In the 7th Year - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

In the 7^th Year

by Steve Martin

 “This charge, son Timothy, I put to you, in keeping with the prophecies already made about you, so that by these prophecies you may fight the good fight, armed with trust and a good conscience.” 1 Tim, 1:18-19 Complete Jewish Bible)

I am a firm believer in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Since my own Baptism in the Holy Spirit in my senior year of high school (Roman Catholic - Columbus High School in Waterloo, IA in 1973), I have received, and practiced, several gifts given by the Ruach HaKodesh (Hebrew). First I had received the gift of speaking in tongues, then words of knowledge, along with the gift of prophecy and the interpretation of prophecy. Sharing and growing in the practice of these spiritual gifts, with several others over these years since then, has been a joy.

Seeing the gifts in operation has been both a faith builder personally and a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus). Healings, deliverance from evil spirits, words of wisdom and knowledge, and the gifts of administration have been practiced by many leaders I have served with in my Christian walk. I do not doubt that these are as real and needed in our time as they were in the first century by the first believers in Yeshua.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, 2007, a few of us had gathered in a friend’s house in Charlotte, NC. Robbie Phillips, from the Columbia, SC area, had driven the hour and a half north to minister to us. He had a widely known prophetic ministry. After first meeting him about five years earlier, and seeing him minister often since, I had a high level of trust in what he spoke to people using his spiritual gift. On several occasion I myself was encouraged from a spoken word of prophecy to me directly.

That night my wife Laurie and I led the group in worship, followed by a word from the Word from Robbie. I don’t remember what he shared during that time, but when the ministry in prophecy began, the tape recorder was ready, and the record button was pushed for every word given to those receiving this ministry. The tape was then given to them to take home, listen too, pray over, and trust the Lord for His timing in its understanding and fulfillment.

I was genuinely hoping to receive a word from the Lord myself. I was at that time in the position of Director of the Vision For Israel USA ministry office (founded by Barry and Batya Segal from Israel). Even those in leadership need to hear a directive from the Lord. Again, I truly appreciate the prophetic gift, and was about to get one from the Lord’s servant that night.

The word I received seven years ago (as of this writing on Feb. 25, 2014) I am now seeing it come to pass. I can share it verbatim now because, as a practice, I have always had recorded and transcribed words I received, or taken extensive notes while the words were given These are stored in several three-ring binders, from 1987 through today. I re-read them often, even as Timothy was reminded by Paul to do, as in the verses at the beginning of this writing.

Robbie Phillips

Here is what Robbie Phillips spoke to me:

“We call for the blessings of God. Everything he puts his hands to, bless. Everything he puts his hands to, bless, in Jesus’ name.

It seems to me in your work – talk about plowing – brother it seems to me that you have been plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing. And there is a verse in Haggai. In Haggai it is in the negative sense but in your case it is in the positive sense, where the word of the prophet was that you have sown much but have harvested little.

And it seems to me that in the ministry that you have been in the last few years, that you have sown far more than what you have seen coming back. But it’s almost like as I see you are going down, like you have one of the old time plows and you have an oxen or a mule or something ahead of you, and here you are, just getting it done day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year.

And it’s like I see this tremendously long row, and there is this man standing there, and he has a linen garment on, he’s right out of Ezekiel, and you recognize that this is an angelic visitor, and you stop, and he says, “Steve, look behind you. And you look back and you thought you had been plowing, but in the distance, where you had plowed a long time ago, whole forests have sprung up, and they are seeding new forests, and right behind you there has been an acceleration of what God is doing in your ministry, so that it’s not just a place where you just plowed, but there are already small trees that have sprung up even a few feet behind you.

Feb. 9, 2007 - Robbie Phillips 

sharing his prophetic gift

And I see about you, I think it is just trickling in now, but I see the blessings of God beginning to come now, to the point where they are going to overtake you. It talks about when you are faithful to the Lord, and in the 7^th year when the land has the Sabbath, that you don’t need to worry about plowing and harvesting in that 7th year, because what you sowed three years before, and the next year and the following year, will all seem to come in on top of you at one time, and you will have more than enough, in fact you will have so much coming in, that you will have to move out some of the old to bring the new in.

And I see the blessing of the Lord and it’s like you have been looking and trusting God for His faithfulness and you are going to see a demonstration of the faithfulness of God and not just in spiritual things but in financial ways and material ways.

I see you, brother, you riding the high places of the earth with the Lord. I see you at 50,000 feet in jet liners just about all the time, flying all over the world. I see you a connector in the hand of the Lord. I see you being behind the scenes man, much of the time, major conferences and things like that, but the people that really know, the people that are the shakers and the movers in the Kingdom, the people that are well known, they’ll say that if you really want to meet a shaker and a mover, then you go and meet Steve Martin. He’s the guy behind the scenes, and he’s the guy that really gets things done.

And I see you being able to go to Scandinavian countries, European countries, the countries of the Far East, South America, all over the world, and I see you having contacts all over the world, and I see you being able to be used of the Lord to connect this person on one end of the world to a person over here and to bring things together in just the right timing of the Lord.

I see a tremendous amount of influence in your life, and I see that teaching anointing of your life. I see situation, particularly with leadership, it seems to me the Lord, just like with Elijah, suddenly “Boom!” out of nowhere Elijah appears, he wasn’t there one day and suddenly he’s the talk of the nation and I see the Lord just suddenly revealing you, revealing a teaching anointing, particularly for leadership and with leaders. 

A lot of it having to do with the holiness of God, and your own personal, their own personal walk with God, the things that are near and dear to your heart, about right relationships with your wife and your family. How your relationships with that, how those dynamics work, things that really matter. The nitty gritty stuff that drive the kingdom. These things being those that are really near to your heart.

Being able to be a real impact to people who are key leaders. But I see that in a teaching format, even more so than your own personal encouragement and strengthening. I see the Lord giving you teachings to begin to bring to leadership, in due season.”

Several of these words have come to pass already since then. I have been to Israel five times since 2007. Many of these words have especially been coming into being this seventh year after that word came. I am trusting that many more of those words will also come into be, as I continue to give myself to the Lord’s Word, in faith and obedience.

Many of you reading this have received prophetic words. You have written them down, or had them recorded. Maybe you just have a few notes scribbled on a piece of paper tucked in your Bible. Almost forgotten, but still there.

I would encourage you to locate those words, written or recorded, and read/listen to them again. I would think you would be surprised at what was spoken to you.

There are many good teachers who have written books on the gift of prophecy. To name a few that I know or have known personally – Rick Joyner, Derek Prince, James W. Goll, Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, Bob Mumford, and Larry Randolph have excellent books for your to read.

So I would encourage you to think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

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

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Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

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Ahava Love Letter #124   “In the 7^th Year”   Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.25.14) Tuesday at 8:45 pm in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters

More photos of Robbie sharing prophetic words:

Christen & Andrew Blade receiving ministry

Robbie Phillips and Michael Blade

Robbie Phillips

Leadership Through Love - now in the hands of the publisher

My third book, entitled "Leadership Through Love", is now in the hands of the publisher. It should be out in printed form and available as an e-book in a few weeks, through Amazon, our Love For His People office and other outlets.

I appreciate those who have endorsed it, and for my son Ben for his great artwork again.

Having worked in the administration realm for over 35 years now, I trust the Lord will use this book to encourage others in leadership, those being led, and anyone else who cares about having good relationships in church, ministry and marketplace office organizations.

Thanks,

Steve Martin
Author


Here are some of the endorsements:

In a rough and tumble world marred by the superficial and the phony, where nothing can be counted on, Steve Martin maps out a straight-line path for Christian organizations. In reality, it's a book on how to steward the factors that too often get side-tracked when navigating a significant call of God. It's a down-to-earth manual of wisdom needed to enable Christian organizations to keep their eye on the big picture, while building a firm foundation to enable it to happen. Steve writes from the stance of one who has served in key administrative roles in a number of key ministries. Every ministry head and administrator will profit from this straight forward operating wisdom.

Morris Ruddick
Entrepreneur, Author, Minister, Consultant and Business Coach

What a great practical book for administration. I have watched Steve oversee several ministries. I know of no better administrator than my friend, Steve Martin. I highly recommend that you read this book.

Dr. Peter Wyns, President, Christians for Messiah Ministries and Pastor of Antioch International Church, grandson of Derek Prince.

Steve - I read your excellent book! I want to share this: I've known Steve now for several years. He's a man of faith and a man of action! Both are desired in true men of God. Steve is a manager - management is something he knows and can help you with. His future may be in ever-expanding ways, but he can help you manage. Read this book intently - honor the Lord by letting it wash over you and help you become the Manager that God intends you to be. And Steve, thanks for the book - thanks for your honesty and openness! Amen and blessing!” 

Robbie Phillips, Founder, Present Word Ministries, Columbia, SC

Every now and then you have the privilege to get to know someone whose character and life radiate honesty, sincerity, loyalty and Christian love.  Steve Martin is that type of person.  I first met Steve at a Messianic conference in Charlotte, NC, in 2007.  One of the things I quickly noticed about Steve was how "approachable" he was.  Even though he was the US Director of an international ministry, he still had time to talk with people at the conference and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping to bring about a network of Believers, as well as area groups and churches, for the purpose of serving the Lord more effectively.  As the years have passed I've come to realize just how deep Steve's roots of love and service for the Lord are. 

It has been exciting to walk with Steve  as he's "stepped out of the boat" and moved ahead with the vision the Lord gave him for LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE - a ministry that helps connect Believers around the world with the people of Israel.  He is a husband, father and grandfather.  Steve, and his wife Laurie, serve as leaders of the Ahava Love Band, a group of singers and musicians who provide praise and worship at area assemblies.  Whether you call him Messianic, a part of the "one new man", or a "Jewish Rooter", if there's anyone who knows how to demonstrate "Leadership Through Love", it's Steve Martin. 

Curtis Loftin Founder, Beit Yeshua Lincolnton, NC

Just finished reading Steve Martin’s new book, “Leadership Through Love” - Steve’s heart of goodness and faithfulness to His God shines on every page.  Of great importance is the practical hands-on wisdom that comes from actually leading through love, giving integrity to the words that are written.  Steve’s sense of humor always kind of sneaks up on me, and I found myself chuckling so many times at his stories and honest, from-the-heart insights!  It is the mandate of all of us who follow the One called Faithful and True to complete the work that our Father has given us, and Steve’s book will shine the light on how to do just that, whether you are an administrator or leader in the secular marketplace or in volunteer or paid ministry positions.  Loving leadership – a high calling – Steve’s done it, and it shows in this book!

Cathy Hargett, Founder/Director, Highway to Zion Ministries

I had the pleasure of working on an almost daily basis with Steve Martin for many years while he served several Christian ministries. While Steve had the control of whether we worked together, he always made me feel we were working as a team with a common reward in serving God. He enjoyed my family as I did his.  He is intelligent, thoughtful, patient to the extent he could be, a good listener, open to new ideas, joyful and passionate about serving the Lord. The projects may be over long ago but not the bond we hold to this day.

George Payne Write Hand Publishing Andalusia, Alabama

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I enjoyed it and thought it had some really great insights.  I wish I had this back in my "corporate" days.  You are a good writer too.  In a world filled with an ever increasing list of ‘how to’ books, Steve Martin has provided one which clearly sets itself apart from the rest.  He presents a concise look at the art/science of management and leadership based not on academia but on real life experiences founded on God’s Word and powered by the Holy Spirit.  Based on his vast personal experiences in leadership, reinforced by insights received from others, Steve provides truly practical instruction in how to lead and manage an effective organization whether it consists of one or one thousand people.  If you are a manager, leader, or hope to one day become one, this book is a must read.  

Dr. Richard E. Tompkins, President, Explore Truth Ministries. SC

"Pergamum!" - Present Word Ministries

Present Word Ministries

Robbie Phillips

‘He who has an ear, let him hear 

what the Spirit is saying to the churches’

December 9 & 10, 2013

 "Pergamum!"

            The church in Pergamum was addressed by our risen Lord. They had remained loyal to Him even in the midst of persecution. Antipas, His faithful witness, was martyred for the Faith – yet the church stood firm – with this the Lord was well pleased.

            And yet that was not the whole story. The Lord had some displeasure with this church. Some, perhaps prominent among them, held to the teaching of Balaam. Balaam 'taught' the wicked king Balak to entice the sons of Israel to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. This gave some of the Pergamites the 'right' to commit immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Not only this, they had among them those who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

            The name Nicolas is interesting: it's a combination of two Greek words meaning 'people rulers'. And so the Nicolaitans were known for their ruling over the people of God.

            So much about the church today is similar to the church in Pergamum. On the one hand, there is the Lord's blessing and favor. Except in the case of the church at Laodicea, the Lord always sees good things about His people. And so He sees good things in the church in America. And for that He gives a big thumbs up.

            But just as the Lord saw evil in the church at Pergamum, He sees distressing things in the church of America. He sees slackness toward sin. He sees toleration of wickedness. He sees our lack of trusting Him wholly. He sees our lack of prayer and fasting, especially for our nation. Like the church at Pergamum, He sees that we have those who rule over parts of the church. And the Lord calls us to repent! He calls us to "turn from our wicked ways" and to seek Him.

            This is a solemn hour. We are called to seek Him, to seek His face with our fasting and prayers. We are at a point as a nation that we must have His influence, we must have His intervention. Oh let us seek Him today! Let us call on Him today! Let us turn to Him today! Amen, Oh Lord!

Robbie Phillips

robbiewphillips@gmail.com

Note: Photo added by Editor of Love For His People, Inc. Not with original article above. Steve Martin

"You Must Believe!" - Robbie Phillips (Present Word Ministries) - English & Spanish

Robbie & Betty Phillips, 
with Abbi & Betty Maley Phillips

 Present Word Ministries

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches’

July 8 & 9, 2013

 "You Must Believe!"

But without faith it's impossible to please Him, for whoever comes to God must believe

that He exists and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!

– Hebrews 11:6

            It seems to me like I've been in a 'difficult place' in my walk with the Lord for quite some time now. By 'difficult place' I mean one of those seasons where nothing's working, nothing's happening, God's not answering, life's come to a standstill, so that the only song that seems to have any relevance is "Gloom, Despair and Agony on Me"!

            If you've been in the Lord for any length of time, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You dial heaven and ask to please speak with the Lord; the angel who answers says He's "not available right now" and "would you please call back at a later time". The second time you call you get a Busy Signal. On your third attempt you get a recording: "This number is no longer in service."

            Enter Hebrews 11:6. There's a little 'four-letter word' there that's discomfiting when you're in the difficult place. It's that little word 'must'. Anyone who comes to God . . . MUST believe (1) that God exists to begin with, and (2) that He's a Rewarder of those who diligently seek . . . HIM (ie, He's not a Rewarder of those who merely seek His 'rewards' while disregarding seeking Him).

            "MUST Believe." "MUST." Hmm. This is a word both to Christians (ie, supposedly believers) and to non-Christians (ie, supposedly non-believers) alike. The Holy Spirit does not say here:

            "It would be so neat if when you come to God you might consider believing Him!"

            "If you'd just believe God – He would be so relieved!"

            "How noble and magnanimous of you to choose to believe God!"

            "I'd be so honored and pleased if you'd believe Me!"

            "Please . . . please . . . I entreat you: Please believe Me. Please!"

            Nope. Nyet. Nicht. Nein. Nada. Negatory. No. The above-mentioned four-letter word is simply, MUST – whether you're a believer or non-believer the demand is ever the same – MUST. No discussion, no excuses, no exceptions, no exemptions, no substitutions. MUST Believe Him/in Him. MUST.

            When you're in the difficult place, the challenge is to . . . Believe. (1) That God IS there ("He exists"), so that you believe that He hasn't forgotten you. AND to Believe: (2) That He is a Rewarder if you 'hang tough' with your faith and keep pressing in to Him.

            Believing in Him isn't Optional. You MUST believe in Him. 

You MUST cast off Disbelief. It is DISPLEASING to Him for you to entertain Doubting about Him. No matter what your Emotions say, no matter how 'good' it feels and how inwardly 'warm and fuzzy' it may be to be cast down and depressed, you MUST reject and resist that tendency – and with jaw-tightened, teeth-clenched, fist-closed Fierce Resolve, you MUST Declare your Belief in Him and His ability to reward. 

And you MUST do it over-and-over, resolutely standing in your Faith. There's no other way to PLEASE GOD.

            You Must Believe in Him. You simply . . . MUST.

Robbie Phillips 

Columbia, SC

robbiewphillips@gmail.com

For our Hispanic Friends!!

Present Word Ministries (Ministerios de La Palabra Presente)

"El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias"

8 de julio y 9 de julio 2013

"Tiene que creer"

Y sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios. Porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios a crea

que El existe, y que recompensa a los que Lo buscan

-- Hebreos 11:6

            Me parece que yo he estado en un "lugar difícil" en mi caminar con el Señor por un buen rato.  Con la frase "lugar difícil" quiero decir que es uno de estas temporadas cuando nada funciona y nada está sucediendo; Dios no está contestando; la vida ha llegado un tope para que la única canción que tenga correspondencia con mi situación sea "Pesadumbre, desesperación, y agonía para mí".

            Si usted ha estado con el Señor por un espacio del tiempo, usted sabe de lo que estoy hablando.  Usted marca el número telefónico del cielo y pide, por favor, hablar con el Señor; el ángel que contesta y dice, "Él no está disponible ahora" y " por favor llame más tarde".  La segunda vez usted llama, usted llega el tono de ocupado.  En el tercero intento, usted llega una grabación: "Este numero está afuera del servicio".

            Entra Hebreos 11:6.  Hay "una palabra de cuatro letras [en inglés, 'must' o tener que]" que está presente y está incomodándole cuando usted está en un lugar difícil.  Es la pequeña frase "tiene que".  Cada quien que se acerca a Dios. . . . TIENE que creer (1) que Dios existe en el primer lugar, y (2) que Él es un Recompensador [él que recompensa] de aquellos que le buscan. . . . . a Él (i.e., Él no es un Recompensador de aquellos que meramente buscan a sus 'galardones' mientras le pasan por alto a Él mismo).

            "TIENE que creer".  "TIENE que. . . "  Hmm.  Esta es una palabra para cristianos (supuestamente, los creyentes) y para los no-cristianos (i.e., supuestamente, no-creyentes) mutuamente.  El Espíritu Santo no dice aquí:

            "Seria bonito que cuando usted se acerca a Dios, tal vez, podría considerar creer en Él".

            "Si usted creería en Dios -- Él sería tanto tranquilizado".

            "¡Cuán noble y magnánimo de usted escoger a creer en Dios!"

            "Sería yo tanto honrado si usted creería en Mí".

           ¡Por favor, por favor, Te ruego: Por favor, créeme.  Por favor!

            De ninguna manera. Nyet. Nicht. Nein. Nada. Negativo. No.  La frase de arriba de 'tiene que' sencillamente es TIENE que -- si usted es creyente o no-creyente la exigencia es igual -- TIENE que.  No discusión, no excusas, no excepciones, no exenciones, no sustituciones.  TIENE que creer en Él.  TIENE que.

            Cuando usted llega a ese lugar difícil, el reto es. . . . creer.  (1) que Dios está presente ("Él existe"), para que crea que Él no se haya olvidado de usted.  Y creer: (2) que Él sea un 'Recompensador' si usted 'aguanta firme' con su fe y continúa acercándosele a Él.

            El creer en Él no es una opción.  TIENE que creer en Él.  TIENE que echar afuera la incredulidad.  No es agradable a Él para usted seguir dudando.  No importa lo que sus emociones digan.  No importa cuan bueno se sienta y cuan bueno sea de ser desconsolado y deprimido, TIENE que rechazar y resistir esta tendencia -- y con mandíbula apretada, con los dientes apretados, con el puño cerrado con determinación feroz, TIENE que declarar su creencia en Él y en Su habilidad de recompensar.  Y TIENE que hacerlo una vez y otra vez, resolutamente, siendo firme en su fe.  No hay otra manera para agradar a Dios.

            Tiene que creer en Él.  Usted sencillamente, TIENE que creer.

Hold Fast Your Confession - Robbie Phillips

Present Word Ministries

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches’

1101 Garden Dale Drive, Columbia, SC  29210-4910

(803) 791-7538     robbiewphillips@gmail.com

February 17 & 18, 2012

 “Hold fast your Confession!”

– Hebrews 4:14

Perhaps it’s just me. That must be it. Nobody else feels like I do. Then again, maybe not. For it seems to me that we live in a particularly discouraging time, at least here in America. The economic climate is darker than at any time I can remember during my lifetime and getting steadily worse, for the uncurbed out-of-control deficit spending by the current administration and congress is simply staggering. In the political arena, the unrelenting frontal assault on our Constitution and therefore on our ‘inalienable rights’ grows bolder so that ‘political correctness’ seems to be the order of the day. On the religion side of things, Christianity and our godly heritage are on the retreat in the public arena on every hand. The ‘enemy has come in like a flood’ – and I’m starting to wonder when (and if) ‘the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him’, Isaiah 59:19.

Let’s not underestimate the power of the forces working against us. When things are ‘going south’ around us in society, or more personally when things in our immediate world seem to be spiraling downward, the overall inner negative affect on us can be considerable. Just recently a man of God commented to me: “Everything seems to be working against me.” When we’re in that “everything’s against me” mindset (and who hasn’t been at some time or other?), then the ‘blues’ sneak up on you. You find yourself down, depressed, perplexed, wondering “what’s going on?”, “why was I born”, “isn’t there something more to life than this?”, “where did I miss it?”, “what have I done to deserve this?”, “where’s God?” Sound familiar?

In reply the Holy Spirit says regarding both our larger and smaller life circumstances: “Hold fast your Confession!” Get alone. Declare – speak out loud – and say it loudly – declare your faith in Jesus Christ! Declare His glory, power, invincible rule. Declare His majesty. Confess what you believe and the One you believe in. Declare aloud that you absolutely refuse to succumb to the negative. Declare aloud that you reject the low, blah feelings, the sense of worthlessness and impotence. Stand up, as it were, and having done all, stand! Refuse to budge, to yield, to bow. Submit to God; resist the devil. Declare your faith boldly, confidently. Remind yourself of your God and of His great faithfulness. Rise up in the strength and power of your bold confession and defy the enemy to his face.

David, not much more than a mere wisp of a boy, when confronting Goliath, ran to engage him in hand-to-hand combat. Let’s be like David – let’s rush at our ‘Goliath’ – let’s rout the enemy as David did and do it with bold declaration of our faith!