Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

When You Have Nothing – Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

When You Have Nothing – Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

Jan. 17, 2023 Love For His People Ministry, Charlotte, North Carolina

Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry.

Even though the new year on the Gregorian calendar had already begun, I wasn’t going to send out any message until I felt the Lord had given me one. When I considered things yet to come, even unsure within myself if they would come to be, I want to offer you this message, “When You Have Nothing”. It is a reminder to both you and me.

We will always need to believe the Lord, for more of Him and what He has called us to do. May you keep going forward in that which He has laid His hands on you to do.

More faith, Lord!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder, Love For His People Ministry

When You Have Nothing

“Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size — abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, THE MESSAGE

Each of us is very aware of those things we lack, abilities and provisions we hoped we had but know we don’t or have not seen as yet. Often, we get discouraged by not being able to do what we want to do, and yet realize we just don’t have what it takes to do it.

That is one reason I have long enjoyed reading biographies and autobiographies of others who have gone before us, who went out even when they knew they didn’t have it in them to do something, but against all odds went and did it anyway. They endured the struggles, the weaknesses they carried, and the obstacles that stood in their way, and so do also in ours. Their hope was tested, but even in lack, they finished the race set before them.

As I read the biography of David Wilkerson, a renowned preacher, teacher, author, and prophet, beginning in the 1950s on through his passing on April 27, 2011, before his 80th birthday on May 19, what he did with what he had inspired me to believe for more. Faith for more than what I have at present because of Him Who has called me, and you, to do that beyond, way beyond, we could do in our own human efforts and abilities.

It causes me to ask for more faith, for more courage. To believe for that which I do not see as yet, for Hs promises declare that it will come at the right time needed.

Often when the Lord had called me to do something, I gulped and said to myself, “Lord, I will if You go before me. For if You don’t then I surely won’t.”

At other times I have found myself actually rejoicing when the situation looks so impossible, as just before one jumps off a cliff believing when I know deep in my spirit that if success is to come He will be the One proving He is capable of doing it. It somehow takes the pressure off.

I am confident we are fast approaching the times when we will no longer be able to count on our bank accounts, our government payouts, the reliability of having whatever we need available around the corner in the store or delivered to our door on an Amazon truck.

For some, those times are already here. With unemployment, sickness, or simply lack in areas we need, we feel helpless and unable to move on.

Then what do we do? Will we join those who have been deluged and deceived by that which was delivered on the social platforms they so relied upon? Or will we be found looking up, calling upon Him Who delivers?

Be it from without or within, dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ will become the reality in which He has always wanted us to abide in, for those who do call upon His Name. In the midst of all that is evil and abhorrent to mankind, He alone will be the One able and willing to take us through that which will come upon the earth, as His justice will prevail in due time. When we have nothing on which to stand but Him alone, His ability and grace will be strong and available so that even the ones most lost will have the door open before them to receive His salvation, if they so choose.

“Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, NASU

Of this, I am most confident, even if my faith does wane in times of unbelief, that He is the One Who will uphold us and deliver us through all that comes our way.

And Who else but Yeshua to base our lives and our loved ones upon? There is none but Him.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder, Love For His People

Message #133 in this series – in the year of our Lord 01.17.23 – “When You Have Nothing” –Tuesday 11:55 am in Charlotte, North Carolina

Love For His People Ministry. is a charitable, USA humanitarian ministry started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations, especially to and within Israel.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. 

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards, Zelle, or PayPal

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People Ministry  12120 Woodside Falls Rd.   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this encouraging message with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

Full website: Love For His People Ministry

YouTube: Steve Martin/Love For His People

Facebook page: Steve Martin 

Twitter: Martinlighthouse

SPECIAL NOTE: Our ministry’s mobile app is available for iPhones and Androids. This is a free app download. Look here: Love For His People – sign up/free app

You can sign up for my email messages: Love For His People. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: ministry newsletter

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share this message with your friends through your email, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, LinkedIn, GETTR, and more.  Others will be thankful you did. And I thank you too.

Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (married 45 years), founded Love For His People Ministry in 2010. This work gives love and support to our friends in Israel and other nations with friendship and humanitarian aid. Through social media, Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel, it is a growing, effective organization. Steve has also authored and published 36 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area and have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids. Ahava and shalom with blessings on ye head!

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

“Not every star shines at the same time.” Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

“Not every star shines at the same time.” Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry


Oct. 5, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina USA

Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry.

It is so encouraging when the Lord speaks a word to you, unexpectedly. At those times when you may not feel as strong as others, or gifted, or assured of what you are doing and how you are doing it. Sometimes as you watch others flow in their gifts, you wonder if you will ever “measure up”.

Do you ever feel that way too? Be encouraged with this: our Lord knows how to encourage us, and tell us, in His way, “You too shine.” A simple word from the Holy Spirit does that. He brings encouragement.

Please read my message, “Not Every Star Shines at the Same Time”, written below.

Ahava and shalom,



Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry

P.S. Please continue to pray for our good friends for over 35 years, Edgar and Indira Persad, of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with their families (Nadira & Alan, Shamila and Joel, and Robbie and his family). Edgar has been in the hospital for 12 days, having had a brain tumor removed. See the accompanying photo of Edgar being ministered to in his hospital bed in Charlotte, North Carolina.


“Not Every Star Shines at the Same Time” 

“He determines how many stars there are and calls them all by name.” Psalm 147:4, Complete Jewish Bible  

Each star shines in brilliance and power. Some are more prominent than others, and we notice them at different times in the heavenly skies. As the nighttime gets darker, we seem to see more and more of them, until they fill the sky with their brightness and glory, especially if you are viewing away from the city and other man-made lights. 

The Lord Creator created each one, special in their own sphere of influence and reach. According to Scripture, the Word of God, He has given each one a name. (Psalm 147:4)

 As I stood in the hospital room with a long-time friend of over 35 years, Edgar Persad, three other men and a spiritual woman, mutual friends from another church that Edgar and his family attend, had come to pray prior to his scheduled surgery in a few hours. He was having a brain tumor removed that had come back cancerous from the three biopsy tests after the first surgery to remove the built-up fluid. 

Their prayers were mighty. They called upon the Name of the Lord Jesus in full faith and power. They spoke of His promises over Edgar, assuring Him that the Lord is our Deliverer, our Healer, the One Who stands in the gap for all of us, especially in our time of need. Scripture was read from the Bible app on the cell phone. 

I took some memorable photos and two short video clips, to share with others who were not able to be here expressing the same love. (I am a firm believer that the Lord has put in place those who give testimony through photography and video.) I knew these images in real-time would encourage friends and prayer intercessors around the world, shared on Signal and other social connections, to also keep praying as Edgar faced the second brain surgery to remove that large tumor in between the pineal gland. 

(From Wikipedia: “The pineal gland, conarium, or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. The pineal gland produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone which modulates sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles. The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, which gives it its name. The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join. The pineal gland is one of the neuroendocrine secretory circumventricular organs in which capillaries are mostly permeable to solutes in the blood.”) 

You know how you sometimes feel when you are with others, and their “spirituality” seems so much more than yours? In some ways, I felt I didn’t “measure up” to their spiritual walk and ability to successfully petition the Lord, especially in verbalizing it forth. And so, I stood quietly, yet in agreement, and listened.

Then the Holy Spirit spoke a peaceful, simple word to me.“Not every star is seen at the same time.” 

I was taken aback, not expecting He would say something to me at that time, with the focus on Edgar, as it should be.

Wow. Even during the care and concern we give for others, our Lord is building, strengthening, and encouraging ourselves. But most often that is how it turns out, isn’t it? He knows what we need too when we need it.

It was most encouraging to hear that inner voice of the Holy Spirit. And I wholeheartedly give thanks for all the gifts given to us, as shown through these men and women. These were now the ones shining in their atmosphere. 

More fully in Psalm 147, briefly quoted above, is the description of the goodness of the Lord and how He is so actively working in the nations today. Especially in the people of Jerusalem and Israel. “Halleluyah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! How sweet, how fitting to praise him! Adonai is rebuilding Yerushalayim, gathering the dispersed of Isra’el. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines how many stars there are and calls them all by name. Our Lord is great, His power is vast, His wisdom beyond all telling. Adonai sustains the humble but brings the wicked down to the ground.” Complete Jewish Bible 

An old saying was once all over in art and such, “Grow where you are planted.” We are also called to shine the light He has put in us, in our sphere of influence and gifting. As each does his or her shining, all will be built up and encouraged. 

Ahava and shalom, 

Steve Martin, Love For His People, Founder 

Message #115 in this series – in the year of our Lord 10.04.2022 – “Not Every Star Shines at the Same Time”, Tuesday, 4:50 pm in Charlotte, North Carolina

Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (45 years in October 2022!), through the ministry of Love For His People we founded in 2010, give love and support for our friends in Israel and in other nations with friendship, humanitarian aid, and social media support, along with Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel. Steve has also authored and published 34 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area. We have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids.

Thursday, September 15, 2022

“Do as in your heart.” Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

“Do as in your heart.” Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

Sept. 15, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina USA

Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry.

Now that we are home from this last Ahava Adventure to Israel, Laurie and me will continue to strengthen the hands of those around us with encouragement, while at the same time sharing the Lord’s heart for His people the Jews with others. As Gentiles, we as believers are called to do this. Both you and us.

My message, As In Your Heart included below will strengthen your heart to do as the Lord has given you. Together, in His purposes and plans, we will accomplish through His grace what we are here on this earth to walk out.As each of us hears and obeys the Lord, that which we give out will return even more so to us. “Give and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) This is truth.

Along with this new message, I also share another delightful “Walk With Me video. I have uploaded 24 thus far but have another 14 to go! I also hope you have seen the hundreds of photos I captured while in Israel, on my Facebook page: Steven L Martin (Steve Martin)

Check this fun video out: Church of All Nations car ride up to the Mount of Olives – Ride With Me, Steve Martin and Nouri Hawa

Ahava and shalom to you, while you serve the Lord today with all your heart.



Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry

P.S. I am going back to Israel Oct. 23-Nov. 12, 2022 for more Love For His People Ministry, and bringing my friend for over 25 years Edgar Persad with me. This will be his 1st trip to Israel, and he will be 70 on July 4, 2023. Never too late to go to the Land and serve His people!
As In Your Heart  

“Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” So his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” 1 Samuel 14:6-7, NKJV  

Jonathan, King Saul’s son, had a very big and courageous heart. His faith grew as he did what the Lord had placed him in a position to do. As you read of his love for the people, and especially for his friend David in the two books of Samuel, you see that the Lord was with him, as he was with the Lord. What an example for us to know and follow the story of this young man.

And then to see he had alongside him an armor bearer, a trusted friend also – one who stood side by side with him, to carry out God’s purposes through Jonathan. A loyal friend who said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” 

In the Complete Jewish Bible version of the same verses (1 Sam 14:6-8) it reads, “Y’honatan said to his armor-bearer, “Come on, let’s go across to the garrison of these uncircumcised people. Maybe Adonai will do something for us, since Adonai can rescue with a few people as easily as with many.” His armor-bearer replied, “Do everything you think you should; I’m with you, whatever you decide.” 

The Lord, Adonai, had put it in Jonathan’s heart to go up against the Israelite’s enemy, the Philistines, even before the rest of the Hebrew army led by his father King Saul did so. He knew in his heart that “Adonai (the Lord) can rescue with a few people as easily as with many.” Alongside Jonathan was the one who carried his armor (an armor bearer — a biblical reference to the one who carries the spear and shield of a warrior). He had to be one who had proven himself loyal and faithful. You don’t want someone who will stick your own sword in your back if the opportunity arises!

The armor bearer knew that which was in Jonathan’s heart – to be the instrument of God to carry out the Lord’s will and save His people from the enemy, the Philistines. When others would just wait and let “God do it”- as many seem to think is the action to take in our day – Jonathan moved out in faith.

“(King and father – my addition) Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men.” 1 Samuel 14:2, NASU

Jonathan did what the Lord had spoken through this trusted friend, “Do all that is in your heart.” He did not also sit idly by and let the enemy just run over his people. Even with just the two of them, they went forward as led by the Lord.



It is easy to sit back and let someone else do it. It doesn’t take a lot of faith or courage to sit on the couch and say, “If the Lord wants to take care of it, He will. Let the big guys and women in ministry do it. As for me, I am waiting for the rapture to take me out of this hell hole.”

As Yeshua (Jesus) told the parable of the woman pleading continually to the judge for righteous action to be done on her behalf, Yeshua said, “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8, NASU

Will you too step out in faith and act, knowing what you have been called to do? Will you have faith when the Lord returns? Will you be as Jonathan and his armor-bearer did, and do now what the Lord has put on your heart to do?

We must walk in faith now. People are in real need; they need to know the Savior and the Lord. The Lord has put us here to be His armor-bearer, to be His feet, to be His hands. We are most of all to show His heart of love for His people in the nations, to the Jew first and then to the Greek (non-Jews.)

While on this last Love For His People Ministry “Ahava Adventure” to Israel September 7-14, 2022, Laurie and I shared the love of Yeshua to His people, the Jews, and others in the Land of Israel. They know we come in the Name of the Lord, and they are being drawn to His salvation found only in Him.

May you too have faith and courage to do all that the Lord Himself has put in your heart to do.

Ahava and shalom, 
Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry Founder 

Message #109 in this series – in the year of our Lord 09.15.2022 – “As in Your Heart”, Thursday, 5:25 am in Charlotte, North Carolina


Since I first met my now good friend, Nouri Hawa, while in Jerusalem in October 2019, it has always been a real delight to be with him. If you need a great taxi driver in Israel, call or WhatsApp him: +972-54-7766260) He will be there for you.

But until then, come "Ride and Walk With Me" as he takes Laurie and me up to the Mount of Olives, using the very narrow road behind the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations in Jerusalem. But I warn you…hang on!


Have you bought it yet? My latest book.
Click here: SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN – Paperback, Kindle, and now HARDBACK, for only $12.95!
SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN by Steve Martin (published August 21, 2022)

There was a song popular in 1967 entitled, “Silence Is Golden” by The Tremeloes. They were a British band sharing their songs there and in the USA.

But that was then. This is now. We are not to be silent when our voices and courage are to be loud and strong.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to speak His Word, share His love, do that which He has commissioned and ordained us to do. That means speaking up.

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN are messages to inspire and encourage you to speak, write, go, and do that which the Lord has put in your heart to do. We must do it now, or it will be too late.

It is our moment to shine. It is our time, given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, to take His love, His life, to a needing and dying world. His sacrifice on the cross, His death, His resurrection, had brought Him to this earth to save the nations. Not one. Not two. But all. And He has called us to let the world know.

Do not be silent, for silence is not golden.

Through the Jewish people, whom He chose to express His eternal love, He has shown that He is able to deliver what He has promised and will fulfill all that He has yet to finish. Just look at Israel and the return of the Jews after centuries. It is all in the prophetic Scriptures.

This book is to encourage you to speak up, stand up, be the one whom the Lord has called, appointed, and anointed you to be.

As it was in a popular commercial years ago, before the “wokeness” and “cancel culture” overwhelmed the people with its godless agenda, the USA Armed Services had the statement, “Be all you can be.”My word to you is, “Be all He has called you to be!”With this, I hope you read the inspired words the Holy Spirit has given me, and for those not quite into “reading” – enjoy the many photos and images I include!

To purchase on Amazon: SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN– Paperback $9.95 Hardback $12.95 E-book $2.99


SPECIAL NOTE: Our ministry’s mobile app is available for iPhones and Androids. This is a free app download. Look here: Love For His People free phone app 

Love For His People Ministry. is a charitable, USA humanitarian ministry started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations, especially to and within Israel. If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry.  Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards, Zelle, or PayPal Contribution checks can be sent to:  Love For His People Ministry P.O. Box 53  Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) Please share this encouraging message with your friends. 

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  martinlighthouse@gmail.com 
Full website: Love For His People Ministry 
Facebook page: Steve Martin   
Twitter: Martinlighthouse 
Blog: Love For His People             
YouTube: Steve Martin/Love For His PeopleAhava Moments With You 

SPECIAL NOTE: Our ministry’s mobile app is available for iPhones and Androids. This is a free app download. Look here: Love For His People – sign up/free app 

You can sign up for my email messages: Love For His People. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: ministry newsletter 

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (45 years in October 2022!), through the ministry of Love For His People we founded in 2010, give love and support for our friends in Israel and in other nations with friendship, humanitarian aid, and social media support, along with Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel. Steve has also authored and published 34 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area. We have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids.