Choose Wisely - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Choose Wisely

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch.” (Proverbs 14:8, THE MESSAGE)

Have you ever gone down a wrong way, thinking at the time it was the right way, and end up somewhere you wish you hadn’t? Whether it be a road, a choice in life or a decision made hurriedly to avoid making another one, only to find out later it was just the wrong decision.

I have. And I have had to pay a price for it.

Sometimes it cost time. Other occasions it cost money. And then even at a more hurtful occurrence, it cost a relationship. Many times the wrong can’t be undone and you live with the pain and hurt for many years. Try as you might, there are repercussions to our actions that have to be walked out.

When I consider a lost relationship between friends, one that had taken years to build, I find myself trusting once again in the goodness of the Lord, after seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with them, ending with no positive results. Our times are in His hands, and we must trust that His restoration hopefully will come at some point.

There is one choice that many continue to decide to do, and that is to walk day by day without giving one’s life to the Lord’s plan and purpose for oneself. To me, that would be unthinkable. To go through this life choosing to do our own thing, without thought or consideration of having the Creator, the very One who created each of us, be unable to reveal His ultimate desire for our life because of our choosing not to let Him. To ignore His longing to give us the future and the hope promised to each, if only we freely choose to let Him in, would indeed be tragic. And yet many choose the unthinkable and do just that.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NKJV)

No one person, family or country can long seek their own way and reap the ultimate results of goodness without the love of God working through them. All around us we can see the lasting effects of those who have gone before us, choosing to live as one sang decades ago, “I did it my way.” And where did that get you?

Our lifelong choices not only affect our ending but decisions we make ripple down through those who follow behind us, possibly making the same mistakes as they too walk in our footsteps.

When I was in my late 20’s I heard a message from the pulpit, when the leader of the church gathering told us that choices we make today will have a long-lasting effect decades down the road. If we make the decision to go one way, even if just a slight turn off the correct path, ultimately we will possibly end up way off the mark, and the only way to get back on the right road would be to go back to that point and choose the right one. It is called repentance.

In my walk with the Lord, I considered this word quite often, and sought to have the Holy Spirit give me clarity and insight as to which road to choose each time I came to a fork in the road. Many times it wasn’t the easy choice, or the “multitudes” choice, but it was the Lord’s choice. To this day I can say I am very thankful for His guidance and direction He has certainly given.

My prayer is that today, when you are faced with a decision that will impact your life for years to come, that you will not depend on your own insights, your own feelings, or what is the “likely” choice, but that you will seek the roadmap the Lord already knows about and has laid out before you were born, and which we can know – through His Word and by receiving godly counsel from others. And then walk in faith no matter what the cost may be. It will affect not only your eternity but others around you.

We all have been given a free will, but we also have been given God’s Word, His Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of believers to help guide us.

Choose wisely.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

  

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

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Now Think On This #347 - in the year of our Lord 04.21.18 – “Choose Wisely”, Saturday, 9:45 am

UPDATED: LoveMovement - supplying international pastors with free teaching materials.

LoveMovement - supplying international pastors 

with free teaching materials.

July 21, 2017

Greetings my friends of Love For His People.

Recently the Lord gave me the desire to provide pastors in other nations with free teaching materials. Now that we have 15 books that I have written and published, we have some!

When I worked with Derek Prince Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 1990-1993 (and then again in Charlotte, North Carolina from 2001-2005 for a total of eight years), Derek had the International Director David Selby establish and manage an outreach of the ministry to supply pastors with his teaching materials. It was called "Global Outreach".

LoveMoevement will be based on that inspiration and provision. We will seek to give, free of charge, pastors needing good, solid Biblical teaching for their churches and small group gatherings. I believe we can be an instrument to meet a portion of that need.

Thus, being I really like logos, I am having my son Ben, who has a great gift in graphic art design and website creation, to come up with an image that portrays what this ministry outreach will accomplish.

And...being I love camels, what a way to show the supply train!

So, I would like to get your opinion and thoughts. Which of these three concepts do you like best? Or any other thoughts you might in love share.

If you see this on Facebook or Google+, speak now in the comment section. If on Twitter, send a tweet back. And if on this blog...comment at the bottom in the Comment section.

Thanks!

Ride 'em camel!!!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Option #1: Camel in fast motion.

Option #2: Camel with two boxes.

Option #3: Camel loaded with books.

Special note: I have my favorite, but want to know yours! Please let us know. 

Shalom! 

Steve

Below are the teaching materials we will be sending. 

Again, free of charge as you join with us with your generous contributions.

Please donate here on the Love For His People ministry site: I will help these pastors!

Shown above are the teaching materials we will be sending. 

Again, free of charge as you join with us with your generous contributions.

Please donate here on the Love For His People ministry site: I will help these pastors!

Shalom my friends!

Steve Martin

Updated July 21, 2017  8:05 pm EDT

And the winner is...

As the camel represents the ability to carry a heavy load, through desolate places, so too we pray the work of Love For His People's LOVEMOVEMENT will carry teaching materials, books, to pastors in the nations. 

We welcome and appreciate your support, either online through our website HERE or by the form of a check mailed to:

Love For His People

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

Thank you and shalom,

Steve Martin/Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Choices & Decisions We Make - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Choices & Decisions We Make

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  Joshua 24:15 NASU

Choices. We face them every day and must decide on which one. Go here, go there. Wear this or wear that. Say something or hold back. What decision will you make, given the choice you have?

You may remember words you have heard over the years, given by someone you trust, as a leader, and at the time you heard it, something clicked inside your brain, and your spirit. You then perked up and listened attentively to it. It was a word they spoke that seemed to stick with you for the rest of your life.

For me once such word was spoken at a church gathering in East Lansing, MI back around 1986. The founder of the church, Erik Krueger of Shiloh Fellowship (later changing its name to New Covenant Christian Church) was sharing at a Friday night gathering. A young man in his mid 30’s I believe at the time, Erik wanted to instruct us about an upcoming locational move the church was considering. I was at least 30, so that made him wiser than me. And so I listened.

At one point I distinctly heard him start to say something that I will always remember, as I know it got down into my spirit. He said something like this, “You will make choices today that will make a big difference as to where you end up later years down the road. Even a slight turn, or what seems to be a miniscule veer you take in the road today, will cause you to end up either one way or the other, for good or bad, way off down the road. Because of that decision you make, it will determine your destination years from now. So carefully make the right decisions.”

Making decisions shouldn’t be left up to what seems good at the time; what the general population is doing (I learned long ago that if the general public is going one way I am best off going the other. My life isn’t determined by the popular vote of the people); or how I can best determine my financial future if I leave this job and take another. It shouldn’t be based on my lone understanding, but on hearing the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listening to His quiet voice, and determining in my heart that His way is the best way.

Receiving the counsel of those who have taken similar paths, who themselves had chosen in their lives to hear and obey His Spirit, is wise also. Grounded on His Word and having the heart of Joshua to choose His ways before all else will lead us on. Determined to have this form of guidance is best done even before a decision is to be made.

Several times over the course of our 37 years of married life, my wife and I made decisions that caused us to make geographical moves. The Lord normally spoke to me first, as head of the household, on what usually would come a year later. Heeding His voice, in those times of prayer and Bible reading, while listening to the words spoken at church gatherings, helped us to hear Him speak, and further choose to walk in faith in His way. He would give confirming signs as we looked and listened, and trusted in His guiding hand.

So first from Illinois to Michigan, and then seven years later from the far north of the USA to the far south, Michigan to Florida, we followed. Looking back, thanks to the leading of the Holy Spirit, these were the right decisions. And then seven years later another decision was made, to move from Florida to North Carolina. Looking back 20 years later, it was another good decision. Trusting in His provision and blessing upon our family, as we served Him and His purposes, we experienced His faithfulness.

Recently I read another’s word on following after the Lord. I take it to heart, as seeking the Lord and knowing His will is my utmost desire. What other path is there to take, that will prove for eternity that His way is the best way? I know of no other. Faith we must have. Faith we must use. And keeping our eyes on Jesus will show us the way.

“There are many Biblical instances where choices were made to follow a God-given road less traveled; these righteous choices continue making all the difference for the good in the outcome of the destinies of many.

Saul of Tarsus, later named Paul, a Jew among Jews, was presented the choice of leaving his familiar environment of Judaism to minister in the unfamiliar world of Gentiles.

The Apostle Peter, an unlearned and uneducated fisherman, was called and sent down the road of unfamiliarity as an Apostle to the Jews.

Must I detail the unfathomable Godly difference in the kingdom of God today as a result of these two Apostles righteous choices to go the way of unfamiliarity?

Dangers along a Road of Familiarity: Familiarity Breeds Contempt

A known road is one in which travelers might very well grow to depend on familiar and past road signs instead of accepting the challenge of the need to be alert to new road signs. Does familiarity breed contempt? Contempt argues that "my" familiar way is the only way to successfully travel. Unfortunately this contempt for the signs given by an ever-present God in order to lead us down the less traveled road is rampant in the present day church. This contempt is called "religion".

God is much better served, not by our familiarity or experience from a well-traveled road, but from our familiarity with Him. God is able to guide us down the less traveled road!

The road chosen by God for us is one which Robert Frost says in his poem, “The Road Not Taken” (see below), is grassy and desires wear. Unfamiliar roads desire to be trodden down with steps of those willing to walk this way. I believe that only those who are willing to follow God down an unfamiliar path will as Frost said, "Make all the difference."   

Possible Characteristics of a Present Day Road Less Traveled

The unfamiliar road chosen by God for us needless to say could have an infinite number of characteristics. I am seeing that one of the unfamiliar characteristics of a road less worn could be in the area of a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. God is truth and desires truth in our inward parts.

I believe that the hand-me-down traditions which have for two thousand years nullified the truth and liberty desired for the church is being now challenged as never before. This path or road of revelation is a road less traveled and is now challenging the very heart of thought to be established doctrines; doctrines which for the most part aren't producing a true witness to the works given to us by our Father God. This present life changing unfamiliar revelation is nothing new but rather a rediscovery of the profound simplicity of the word of God. Rejoice and prepare to be shaken to the core. God recently told me to tell the body of Christ that there is presently a post script written on the heart of every believer. PS is an acronym for profoundly simple.

Also just as Joshua and the Apostle Paul were called geographically down an unfamiliar road less traveled so will many of us hear the voice of God calling us to other locations with which we are totally unfamiliar.

                                                                                      

May this poem and article challenge our heart unto consistent reexamination to see if we be on the faith road of unfamiliarity?

To those of us with a pioneering spirit this word is a glorious boost on to a road which will make "all the difference" to the world.” Gale Maiden, Fathers Heart Ministry, Moravian Falls, NC

Making a difference in this world, for which we have been placed in, will take faith, courage, and the willingness to seek God, trust in His leading, and do what He calls us to do. I know of no other reason to live life, except the one He has chosen.

By His grace and mercy working in and through you and I, we can and will accomplish His perfect plan in our lives, and effect the nations with the outcome.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, sorry I could not

travel both and be one traveler, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost

  

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 messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know 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 Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

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Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #145 “Choices and Decisions We Make” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (04.22.14) Tuesday at 5:00 am in Charlotte, NC.

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on our newest website: Now Think On This

Ahava Love Letter - “What Do You Want” (Steve Martin)

“What Do You Want” 

“Your word is a lamp for my foot and light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105 Complete Jewish Bible) 

“By Your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” (Psalm 119:105 THE MESSAGE)

Dear family of friends,

Our dog Zoe, a miniature Dachshund, will sometimes give me that look she does at times, which is a puzzling stare at me. My response often is, “What do you want?” as I smile at her. She will then tilt her head the other way as if to say, “You don’t know? Why not?”

I can only imagine what our Lord does when we ask Him the same question, “What do you want?” as we come to a place along the journey when we are uncertain as to the next step. Maybe He will respond back the same way, “You don’t know? Why not?” After walking with Him for many years, I guess we should know more than we let on. Or maybe we really do need further direction and don’t have that solid foundation in our spiritual building yet.

As the Scripture is written, His Word is a light to my feet. Whether King David or another wrote that centuries ago, it still holds true for us today. Guidance is given when we ask, and seek Him in His Word, which has been so carefully and diligently preserved for us since compiled through the hands of the Jews.

A daily reading of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) words will build up a reservoir in our hearts and our minds, so that when we do come to a crossroads on the path, or a possible turn that will be needed up ahead, we will have that internal map, along with the current inspiration of Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) guiding us along the way.

A major house purchase, a career changing decision, a relationship adjustment, or something as small as the need to know  what to make for dinner that night (don’t laugh, many of us ask that question every day!)…the Lord wants to be involved in our decision making. He is ready to guide us in the next step, if we but seek Him and ask.

A good Bible teacher, Bob Mumford, in 1973 wrote a now classic book on my book shelf called Take Another Look At Guidance (recommended reading). I agree with the description written about it, “What a blessing the wisdom he shared in it has been to me through the years of my walk with the Lord! It provides biblically based counsel about how to find and follow God's guiding path through life.” Bob basically says the written Word, the rhema (Greek for “now” ) word and surrounding circumstances are three guide posts needing to line up to receive that directive confirmation we so often need.

Daily choices we make today will later become pivotal points in where we end up next week, next month, or ten years down the road. Erik Krueger, founder of Shiloh Fellowship in East Lansing, Michigan (later becoming New Covenant Christian Church) once said in a meeting in the early 1980’s that a decision we make today could take us down the road 20 years from now where we may or may not want to be. I will always remember that word, as I took it to heart. It is that important to make the right decision.

We had better make our choices and decisions based on solid ground, as given in His Word, and not make them based on our own understanding. Again, He has given us a road map, along with the Holy Spirit, to guide us.

“What do you want?” is more easily answered if our walk with the Lord is based on daily communication with Him. Grow in that communication today. He has, and He IS, the answer to every question and need. Call on Him today, and He will answer you.

Ahava (love in Hebrew) to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.

Please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless Israel with our humanitarian ministry. 

Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: www.loveforhispeople.org/support

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. Box 414   Pineville, NC 28134

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

Be sure to get my two books The Promise (CreateSpace/Amazon 2013) and Ahava Love Letters (Xulon Press, 2013). Both available through Amazon.com and other website book stores. (Also by writing me!)

Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People    

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blog: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com  

Full website: www.loveforhispeople.org

YouTube: Steve Martin (loveforhispeopleinc)

Ahava Love Letter #75   “What Do You Want”  ©2013 Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2013 (09/013/13 Friday at 5:35 am in Charlotte, NC)

All previous editions of Ahava Love Letter can be found on this Blog:

 http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com   

Here are the last few:

The Hiding Place (#74)

Why Is A Gentile Like You Celebrating the Feasts of the Jews? (#73)

They Are Loved Too (#72)

Oskars Needed Again? (#71)

Little Orphan Chuckie (#70)

Demons & Fire Trucks (#69)

I Like Mike (#68)

Disappointed with Small Beginnings? (#67)

Rise Again (#66)

The Cities (#65)

How Can You Mend A Broken Heart (#64)

Anxious (#63)

Hidden (#62)

Get Back in the Boat (#61)