hear God speak when I have time to listen and enjoy a message from an anointed Pastor. Vacation can be some of the best church experiences you might ever have. God knows you will be there for one Sunday only, maybe two. This message might be just for you. Take advantage of the get away. You might be one who serves in your church all the time for others and your worship time is cut short. God might have something special for you on your day of rest.
1 Kings 19:11-13
New King James Version (NKJV)
God’s Revelation to Elijah
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Have a great day. I am looking forward to being part of an experience that God has planned for us. Listen hard.
Marty
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