"You Are Not Abnormal" - Message by Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

 

You Are Not Abnormal

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”1 Peter 2:9-10 The Message

There are times when we think we are the only ones experiencing a trial, a bad moment, a situation that no one else has had or has gone through before. 

You are not abnormal. We are often in spiritual warfare. Where do you think Satan and his demons always attack first? The marriage. The family. The mission. The Lord’s chosen ones, in Israel and throughout the nations.

The Word tells us, prophetically, that in these last days we will experience trials, tribulations, roadblocks, temptations, and ongoing attempts by our enemy to curtail us from completing the mission set before us. Our enemy is not brilliant, but he is not dumb either. He has had enough experience to know what will keep us from pressing on, if we fall to his schemes.

A well-known prophetic man once said, “There are the three things that will be set before you in temptations. Gold, glory, or girls.” He was right.

(Or as Scripture puts it, in 1 John 2:16, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."

It is supernaturally natural for those who are seeking to hear and obey the call of the Lord Jesus (Yeshua), as He leads us through His Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), to be opposed by the one who hates God the Father and all those who are His children, Jew and Gentile. And if he can’t get you in one area, he will use another. Or those close to you, who may be more vulnerable.

Is it no surprise then that we, Laurie and I, have been warned by those abiding in Israel and others who have gone before, to be “prayed up” with intercessors covering our backs, as we go forward into His call and purpose for Israel.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against ^[f]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:10-18, NASB

As you too face opposition in your own daily walk, call upon the Name of the Lord, and as I often say, and you can too, “My times are in Your hands.” Lead us and protect us, Lord.

We can thus press forward and complete the assignments He has given to each of us with faith and courage.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace),

Steve Martin

P.S. In less than three weeks Laurie and I head to Jerusalem, Israel for three months. Read all about it: Steve & Laurie - Time Coming for Jerusalem Volunteers. 

We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless Israel and His people in their Land.

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

Love For His People Ministry     P.O. Box 1113     Pineville, North Carolina 28134  USA

Message #17 in my series (2025): “You Are Not Abnormal" – Sept. 22, 2025

#YouAreNotAbnormal #MessagebySteveMartin #LoveForHisPeopleMinistry #Jesus #Yahweh #Yeshua #chosenbyGod #HolySpirit #RuachHaKodesh #spiritualwarfare #courage #helmetofsalvation #faith

 

Do Not Be Silent - Morris Ruddick

Posted on May 25, 2025

Do Not Be Silent

Despite Elijah fearing for his life at the cave … God instructed him to resume his assignment.

God’s command? GO!

It followed one of the boldest and most dramatic exploits of judgment performed at the hand of one of God’s servants.

Calling down the fire was only the prelude. Closely following was the execution and elimination of the wicked priests, whose vile practices were at the core of the spiritual seduction of Israel. Yet, despite the intense drama, the spiritual shift released was not complete.

This resumption of Elijah’s assignment is what needs to be seen when discerning the process/ the response to Israel’s October 7th Massacre and the Global Intifada that have erupted since that time. Despite the accomplishments in conducting a war on seven fronts, the shift is not yet complete.

There is more, proactively more being required as Jew and Gentile are mobilized on a grand-scale.

For all his protests in the cave, the Lord ignored Elijah’s desire for a safe place and sent him back ….. to put in place the follow-up to the removal of the prophets of Baal and Asherah after calling down the fire.

That command involved setting things up for the next generation. It began with: “And the LORD said to him, ‘Go, return to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.’” 1 Kings 19:15-16

Indeed, something viral is being released from the heart of God advancing the judgment that will transcend the generations. So Elijah went. He fulfilled that task … and went on to grapple with more immediate power skirmishes and judgments contained within his own time-line.

Strategically, that command from the cave contained the judgment that would decimate the deep roots of embedded, wicked leadership. It included Ahab falling at Ramoth-Gilead and Elisha serving as the final agent in the chain of those destroying the House of Ahab and worshippers of Baal.
”The one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death.” 1 Kings 19:17

The Eruption of Entrenched Entanglements
So, these entrenched trans-generational entanglements were targeted in the Lord’s command to Elijah at the cave. So will be the impact of words imparted by Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus and John the Revelator regarding the eruption of deep-rooted entanglements bearing on what manifested on October 7 and the more recent heartless murder of the two Israeli embassy staffers.

There is a distinct demarcation between God’s sacrifice in His love to woo the world and the separation of the sheep and the goat nations to judge the ingrained wickedness erupting globally. 

From the sharp command to Elijah at the cave to the sequel of backlash being experienced by Paul, came another command, pertinent to the response we now face with the seeming amassing eruptions of wickedness and clamor.
“Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent, for I am with you and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:10-11

The Response: Do Not Be Silent
Do not be silent …. for I have many people in this city. Do not be silent …. for many people will be awakened. Many will be mobilized.

Trans-generational judgment begins with the simplicity of obedience. Do not be silent. Wickedness must be called out for what it is. God’s judgments begin with a track record of cooperative efforts with His people.

That means embracing the standard of our identity in Him. Many years ago, my wife and I were in Minsk, Belarus for one of our workshops. The timing coincided with the sixtieth anniversary of the 1943 German slaughter of 4000 Jews from the Minsk ghetto.

In remembrance of this travesty, we were privileged ….. wearing yellow arm-bands as had the members of the ghetto …. as we marched across the city with the Jewish community.

As believers, we’ve reached a time …. a time of not being silent ….. a time of identifying with the Jewish community and Israel. Embracing the common ground of our spiritual heritage. Taking a stand against the wicked, perverse voices erupting in our cities. The wicked voices calling black white and white black. Voices of perversion proclaiming peace, peace …. despite the reality of the underlying death and destruction being promulgated.

Raising righteous voices to awaken the many people the Lord has in these places.

The Embedded Death-Cult
The setting today is not unlike the assignment the Lord entrusted to Elijah targeting the death-culture nurtured by Ahab and Jezebel …. and the Minsk ghetto slaughter …. and the death-cult that has been given voice globally in this hour …. penetrating seats of power. Isaiah took a stand and would not be silent, using his authority to strip back the voice of the death-cult penetrating the leadership seats-of-power in his day.
“Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.’” Isaiah 28:14-15

The Accounting
The back-story during the days of Elijah is about those whose blood had been shed because of their stand for the Lord. The Lord has always had an accounting for the manifestation that the death-cults have had on His people. It is no different today with the Messianic Jewish couple martyred for their identity in Washington on May 21st.

When conditions align with God’s people taking their identity-stand …. not being silent …. then as one, they can with authority resonate the cry of the Psalmist:
“Oh God, do not be silent and do not be still. For Your enemies make an uproar and those who hate You exalt themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people. They conspire together against Your treasured ones. They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out so that the name of Israel be remembered no more.’ They conspire together with one mind. Against You they make a covenant. O my God, make them like the whirling dust. Like the fire in the forest, so pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm. Fill their faces with dishonor that they may know that You alone, whose name is the Lord, are the most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:1-5, 13-18

The Courage Needed for Times of Change
Understanding the times, to know what to do. That’s the focus of SIGN. Prophetic forerunners with the courage to take a stand and push back from what overwhelms …. to pause sufficiently to catch the glimmers and in simplicity and obedience, do their part.
“For judgment I have come into the world, that those who do not see may see and those who see may be made blind. He who does not receive my words has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him.” John 9:39, 12:48

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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner of the Joseph-calling and God’s economy message, being an international voice for the higher dimensions of spiritual game-changers and intercessors since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation, the Strategic Intercession Global Network [SIGN] and designer of the God’s Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program and the Jewish Business Secrets YouTube series, Mr. Ruddick’s messages equip leaders and economic community builders with strategy where God’s light is dim in diverse regions around the globe.

He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” “Something More;” “Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;” “Leadership by Anointing;” and “Mantle of Fire,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to 3838 South Wabash Street, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at https://strategic-initiatives.org/donate/

2025 Copyright Morris Ruddick — info@strategic-initiatives.org

Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For more information go to https://strategic-initiatives.org

Man Pleasers Don’t Need Courage - Steve Martin

 

Man Pleasers Don’t Need Courage

 

“Therefore, brothers, just as you learned from us how you had to live in order to please God, and just as you are living this way now, we ask you — indeed, united with the Lord Yeshua, we urge you — to keep doing so more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Complete Jewish Bible

 

If you have ever been to China, which I am thankful for Derek Prince Ministries that my good wife Laurie and I did go in 2002, as we snuck in Mandarin Chinese Bibles and Derek’s Mandarin Chinese translated books, you will realize one thing.

Courage is not something you talk about. Courage is something you do.

For you English experts out there, I know that “courage” is a noun. Thank you, Sister Mary Matthew, for teaching me that subject in English while in 8th grade at St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. But in this case, I want to use it as a verb. An action word means to actually do something about something.

And to have courage, to “do” courage, you can’t be a man-pleaser.

High School for most of us was probably traumatic. In fact, now it begins in middle school, and even younger, when kids face opposition, ridicule, and meanness. Our grandsons and one sole granddaughter (Dylan Joy, a senior this year!) will most likely face that again, knowing this school year is about to start again for them here in North Carolina and Florida. Lord, protect them!

When I was in high school for the wonderful years of 1969-1973 at Columbus High School (Catholic) in Waterloo, Iowa, the Lord taught me one major lesson that I have used for my entire life.

If you are going to live for Him, you can’t be a man pleaser. And if the world is going one way, brother and sister, you can bet the Lord is going the other.

When kids wore the latest fashion to be “cool”, I never did.

When kids teased and ridiculed the “last one on the pecking pole”, I chose to be that one’s friend.

When talk at the school lunch table was of “what they did last Friday night with that girl” (yes, this was a Catholic high school), I did not participate.

No drinking for me. No carousing in the back seat. No disrespect to my parents and teachers.

Was I a “goody two shoes” as some would say? Or a “brown-nose” as was another common slur towards those who chose to do right?

No. The Lord had given me the courage to trust Him and let the others go their own way. I had already learned that you reap what you sow, and I could foresee what they would reap after all their “wild oats” sowing.

We have to at some point in our life choose to be “God-pleasers” and not seek the approval of men. They fade away. They die in their sin. But we who choose Him, and His ways will reap eternal life in heaven, while at the same time live a fruitful and victorious life while yet on this planet.

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve — and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God."

The people answered, "We'd never forsake God! Never! We'd never leave God to worship other gods.

"God is our God! He brought up our ancestors from Egypt and from slave conditions. He did all those great signs while we watched. He has kept his eye on us all along the roads we've traveled and among the nations we've passed through. Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land.

"Count us in: We too are going to worship God. He's our God." Joshua 24:15-18, THE MESSAGE

We need a whole lot of God pleasers today, men and women who will stand for righteousness, peace, and courageous enough to say something, write something, do something when it is necessary to do so.

A man pleaser doesn’t need courage. It is far too easy to not do anything about anything.

But you - have some courage! DO some courage today, in and around you.

Following Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is a hard road as we know it is at times. But when you keep focused on Him and His Word, it goes a whole lot better, along with the courage that He puts in your heart.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

 

“We must keep on keeping on.” Steve Martin, Love For His People

Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the Name of Jesus (Yeshua) Our regular communication to share the Love For His People with our friends. Blessings on ye head!

Nov. 20, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry. Rest for the weary cometh. I believe that (and like to practice my Old English every so often.) Be not weary with another email. This one is for you! “Keep On Keeping On” follows below. And check out the Elvis video from Jerusalem! Ahava and shalom. Happy Thanksgiving! Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry

Keep on Keeping On  “’He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.” Daniel 7:25, NASU  The Word of God speaks to us from times past to show us what was then, is now, and what is to come. Even as the enemy of our soul continually seeks to stand against those who side with the Living God of Israel, we are most aware of his motives and schemes. The enemy of our very being will always seek to tear down the saints, the believers; those who are called and commissioned to join the battle and stand on the ramparts. We are aware of his tactics and stand strong against him, together.  When I returned from my ahava (love) adventure to Israel on Nov. 12, 2022, I was a bit weary. No, in fact, I was just plain worn out. Having given all that I had to make full use of the three weeks I had been given for the days there, my body, soul, and spirit needed some rest. But with relatives coming in a few days; my good friend still in the hospital going on six weeks (the one who was to have joined me on this trip for his first one to Israel) there just seemed to be no time to rest, and then another close prophetic friend was moving out of state and needed some help; a concert trip to bless my son on his birthday was the same week…  All important, but at times the saying, “No rest for the weary,” holds true. Yeshua and the disciples knew the feeling, but they kept on keeping on. The days are short, and the night comes when no man can work. So we must keep on going.  “The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw them going and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running, and got there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke — like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.” Mark 6:30-34, THE MESSAGE “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5, NKJV  Many times I have silently prayed the prayer, “My times are in Your hands, and when I am weak then You are strong.” It has kept me going at times when I would rather sleep in bed.  We are living in those hours when it is fast approaching when no man will be able to work. So, we must be about our Father’s business when the day is light, and not give in to weariness and discouragement. Governments will keep trying to shut down our travel (the “planned-demic” had been in place for years beforehand, based on truth accounts) and stifle our means of earthly support; leaders will say they have our back when it is only theirs that they care about. How is it that so many “broke” men and women get into positions of power and then leave being millionaires after decades, or even just 8 years?  These are times when we must rely on the Lord’s strength, His grace, His power, and provision, to complete the works He has set before us to do. Only by Him working through us will we be able to complete the glorious tasks we have been given to do while here. The Lord did not let Moses in the promised Land due to the mishandling of his commission. We must press on in complete obedience so we can complete ours.  “At that same time, I begged God: “God, my Master, you let me in on the beginnings, you let me see your greatness, you let me see your might — what god in Heaven or Earth can do anything like what you’ve done! Please, let me in also on the endings, let me cross the river and see the good land over the Jordan, the lush hills, the Lebanon mountains.” Deuteronomy 3”23-25, THE MESSAGE  Fulfilling the mission set before us will only get done if we keep our eyes on Jesus, call on His Name in the midst of battle and war, and keep our faith and trust fully in His ability to finish His eternal plans and purposes, using us in those plans and purposes. We too set our hearts like flint, as He Himself did.  “For the Lord God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He who vindicates Me is near; who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other; who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me. Behold, the Lord God helps Me; who is he who condemns Me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them. Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:7-10, NASU  Carry on and do that which you too are to do. Get some rest as you can along the way.  Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin, Love For His People Founder  P.S. We would like to thank those who have supported Love For His People ministry in the past 12 years and continue to do so. We prayerfully ask you to consider supporting our mission to be Yeshua’s hands and feet to love on the Jewish people here in Israel. Even the smallest gift helps us to be the blessing we are called to be. See our ways of giving online or through checks and banking Zelle, all on our website Love For His People.   Message #165 in this series – in the year of our Lord 11.20.2022 – “Keep On Keeping On” – Sunday, 6:30 am in Charlotte, North Carolina

I did a bit of walking while in Israel this month. That may have added to the weariness, but it was still a joy to have walked in the Land where our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, walked all over! Come with me on this “Walk With Me” to go to the place where the Elvis American Cafe’ is, so I could add another annual mug to my collection. (I believe it makes it about 8 now.) Walk in the Land where the King did. (And where Elvis may have longed to also.) Look here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSvUg0T1rpA Shalom, Steve Martin

Have you bought my latest book yet? Click here: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO- Paperback, Kindle, and HARDBACK, for only $14.95!

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO by Steve Martin (published Nov. 14, 2022) On Nov. 11, 2022, as I awaited the shuttle to the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, I asked the Lord what the title of my 36th book should be. “Why We Do What We Do – We Live For the Lord” came the response from the Holy Spirit. So, I named it that.  The morning after I got home on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, I opened the November/December 2022 issue of Charisma Magazine which my good wife Laurie had been reading on the kitchen table. I skimmed through the pages and noticed an article by Rod Parsley entitled, “Seek the Father’s Face, Hear His Voice”. I had known of Rod and his ministry, but not a regular listener.  On page 57 of his article, the written paragraph header was, “His Voice in My Ear”. In the 4th paragraph, he wrote of the Lord asking Him this question, “Why do you do what you do?” Confirmation! Thus, I had heard the Lord also.  This book contains the five months of messages I shared with subscribers to my weekly email, and then posted on our website www.loveforhispeople.com and other social media platforms. For each of us to accomplish the Lord’s will, plans, and purposes for our individual lives we must know what we are to do and do it. We will then understand the “why we do what we do” question, as we walk out His ways.  Be inspired and encouraged as you read, either as a daily discipline or as a book with examples as to how to walk the Christian faith in your own life. And as you know the “why”, your courage, boldness, and firmer commitment to live for Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, will be evident to many. You may not even have to say a word.  I have also included the six messages I wrote from Jerusalem, between Oct. 24-Nov. 11, 2022 when I was there on my 26th journey to the Land. Since 2010 I have called these journeys “Ahava Adventures”. “Ahava” is love in Hebrew.  Blessings on ye head. Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin, Founder Love For His People Ministry Aug. 14, 2022 To purchase on Amazon: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO– Paperback $10.95 Hardback $14.95 E-book $2.95

SPECIAL NOTE: Our ministry’s mobile app is available for iPhones and Androids. This is a free app download. Look here: Love For His People free phone app  Love For His People Ministry. is a charitable, USA humanitarian ministry started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations, especially to and within Israel. 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.  Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards, Zelle, or PayPal Contribution checks can be sent to:  Love For His People Ministry P.O. Box 53  Pineville, NC 28134 Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) Please share this encouraging message with your friends.  Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  martinlighthouse@gmail.com  Full website: Love For His People Ministry  Facebook page: Steve Martin    Twitter: Martinlighthouse  Blog: Love For His People           YouTube: Steve Martin/Love For His People, Ahava Moments With You  You can sign up for my email messages: Love For His People. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: ministry newsletter  E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com