Friendships. Need Them. Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

June 11, 2025 Greetings to you once again. “For I know what plans I have in mind for you,’ says Adonai, ‘plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, Complete Jewish Bible   On occasion, I will turn on the TV to the horse races (Laurie says it happens when I get really bored), but I really enjoy it when the jockeys bring their challengers up to the gate, load in, and hold. They wait for the starting bell to ring, tensed up and ready to bolt. They are “chomping at the bit”, for which Ai says, "Chomping at the bit" means to be eager or impatient to do something. It's a figurative way of describing someone who is very anxious to start or move forward, similar to how a horse might repeatedly bite or chew at its bit when eager to go.” And then those heavy doors swing wide open, and they are off. That for which they have trained has now arrived. They are off. With all their might, having completed all those days and months of training, they run hard. Their goal is the finish line. And it will only take them a few minutes. "...This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming." 2 Timothy 4:4-78 (The Message) When those times come in our lives, when the Lord is giving clear directions, preceded by His Holy Spirit’s prompting, each will get the opportunity to be “chomping at the bit.” As we let Him lead us step by step, we will complete the mission and the adventure laid before us by arriving at the destination He has in His eternal mind. May He be your guidance today. Step by step. Be blessed in all your blessings, Ahava and shalom,  Steve Martin Love For His People Ministry P.S. Today’s communication includes a message I wrote, entitled “Friendships. Need Them.”, and a three-part video series of David Peterman and me after we returned from Israel on our May 2026 Ahava Adventure. Plus, a “cute” video, the Lord reminded me of at 2:32 am on Wednesday, to share with you.

The photo of Laurie and I above is, I admit, a few years old...But I like it! Steve David Peterman and I visited the Christen Friends of Israel in Jerusalem, Israel, on the last day of my visit on May 13, 2025. We were delighted to get the "best tour" of the facility, and also getting to spend an hour with Galya Hall, along with son Hosea. Todah rabah! (Thank you very much.) Friendships. Need Them.   “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24   One thing I have valued in life is having at least one good friend. The Bible warns against having too many friends, which can lead to ruin. (I guess Solomon’s downfall was having too many wives. Imagine that!) When I was a freshman in high school, back in 1969, I attended Columbus High School (Catholic) in Waterloo, Iowa. This kid had his locker underneath mine, as the lockers were arranged in double rows along the main corridor. I was annoyed each time he came to his locker when I was at mine. He would be in my way. By the end of our high school days, he had become my best friend. Denny Brennan. He ended up marrying the daughter of the local TV channel’s newscaster (two years younger than him, from the same high school) and becoming a butcher with his shop in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I am not sure whether the two situations, the newscaster’s sweetheart daughter and butchering, are related. But it is a fact. Reflecting on my life of 70 years thus far, I recall some other treasured moments, new beginnings in fact, when the Lord brought someone to me to be together for His plans and purposes. Of course, I must begin with my beautiful wife, Laura Jean Unzicker Martin, who came to the former Baptist church every Sunday night in her hometown of LaSalle/Peru, Illinois, with her high school senior best friend, Sue. The “Holy Ghost, Pentecostal-driven, demon-deliverance, powerful worship times with guitars” service was the hottest one in the town of 10,000. Pastor Stan Buren had it going, along with the young men’s worship team of Ron Wey, Bob Smith, Mark Buren, and Mark Rummler. I would think the high school girls had other reasons for coming, in addition to wanting more of the Lord Jesus in their lives. Stan, himself a former Southern Baptist who had been kicked out of his independent church by the one vote of a 12-year-old, had been “baptized in the Holy Spirit” years earlier. That didn’t mix well with the Baptists—just a fact. More commonly known as Laurie, I admired this 17-year-old with her Dorothy Hamill haircut (an Olympic skater gold medalist in 1976) and her white painter pants. Sue, her friend who brought her, had an eye for me. Mine eyes went to Miss Unzicker. You can read the full story in my book, The Promise: The Journey of a Lifetime, if your curiosity gets the better of you. For the rest is history. Our Lord, the Living God of Israel, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, brings people together for His eternal plans and purposes. Sometimes, in fact almost always, we never realize the importance of those moments when friendships start, but looking back, we can be amazed at the goodness and love the Lord has for each of us. I personally love His plans. They are always the best. Treasure the friendships, the relationships, He gives you. While it will be a “give and take”, as two or more walk together, the destination will be awesome, as you seek Him in all that you do. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Above photo: "It's the smile." Below image: In Israel, on the top of the Mount of Olives. The camel asked us to help him get food tonight by working for his master. So we did. Nice fella.

My good friend David Peterman and I present a 3-part report on our recent trip to Israel, May 4 to 14. Watch all three. See which one tells about the journey on the light rail.

As in many of Steve's previous 36 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 - to stand firm 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 at work within us daily. Buy now on Amazon HB $14.95 PB $9.95 Kindle $2.99

As promised. The cute video to share. Talk about celebrating. At the time of this video, our grandson Jack was two. Now he is 12 and just completed 5th grade. Family and friendships. We need them in our lives in order to flourish. Do what it takes to establish and keep friendships.

Visit our Website Love For His People Ministry | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd | Pineville, NC 28134 US

Tebow's Film Makes Top 10: 'Run the Race' a Big Hit at the Box Office - CBN News Steve Warren

Image courtesy: Run The Race Production, LLC.

Tebow's Film Makes Top 10: 'Run the Race' a Big Hit at the Box Office

02-26-2019

CBN News Steve Warren

Tim Tebow's first film as a movie producer landed in the top ten films at the box office in its opening weekend.

Released by Roadside Attractions to 853 theaters nationwide, "Run The Race" earned more than $2.2 million and finished at number 10 – even beating out "Green Book," which won the Best Picture Oscar over the weekend at the 91st Academy Awards. "Green Book" finished the weekend at number 11.  

The website The Wrap called the movie a "faith-based hit," comparing Pure Flix's "Indivisible" movie which debuted on 850 screens and opened to $1.5 million last October. 

Related

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'I Was Crying': Tim Tebow Reveals What Compelled Him to Make His Powerful Movie, 'Run the Race'

When Jesus' Name Is Taken in Vain, Tim Tebow's Instant Reaction Is Priceless AND VIRAL

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Tebow's film tells the story of two brothers facing challenges and a major tragedy that puts the weight of the world on their shoulders. The film was directed and co-written by Chris Dowling. ("Where Hope Grows," "Rock Slyde")

The former NFL star turned pro baseball player says it's a story of learning what we have to hold on to that can't be shaken in the face of loss and learning "who we are" and "whose we are." 

Tebow recently told CBN News that the story behind the film is truly powerful. 

"I think it has to do with the story. My goal was never, honestly, to get into the movie industry. And it's still not, really. It was more about being able to tell the story. When we read the script, it impacted me. I was crying and I showed it to my family and they were crying," Tebow said. 

He explained there was something about the Truett brothers that reminded him of his relationship with his brother Robby.

"I think there are a lot of similarities to a certain extent. We are very close. We push each other. We compete all the time. Robby helped make me better in sports and in life," Tebow noted. 

"Just having each other's back, and that relationship. I think that is probably my favorite part about this movie. It is about relationships and I believe life is about relationships," he said. 

Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do - LARRY TOMCZAK, CHARISMA NEWS

Despite what the news says, there is a hope. (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do

10/27/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK  charisma news

If you're like me, you watch the cascade of nightly news items and wonder where this is all headed. To be honest, it really is downright discouraging.

Chuck Norris' son, Mike, is releasing a movie called Amerigeddon—that says it all! Yet in the midst of this, we must remain people of faith and optimism.

Seven words from Jesus can sustain us during these challenging times: "Let both grow together until the harvest" (Matt. 13:30). In other words, prior to the return of Jesus, there is going to be a ripening of both good and evil in our world. While we work while it's still day to be a bulwark against the flood tide of wickedness, we must make a quality decision each day to not sink in our spirit.

A popular book on the market is titled The Secret of Success Is Not a Secret. What is the mysterious secret?

Perseverance!

The remarkable book traces the stories of multitudes of individuals who faced incredible setbacks and yet by persevering emerged victorious. If you need fresh inspiration, get yourself a copy.

In times as challenging as today, Paul wrote to encourage the early Christian community with these words, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance" (2 Thess. 3:5). How apropos for our generation.

If ever there was a time for people of faith to understand the power of perseverance, it is right now! We are entering a phase of history where challenging tests are increasing as God's exciting plans for His people are unfolding.

Here's the deal: Understanding perseverance and knowing how it is developed is a non-negotiable for walking triumphantly in these perilous times.

The Importance of Perseverance

Perseverance or endurance means remaining steadfast, constant, unwavering and actively standing strong. It means realizing my personal struggles are necessary for future achievements.

• "Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

• "Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 24:12-13).

• "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?" (Jer. 12:5).

Let's face it—pressure reveals the person! Perseverance undergirds till breakthrough.

Recently my wife and I hosted a man whose wife just died after a lengthy battle with cancer. I officiated at her memorial service days ago. They were a team and an extraordinary faith-filled couple. Yet the reality is, Vicky went to be with the Lord, though that was not what they ever imagined.

My wife and I grappled to console our dear brother that his wife was not only exemplary, but similar to John the Baptist, her earthly assignment was apparently done. Her death, like John's, is a mystery and seems premature, but we must persevere, not despair.

Sometimes we face horrendous circumstances when it appears things have come to an end. The natural tendency is to throw in the towel and quit. Maybe that's why the word "endurance" begins with the word "end." Yet God gives us his Holy Spirit whose role is to encourage us to press on in spite of perplexing circumstances.

Do you recall in the Rocky III movie, when he stood discouraged and devastated on the seashore after losing the heavyweight title to Clubber Lane? In a very emotional scene, he told his wife he had basically lost "the eye of the tiger" and was giving up.

In a role reminiscent of the role of the Holy Spirit, Rocky's wife, Adrian, exhorted him passionately to stop yielding to destructive thinking, rise up and reclaim the prize.

Sylvester Stallone came to his senses and eventually reclaiming his championship title. He put into practice the discipline of discarding negative thinking and replacing it with truth. So must we on a daily basis.

John Rohr, a "mentor to the masters" in the leadership world, has a classic statement that we would do well to post on our mirror: "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day."

Read that again and ponder its significance.

As pressures heat up today, we must practice the simple disciplines that are at the core of our Christian life. They are essential for us to persevere in an ominous period of history.

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3 Keys to Developing Perseverance

1. Be consistent in cultivating intimacy with God.

Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us, "He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

Notice the three covenantal promises that belong to us when we "wait" (literally "intertwine" ourselves) with God by spending consistent time in His Presence, meditating on His Word, praying and worshipping Him. First, there is new strength. Second, there comes a new perspective, viewing things from the heavenly viewpoint. Third, there's new endurance!  

God uses the imagery of a soaring eagle that is so different from an earthbound chicken. How many of us are like chickens clucking and flapping our wings and yet not experiencing any breakthrough or peace in difficult times? God calls us to be like the majestic eagle, who from his high vantage point will catch the current of a mighty wind and literally fly without flapping for over 10 miles.

As Corrie ten Boom used to say in encouraging people to spend quality time with Jesus, "Nestle, don't wrestle."

2. Don't change course unless God specifically directs.

Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked will fall into mischief." God tells us here to get up, dust ourselves off and stay in the race when tempted to give up. As a coach once said, "Success is rarely final. Failure is rarely fatal."

Consider presidential candidate Ben Carson who was raised in poverty in Detroit. His mother was one of 20 or so children with little more than a third-grade education. As a youth, Ben tried to stab a person and could've ended up in prison. Thank God this led to his conversion!

Yet with all the adversities he faced, Ben Carson heeded his mother's counsel and read books voraciously. He went to Yale. He went to medical school. At the age of 33, he became the youngest head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital.

Facing numerous setbacks, he continued on with his career, achieving seats on the boards of Costco and Kellogg. He was the first doctor to separate co-joined twins after 22 hours of surgery. Today, in spite of liberal media attacks, he perseveres.

What does Carson say to us to encourage us?

"Successful people don't have fewer problems. They have determined that nothing will stop them from going forward."

So no matter what you're facing, stay in the game! Unless, that is, God is redirecting your course.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a "time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; ... a time to break down and a time to build up; ... a time to gain and a time to lose; ... a time to keep and a time to cast away."

The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit, who guides us each day if we position ourselves to listen to any course correction.

In Nashville, for two years we hosted regular, citywide meetings of a group we called "T.A.G."—The Awareness Group.

Every week we addressed the hot button issues of our culture and were equipped by prominent leaders.

Months ago, we sensed God directing closure. The assignment was completed, and for us to keep going would've been what Scripture calls a "dead work."

Don't continue on beyond where God has called you or where the grace of God won't sustain you. Remember Ishmael?

3. Remember the future rewards.

Throughout life's journey, we face many obstacles. Sometimes we struggle for the sake of Christ. Other times it's due to satanic opposition. We also struggle if we shun God's laws and reap what we sow.

Yet let's remember that we serve a merciful God who loves to take our trials and turn them into triumphs, our setbacks into steppingstones and our trials into triumphs.

In the midst of life's difficulties, it's wise to remember the rewards that lie ahead to gain fresh motivation to persevere.

Take consolation from the words of Paul as he faced his execution sitting alone in a dark and dreary cell. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

One of my spiritual mentors, Derek Prince, said, "There is no way to finish the race and keep the faith unless we fight the good fight."

If you've been discouraged or tempted to quit lately, recognize God custom-designed this commentary just for you! He's calling all of us to persevere and cross the finish line as "more than conquerors" (Rom. 8:37).

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

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