Thursday, December 21, 2023

Believe It Or Not by Steve Martin

 


Believe It Or Not by Steve Martin

"Then this word of Adonai came to him: “Get up; go to Tzarfat, a village in Tzidon; and live there. I have ordered a widow there to provide for you.” 1 Kings 17:8-10, Complete Jewish Bible

We all know the verse, “Give and it shall be given to you.” Not enough most likely believe it though. I purposely didn’t share that verse at the top of this message for it may have become one of those, “Yeah, I have heard that plenty of times. Usually right before the offering. What else have you got?”

The verse I did share from 1 Kings tells of Elijah the Prophet going out as the Lord had instructed, then speaking to the widow as he asked for food. As you also know the story, she gave what she had, knowing that her son and herself were running out of provision themselves. It is a good, factual, story to learn from in our walk with the same God.

If one believes something, he, or she (not “it”, or any other pronoun) they do it. And the more often they do, the more it becomes a way of life.

We are given many examples in the Lord’s Word of giving something in faith and then seeing the Lord give it back, over and abundantly beyond what the giver thought possible.

We have many examples of His faithfulness and honesty. The widow and her bread and oil. Yeshua (Jesus) and the fish and loaves from the young boy, before feeding the multitude who had followed Him. And then of course His first miracle, taking the jars of water at the Cana wedding and turning them into the best wine. Each one had to first give something for His to use. He then multiplied it in return, benefiting many, including themselves.

Stories only? Or are these all factual moments for us to read, hear, and believe that the Lord is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Most Americans don’t really believe that verse from Hebrews because we can always go around the corner to the grocery or big-box store, or order on Amazon and get whatever we want the next day, or even within hours now. For many there is no need to trust the Lord for provision.

And with our checking account usually having some money in it, why trust the Lord for anything such as these stories tell us?

I tend to think we are about to learn many lessons in these days requiring us to trust more, in faith.

How can we walk in the ways of the Lord if we don’t practice walking in the ways of the Lord?

I recently told a young man this very thing. If we say we know the Lord, and do things our way, do we really know the Lord? If we don’t do things His way, then how can we say we are believers? How can we say we know Him? How can we say we do what He says to do in His Word, when we don’t even know what His Word says or take the needed time to ask Him daily what He wants to say to us, to hear and obey?

Are we living His life or our own? For Him or for ourselves?

I personally would doubt what you tell me if your life shows me you actually believe something else. True?

Givers give. And the Lord says, once again, “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back — given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." Luke 6:38, THE MESSAGE

I encourage you to practice, yes practice, what you preach. Does your walk keep up with your mouth? I hope so!

And no, this is not a request for contributions! It is a desire to see more believers believe what the Lord asks us to believe.

Believe it or not.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

At the Appointed Time - Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry



 At the Appointed Time

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14, NASB

 

Always wanting to read a good book, I looked over the hundreds in my home library bookcases for one I hadn’t as yet read. But then my eye was drawn to the hardback “Appointment in Jerusalem” by Derek and Lydia Prince (Whitaker House 2005).

Having had the honor of serving with Derek Prince Ministries in the late 1980s and again 2000-2005, for a total of eight years, I had all of Derek’s books, and indeed had read each up through that time. Whenever one of his new books was published, and there were many, each staff member was given a free copy. Some autographed.

I consider Derek one of the greatest Bible teachers I have ever known. With sound, biblical, foundational teaching, some topics which few wrote on, then and now, Derek’s simple but clear understanding was shared in word and script with thousands over his years. I highly recommend his teachings for any who seek sound truth. And being he only used his Bible and Strong’s Concordance in his study, there is no mix of worldly speculation and hearsay.

Even though I had read the 1975 first edition of “Appointment in Jerusalem” a few decades ago (you can buy the book here from Derek Prince Ministries), I wanted to read it again. Given our ministry of Love For His People’s commitment to Israel and the Jews, and the ongoing passion we have as Christians in support of them, it seemed good to do so once again.

As wonderfully described in the publication, Derek’s first wife Lydia struggled at first, but finally made the commitment to go to Jerusalem, leaving her family, job, and home in Denmark to do so. Being led in much the same as she found out later as doing what the Lord had called Abraham to do – go and do without knowing where, how, or what all would come of it – she obeyed with little in her pocket and many uncertainties the first year.

This autobiography is a great encouragement for those willing to hear and obey the Lord’s call.

As I read through the chapters, I again recalled how the Lord had led our family, from Illinois, to Michigan, to Florida, and then finally to North Carolina. It has been a journey we had not planned or anticipated but can truly proclaim it has been led by the Spirit of God. Seeing the Lord provide in unexpected ways, joining us with many others along the way, we too have seen the hand of God.

There was one specific example of trusting the Lord in Lydia’s story regarding her first adopted daughter Tikvah. Particularly when she saw the life of Abraham revealed and played out in her own life as she too was called to “give up” in order to then receive back bountifully. At the appointed time, God’s appointed time, it happened. Her faith and trust grew greatly as a result.

Each of us will experience times along the road we walk where we will be challenged in our faith to trust the Lord. For all, it is that first step of accepting forgiveness from Him for our sin, and then committing to Him our life to lead as He knows is best.

And as each year goes by, even after decades of walking with the Lord, He will present a challenge before us to choose in faith to decide His will or go with our own decision. And even as Abraham, Lydia, and so many more who have gone before us, we too must decide to seek Him for the right choice of the many we will have presented before us.

At the appointed time, as we stay true in our faith, we will see the hand of the Lord bring the provision, the protection, the direction He has for our life, our families, and our nations. He will never be late. Sometimes we will be right at the cliff, but when we jump, He provides the wings.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

Israel JUST FLOODED The Largest Tunnel! - Glame

 


Witness the aftermath of a groundbreaking military operation as Israeli forces deploy innovative sponge bombs to neutralize 17 tunnel exits! 🧽💣 In this exclusive footage, we bring you the latest on the largest tunnels being flooded in a strategic move to disrupt underground activities.

Why Hamas Refused to Release the Last 20 Women & Children From Gaza - The Israel Guys

 


376,011 views Dec 5, 2023 #hostages #israelnews #israel


Wednesday, November 29, 2023

BEHIND the BALLOT 2024 w Mike Lindell (The My Pillow Guy) & Pastor Steve Cioccolanti


 Pastor Steve Cioccolanti shares an important interview with Christian Freedom Fighter Mike Lindell

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The Stewardship of Generosity - Morris Ruddick

 

Morris Ruddick

The Stewardship of Generosity

Never has there been a time that I have been more conscious of the presence spoken of in Hebrews regarding that great cloud of witnesses. With it has been the awareness of potent, penetrating prayer amassing from every corner of the globe. It’s the context for a great mobilization and with the mobilization, the restoration of the maturity, power and the gifts evidenced in the early Church. Of those gifts, I’d like to unwrap one that is often shrouded or put on back-burner, but represents ties to unlocking so many other gifts, not to speak of its power to fuel community. I’m speaking of generosity.

Generosity is one of those subtle things. You’ll miss its significance, if not alert and paying attention. Or ignore its importance maybe because it can seem like a duty or be hindered by the subtleties of materialism. But it’s a glue that adheres with an influence that bleeds into so many other spiritual dimensions for both individuals and the community.

To better understand the gift of generosity, we need a better grasp of “righteousness.” One of the more profound insights from the Jewish roots to the faith comes from the Hebrew translation of the word “righteousness.’ “The Hebrew word is tz’dakah. Correctly translated, tz’dakah actually means righteous charity or charitable righteousness. It is a community dynamic with the implication that on the first order of things that righteousness is derived from helping others, especially the less fortunate. Around the world, synagogues contain a “tz’dakah” offering box, a proactive means of generosity for the less fortunate.

The book of Deuteronomy warns against being stingy and taking responsibility in looking out for and helping those who may have a need. The principle of gleaning for example. When harvesting crops, gleaning insures that something is left for the less fortunate, who follow the harvester to “glean” for themselves.

Long before the Torah was given, Abram returned from his rescue of Lot and the defeat of Chedorlaomer …. and with the blessing of the high priest Melkizadek in defeating his enemies, Abram gave him a tenth of the spoils. So generosity has a direct tie to sharing from increase, from God’s blessing with His hand upon us.

Proverbs punctuates the responsibility and benefits in business between righteousness and generosity.
“The lips of the righteous feed many. The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10: 21-22.

Jesus summed up these truths when He admonished us to: “Give and it will be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken over.” And then Paul’s wisdom: “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

Reflecting the Fruits of the Spirit
God’s character is to create and bring multiplication, but his nature is in giving. In seeking His blessing, is it not his benevolence and generosity? In being reflectors of God, who are made in His image, the character of the godly takes on dimensions or fruits of His nature defined by Paul to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Church tradition identifies 12 fruits of the spirit, incorporating generosity and charity into the 9 that Paul described. So, in the same way that the character of the godly is shaped and defined by tz’dakah, that is charitable righteousness, it reflects the impact in attitude and behavior that these fruits of the Spirit have on them.

The Deeper Dimensions of the Gifts
Yet, with these fruits comes deeper dimensions, or what Paul defines as specific gifts that shape the personality and motivations of the individual believer in the way they think, behave and relate to others. These are outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:28: servers, prophetic, givers, teachers, exhorters, mercy and leaders. In most cases, a believer will have a dominant gift and a secondary one. In some cases, the dominant gift can be a balanced combination of two. How each operates is described on my web-site at www.strategic-initiatives.org/spiritual=gifts.

The Gift of Giving
In taking a closer look at the stewardship of generosity, it is insightful to begin by examining the gift of the Spirit of the Giver. Givers are ones who sense God’s heart where needs are concerned. Combined with their other gifts, Givers break the mold of the status quo. They tend toward being creative or leaders and sometimes both; which ties into their response to fixing situations that are due to the lack of resources. Givers can be very effective entrepreneurs and more frequently are. In many instances, they will take great joy in giving without the need for credit. Yet in others, simple appreciation is important to them.

Givers represent the gold-standard in terms of generosity within the community. Incorporated in the gift of giving is a high-level of faith and trust in God. But with their level of faith will be risk, but risk calculated with wisdom.
“The generous soul will be made rich and he waters will himself be watered.” Prov 10:25

Those with a genuine gift of giving are almost always recognized by the higher ratios of their income that they give. They more typically prove to be good planners, as they envision things as they potentially could be. Without drawing attention to themselves, they are strongly inclined in assuming responsibility.

The Gift Activated by Individuals
With the gift of giving or generosity, comes an added dimension. It taps into the very heart of God to create and bring increase. Because of that, simultaneously, it represents something of a trigger in terms of its activation of the nature of God for the individual giver. The Psalmist captures this means of activating God’s nature with the words: “With the faithful, You will show Yourself faithful. With the blameless man, You will show Yourself blameless. With the pure, You will show Yourself pure. With the devious, You will show Yourself shrewd. For you will save the humble people, but bring down haughty looks. For You will light my lamp, the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” Ps 18:25-28

The Parallel When the Fruit Flows in Community
So it can be, and far more, when the fruit and stewardship of generosity is operating strongly within the community.

In much the same way that we need a more complete grasp of the word “righteousness,” so we also need a broader mind-set regarding our part in and response to community. Indeed it begins and includes our interactions and responsibilities with our local congregation.

Activating Community Identity
But the reality is that the community of the household of faith is a cultural factor that should define and support not only our faith, but our character, priorities and prayer-focus. It is a cultural factor that in today’s world carries global ramifications. It should be the defining factor in terms of our identity, along with an overriding influence in our life-purpose. It should be the defining factor in those we choose as our inner circle.

With those thoughts in mind, let us reach for the standard expressed in Hebrews:
“Therefore we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

The Litmus Test of Community Maturity
The stewardship of generosity within the community represents a strong litmus test of its spiritual maturity. While many are guided by the rigors of religious practices, the prophet Isaiah, called for a higher standard.

In the same manner, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees (Matt 23:23) for their fetish in following the rules, while missing their intent, using as an example their adherence to the tithe while totally missing the more important matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness.

Isaiah’s higher standard in the 58th chapter taps this same truth. It captures what can move the heart of God when the tz’daka is exercised in the community. He begins with a rebuke targeting leaders who set the standard in the community, those engaging in religious practices to curry God’s favor, while being blind to their intent …. for example, in exploiting their hired labor; for their inclination for strife and debate.

He reveals that to make your voice heard on High begins with humility. It requires getting beyond the blind spots to address loosing the bonds of wickedness, undoing the heavy burdens, breaking every yoke and letting the oppressed go free.

It will involve sharing your bread with the hungry, reaching out to the hungry, poor and afflicted; clothing the naked and not hiding yourself from your own flesh and blood. It is ridding yourself of pointing the finger in scorn and bad-mouthing. In other words, it gives focus to taking on the benevolence of God in being a genuine blessing by reaching out as a giver.

The response from on High in doing so is dramatic. It not only addresses untenable circumstances …. “then your light will dawn in the darkness and the darkness will be as noonday” …. but it incorporates an unusual ability, through community that will bear on how you are recognized as a people …. “You shall build tho old waste places, raising the foundations of many generations. You will be called the repairers of the breach, the restorers of streets to dwell in.”

In short, Isaiah’s admonition was to grasp God’s perspective and respond as He would …. with compassion, holiness and respect for one another and the sacredness of His Sabbath.

Community Stewardship and Generosity
In a world divided, deceived and confused, there exists those who are searching for a people who demonstrate the reality of God in their midst. This demonstration of God manifests strongly through community stewardship. Stewardship operates on both an individual and a community-level. It employs three key elements: giving, managing and bringing increase. Recognizing God as your source, in simple terms it begins with the giving or sowing of your seed, then managing its growth, to then again in faith looking to God to bring the increase …. giving, managing and bringing increase.

So it has been, that the biblical strategy to affliction, oppression and poverty is the community standard of righteous charity, tz’dakah combined with small business development. Jewish tradition holds that the highest form of tz’dakah is to help someone start a business. There are Jewish communities in Israel with such networks of tz’dakah that virtually no one is homeless or hungry.

Such is the stewardship of generosity, that can be found within community that the world seeks.

On an even higher scale, Joseph the Patriarch was a forerunner of recovery when the household of faith had become spiritually blinded from the standard of tz’dakah and the mantle of his people to the world. Using the resources entrusted to him, Joseph became the gifted administrator of one of the biggest series of tz’dakah benevolence and rescues outlined in Scripture.

In passing into this current season, as the community of the household of faith progresses into the place of maturity, the recovery of this dynamic of tz’dakah and the stewardship of giving will be in great evidence as leaders set the example and the gates open for a free-flow of the Spirit’s power. Not unlike the days of the early Church, it will deeply penetrate and impact cultures around the earth. There was a reason the prophet Zecharish envisioned a time when ten men would plead with a Jew to take them with him because they had seen God operating in his midst.

Paralleling the spiritual backlash experienced by the early Church, all this will be within the context of the disruptions, turmoil and conflict described by Daniel, Jesus and John the Revelator. Yet,at the forefront of this movement will be modern-day Josephs and Daniels restoring community standards and influencing state-level leaders in this mobilization of resources. Of significance in this great awakening will be the response and alliances of key global segments of this movement with Israel. Bearing the fulfillment of Isaiah 60 with the abundance of the seas and the wealth of the Gentiles being directed to the Light manifesting in the Land of Promise.

___________________________________________

If you have been blessed, or in any way helped by this message then please consider posting it on your Facebook page. If you have received it on your Facebook page, then please SHARE it with those on your page. Previous articles and videos are available for you to peruse on this web-site.

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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner of the Joseph-calling and God’s economy message, being an international voice for the higher dimensions of spiritual game-changers and intercessors since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation, the Strategic Intercession Global Network [SIGN] and designer of the God’s Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program and the Jewish Business Secrets YouTube series, Mr. Ruddick’s messages equip leaders and economic community builders with strategy where God’s light is dim in diverse regions around the globe.

He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” “Something More;” “Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;” “Leadership by Anointing;” and “Mantle of Fire,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

God of the Breakthrough - Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 


God of the Breakthrough

 

“…David defeated them there. Then David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.” 1 Chronicles 14:11, NKJV

During a recent church gathering, as the worship time proceeded with praise and declarations, I envisioned the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ, sitting on His heavenly throne, extremely aware of what was going on in all the earth. He wasn’t passive. He wasn’t asleep. He wasn’t sitting idly by uninvolved in the matters of men and women on the earth. He was passionately watching and waiting.

Then He arose from His seat, and as He did I saw what looked like bombs exploding in different nations of the world. He Himself was the One directing them. He was sending breakthroughs.

And then He roared, as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah would do, further establishing the breakthroughs in the countries.

Breakthrough from lockdowns. Breakthroughs from lockups. Breakthroughs in sickness, drought, weariness, depression, suicidal thoughts, abandonment.

Breakthroughs from obstructive governments, controlling politicians, authoritarian rules and regulations.

He is the God of the breakthrough.

In the late ‘90s Rob Critchley of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship came to lead worship at our three-day conference here in Charlotte, North Carolina. He delivered a very powerful song I believe he had written, entitled I Will Call Upon the Name of the Lord (God of the Breakthrough)Proclaiming the truth of calling on the Lord for deliverance, release, and breakthrough, we knew of His promises to come through as we did so.

What an encouragement it is to know that our God, the Creator of the Universe, is acting on our behalf to bring the breakthroughs we so desperately need in these times of trouble, unbelief, rampant destruction, and the onslaught of the enemy against our minds, emotions, and very being.

What a comfort it is to know that we can call upon the Name of the Lord, the One who fights on our behalf, the One who delivers us and brings the breakthrough we long for in these last days.

“O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:16-17, NKJV

Call upon the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, and He will draw near to you. Call upon the Name of the Lord, seek His face, trust in His love, faithfulness, and courage, to see Him overcome that which keeps you from walking in freedom and fruitfulness.

Our God is bringing the breakthroughs as we actively call upon His Name. He is releasing the captives, those held in bondage, from that which keeps them from knowing His deliverance and victory. He is the mighty Warrior.

“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. “The deeps cover them; they went down into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;” Exodus 15:3-7, NASU



“The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:13, NASU

Call upon the Name of the Lord every day. He is the God of our breakthrough.

Ahava and shalom,


Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

'All the bodies were brutalized’: The truth about the Hamas attacks | The Caroline Glick Show


Premiered Nov 1, 2023 #hamas #israel #palestine


 

The Chosen: Season 4 Teaser Trailer