"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

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve & Laurie Martin

Israel January 2026

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Israel Photo of the Week: The camel likes me. (Steve Martin in the photo at Sea Level near the Dead Sea, Israel. November 2025) Top photo: The Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve and Laurie Martin (Elvis American Restaurant near Jerusalem, Israel, January 10, 2026) Feb 3, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings from cold-bound and snow-bound Carolina. With a record-setting 11"of snowfall or more during the weekend, followed by temperatures that bring out the long underwear, it tends to shut things down in this area. We are not like those up North. Or out West. Or the New England area. We are southerners. When I sought the Lord for a word, He actually gave me two. Literally. Feel free to seek them out, and you will be rewarded. Below please. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People in Charlotte, North Carolina P.S. My new book (click here: BACK TO JERUSALEM) is free this week for ebook download. Until midnight Feb. 5, 2026. And... you don't need a  Kindle to get it. Any computer works. 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 to respond positively or encouragingly, 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 read the Scriptures about the prodigal son in Luke 15 again, 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 My latest book, #1 on an Amazon bestseller list for a period of time, was published on Jan. 22, 2026. Back To Jerusalem Steve Martin (224 pages, 153 photos/images). Available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook. In the fall of 2025, 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 be 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 day of 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. 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 of the 28 chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them as they occurred. You will also see over 150 photos of Israel. 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 Buy now on Amazon. Hardcover $15.95, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.99, Audio Book $ 3.99. We are indeed grateful for your support, which we will continue to use for Steve's next trip back to Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. Visit our Website Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113 | Pineville, NC 28134 US

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Are you aware of the snakes in the grass? New from Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

July 23, 2025 Greetings to you once again. As you read this, we have been in Peru, Illinois, for a few days. Laurie's two sisters live here in north central Illinois, where she grew up. From here, we head to my home state of Iowa, where I visit my brother, Tom. He is the one Martin sibling who still lives in our homeland, of the eight of us. Yeah Tom! Our hope is then to travel to southeastern Minnesota, to Plainview. A "Martin Cousins Get Together" on my side of the family. My new message, "Snakes in the Grass", was inspired by the fact that two of my grandsons, Jack and Levi, walked the 4.2 miles of trails at the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve in western Charlotte (Mint Hill), North Carolina, last week. Truth needs to be told if we are to walk in the light of our Lord Jesus (Yeshua). I hope you are encouraged as you seek Him in all areas of your life. Stay cool! It's a hot one out there! Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People Ministry P.S. View the photos below and watch the new videos below. You can see all my videos on our YouTube channel, Love For His People/Steve Martin—over 2,900.

God's Creation Photo of the Week: This little fella, I call Henry, loves to gorge himself on our bird feeder seeds. He then even takes the corn Laurie puts out, just for him, and plants it in our yard. His harvest will be plentiful come this fall. (Photo: Steve Martin, July 2025) Israel Photo of the Week: Taking selfies to a new level. Jerusalem girls on Jaffa Street (Steve Martin photo, May 2016) Snakes in the Grass     ““Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping!” Proverbs 22:10, The Message When I saw the black snake sneaking through the underbrush along the trail my two grandsons and I were walking on, I was immediately drawn to a subject by the attention of the Holy Spirit. This could be a message one should consider more fully in writing about. The words contention and strife came to mind, moving as snakes in the grass. In 1990, a popular book was circulating among those involved in the deliverance ministry. It was written by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, titled "Pigs in the Parlor." Those confronting the evils that existed then, and still do even to a fuller extent, found this book to be very practical and instructive. It was a necessary tool in bringing freedom to those bound by satanic forces. In many ways, Christians limit the acknowledgment of evil activity, along with the subtle forms of its expressions, to the “deep dark jungles of Africa”, believing it does not exist in our modern, exalted Western societies. Oh really? Everything that affects the natural, spiritual, and physical mind and body is just a result of a lack of job opportunity, low levels of education, and/or dismissal of mental health, so that drugs cease to have any effect, in a positive way? The Holy Spirit spoke to me to address an issue that I have noticed more frequently in our midst. It is the contentious spirit, the one that seeks to bring continual strife among families, neighbors, communities, and nations. We know that the devil, Satan himself, goes about seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. Scripture also says of him, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Contention in a home can be evidence of a spiritual presence that is not of the Holy Spirit. Strife, arguments, and ongoing conflicts can certainly point to the work of the enemy, who is trying to inflict his wrath on those he hates. He especially goes after all who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, Christ the Messiah. Bring them down, and his mission is successful. As the world grows darker, the Lord promises to shine His light on the activities of our enemies. We are witnessing it in many areas of government, education, and world events. Allowing it to shine down to a more personal level in our homes, bringing peace and harmony by driving out the works of the enemy, further enhances the shalom of the Living God of Israel. Consider this matter more closely and do not dismiss it as just everyday life that you have to live with. We can and must change our cultures, beginning in our homes, by the grace and love supplied by the Lord Himself. We all can have more of life in the Lord. Live it more fully in freedom and within His expression of love. (For further study on the subject of demons, Satanic activity, and the deliverance ministry, I recommend two more books. One of my favorites on the subject of deliverance is Don Basham’s Deliver US From Evil. Derek Prince, whom I consider the best Bible teacher I have known, also gave strong, biblical teaching on the subject of spiritual warfare in his messages. For a complete look at Derek’s full library on spiritual warfare, check here: Derek Prince Ministries USA. Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin   We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless Israel and His people in their Land. In addition, we are indeed grateful for your support, as it costs this ministry to send these messages each week. For example, Love For His People’s Constant Contact subscription is $45/month alone. We also have no paid staff to prepare them, but it does cost. To continue sending these weekly messages, I need your help. Thank you. 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 uses. 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 OLD PHOTOS AND NEW VIDEOS! First photo: Subra ancestor farm home (Steve Martin's maternal side) in southeast Minnesota, 1954 (Subra/Martin home archives). My mom had eight siblings in her family. Second photo: Subra family reunion 1962 in southern Minnesota (Lila Mae Subra Martin) Summer reminds me of times on the farm with uncles, aunts, and cousins at reunions.

Historic Jewish synagogue in Savannah, Georgia - Walk With Me, Steve Martin. We take the tour! The third oldest synagogue in the USA. Congregation Mikve Israel Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Music video: Nov 20, 2022 MercyMe full concert! - "Word of God Speak/Then Christ Came" in Greenville, SC 11.18.22 Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

As in many of Steve's previous books, he continues to share experiences and inspiration in being faithful in the Christian walk - hearing the voice of the Lord, knowing His written Word, adhering to the teachings of those who have gone before - in order to stand strong in the midst of societal changes with the truth of the Lord Jesus, Yeshua. As you read these chapters, may the Lord's encouragement through His Holy Spirit strengthen your inner being to walk out the calling He has on your life, among your family, and others surrounding you. Being faithful to the end is possible only because of His grace and mercy working through us daily. Buy now on Amazon HB $14.95, PB $9.95, Kindle $2.99

We certainly are grateful for your support, as it costs us to send these messages each week. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE.

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Love For His People Ministry | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd | Pineville, NC 28134 US #Areyouaware #snakesinthegrass #snakes #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #strife #contentions #spirits #Jerusalem #Israel, #Jesus, #Yeshua #LilaMaeSubra #LilaMaeMartin #reunions