Ahava Love Letter
“Who Will Stand?” "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NASB) |
Dear family of friends,
Before Laurie and I got married on Oct. 8, 1977, I said to her that we would never speak or consider the “D” word in our marriage. Divorce would never be an option. We would make that commitment to each other. By God’s grace upon us, there would never be an “out.” We would covenant together to make our relationship last during our time on earth. And by the Lord’s grace and sustenance, we have kept that promise to each other these past 33 years (and counting!)
In 2006, while on my fifth trip to Israel (thanks to Hannele Pardain, Executive Director of “CFI-USA, Christian Friends of Israel”) the Lord had me again visit my Ben Yehuda Street gift shop owner/friend, Avraham Saiden. I had met Avraham the year before, and after helping him make a phone call back to the USA, he made me his “instant” friend. We continue that friendship to this day.
While in one of his two stores, Dan and David, I was looking at men’s rings, with the help of his son, David. I am not sure why I was. I had never worn a ring, other than my wedding ring. (I couldn’t afford my high school graduation ring, which was OK, being I still am not much on personal jewelry for myself.) But I sensed Holy Spirit speaking to me about getting a ring. With the Star of David on it. So I obeyed.
When I got home, I put the ring on my bedroom dresser, laying it among all the other “souvenirs” I had collected. Looked real nice sitting there.
I don’t remember the exact time (senior moment probably) when it happened, but the Lord later told me to put it on. I said, “What?!” He said, “You are now married to Israel.” I said, “What?!” again. “I am already married. I can’t have two wives!” He didn’t respond further. I knew what that meant. (Sometimes you don’t have to be told twice. Or at least we shouldn’t have to be told twice.)
So…I put the ring on. From that point on, my commitment to stand with the nation of Israel and the Jewish people has continually increased. I am committed.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This verse is found in a few locations around our house now, in prominent places. It is a verse Laurie and I are committed to walk in.
Standing up for Israel will take even more commitment in the days ahead. It is not a popular stand to have. It will cost everything, if we choose to do so.
Each of us will have to make that choice, as part of God’s eternal plan, for each person and nation on earth. Will we stand for His purposes and His people, or will we back down in self-protection and fear?
Who will stand with us? Who will stand with the Jews? Who will stand with the Lord, Who chose them?
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) We will stand.
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
P.S. Our 2nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.
This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.
Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)
P.S.S. Beit Tikvah – Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at Antioch International Church, Fort Mill, SC!
Special Note: March of Remembrance – May 1, 2011 – all around the world. China Grove in the Charlotte, NC area. Come join us and many others. Show your support for Israel and the Jewish people.
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box 470035 Charlotte, NC 28247-0035 E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
Ahava Love Letter #21 Date: April 5, in the year of our Lord 2011
Steve Martin's hand with Star of David ring
- on the mezzuzah at the entrance to the City of David, Jerusalem, Israel.
Love you dedication and commitment! Thanks~ more than you will ever know!
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