Showing posts with label clocks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clocks. Show all posts

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Not A Numbers Game - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Not A Numbers Game

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“Make me grasp, Adonai, what my end must be, what it means that my days are numbered; (Psalm 39:5, Complete Jewish Bible)


On September 21, 2017 (based on the solar Gregorian calendar), Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on the Jewish lunar calendar. That day was the 1st of Tishrei, 5778. I have seen several articles written on the meaning of the new Hebrew year 5778, and find them all very fascinating.

The Lord our God is very, very detailed in all His ways. Just looking at the solar system, the formation of the earth itself, and then the created body that each one of us has - what an amazing Creator He is!  As the Psalms’ verse has been written, our days are numbered. He knows every second of every hour of every day of every year. He knows the numbers.

You and I can rest in the fact that He has His hand on everything, and as we put our continual trust in Him, He will make Himself more fully known and show us just how He has all of our ways He directs us in are certainly in good order.

Being a numbers guy, an accountant by trade, I pay attention to time, clocks, watches and calendars. My home ministry office has a shelf dedicated to clocks! (Just ask my good wife.)

In any given day, I am watching (no pun intended) to see when events happen, what prophetic meaning they have, and what the Lord is saying through them. He is speaking all the time to us through these time-tracking pieces, and we are wise if we discern what He is declaring. Sometimes what He is telling us is very loud and clear – through nature around us. Sometimes He speaks in a mystery, wanting us to search out further that which He is sharing with us.

Available on Amazon.
Prophetic Stories - Signs Along the Way
One aspect of time that I believe is occurring is the acceleration of it as we know it, in this time and space. I wrote in my book “Prophetic Stories - Signs Along the Way” several years ago on how the Holy Spirit spoke to me of that acceleration. Since then, I can see it picking up further speed, as He brings about His purposes in our lives. 

Are you aware of any acceleration in your life?

Here is just one example in my walk I want to tell you about, to demonstrate the acceleration I believe we are living in. It is very simple, but at the same time, I believe it is a demonstration of what the Lord is doing in my life, and in many lives around the world.

In 2010, during the very early days of Love For His People, I started the blog of the same name. In that year I had a total of 24 posts, with less than 500 page views. Wow! I was excited. It then took until December 30, 2014, to reach 500,000 (four years later).


On Sunday, March 27, 2016, the page views total reached 1 million, taking just one year and three months to reach the second mark of 500,000, for a total of five years and three months to reach the million plateau. What was to be noted about this was that it occurred on that special Sunday on the Christian calendar - Resurrection Day! Again, I was excited! 


On January 30, 2017, the blog page views reached 1,500,000. This time it had taken only nine months to reach this level, since the million mark was surpassed. Time and counts were speeding up. The hand of the Lord was upon this.


On September 20, 2017, when the sun had barely gone down in Jerusalem to start the new year, 5778, on Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah), the blog page views surpassed the 2,000,000 mark. I was at my accounting job and was able to watch the count every so often to see when it crossed that line. It did so at 2 pm (Charlotte, North Carolina EDT), 9 pm Jerusalem time. That mark had come just eight months later since reaching 1,500,000 before. 


As you can see, I was able to record all of these snapshots of numbers on the website when they had occurred in time.

While it took five years and three months to reach the first million, from 2010 to early 2016, it had taken only one year and six months later on September 20, 2017, the Jewish New Year start at sundown in Jerusalem, to reach the second million mark. 


To some, this may seem trite, or just some math fan coming up with another numbers game. But to me, it is the Lord again reaffirming His plans that He is working out, faster and faster, as getting the Gospel out to the nations is at the top of His list.

Many are now able to see more quickly what is happening, primarily through the Internet, using smart phones and all mobile devices as soon as it happens, almost anywhere in the world. That in itself is a fulfillment of prophecy.

Many are now able to see more quickly what is happening, primarily through the Internet, using smart phones and all mobile devices as soon as it happens, almost anywhere in the world. That in itself is a fulfillment of prophecy.

This increasingly fast-moving time-line of the Lord is being fulfilled just as He had Daniel record these Scriptural words centuries ago.


“When that time comes, Mikha’el, the great prince who champions your people, will stand up; and there will be a time of distress unparalleled between the time they became a nation and that moment. At that time, your people will be delivered, everyone whose name is found written in the book. Many of those sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting shame and abhorrence. 

But those who can discern will shine like the brightness of heaven’s dome, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

“But you, Dani’el, keep these words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there as knowledge increases." (emphasis added, Daniel 12:1-4, Complete Jewish Bible)

I trust you are watching and waiting, but also sharing at the same time the Good News to those who believers needing the encouragement found in this hope, and to those who need to know the Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

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



If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Secure, conveniently contributions can be done online now through our website using the DONATE buttons on either side column of our blog.

Contribution checks can be sent to: 
Love For His People, Inc. 
P.O. Box 414   
Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)
 


Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and LinkedIn.  We appreciate your help.


Now Think On This - in the Year of our Lord 09.21.17 - #316 – “Not A Numbers Game” – Thursday 5:55 am

Monday, March 3, 2014

Now Is the Time To Claim God's Promises! by Carol Kelley

Carol Kelley:
Now Is the Time 
To Claim God's Promises!
The Elijah List

Carol Kelley
It's Time!

Recently, I had two dreams about claiming God's prophetic promises. In the first, four wristwatches were in a dish with some other jewelry, set atop a night stand. I awoke, immediately fell back asleep, and had a second dream. In it I saw a newspaper headline that read, "Redeem."

I awoke from the second dream, asked the Lord what He was seeking to communicate to me, and pondered several of the symbols represented in this pair of dreams:
• Jewelry – something precious; gifts from God.
• Clocks in dreams and visions represent time, so a wristwatch symbolizes the present time.
• Four – reigning; God's Kingdom, God's creation.
          • Five (the total number of wristwatches, including the one I was wearing) – grace, redemption.

          • Night stand – God's promises will stand, even when all is dark and daylight seems a long way off.
• Newspaper – prophecy.

This is the interpretation that He showed me:

It's time to claim God's promisesGod has valuable, precious gifts for every Believer. Some we are already aware of, while others await our discovery. Now is the time to reign with Christ and live in His Kingdom, not just in the future in Heaven. God has redeemed us through His grace; His promises will stand. 

He will help us redeem and make the most of our NOW time (see Ephesians 5:16). Now is the time to claim His prophetic promises! 

(Photo via Stock.xchange by skingolf)

Here are some Biblical references about God's words:
• Psalm 119:130 – "The unfolding of Your words gives light...[and] understanding..."
• Psalm 119:140 – "Your word (promise) is very pure..."
• Isaiah 40:8 – "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
• Isaiah 55:11 – "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
• Luke 1:20, 30 – God's words WILL be fulfilled in their proper time. His favor and approval lessens our fear.
• 2 Timothy 3:16 – "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness..."
How Can You Know If A Prophetic Word Is Really From God?

You may be wondering, "How can I know if a prophetic word is really from God?" 

This is an excellent question. When my husband Dave and I teach others about prophecy, we use numerous Scriptures, especially 1 Corinthians 14:3 – "One who prophesies speaks...for edification and exhortation and consolation," and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 – "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." 

There is nothing wrong with testing prophetic words that are spoken to you; in fact, it is a wise practice.

Does not the ear test words?Testing a word does not mean that you are questioning the Lord or the person who prophesied it, but that you are seeking confirmation. "Does not the ear test words...?"(Job 12:11). 

(Photo via Stock.xchange by 13dede)
• Does a word meet the test of 1 Corinthians 14:3 – edification, exhortation, and comfort? 
Prophecies should never be used as a vehicle for controlling or condemning others. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). God's words bring us hope. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope'" (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Does a prophetic word given to you line up with the truth of God as expressed in His written Word, the Bible? 
The Lord will not contradict Himself. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).
• Does a prophetic word bear witness with your own spirit, or does something about it seem "off"? "
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..." (1 John 4:1). In the New Testament model of prophecy God primarily uses prophetic words to confirm what you're already hearing from Him. He doesn't expect you to make a major life change on the basis of one word prophesied to you. Even in the Old Testament the Lord confirmed His words. Abraham (see Genesis 15 & 17), Moses (see Exodus 3-4), and Gideon (see Judges 6-7) all received multiple confirmations from God.
• Does a prophetic word exalt or glorify an individual or group, or does it exalt and glorify Jesus Christ by helping propel others forward in their walk with God? 
Encouragement, exhortation, and comfort (see 1 Corinthians 14:3) are key elements in prophecy. Reject words that are manipulative. God desires for us to walk in confidence, avoiding both condemnation and conceit."For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).
Worship by Marybeth StaffordUse these various tests to confirm if a word is from the Lord. If so, then CLAIM it, DECLARE it, BELIEVE it, and REST in His truth and faithfulness (see Lamentations 3:22-23; I Thessalonians 5:24). God's words WILL be fulfilled at the proper time (see Luke 1:20)!

For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

ElijahList Prophetic Resources

How To Claim And Wait Patiently In Rest For the Lord's Promises

Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will do it...Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently (or longingly) for Him...Psalm 37:5, 7

Resting may sometimes seem counterproductive. We can become distracted by "much service," like Martha, during the times Jesus wants us to rest in His presence and listen to Him (see Luke 10:38-42). Yes, it's important to confirm and follow God's directions to us, while also realizing it's up to Him to fulfill His words; we can't make them happen through our own effort or striving. God's grace and His acceptance of us enable us to rest in Him. And when we rest, it's often easier to hear from the Lord. When Elisha rested, he received a God-inspired idea and further direction for ministry (see 2 Kings 4:8-17).

Last summer I had a dream about studying a five-word phrase in the Bible. But the location of this phrase did not appear in the dream. I awoke and asked the Lord where to read, and heard,"Exodus 5." (Keep in mind that five prophetically represents God's grace. Here were two fives – Exodus chapter 5, and a five-word phrase.)

God met with usExodus 5 is the account of Moses and Aaron going to Pharaoh, and declaring that God said to release His people from bondage (see verse 1). Pharaoh was unimpressed, saying, "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go" (verse 2). Then Pharaoh added, "Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!" (verse 4).

He accused the Israelites of being lazy (see verses 8, 17), and gave the people an added burden of labor (see verses 9-19). The elders of Israel blamed Moses and Aaron for this injustice (see verses 20-21). Moses in turn complained to God (see verses 22-23). In Exodus 6, the Lord spoke again to Moses, reassuring him He was responsive to Israel's suffering and would keep His promise (see verse 5) to redeem them (see verse 6).

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons by Benjamin West)

The Lord drew me to Exodus 5:3. There I found the five-word phrase to study – Moses and Aaron said to Pharaoh, "God...has met with us."
• God – the Holy One, the King of all, the Creator of the universe.
• Has – God really did speak to Moses and Aaron; they were not imagining it.
• Met – The Lord met individually with both Moses (see Exodus 3; 4:1-17, 19-23) and Aaron (see Exodus 4:27), to communicate with them. God could have overwhelmed Moses and forced him to obey, but He chose to dialogue and give Moses grace.
• With – Jesus is our Emmanuel, God With Us (see Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah7:14).
• Us – God confirmed his words and plans not only to Moses, but also to Jethro, Moses' father-in-law (see Exodus 4:18); Aaron (see Exodus 4:27-28); the elders of Israel (see Exodus 3:16-18, 4:29-30); and the people (see Exodus 3:15, 4:30-31).
Soaking, Marinating In His Presence by Linda Harris-IorioAfter I pondered these five words, the Lord communicated to me: "I will come through in My time! I want you to be released and freed from your heavy labors. Satan and others may accuse you of being lazy, but I compel you to rest!"

Jesus invites us to come to Him and rest from our striving, our working to exhaustion (see Matthew 11:28-30). By His sacrifice and provision for our sin, we are freed from the law of sin and death (see Romans 8:2). He came to set us free (see John 8:32, 36) that we might have abundant life in Him (see John 10:10).

When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1), He walked in obedience to the Father. He fasted for forty days, and became hungry (see Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2). Satan tempted Jesus to make bread (see Matthew 4:3, Mark1:13; Luke 4:3); though hungry, Jesus did not sin. 

When God led Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness, His children complained and doubted Him. Still, he showed them grace and fed them "bread" (manna) every day (see Exodus 16:12-29, 35). Even after Israel habitually sinned and rebelled against God (see Numbers 13-14), He continued to feed and provide for them during forty years of desert wanderings (see Deuteronomy 8:2-4).
Jesus is our Bread of Life (see John 6:35, 48, 51), the provision for our need. 

He said that we don't live by bread alone, but by every word coming from God (see Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). The Law came through Moses, but grace and truth through Jesus Christ (see John 1:17).

So now is the time to claim God's promises to you!

In His grace,
Carol Kelley

Carol Kelley and her husband Dave are prophetic ministers, teaching prophecy classes and mentoring younger prophets. Their passion is to help others hear and recognize God's voice, and walk in His grace. Carol, a prophet, musician, teacher, and composer, has music published with Hal Leonard Corporation and Alfred Music Publishing. 

A sixth-generation Oregonian, she has a heart to intercede for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, as well as cities and nations. Dave moves in an apostolic and prophetic anointing to help God's people become empowered as conduits of financial blessing. He has 38 years of financial experience working in Christian organizations, currently as Chief Financial Officer at New Hope Christian College in Eugene, Oregon.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

Friday, February 28, 2014

A Picture Does Say… Now Think On This by Steve Martin


A Picture Does Say…
by Steve Martin

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 2-:5 ESV)

They say a picture tells a thousand words. Well, “they” is right.

I posted this photo of one corner of my home office on Facebook in February, 2014. Except for major family events, such as births and weddings, which we have had a few lately, it has gotten more “likes” and “shares” than any other photo I have placed on my FB wall.

The home office

I can understand why. People are looking for something good to believe in, to stand on, to support, in their knowing that what they believe is what they should believe, no matter what the surrounding culture says otherwise. Or is trying to push down their throat and into their minds.

People still believe in supporting Israel, the family, and the good things that God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has given to us to enjoy. Thus this photo touched the hearts of people, and they responded.

You and others may wonder, “What, where or why on earth did you get, and have, all that stuff?” Well, let me tell you, so that the thousand words in the photo become a little more understood.

If you take a little time (a good song title Amy Grant has used) to look at it as best you can in print, here are some of the thousand words you might read.

1.      The Jerusalem flag draped over one of my office chairs - it has the Lion of the Tribe of Judah symbol on it. It is the capital city of Israel, the Lord God of Israel’s eternal city, Yerushalayim in Hebrew. We believe in THE Lion of Judah – Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) – the Messiah of both Jew and Gentile believers.

2.      The Israeli national flag – the Star of David on a tallit (prayer shawl) – hanging in the window over the other curtains (so as not to have the sun fade it). We stand on the Scripture, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

3.      Many clocks are sitting on a shelf in the corner, while two are hung on the wall above. I have collected them over time. (pun intended!) The largest clock has the All Nations Church logo on it, which I had made while I was the Administrator there with Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda (1987-2000). 

      We are to make wise use of our time, for each one will give an account of how we spent the time we have been given here on this planet. How are you spending your time? Are you storing up treasures in heaven with it?

4.      The clock next to the All Nations Church one has the face of David Ben Gurion, who declared Israel’s independence as the Jewish nation in 1948 (though this Promised Land had been given by God to the Jews since the time of Abraham. Roughly 5000 years ago. Give or take an eternity.

5.      Abraham Lincoln’s portrait is on the wall in front of my Love For His People, Inc. office desk. Our American 16th President stood for the freedom of all people, and fought to see it happen. He also wanted to go to Israel before his death, but never made it.

6.      On the wooden oak, two drawer lateral file cabinet under the Israel flag is a NASCAR #24 Jeff Gordon lamp (south wall). On it sits a black hat I got at Masada in the Judean desert in Israel in 2010. The lettering on the cap says, “Masada”. Both Jeff and the Jews are winners.

7.      There are two shofars just behind the lamp. Intertwined on purpose. They represent the One New Man – Jew and Gentile coming together as the Bride of Yeshua, the Bride of Christ. Je is coming back the second time to receive His bride the Father has been preparing for Him. Soon and very soon.

8.      There is a laptop on the desk to the right. I actually have three laptops – one for the ministry work of Love For His People, one for my sole proprietorship small business called Martin Lighthouse Services, and the other for our personal home items. And all are loaded with photos, of course!

9.      On the right wall (which faces west in our home) are several 8” x 10” framed photos of our family over the years. Ones with our children (Josh, Ben, Hannah and Christen), our families on both sides, and special events of all.  The very top photo was taken over 36 years ago (at the time of this writing) on Oct.7, 1997, when Laurie and I became man and wife. Forever while here on earth.

10.  Below the family photos and above Abe’s head is a very large painting of a lighthouse out in the storm at night. Shining in the dark. I have always appreciated the continuing work of lighthouses, as they symbolize what we are to be in the nations. This particular painting is entitled “The Watchman”. That is what we are to be also. 

      You may also see that it has 4” x 6” pictures stuck in the frame on all four sides. I ran out of room on the office walls, and being I like to utilize every inch of space that I can, where I can, they ended up here. Just a few historical reminders of life moments.

11.  Also on the wooden file cabinet, where the NASCAR lamp resides, are Jewish books from Hebron, Judea, Israel where the Tomb of the Patriarchs is. There is a great little gift shop there where I have bought several leather bound Hebrew books – the Tanakh (Bible) and others. Along with the English Bible, they sit on this lateral file cabinet.

12. Two chairs. Two desks. Two lamps. Whatever it takes, right??!!

      In case you want to see more “thousands of words” in photos, I have added the other three corners and walls of the room. You can see those below.


Thanks for looking!

Now, what’s on your wall? (And more importantly, in your heart?)

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.
Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134
Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  
  
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

           Ahava Love Letters
           
Full website: Love For His People


Ahava Love Letter #126   “A Picture Does Say…”   Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.28.14) Friday at 3:33 am 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







      
AMEN!