We long for the Bridegroom, Yeshua.
Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news, and messages by Steve Martin.
Showing posts with label Yeshua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yeshua. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026
"His Appointments" - message by Steve Martin
(Photo by Steve Martin)
His Appointments
We all have
our disappointments. And yet when I look back, I can see our Lord’s hand in
them - protecting us, guarding us, keeping us from going down a path that we
thought was for sure the way to go.
Even when we
say to ourselves and others, “I am positive this is the Lord’s will. How can it
not be?”
And then it
didn’t go as expected.
I recall the
true Bible story of Joseph hearing that his fiancée, Mary, was pregnant before
they knew each other intimately. And the child was not his. How greatly
disappointed he must have felt? “Why, Lord? YOU GAVE HER TO ME!”
How did that
turn out for Joseph? And Mary?
We can’t, we
don’t, always see the Lord’s hand in our lives. We don’t have the capacity to
carry it, to do it at the time, as He knows and does.
We have to
trust in the Lord’s hands. He said He loves us. Is He a liar?
Thank You,
Lord, for the times I didn’t marry that one; I didn’t get on that plane; my
event was canceled…and then tragedy occurred exactly where "I just knew I
was supposed to have been" before Your hand stopped me.
We must also
realize that this life isn’t just about me. So many more are involved. I like
the Jewish culture. It isn’t “me”, it is “us.” We need more of that.
His
appointments carry us beyond the disappointments. When they come, keep looking
for His open door. It is coming. I can promise you that, because He is ALWAYS
Faithful.
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who wait for His faithfulness…” Psalm 33:18, NASB
Now, back to
my blueberry bagel. It seems to have more purple in it this time. Yeah Lord!
Ahava and
Shalom,
Steve Martin
in Charlotte, North Carolina
Message #20
in the year of our Lord, April 6, 2026.
It would be nice if you could run down to the local grocery store and buy a package of hope. After all, don’t we find we need it every day? A few good helpings daily sure would be nice. It is not quite that simple to get, but hope is certainly possible to obtain and keep.
The way I have found hope is by believing the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, as put forth truthfully in the Bible. Through the centuries, the words written in the Word have proven accurate and life-changing for those who have chosen to believe. I include myself among them. The daily news will get you discouraged. The bank statement and monthly bills, which arrive by mail or on your smartphone, will drain you of your pursuit of happiness.
One minute you are “up”. The next minute you hit a wall. What is it that keeps us pressing on to accomplish the good in life? Family and friends can be a good source of support, but even then, those relationships can falter. We need more. We need hope in our lives.
My desire and prayer is that as you read these messages, you will obtain hope. Not a hope that will get you just through this day, but an eternal hope where you can stand strong, press on, and know deep in your heart that when it is all said and done, what He, Jesus, has said and done will be the very truth that keeps you until the end.
Find hope. Keep it within, and know that the faith, hope and love of the Almighty God will always be there for you. He is our only hope.
Purchase here: Amazon - Paperback $8.95
#Hisappointments #Jesus #Yeshua #SteveMartin #Bible #disappointments #faithfulness
Friday, March 13, 2026
"Disappointment and Timing" - message by Steve Martin
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We continue to stand strong with our friends in Israel.
Disappointment
and Timing
“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, without the possibility that mankind will find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NASB
We each have disappointments. Some are deeper than others. So, what do you do? My first reaction, as I have learned over the decades of trying to get it right, is to say, “Lord, my times are in Your hands.” And then my spirit and soul settle down.
And so, I have to share this as a testimony. I have to testify! (Church people know what that is.)
Our flight to Israel was cancelled at 3:00 am on Friday, a day before David Lauka and I were to leave. It had already been cancelled and rebooked a few days earlier, and we had all our bags packed, ready to jet out.
I worked the phone. Sent out the emails. Updated those who needed to know. Disappointed again but understanding the situation with the ongoing war against Iran, involving Israel and the USA's great military forces.
After all considerations, changes, credits, and more were done…David Lauka and I will be in Israel, April 13-May 21. No charge for change. And then, with our home group going to Israel May 12-21, I was able to cancel that May flight and get a $1,500 airline credit.
The Lord directs our steps as we serve His purposes. Thank You, Lord Jesus (Yeshua).
Trust Him with your life. Daily. He is the Big God to whom no one can compare. And His timing is always perfect. Just consider our Lord Jesus’ (Yeshua) walk while here on earth. Perfect timing and not disappointing.
Ahava and Shalom,
Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry
#Disappointment #Timing #messageSteveMartin #Yeshua #Jesus #Israel
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
"God Will Make A Way" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People
God Will Make A Way
We all have had times when we stood up against the “Red Sea” and wondered how in high heaven we would make it across. Would we ever see a way out, a financial burden removed, a relationship restored? I have. You have. God will do it because God can and does do it.
The Lord did it for Moses. He will do it for us.
I clearly remember the time, actually just a few
months ago in September 2025, when the Lord had cleared the way for Laurie and
me to spend three months with a great organization in Jerusalem, Christian
Friends of Israel. The bank account was literally almost empty.
I had bought our plane tickets two months before,
to make sure we didn’t back out, but now there were other expenses that had to
be covered before takeoff. I wrote a full chapter of this in my book, Back
To Jerusalem, and published it in January 2026, upon our return.
God made a way when there seemed to be no way.
Ministries contributed. Families contributed. An accounting job provided funds,
along with the sale of our second car.
In the March 3 devotional by Charles H. Spurgeon,
Faith’s Checkbook, it is written, “the star of hope is still
in the sky when the night is blackest. The Lord will not forget us and
hand us over to the enemy.” (2009 Christian Arts Gifts, Inc., IL, USA)
Calling on the Name of the Lord has taught me
over the years that we depend on Him for all things. He has wisdom. He has provisions.
He has the way to make the way when there seems to
be no way.
Ongoing miracles of Israel’s protection prove His
faithfulness in the daily news. Those who know Him will also know of His love
and grace revealed in their life.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will
be saved.” Romans 10:13, NASB
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin, Love For His People in Charlotte, North
Carolina
Message #9, 2026, “God
Will Make A Way”, March 3, 2026, 3:15
pm
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
"Sour Wine or Change" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People
Sour
Wine or Change?
“Nor do people put new wine
into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the
wine pours out, and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine
into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17, NASB
My good wife Laurie and I love visiting vineyards in Israel, primarily in the northern Golan, where they are plentiful. We led a group of nine from our home group on a visit in May 2023, and it was one of the best times we had together.
Vineyard in the Golan, Israel, May 2023
They liked the wine. I liked the Land where it grows most of
all.
When we went to a major winery and took the tour, I was
fascinated by the huge, very huge barrels where the grapes continued their
journey, beginning with the harvest, through pressing and crushing, then
fermentation, aging in oak barrels, and bottling.
Most interesting of all was the way they would pour the
liquid from one vat into another, leaving sediment behind that would spoil the
drink if this step were omitted. (I am not a winemaker, so if I get this
process wrong, please appreciate my attempt!)
You know where I am going. This is what we can visually see
in nature, which teaches us a bit about the spiritual. Our Lord gives us these
things to show us more of His Ways.
Paul primarily speaks of the resurrection of the Messiah
Yeshua (Jesus Christ) in the following Scripture, but we can see it elsewhere
as well. “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the
spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 15:46. NASB
So, as the juice moves through this processing, so it is in
our lives as the Lord directs our steps, leading us, changing us, leaving the
old behind so we can walk in the new.
“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the
wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they
put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17, NKJV
It is a necessary process. If we are to go on with the Lord
as His Holy Spirit leads, we best be available and open to the changes He presents
before us.
Nobody likes sour wine. Me especially.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
#SourWine #Change #message #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #Jesus #Yeshua #Bible #winemaking #travel #Golan #HolySpirit
Monday, February 16, 2026
Complete catalog of Steve Martin's 40 books - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tertulia, BookShop
Complete catalog of Steve Martin's 40 books
- Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tertulia, BookShop
For the complete catalog of Steve Martin's 40 books, now available in hardcover, paperback, audio and ebooks on Amazon and several other sites, please click below:
BOOK CATALOG - STEVE MARTIN, LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE
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For the complete catalog of Steve Martin's 40 books, now available in hardcover, paperback, audio and ebooks on Amazon and several other sites, please click below:
#books #catalog #SteveMartin #amazon #Barnes&Noble #TertuliaTuesday, February 10, 2026
"A Broken Relationship, or Something Else?" Mesage by Steve Martin, Love For His People
(Photo by Linel le Roux in Judean desert south of Jerusalem, Israel 02.06.2026)
A
Broken Relationship, or Something Else?
“Solomon said, “You were extravagantly generous in love with
David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships
were just and his heart right.” 1 Kings 3:6, The Message
We have all experienced the pain and hurt when a
relationship, one we may have long held, no longer continues. Whether it's a
misunderstanding, a lie, an incident one or the other doesn't want to “work it
out,” or even just weariness from struggles that never seem to end, the
friendship is over.
Companies fire employees. Marriages break apart. Parents and
their children walk away from each other in bitterness and resentment. People
leave churches, synagogues, and communities because of a “wrong word” or an
“unforgiving action.” It happens so many times.
I think of those in the Bible who experienced this, as all of
us have, where two who have walked together, worked together, did many things
together, no longer do so. They no longer want to mend the broken relationship.
Over. Done with.
It happened with David. It happened with Jesus. Paul and
Barnabas, two apostles set apart from the local church in Antioch to go out
together in ministry, parted ways after a big disagreement.
“Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that
they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and
sailed away to Cyprus.” Acts 15:39, NASB
Are these always the work of the devil? Is it human nature
that we have ongoing problems and can’t seem to get along with people? Is it
due to pride, jealousy, wanting our own way, the way we want it? “My way or the
highway!”
Sometimes. Sometimes not.
I have had two primary relationships where I considered “my
best friend” turned their back on me. And it hurt. Forgiveness on my part, to
protect my spirit and soul, was the only way to go to keep me from ongoing
resentment, bitterness, anger, and not “burning the bridge”. It has also
happened in ministry, which should be of no surprise to anyone by now – that
ministries are not perfect, nor the greener grass necessarily.
Before Laurie and I got married in 1977, we told each other
that we would never use the “D” word in our marriage. The commitment we made to
each other, not having “divorce” as an option, has kept us together by our
Lord’s grace, binding us to that commitment. We had to work things out.
A good friend of mine (and still is) recently spoke of how
the Lord was taking him and me on separate paths. Is this a broken
relationship? No. We both sensed that our time working together, in so many
ways, was preparation for what now lay ahead for both of us. We will continue
to support one another in His plans and purposes, but the time for each of us
to “expand our tents” will lead us to do so on different pathways.
My prayer is for you to go the extra mile when necessary.
Persevere in your relationships to keep them strong and lifelong. Families,
churches, and synagogues need the Lord's unity to fulfill His Kingdom purposes.
You are meant to be a vital part of that.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Message #4, 2026, “A Broken Relationship or Something Else?” Feb.
9, 2026, 2:30 pm
#BrokenRelationship #SomethingElse #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #Jesus #Yeshua, #relationships #Paul #Barnabas #friends #linelleroux
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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 40th book, written during my 30th 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
"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
Sunday, February 1, 2026
“IN THE MIDST OF US” - Cathy Hargett, Highway To Zion
“IN THE MIDST OF US”
Cathy Hargett
January 31, 2026
The weather was threatening, and there were only a few of us who gathered for Kehila on that very cold Shabbat last week. There were seven of us, to be exact, who had ventured out. From the beginning of our time together, there was a sense of anticipation. Those of us who were there have shared some things about it with the rest of our Kehila.
But as I continue to ponder what happened that day, I feel prompted to share some thoughts about it with all of you in our larger Mishpacha. I think it’s important. It’s about our unity and intimacy as His Body. He has called us to a holy covenant with Him, not just individually, but together, collectively, in community, His People/His Loved One. He will come. He will appear in the midst of us, just as surely as He appeared at the Tent of Meeting during the days of Moshe.
The Lord’s presence that day at Kehila was so palpable even as we shared before the gathering officially started. Looking back on it, I know that the Scripture from Malachi was happening as He watched over us:
“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His Name.”
(Malachi 3:16)
Since the first of the year, we’ve been hearing Him speak to us about being His People and His Loved One, collectively, in community, and not just individually. He has been showing us how to be One in Him as a “People”. He deserves the Glory that is due Him from His holy people. It’s powerful when a whole community is empowered at the same time to go into deep, intimate worship together.
Looking back on it, the Ruach had set the stage for His Glory to appear. Even as I write this, I am remembering a Scripture we read at the very beginning –
“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart….who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in…”
(Psalm 24:7-10)
Before we even started, one of our most faithful brothers had talked about the marvel of how God appears to us in our small Kehila. He talked about how this happens to us when we gather. He shared many beautiful things about it. Later, we all experienced the wonder of His presence together, something that does happen often to us, but this day was even more awe-filled than usual. The King of Glory did come in.
Several of us have tried to talk together about what happened that day, but it’s almost like we can’t really express it in words and maybe we just don’t want to say too much because we should treat it as holy. We just know that Yeshua, the King of Glory, came, and His presence humbled us and cleansed us. We also experienced that “humbled” feeling together. And at the same time, He was speaking to each of us and to all of us in so many deep and beautiful ways.
“For where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them.”
(Matthew 18:20)
There was an exhortation about the refining Fire of God and about the purifying and cleansing of it. It was as if we were receiving this corporate purifying as we looked up to Him with unveiled faces. There were beautiful banners with fire flowing all around. It was as if He was revealing Himself in every act of worship. There was a word about taking up the sword He has given to each of us, with each of us having a specific sword or weapon of warfare.
I remember at one point, after we had come to His Table, one of our prophetic sisters, holding the Bread, talked about how the Lord spoke of “discerning His Body”. And then she related that we, His people, are His Body. Her words gave such a sense of holiness and sanctity to the “oneness” of all of us who follow Yeshua with all our hearts. He was showing us how precious a covenant we have with Him and with each other. There was so much happening in my heart as we ate that meal with Yeshua and drank the Wine of His precious Blood. In the spirit of my mind, I could see Glory, flowing in streams of liquid gold. The golden streams were flowing with such stunning otherworldliness that I knew He was searing something deep in my soul. I believe all of us were experiencing these deep mysteries of Truth from Him.
One of the sisters prayed and shared and prophesied with such purity of heart that when she would speak, I had this sense that I could almost physically see that she was surrounded by angels. Her face was shining, as if she was being prompted by angels to speak, and she was so fixed on Him, not on us or herself. I was amazed at the sense of heaven coming down with all those angels all around.
Another time, one of the men pronounced that we were on holy ground and took his shoes off. I sensed it, too. He said something about the heat, about being liquefied, being purified. I also sensed that and could see that liquid gold Glory again. Another prophecy was about the Glory cloud leading His people. It truly was all about Him and His Glory. Oh, God, it’s all about You.
When we gather together as His people, with our eyes fixed on Him in deep worship, He is there. I praise Him for coming to us and for being there in the midst of us. He desires us to be One in Him. He wants to be with us. He wants us to be in His Glory, in His Presence, a holy people bowing in worship to our holy God.
“They will be My People, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action so that they will always fear Me…”
(Jeremiah 32:38-39)
“I have given them the Glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity…”
(John 17:22-23)
Cathy Hargett
Highway to Zion Ministries
#INTHEMIDSTOFUS #CathyHargett #HighwayToZion #RuachHaKodesh #Yeshua #Jesus #kehila #Shabbat #unity
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Sharon Sanders, co-founder of Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem, is starting a new ZOOM - The Hall of Higher Learning - register now for free.
Sharon Sanders, co-founder of Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem
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