Keep Pressing On - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Keep Pressing On

 by Steve Martin

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, THE MESSAGE

As I began keeping a close watch on my iPhone 8 Health app, especially after the third day, I saw that the walking steps had been amassing in great numbers for each day. Noticing the foot mileage the four of us were accumulating, on this first annual Love For His People ministry men’s Ahava Adventure (ahava is love in Hebrew) to Israel this October 2019, I was astonished. Truly I was. Two miles. Four miles. Over 12 miles on one day by the end of the fantastic journey.

We had walked the Land of Israel a grand total of over 51 miles by the completion of the 8^th day we had been there. With three of us being over 64 years of age (one 74), and the other one a mere 41, I certainly was impressed with the strength the Lord had given us. In fact, on most of those days, the mileage didn’t seem that great. I mean, compared to sometimes walking a mile or two at home, in the early morning hour at the encouragement of my good wife Laurie, just that shorter distance seems way too far for me.

But our Lord had given us a purpose, and He gave us the will and strength to accomplish it.

As I read Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians this morning, as part of my normal “chapters a day” Bible reading during my time strictly with our Lord Jesus (Yeshua), Paul was writing to the followers of the Messiah, giving instruction, provoking, challenging and uplifting them with the Scripture, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NASU

Keep pressing on, in simple terms, is what we need to keep doing. Being alert, standing firm, acting like men (and women of God), being strong - while doing it all in love.

When we have a clear vision, a known purpose, a plan to accomplish, it does enable us to keep pressing on, even as the daily challenges faced often try to get us to stop, or even slow down.

Our enemy is always at work, trying to discourage us, distract us, wear us out until we just want to quit at times. But by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus, actively working in our spirit through His Holy Spirit, He causes us to be overcomers, and to keep pressing on for that goal-line set before us.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10, NKJV

The four of us men had a purpose of course, which included spending as much time as we could to encourage and uplift the friends Love For His People ministry supports monthly in Israel. While the rented Hyundai SUV enabled us to travel the road mileage between the cities they lived in, the busy, hilly sidewalks and grassy parks of Jerusalem provided the foot trekking paths, getting us to the other appointed destinations as we met with our other Messianic Jewish friends.

After you get “recharged” by spending the time with the Lord each day – receiving His word, listening to His Holy Spirit, and acting upon the instructing life He freely gives us daily, be encouraged in your pressing on for the goals He has given you individually, and collectively with others, to complete.

You are on a mission for God. Don’t just let the Blues Brothers get all the credit.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

*Much more will be written about this in my next book.

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #460 - in the year of our Lord 10.10.19 – “Keep Pressing On – Thursday, 5:12 am

"Gold Stars" - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Gold Stars” – Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Gold Stars

“…and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ” This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:17, NASU

Remember getting a gold star on your school paper in grade school? Even adults love it. This I know, for on my accounting job in a corporate office setting, after I had finished reconciling the credit card expense report of a staff’s individual month expenditures, I would send a “gold star’ back to one or more in an email, if deserving. That is if they did their work accurately and in excellent order.

I loved rewarding those doing a job well done. And they loved it if they got one! A gold star!

That may have happened a few years ago, but just today I heard someone say they had heard another express how they had loved getting them. I’ll have to start it again.

People receive and appreciate affirmation. We all love gold stars.

What was it like when your dad and mom said to you, “Good job” after you knew you did a job well done on the task, no matter how small or large, that they had given you to accomplish? It felt good, right?

Imagine if God the Father spoke out loud to you, in the presence of others, as He did for Jesus, saying, “This is My beloved son (or daughter) in whom I am well pleased.” What would that do for your spirit! It sure would cause mine to soar!

Affirmation, or being assured of who you are or what you have done, is so vital to each of us. Many did not receive it growing up, though. No father or mother who gave approval but should have. Or not having a good teacher, who acknowledged your best efforts, but missed it. Maybe it was a sports coach who really loved the other one but rarely noticed you. (Sit on the bench as I did in football senior year? At least #88 was between #87 and #89. Comrades on the bench.)

We can be confident that once we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, that He affirms us. When the Father sees us, He sees Jesus, His Holy Spirit, in us. And He is well pleased. With His precious blood having covered all our sins, through His death on the tree, what the Father sees then is His redemption having been received by those who call on His Son’s Name for salvation.

Not only should we desire affirmation, but we should also seek to keep doing those things which deserve being acknowledged, and even doing so even if it doesn’t. (For our God sees all.) Paul urges us to keep striving to do that which pleases our Lord and to do it continually and increasingly in our lives.

“Therefore, brothers, just as you learned from us how you had to live in order to please God, and just as you are living this way now, we ask you — indeed, united with the Lord Yeshua, we urge you — to keep doing so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Yeshua.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, Complete Jewish Bible

Be affirmed in your knowledge of your place in the Lord’s heart. Then practice affirming those around you, encouraging them to keep striving and not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Getting gold stars is minor compared to the crowns we will receive once we reach our heavenly destination and eternal rewards. Won’t that be great!

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry P.O. Box 414 Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #456 – in the year of our Lord 09.010.19 – “Gold Stars” – Tuesday, 6:00 pm

Praying Daily for the peace of Jerusalem & All of Israel!

Praying Daily for Jerusalem & All of Israel!

We pray daily for our friends in Jerusalem and all of Israel, whether "in season or out".

As believers in Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), we lift up our brethren, as fathers in the faith.

The Jewish people have been, and are being used by the Lord (Adonai) to show His love and purposes for all people in all nations. We are wise to take heed.

Steve & Laurie Martin
Founders
Love For His People Inc.

I use the above pictured proclamation card in my daily prayer time, from Derek Prince Ministries.You can get a copy for your prayer time (in black and white), if you write to me using the address below.

Blessed are those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Blessed are those who bless the Jews, even as Scriptures states in Genesis 12: 3:

"I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (CJB - Complete Jewish Bible)

Our love for His people is constant, unchanging, and eternal.

We share His love with ongoing support for our Messianic friends in the Promised Land, Eretz Israel. We welcome all who will join us in expressing His love.

Ahava & Shalom,

Steve & Laurie Martin
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA

Steve Martin, Founder/President      Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box 414  Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Websites: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com         www.loveforhispeople.org

YouTube: Steve Martin (loveforhispeopleinc)

Jerusalem - the eternal capital city of Israel, 

and the King of kings and Lord of lords.

So do we Charlie Brown!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you will be serene. PSALMS (122:6) שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם יִשְׁלָיוּ אֹהֲבָיִךְ תהילים קכ''ב:ו Sha-ah-LOO she-LOME Ye-roo-sha-la-YEEM yeesh-la-YOO oh-ha-va-YEEKH

Why You Should Support Israel

AS OF Sept. 1, 2019 OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE. 

PLEASE GO SEE! 

Click here: LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE MINISTRY

Why You Should Support Israel - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Why You Should Support Israel

“Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, and set up My standard for the peoples; they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders;” (Isaiah 49:22, NKJV)

A few NowThink On This messages ago I wrote, “Why I Go So Often To Israel”. While many read it, I am sure some considered it “not for them” and skipped it, as other things occupy their time, money and daily thoughts. As, “Good for him, but that isn’t for me” type of thinking.

Were you one of them?

I believe this message is for you, then, if you answered yes to the afore asked question. And for those who did read it, and thought, “Yes, I understand, but not my thing either”, then I hope you consider the following.

Steve Martin with some Israel Today staff, Jerusalem

With that said, I am primarily focusing this message to Americans, but I am sure there are a few “non-Americans” who might consider what I have to say also. For you see, it just might change your life. Seriously, it just might.

While many know the biblical reasons Christians, such as us, should support Israel and the Jews, more than likely there are many more who think not or couldn’t care less. But here are the biblical reasons why we should anyway, and then more reasons why you should also consider support.

While I won’t list all the Bible verses written to clearly show this, they are there for you to read and acknowledge.

1.      God had the Bible recorded/written by Jews. And several of those Jews became believers in Yeshua (Jesus). Basically, this is what we now know or call the New Testament.

2.      The hundreds of prophetic verses foretold by Jewish prophets, such as Isaiah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, Micah, and King David, have already been fulfilled concerning the Messiah, Jesus, when He came the first time. No one before or since has done that. You can’t make this up and still hold these truths up through the centuries that have followed, without them being accurate.

3.      Yeshua, having become a man, walked the earth for 33 years. What He spoke has come true, as proof for who He said He was – God in the flesh. Said it. Did it. Believe it.

4.      The land of Israel was promised to Abraham and his descendants after him, through the bloodline of Isaac and Jacob. The God who made the covenant is also the God who created everything. He does what He wills and purposes to do, with or without our consent. That is why He is God and we are not.

5.      Jesus Himself said that in the last days more prophesies would be fulfilled concerning Himself and Israel, revealing the time of His soon return. He also declared that specific ones would take place in that Land, and more importantly, in Jerusalem. They are now happening today, in increasing measure.

Nissim and Hadassah Lerner, Steve & Laurie Martin - Jerusalem, Israel  May 2019

Now for the other reasons, which are many, and not all-inclusive here.

1.      Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. If only for that fact, Americans should support them, as they “are on our side” when it comes to politics and war.

2.      Israel is fulfilling the written word that it would be a “light to the nations.” (Isa 42:6)

High-tech and other inventive companies have placed their footprint among the cities there. The results are currently being used around the world with modern conveniences, including here in the USA abundantly.

3.      Several Middle Eastern nations repeatedly threaten to destroy Israel. If they ever were to succeed (which they won’t), they would next seek to destroy America. “The little satan and the big satan” as they call us both. Their hatred for us will never cease.

4.      Many Americans have moved to Israel (making “aliyah”), and they still hold American passports, which they are entitled too. Knowing many myself who have now done so, and many who are yet to move, I support them.

5.      For possibly selfish reasons, and yet not so, the Bible says that if we, Americans (and all others have this choice), bless Israel and the Jews, then we will be blessed. (Genesis 12:3) I personally like being blessed.

6.      Those who curse and hate Israel will be cursed and destroyed. I’d prefer not to be among that group. History also proves this fact.

Genesis 12:1-3 reads, “Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.  And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (NASU)

With all the other reasons listed above, here is another primary list of those who also give us many reasons as to why you too should support Israel.

Having said this, the ministry Love For His People, founded in April 2010, supports several families, friends, and respected news agencies in the Land of Israel. Here is part of our monthly gift-giving list. I encourage you to check them out and do so accordingly. Or with this online link send to us and we will pass it on.

1.      His Lighthouse, Inc. – Nissim and Hadassah Lerner in Jerusalem

2.      Aliyah Return Center – Chaim Malespin in Tiberias

3.      Richard and Carolyn Hyde – Heart of G-D near Tiberias

4.      Christian Friends of Israel – Jim and Linda McKenzie in Jerusalem

5.      Israel Today – Aviel Schneider and team in Jerusalem

6.      Israel365/Breaking Israel News – Rabbi Tuly Weisz and team in Bet Shemesh

7.      Rabbi Kokeb & Menalu Gedamu – Congregation Amud HaEsh in Jerusalem

8.      CBN News/Jerusalem Dateline – Chris Mitchell, Julie Stahl and staff

Having been blessed by Israel and the Jews, we are now delighted and honored to do the same. I hope you will join us in this God-given command, to bless Israel and the Jews.

Now think of this,

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This 

P.S. Didn't see or read my first message on this related article? Read here: Why I Go So Often To Israel

P.S.S. On May 10 I returned from my 20^th trip to Israel. And guess what? I brought back for you my last 58 short videos I entitled “Walk With Me in Israel”. You can join me as I walk through the beautiful land and cities of Israel. Watch them here on our YouTube channel: Walk With Me - Israel May 2019

Also, my previous ones from other locations are here also on YouTube: Walk With Me. You may like them as much as I do!

If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

  

Please donate online safely through our website. Click here: DONATE  

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Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc. 

P.O. Box 414   

Pineville, NC 28134

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

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #425 - in the year of our Lord 05.29.19 – “Why You Should Support Israel” – Wednesday, 4:30 pm