ANNOUNCEMENT: Free E-book Feb. 3 -Feb. 5, 2026. Steve Martin's new book "BACK TO JERUSALEM". (Also available in hard cover $15.95, paperback $12.95, and audiobook $3.99 formats)

          

Free E-book Feb. 3-Feb. 5, 2026. 

New book "BACK TO JERUSALEM"

To get your free e-book (you do not need Kindle to download to your computer or phone) go here:

Click here: Back To Jerusalem free e-book

The hard cover $15.95, paperback $12.95 and audiobook $3.999 versions 

are also available at special prices.

Look here: Back To Jerusalem optional versions

INTRODUCTION

From Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, my good wife Laurie (48 years of marriage and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to serve 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 years since 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.

 

Come Jesus! Bo Yeshua!

 

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 40^th book, written during my 30^th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them at the time they occurred.

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

Click here: The hard cover $15.95, paperback $12.95 and audiobook $3.999 versions 

are also available at special prices.

 

My hand on the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem.

#freebook #BackToJerusalem #Jesus #Yeshua #Jerusalem #Israel #SteveMartin #ChristianFriendsofIsrael 

"Clean Heart" by Steve Martin (text only)

 

Painting by Greg Olsen

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 giving a positive or encouraging response, 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 again read the Scriptures about the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, personally, 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

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

"Outward Appearances" by Steve Martin

Outside Appearances

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7, NASB

The above Scripture speaks of the time when the Prophet Samuel sought the one whom the Lord wanted to be anointed as the next king of Israel, replacing Saul. As you read the chapter, Samuel was expecting the “biggest and the best” from Jesse’s sons when he went to Bethlehem as the God of Israel had instructed the prophet to do.

So were Jesse and his sons. Expecting that one of his “top seven” was the one.

 ^“But Adonai said to Sh’mu’el, 'Don’t pay attention to how he looks or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. Adonai doesn’t see the way humans see — humans look at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7, Complete Jewish Bible

So too it is sometimes hard to “love” a person when we only look at the outward appearance and see only the natural look. After all, aren't all the beauty and masculine TV, Facebook, and social media ads based on the “Hollywood look” that we are all to be as such?

On a recent outing to Panera Bread for my “Unlimited Sip Club” coffee, or Mountain Dew (for only $5.00 per month, which I get no commission for this ad!), it was a very cold January in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant was scheduled to open at 6:00 am, but even though I could see two employees standing at the back of the restaurant talking, the doors remained locked.

Outside in that frigid weather, with an electric hot heater fan plugged into the brick wall outlet, a thin, black man sat at a metal table, hunched over with nothing but a t-shirt under the light jacket he had pulled over his head. When I approached him, I offered him a coffee when they finally opened. He declined, saying, “I have a meeting at Harris Teeter across the street,” then got up and left shortly after, carrying his three plastic bags of personal belongings. So, I did too.

When I came back about 10 minutes later, he had returned to the freezing position at the table. The Lord then directed me to get a spare blanket from our car trunk, and I placed it around his shoulders.

From the outside, this was just “another homeless man” wandering the streets of Charlotte. To the Lord, he was His creation, whom He cared about.

Too often, we look at the outside appearance of each other and make our judgments inwardly, if not spoken.

But as the Lord does, He looks at the heart and knows. While others will reject the “Davids” we see in the field, or on the street, our Father looks at the heart.

Maybe this man has great things in store for him.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message #2, 2026, “Outside Appearances”, Jan. 29, 2026, 4:02 am

#OutwardAppearances #SteveMartin #homelessman #Jesus #ProphetSamuel #PaneraBread #Hollywood #heart

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

ANNOUNCEMENT: Free E-book Feb. 1-Feb. 5, 2026. Steve Martin's new book "BACK TO JERUSALEM". (Also available in hard cover, paperback, and audiobook formats)

Free E-book Feb. 1-Feb. 5, 2026. 

New book "BACK TO JERUSALEM"

To get your free e-book (you do not need Kindle to download to your computer or phone) go here:

Click here: Back To Jerusalem free e-book

The hard cover, paperback and audiobook versions are also available at regular price.

Look here: Back To Jerusalem optional versions

INTRODUCTION

From Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, my good wife Laurie (48 years of marriage and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to serve 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 years since 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.

 

Come Jesus! Bo Yeshua!

 

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 40^th book, written during my 30^th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them at the time they occurred.

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

 

My hand on the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem.

#freebook #BackToJerusalem #Jesus #Yeshua #Jerusalem #Israel #SteveMartin #ChristianFriendsofIsrael 

"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

#1 Amazon Best Seller! "Back To Jerusalem" by Steve Martin

 

DEDICATION

For 24 years (1987-2010), I worked with four international Christian ministries, served on several church and ministry boards spanning 33 years, and prayed a long time before starting Love For His People ministry in 2010, with my good wife of 48 years (and counting), Laura Jean Martin (aka Laurie).

 

Steve and Laurie Martin, December 2025, near Abu Ghosh, just west of Jerusalem.

When we took three months, the last part of 2025, from October to December, with a few weeks in January 2026, to serve in Jerusalem, Israel, it was an incredible time. I call it a “deployment” and expect many more in the future.

Christian Friends of Israel, founded in 1985 and located in the heart of Jerusalem, with over 20 worldwide representatives and offices, was our landing place. Lord, Lord! Thank You, Lord!

With the current personnel of 30, drawn from many nations and continents, we have immediate friends and support. Loving the Lord’s people, the Jews, the Christian Arabs, Druze, and more, supporting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), assisting new olim (Jews making aliyah), Holocaust survivors being cared for, future brides with little funds having their entire wedding party fitted and ready as needed…the list goes on and on.

 

CFI staff and representatives worldwide.

November 2025 in Jerusalem.

If I were ever to recommend an international ministry to love and support, Christian Friends of Israel is undoubtedly at the top of my list! With that said, I dedicate this book to you, our many friends and fellow servants at CFI Jerusalem and worldwide.

Steve Martin

Jan. 17, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

 

INTRODUCTION

                               

From Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, my good wife Laurie (48 years of marriage and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to serve 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 years since 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.

 

Come Jesus! Bo Yeshua!

As that time of His return quickly approaches, we joined with several hundred Christians, coming fromthe nations, to comfort, stand in support, and let the love of the Father work through us for them.

In this, my 40^th book, written during my 30^th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them at the time they occurred.

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

 

My hand on the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem.

#1AmazonBestSeller #BackToJerusalem #SteveMartin #Jesus #Yeshua #Israel #Jerusalem #travel #inspiration #ChristianFriendsofIsrael

Jerusalem at night, early morning, from the Mount of Olives looking west. Steve Martin, Walk With Me

Jerusalem at night, early morning, from the Mount of Olives looking west. 

Steve Martin, Walk With Me

Early morning as the roosters begin to crow here in Jerusalem, israel, in the top of the Mount of Olives. Overlooking g the Old City and rhe Temple Mount.

#mountofolives #templemount #jerusalemisrael #israel

"Back To Jerusalem" - Steve Martin's 40th book. Published January 2026.

                       

"Back To Jerusalem" - Steve Martin's 40th book. Published this month.

INTRODUCTION

From Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, 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 serve 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 years since 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.

 

Come Jesus! Bo Yeshua!

 

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 40^th book, written during my 30^th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them at the time they occurred.

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

My hand on the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem.

Steve and Laurie Martin with the Tristan and Galya Hall family. 

Leaders of Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem.

A good picture taken in Israel.

Details: 28 chapters, 224 pages, over 150 photos from the fall of 2025 in Jerusalem, Israel and surrounding areas in the Land.

Will be available in a few days on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and e-book (Kindle).

Steve Martin

#BackToJerusalem #SteveMartin #40thbook #Readytopublish #Israel #Jerusalem #Jesus #Jews #Christians #ChristianFriendsofIsrael

“Back To Jerusalem. First the many. Then the One.” - #1 on an Amazon best seller list. Steve Martin’s 40th book published January 2026.

 

       "Back To Jerusalem. First the many. Then the One.” 

       Steve Martin’s 40th book published January 2026

Jan. 17, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina

From Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, 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 serve 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 years since October 7, 2023. The Israelis had been fighting for their lives, their families, their land promised to them by the Living God of Israel. Our hope was 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 to never 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 40^th book, written during my 30^th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some chapters are in “present tense” as I wrote them in the time period they occurred.

Many of the Jews are coming back to their Land now, as was 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.

My desire is 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 

#40thbook #40 #SteveMartin #BacktoJerusalem #Jesus #Yeshua #ChristianFriendsofIsrael #Jews #Christians #Jerusalem #Israel #bestseller #Amazonbestseller