Family by Steve Martin

 

The Martin Family - from Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina

Family

"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27, NAS

Sitting on the back porch of my brother Tom Martin’s house in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as the sun rises in the east, brings back memories of our days growing up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, just north up the road on Hwy. 218 an hour or so

Tom and I, along with our little brother Rob, had five sisters between us. Sue, Mary, Colleen, Janet, and Lynn completed the sibling count of eight. Dad and Mom raised a good Catholic family during the 1950s and 1960s.

Family and the memories they bring can be a solid foundation for each of us. Though some are happy to get on with life, leaving their childhood years behind with all the trauma and conflict that went with it, the Lord desires His children to be raised in a good family, with a loving Dad and Mom in the home, and children that honor, respect, and cherish their parents, brothers and sisters.

"Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Ephesians 6:2-3, The Message

I could speak on the problems destroying family life today, as there are many, but I choose to consider the blessings that do come when men and women have families, seeking to follow the Lord and His ways.

There are good families in our society these days. There are those who have committed themselves to know the Lord Jesus (Yeshua) and walk in His ways, as He intended.

The man and woman who come together, in godly marriage as set by the Creator, will in turn give themselves, in sacrifice, to have children, with the full intent of raising them to know and fear the Lord.

They will seek to forgo worldly pleasures, to lay down their needs and wants for the sake of the ones the Lord has given into their care.

These men and women believe that children are a blessing from God. They “go without”, as my parents did, to give more to the boys and girls they have in their care, so they too learn the purpose of family and the love it expresses from the Father’s heart.

A society with strong families has the strength to resist ungodly principles, withstand attacks from unruly individuals, and the fortitude to stand firm when forces rise against them from all sides.

I am always encouraged when I see young Israeli families walking the streets of Jerusalem, carriages being pushed by fathers, mothers walking alongside in their place of dignity, honor, and love for all.

This is the intent of our heavenly Father, who looks down with pleasure and enjoyment Himself on those who choose to walk in His plans and purposes.

For those of us in our later years, we can encourage the younger generations to have families, as the Lord purposed. To live for others whom He would place in their care. To reveal His heart to the nations, through the prime example of godly families.

I also want to thank you, who are now grandparents, for the tremendous sacrifices you made years ago, giving of yourselves for your children, and who now enjoy the fruit of your labor as your grandchildren rise up among you.

“Well done, good and faithful servants!”

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. 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, please use it. DONATE HERE.

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Love For His People Ministry 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, North Carolina, USA

Message #9 in my new series (2025): "Family" July 27, 2025

#Family #SteveMartin #newmessage #parents #children #generations

"The Lord gives us family." New from Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

July 30, 2025 Greetings to you once again. Nine days on the road. Nine states. Only 40 hours of driving. I am done for a while. North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and back home completed the circuit, visiting family and friends. Though tiring, with driving on interstates, backroads, and navigating highway construction, it makes for a long trip. But you know? You do that for family. Since Laurie and I are from the Midwest (Illinois and Minnesota/Iowa, respectively), it takes a drive to get back home. This summer, we did it again, after two years. My new message is entitled "Family", which God the Father wants us all to experience. He is the Author of family, with His Son and Holy Spirit showing the way, through His Word. Please take a moment to read. As usual, new photos and videos are included. I like to share the good things in life, as a way to show the Father's heart for each of us. 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 and growing.

God's Creation Photo of the Week: In August of 2013, while on my lunch break in uptown Charlotte, I found this little fella on the ground under a big oak tree. He had fallen out, but seemed to still be alive. I took him back to my office desk, got a bowl, and tried to give him water. (Trying not to let my boss know...) After work, I took Chuckie (the name I gave him) to the animal shelter. I never did know if he survived. (Steve Martin photo 08.21.13) Israel Photo of the Week: Rabbi Kokeb Gedamu, with his wife Menalu, observes the full St. Peter's fish (talapia) placed in front of him. Alongside the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. (Photo by April 3, 2022) Family “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27, NAS Sitting on the back porch of my brother Tom Martin’s house in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as the sun rises in the east, brings back memories of our days growing up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, just north up the road on Hwy. 218 an hour or so. Tom and I, along with our little brother Rob, had five sisters between us. Sue, Mary, Colleen, Janet, and Lynn completed the sibling count of eight. Dad and Mom raised a good Catholic family during the 1950s and 1960s. Family and the memories they bring can be a solid foundation for each of us. Though some are happy to get on with life, leaving their childhood years behind with all the trauma and conflict that went with it, the Lord desires His children to be raised in a good family, with a loving Dad and Mom in the home, and children that honor, respect, and cherish their parents, brothers and sisters. "Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Ephesians 6:2-3, The Message I could speak on the problems destroying family life today, as there are many, but I choose to consider the blessings that do come when men and women have families, seeking to follow the Lord and His ways. There are good families in our society these days. There are those who have committed themselves to know the Lord Jesus (Yeshua) and walk in His ways, as He intended. The man and woman who come together, in godly marriage as set by the Creator, will in turn give themselves, in sacrifice, to have children, with the full intent of raising them to know and fear the Lord. They will seek to forgo worldly pleasures, to lay down their needs and wants for the sake of the ones the Lord has given into their care. These men and women believe that children are a blessing from God. They “go without”, as my parents did, to give more to the boys and girls they have in their care, so they too learn the purpose of family and the love it expresses from the Father’s heart. A society with strong families has the strength to resist ungodly principles, withstand attacks from unruly individuals, and the fortitude to stand firm when forces rise against them from all sides. I am always encouraged when I see young Israeli families walking the streets of Jerusalem, carriages being pushed by fathers, mothers walking alongside in their place of dignity, honor, and love for all. This is the intent of our heavenly Father, who looks down with pleasure and enjoyment Himself on those who choose to walk in His plans and purposes. For those of us in our later years, we can encourage the younger generations to give themselves to having families, as the Lord purposed. To live for others whom He would place in their care. To reveal His heart to the nations, through the prime example of godly families. I also want to thank you, who are now grandparents, for the tremendous sacrifices you made years ago, giving of yourselves for your children, and who now enjoy the fruit of your labor as your grandchildren rise up among you. “Well done, good and faithful servants!” 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. Look for the little DONATE button on each side column of the Love For His People blog.  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-bodied 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!    Love For His People Ministry 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, North Carolina, USA   Message #9 in my new series (2025): "Family" July 27, 2025 OLD PHOTOS AND NEW VIDEOS! First photo: My father, Louis Martin, in 1950 with his farm sheep. (Not sure who the other little guy is.) Photo from the Martin archives, the Minnesota farm era. Second photo: Louis and Lila Martin's family in Cedar Falls, Iowa. 1968 (7 of the 8 kids)

What an end to an excellent season for the Little League Greathouse team, coached by Steve Martin. Say it ain't so! Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Music video: The Messianic worship team, Ahava Love Band, led by Steve and Laurie Martin, leads praise and worship for the One New Man meeting during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Sept. 21, 2013, in Charlotte, NC. Warren Marcus led the weekly Saturday night meeting at Steele Creek Church in Charlotte, NC. Worship team members: Steve and Laurie Martin (lead vocals), Ron Bowen (drums), Wane Daroux (bass guitar), Patty Paquette (keyboard and vocal), Tom Fahey (electric guitar). Song selection included Paul Wilbur's: "Lord God of Abraham", "Where Does My Help Come From", "Let God Arise", and "Kadosh". We also sang the Vineyard song "We Will Dance" and one sung by Robert Stearns, "Holy is the Lord." Also, spontaneous songs "Beautiful Bride" and "Coming of the Lord." 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 ON OUR WEBSITE

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Love For His People Ministry | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd | Pineville, NC 28134 US #Lordgivesfamily #Newmessage #SteveMartin #LoveForHisPeople #family #Jesus #Yeshua #grandparents

 

“Us Four and No More” – Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

Our home group, led by David Peterman and Steve Martin

Worship during our home group.

Sept. 28, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina USA Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry. We all need friends, community life, and those with whom we can live His life together. Our Lord Jesus (Yeshua) His Father, and the Holy Spirit all love family, and They want us to experience it here before we do for all eternity. And so I wrote, “Us Four, No More”. See below. David Peterman and I have also recorded several new videos (6 in fact) of our series, “Ahava Moments With You“. We now have recorded 62! Check them out, and be sure to “Like” and “Subscribe” so you know when new ones are released. (Everybody says that, so I best do so too!) I have a favorite one that I also included below, entitled The Falls Feasts of the Lord. Be involved in celebrating the Feasts of the Lord these coming days. Along with our Jewish friends, who have been the lights as the Lord directed them to be, these feasts have continued on for centuries. All believers can take part in them. They are the Lord’s feasts. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry P.S. Please pray for our good friends for over 35 years, Edgar and Indira Persad, of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with their family (Nadira & Alan, Shamila and Joel, Robbie and his). Edgar has been in the hospital for 7 days now with a tumor in his brain. He is supposed to go on his first trip to Israel with me in late October. Our Lord creates miracles! P.S. S. Laurie and I celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary on October 8, 2022. You can blow the shofar for that event too!

Us Four, No More   “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart…” 1 Peter 1:22-23, NKJV    Growing up it was our family practice, as often as we could, to gather together for supper around 5 pm, when my Dad was home in between his Viking Pump maintenance job and his evening entrepreneur electrical work, Martin Electrical Services. With a tribe of eight kids, the extra money was most needed. My two brothers and I think maybe some of my five sisters, helped him pull electrical wires, and such as he re-wired homes and churches and installed lawn light poles in the Cedar Falls, Iowa, community, and surrounding towns.  When all 10 of us were seated at the dinner table, we prayed together the common Roman Catholic prayer, “Bless us O Lord and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” A good, short prayer of thanks. Families were very important then. And we each had our place at the table.  Jokingly, or so I thought, I would sometimes hear how others prayed. “Bless us four and no more.” (That worked with those who had two kids.) When I heard it, I remember thinking to myself, “That’s not really a good prayer.”  As Laurie and I had our own four kids, we were committed to raising them to know the Lord Jesus and His ways, along with those others in our “extended family” – ones in the church community who believed likewise. And so, we would have gatherings in our homes, as members of the “home group”, with me as the “shepherd”, teaching and leading, both in LaSalle/Peru, Illinois in the late 1970s and then again in East Lansing, Michigan in the 1980s. We wanted to be as “Acts 2” taught us.  Acts 2:40-47, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” NKJV I recently heard a message from a local church pulpit that you can’t have the last part of that historical fact, “the Lord added to the church daily” until after you have done the first part, “continuing daily…broke bread together…praising God.”  As part of the Victory Church Community (we actually did the “common purse” stuff in name as well as in deed with about 40 others) in LaSalle/Peru, and later moving to be a part of life at Shiloh Fellowship/New Covenant Christian Church in East Lansing, it was our common practice that we truly expressed love in action, and not just in lip service only.  When a woman in the home group had a newborn baby, all would take turns bringing supper to their home to help the family. It was also our common practice to visit each other at home or in the hospital when sick, to bring encouragement, joy, the healing of the Lord, and maybe even flowers and a card (or even a stuffed “Lion of Judah” animal…)  Being in a committed community was important back then. We knew each other. We cared for one another. We actually loved, and liked, one another.  We practiced what our good Lord had taught His people. Yeshua did teach us to love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35, NASU  A prophet named Bob Jones, a good friend of many in these parts of the South and beyond, once asked us what the Lord had asked him, “Did you learn to love?” (He is now rejoicing in heaven.)  For love to be seen it must be shown. Makes sense to me. If we say we love, then we must “do love” by actually displaying it to one another. And then the world will know, “all men will know” as Jesus promised, that we were His disciples.  Do some love today. Call that one whom you know needs to hear a voice of love, or even a short, meaningful text, or through another messaging media. (But I sincerely hope it is more than that. In-person is really what matters.) Go out of your way and visit that other, who really wants to have a friend, just like you do. Be the one the Lord has called you to be. Today.  And…don’t ever pray that prayer, “Us four and no more.” We are much more than that as a community reflecting the Father’s love!  Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Love For His PeopleFounder  P.S. I really encourage each of you to get in a home group. If your church, congregation, or community doesn’t have one, go to one that does. You are always welcome to come to ours!  Message #113 in this series – in the year of our Lord 09.28.2022 – “Us Four, No More”, Wednesday, 6:22 am in Charlotte, North Carolina

Our combined “Ahava Moments With You” and “Walk With Me”

Watch here: Walking in the Spirit (2) – Walk With Me, Ahava Moments With You, Steve Martin, David Peterman

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Steve Martin

STEVE & LAURIE MARTIN - LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FOUNDERS My good wife Laurie and I (45 years in October 2022!), through the ministry of Love For His People we founded in 2010, give love and support for our friends in Israel and in other nations with friendship, humanitarian aid, and social media support, along with Steve's messages, and our Ahava Adventures trips to Israel. Steve has also authored and published 34 books. We live in the Charlotte, NC area. We have four adult children, spouses, and eight grandkids.