Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts

Thursday, September 24, 2026

The Expected Unexpected


​The Expected Unexpected

It began as the normal “squeeze” onto the Light rail train down the main east-west corridor on Jaffa Street. With the mid-afternoon riders, the usual after school crowd and early “get me home” people, you got on before the doors closed and off to the next stop.

I hadn’t quite prepared myself for the forward lurch that came, for I was being stared at by a black-haired man about a foot away. I tried to “smile” with my eyes, believing he didn’t speak English, but his eyes just glared at me.

With the sudden move of the train I lost my footing. He grabbed my arm, stared as if a demon resided in him, and squeezed his nails into my bare forearm. No smile. Nothing more.

I gave him another look as if to say, “What was that all about?” And then I broke any curse he had put on me.

He got off at the next stop and I told David Lauka, next to me, what had happened.

Jonathan Cahn’s book, THE ALTAR OF PERGAMON, arrived at my house in Charlotte a few days before our departure to Israel. After hearing of his airplane story and reading bits here and there, the expected unexpected comes.

After the first five days here in Jerusalem, wanting to start our six-week volunteer service with Christian Friends of Israel, I caught the virus that so far has effected 11 out of the 34 other volunteers. For four days I didn’t eat, and slept as much as I could.

Spiritual battles are real. Some places more than others.

“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, NASB

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

 


Thursday, July 16, 2026

“Be Not Unaware, Nor Discouraged” by Steve Martin

​


Be Not Unaware, Nor Discouraged


Have you ever gotten an email, phone call, text and asked, “Where did that come from?” Out of the blue you receive something that throws you, and you wonder, “What did I do to deserve that?”


It is not uncommon these days to get reactions, opinions, even hatred thrust your way, as if it is the “assigned duty” of the one sending it to do so. 


Well, with some of those messages sent it is their job, when you consider the ultimate source.


“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, NASB


However these attacks come, they are meant to wear down the believers, stop them in their tracks, keep them from pursuing and fulfilling their calling. 


But they cannot. They must not.


It used to be that it would take me days to get over a hurtful word, spoken or written. It would simmer in my head, my heart, and I would battle to rid myself of it.


Over the years that time period has dropped down to about an hour or so. 


After repenting of any action on my part, seriously considering if I was at fault, I move on in the grace and love of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the attack for what it was.


We certainly are not perfect. Sometimes these actions against us were from our own initial instigation. See it as another teaching moment to watch our mouth and our words that we give out. 


We must not be unaware that attacks will come. 


Even as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, wrestled, battled, fought them off through prayer and daily walking with the Father, we too, as His children, are not left alone.


Even as in the natural Israel is lambasted every day it seems, as the Scriptures tell us, so be it is in  the spiritual.


“46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second Man is from heaven. 


48 As is the earthy one, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly One, so also are those who are heavenly. 


49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:46-49 NASB


The devil hates us. His legions war against us.


But we will stand and accomplish that which we are given to do. Our Lord’s promise to to us.

As an extra note, I have found listening to worship music gets my heart and head, and spirit, back to good order!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Thursday, July 17, 2025

"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,

 A person in a blue shirt

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Steve Martin

Contributions are welcome online by clicking here on our webpage, when you look for the little DONATE button on each side column, Love For His People to use. DONATE HERE.

 Are you new to these messages, or has another shared them with you? Sign up here to receive it directly in your email InBox. Click on the nice, full of brew coffee mug with the Love For His People logo on it, found on each side column of the webpage. You will be glad you did! Sign Up for Steve Martin's Messages

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 


Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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

Monday, October 10, 2022

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

 

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

Oct. 10, 2022 Derek Prince 644K subscribers

Derek Prince Sermons: How To Expel The Enemy – This is an original Bible Study, teaching by Derek Prince. Controversial, yet scriptural. Deliverance from demonic influence is a relevant and needed ministry in today’s church. Drawing on decades of personal experience, Derek Prince imparts the foundational keys to spiritual freedom.

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

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.

Friday, October 7, 2022

Learn the Secrets of Spiritual Success – Casting Down Strongholds – Derek Prince

 

Learn the Secrets of Spiritual Success – Casting Down Strongholds – Derek Prince

Oct. 7, 2022 Derek Prince 643K subscribers

Derek Prince Sermons: Spiritual Warfare – Casting Down Strongholds – This is an original Bible Study, teaching by Derek Prince. We have an enemy that takes us seriously, so we should take our enemy seriously. In this insightful message, Derek Prince explains the nature and activity of spiritual warfare.

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

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

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.

Leave a Reply

Thursday, August 25, 2022

GOD, SATAN & MUSIC | The Purpose & Philosophy of WORSHIP – Steve Cioccolanti & Discover Ministries

 

GOD, SATAN & MUSIC | The Purpose & Philosophy of WORSHIP – Steve Cioccolanti & Discover Ministries

Aug. 25, 2022 Steve Cioccolanti & Discover Ministries 328K subscribers

Pastor Steve Cioccolanti’s short commentary on #Satan, #God and the powerful purpose of music. Re-discover the #joy of music!

Help our Goshen FUNDRAISER http://www.discover.org.au/goshen ðŸ‡¸ðŸ‡¦ Register for the Saudi Arabia Tour: https://livingpassages.com/product/sa… ▶️ Watch the rest of this video including practical prepping & support the ministry: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/apocalypse…