"Snakes in the Grass" - Steve Martin, Love For His People

 Snakes in the Grass

“Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping!” Proverbs 22:10, The Message

When I saw the black snake sneaking through the underbrush along the trail my two grandsons and I were walking on, I was immediately drawn to a subject by the attention of the Holy Spirit. This could be a message one should consider more fully in writing about.

The words contention and strife came to mind, moving as snakes in the grass.

In 1990, a popular book was circulating among those involved in the deliverance ministry. It was written by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, titled "Pigs in the Parlor." Those confronting the evils that existed then, and still do even to a fuller extent, found this book to be very practical and instructive. It was a necessary tool in bringing freedom to those bound by satanic forces.

In many ways, Christians limit the acknowledgment of evil activity, along with the subtle forms of its expressions, to the “deep dark jungles of Africa”, believing it does not exist in our modern, exalted Western societies.

Oh really? Everything that affects the natural, spiritual, and physical mind and body is just a result of a lack of job opportunity, low levels of education, and/or dismissal of mental health, so that drugs cease to have any effect, in a positive way?

The Holy Spirit spoke to me to address an issue that I have noticed more frequently in our midst. It is the contentious spirit, the one that seeks to bring continual strife among families, neighbors, communities, and nations. We know that the devil, Satan himself, goes about seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. Scripture also says of him, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Contention in a home can be evidence of a spiritual presence that is not of the Holy Spirit. Strife, arguments, and ongoing conflicts can certainly point to the work of the enemy, who is trying to inflict his wrath on those he hates. He especially goes after all who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, Christ the Messiah. Bring them down, and his mission is successful.

As the world grows darker, the Lord promises to shine His light on the activities of our enemies. We are witnessing it in many areas of government, education, and world events. Allowing it to shine down to a more personal level in our homes, bringing peace and harmony by driving out the works of the enemy, further enhances the shalom of the Living God of Israel.

Consider this matter more closely and do not dismiss it as just everyday life that you have to live with. We can and must change our cultures, beginning in our homes, by the grace and love supplied by the Lord Himself.

We all can have more of life in the Lord. Live it more fully in freedom and within His expression of love.

(For further study on the subject of demons, Satanic activity, and the deliverance ministry, I recommend two more books.

One of my favorites on the subject of deliverance is Don Basham’s Deliver US From Evil.

Derek Prince, whom I consider the best Bible teacher I have known, also gave strong, biblical teaching on the subject of spiritual warfare in his messages. For a complete look at Derek’s full library on spiritual warfare, check here: Derek Prince Ministries USA)

Ahava and Shalom,

 

Steve Martin

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Love For His People Ministry 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, North Carolina, USA

Message #8 in my new series (2025): "Snakes in the Garden" July 17, 2025

Watch the action of the snake below. Captured on video by Steve Martin, July 12, 2025, in Stevens Creek Nature Preserve in western Charlotte, NC.)

#SnakesintheGrass #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #Yeshua #Jesus #Satan, #demonicactivity #contention #strife #DerekPrince #DonBasham #spiritualwarfare #pigsintheparlor #deliverusfromevil #demons 

Apprehended and Recharged by Steve Martin

 

Apprehended and Recharged by Steve Martin

(Original Message #67 – in the year of our Lord 04.23.2022 – “Apprehended” – Saturday, 3:00 am in Charlotte, NC USA)

 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26, NASU

Returning from Jerusalem had not happened in quite some time for me. As you all know, one must go and come back for there to be a “returning.” And that hadn’t happened in two and a half years, since October 2019, because governments around the world chose to shut down everything in sight, when a deliberate and planned pandemic struck, believing they were in ultimate control of all things.

I certainly am glad that our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is the One Who sits on the highest throne. He always has the final say. In time, all will bow their knee to Him alone.

“And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." Revelation 5:13, NASU

When Israel finally permitted non-vaccinated individuals to enter the nation, with a proclamation in March 2022, it took less than 3 days for me to book my next flight. The Lord had called me to support Israel and the Messianic Jews, and I was not about to let Satan and his henchmen keep me any longer from fulfilling that call.

Back in 2002, when I was being ordained as a Minister of the Gospel through Cornerstone Church (Pastor Mark DeVito, apostolic authority Ron Hill, and the five elders) in the little town of Pineville, North Carolina, which I call the “Bethlehem of Charlotte”, the Lord spoke deep into my soul, setting me apart for His plan and purposes. At the same time during that ordination, He also used the prophetic voice of Terry Kelson, renamed Ahava Hadassah of the Aliyah Return Center in Tiberias, Israel once she made aliyah from the USA to Israel, to speak forth a word over me. (She rejoices in heaven now!)

“You have been called as a scepter for Zion,” she said from among the small group of gathered believers.

That eternal word was deeply planted into my spirit. Since that time the Lord God of Israel has enabled me to walk it out. I am an ambassador for Israel.

Eight years after that special day our ministry named Love For His People was birthed, and both my good wife Laurie (aged 50 at the time) and I (aged 55 way back then) have given ourselves to further pursue what is the full understanding of His call on our lives, being one together for His plans and purposes. These 12 years since then have been one of slow growth, but the foundation is strong, built on the Solid Rock.

But, when I couldn’t get to Israel for those two years, my faith, hope, and love wavered. I was being held back from doing that which I had been apprehended to do. The enemy of our souls wanted to keep me from walking out God’s purposes given for me. In fact, I know that was what the evil one had intended.

Those of you who have walked for the Lord for any number of years know what I am talking about. These are battles we must go through, to further prepare us for what the Lord has redeemed us for. Remember the simple but true word, “No pain. No gain.”

The apostle Peter describes it very well in his Epistle to us.

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ — eternal and glorious plans they are! — will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” 1 Peter 5:8-11, THE MESSAGE

The appointed time for the return to Jerusalem finally came. David Peterman joined me. While in the Land, we completed the tasks the Lord had given to us – to encourage, further connect, and build up His Messianic body and other Jews yet to believe on His Son Yeshua. No big meetings. No grand entrances. Just one on one with those who He has joined us.

Upon my return to my home, for a week or more I felt I had drunk 4-5 cups of cappuccino every morning. (And I am not a coffee drinker due to stomach issues.) Energy that I had lost over that previous period had been restored. New life. New hope. New vision for the things of the Lord.

The power of the Holy Spirit, much like that given at Pentecost (Shavuot) had come upon and within me once again.

I know now, with the attestation of Laurie who lives with me day by day, that this basically happens every time the Lord gets me to Israel and back. Walking in His calling in faith and obedience will do that. He is the One Who gives us the grace and strength to accomplish His strategies.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14, NKJV

You too have been apprehended to do His good works. You, too, have been given a call that only you can walk out. It is vital that you are in proper alignment with Him – whether through your job, home location, church membership, or synagogue congregation – and that you stay connected so that you can allow Him to speak and direct your life.

Walk out the “mission from God”, just as the Blues Brothers did, to accomplish your God-given role in the Body of Christ. We all need you and me to do that. Our God will make a way for you to succeed in it.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

Love For His People 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com 

Please share this message with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. 

Message #67 – in the year of our Lord 04.23.2022 – “Apprehended” – Saturday, 3:00 am in Charlotte, NC USA

 

This Will Give You The Victory – How To Expel The Enemy – The Basics of Deliverance, Pt. 2

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Bible Teaching Resources: https;//www.derekprince.com Subscribe to our channel  https://www.youtube.com/c/DerekPrince…

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Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (45 years in October 2022!), through the ministry of Love For His People we founded in 2010, give love and support for our friends in Israel and in other nations with friendship, humanitarian aid, and social media support, along with Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel. Steve has also authored and published 34 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area. We have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids.

 

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Bible Teaching Resources: https://www.derekprince.com

Subscribe to our channel  https://www.youtube.com/c/DerekPrince…

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Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (45 years in October 2022!), through the ministry of Love For His People we founded in 2010, give love and support for our friends in Israel and in other nations with friendship, humanitarian aid, and social media support, along with Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel. Steve has also authored and published 34 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area. We have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids.

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“Be Aware & Press On!” – Now Think On This by Steve Martin

June 7, 2020 Love For His People ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina USA

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10, NKJV

When I read Lana Vawser’s message this morning, a highly respected prophetic voice from Australia, and posted it on our website Love For His People, entitled “FIGHT TO STAY AWAKE!”, I said to myself, “That’s it!” The enemy of our soul has been trying to wear us out, tear us down, so that we will just stop and sleep.

Not me. I am not going to let the enemy win. I know the Lord is on my side. And yours too.

In brief she said, “As I had these beautiful divine interruptions of the Lord taking place, and the invitation to embrace, yield and lean into them, I saw a huge demonic figure enter into the vision. This demonic figure was large in stature, and in different peoples lives it would show itself differently. This demonic figure was sent on an assignment to come against believers and its assignment was to DECEIVE, to DISTRACT and to bring a DISENGAGEMENT to the DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS the Lord was bringing. 

These three areas stood out to me so strongly: 

1. Deception

2. Distraction

3. Slumber 

This demonic figure was on assignment to cause such a slumber over many to not recognise the importance of the hour we are in. It was coming on assignment to cause distractions so there would be so much “double vision” and so much opposition to hinder God’s people from deep places of encounter with the Lord and what the Lord is saying and partnering with the wisdom and blueprint of God, and there was an overall feeling of ‘slumber’ that was coming with this assignment of the enemy to cause many to feel like they just want to ‘sleep’.”

After you have finished reading this message from me, I encourage you to read the full one of hers on our website Love For His People, entitled “FIGHT TO STAY AWAKE!”.

As for me, with the battles raging in the nations against the seen – pandemics, racial strife, media madness with fake news, political upheavals and ongoing spreading of lies – just to name a few, and the unseen in the heavenlies, the enemy of our spirit, soul, and body is not giving up, thinking he can win.

But he can’t! He won’t! The Lord has already written the last chapter of the Book, and He wins!

We must be aware that war is war. It isn’t a game that we can just shut on and shut off, as if walking away from the video game. We may think we have the choice to just “sit this one out” and let the game-changers do it all, you know, the “gifted ones”, but we can’t. We must not. We will not.

By His grace we push on, we fight on, we take our stand for righteousness, justice, continually seeking to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Until the end has come and His throne is established on earth in Jerusalem.

We must not allow ourselves to grow weary in doing good.

Again, for encouragement, “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10, THE MESSAGE

You may have been in this wearisome battle, in a particular area of your life, where you struggled against disappointment, job loss, family conflict, medical condition, the uncertainty of tomorrow. Haven’t we all in some form or another!

As an example, for me, for the 4th time in two months, I will press on and push forward. The enemy WILL NOT have his way in my life. I will re-schedule our trip to Israel for another time yet this year. The gates will open! The appointed time will come! That which our Lord has called us to will not be stopped by the one who hates us and continually battles against us.

“Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering. You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11, Complete Jewish Bible

My friends in faith, I encourage you to realize that the battle is not yours but the Lord’s, and He is fighting on our behalf. He has already overcome death by His resurrection from the dead, and He is the one giving us the new life and new strength, new courage, to press on and stand strong. Our Lord is roaring from Zion! The Lion of the Tribe of Judah!

Don’t give up. Don’t sleep it off. Be aware, and fight on. It will be worth it in the end.

And I will see you too at the finish line!

Now think on this.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Founder/President  Love For His People, Inc.

Coming soon. Register now.

UPCOMING ALIYAH FOR HIS PEOPLE EVENT IN THE CHARLOTTE, NC/ROCK HILL, SC REGION – Register now. https://loveforhispeople.com/2020/01/26/aliyah-for-his-people-a-new-ministry-of-love-for-his-people-in-charlotte-north-carolina/ Carolyn Hyde will also lead Messianic worship!

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Now Think On This #515 – in the year of our Lord 06.07.2020 – “Be Aware & Press On!”– Sunday 6:30 am in Charlotte, NC USA

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