"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve & Laurie Martin

Israel January 2026

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Israel Photo of the Week: The camel likes me. (Steve Martin in the photo at Sea Level near the Dead Sea, Israel. November 2025) Top photo: The Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve and Laurie Martin (Elvis American Restaurant near Jerusalem, Israel, January 10, 2026) Feb 3, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings from cold-bound and snow-bound Carolina. With a record-setting 11"of snowfall or more during the weekend, followed by temperatures that bring out the long underwear, it tends to shut things down in this area. We are not like those up North. Or out West. Or the New England area. We are southerners. When I sought the Lord for a word, He actually gave me two. Literally. Feel free to seek them out, and you will be rewarded. Below please. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People in Charlotte, North Carolina P.S. My new book (click here: BACK TO JERUSALEM) is free this week for ebook download. Until midnight Feb. 5, 2026. And... you don't need a  Kindle to get it. Any computer works. Clean Heart   “Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NASB     While trying to listen to the Word of the Holy Spirit as to what to write, I heard a few words. Not being sure as to which one to focus on, I thought, “Well, let’s make this a 'mishmash' message, or 'mixed bag' as another way to put it. And so, I shall. The first word I want to consider is contentious. Have you ever spoken something, only to have another respond and say the opposite, or negatively, as if that were their mission in life: to be contentious? If you observe and listen to some, they seem to carry in their spirit this counteraction to anything positive, to make sure one sees the “other side”. But is that always necessary? Do we always have to point out what the “what ifs” will be, and just go with a faith response, such as, “I hope that comes true”, or “Lord, Your will be done. Show me the good in this.” Have we become so ingrained in negativity that we can’t see the Lord’s hand in everything? At one time, we used to hear the saying, “So heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.” I want to offer – maybe that is not so bad after all? To imagine the way the Lord would see things from His vantage point, certainly having a higher vision which is so much more vast than ours. And then try to imitate Him. Think about it, and yes, try it sometime. When someone offers a point of view, try to respond positively or encouragingly, and avoid negativity. Maybe your needed attitude adjustment will get adjusted. I pray it be so. And then that word which rises up in me sometimes. Jealousy. As I read the Scriptures about the prodigal son in Luke 15 again, I still have to agree with the older son and ask, “Why not me?” (Just being honest here.) We read of the elder son’s response, “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.” Luke 15:29-30, NASB Of course, the father was right when he wanted to rejoice and give a party for the prodigal, repentant younger one, but I tend to agree with the elder. Or is it jealousy on my part? Would you have reacted the same way? Be honest. I am still praying about my attitude regarding this story. So, these are two words the Lord is working in my heart. I want to be more like Him and have a clean heart. “Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me.” Psalm 51:1-3, NASB   Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Message #3, 2026, “Clean Heart” Feb. 2, 2026 My latest book, #1 on an Amazon bestseller list for a period of time, was published on Jan. 22, 2026. Back To Jerusalem Steve Martin (224 pages, 153 photos/images). Available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook. In the fall of 2025, my good wife Laurie (48 years and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to be with Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem, as needed. As I sit on the back veranda of the apartment they provided for us, I watch the sun rise over the southeast as another of His glorious days begins. My heart is full of the love of Yeshua (Jesus) for this, His chosen city, His chosen Land, and His chosen people, the Jews. We came to bring comfort to His people coming out from a heartbreaking war on the eight fronts the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were fighting, after the horrendous, murderous, home destruction day of October 7, 2023. The Israelis had been fighting for their lives, their families, their land promised to them by the Living God of Israel. We hoped to bring His love to them as Christians, standing on His Word. God the Father did not fail them. In so many miraculous ways, He protected them, united them, and caused them to cry out to Him for His salvation. Over 1200 Jewish civilians were lost that day. Over 1000 young men, women, and reserves have since been lost, destroyed by the enemy who seems never to go away. “We just want peace,” is the cry of our friends’ hearts here in Jerusalem and the surrounding hills. But, when the Messiah Yeshua returns to this very city, Jerusalem, they will know Him as their Peace King, their Shalom Most High. As that time of His return quickly approaches, we joined with several hundred Christians, coming from the nations, to comfort, stand in support, and let the love of the Father work through us for them. In this, my 40th book, written during my 30th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some of the 28 chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them as they occurred. You will also see over 150 photos of Israel. Many Jews are returning to their Land now, as prophesied centuries ago by Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Yeshua Himself. Christians are going to Israel to comfort and support them in their return. And then Jesus (Yeshua) will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords. I desire that the Lord Himself will touch your heart, and you, too, will join Him in this glorious work, to see His salvation come to the Jews and Arabs of Israel. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin, Love For His People Jerusalem, Israel, Jan. 7, 2026 Buy now on Amazon. Hardcover $15.95, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.99, Audio Book $ 3.99. We are indeed grateful for your support, which we will continue to use for Steve's next trip back to Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. Visit our Website Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113 | Pineville, NC 28134 US

#cleanheart #SteveMartin #jealousy #contentious #contentions #prodigalson #Jesus #Yeshua #bibleteaching

"Stop and Rest" by Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Stop and Rest

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28, NASB

 

When Laurie and I returned from our three-month service in Jerusalem, Israel, in January 2026, we looked forward to getting together with our friends for our monthly home group. It was being a little “re-formatted”, as office people like to say, with not so much teaching and such, but more of a family time. Friends together worshiping Jesus, having good fellowship, personal prayer on the “hot seat” for one another, communion, and a bit of food to enjoy. You know, appetizer things.

It was all good. Each was lifted up, built up in their spirit, and refreshed.

In fact, when all the others had received a moment of personal prayer and prophetic words, it was my turn. I always treasure these moments. The Lord has a personal touch that He uses each of us to give to others with the gifts He has bestowed, because He has a father’s heart, and loves to give “good gifts” (Matthew 7:11, 1 Corinthians 12) to His children.

Not quoting word for word, because I didn’t have my phone recording as I usually do for these times to remember later, one spoke these words over me, “Steve, the Lord wants to give you a time of rest. To stop and rest, after your recent service, for when He sends you back again.”

A time of rest was needed. Some, apart from the group, had thought Laurie and my recent time in Israel was “a vacation”. Well, brothers and sisters, as many of you know, giving out to those in need and wanting more is not going on a vacation. Nor a cruise. It is time to empty yourself for others, to do what the Lord has sent you to do. And by His grace, we did it.

Many of us don’t know how to stop and rest. We are like Martha in Yeshua’s earthly time here, always working, always serving, always giving out.

And Jesus had to say to her, too, “Martha, stop and rest.” (Steve Martin translation.)

Resting in the Lord, though, is not just stopping and getting off the fast train. That may be part of it, but not always.

It is not just sitting in front of the TV watching the game or the latest movie. Or the fake news, which makes one more uneasy and unsettled.

Stopping each day, in fact, to sit with the Lord, read His Word, and give Him time to speak to you, is finding rest. Being encouraged in your soul and allowing Him to fill you up again for the new day, the next “deployment,” as I like to call it, is necessary for each of us. Our bodies, our souls, our spirits were not meant to go on and on and on. We need to have time to stop and rest.

Jesus Himself had to leave the many, find His resting spot on the mountain, seek the Father, and rest.

I encourage you to do the same. Be sure to set aside a time each day. You need it. He has it for you. Do it. Make it a daily practice in your life.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message #1 in 2026, “Stop and Rest”, Jan. 26, 2026

#StopandRest #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #Jesus #homegroup #familygroup #Israel #Jerusalem #restinHim #Godthe#Father

People of Israel. We Support You. Love For His People photos by Steve Martin

 

People of Israel. We Support You. Love For His People photos by Steve Martin

Oct. 2025-dec. 2025 in Israel

Jaffa beach. Christian Friends of Israel

Steve and Laurie Martin in Jerusalem Dec. 2025

Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem

Larry & Bess Herzekow in Har Adar, Israel. Steve and Laurie Martin for Shabbat in their home.

(L-R) Rabbi Rami Goldberg, Rabbi Tuly Weisz, Streve & Laurie Martin

Isrel365 office in Bet Shemesh, Israel

Prayer for our last day (for now) at Christian Friends of Israel, Jerusalem

Tristan and Galya Hall family with the Martins in Abu Ghosh

Israel Presidnet Issac Herzog with Christian Friends of Israel leadership

(L-R Chairman Board Jennifer Kaplan, Sharon Sanders, Galay and Tristan Hall)

Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem

#PeopleofIsrael #WeSupportIsrael #LoveForHisPeople #photosSteveMartin

My good friend Avraham Saidien of Jerusalem, Israel with his photo on my new book cover.

My good friend Avraham Saidien of Jerusalem, Israel 

with his photo on my new book cover.

 

His daughter Dalyia and son Dan also received copies of the book.

Avraham looks at one of the 372 photos/images in the book.

A new friend, Eitan Bracha

You can order my latest book on Amazon. I have since updated the cover to be more inclusive!

Purchase now: LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE book

Purchase now: LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE book

#Mygoodfriend #AvrahamSaidien #Jerusalem #Israel #LoveForHisPeople

Abraham Walked in Faith - Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

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),

Steve Martin

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

For 22 years Derek Prince's luggage strap was in my closet. Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Oct. 8, 2025 Greetings to you once again. Today is Laurie and my 48th wedding anniversary. A blessed man I am. (I think she has done pretty good too!) My new message, "Derek Prince's Luggage Tag" will surprise you. Please read below and see what I discovered after 22 years being in my closet. (And just before we leave for Jerusalem ourselves in 6 days.) Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry P.S. We jet out next Wednesday for our three month volunteer trip to Israel, Oct. 15, 2025-Jan. 12, 2026. Finally! Please be praying for us - we would greatly appreciate that. And thanks to all who have already supported us with your generous gifts. We have been amazed. Seriously. The Lord sure does supply as He guides. What we have, we will share with those in the Land. Together we bless Israel and His people in Israel. Contributions can be made online by clicking here DONATE HERE.

Israel Photo of the Week: Staff members of Derek Prince Ministries (Jack and Jeanette Alongi, Steve Martin) stand next to Derek Prince's grave in the Missionary Alliance Cemetery in Jerusalem. Engraved on the stone, "Gone Home." (Photo June 1, 2005)

(Photo above) The luggage name tag of Bible teacher Derek Prince (He passed on in 2003 in Jerusalem.) Derek Prince's Luggage Strap. In My Closet.   “He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:22, NKJV   On Sept. 30, 2025, as I was looking in my bedroom closet to see what else I had in our travel storage bins, for anything I could yet use on my 30th trip to Jerusalem, Israel, I was “shocked” when I found an extra luggage strap among several in the third bin of the stacked group. When I looked at the tag under the plastic area to make sure it had my current information (our address had not changed in 30 years) Derek Prince’s name and address were on it! Wow! This luggage strap and tag are over 22 years old. I must have forgotten that this strap had been his and I now had it in my closet.   To have served on Derek Prince’s international home base office with Derek Prince Ministries, as Director of Operations and Finance, for a total of eight years, first in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for three years (1987-1990) and then again in Charlotte, North Carolina (2000-2005), this has special meaning to me.   The luggage tag has his Jerusalem address written on a yellow piece of paper, enclosed under the plastic cover. It appears to be his handwriting. (See comparative photo below.)   When we are in Jerusalem for three months, Oct. 16-Jan. 12, 2026, we will be living in an apartment just a mile from his final home of 15 years in Jerusalem. He passed on to glory in 2003. When I then turned the name tag over, just to see what was on the other side, if anything, it had a USA home address in the Fort Lauderdale area (Plantation, FL), where he also resided during the 1980s. The address written was 201 SW 38th Ave. in Plantation, Florida, a suburb. (This may have been David and Anna Selby’s home address, for security reasons.) It also appears to be printed in Derek’s handwriting.   When we moved from Michigan to Florida in August of 1987, we lived in a rental home in Plantation on 17th Ave, not too far from this address printed on the back.   David, the International Director of Derek Prince Ministries, son-in-law of Derek, and my boss for the total of eight years, must have given me Derek’s luggage strap after his passing. I will save this strap!     So, what is the big deal? First, to have in my possession a piece of history, a luggage strap used by my favorite Bible teacher, Derek Prince, whom I served on his staff, is priceless to me. To know that this strap went with him all over the world, and especially to Jerusalem, Israel, is a “sign” to me of the Lord’s hand on my life too, as I also travel to Jerusalem often. A part of his legacy I am living. Second, to know that the Lord directs our steps, each of us, is heartfelt. The One who is so gracious to show us “small signs” of His blessings through directive actions, as ordained and conducted by the Holy Spirit, means a lot to me. I bless and honor the legacy of Derek Prince, especially his love for the Land and people of Israel. He blazed the trail for many of us in the 1970s-2000s, in biblical understanding and especially the truth about God’s chosen people, as he lived what he believed as Bible truth. I bless the Lord Jesus, Yeshua, for allowing my good wife Laurie and I to serve in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel in Hebrew) as we have and will continue to do, even as the Lord leads. Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace), Steve Martin Love For His People Ministry    P.O. Box 1113    Pineville, North Carolina 28134 USA Message #19 in my series (2025): “Derek Prince's luggage tag" – Oct. 7, 2025

Photos: The printed name on the luggage tag appears to be in Derek’s handwriting, when I compare it to the other autographs I have of him. His greeting and signature to me in his Foundation Series book in 1988.   Derek also had a condominium in Hawaii that he and his wife Ruth used when he taught annually in January at YWAM (YOUTH WITH A MISSION) for a month. He must have bought this strap there, for it has “HAWAII” on the end, as seen in the very top photo.

My latest book was published on Aug. 18, 2025. Love For His People" Steve Martin (444 pages, 372 photos/images) Remained #1 on the Amazon New Releases List for "Jerusalem Travel Guides" for a month. (I love taking people with me to the Land of Israel.) In several of my previous 38 books, I wrote stories and chapters on Israel and our friends in the Land. Their lives, their courage, and the Ahava Adventures we have had, sharing our time with them in Eretz Yisrael. In my desire to share these stories with you in a more concise manner, I have chosen the “best ones” and included in my book, “Love For His People – The Land and Friends in Israel”. (Aug. 2025) Having given 39 years so far (and this being my 39th book!) to loving and supporting the Chosen People, as the Living God of Israel so ordained throughout the Bible of Christians and the Jewish people, it is proper and time to publish. Sharing this book, containing some of my experiences in Jerusalem and all of Israel, is a joy, and also a promise to always stand with Israel. I know it will stir your heart as He reveals more of His plans for all. Special Note: I have reduced the price on the hard cover and paperback, to just over my cost. I want you to have one. I will receive minimal royalty. Buy now on Amazon, Hard cover $18.55, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.95 We certainly are grateful for your support, which we will use for our volunteer months in Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE

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Love For His People Ministry | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd | Pineville, NC 28134 US #22years #DerekPrince #luggagestrap #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #Israel #Jerusalem