"Clean Heart" by Steve Martin (text only)

 

Painting by Greg Olsen

Clean Heart

 

“Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NASB

 

 

While trying to listen to the Word of the Holy Spirit as to what to write, I heard a few words. Not being sure as to which one to focus on, I thought, “Well, let’s make this a 'mishmash' message, or 'mixed bag' as another way to put it. And so, I shall.

The first word I want to consider is contentious. Have you ever spoken something, only to have another respond and say the opposite, or negatively, as if that were their mission in life: to be contentious?

If you observe and listen to some, they seem to carry in their spirit this counteraction to anything positive, to make sure one sees the “other side”. But is that always necessary? Do we always have to point out what the “what ifs” will be, and just go with a faith response, such as, “I hope that comes true”, or “Lord, Your will be done. Show me the good in this.”

Have we become so ingrained in negativity that we can’t see the Lord’s hand in everything?

At one time, we used to hear the saying, “So heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.” I want to offer – maybe that is not so bad after all? To imagine the way the Lord would see things from His vantage point, certainly having a higher vision which is so much more vast than ours. And then try to imitate Him.

Think about it, and yes, try it sometime. When someone offers a point of view, try giving a positive or encouraging response, and avoid negativity. Maybe your needed attitude adjustment will get adjusted. I pray it be so.

And then that word which rises up in me sometimes. Jealousy.

As I again read the Scriptures about the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, personally, I still have to agree with the older son and ask, “Why not me?” (Just being honest here.)

We read of the elder son’s response, “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.” Luke 15:29-30, NASB

Of course, the father was right when he wanted to rejoice and give a party for the prodigal, repentant younger one, but I tend to agree with the elder. Or is it jealousy on my part? Would you have reacted the same way? Be honest.

I am still praying about my attitude regarding this story.

So, these are two words the Lord is working in my heart. I want to be more like Him and have a clean heart.

“Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me.” Psalm 51:1-3, NASB

 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message #3, 2026, “Clean Heart” Feb. 2, 2026

#cleanheart #SteveMartin #jealousy #contentious #contentions #prodigalson #Jesus #Yeshua #bibleteaching

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve & Laurie Martin

Israel January 2026

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Israel Photo of the Week: The camel likes me. (Steve Martin in the photo at Sea Level near the Dead Sea, Israel. November 2025) Top photo: The Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve and Laurie Martin (Elvis American Restaurant near Jerusalem, Israel, January 10, 2026) Feb 3, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings from cold-bound and snow-bound Carolina. With a record-setting 11"of snowfall or more during the weekend, followed by temperatures that bring out the long underwear, it tends to shut things down in this area. We are not like those up North. Or out West. Or the New England area. We are southerners. When I sought the Lord for a word, He actually gave me two. Literally. Feel free to seek them out, and you will be rewarded. Below please. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People in Charlotte, North Carolina P.S. My new book (click here: BACK TO JERUSALEM) is free this week for ebook download. Until midnight Feb. 5, 2026. And... you don't need a  Kindle to get it. Any computer works. Clean Heart   “Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NASB     While trying to listen to the Word of the Holy Spirit as to what to write, I heard a few words. Not being sure as to which one to focus on, I thought, “Well, let’s make this a 'mishmash' message, or 'mixed bag' as another way to put it. And so, I shall. The first word I want to consider is contentious. Have you ever spoken something, only to have another respond and say the opposite, or negatively, as if that were their mission in life: to be contentious? If you observe and listen to some, they seem to carry in their spirit this counteraction to anything positive, to make sure one sees the “other side”. But is that always necessary? Do we always have to point out what the “what ifs” will be, and just go with a faith response, such as, “I hope that comes true”, or “Lord, Your will be done. Show me the good in this.” Have we become so ingrained in negativity that we can’t see the Lord’s hand in everything? At one time, we used to hear the saying, “So heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.” I want to offer – maybe that is not so bad after all? To imagine the way the Lord would see things from His vantage point, certainly having a higher vision which is so much more vast than ours. And then try to imitate Him. Think about it, and yes, try it sometime. When someone offers a point of view, try to respond positively or encouragingly, and avoid negativity. Maybe your needed attitude adjustment will get adjusted. I pray it be so. And then that word which rises up in me sometimes. Jealousy. As I read the Scriptures about the prodigal son in Luke 15 again, I still have to agree with the older son and ask, “Why not me?” (Just being honest here.) We read of the elder son’s response, “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.” Luke 15:29-30, NASB Of course, the father was right when he wanted to rejoice and give a party for the prodigal, repentant younger one, but I tend to agree with the elder. Or is it jealousy on my part? Would you have reacted the same way? Be honest. I am still praying about my attitude regarding this story. So, these are two words the Lord is working in my heart. I want to be more like Him and have a clean heart. “Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me.” Psalm 51:1-3, NASB   Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Message #3, 2026, “Clean Heart” Feb. 2, 2026 My latest book, #1 on an Amazon bestseller list for a period of time, was published on Jan. 22, 2026. Back To Jerusalem Steve Martin (224 pages, 153 photos/images). Available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook. In the fall of 2025, my good wife Laurie (48 years and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to be with Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem, as needed. As I sit on the back veranda of the apartment they provided for us, I watch the sun rise over the southeast as another of His glorious days begins. My heart is full of the love of Yeshua (Jesus) for this, His chosen city, His chosen Land, and His chosen people, the Jews. We came to bring comfort to His people coming out from a heartbreaking war on the eight fronts the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were fighting, after the horrendous, murderous, home destruction day of October 7, 2023. The Israelis had been fighting for their lives, their families, their land promised to them by the Living God of Israel. We hoped to bring His love to them as Christians, standing on His Word. God the Father did not fail them. In so many miraculous ways, He protected them, united them, and caused them to cry out to Him for His salvation. Over 1200 Jewish civilians were lost that day. Over 1000 young men, women, and reserves have since been lost, destroyed by the enemy who seems never to go away. “We just want peace,” is the cry of our friends’ hearts here in Jerusalem and the surrounding hills. But, when the Messiah Yeshua returns to this very city, Jerusalem, they will know Him as their Peace King, their Shalom Most High. As that time of His return quickly approaches, we joined with several hundred Christians, coming from the nations, to comfort, stand in support, and let the love of the Father work through us for them. In this, my 40th book, written during my 30th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some of the 28 chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them as they occurred. You will also see over 150 photos of Israel. Many Jews are returning to their Land now, as prophesied centuries ago by Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Yeshua Himself. Christians are going to Israel to comfort and support them in their return. And then Jesus (Yeshua) will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords. I desire that the Lord Himself will touch your heart, and you, too, will join Him in this glorious work, to see His salvation come to the Jews and Arabs of Israel. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin, Love For His People Jerusalem, Israel, Jan. 7, 2026 Buy now on Amazon. Hardcover $15.95, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.99, Audio Book $ 3.99. We are indeed grateful for your support, which we will continue to use for Steve's next trip back to Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. Visit our Website Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113 | Pineville, NC 28134 US

#cleanheart #SteveMartin #jealousy #contentious #contentions #prodigalson #Jesus #Yeshua #bibleteaching

“Making Room” - worship video by Tauren Wells

​

“Making Room” Tauren Wells

“IN THE MIDST OF US” - Cathy Hargett, Highway To Zion

“IN THE MIDST OF US”

Cathy Hargett

January 31, 2026

The weather was threatening, and there were only a few of us who gathered for Kehila on that very cold Shabbat last week. There were seven of us, to be exact, who had ventured out. From the beginning of our time together, there was a sense of anticipation. Those of us who were there have shared some things about it with the rest of our Kehila.

But as I continue to ponder what happened that day, I feel prompted to share some thoughts about it with all of you in our larger Mishpacha. I think it’s important. It’s about our unity and intimacy as His Body. He has called us to a holy covenant with Him, not just individually, but together, collectively, in community, His People/His Loved One. He will come. He will appear in the midst of us, just as surely as He appeared at the Tent of Meeting during the days of Moshe.

The Lord’s presence that day at Kehila was so palpable even as we shared before the gathering officially started. Looking back on it, I know that the Scripture from Malachi was happening as He watched over us:

“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His Name.”

(Malachi 3:16)

Since the first of the year, we’ve been hearing Him speak to us about being His People and His Loved One, collectively, in community, and not just individually. He has been showing us how to be One in Him as a “People”. He deserves the Glory that is due Him from His holy people. It’s powerful when a whole community is empowered at the same time to go into deep, intimate worship together.

Looking back on it, the Ruach had set the stage for His Glory to appear. Even as I write this, I am remembering a Scripture we read at the very beginning –

“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart….who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in…”

(Psalm 24:7-10)

Before we even started, one of our most faithful brothers had talked about the marvel of how God appears to us in our small Kehila. He talked about how this happens to us when we gather. He shared many beautiful things about it. Later, we all experienced the wonder of His presence together, something that does happen often to us, but this day was even more awe-filled than usual. The King of Glory did come in.

Several of us have tried to talk together about what happened that day, but it’s almost like we can’t really express it in words and maybe we just don’t want to say too much because we should treat it as holy. We just know that Yeshua, the King of Glory, came, and His presence humbled us and cleansed us. We also experienced that “humbled” feeling together. And at the same time, He was speaking to each of us and to all of us in so many deep and beautiful ways.

“For where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them.”

(Matthew 18:20)

There was an exhortation about the refining Fire of God and about the purifying and cleansing of it. It was as if we were receiving this corporate purifying as we looked up to Him with unveiled faces. There were beautiful banners with fire flowing all around. It was as if He was revealing Himself in every act of worship. There was a word about taking up the sword He has given to each of us, with each of us having a specific sword or weapon of warfare.

I remember at one point, after we had come to His Table, one of our prophetic sisters, holding the Bread, talked about how the Lord spoke of “discerning His Body”. And then she related that we, His people, are His Body. Her words gave such a sense of holiness and sanctity to the “oneness” of all of us who follow Yeshua with all our hearts. He was showing us how precious a covenant we have with Him and with each other. There was so much happening in my heart as we ate that meal with Yeshua and drank the Wine of His precious Blood. In the spirit of my mind, I could see Glory, flowing in streams of liquid gold. The golden streams were flowing with such stunning otherworldliness that I knew He was searing something deep in my soul. I believe all of us were experiencing these deep mysteries of Truth from Him.

One of the sisters prayed and shared and prophesied with such purity of heart that when she would speak, I had this sense that I could almost physically see that she was surrounded by angels. Her face was shining, as if she was being prompted by angels to speak, and she was so fixed on Him, not on us or herself. I was amazed at the sense of heaven coming down with all those angels all around.

Another time, one of the men pronounced that we were on holy ground and took his shoes off. I sensed it, too. He said something about the heat, about being liquefied, being purified. I also sensed that and could see that liquid gold Glory again. Another prophecy was about the Glory cloud leading His people. It truly was all about Him and His Glory. Oh, God, it’s all about You.

When we gather together as His people, with our eyes fixed on Him in deep worship, He is there. I praise Him for coming to us and for being there in the midst of us. He desires us to be One in Him. He wants to be with us. He wants us to be in His Glory, in His Presence, a holy people bowing in worship to our holy God.

“They will be My People, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action so that they will always fear Me…”

(Jeremiah 32:38-39)

“I have given them the Glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity…”

(John 17:22-23)

Cathy Hargett

Highway to Zion Ministries

HOME | highwaytozion

#INTHEMIDSTOFUS #CathyHargett #HighwayToZion #RuachHaKodesh #Yeshua #Jesus #kehila #Shabbat #unity

Record snowfall in Charlotte, North Carolina! Walk With Me, Steve Martin - video and photos

​

Beautiful snow covers Charlotte, North Carolina! Walk With Me as I stroll through the white land of our home.

It has set a record for most snow in a single day - 11”. The most in 20 years.

Thank You, Lord!

Steve Martin

“Comfort My People” - All Israel News, Paul Calvert

​

Opinion Blog / Guest Columnist

Paul Calvert | January 31, 2026

ALL ISRAEL NEWS is committed to fair and balanced coverage and analysis, and honored to publish a wide-range of opinions. That said, views expressed by guest columnists may not necessarily reflect the views of our staff.

‘Comfort My people’: With the last hostage home, Israel begins healing

The funeral of Ran Gvili, whose body was held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7 and was returned to Israel few days ago, in Meitar, southern Israel, January 28, 2026. (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Israel has just witnessed the final hostage come out of Gaza. After 843 days of captivity, the last hostage, Ran Gvili, has finally been returned to Israeli soil.

It has been a very sad and emotional time and, of course, it ended with a funeral. But it feels like there is now a sense of closure.

Link: AllIsraelNews.com