Showing posts with label retirement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retirement. Show all posts

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Why now at 70 and not 30? - Steve Martin

 


Why now at 70 and not 30?

“After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him (Moses) in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush.” Acts 7:30, NASB

In Exodus, we read a little bit more of Moses' response to the Lord’s calling to him, after the Lord appeared to him.

7-8 God said, “I’ve taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I’ve heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

9-10 “The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.”

11 Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (emphasis mine)

12 “I’ll be with you,” God said. “And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain.”

13 Then Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, ‘The God of your fathers sent me to you’; and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What do I tell them?”

14 God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’” The Message


When I was 30, having already been married 7 years, with my wife being just 25, with two sons and two daughters having escaped out of the womb, the Lord had already put in my heart to “go to the nations”. I can remember being 10, and my mom talking about how she had always wanted to be a missionary and telling me about it. But with her marriage and eight kids to raise, that never happened.

I think her heart became mine, which had come from the same Father.

But now, at the ripe old age of 70, that long-held desire of my heart, which He had put there, is being fulfilled. My wife Laurie and I are going to Jerusalem to volunteer at Christian Friends of Israel for three months. Finally!

But why did the Lord wait so long? Why wasn’t the time right for me to go at 30, when I, really, really wanted to? When I was young, and full of wisdom, and knew more than the Lord did. Or so I thought at times.

Looking back at the patriarchs, i.e., Abraham, Moses, even David, it is almost plain to see that the Lord loves those who are “seasoned”, “prepared”, “having gone through the wringer” (an ancient term that very old people know about.)

I do see the wisdom of the Lord now. It has only taken me 40 years. Now firmly believing, as one should, that “when I am weak He is strong”.

“Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, NASB

God the Father seems to know what is best. After all, “Father Knows Best”, as the TV show proved, beginning in 1954 (the year of my birth) through 1960, had us all believing in a godly father, a godly mother, a loving household, and the good ways of American life back then. Before much of it was stained by the ways of the world.

My heart is to see those of you who have reached those “golden years” to realize that it is not the time to retire, to sit on the front porch swing (which I do enjoy) and read the latest Robert Whitlow novel (whom I know personally and highly recommend.)

It is time for us to use that wisdom, those years of hard knocks and knives in the back, scares on our knees from praying, and joys that we know He has blessed us with, and go to the cities, the states, the nations…and do what our great Father, the Living God of Israel, has so prepared for us to do.

Let’s go!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. Laurie and I are volunteering in Jerusalem, Israel, with Christian Friends of Israel for three months, Oct. 15, 2025 – Jan. 12, 2026. Read all about it! Steve & Laurie - Time Coming for Jerusalem Volunteers.

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Message #10 in my new series (2025): "Why now at 70 and not 30?" - Aug. 2, 2025

#retirement #Jesus #Yeshua #SteveMartin #Moses #heart #goldenyears #GodtheFather # Jerusalem, #christianfriendsofisrael



Come and Go - Hear the Word of the Lord - new book by Steve Martin

When the Lord calls each of us to “come, follow Me”, He does so because He has a great plan and purpose for each of our lives. He knows what our desires are, but most importantly, He is the one who puts those desires in our hearts.

As you seek Him, He will lead you to places you have never dreamed of, giving you missions you had never thought possible, and will direct your steps to complete the total picture He has for you, as you take your place in His Body among the peoples of the nations.

Each must hear the word to “
Come”, and then listen to the word of the Lord to “Go.” May that be in your heart.


Buy now - Paperback $7.99, Kindle $0.99: COME AND GO

With this, my 38th book, I dedicate to those who hear the Word of the Lord. And obey it. First, to Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NASB). 

 And then, to those who hear and obey His command. “And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15, NASB), taking His message of forgiveness, love, and grace to walk in His plans and purposes for your life.

May His Holy Spirit continue to guide you and lead you to the completion of the assigned mission He has given specifically to you.

When the Lord calls each of us to “come, follow Me”, He does so because He has a great plan and purpose for each of our lives. He knows what our desires are, but most importantly, He is the one who puts those desires in our hearts.

As you seek Him, He will lead you to places you have never dreamed of, giving you missions you had never thought possible, and will direct your steps to complete the total picture He has for you, as you take your place in His Body among the peoples of the nations.

My good and beautiful wife, Laurie, and me are going to Jerusalem this fall, October 2025, to volunteer with Christian Friends of Israel. It is my 30th trip to The Land and her 9th. We are blessed!

We have heard the word to “Come”, and now we have again heard the word of the Lord to “Go.”

And thus, we shall!

Buy now - Paperback $7.99, Kindle $0.99: COME AND GO


TABLE OF CONTENTS

  

Dedication                               Page  5

Introduction                             Page  6

 

1.      I’m Back                                 Page 7

2.      He Gives Us Signs                  Page 9

3.      Friendships. We Need Them. Page 14

4.      If You Seek Me                       Page 18

5.      Call It What It Is                     Page 22

6.      Live Generously                     Page 25

7.      Live Generously. But How?   Page 28

8.      Snakes in the Grass                 Page 32

9.      Family                                     Page 36

10.  Why now 70 and not 30?        Page 40

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR                   Page 44

CONTACT INFORMATION            Page 46

OTHER BOOKS STEVE MARTIN  Page 47

Buy now - Paperback $7.99, Kindle $0.99: COME AND GO



#ComeandGo #SteveMartin #newbook #Amazon #faith #Jesus #Yeshua #BenMartin #Laurie Martin


 



Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Open Hands, Open Heart - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Open Hands, Open Heart

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV)


One would think that when a certain age is reached in this human life, the need to press on in faith is not as great, or as needful as when one is just starting out in a younger age. I for one am finding that that is not necessarily so. The call to walk in faith, on a daily scale, seems to be just as needed as when I was young and raring to go, full of energy and vigor - to conquer the world for God.

It isn’t done until it is done.

It seems to be true that in this life we are not meant to reach that point where we can sit back and say, “I am finished. I did it all. No need to press on any further. There is no more for me, so I can relax and watch the remaining days go by, with ease and full pleasure.”

For me, it isn’t so. I find myself just as often these days, my “golden years”, visualizing my hands raised, open to the heavens, saying to the Lord, “I need You today. I need You to guide my steps. I need my heart to be open to your plans and purposes in my life for this hour, as they were in my past years, to accomplish what You want.”


Did not the Lord Himself advise the one who thought he had accomplished it all, by speaking these words of truth to him? “'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."'  "But God said to him, ' You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?'  "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:19-21, NASU)

Looks like we must never come to the point when we sit back and basically say to ourselves that we no longer need to seek, ask, or find what the Lord has yet in store for us. He is always calling us to Himself, to expect more from Him, to rest not in our accomplished laurels but in finishing strong to the end the full package He has in mind for each.

My heart is open to going further in the ways of the Lord, to have Him even more so perform the works of the Holy Spirit through me, bringing light and glory to the ones around me, and in the nations. Though I am content with what has come, what has been completed, grateful for what has been achieved in these past years, I will yet desire to press on to full completion.

Retirement in the Kingdom of God doesn’t seem to be found written in the Word of God.

You yourself may be one, like myself, who has reached the late 50’s, 60’s, or beyond. At times we have grown very weary in the pursuit and the fulfillment of it all, but with the strength of the Almighty One we serve, we have yet more to do. In His might we will accomplish it.

Keep your hands open and your heart also. Be encouraged in your pressing on. The reward is great. There is much yet to be won. And then we can sit back and enjoy the mansion in heaven that even now is being built for us.

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 #344 - in the year of our Lord 03.14.18 – “Open Hands, Open Heart”, Wednesday, 11:45 am

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

They said goodbye. I said, "Thank you Lord!" - My last day at the office before retirement from accounting - Steve Martin


They said goodbye. 
I said, "Thank you, Lord!" 
My last day at the office 
- as I retired from accounting. 
Steve Martin, former Accountant
Charlotte Center City Partners

My co-worker and friend, Meir Jones (Office Manager)

 Former co-workers came back to bless me.
(L-R) Jovanna Mozeak, Cherie Grant, Eleni Saunders (now my former boss)
Rashan Peak (and me in the back)


 Grace and Monica


 Kyle Bridges - Director of Neighborhoods

Following is a "word" from the Lord, which as an accountant I heard, and received, loud and clear!

On this day, October 31, 2017, on my last drive the 16 miles to uptown Charlotte from my home in Pineville, North Carolina, I knew the odometer on my Hyundai Elantra was going to turn over to "8888" miles. I was prepared to take a picture, believing this was a good word from the Lord.

Knowing that the number "8" means "new beginning", I was excited that the Lord chose this way, on this special retirement day, to show me His purpose and plan for myself was one of always being good.

What made it extra exciting and appreciative was that the odometer turned over to "8888" miles at Exit 8 on Interstate 77, as I headed north on the road. (at 6:04 am) Having brought my Canon camera with me for this last day at the CCCP office, I was prepared to record this word on camera. I also had my iPhone to take a photo.

With the five "8's" now appearing before me, loud and clear, the Lord Himself was also speaking to me "loud and clear." He was letting me know that this was a time of full grace (5 meaning grace) for the new beginning (8) in the days and years ahead.

I absolutely believe it and receive it.

Yeah God!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin
Love For His People






Sunday, October 29, 2017

Love For His People, Steve Martin - Update Oct. 29, 2017

October 29, 2017

Greetings to you my friends from Love For His People here in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina.

This past week I wrote Now Think On This - "Multi-ALL", and recorded a corresponding Arms of Love video message of the same. I was amazed at the number who saw, read and heard it. We need a bit of wisdom, understanding, and practical love in all this mess around us, wouldn't you agree? I believe I have some to speak - from that which lies under my gray hairs, and within my enlarging heart of His love.

Please read the messages shared from our Love For His People directors and friends from Jerusalem, Pakistan and Nigeria. As the Lord expands our tents of influence, we know He is looking to connect His worldwide Body together for the plans and purposes He is revealing in our midst.

Above all, ahava and shalom to you this week! (My last days before "secular" retirement have finally come!)

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.

Now Think On This
Steve Martin
Multi-All! - by Steve Martin
Being a light to the nations has to begin with how we join with each other - to be that which we have been called to be. Joining together black, white, Jew and Gentile, to be the Body of Messiah. Why else did the Creator choose to create all kinds that He has? And no wonder there are so many Chinese! The Lord Jesus loves them so much!

When it comes to doing the right thing, the churches in our nations better be taking the lead. You want racism dealt with? Better have a multi-racial gathering Sunday mornings in your church.

Want the Millennials to gain some wisdom, especially from the Golden Oldies (like me!)? Join together in church and small group gatherings.

Looking for a place that, wow! Even Jews, Gentiles, and anyone in between (is there such a one?) celebrate life? Use our synagogues and churches as a place that all can worship the Living God of Israel together. (And no, there is no other god above Him.)

I grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. Went to a parochial Catholic high school (Columbus High). Of the 1100 students from 9th-12th grade, there were many 15 black kids. Racial tension was often present, with the “West Side” and the “East Side”. But I was friends with at least half of them whom I personally knew. They were good kids.


V’ahavta  וְאָהַבְתָּ   ‘…And you shall love…’ 
Hadassah from Jerusalem
UP TO JERUSALEM!

The Word tells us that the Temple is a house of prayer for all people! Not just Jewish people. It speaks of a day when all the Nations will come up for Sukkot: "Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths." Zechariah 14:16

Years ago, many Christians understood what this passage is all about and began to come up to Jerusalem NOW to celebrate. This year, 47,000 Christians visited during the Feast.

The Jerusalem Parade is a highlight each year as Pilgrims, dressed in native costumes, armed with country flags and treats, march thru the city proclaiming their love and support of Israel and the Jewish people. We went to enjoy the parade with our grandchildren.

Full Message: UP TO JERUSALEM!
Moses Julius - Our Pakistan Director
Congratulations Shalom Today Ministry and Moses Julius! 
Lahore, Pakistan 
Five Year Anniversary!

Shalom Today Ministry has completed five years of successful journey. We are thankful to the LORD who strengthen us to do something #FOR #HIS #PEOPLE . We started Shalom Today Ministry officially in 2012. I am thankful to all my Executive Board members and members who encourage and support me for this nobel cause. Moses Julius, Chairman Read More
Multi-ALL! - Arms of Love
Video Message by Steve Martin
In order to fight the ungodly spirit of racism, the anti-Semitic overtures in many countries, and the young versus old culture that is blasted out from almost every front, believers need to be the ones to show it right, get it right, and do it right.

If you haven’t got a friend who doesn’t look like you, talk like you, eat like you, or speak like you, then maybe it is about time you get one. That is the Plan He has set forth. Hear and obey what He knows and has desired since the day His family revealed themselves to us, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Watch here: Multi-ALL!
Pastor Abel Oyewale, Abba Father Fellowship International
Nigeria, West Africa
"So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus)

Eventually, the people of God (Israel) found themselves in Egypt according to God's declaration. Of course, He had gone ahead to prepare them and provide for their unstoppable release.

He came down to sensitize and facilitate the unstoppable movement to the covenant Land. He appointed, empowered and commissioned the Leader (Moses) for the unstoppable journey.

He raised up aides for Moses, fought all their battles and supplied all their needs on the road. Why? He was faithful to His covenant. The few losses they encountered on the road came about during the periods of disobedience. 

The presence of God in the lives of His people is indispensable but can be sustained by total obedience.

Read Pastor Abel's complete teaching: GOD LOVE ISRAEL - PART 2
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Our world needs saving. The nations are in much turmoil, rage, anger, and lawlessness. Just keep watching the news and it is obvious that times are changing, and it is not changing for the good. It is happening just as the prophets spoke; just as Jesus (Yeshua) Himself said in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 as to how it would come about.

The signs are all around us, forth-telling those exact events which would take place before the Lamb of God returns as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ, is the Messiah of Jews and Gentiles, for all who call upon His name for salvation. All indications are that He is coming back soon. While time is yet with us, and there is light among the growing darkness, we must work with His Holy Spirit to spread the Good News.

This is the news of His salvation, which is available to any and all who come to Him, for freedom from sin, death, destruction and all evil. This salvation is found only in His saving Blood and through His sacrifice on the cross. He is so willing and loving to give His saving grace to all who call upon His Name. He alone is our salvation. His Name is SALVATION.

Paperback: $7.95 Kindle: $2.95 Buy Now: Amazon: SALVATION - Steve Martin

Love For His People, Inc.
P.O. Box 414
Pineville, NC 28134 USA

Love For His People