Showing posts with label Charlotte NC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlotte NC. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

An Open Letter to Cam Newton - SHAWN A. AKERS CHARISMA NEWS

Cam Newton became a hit with the fans this season, but like many of us, he may need some maturing.
Cam Newton became a hit with the fans this season, but like many of us, he may need some maturing. (Cam Netwon Facebook page )

An Open Letter to Cam Newton

Cam Newton became a hit with the fans this season, but like many of us, he may need some maturing. (Cam Netwon Facebook page )
Note: This story is updated with new information and an apology. This is the grace I am talking about that we need to give.
Dear Cam:
During the 2015-2016 National Football League season, the whole world has become a witness to how you became a shining example of a man who thoroughly enjoys the job and talents that God has blessed him with. I believe the entire league owes you a debt of gratitude for how you made playing football look like fun instead of someone who is simply drawing a huge paycheck.
As the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, you brought the joy of professional sports back to the city of Charlotte. Your antics—your dabs and Superman poses after you score touchdowns—may seem obnoxious and arrogant to some, but that could simply be jealousy. Your playful demeanor won over a lot of fans, including myself.
As a former resident of the city and admirer of the team—notice I didn't say fan—I thank you for what you've done to bring enthusiasm back to the Carolina Panthers. I have many friends back in Charlotte, and they're having fun with it, too.
We've watched as the Panthers had an outstanding season, winning 15 of 16 regular-season games. You cruised through the playoffs to the Super Bowl, and you were named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. You deserve every bit of the accolades you have received.
Unfortunately, when you and your teammates lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, your image took a huge hit. It's not because you lost or because of your performance during the game. It was your demeanor in the post-game press conference that disappointed and shocked many.
You sulked. For the most part, you gave one-sentence answers to reporters' questions. Frankly, you acted like a 10-year-old child who had just had their cellphone taken away—not that a 10-year-old should have a cellphone.
You didn't own up to the six times you were sacked. You didn't own up to the two fumbles that led to 14 Denver points. You ended the press conference with the phrase, "I'm done, man."
Not cool, Cam, not cool.
I can't say that I've ever been a fan of yours. As an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, there's a natural tendency to dislike you because of your affiliation with Auburn University. You made us look bad during your senior year, and you won a national championship in 2010, which makes Tide fans' stomachs turn. But then that's just football.
I actually want to apologize to you for maligning you as a person. The controversy and scandal that surrounded you blinded my eyes so much so that I announced I wouldn't root for the Panthers any more when they drafted you. It was not my place to judge you, and I'm sorry I did. I did not give you the grace that Jesus would have. That showed my own character flaw. Again, I apologize.
As it turns out, I find my spirit actually grieving for you. I never thought I would ever say that. But as a man of God, I find myself now praying for you. Since I wrote this, a reader informed me that you indeed profess Christ, and that's wonderful. I apologize if I made any assumptions about that. Now it's all a matter of maturity in your walk with Him. Sunday's post-game antics only showed a sign of immaturity in you. You were hurt and disappointed because, for the first time in life on a big stage, things didn't turn out the way you had hoped.
Cam, many people are going to call you out for your behavior on Sunday, and chances are, you don't care right now. Deion Sanders, himself a man of God, did just that on national television by saying, "You are the face of our brand right now, you can't do that. I understand the emotions of losing, but you can't do that. A Manning, a Brady ... all these guys who are a prototypical type of quarterback in our game, they're not going to do that ever. Would Drew Brees ever?"
What Sanders should have done was pulled you aside and talked to you about it in private. Or, he should have reacted like Marshall Faulk, who himself knows the pain of losing a Super Bowl. Faulk said, "I've been on that podium in that very same seat. It's tough, it's hard," said Faulk, whose Rams fell to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. "When I look back at how I handled it, I promised to never be that person again. Cam is going to learn from this.
Cam, remember this: Through it all, God loves you and wants you to draw near to Him so you can better handle the adversity in your life. This isn't the first time it's happened, and it won't be the last. But allow Jesus to come into your heart so that you can learn to deal with your trials and tribulations. He's inviting you to do just that. 
I suggest you talk with teammate Charles Tillman, whom I interviewed on my Javelin podcast recently. He's a great man of God who can help you.
I know you're disappointed about not winning the Super Bow, but that will pass. With your talent, you will be back there with another opportunity.
And as I always like to say, "there is that." 
For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!
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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Heritage & Restoration - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Heritage & Restoration

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain which is your heritage, the place, Adonai, that you made your abode, the sanctuary, Adonai, which your hands established. Adonai will reign forever and ever.” (Exodus 15:17-18 Complete Jewish Bible)


Heritage is an awesome reality in the Lord. It is having a history to look back on, live with in the present, and then go forward into the future. What a great gift to us from the Lord – for those who know Him.

To realize what our heritage is in the Lord, and then to experience that which He has passed on down to us, is simply grace and mercy. To comprehend what has been received through the Jew and Gentile believers, found not only in our Bible, the Holy Scriptures, but also displayed in all of history - the Judeo-Christian culture, our spiritual education, and much more given to us - what we have in Jesus (Yeshua) is beyond what our minds and hearts can understand in this age.

For heritage found in the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, we are indeed blessed people.

In 1985 I first heard of Heritage USA, located just south of North Carolina in Fort Mill, SC, by watching this guy named Jim Bakker and his wife Tammy Fae. Their PTL Network was carried on our local East Lansing, Michigan TV channel. I remember having to record the daily show on a video tape as it aired at 5 am in the morning, when it was rebroadcast, in order to view it later that night, or whenever I had time. By the end of the year we had bought three Lifetime Memberships to Heritage USA, as they were called – two for us and one for a ministry family living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the time.

This particular ministry couple “swore” they never would use the membership. But the Lord knew what plans He had for them, and in 1994 they “just happened” to move their ministry to Charlotte. In 2001 they then bought Fort Hope, the 21 acres Jim Bakker and Heritage USA had once owned to rehabilitate homeless. I know. I was the Administrator!

Many do not realize the full story of what the heritage of Heritage USA meant to so many, but knowing what it did for our family, it was a real blessing from the Lord. Our three oldest kids even today have many good memories of the summer times we were able to spend on the property. (Our youngest, Christen, was just 4 months old when we last stayed on the former Heritage USA property. But she since then graduated from MorningStar's Comenius School of Creative Leadership, CSCL, in 2004, which now had educated many young people in the Lord on that restored land!)

When we moved from Michigan to Florida in August of 1987, the ministry had gone through a tremendous upheaval beginning that April, and it looked like the end had come, as we knew it. Within several years the 2000 acres, along with all the buildings and such, would be deserted.

The scoffers of Christianity, both "believers" and otherwise, had a grand old time laughing all the way.

Jumping ahead 27 years to 2015, a good portion on the former Heritage USA property has now gone through a tremendous restoration. No less than seven churches/ministries call the former property their home. That number includes MorningStar Ministries (Rick Joyner), Antioch International Church (Peter Wyns & Jess Enns), All Nations Church (Mahesh & Bonnie Chavda), The Movement (Lathan Wood), Fresh Fire (Todd Bentley), The Upper Room (Russell James), Vision For Israel (Barry & Batya Segal) along with other churches and small ministries. Having attended all of these churches (as well as served on the staff of three of the ministries), it is a great joy to see what the Lord has done.

As the old time Gospel song declares, “Look what the Lord has done!”

And as for Jim Bakker? Released from a prison cell in Minnesota after serving time for 5 years of the original 45 year sentence, he was left with absolutely nothing.

But in December of 2015, just prior to the celebration of his 76th birthday on January 2, 2016, he was declaring the Lord's Jubilee in his life. Jim was rejoicing in the Lord’s grand restoration process, as he continues to build a new ministry called MorningSide Ministries, near Branson, Missouri. Remarried now to Lori Bakker, with the PTL Network back on the air with his daily Jim Bakker Show, a complete restoration has come. Now again with multiple acres of land, a beautiful hotel, retirement and rental cottages, a media university for young and old, barns for both gatherings and the cattle which graze on the Missouri land, and a new prayer chapel rising on the mountaintop – the Lord’s Mighty Hand of restoration is leaving yet another heritage for many, many believers.

It is great to see what the good Lord has done again. Restore, redeem, and give us heritage that can be found in Him.

As for me and my house, we are too enjoying the fruit of restoration that has come to the former property here near Charlotte. MorningStar Ministries, occupying 42 acres, with the Grand Hotel and more, is our home church. We are grateful for our church family. To see that which we sowed in faith 30 years ago, now reaping a bountiful harvest and leaving further a heritage for our generation and the others behind us, is of great encouragement.

The Lord Jesus is in the restoration business. He always has been, beginning with Adam and Eve, and now continues to move through all the nations, bringing salvation with restored relationships for many who will, with Him and His Father.

The wounded, the hurt, the abandoned – all can find hope and love in the family of God. He is preparing an end-time, the Bride of Christ, for our Messiah, our soon returning King.

No plans of man can stop the purposes and plans of our God. He will complete the full restoration of our heritage found in Him.

Thank you Lord Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus our Lord!

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.



P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to bless the families that we do in Israel, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Click here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 
Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)
Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This - In the year of our Lord 12.31.15 - #227 –“Heritage & Restoration” – Thursday at 7:00 am

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This


Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

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We are living in the last days, the times prophesied long ago, right before the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, returns. Even as He spoke to the prophets of old in Israel, continuing through Jesus’ time on earth, and with the early church, the Lord is fulfilling His promise. His Eternal Word that He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, and we would prophesy. 

Prophesy comes in many ways – through the spoken word, signs, dreams, visions, tongues. All are used by the Lord to speak to His people, give them guidance along the way, and show His provision for the plans He has for us. As we walk along His path chosen for us, He desires to encourage and reveal His plans to us. He most certainly uses His Written Word. He also uses prophetic words. Here are a few that He has given to me. 

I am continually amazed at how He speaks, how He directs, and the assuring results of His guidance. We need the gifts of the Holy Spirit operating in these times. As the Bible says, He desires that all would prophesy, in order to assist believers in knowing His will, and speaking to non-believers that we serve an All-Knowing God, Who shows us the way. 

The gifts of prophesy, seeing signs and wonders, and experiencing His love through His fascinating methods is for all. I hope you are encouraged in seeking Him as you read these stores of how He moved in my life. 

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People


About Jim Bakker from his website: Jim Bakker


about-jim

About Pastor Jim



HUMBLE BEGINNINGS


Jim-Bakker-Little-BoyPastor Jim Bakker is a pioneer of Christian Television. From humble beginnings, he rose to build one of the largest ministries in the world.
As a young man, Pastor Jim was called to “make Jesus real” to the world. During the golden era of television, he was divinely inspired on what medium he could use to do just that. He dreamed of a night-time Christian talk show-one that could display the format and quality of The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson.
In 1966, his dream came true. While hosting “Come on Over”, a children’s show, on Pat Robertson’s fledgling Christian station in Virginia, Pastor Jim became the founder and host for the first Christian talk show – “The 700 Club”.
For eight incredible years, Pastor Jim hosted the ground-breaking variety show with the top ministers and singers of the day. Pastor Jim and his family later joined Paul and Jan Crouch in California to pioneer a new television ministry. Pastor Jim was the first President and a founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, which today, still beams around the world with 24-hour a day Christian programming.
In 1974, Pastor Jim relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina to birth one of the most dynamic ministries the world has ever known-The PTL Club, The Inspirational Network, and a state of the art Christian retreat center called Heritage USA.
At the height of the ministry, there were 86 religious services held a week at Heritage USA. By 1986, Heritage USA was the third most visited destination spot, following Disney World and Disney Land.

PIONEER OF CHRISTIAN TELEVISION


Jim-Bakker-Billy-GrahamPastor Jim also pioneered Christian television in 52 nations as well as founding Heritage School of Evangelism, Heritage Academy and related schools. In addition to his many responsibilities at PTL, Pastor Jim authored more than ten books, and developed several special editions of the Bible.
In 1987, Pastor Jim Bakker resigned as President of PTL after a moral indiscretion he had committed seven years earlier that was brought to the public’s attention.
PTL was placed into bankruptcy by its new management and in 1989 Pastor Jim was indicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison on charges of overbooking the lodging space at Heritage USA.
Pastor Jim was re-sentenced in 1991 to 18 years and then later reduced to eight years in Federal prison. He was released on parole in 1994 after serving five years. On July 22, 1996, a Federal Jury ruled that PTL was not selling securities by offering Lifetime Partnerships in Heritage USA, affirming what Pastor Jim said since the very first day he was indicted. His case was overturned and the judge was dismissed from the case.
Jim-Bakker-Lori-Bakker-Matthew-Barnett-Dream-CenterIn 1998, while working in the inner-city ministry of the Dream Center of Los Angeles, Pastor Jim met Lori Graham. After an abusive marriage of years of substance abuse, Lori founded a ministry of women who were suffering the emotional scars from abortion. They married that year and have totally dedicated their lives to ministry.
In 2002, Pastor Jim and Lori were blessed with the happiness of expanding their family with five beautiful children from the inner-city of Phoenix where Lori had ministered for years. In that same year, Pastor Jim and Lori were offered the opportunity to move to Branson, Missouri to begin the Jim Bakker Show.
In 2003, sixteen years to the date that Pastor Jim had made his last broadcast from PTL, he and Lori launched their new television ministry from Branson, Missouri.
With the help of PTL Partner, Jerry Crawford, the ministry staff converted a bar/restaurant to a café/television studio called Studio City Café. Mr. Crawford’s marriage was healed at a seminar at PTL 25 years before and he took on a personal mission to help Pastor Jim launch his new ministry.

THE JIM BAKKER SHOW


jim-profileThe Jim Bakker Show is an hour-long daily broadcast that is aired throughout the United States, Canada, and the entire world through multiple broadcasts on Direct TV, Dish Network and other worldwide satellites.
The show is broadcast from a new Christian Retreat Center called “Morningside” located just outside Branson, Missouri. This 700-acre property is a thriving Christian community that also serves as the backlot for The Jim Bakker Show andmultiple other LIVE broadcasts.
The main building serves as the world headquarters for The Jim Bakker Show and related ministries. This building has an enclosed, Old World style Main Street that Pastor Jim has named “Grace Street” which has served as the broadcast studio. This building also houses Grace Chapel, the Fireside Cafe, and other shops as well as over 100 condos.
Pastor Jim is considered to be one of today’s experts on the Book of Revelation. Since prison, he authored, “I Was Wrong”, “The Refuge”, “Prosperity and The Coming Apocalypse”, and more recently “Time Has Come”. His message is one of grace and total restoration.
Millions relate to Pastor Jim and Lori’s testimonies of the redemptive power of love. If God can put Pastor Jim and Lori’s lives back together, then He can do it for anyone.


Friday, November 6, 2015

The Elevator - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Elevator
Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NASU)


When I got on the uptown Charlotte, NC office building elevator the other day for work, starting at the bottom floor of course, as usual I pressed the UP button for the 16th floor. Except for the very top floor, the penthouse as some would call it, the office I did my accounting job at was located up there.

Riding the elevator every day, from Monday-Friday is OK, but having done it now for over three years can make it rather monotonous. And then if I go out for lunch to the nearby city park with my bag of leftovers (most days) or make a bank deposit run (part of the routine), it is up and down several times a day.

The first couple of years working here wasn’t too bad, as the steel, brick and mortar building was only occupied about half full with other office personnel, also using the elevator. Generally one or two stops on the ride didn’t impede your movement too much. Typically within a minute or so you got to where you needed to go.

But as the economy somewhat picked up here in the USA, and there was an ongoing effort to relocate businesses to the Charlotte center city (from locally, around the state, nationally or internationally) the vacant floors started filling up with new organizations. Which had employees. Which meant more stops on the elevator. Annoying.

If I was to stop and count how many times I rode this mechanical machine (thank the Lord we don’t have to walk the stairs, except for the semi-annual fire drill, going down those 16 flights), I would calculate I have ridden it up and down at least 3,753 times by now. Yes, a lot of times. (Too bad I don’t wear a FitBit. I could accumulate a lot of mileage. Except that I really don’t take too many steps in the process, so it wouldn't count anyway.)

So on Thursday, when I got on the elevator to make the flight upward, several other people got on with me. Knowing that I of course would be the last one off, my brain, and attitude, immediately went to the fact that there would be some other floor stops along the way.

Then I heard Him speak quietly but firmly to me. “If I want to wait for others to get on board, to take them up, why are you inconvenienced by that?”

I knew what He was talking about. It shut me up real quick.

The Lord Jesus’ heart is so big that He extremely desires that none would perish. He calls out to all, through His Holy Spirit, to come to Him. Salvation from sin, rest for their souls, and eternity in heaven would await them. He loves mankind so much that His abundant patience overflows continually for them. And us.

Yeshua's sacrificial death on the rugged cross, followed by His glorious resurrection from the dead, fully reveals His immense love He has for His creation in all the nations. He went “out of His way” to do so. He is calling us to do the same – to be a touchpoint for Him on this earth.

As The Message Bible version puts it, a rendition of the same verse as used at the beginning of this little message, “God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.” (2 Peter 3:9)

In these days of darkness, salvation is to be found only in the Messiah Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach. Whatever it takes to be an instrument of His message, we can count it a privilege to do so. Our patience must become as His.

And if the elevator stops on the way to pick up one more person, let it be so Lord. Count me in to wait for them too.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

See!

P.S. We sure could use your help to bless the families we do in Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and the hurting ones here in the USA. Please give out of the abundance you have been given.

In May, 2016, my wife Laurie and I will be traveling to Israel to spend time with our friends. We support them in word and deed. We have our plane tickets in hand. We support Israel.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.
 
If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Click here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 
Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)
Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This #202 “The Elevator” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (11.06.15) Friday at 5:15 am in Charlotte, NC

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This


I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Worship Leader Who Lost Sons in Tragic Wreck Has 3 Choice Words for Driver Who Killed Them

The Eddings family

Worship Leader Who Lost Sons in Tragic Wreck Has 3 Choice Words for Driver Who Killed Them



Gentry and Hadley Eddings lost their two sons in a horrific crash. (Courtesy)

The worship pastor who lost his two little boys in a horrific crash is urging forgiveness for the driver that killed them.

Gentry Eddings and Hadley Eddings were traveling in a caravan when the car with a pregnant Hadley and the couple's 2-year-old was struck by another vehicle.

The 2-year-old died in the crash, but Hadley had an emergency C-section, delivering her baby about a month early.

Sadly, the newborn died just two days after the crash.

They "were able to spend precious moments with (the newborn), holding him in our arms before he went to be with his brother in heaven," Gentry tells The Charlotte Observer.

While many may struggle with bitterness after a driver takes the lives of their children, the Eddings had the grace of God to go above and beyond.

"We have, in our hearts, forgiven the man who did this. It was not the easiest thing to do, but in some ways it was because we know—Hadley and I—that Jesus Christ has forgiven us our debt. ... So in some ways, it was very easy to forgive a man who made an accident," Gentry said at their funeral, according to TCO.


Thursday, May 7, 2015

'The Holy Spirit Is Moving Through Our Locker Room,' Says NBA MVP Stephen Curry

'The Holy Spirit Is Moving Through Our Locker Room,' Says NBA MVP Stephen Curry


Stepehn Curry
Stepehn Curry, left, plays for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. (Reuters)
My dad may have been playing in the NBA at the time, but the best basketball games I remember from my childhood were the ones between my little brother, Seth, and me on our backyard basketball court in Charlotte, North Carolina. We'd play for hours and hours, oftentimes well into the night with the use of a bright stage light shining on the court, until our mom would yell out the window for us to come in. Those games would get pretty heated, but that was the norm for brothers as close as we were.
Our whole family was very close in fact, even when it came to school. My mom started a Christian Montessori school when I was in first grade, so we all went there together—Mom was in charge as the head mistress, our aunt was our teacher, and our grandmother was the cook. My brother and sister and I were blessed to have such great influences in our lives, and I can honestly say that my mom and dad were the best. They raised us to believe in God, and we were at church every Wednesday for youth Bible studies and every Sunday for services.
I remember it like it was yesterday, the day I gave my life to Christ. I was in fourth grade, and I recall hearing and understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ and walking down the aisle to give my life to Him. My parents continued to pour into my faith from that point on, making sure I understood the commitment I'd just made. Starting in middle school I attended Charlotte Christian School, which allowed me to hear the gospel on a daily basis. Looking back, my childhood was filled with the Lord's presence.
Wanting to follow in my dad's footsteps on the hardwood, I had my sights set on Virginia Tech during my high school years. Unfortunately, the Hokies and other ACC schools weren't interested. I was confident the Lord had blessed me with the talent to play the game, and I just wanted to go where He wanted me to be. That place became as clear as day to me once I met Bob McKillop, Davidson's head coach. He explained his vision for my career at Davidson and how he could help me achieve my goals. Plus, he was a man of God, so it was an added bonus to play for a leader who was grounded in faith. The entire recruiting and signing experience taught me about patience and seeking God's will, because He had a plan all along. I couldn't see it at the time, but I trusted He knew what was best for me.
During our Cinderella run to the 2008 Elite Eight, I knew the Lord was preparing me for a bigger stage to represent and be a witness for Him on the basketball court. I remembered my mom telling me from day one at Davidson that God puts His people in different areas of life so that they can reach more people for Him. I tried to use that time for His glory.
Then, in 2009, it was a surreal moment and a dream realized to be sitting in the green room with my family hearing my name called as the seventh overall pick of the NBA Draft.
Fast-forward to now—my fourth year with the Warriors—and my faith continues to be my driving force. God's blessed me with an awesome support system in Oakland, starting with my head coach, Mark Jackson, who is a pastor of a congregation in Southern California. It's rare to have such an outspoken believer leading an NBA team. We also have about 10 guys on our team who attend our pregame chapels and pray together before games.
The Holy Spirit is moving through our locker room in a way I've never experienced before. It's allowing us to reach a lot of people, and personally I am just trying to use this stage to share how God has been a blessing to my life and how He can be the same in everyone else's.
God's given me talents to play basketball for a living, but I still have to work hard to improve every day. I know that in the grand scheme of things, this is just a game that can be taken from me at any moment. But I love that basketball gives me opportunities to do good things for people and to point them towards the Man who died for our sins on the cross. I know I have a place in heaven waiting for me because of Him, and that's something no earthly prize or trophy could ever top.
There's more to me than just this jersey I wear, and that's Christ living inside of me.
Stephen Curry plays for the Golden State Warriors and was recently selected as the NBA's most valuable player. 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Blue is Beautiful. (Some art collection pieces of Sonia & Isaac Luski)


Blue is Beautiful 

These are photos I took (with permission) of some art collection pieces of Sonia & Isaac Luski, at the Foundation of the Carolinas gallery in uptown Charlotte. 

It was during my lunch break (free admission!) and I always wondered what was in the building.

They are beautiful, and I just wanted to share them with you.

Be blessed,

Steve Martin
Love For His People, Inc.








The Foundation For The Carolinas is located on North Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC.

Foundation For The Carolinas
Luski • Gorelick Center for Philanthropy
220 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704.973.4500 

About Us

Since 1958, Foundation For The Carolinas has served as a catalyst for charitable good, connecting individuals, companies and organizations to needs and philanthropic opportunities across the region and beyond. A community foundation deeply dedicated to the collective strength of communities, we work in close partnership with donors, civic leaders and nonprofits to help achieve a wide variety of charitable goals and to inspire philanthropy that will benefit generations to come.
Today, Foundation For The Carolinas is one of the largest community foundations in the United States.
The numbers (as of April 30, 2014):
  • Total Assets Owned and Represented: $1.33 billion
  • Total Gifts: $113 million
  • Total Grants: $83 million  

Mission Statement

Foundation For The Carolinas inspires philanthropy and strengthens our region through innovative community initiatives and quality services to donors and constituents.

Our Art Collection

Inspiring the Art of Philanthropy


Renowned art patrons and philanthropists Sonia and Isaac Luski contributed much of the art featured in the Foundation's 370-piece collection. The Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery, located within the Foundation's headquarters, provides a free and accessible place for the public to enjoy and be inspired by art.
Foundation For The Carolinas is home to an extensive art collection, featuring an array of works donated and on loan from the Luski family and other entities.
Sonia and Isaac Luski, who contributed much of the collection, are among Charlotte's premier arts patrons and philanthropists. The couple has donated hundreds of pieces, mostly glass, from their extensive art collection to institutions in North Carolina and beyond.
The Luskis began contributing works to the Foundation in the 1990’s, with the hopes of sharing their art in order to inspire philanthropy and civic service in others. In 2011 the Luskis gave a significant portion of their collection to Foundation For The Carolinas for its new headquarters facility. Their philanthropic vision was to create an accessible place for the public to enjoy and be inspired by their art.
The Foundation’s Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery is now open for the public to enjoy free of charge, and the headquarters building is named the Luski • Gorelick Center for Philanthropy in honor of the family’s generosity to our region. Jon Kuhn, Jose Chardiet, Chuck Close and Andy Warhol are among the many artists currently featured in the gallery.
The facility is also home to a vertical garden created by French environmental artist Patrick Blanc, a stunning suspended piece by renowned Italian glass artist Lino Tagliapietra, and a sculpture garden featuring works by North Carolina artists Jodi Hollnagel and Hanna Jubran. The building recognizes our region’s most revered philanthropists through bronze reliefs by Charlotte artist Chas Fagan, and with paintings by portrait artists from across the United States.

Photos From Our Collection