"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve & Laurie Martin

Israel January 2026

"Clean Heart" - message by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Israel Photo of the Week: The camel likes me. (Steve Martin in the photo at Sea Level near the Dead Sea, Israel. November 2025) Top photo: The Tristan and Galya Hall family, Steve and Laurie Martin (Elvis American Restaurant near Jerusalem, Israel, January 10, 2026) Feb 3, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings from cold-bound and snow-bound Carolina. With a record-setting 11"of snowfall or more during the weekend, followed by temperatures that bring out the long underwear, it tends to shut things down in this area. We are not like those up North. Or out West. Or the New England area. We are southerners. When I sought the Lord for a word, He actually gave me two. Literally. Feel free to seek them out, and you will be rewarded. Below please. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People in Charlotte, North Carolina P.S. My new book (click here: BACK TO JERUSALEM) is free this week for ebook download. Until midnight Feb. 5, 2026. And... you don't need a  Kindle to get it. Any computer works. Clean Heart   “Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, NASB     While trying to listen to the Word of the Holy Spirit as to what to write, I heard a few words. Not being sure as to which one to focus on, I thought, “Well, let’s make this a 'mishmash' message, or 'mixed bag' as another way to put it. And so, I shall. The first word I want to consider is contentious. Have you ever spoken something, only to have another respond and say the opposite, or negatively, as if that were their mission in life: to be contentious? If you observe and listen to some, they seem to carry in their spirit this counteraction to anything positive, to make sure one sees the “other side”. But is that always necessary? Do we always have to point out what the “what ifs” will be, and just go with a faith response, such as, “I hope that comes true”, or “Lord, Your will be done. Show me the good in this.” Have we become so ingrained in negativity that we can’t see the Lord’s hand in everything? At one time, we used to hear the saying, “So heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.” I want to offer – maybe that is not so bad after all? To imagine the way the Lord would see things from His vantage point, certainly having a higher vision which is so much more vast than ours. And then try to imitate Him. Think about it, and yes, try it sometime. When someone offers a point of view, try to respond positively or encouragingly, and avoid negativity. Maybe your needed attitude adjustment will get adjusted. I pray it be so. And then that word which rises up in me sometimes. Jealousy. As I read the Scriptures about the prodigal son in Luke 15 again, I still have to agree with the older son and ask, “Why not me?” (Just being honest here.) We read of the elder son’s response, “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.” Luke 15:29-30, NASB Of course, the father was right when he wanted to rejoice and give a party for the prodigal, repentant younger one, but I tend to agree with the elder. Or is it jealousy on my part? Would you have reacted the same way? Be honest. I am still praying about my attitude regarding this story. So, these are two words the Lord is working in my heart. I want to be more like Him and have a clean heart. “Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me.” Psalm 51:1-3, NASB   Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Message #3, 2026, “Clean Heart” Feb. 2, 2026 My latest book, #1 on an Amazon bestseller list for a period of time, was published on Jan. 22, 2026. Back To Jerusalem Steve Martin (224 pages, 153 photos/images). Available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook. In the fall of 2025, my good wife Laurie (48 years and counting) and I had the most incredible time in Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. We had come to be with Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem, as needed. As I sit on the back veranda of the apartment they provided for us, I watch the sun rise over the southeast as another of His glorious days begins. My heart is full of the love of Yeshua (Jesus) for this, His chosen city, His chosen Land, and His chosen people, the Jews. We came to bring comfort to His people coming out from a heartbreaking war on the eight fronts the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were fighting, after the horrendous, murderous, home destruction day of October 7, 2023. The Israelis had been fighting for their lives, their families, their land promised to them by the Living God of Israel. We hoped to bring His love to them as Christians, standing on His Word. God the Father did not fail them. In so many miraculous ways, He protected them, united them, and caused them to cry out to Him for His salvation. Over 1200 Jewish civilians were lost that day. Over 1000 young men, women, and reserves have since been lost, destroyed by the enemy who seems never to go away. “We just want peace,” is the cry of our friends’ hearts here in Jerusalem and the surrounding hills. But, when the Messiah Yeshua returns to this very city, Jerusalem, they will know Him as their Peace King, their Shalom Most High. As that time of His return quickly approaches, we joined with several hundred Christians, coming from the nations, to comfort, stand in support, and let the love of the Father work through us for them. In this, my 40th book, written during my 30th trip to Israel since the late 1990s, I share some of my stories. Some of the 28 chapters are in the “present tense” because I wrote them as they occurred. You will also see over 150 photos of Israel. Many Jews are returning to their Land now, as prophesied centuries ago by Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Yeshua Himself. Christians are going to Israel to comfort and support them in their return. And then Jesus (Yeshua) will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords. I desire that the Lord Himself will touch your heart, and you, too, will join Him in this glorious work, to see His salvation come to the Jews and Arabs of Israel. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin, Love For His People Jerusalem, Israel, Jan. 7, 2026 Buy now on Amazon. Hardcover $15.95, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.99, Audio Book $ 3.99. We are indeed grateful for your support, which we will continue to use for Steve's next trip back to Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. Visit our Website Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113 | Pineville, NC 28134 US

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

Laurie Martin on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel, with Steve Martin

 

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 his junior from the same high school) and becoming a butcher with his own 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 71 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, Susan. 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 besides wanting more of the Lord Jesus in their lives.

Stan, himself the former Southern Baptist who had been kicked out of his independent church by the one vote of a 12-year-old, years earlier, had gotten “baptized in the Holy Spirit”. 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.

Yes, I married her. Laura Jean Unzocker. Age 18. Photo on the way to our honeymoon in Mobile, Alabama, in 1977.

Susan, her friend who brought her, had an eye for me.

My 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 and relationships He gives you. While it will be a “give and take”, as two or more walk together, the destination will be incredible, as you seek Him in all that you do.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Founder

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

 Message: “Friendships. Need Them.” Origianlly published on June 9, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina

Website: Love For His People

Email: Love For His People

Facebook: Steve Martin/Love For His People

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Labels: camel, friends, friendships, Israel, Love For His People Ministry, Mount of Olives, Steve Martin

“What Next?” - Steve’s Martin’s last message from Jerusalem. For now.

Israel Photo of the Week: The volunteer staff of Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem pray for Steve and Laurie Martin for our last day in the office, after serving for three months. (Photo by Linel le Roux Jan. 8, 2026) Top photo: Looking west to more hills surrounding Jerusalem. From Ein Kerem. (Photo by Steve Martin Jan. 8, 2026) Jan. 9, 2026 Jerusalem, Israel Greetings from Jerusalem, which the Lord has put in my heart for eternity. After having been given good advice from a Jewish friend here in Israel on how to continue sending multiple emails without cost, I shall heed his word and carry on once I am back in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thank you, Gidon!  And another Jewish friend in the Charlotte area will help me cut phone and Internet costs when I am here in the Land. Thank you, Tom! I am thankful the Lord has made the Jews and Israel to be a light to the nations. We do well to join Him as He continues to do so in His blessing. Again, as the Lord promised He would. Bible promises being are fulfilled in the nations every hour of the day. I love my Jewish friends here in their promised Land for much more reasons than those given above. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Jerusalem, Israel P.S. Maybe you too are going to the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) annual convention in Nashville Feb. 18-22? If so, see you and our Israeli friends there.  What Next?  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8 NASB)  Fulfilling the call of God on your life is the Lord’s plan for you since the time He first thought of you. He wants us to know His plans and His purposes for each of us. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:15 NASB)  Sure, we are not all called to be a prophet. Maybe a fireman, teacher in a public school, graphic design artist, on staff at AT&T, finance man for an auto company, or even President someday.  Or maybe one of the highest places of all – the stay-at-home moms who have a special place in the Lord’s heart for those who do place family and home care about a secular career. (The Lord knows our children need them.)  But we each have a specific “job to do.” The sooner in life that we discover “the path we are to take,” even if the road less traveled, it is of immense importance, and makes one wiser. Too many people go through life just doing what they think is right and then are left unsatisfied and longing for more.  That, in and of itself, is a suggestion that seeking the Lord is what one needs.  There was a time in my life, in May 1999 to be exact, when the grace for my current position was running out for continuing on after giving it my all for 14 years. I knew a change was needed. I sought the Lord the best way I could. I prayed. I asked two friends for counsel. I allowed the Holy Spirit to direct my steps as I stepped out.  Quick to the chase – I came here to Jerusalem and went to the Western Wall. It cost money. It cost time. But I was desperate.  Ever been desperate to know what the Lord’s will is for you?  Be sure to know it will cost you to find out. He didn’t make following Him easy. (Watch the last season of The Chosen, and the next one.) But what do you want? The same old same old, or His will to be made known to you?  As a result of that short, four day trip across the big pond to the Land where Jesus walked, I gave my standard six-month notice upon returning at the ministry I was working at, to be fair and respectful, and I continued in prayer and asking the Lord, listening and looking for the next step, to further know His leading.  What next? We like to know what is next. We check our weather apps daily. We watch the latest YouTube posting on “future events” or subscribe to the one who seems to know more than we do.  Ultimately, the Holy Spirit must show us what is next if we want the best. We always say we do, but will we be willing to pay the price, to really count the cost, and do it?  As I have sought the Lord, and He has heard my prayers, my confidence in Him allows me to say, “I don’t always know where I am going, but I know the One Who will get me there.”  Do you seek Him regularly to know the plans and purposes He has for you? I pray you do.  And you know, adventures are good. No matter how old you are.  Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin Love For His People Ministry Jerusalem, Israel For more, look here on our website, Love For His People Ministry. We welcome your prayers and support as we together will continue to bless Israel and His people in their Land, whether from here or beyond. Contributions are always welcomed online on our webpage. Look for the little DONATE button on the right-side column. DONATE HERE. Love For His People Ministry    P.O. Box 1113    Pineville, North Carolina 28134 USA Message #23 of my “Jerusalem 2025” series. Entitled “What Next?” Jan. 9, 2026 My latest book was published on Aug. 18, 2025. Love For His People" Steve Martin (444 pages, 372 photos/images) Remained #1 on the Amazon New Releases List for "Jerusalem Travel Guides" for a month. (I love taking people with me to the Land of Israel.) In several of my previous 38 books, I wrote stories and chapters on Israel and our friends in the Land. Their lives, their courage, and the Ahava Adventures we have had, sharing our time with them in Eretz Yisrael. In my desire to share these stories with you in a more concise manner, I have chosen the “best ones” and included in my book, “Love For His People – The Land and Friends in Israel”. (Aug. 2025) Having given 39 years so far (and this being my 39th book!) to loving and supporting the Chosen People, as the Living God of Israel so ordained throughout the Bible of Christians and the Jewish people, it is proper and time to publish. Sharing this book, containing some of my experiences in Jerusalem and all of Israel, is a joy, and also a promise to always stand with Israel. I know it will stir your heart as He reveals more of His plans for all. Special Note: I have reduced the price on the hard cover and paperback, to just over my cost. I want you to have one. I will receive minimal royalty. Buy now on Amazon, Hard cover $18.55, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.95 We certainly are grateful for your support, which we will use for our three volunteer months in Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Visit our Website Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113  | Pineville, NC 28134 US Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice