Water On The Trail With Paul 8/31/2014

Good Morning,

Sunday morning and it is quiet outside. The dew is heavy and there is a little fog still in the air. Hunting season starts tomorrow morning and I find myself not totally ready. I will be out there but the boat is not completely painted. My coffee this morning is helping me to get going. I am extremely tired as I battle with some allergy issues. The coffee pot brewed some Door County Apple Cobbler java this morning.

 

Philippians 1:21New King James Version (NKJV)
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Yesterday morning a small group from our church went out to a bike and hiking trail that is just East of our church. The trail runs North and South and goes for many miles. A lot of people use the trail for exercise. They either are biking, running, hiking or walking their dogs along the trail. This group set up at one of the intersections that crosses a main road. They sat in chairs and as the trail users passed by they would offer each of them an ice cold bottle of water as an act of kindness. I am not much good at things like this but tagged along and brought a couple cases of water. I like being outdoors and don't mind a nice chair on a scenic trail.  Many of the trail users could not believe that the group was handing out bottled water for free. They wondered what the catch was? The group explained that they were just showing kindness and the love of Jesus. When asked where they came from the group directed the trail users to our church.

The trail users had no idea how much love was being shown yesterday. One of the men from the church group is a grandfather named Paul. Paul and his wife Tillie are a lovely couple who always are serving the Lord and others. I witness it week after week as they love on people and sing in the choir.
Paul showed up to hand out water in love and kindness yesterday. When I saw him arrive I was surprised to see him and yet I wasn't. Paul had committed to be there and there he was. What the trail users did not know is that Paul and Tillie had just lost a grand daughter to a beach accident the evening before. They lost a little nine year old who God called home. Of course we prayed with Paul and offered comfort. There isn't much one can say during times like this that even makes sense.

Paul went right to handing out water, serving our Lord despite his heartache. Paul loves our Lord and it is evident by his and Tillie's life. Other people would have stayed home and grieved and none of us would have thought anything of it. But Paul showed who his family serves during good times and bad. I believe it is this type of love and faith that will carry Paul and Tillie through this time of sorrow. Paul lives for the Lord and died to self sometime in his life. I am not writing this to build up Paul and Tillie but to show how much God loves us all and that our love and faithfulness in return gives us strength through the Holy Spirit to do the impossible with peace that surpasses all understanding. I saw the Holy Spirit at work through Paul yesterday. God had Paul right in the palm of His hand. No, Paul and Tillie are not made of stone and have no emotions. They are experiencing a time of sorrow and there are tears.  They know where this little one is now with Jesus and they will see her again. But through the Holy Spirit they will make it through this storm. And they will comfort others during the next months. I will bet on that.

We will or have all faced trials and losses in this life. Can you say that you would be on the trail handing out water with the peace supplied by the Holy Spirit or lost in a world of grief? Would you have been on the trail at all even without experiencing a loss?


Something to ponder. God bless.

Marty

Loving Your Wife 8/30/2014

Good Morning,

Saturday has arrived and I have a little more time to write today. I am blessed to be drinking a hot cup of Door County Harvest Blend Coffee. From where I sit in the house today I can see the apple trees loaded with apples. It is time to harvest!

Although the tree branches are heavy with apples the harvest will be lighter than what you would expect. This past summer has churned up powerful storms that produced heavy hail. The leaves on the trees were not enough protection and the apples were bruised by the hail which has caused many to be bruised and really not usable now. The storms from months ago did everlasting damage. Our actions toward the opposite sex are like storms that cause everlasting damages.

I am imagining that my blog today will meet resistance by both men and women. God's word often does cause controversy. But hang in there with me and see if it doesn't push you forward or change your mind. I am old school and not really ever going to change. That's one think you can bank on. I was told not too long ago that I shouldn't open a door for a woman unless I ask her if opening the door for her would offend her. Wow! That put this old school guy through the roof!

1 Peter 3:7New King James Version (NKJV)

A Word to Husbands

⁷ Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

This verse causes a lot of arguments. It is often misused by men who want to abuse it and have wives that run around like beaten dogs to jump or bow to their every command. Guys this is not the meaning of the verse. Then it offends women who have decided that it means exactly what these misguided men think. It also offends women who have decided that their moral duty is to emasculate men to the point that they are not needed.

Here is the point. God made man and woman. Both are different and that is by design. Both are strong. Yet men, God has given us the duty to love our wives as Jesus loved the church. This is found in the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:25New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

What does this mean? Men we are to serve our wives in a way that honors her. This means at times we are to sacrifice ourselves.

Example. This could mean spending a little extra time with her doing something she likes to do instead of re-washing your Harley (motorcycle) for 3rd time in a week. This let's her know that she is important to you.

It also means not always saying what is on your mind. Are the words that are about to come out of your mouth the type that Jesus would use to build up someone?

Ladies it also means that you need to and desire to have a husband that can be a man. Opening doors and being protective is how we were designed. Quit trying to rewire us and yourselves. Men are not to be molded into being the weaker vessel.

Guys build them up. This verse which claims "the weaker vessel" often proves just how strong women are. Many a wife is strong enough and has proved it by putting up with your abuse. If most men were verbally abused and put down each day like some women are they would have quit long ago. These ladies have proven how strong they are, yet they shouldn't have to.

Men, act like men, build things. Which means that daily you should affirm your love to your wife, affirm her beauty, let her know that she is worth living, sacrificing  and dying for. Let her know that she is a blessing from God. Protect them at all times from harm.

Ladies let the men be men. Let them tip there hat, open doors, stand when you walk in, help you with a coat, give you their sweater, lead the family and protect them.   (men you have to step up and lead in the right way). If you lead in righteousness you have a family that will stand with you and let you lead. Teach respect, be firm and not weak but be not abusive.

I am expecting that some might stop reading, and some men who think women are possessions and should wear veils, not speak unless spoken to and not be able to think, would like to shoot me now. ( I shoot back) There will be some women tearing doors off the hinges proving that they don't need a man to open doors or build them up verbally or be kind. That's a sad  thing. But God's word doesn't care about what we think. His ways are higher that ours. So men unload your guns, ( I don't miss what I shoot at and ladies put the doors back on the hinge). Let men and women work together under God's design and just see how less confusing and hurtful the world will be.

Have a great day.

Marty

When Sleep Escapes You. 8/29/2014

Good Morning,

Friday has arrived and I am all in for that. My coffee this morning is Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut. I wish today would have afforded me another half hour of sleep.

Have you ever just had one of those nights when you are so tired your eye lids actually hurt, yet you can't sleep? Your mind goes from topic to topic. Some of the topics aren't even worth losing a minute of sleep over yet they toss through your head like dirty laundry in a washing machine.

Now and then I have nights like that. I have found a couple of things that help me fall asleep.

1. I claim the promise that whatever is bothering me isn't supposed to keep me awake.

Psalm 127 New King James Version (NKJV)

Laboring and Prospering with the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

2. I go outside no matter what the time is for some fresh air and then I pray while outside.

Acts 16:13New King James Version (NKJV)
¹³ And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.

The fresh air and asking God to help me sleep or if there is anyone who needs prayer starts the process of helping my mind o slow down and hear from God in prayer. I-

3. I then go and read my Bible. This helps me spend time with our Heavenly Father. Time with Dad helps to reassure me that whatever is on my mind is nothing compared to God's thoughts. This lets me know that where I am located at His feet is where I need to be. And like Grandmas house I am more content and relaxed knowing that God is in charge and desires that I sleep.

Usually I fall asleep in the arms of love and comfort that only God can provide shortly after I give my issues to the Shepherd. He leads me like a sheep to lay down and rest.

So don't go without sleep. It is not how God made us. He made us to need rest. And rest is what He desires for us.

God bless,
Rest often!
Marty

Relationship Troubles 8/28/2014

Good Morning.

The coffee choice today is Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut. My mind was wandering a lot yesterday. I had a hard time focusing on work and my studies. I hope today is better in that category. Sometimes it is hard to harness the brain.

I listened to a friend last night as he was describing some family issues to me. I promised I would pray and seek some wisdom and understanding from God and then we could put our heads together today and see how to tackle the troubles.

So like all good duck hunters I headed to the garage to work on my boat. I started to touch up the paint on my duck skiff and as I was painting I was praying. I knew God wanted me to turn on my radio. I kind of ignored the urge once, but the second time I knew what He wanted me to hear would be missed if I did not move immediately.

Once the radio was on and I tuned into my favorite Christian station I heard the voice of a popular teacher. This guy is old school like me. He was talking about relationship issues. But he was not speaking about relationships between people. He was talking about our relationship with God.
There was the answer. The issues with the family seem worldly, and they are. But the answer is that the relationship with God is not good. There seems to be no desire to grow closer to God.

The cure for this issue is a wholesale sellout to conform to God's standards because of love for God.

The psalmist clearly writes about what needs to be done to increase our love for God and increase the intimacy of our relationship with Him.

Psalm 119:1-11New King James Version (NKJV)

Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God

א Aleph

119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
² Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
³ They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
⁴ You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
⁶ Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.  Here is the problem. His ways are not directed by God. No trust in God as well as no love.
⁷ I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments. Time needs to be spent in the Word.
⁸ I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

ב Beth

⁹ How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. Must obey God's word out of love and respect.
¹⁰ With my whole heart I have sought You; Time to make a true choice.
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart, Acknowledge these life choices are sin.  
That I might not sin against You   Read and memorize Scripture to fight off temptation.

 

The answer to relationship and family issues is directly related to an individual's relationship with God. The answer as to how to deal with these issues is to first start with, "where are you in your relationship to God.?" Has the ever been one secured through Jesus Christ? Start with the basics before trying to clean up a mess on your own. Only God can change the mess of a stubborn will or an un-repented spirit.

 

I hope this helps folks. When in doubt take time to pray and seek God for wisdom. Seek the answers within scripture. They are always there. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the correct verse. He knows all of them and exactly where they are.

 

God bless,

Marty

Not Much To Say 8/27/2014

Good Morning,

My coffee this morning is Door County Apple Cobbler. It is early and yesterday was a long day. So my eyes are a little heavy as I grab my cup and head out the door.

I was able to catch some of the world news last night. I can't begin to figure out all the hatred around the world. I think if we were all able to sit down and meet a person from a country that doesn't agree with yours or mine and have a cup of coffee we would see that the other person is just another person. A person who wants to work, raise a family, and just eat dinner. There really is no reason to hate.

So today I will keep my oration short and let God say what needs to be said.

Luke 6:27-36New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

²⁷ “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ²⁹ To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. ³¹ And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
³² “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ³⁵ But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. ³⁶ Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Wow that was a mouthful. I think the whole world could and should learn from this passage.

God bless,

Marty

Serving Two Masters 8/26/2014

Good Morning.

It has been hot and humid for the last four days. I am not sure what the weather will bring today. My travel mug is filled up with some Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.

Duck hunting season will soon be here. I have been training the dog and myself a little more lately. I have always enjoyed each of my dogs and they have all been characters in one way or another. But Gibbs makes me laugh more than any of the other ones. Each of our dogs to say at the very least enjoyed food. Gibbs will actually jump around and prance when the dog food comes out. He really looks forward to those meals.
Gibbs also is one who has duck hunting on his mind like I do. I like to play with him and tease him a little. Just about meal time I will go to the gun safe and pull out a shot gun and place it by the door as if we are going to train or hunt. This sets Gibbs in motion. He runs to the door as if to say "Hey you aren't going without me". Then I slowly walk over and fill his dog dish and then the game begins. He runs to the dish and then to the door. He then runs back to the dish and takes a quick bite and then returns to the door while watching his dish. I then pick up my hat and gun and walk out. Gibbs must choose, food or traveling with the Master. Once that door closes I can hear the bark. I open the door and he comes flying out, wagging his tale. He chose the Master over filling his belly. He also knows that the Master has never let him go hungry. He trusts me to take care of him. He is praised and jumps into the truck. We train and then go home. When he gets home I add a scrambled egg to his dog food as a reward for a good job.

Luke 16:13 CSB

Holman Christian Standard

No household slave can be the slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't be slaves to both God and money.

In this verse, Jesus moves on to the human will, telling us that it is impossible to give full allegiance to more than one entity, whether it be a family member, a boss, a cause, or even football teams! As He says, one of them will always be slighted in some way. One's true loyalty will soon be revealed when circumstances conspire to force a choice between them. At the fish-or-cut-bait moment, we will choose to give our time and attention to the one that we really love, and the other we will "hate" by comparison.

You can tell who and what you love when that inevitable choice comes. You are as close to God as you choose to be. Trust our Heavenly Master.

God bless,

Marty

Funeral Service 8/25/2014

Good Morning,

Monday once again. My coffee this morning is Door County German Chocolate Cake. I hope your week goes well. Buckle up, and go.

This coming Saturday at Faith Bible Church in Greenfield Wisconsin I will be presiding over a funeral service during the 5:00 PM evening service. You are all invited to attend. You can actually participate from where you are.

Luke 6:38         
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

The funeral service will be held for "Somebody Else". You know, that person who picks up after you. The person who always makes sure the lunches are made. The one who always shovels the icy walks at church or school . The one who stays a little longer at work so you can go home early. You know that one who will cook for hours so a big group can eat. You know that somebody else who will stay after a big event and clean up even though they set it all up a 6:0o AM. You know that somebody else who picks up the litter that you left. Somebody else will pay the bill. Somebody else will defend the weaker. Somebody else will visit the sick. Somebody else should help that single parent.

Friends I declare this coming Saturday as a time to let go of Somebody Else. It is high time he died.

Put on your big boy pants or big girl britches and realize that it is time for all of us to let go of somebody else and take responsibility for using our talents for the good of others instead of enlarging our back sides while we wait for somebody else to do it. If you can see that it needs to be done, it's "YOURS" to do. Work, home, church, school, and community. Celebrate the life of somebody else on Saturday. Do your fair share. Someone once said, "when looking for a helping hand, well the best place to start is at the end of your own arm." Don't wait for others to do it.

As you give of yourself so it will be given to you.

Go Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God bless,
Marty