2 more to go!

2 more to go!

Oct. 29, 2017
3 pm Sunday afternoon
Charlotte, North Carolina
USA

Greetings to all ye who have been following this countdown to my retirement, with these daily entries. The upcoming last two days are finally here!

On Tuesday, October 31, I am leaving the final "marketplace" employment for me, as it is known in some circles, while others may refer to it simply as secular employment. Overall it has been an interesting grand total of 52 years in workplaces.

As I walk along this memory lane, let me put those places in chronological order - for my sake and that of my family, especially! I hope you will join me for a few moments now, as I have recorded the people, places, and positions that have come and gone.

My first job? Delivering the daily newspaper Waterloo Courier, back in my hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa. That mid-size town is located north of Cedar Rapids, west of Dubuque, south of the Minnesota state line, and northeast of the state capital Des Moines. I was in 6th grade, probably about 11 years old back then. The state of Iowa had a lot of pig lots, six-foot-high seed corn fields, and committed Iowans, either to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes or the Iowa State Cyclones. (Notice who I placed first!) As for me, I worked hard to increase my route delivery count from 15 to 63, and won a Sony cassette player one year for my grand efforts.

In 8th grade, after turning the legal age of 13, I got hired and joined the other high school boys at Rollinger's, a chicken and burger joint. Famous for the orange shake, as owner Russ Rollinger said it was, I liked working there. Russ and his father Lou claimed they had the original creative concept for the Big Mac burger sandwich, which he had called the "High Boy." On this job I got a whopping $1.10 an hour by the time I left two years later. I made sure I had a big wallet to carry all that cold hard cash around! (Photo: Russ Rollinger. Died Sept. 2013)

By the late summer/early fall of my senior year in 1972 at Columbus High School, I left football in the middle of the season to get hired on at Eagles, part of the Lucky Grocery chain organization. But the 3rd shift proved too much, and after a few years it was time for a day job. I settled in at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls - scrubbing floors, collecting garbage, and being befriended by the UNI (University of Northern Iowa) star football running back. It was his day job also. And I only got reprimanded two times for putting Chic Tracs (cartoon booklets with the Gospel message) on the hospital staff's lunchroom table.

A move to LaSalle-Peru, Illinois in 1974, after the high school graduation and a somewhat complete year at UNI, put me in the English Muffin Restaurant working alongside my older brother-in-law David Johnson and sister Mary Smith. Then it was the management at Kerr-McGee Treated Lumber Yard in Mendota, working together with church friends Kevin Grafton and Kelly Haas, also of LaSalle.

In 1980 several church/community families of Victory Church, which we all were members of, moved to East Lansing, Michigan. Noelle Clark, co-owner of the Canon office machine dealer companyHasselbring-Clark, along with her husband Ellis, hired this "cult member", as previously some thought it was, due to my involvement with Shiloh Fellowship, for their Office Manager position.

In the seven years to the "exact day" I worked there (Aug. 23, 1980-Aug. 22, 1987), I believe I had either hired directly, or was responsible for getting hired, at least eight more "cult members" - because my recommendations of these Christian workers proved to be accurate. (Photo: Hasselbring-Clark Company 1985)

It was then into the ministry of the Christian non-profits I went. This was my life-long dream, and heart of my life, as I approached the age of 33. Almost like Jesus did, except a few years later.

Beginning in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this part of the journey began with three years as the Financial Supervisor at Derek Prince Ministries, followed by four years at Mahesh Chavda Ministries, both in the south Florida city. I served with MCM as the Administrator. In July of 1994 the ministry relocated here to Charlotte, North Carolina, where we also established All Nations Church. I held that position for both the ministry and the church as Administrator until the end of 2000, when I went back to Derek Prince Ministries. They had also relocated to Charlotte between 1993-1994, and so from 2001-2005, for another five years, I once again served as the Director of Administration and Finance.

Sounds like a resume, right? The Lord had been faithful in all those years, keeping us close to His heart and my family through it all. I bless my good wife Laurie and children Josh, Ben, Hannah and Christen for walking this adventure together.

When the International Director of Derek Prince Ministries, David Selby, was approached by Barry Segal, co-founder of Vision For Israel and the Joseph Storehouse, in late 2004 to head up VFI's USA office as the Director, the six-month transition from one to the other took place. (Photo top: Vision For Israel staff, 2010. Bottom: Derek Prince Ministries 2004)

By July 1, 2005, I was then full time with Barry and Batya Segal, the ministry co-founders, and was responsible for moving the USA office from Savannah, Georgia here to Charlotte. This 700 church city on the NC/SC border was certainly continuing to be a landing hub for ministries!

In the spring of 2010 the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) gave me the desire of my heart once again - to begin our own ministry. Having served within the vineyards of several others for the previous 24 years, He had planned and purposed for me to start Love For His People. And thus I left VFI on June 30, 2010 to give my full attention to this work - supporting Israel and the Jews, while also sending humanitarian aid, along with biblical teaching using social media, to the nations. Others have now come alongside us over these seven years, joining in this work.

But as with most, those newborn and early years, and then walking on two feet, took awhile. The home mortgage, car payments, and daily life had to be provided. The $70,000 a year salary I had been earning dropped to $11,000 for that first year.

The income from the new ministry didn't quite do it, so it was back to work for me in the office realm with other companies and ministries. Seasonal and part-time jobs with Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham), Covenant Keepers (Rex and Carolyn Johnson), and the Charlotte Rescue Mission (Chris Moore) followed.

Finally, I was hired on at Charlotte Center City Partner in May of 2013, as the Accountant. First as a contractor for eight months, and then as a full-time staff member for these final four and a half years. The office is located right there in thriving uptown Charlotte.

And so here I am! Retirement occurs just in time for my 63rd birthday on Thanksgiving Day! And I am so thankful Lord!

I hope I didn't bore you with all this long employment history. But if you made it this far in reading, then you did good, and I appreciate your sticking it through with me.

We each have a history to share and should have a testimony with it, in order to declare the Lord Jesus' great work in our life. Your life hopefully shows His faithfulness too and acts as an encouragement to those who watch and maybe even follow after, that which we have lived. I hope you have those who have or will do that, in your walk with the Lord.

So now I will be able to give my full attention to the work of Love For His People, Inc. With at least 10 or more good years to walk out, Lord willing, I already highly suspect the Lord has an expansion coming, extending these tent pegs of the ministry, in His playbook. For that, I am most excited!

Be encouraged as you continue on in your walk with our Lord. Do well in blessing others as you also seek the Lord, knowing, and daily reassured, that the plans He has for you are well and good.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People

Charlotte, North Carolina

USA

If you missed day 3, click here: 3 more days until the end
If you missed day 4, click here: 4 days to go...
There is also Day 5. Click here: 5 more to go... 
and Day 6. Click here:  6 more days...

From the Editor (Steve Martin, Love For His People Founder):

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 and co-workers such as Hadassah's in Israel, Moses Julius in Pakistan and Pastor Abel in Nigeria, whom we each consistently help monthly through our 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 this with your friends on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and LinkedIn.  We appreciate your help.

Got A “D” On My Review - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Got A “D” On My Review

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the needy.” (Proverbs 31:9, Complete Jewish Bible)

It certainly wasn’t the best of weeks. My wife and I spent a lot of time sitting in the hospital as one son went through two surgeries, for internal bleeding and fractured vertebrae, after a horrific car accident. That in itself wore us out. (You can read more in my message, The What Ifs).

And then after the postponement four times in much the same time period, my mid-year work review finally happened. I had had some concerns going into it, and had hoped it would just get over.

I normally am not concerned about the regular six month review process. Having been a good employee for much of my life, I generally got high marks, and was considered a valuable worker. But this time I wasn’t so sure, as I was aware of a few mistakes in my accounting job I had made in the last six months. The world hadn’t come to an end over them, nor would it, but being my boss is very good at catching, and pointing out, every error made on my part, I had some trepidation what would be said and written.

And there it was. On the 2^nd page of the three page printed document, was a “D” in one area. I can’t ever remember getting a “D” in my life. I was almost always a straight “A” student throughout my educational years, and it regularly showed on other job reviews these many decades. But I had never imagined I would get a “D” on a work review.

The two mistakes pointed out were easily fixable, and had been already. And they hadn’t cost the company money either. But in their opinion, I needed to again be reminded of them (having happened a few months ago) and it would be noted on this permanent review.

After the half hour was over, I signed the paper and left their office, not quite on the happy note I usually experienced. I do take “pride” in doing a good job, and want to excel in my position for the company’s sake. But this set me back emotionally. Throughout the night it would not leave my mind.

The next day in our daily office meeting, after going over current accounting work, I brought it up to my boss. I said I had never received a “D” in my life, and pointed out that these two mistakes did not warrant that low grade. I had other objections to share, which I did, and awaited the response. The “D” was changed to a “C” on the review.

My boss afterward said they were questioning why I hadn’t said anything during the review the day before, and also said it was the COO who was the one who had made my boss change it from the original “C” to the “D” in this category. But she was willing to change it back, and didn’t want me to feel that my work was on a “D” level. (My overall review was 3.7 out of 5. I was also told that the company policy had changed, dropping everyone basically a full point on their reviews. Now it would be rare if anyone would get a 5 (“A”) anymore in any category, as no one was thought able to reach perfection. How encouraging is that?! On my previous year-end review I had gotten a 4.6 out of 5.)

I don’t have any big spiritual advice or wisdom to share with you at this point. Just maybe the Lord wanted me to say something that in this matter seemed unjust. Certainly there are far more greater situations happening in the world that are of far more of concern that this, like speaking for the unborn or those who are continually mistreated and misjudged. Of those important concerns I will certainly keep speaking up.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, Hungary, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

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.

Click 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 

Blogs: Love For His People,   Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This - In the Year of our Lord 02.12.17 - #275 –“Got A “D” On My Review” – Sunday 2:30 pm

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

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Guidance - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Guidance

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 3-:21 NASU

We all need guidance in our life. The Lord promises to give it to us, if we ask Him.

While some would choose to just keep walking in the way that seems right to them, the Lord says that if we seek Him, He will show us the right way. Whether that would be a decision we need to make in marriage, buying a home, making a job change, or knowing what to do with one we ourselves are giving care to, the Lord has promised that He has the answer if we but ask. We can receive wisdom from the Lord.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 NASU

Over the many years I have walked with the Lord, there are several ways He has given me to help in my decision making, and to know if the answer is His will or not. I would like to share them with you, as you seek Him for guidance.

1.      Daily reading of God’s Word will bring guidance. There are many directives in His Word that we can already know what His will is, as they have been given as our daily life’s road map. With these already written down for us in His Word, He has already spoken what is truth. We can base our decisions on those standards, and not the world’s ways. At other times the Holy Spirit will have a verse or two “jump out at you” while reading, quickening your spirit, to give you an answer to your question.

2.      If the Lord has already blessed you with a mate (a wife in my situation), ask them to pray along with you concerning the situation. Discernment given to them can be an affirmation to what the Lord would speak to you. A pastor or close friend can also pray and ask the Lord for a word for you, as long as you don’t trust solely in them, but the Holy Spirit’s word. There is wisdom in the counsel of many.

3.      A prophetic word has often been an encouragement to me when received. Given by one who has the gift of prophecy has been very helpful, as the Lord will use them to bring enlightenment. If you know someone who has the gift of prophecy, ask them to seek the Lord on your behalf. Be mindful that you will always need discernment in receiving any word given by another, so as not to just go by what another would say. A word received is just another piece of the puzzle to consider.

4.      Circumstances do play a role in discerning the will of the Lord. Something may happen that seems to come “out of the blue”, or “it just happens”. Consider that the Lord is using that circumstance to bring further guidance. At times circumstances can also occur that will keep you from going a certain way. The Lord is known to use those in directing your path.

5.      The Holy Spirit can speak a word to you quietly in your thoughts. That sense of “Where did that come from?” thought may very well be the Holy Spirit nudging you, sharing with you a message in regards to the situation. It may just be a simple word, but that word can very well be just what you need. He may also use a dream or vision to guide you. Don’t dismiss those thoughts, but ponder them for further confirmation. Write them down so you don’t forget them. The fulfillment of that dream or other supernatural method of bringing you a directive may occur later,

6.      The timing of the Lord is vital to making the right decision. He is not in a hurry to just lay out His will for you, giving you all the steps at once. He delights when you take the proper time to seek Him. Often He will give you one step at a time. If He delays in giving you an answer (or what we many times deem as a delay), know that it is because He is lining up other situations that may have to come about before your time is now.

7.      Once you believe you have received the answer, have confidence in Him and make the move. Carry out what He has told you in obedience. Faith is always necessary when walking in the right way. Do not let the enemy bring doubt or try to make you second guess what you believe is right. The peace of the Lord should be with and in your spirit.

Though the enemy may try to bring confusion and double-mindedness along the way, the peace of the Lord will be present if you have made the right decision. As one teacher would say, “You know in your knower” that the decision you made is the one from the Lord. Carrying out that decision may take you on a rough road, but it will be the right road to take. There are many examples of taking the right road, even when the journey will not be so pleasant. Jesus’ crucifixion is a prime example.

Many good books have been written by trusted authors/teachers on how to seek the Lord’s guidance. One of the best ones I ever read, simple but very instructive, was by Bible teacher Bob Mumford in the 1970’s It is called “Take Another Look At Guidance.” The 20^th year edition was printed again by Lifechangers in 1993, and can be found on Amazon.com.

Another highly recommended Bible teacher is Derek Prince, who has several spoken and written words on guidance. His material can be found at www.derekprince.com, or www.derekprince.org.

I myself have published two books that are helpful in learning to walk in the Lord’s guidance. One is entitled The Promise – One Man’s Journey To See God’s Word Revealed. I share my life’s journey and how the Lord led me. It can be purchased at Amazon.com. Look here.

Another one is Prophetic Stories: Signs Along The Way. I share several chapters on how the Lord gave me words and dreams that gave guidance to myself and others. Look here.

The Lord Jesus does not want us to just let “whatever will be will be” for us. He wants to continually have His Holy Spirit give us instruction on how to walk in the way, and which way that is. Whether in making a life changing decision or one that seems too little to bother Him with, He has given us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. He is always there for us. (John 14:26)

It is a journey of faith as we walk with the Lord. We must continually seek the Lord for His will and way, trusting that our times are in His hands, and that He wants the best for us and those we live amongst. As you learn to seek Him in all your ways, He will bless you with goodness.

Now think on this,

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 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.

Click 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 

Blogs: Love For His People,   Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #172 “Guidance” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (05.31.15) Sunday at 8:30 am in Charlotte, NC

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

Leadership Through Love - Steve Martin (New Book in 2014)

 

Every person serving with a ministry, church, business or in the home has gifts from the Lord to use in that service. If we understand what our gifts are, we can best contribute in the needed work.

I dedicate this book to each of you who are giving yourself in love for His purposes. In this you will find fulfillment and joy, as you serve your fellow man. This indeed pleases our Lord. 

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

A Few Endorsements

Wow! What a great practical book for administration. I have watched Steve oversee several ministries. I know of no better administrator than my friend, Steve Martin. I highly recommend that you read this book.

Dr. Peter Wyns, President, Christians for Messiah Ministries and Pastor of Antioch International Church. Grandson of Derek Prince.

In a rough and tumble world marred by the superficial and the phony, where nothing can be counted on, Steve Martin maps out a straight-line path for Christian organizations. In reality, it's a book on how to steward the factors that too often get side-tracked when navigating a significant call of God. 

It's a down-to-earth manual of wisdom needed to enable Christian organizations to keep their eye on the big picture, while building a firm foundation to enable it to happen. Steve writes from the stance of one who has served in key administrative roles in a number of key ministries. Every ministry head and administrator will profit from this straight forward operating wisdom.

Morris Ruddick
Entrepreneur, Author, Minister, Consultant and Business Coach


Steve - I read your excellent book! I want to share this: I've known Steve now for several years. He's a man of faith and a man of action! Both are desired in true men of God. Steve is a manager - management is something he knows and can help you with. His future may be in ever-expanding ways, but he can help you manage. Read this book intently - honor the Lord by letting it wash over you and help you become the Manager that God intends you to be. And Steve, thanks for the book - thanks for your honesty and openness! Amen and blessing!”

Robbie Phillips, Founder, Present Word Ministries, Columbia, SC


Every now and then you have the privilege to get to know someone whose character and life radiate honesty, sincerity, loyalty and Christian love. Steve Martin is that type of person. I first met Steve at a Messianic conference in Charlotte, NC, in 2007. One of the things I quickly noticed about Steve was how "approachable" he was. 

Even though he was the US Director of an international ministry, he still had time to talk with people at the conference and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping to bring about a network of Believers, as well as area groups and churches, for the purpose of serving the Lord more effectively. As the years have passed I've come to realize just how deep Steve's roots of love and service for the Lord are.

It has been exciting to walk with Steve as he's "stepped out of the boat" and moved ahead with the vision the Lord gave him for LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE - a ministry that helps connect Believers around the world with the people of Israel. He is a husband, father and grandfather. 

Steve, and his wife Laurie, serve as leaders of the Ahava Love Band, a group of singers and musicians who provide praise and worship at area assemblies. Whether you call him Messianic, a part of the "one new man", or a "Jewish Rooter", if there's anyone who knows how to demonstrate "Leadership Through Love", it's Steve Martin.

Curtis Loftin, Founder, Beit Yeshua Lincolnton, NC


Just finished reading Steve Martin’s new book, “Leadership Through Love” - Steve’s heart of goodness and faithfulness to His God shines on every page. Of great importance is the practical hands-on wisdom that comes from actually leading through love, giving integrity to the words that are written. Steve’s sense of humor always kind of sneaks up on me, and I found myself chuckling so many times at his stories and honest, from-the-heart insights! 

 It is the mandate of all of us who follow the One called Faithful and True to complete the work that our Father has given us, and Steve’s book will shine the light on how to do just that, whether you are an administrator or leader in the secular marketplace or in volunteer or paid ministry positions. Loving leadership – a high calling – Steve’s done it, and it shows in this book!

Cathy Hargett, Founder/Director, Highway to Zion Ministries


Reading Steve Martin’s new book ‘Leadership through Love’ led me to a tear and a quick repentance. How often we can overlook the journey for the objective - what we do as opposed to who we are. Steve uses his life testimony to shine light on the importance of loving relationship in the workplace. It is good to be reminded of that, in spite of our great visions. The higher we climb in the Kingdom the greater the responsibility and the more numerous the people we need to serve and love. I thoroughly recommend this book to all in business and ministry. Thank you Steve for reminding me to love the people I work with.

Martin Powell, Kingdom Talents, Owner

I had the pleasure of working on an almost daily basis with Steve Martin for many years while he served several Christian ministries. While Steve had the control of whether we worked together, he always made me feel we were working as a team with a common reward in serving God. He enjoyed my family as I did his. He is intelligent, thoughtful, patient to the extent he could be, a good listener, open to new ideas, joyful and passionate about serving the Lord. The projects may be over long ago but not the bond we hold to this day.

George Payne Write Hand Publishing Andalusia, Alabama


Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed it and thought it had some really great insights. I wish I had this back in my "corporate" days. You are a good writer too. In a world filled with an ever increasing list of ‘how to’ books, Steve Martin has provided one which clearly sets itself apart from the rest. He presents a concise look at the art/science of management and leadership based not on academia but on real life experiences founded on God’s Word and powered by the Holy Spirit. 

Based on his vast personal experiences in leadership, reinforced by insights received from others, Steve provides truly practical instruction in how to lead and manage an effective organization whether it consists of one or one thousand people. If you are a manager, leader, or hope to one day become one, this book is a must read.

Dr. Richard E. Tompkins, President, Explore Truth Ministries. SC


My third book is coming in February 2014. 

Hope you get it! 

Steve Martin