
Breathe On It - Tauren Wells, with lyrics




Think I Got It
It is a dilemma. Maybe for you too?
For years I have been wanting to have a disciplined, connected life with the Lord, God the Father (Abba as some call Him), Jesus (Yeshua) and the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh).
Reading my Bible daily, a chapter from the “Old” and “New” testaments, maybe a Psalm, add on one or two devotionals…and pray in tongues for those He gives me. And…listen to my worship song playlist.
The best time for me, for all of this, is before the sun comes up. Quiet. Slow. No distractions.
Often I connect with them, the Three. Sometimes I struggle and think, “Is this just too much routine? Is it really worth it and lasting? Do they really hear me and my heart?”
But most important, do I connect with their heart? Their prayers? Their vision?
Of course I have read many biographies of saints gone by…both in the Bible and those whom followed in their footsteps over the centuries. Even the ones in our day. All the while wanting to be sure I am connecting with the Lord.
I think I got it. After about, say, 50-60 years.
Our Father wants us to spend time with Him. Forgot the news for awhile. Let the emails, texts and all messages stay as they are, waiting on the phone.
Give Him time. Just give them time.
And when you do…the discipline, connection, refreshment, fulfillment will come.
I think I got it. And them too.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
P.S. Enjoy this song by Leeland on YouTube: Where You Are
It’s about the turning points, the hurdles and pressures incorporated in pivotal passages of time, as our journeys are released from an old season, to embrace the realities and challenges of the new
one.
There’s something about these turning points that deserve a closer look. The change requires awareness and preparation. Jesus spent three intense years preparing His disciples for the incredible passage that would follow His resurrection with the subsequent impartation of the Holy Spirit.
Yet, there were those, like the Pharisees who resisted the passage, seeking to undermine it. Those like Judas whose perspective, despite his proximity to Jesus, caused him to totally miss what was transpiring right before him. And those simply who took a little longer in their grasp of it all.
Overriding the status quo with well-meaning intentions can be a challenge in recognizing the peripheries of God’s process ….in the recovery of all things.
We’re at another such juncture. It involves the need to face the passages head-on. To resist and overcome the spiritual static. Passages are wrought with turbulence and uncertainty. Given the right priorities, balance in these spiritual passages can require navigating the age-old narrow corridor between life and death ….as we confront the challenges and reach, to embrace the new horizons that will unveil the opportunity of the season.
Resisting the Opportunity
Despite what might be valid reasons, gaps have always existed in how the generations view the world around them. The conflict in this passage is nothing new. The intensity is. Superficially, what for some can seem a reflection of discord, historically have proven to be the glimmers and then the birthings of significant change.
Jesus’ earthly ministry not only consistently pointed to this big-picture perspective, but was the focus He gave in preparing His disciples and followers with the dynamics needed to embrace these passages and new season.
Getting beyond the superficialities and discord lies in the wisdom and strength needed to process change. Change being driven by the interacting dynamics that geopolitics, culture, technologies and economies have on societies, over time. Recognizing the difference between annoying short term events and the focus needed for long term solutions is the perspective from-on-High that shaped David’s leadership as King ….in gleaning the wisdom from the sons of Issachar, who understood the times, to know what to do.
Again, there is nothing new in this phenomenon. It has been at play in ages past during the many instances of severe conflict and chaos that accompany the passages of seasons, detailed in key times outlined in Scripture.
Seeing Beyond the Shadows
I have been at the forefront of those describing the Middle Ages as the Dark Ages. In many ways they did reflect dark parameters and spiritual misfires impeding the process. Yet in others, God’s plan was still ahead of the power curve, with these times representing a significant passage into unfolding developments.
Morris Bishop, a man considered an expert on the Middle Ages, details these interacting changes in his compelling history of “The Middle Ages.” Despite the dynamics that have given these centuries the dark-ages label, the big-picture dynamics ….cultural, technological and economic ….that took root in the Middle Ages were dramatic.
While the Pharisees were largely blind to such big-picture dynamics, their efforts to maintain the status quo and their resistance to change served to distort the shorter-term, within-a-generation changes.
These shorter-term responses to change encountered in life are highlighted by the role of family have shaped the outlooks of emerging generations. Likewise, mentors are normally, or should be those whose grasp of the big-picture is more prescient than those struggling to adjust to the challenges of the journey. Gail Sheehy, in her initial book on these interim responses to change, “Passages,” notes transcendent wisdom needed for navigating generational changes. Her message has been tagged by the New York Times as being one of the ten most influential books on their list.
Bearing on this premise to understand the times, to know what to do, reflecting enduring, ageless wisdom, Scripture amazingly goes even further than the insights of these authors, in defining the complexities of life and culture.
Preparing for Change
Additionally, it raises the bar in pointing to this age-old source of chaos and conflict, noting the prescient impact that the simplicity that faith, with the potential influence of community and prayer can have on geopolitics, culture, technology and economies..
So it is that preparing for change begins with those we choose to align with, in accomplishing what we reach for, in our purpose-in-life.
It points to those we want alongside us, when the battle becomes fierce. Simultaneously, it points to those whose track records and propensity toward evil require more than prayer, but whose influence needs to be avoided. Paul consistently pointed to and stood against such ones, especially those within the household of faith, who sought to undermine his agendas.
Combat tends to heighten what needs to operate when discerning between the phonies, the glory-hounds ….and those who uphold the standard, who can be counted on. Honor and integrity are at the core of distinguishing those who can be counted on, when it matters.
For the phonies and glory-hounds, in different, subtle ways, the focus tends to be on themselves. The glory-hounds get others unnecessarily hurt, the phonies can’t be relied on. Each fall short on issues of trust outside the intent of their own imbalanced fears and cravings.
Discerning the Game-Changers. So, of the more subtle catalysts underpinning the advancements of history to be found in Scripture are the relationships that might be described as those
“forged by God.” These are ones that incorporate both leadership and the prophetic insight that grasps the needed response to significant passages of time..
Game-changer relationships are those like Moses and Joshua; and those of Paul and Barnabas whose alliances triggered the exponential of God’s intent. When God forges relationships, they count. Tangible fruit results when God becomes a part of the intensity and intentionality of those who wield His power, tipping the balance of the power shifts.
Game-changers being recognized also by the higher standard consistently upheld. Even more, when the status quo is being challenged and God is releasing a new thing. This was very much the case with Moses and Joshua, as well as Paul and Barnabas as they navigated and navigated the passages into new seasons.
The Pause of Consecration
Simultaneously, in fully facing times of change and birthing, it may be that the most spiritual thing needed in the passage is to hold steady. Holding steady may mean doing nothing. David’s chief misfire in finding relief in going over to the Philistines almost resulted in the loss of everything, in the time just prior to the passage when he was anointed king. Fortunately, he looked to the Lord, being reminded of God’s intentionality in the recovery of all things.
Solomon suggested the critical importance of gaining the wisdom to do the right thing at the right time. Such wisdom may require a pause, a pause of consecration, not unlike what Joshua called for prior to the amazing unfolding of events that followed Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land.
“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person’s trouble is heavy upon them.” Eccl 8:6
One of the more subtle challenges facing believers during such passages of time is becoming so fixed on former strategies that the shifts in focus and direction are missed. It requires a high-level of stewardship, especially for those inclined to be doers. It is the stewardship in not getting stuck or getting the cart before the horse, so to speak.
Peter, whose impetuousness was both his strength and weakness finally got this right as he recognized the essence of what we are stewarding is the unfolding of God’s prophetic grace, an admonition to keep our efforts focused within the sphere of our gifting.
“Just as each one has received a gift, so minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
Indeed, it is the stewardship of His grace, through the strategic application of the gifts. Paul elaborates on the critical matter of this consecrated approach to our assignments, more so, as we encounter these passages giving birth to matters derived from the Father’s authority alone. Without this focus, we face being snared by the judgment that overshadowed the Pharisees and Judases.
“That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” 1 Cor 11:30
The Fear of God
The Lord spoke a very unusual word to Moses when He told him that He had made him like God to Pharaoh.
The power of God cannot be wielded without the fear of God. Yet Pharaoh’s contention was unwisely fueled as a contest, representing the mode that the voices of the dark side tend toward, even in this hour. The fear of God triggering for them both the challenge and the delusion, that they might somehow outwit it.
All of which underscores the significant need for consecration. As we face the current stage in the passage we’re now navigating, may the Lord grant us to wisdom and grace to:
The Heart-cry. A passage in Proverbs 3 captures the depth of the needed heart-cry in navigating this passage between seasons.
“By his divine revelation he broke open the hidden fountains of the deep, bringing secret springs to the surface as the mist of the night dripped down from heaven. Never drift off course from these two goals for in life: to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment. Don’t ever forget how they empower you. For they strengthen you inside and out and inspire you to do what’s right; you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble. You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound—your rest will be sweet and secure. You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation.” Prov 3:20-26
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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.
Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to 3838 South Wabash Street, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at https://strategic-initiatives.org/donate/
#passages #MorrisRuddick #Jesus #HolySpirit #turningpoints
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“Guidance. Get Some.” - Steve Martin, Love For His People
“With
your ears you will hear a word from behind you: 'This is the way; stay on it,
whether you go to the right or the left.” Isaiah 30:21, Complete Jewish Bible
Need
some guidance lately? Expecting or looking for a change and wanting some godly input?
Let
me share a word (or two) of what I was taught years ago, which I still use to help me on the Lord’s path and to keep from going off the deep end. Or
even falling into the ditch on either side.
Back in 1971, a favorite Bible teacher of
mine, Bob Mumford, wrote the book, “Take Another Look at Guidance:
A Study of Divine Guidance” (01.01.1971 Logos International. You can
get a copy online for only $32.07 if you want it. Signed by Bob. My unsigned
copy was given away a long time ago.) It was not until a decade later that I probably read it for the first time, as my copy had gotten pretty worn out over the
years, but he taught a very simple message on how we can discern the Lord’s
will as we walk with Him.
Let me share it as I remember and still
apply today as I seek his wisdom in the way to go.
Mumford gave an example of an ocean ship
coming into the harbor, looking for three specific lights to line up, guiding the captain through the fog or at midnight. Once they were all in a direct
row, he knew it was safe to steer the ship’s rudder between any cliffs on
either side or around obstacles that could sink the ship, crew, passengers, and
cargo if struck.
The
first light we need to look for is the written Word of God, the Torah, the
Bible. As we spend time reading and learning the lessons given to us by the
Holy Spirit, as recorded by inspired writers in centuries past and still very
relevant today, we can receive guidance. The logos, the written Word of God,
has been the main focal point of all successful men and women as they sought
the Lord and His plan. It spoke to them as they allowed Him the time to speak.
“Every
part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us
truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live
God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God
has for us.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, THE MESSAGE.
“I
will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with
My eye.” Psalm 32:8, NKJV
There
have been times I would be reading God’s Word, the Bible, and a sentence would
jump out at me, as if I had never seen it before. Pay attention to those times.
It is the Lord speaking to you.
The
second guiding light was “rhema” – Holy Spirit words given through any of
several supernatural gifts or occurrences available to us. These may come in the form of someone speaking a prophetic word to us; the Lord gives a night dream, or we may even have a vision; we hear the “still, small voice” of the Lord in our minds,
and we may wonder where that came from. Seeking counsel from mature believers
is also very important.
It
may be simple. It may be profound. But either way, as He grants us direction, we
need to receive it with thanksgiving.
The
Apostle Paul instructed his disciple, Timothy, to heed what he had previously received through personal prophecy.
“This
command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies
previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping
faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck regarding their faith.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20, NASU
The
Body of Christ is made up of many members, each having been given a gift to be
shared with others, for the good of all. We so need them these days.
“And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit works all
these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” 1
Corinthians 12:5-11, NASU
The
third light we should look for in our guidance journey is through
circumstances. How many times have you gone through a day, something happens,
and you think, “Was that the Lord?” Or as you have been praying and expecting,
an answer comes through the mail, or a text, or a book you have been reading, and you realize that it is the Lord doing His thing. Or when you are introduced
to another, in what we call “divine appointments”?
The
Lord is not slack in using many ways He can speak and lead us. He has multiple creative methods.
On
several of Paul’s journeys, the leading of the Lord came to him through
experiencing a shipwreck (yes, even these!)’ he was thrown out of a city, and
his way forward was adjusted; and when other believers encouraged him to go one
way, which he did until a turn in the road came, and further direction was
given. He started the walk, and as he moved, in faith and with His eyes fixed
on the Lord Jesus, the Lord brought people into his path to help lead him. We
each have known that in our lives.
Thus,
when all three lights line up, one can be certain that it is the Lord giving us
knowledge and understanding of His directional provision.
Each
time my wife and children had major, physical moves in our lives, often from
state to state, of course, we sought the Lord for His guiding light. He was
always faithful to give it, coming at His perfect time and in His perfect season in our lives.
Often it was not easy, but it was right.
Whether
it is a major or seemingly minor decision we need to make, we can be led by the
Lord as we learn His ways.
Seek
the Lord. Draw near to Him. He will show you the way.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
(Originally published in 2021.)
Sour
Wine or Change?
“Nor do people put new wine
into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the
wine pours out, and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine
into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17, NASB
My good wife Laurie and I love visiting vineyards in Israel, primarily in the northern Golan, where they are plentiful. We led a group of nine from our home group on a visit in May 2023, and it was one of the best times we had together.
Vineyard in the Golan, Israel, May 2023
They liked the wine. I liked the Land where it grows most of
all.
When we went to a major winery and took the tour, I was
fascinated by the huge, very huge barrels where the grapes continued their
journey, beginning with the harvest, through pressing and crushing, then
fermentation, aging in oak barrels, and bottling.
Most interesting of all was the way they would pour the
liquid from one vat into another, leaving sediment behind that would spoil the
drink if this step were omitted. (I am not a winemaker, so if I get this
process wrong, please appreciate my attempt!)
You know where I am going. This is what we can visually see
in nature, which teaches us a bit about the spiritual. Our Lord gives us these
things to show us more of His Ways.
Paul primarily speaks of the resurrection of the Messiah
Yeshua (Jesus Christ) in the following Scripture, but we can see it elsewhere
as well. “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the
spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 15:46. NASB
So, as the juice moves through this processing, so it is in
our lives as the Lord directs our steps, leading us, changing us, leaving the
old behind so we can walk in the new.
“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the
wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they
put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17, NKJV
It is a necessary process. If we are to go on with the Lord
as His Holy Spirit leads, we best be available and open to the changes He presents
before us.
Nobody likes sour wine. Me especially.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Pressing
In
“Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;” Philippians 3:13-15, NASB
In 2020, I published my 30th book, entitled Press On!,
and wrote the following introduction,
I have
written several messages that made their way into my books on the subjects of
pressing on, being faithful, being strong in the Lord, and fighting the good
fight.
These are
the days when it will take more than giving verbal acknowledgment and just
words from our mouths in our service to the King Jesus.
It will
take blood, sweat, tears, heartache, and determination to press on even if
others have stopped and built a home along the road, believing they are
finished.
Those of
us who have been called, anointed, and commissioned for the King’s service have
one thing going for us – we are not alone.
The Holy
Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, has been promised by the Son Jesus Christ, Yeshua
HaMashiach, to always be with us. He is our Comforter, our Director, the One
Who will lead us on. He is with us along this entire journey of faith.
This book
is meant to encourage you to continue seeking the Living God, the One Who left
Jerusalem, Israel, and is soon to return to Jerusalem, Israel.
Be
encouraged in your walk. Keep seeking the Lord above.
Let Him
direct your steps always, as you hear and obey. We both will be happy we did.
So, press
on, for eternity!
It is even
more true today. As I receive prayer concerns from others, from family,
friends, and friends-to-be, the need to maintain courage, faith, and pressing on
into the plans and purposes of our Lord is ever increasing, as the day draws
near. For His soon return.
Pressing on
should be our norm by now. Facing each day is not meant to go it alone. Our
Lord has given us His Holy Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, to go with us, lead us, and
embolden us for His eternal glory.
Today is
another day to show His Hand strong on our behalf. Have courage and keep pressing in.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Message #6, 2026, “Pressing In” Feb. 20, 2026, 7:00 am
For a complete catalog of my 40 books click on.
#pressing in #SteveMartin #presson #courage #Jesu #HolySpirit #RuachHaKodesh #Jerusalem #faith
Abraham Walked in Faith
“By faith Abraham, when he was called,
obeyed [a]by going out to a place which he was
to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was
going.” Hebrews 11:8, NASB
Journeys begin with a step. If you want to go forward, you must
step forward. When God calls us to move out, He is expecting us to do so by
trusting in Him, to have faith in His leading and provision.
All throughout the Bible, those who heard the Lord call
them had to respond. Not in fear or trepidation, but in the knowledge that He would
be with them each step along the way. If you and I look back and see where we
have come from, and His promises fulfilled in our lives thus far, we too can
have the courage and strength to trust Him for the next part of our life’s
journey.
I look to Abraham (Avraham in Hebrew), King David, the
prophets, and Paul as men, and women who joined them, as my example in how to
trust the Lord and walk in the calling He has given me. Above all, I keep my
eyes on my Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.
“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who
blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on
with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no
parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.
Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that
exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the
way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When
you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by
item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”
Hebrews 12:1-3, The Message
It is a faith walk. It must be a walk of faith. Otherwise,
anyone could do it. You and I are not anyone.
Because of our Redeemer, Who saved us to have eternal life
with Him, we can put our feet on solid ground, and go as the Holy Spirit, Ruach
HaKodesh, leads us on. Every step of the way as He guides. Though not easy, it
is rewarding and fulfilling as we see His hand, as believers in our God.
You have been called to be a man or woman of faith. Watch
those who walk among you who have grown in faith and in courage. Aspire to be like
them.
I have. You can too.
Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace),
P.S. Laurie and I head to Jerusalem, Israel for three
months. We walk in faith and are believing in the Lord to show Himself strong
on our behalf. You can read further here: The Martins in Jerusalem
We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless
Israel and His people in their Land.
Contributions are welcome online on our webpage. Look
for the little DONATE button on the right-side column. DONATE HERE.
Love For His People Ministry P.O. Box 1113 Pineville, North Carolina 28134 USA
Message #20 in my series (2025): “Abraham Walked in Faith" – Oct. 12, 2025
#Abraham #WalkedinFaith #Avraham #LoveForHisPeople #Jesus #Yeshua #faith #God #trust #HolySpirit #RuachHaKodesh #YeshuaHaMashiach #Israel #Jerusalem #KingDavid