Time Out by Steve Martin

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Time Out

When something unexpected happens and it forces you to “take a time out” I think the Lord has more planned. He wants you to slow down (as He seems to speed things up!) to see the bigger picture.

When I broke my shoulder (three fractures of the scapula) during a church men’s weekend retreat, with less than a half hour to go before the entire gathering ended, it forced me to move around less and pray more.

(By the way, let it be inscribed in the scrolls…we won the “Crocker” game. Same play as baseball but using a soccer ball.)

One can pray while on the move, as the Word says to pray without ceasing, but when we rest our feet to allow our minds to catch up, that does seem to have more distinct results.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NASB

I am grateful for the Lord’s grace and mercy in our lives. Where would we be without Him? I for one cannot imagine that.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

“What Are You Made Of?” by Steve Martin

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What Are You Made Of?

Have you ever found yourself looking at another person and asking, as I often do, “What is their history? What were they like when they were young? What are they made of now?”

Do you wonder the same?

As the Lord considers each of us, for the completion of His plans and purposes, I think He asks (even as He already knows, being God) what are we made of?

Coupled with that is the foundation we have built on in our lives, from which upon we do what we do.

And what foundation have we built on? Will it sustain us when trials and temptations come, as they surely have and will? Can that foundation position us to do what He intended for us to do? Will it stand strong when the forces of the world come against us, in both the natural and spiritual realms?

Derek Prince, whom I have often written in my messages, was one of the best Bible teachers the Lord has given us in this past century, known, among other things, for his foundational teachings.

Based on Hebrews 6, the basic, solid teachings of the Bible have to be understood and practiced by believers, by His disciples, if the Lord’s fulfillment in our lives will be accomplished.

“Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the ]Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits.” Hebrews 6:1-3, NASB

In addition to these very foundational bricks in our “building”, how often do we pray beyond the words, “Help me God?”

How regularly do we study, or even read, His Words given to us, from Genesis to Revelation?

When do we seek to build His kingdom rather than just our own?

Men and women have been called to be disciples, not just ones who have gotten “saved” and then going from that starting point and live for themselves.

We must be His disciples, not just His  children.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

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Be blessed!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love for His People Ministry

Charlotte, North Carolina

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PM Netanyahu meets with Christian IDF soldiers, thanks them for service to the Israeli nation, Christian brethren. All Israel News

​'Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving', says Netanyahu

All Israel News Staff | Published: April 27, 2026 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a diverse group of Christian soldiers serving in the Israeli military on Sunday, praising their service to the Jewish state.

The video and statement from Netanyahu came amid controversy over the conduct of several IDF soldiers during operations in Christian villages in southern Lebanon, after one soldier posted footage of himself smashing a public statue of Jesus. Following an investigation, the soldiers were quickly disciplined by the military.

Just a few days later, another video showed IDF engineering equipment destroying solar panels in a Christian village.

Open source intelligence accounts on social media noted several solar panel installations near the Christian village of Debel, some of which are connected to known Hezbollah outposts near other, non-Christian villages. 

In both incidents, the IDF promised an investigation, while several prominent Christian leaders who have served in the IDF released statements condemning the actions and demanding that the military act to prevent such behavior. 

During the meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu thanked Christian soldiers for their service, and listened as several of the soldiers shared their stories. 

“I'm here in the Prime Minister's Office with an extraordinary group of young men and women,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video released during the meeting. “These are Christian soldiers, men and women, in the Israeli Defense Forces. They fill all the important positions in our incredible military and they do incredible work.” 

Netanyahu acknowledged the controversy sparked by the actions of some IDF soldiers, but noted that Israel has Christian citizens who serve in the military, defending the nation, and working to bring security even to areas like southern Lebanon. 

“This is completely contrary to what is presented outside. It's not only that Israel fights for the rights of Christians around the Middle East, but that Israel has Christian soldiers who fight for the defense of Israel and for our Christian brethren throughout the area, throughout the region and beyond,” Netanyahu claimed. 

“I have to say that I was impressed by the personal stories, their commitment, their sacrifice, their achievements,” he continued. “Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving, is growing and it's expanding. And it's very, very successful with incredible men and women. And I want to salute all of you.” 

Jürgen Bühler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), was also in attendance. 

“We were approached a few days ago by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to join a special reception at his office for Christian, mostly Arab soldiers,” Bühler noted. 

“I informed the Prime Minister’s Office that there are many evangelical soldiers that are also serving in the army, whose parents are coming from abroad.” 

The PMO requested that Bühler “bring as many as possible of them,” adding, “We had the privilege to bring 17 evangelical soldiers into the Prime Minister’s office.” 

“Some served in elite units, others as pilots, many fought in Gaza,” Bühler recounted. “He [Netanyahu] was very moved – encouraged by their stories, especially those who come from abroad in our service.” 

Bühler told Netanyahu, “These are the modern-day Orde Wingates and Lord Petersons in the IDF.”  

“He greeted everyone personally and took time to hear the stories,” Bühler said. “It was a very historic meeting today.” 

Read more: BENJAMIN NETANYAHU | CHRISTIANS IN ISRAEL | ICEJ | IDF | IDF CONDUCT | ISRAELI EVANGELICALS