"Place of Encounter" by Steve Martin

 

Place of Encounter

As often as I can I make the long 12 hour plane flight to Israel, then take the high speed rail train the 22 minutes to the capital city of Jerusalem, I am on it.

Riding up the three flights of very steep escalators, then walking out onto Jaffa Street, I sense the Lord’s presence every time. He has met me here before.

I feel like I am home, though I am not a Jew. Another Gentile from the nations.

At times the Lord will take you back to a specific place of encounter, where you distinctly remember, “He met me here.”That place where you had come before, discouraged and beat down, and knowing you needed something more, a shot in the arm (a spiritual jolt, not the drugs stuff). Jacob knew that place when he had the dream of the ladder. 

“Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he [f]happened upon a [g]particular place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and made it a support for his head, and lay down in that place. And he had a dream…” Gen. 28:10-12, NASB

(My good friend Morris Ruddick speaks often in his writings of needing “something more” as he knows by experience on his many journeys back to Vietnam and Israel. Thanks Morris!)

It was from Charlotte, North Carolina to Jerusalem where the Lord had instructed me in 1999, to pay the cost, give the time, and go to the place where He promised to meet me. He then indeed gave me the word I needed to hear, which would take me on the adventure lasting the next 20-30 years. 

He took me to my “place of encounter” which I now know, looking back, as a major anchor of encouragement and foundational stone for my spiritual walk.

I know you too have a place of encounter, where you did what you had to do to keep going on, facing your own giant(s), overcoming by His Almighty grace and outpoured love He has deeply entrenched in your inner being. And if not, seek Him for it until He does reveal it.

Remember that place and be strong as you continue to fight to do that which is necessary in your walk today.

​“When I looked things over, I rose up and said to the nobles, the rulers and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:13-14 Tree of Life version

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People

#encounter #morningplacetobe #SteveMartin

"Guidance. Get Some" - Steve Martin message

 

“Guidance. Get Some.” - Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

“With your ears you will hear a word from behind you: 'This is the way; stay on it, whether you go to the right or the left.” Isaiah 30:21, Complete Jewish Bible

Need some guidance lately? Expecting or looking for a change and wanting some godly input?

Let me share a word (or two) of what I was taught years ago, which I still use to help me on the Lord’s path and to keep from going off the deep end. Or even falling into the ditch on either side.

Back in 1971, a favorite Bible teacher of mine, Bob Mumford, wrote the book, “Take Another Look at Guidance: A Study of Divine Guidance” (01.01.1971 Logos International. You can get a copy online for only $32.07 if you want it. Signed by Bob. My unsigned copy was given away a long time ago.) It was not until a decade later that I probably read it for the first time, as my copy had gotten pretty worn out over the years, but he taught a very simple message on how we can discern the Lord’s will as we walk with Him.

Let me share it as I remember and still apply today as I seek his wisdom in the way to go.

Mumford gave an example of an ocean ship coming into the harbor, looking for three specific lights to line up, guiding the captain through the fog or at midnight. Once they were all in a direct row, he knew it was safe to steer the ship’s rudder between any cliffs on either side or around obstacles that could sink the ship, crew, passengers, and cargo if struck.

The first light we need to look for is the written Word of God, the Torah, the Bible. As we spend time reading and learning the lessons given to us by the Holy Spirit, as recorded by inspired writers in centuries past and still very relevant today, we can receive guidance. The logos, the written Word of God, has been the main focal point of all successful men and women as they sought the Lord and His plan. It spoke to them as they allowed Him the time to speak.

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, THE MESSAGE.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8, NKJV

There have been times I would be reading God’s Word, the Bible, and a sentence would jump out at me, as if I had never seen it before. Pay attention to those times. It is the Lord speaking to you.

The second guiding light was “rhema” – Holy Spirit words given through any of several supernatural gifts or occurrences available to us. These may come in the form of someone speaking a prophetic word to us; the Lord gives a night dream, or we may even have a vision; we hear the “still, small voice” of the Lord in our minds, and we may wonder where that came from. Seeking counsel from mature believers is also very important.

It may be simple. It may be profound. But either way, as He grants us direction, we need to receive it with thanksgiving.

The Apostle Paul instructed his disciple, Timothy, to heed what he had previously received through personal prophecy.

“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck regarding their faith.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20, NASU

The Body of Christ is made up of many members, each having been given a gift to be shared with others, for the good of all. We so need them these days.

“And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:5-11, NASU

The third light we should look for in our guidance journey is through circumstances. How many times have you gone through a day, something happens, and you think, “Was that the Lord?” Or as you have been praying and expecting, an answer comes through the mail, or a text, or a book you have been reading, and you realize that it is the Lord doing His thing. Or when you are introduced to another, in what we call “divine appointments”?

The Lord is not slack in using many ways He can speak and lead us. He has multiple creative methods.

On several of Paul’s journeys, the leading of the Lord came to him through experiencing a shipwreck (yes, even these!)’ he was thrown out of a city, and his way forward was adjusted; and when other believers encouraged him to go one way, which he did until a turn in the road came, and further direction was given. He started the walk, and as he moved, in faith and with His eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus, the Lord brought people into his path to help lead him. We each have known that in our lives.

Thus, when all three lights line up, one can be certain that it is the Lord giving us knowledge and understanding of His directional provision.

Each time my wife and children had major, physical moves in our lives, often from state to state, of course, we sought the Lord for His guiding light. He was always faithful to give it, coming at His perfect time and in His perfect season in our lives. Often it was not easy, but it was right.

Whether it is a major or seemingly minor decision we need to make, we can be led by the Lord as we learn His ways.

Seek the Lord. Draw near to Him. He will show you the way.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

(Originally published in 2021.)

#guidance #getguidance #BobMumford #Jesus #HolySpirit #Bible #LoveForHisPeople

“Be Who You Are To Be” - Steve Martin, Love For His People

Be Who You Are to Be

 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8, NKJV

 

Way back when, about 53 years ago, as a senior in high school, Imade a life decision. I am very grateful that the Lord gave me courage and grace to carry it out.

I decided I wasn’t going to be a “man-pleaser”. I was not going to go the way of the crowd. I would seek the Lord and do what He wanted me to do and be.

Fads come and go. Public opinion changes as much as the winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean. Attitudes change when the masses think one way and others choose to stand up against them.

It is not an easy road to hear and do what the Lord calls you to do. People misunderstand. You don’t do it the way they did it. If you go that way, you will surely end up at a dead end.

I have sometimes. The road sign pointed right, but I chose left. But in the end, with the Lord's hand upon me, I believe I have come thus far and am grateful for where I am.

Can you say the same? After all these years, can you look back and say, “Your Hand was upon me. I am here because of Your design and direction. I have had my ups and downs, but by Your Holy Spirit, I am confident I am where I am, who I am, and what I have become. Thank You, Lord, for directing my steps. I want to thank You, Lord.”

We don’t get where we are meant to be by trying to be someone the Lord has not created us to be. We won’t end up where He wants us to go if we do our own thing and forget about Him each day. Sunday meetings just don’t cut it anymore.

Living the life the Lord has desired for you doesn’t come from you doing your own thing and then expecting Him to bless and perfect you. It has never worked like that, and it never will.

Am I bragging? No. Am I being self-righteous on a big white horse? No.

I am being honest and as straightforward as I can. You won’t end up being fulfilled, satisfied, pleased with where you have gotten if you haven’t, and still won’t, let the Lord guide you.

He wants to. But it is a daily decision we need to make if He is going to be allowed to do so.

Will there be a bit of fear in doing so? Yes, but we will see His faithfulness.

Courage needed along the way? You know it, if you don’t want the world to run you over.

Opposition, both in the natural and spiritual? “Yes, ma’am.”“Yes, sir.” That is to be expected.

Have some courage. Let the Lord speak to you. Let Him show you the way. And then walk it out.

In the end, as each of us approaches that finish line more eachday, we can look forward to hearing His voice at the end speak to us and say, “You have been My good and faithful servant. Come on into your full reward.”

 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’ Matt. 25:21, NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message #5, 2026, “Be Who You Are to Be to the End” Feb. 17, 2026

"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

#cleanheart #SteveMartin #jealousy #contentious #contentions #prodigalson #Jesus #Yeshua #bibleteaching

"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

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