Teshuvah 36 - Three days until Yom Kippur (Curtis Loftin)

Teshuvah 36

Shalom Mishpocha (family),

This evening (Tuesday) at sundown is Tishri 7 and day 36 of Teshuvah.  Three days till Yom Kippur.

In 2012, as part of Beit Yeshua's celebration of Sukkot, we shared the drama, "The Ancient Jewish Wedding Parallels", which compares the relationship of a young Jewish couple in ancient times to that of Yeshua and his Bride. Yeshua frequently talked about his marriage relationship with us.  Paul also talked about the marriage relationship between Yeshua and His Bride.

Check out these scriptures....

Isaiah 61:10 
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful (Guwl) in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 62:

1  For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

2  And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

3  Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

4  Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

5  For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Matthew 9:15 

And Jesus said unto them, can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?  but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Matthew 25

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them;

4  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5  When the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

10  And while the foolish went to buy, the bridegroom came,  and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

John 3

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

28  Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I (John) said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29  He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

Romans 7:4 

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ: that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

2 Corinthians 11:2 

For I am jealous over you with Godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chat virgin to Christ.

Revelation 19

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are thy which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.  And he saith unto me, These are the true saying of God.

In the Ancient Jewish Wedding,

(1) The Bride was chosen,

(2) The Betrothal was arranged,

(3) The Bride Price was paid,

(4) The Ketuba - Marriage Contract - was agreed upon,

(5) The Bride's Consent was given,

(6) The First Cup of Wine Seals the Agreement,

(7) Betrothal Gifts were given to the Bride,

(8) The Bridegroom departed,

(9) The Chuppa is prepared, a room was added on to the Father's house and only the Father knew when it was finished,

(10) The Bride's Mikvah - baptism occured,

(11) The Bride anxiously waits for his return,

(12) The Bridegroom Cometh,

(13) The Catching Away of the Bride,

(14) Seven Days Alone in the Wedding Chamber.

(Below) The Bridegroom and his Father choose the Bride

(Below) The Bridegroom gives gifts to His Bride

Scripture tells us, concerning our own relationship with Yeshua (Compared to the same list from above):

(1) THE BRIDE WAS CHOSEN: John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you...

(2) The BETROTHAL: Hosea 2:19-20 I will betroth you to me forever ....

(3) The BRIDE PRICE: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 You are not your own; You were bought at a price.

(4) The KETUBAH, Marriage Contract:  Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord, I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.

(5) The BRIDE'S CONSENT: Romans 10:9-10 ...If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thy heart ...

(6) 1st CUP OF WINE: Matthew 26:27-29  Yeshua took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many...

(7) BETROTHAL GIFTS: 1 Corinthians 12:1,4,8-10 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.  There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

(8) DEPARTURE OF THE BRIDEGROOM: John 14: 2 In my Father's house are many dwelling places ... I am going to prepare a place for you

(9) The CHUPPA, Wedding Chamber Prepared: John 14:3 And if I would go, then I shall prepare a place for you.  I am coming again and I shall take you along with me so that where I AM you would be also.

(10) The BRIDE'S MIKVAH:  Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved.

(11) The BRIDE WAITS: Matthew 25:1-13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

(12) The BRIDEGROOM COMETH: Joel 2:16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children & those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber and the bride out of her closet.

(13) The CATCHING AWAY: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(Below) Yeshua goes away to prepare a place for us

(Below) The Bride prepares herself - lamps trimmed - waiting for His return

(Below) The shofar is sounded

(Below) The Bride is "Caught-Away" to the wedding chamber

(Below) Coronation of King Yeshua

Abba, As we move toward Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles), may our hearts be found in right relationship with You.  Help us to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Let us be like the five wise virgins who had their lamps trimmed and were anxiously looking for Your return.  Let noting separate us from having You first in our lives.  Renew our minds so that we might discern Your will and help us abide in You so that we will not be ashamed at Your coming.  Clothe us with garments of righteousness.  Help us to love You with all of our hearts, and to love others as we love ourselves.  We love You! B'Shem Yeshua.

Ahava B’Yeshua,

Curtis Loftin

Beit Yeshua

Lincolnton, NC

curtisloftin@gmail.com

Worship Opportunity for the Day:

YouTube Video: KING OF KINGS JERUSALEM "HaRuach V'HaKalah" ("The Spirit & The Bride") AWESOME SONG

Hebrew with Endlish translated lyrics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_RpKs0sfiI&list=ULOPz230B-9Co

YouTube Video: BARRY & BATYA SEGAL “Kadosh”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJX43l9-Qx0&feature=related

THE ANCINET JEWISH WEDDING PARALLELS:

For more photos and information from our 2012 "Ancient Jewish Wedding Parallels" check out this page on the Beit Yeshua website:

http://curtis.loftinnc.com/Yom_Teruah_Drama_2012.htm

________________________________________________________________________

Psalm 122:6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you prosper.

What do these have in common?

He is coming in the clouds 

and will show Himself strong 

on their behalf.

Now is the time.

Steve Martin

Love For His People

Pray for Jerusalem - Free Download from Jerusalem365 & Israel365

For the free download: CLICK HERE:

Editor's Note: I get their messages in my e-mail box. Very appreciative for them!

Steve Martin

Feast of Tabernacles - ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem) - watch live

FEAST of TABERNACLES Live from Jerusalem, Israel, Sep 20 - 25, 2013 This year's Feast will once again be broadcast live from Jerusalem, 20-25 September, thanks to our TV partners Visjon Norge. Don't miss this opportunity to join with thousands of believers from around the world as the name of the Lord is exalted in the city of the King. You'll need to be a registered user on the ICEJ site to access the live stream. It's easy and only takes a few minutes to do - better to get it done now so you know you're all set up right, rather than leaving it till the last minute. Sign up today › If you registered to watch last year, but can't remember your password, you can get that reset. Reset your password › If you're running into any issues or need assistance, we're here to help. Contact us › And don't forget to let your family and friends know about this wonderful opportunity. Tell-a-friend › From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth! Shalom, The ICEJ Team HOME || ABOUT || FEAST of TABERNACLES || DONATE || GET INVOLVED © International Christian Embassy Jerusalem PO BOX 332974 Murfreesboro, TN 37133 PO BOX 1192 Jerusalem, 91010 Israel Tel. (615) 895-9830 || www.ICEJ.org

Pakistan - Moses Julius a friend of Israel teaching the children. (Updated 09.09.13)

Sept. 8, 2013

I am glad to announce that Shalom Today Ministry in Pakistan has completed one year successful by the Grace of Yeshua (Jesus) our Jewish savoir. And now we are going to celebrate our first anniversary on 14 Sept 2013 at 5:00pm . Your praying and financial support is our great encouragement in this time of joy.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil: 1:3-6)

Mr.Moses Julius 

Director 

July 6, 2013

Shalom Aleichem!

Hopefully you all are fine by the Grace of God of Israel. On regularly timing we started meeting with hymns. Then I called, Children to come in front of stage and start praying and sing songs with actions, because in this way we build confidence to speak in the front of huge audience to preach the word of God in future.

I explained message to Children, “How you can invite Jesus Christ in your heart”

Then at the end of the message I asked a question to the Children, “Are you ready to accept LORD JESUS CHRIST as a personal savior”. 

And children said “YES” then they called Yeshua in their heart and they welcome holy spirit in their lives.

Praise God Hallijah

Key verse: ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

At the end of the meeting we provide food for all Children and they were very excited to enjoy the spiritual and physical food,

I thanks to all our financial and prayer supporter your encouragement and efforts are effectives in our ministry to Promote Israel in Pakistan through prayers,

 

Founder:   Sister Penny Newton Collins                                                                                   

Director:   Mr. Moses Julus 

Ancient golden treasure found at foot of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

Watch the video clip:

Ancient Golden Treasure Found

The medallion may be the oldest Torah ornament ever found in archaeological digs. 

A third-generation archaeologist working at the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, Dr. Mazar directs excavations on the City of David’s summit and at the Temple Mount’s southern wall. 

Calling the find “a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime discovery,” Dr. Mazar said: “We have been making significant finds from the First Temple Period in this area, a much earlier time in Jerusalem’s history, so discovering a golden seven-branched Menorah from the seventh century CE at the foot of the Temple Mount was a complete surprise.”

WATCH HERE


Here is another article from:

“And he said unto me: ‘What seest thou?’ And I said: ‘I have seen, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes, yea, seven, to the lamps, which are upon the top thereof…” (Zechariah 4:2)

At the foot of the Temple Mount, Hebrew University archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar discovered gold coins, gold and silver jewelry, and a gold medallion etched with a menorah, shofar and Torah scroll. (Photo: Ouria Tadmor)

Third generation archaeologist Eilat Mazar, of Hebrew University, revealed Monday morning that an unusual cache of gold coins and other related artefacts, dating to the seventh century CE, were discovered this summer at the Ophel excavation site near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

“We have been making significant finds from the First Temple Period in this area, a much earlier time in Jerusalem’s history, so discovering a golden seven-branched Menorah from the seventh century CE at the foot of the Temple Mount was a complete surprise,” Mazar said.  The discovery is being called the “Ophel treasure,” and consists of 36 gold coins, as well as some gold and silver jewellery and a large medallion embossed with a menorah (seven-branched candelabrum), a shofar (ram’s horn) and Torah scroll, and hanging from a chain.  This is especially significant because it points to a Jewish presence in the area at the time.

The menorah continues to be an important Jewish symbol today, serving as the emblem of the state of Israel, where it is flanked by two olive branches, as described in the book of Zechariah.  The original menorah was constructed, at God’s command, from a single piece of gold (Exodus 25:31-40) and lit first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.  It was also famously depicted on the arch of Titus, commemorating the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

Mazar points out the chain on the medallion as a clue to its original use.  She explains it was likely an ornament for a Torah scroll.  It was found buried along with a smaller gold medallion, two pendants, a gold coil and a silver clasp, likely all ornaments for the scroll.  The coins were found loose, leading to the theory that they were abandoned when the bearer failed in his task.  “It would appear that the most likely explanation is that the Ophel cache was earmarked as a contribution toward the building of a new synagogue, at a location that is near the Temple Mount,” said Dr. Mazar. “What is certain is that their mission, whatever it was, was unsuccessful. The treasure was abandoned, and its owners could never return to collect it.”

The coins, dating to the reigns of various Byzantine emperors from the mid-fourth to early seventh centuries, were discovered a mere five days into the excavation and just 50 meters (164 feet) from the Temple Mount, in the ruins of a Byzantine public structure.  Lior Sandberg, numismatics (currency) specialist at the Institute of Archaeology, identified this as the third collection to be found in Jerusalem excavations.

Given the date of the items and the manner in which they were found, Mazar estimates they were abandoned in the context of the Persian conquest of Jerusalem in 614 CE.

After the Persians conquered Jerusalem, many Jews returned to the city and formed the majority of its population, hoping for political and religious freedom. But as Persian power waned, instead of forming an alliance with the Jews, the Persians sought the support of Christians and ultimately allowed them to expel the Jews from Jerusalem.

The Ophel project has been funded by Daniel Mintz and Meredith Berkman of New York since 2009. The project includes archeological excavations, the processing of the finds for publication, as well as the preservation and preparations of the site for its opening to the public.

The Israel Antiquities Authority is carrying out the preservation works and preparing the site for the public for an unspecified date.

What Happens When We Hear the Shofar?

The 2 Spies

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What Happens When We Hear the Shofar? Posted: 08 Sep 2013  We have listened to the sound of the shofar 100 times this past few days during Rosh HaShanah. The sound of this natural 'trumpet' is to awaken our hearts to the stirring of G-d, to assess our lives, motives and how we are spending the time He has given us. Over these next few days we continue to take an assessment, to ask for forgiveness where necessary and make the decision to follow Torah more closely and with a more pure heart. The 2 Spies recently read an article that explains what happens scientifically in our bodies when we listen to the shofar. We thought our friends would find it interesting also. It comes from AISH.com We will still have time to respond to the sound of the shofar as there will be one more opportunity on Yom Kippur. Shana Tova, The 2 Spies  Click here for their blog: The 2 Spies Blog The Science of Shofar How our body’s reaction to hearing the shofar’s blast primes us for real change. by Yvette Alt Miller Each day of Rosh Hashanah, our synagogue services are punctuated by a hundred calls from the shofar, a ram’s horn that reverberates with a distinctive, alarm-like cry. The shofar's rousing blast speaks to us more intensely than words ever can. It’s a personal call to each of us to wake up and use the opportunity of Rosh Hashanah to change. Modern science has documented the physical responses human beings undergo when we’re subjected to loud, resonant sounds such as the shofar. Sometimes called the “fight or flight” response, the physical changes we undergo when confronted with a sudden, urgent alarms helps us deal with immediate threats. During Rosh Hashanah, these changes can help us see the world differently, giving us a different perspective and helping us see areas where we need to grow. 1. Our senses are sharpened. When we’re startled, the hypothalamus in our brain immediately starts producing hormones, altering our physiological state. One of the first is Neuropeptide-S, a small protein that makes us more alert. It decreases our need for sleep, and sharpens our alertness and feelings of energy. Our brains also send a signal to our adrenal glands to start releasing adrenaline and norepinephrine, two hormones that increase our heart and breathing rates and sharpen our sense of concentration. Within moments, we’re transformed into a new state of alertness, able to see dangers and details we overlooked before. On Rosh Hashanah, these moments are invaluable. The energy we gain as we hear the shofar’s loud blasts gives us – for a moment – a new, sharper state of consciousness, and a different way of looking at the world. 2. Emotion grows stronger. Another effect of sudden stress is simplification in our thought processes. When we’re startled, our brains release catecholamines, neurotransmitters which stimulate a part of our brain called the amygdale, a center that relies on emotional – rather than purely rational – thought. This shift helps us to not overload on details or become bogged down as we make decisions: it’s the part of our fight-or-flight response that helps us decide to “run!” in times of danger. It can also give us the clarity to see our behavior clearly, without the rationalization that’s part of more nuanced, everyday thought. Thinking with our amygdale in the moments after the shofar’s blasts helps us to see ourselves more honestly, to perceive our behavior as good or bad, without the rationalizations. It can give us the courage to admit our shortcomings and the clarity to know what to do in the future. 3. Long-term memory is switched on. At the same time our amygdale is stimulated, so is our brain’s nearby hippocampus, the region that stores long-term memories. It helps make sure we don’t waste these moments, that we learn from the stress we’ve just experienced. This means that anything we’re about to experience in our newly heightened state will make a lasting imprint on us, remaining lodged in our memories longer than ordinary experiences. This helps to ensure that our Rosh Hashanah resolutions have a more lasting impact. All our thoughts – our emotions, our resolutions and decisions to change – will all become a deep part of us, lodged in our long-term memory. When we hear the loud shofar blasts, our brains become more sensitive; knowing this can help make sure that we use these precious moments to instill positive messages and resolutions to grow deep in our memories, to draw from all year long. 4. Our brain becomes more active. While all these changes are taking place, during times of stress our brains become more active overall. Nerve cells in our brains receive more messages than normal, and we experience increased brain activity. We’re able to process much more information than during less-intense moments. The period when we can hear the shofar's call  is very brief. Yet if we let it, it can stimulate us to think more deeply and make more lasting decisions than we’re accustomed to. Judaism teaches that it’s possible to make even major decisions and change our lives in an instant. The extra capacity we have for thought and mental activity during this period makes change more possible. As we listen to the urgent, loud sounds of the shofar, our bodies are perfectly calibrated to react to this loud, insistent call by giving us greater energy and focus. Let’s use it to analyze our past deeds and resolve to grow in the coming year.

Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement - Friday sundown, Sept. 13 through Saturday sundown, Sept. 14

1. 

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   Friday, September 13

   and ends in the evening of

   Saturday, September 14
   
   

   Day of Atonement

   
   By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide
   
   
   Orthodox Jews Prepare for Yom Kippur
   Photo: David Silverman / Getty Images

   
   Bible Feasts:
   
   Paul said in Colossians 2:16-17 that the Jewish feasts and celebrations were a shadow of the things to come through Jesus Christ. And though as Christians we may not commemorate these holidays in the traditional biblical sense, as we discover the significance of each, we will certainly gain a greater knowledge of God's Word, an improved understanding of the Bible, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
   
   Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement:
   
   Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is the most solemn and important holy day of the Jewish calendar. In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement was the day the High Priest made an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people. This act of atonement brought reconciliation between the people and God. After the blood sacrifice was offered to the Lord, a goat was released into the wilderness to symbolically carry away the sins of the people. This "scapegoat" was never to return.
   Time of Observance:
   
   Yom Kippur is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishri (September or October).
   
   • See Bible Feasts Calendar for the actual dates of Yom Kippur.

   Scripture Reference:

   The observance of the Day of Atonement is recorded in the Old Testament book of Leviticus16:8-34; 23:27-32.

   
   About Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement:
   
   Yom Kippur was the only time during the year when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies in the innermost chamber of the Temple (or Tabernacle) to make atonement for the sins of all Israel. Atonement literally means "covering." The purpose of the sacrifice was to bring reconciliation between man and God (or "at-onement" with God) by covering the sins of the people.
   
   Today, the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are days of repentance, when Jews express remorse for their sins through prayer and fasting. Yom Kippur is the final day of judgment, when each person's fate is sealed by God for the upcoming year.
   
   Jewish tradition tells how God opens the Book of Life and studies the words, actions, and thoughts of every person whose name he has written there. If a person's good deeds outweigh or outnumber their sinful acts, his or her name will remain inscribed in the book for another year. On Yom Kippur, the ram's horn (shofar) is blown at the end of evening prayer services for the first time since Rosh Hashanah.
   Jesus and Yom Kippur:
   
   The Tabernacle and the Temple gave a clear picture of how sin separates us from the holiness of God. In Bible times, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies by passing through the heavy veil that hung from ceiling to floor, creating a barrier between the people and the presence of God. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter and offer a blood sacrifice to cover the sins of the people. However, at the very moment when Jesus died on the cross, Matthew 27:51 says, "the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split." (NKJV)
   
   Hebrews chapters 8 and 9 beautifully explain how Jesus Christ became our High Priest and entered heaven (the Holy of Holies), once and for all, not by the blood of sacrificial animals, but by his own precious blood on the cross. Christ himself was the atoning sacrifice for our sins; thus, he obtained for us eternal redemption! As believers we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Yom Kippur, the final atonement for sin.

   
   More Facts About Yom Kippur:
   
   When the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D., the Jewish people could no longer present the required sacrifices on the Day of Atonement, so it came to be observed as a day of repentance, self-denial, charitable works, prayer and fasting.

   Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath. No work is done on this day.

   Today, Orthodox Jews observe many restrictions and customs on Yom Kippur.
   The book of Jonah is read on Yom Kippur in remembrance of God's forgiveness and mercy.

   
   More about Yom Kippur.
   
   More About Yom Kippur
   Fasting on Yom Kippur
   Repentance on Yom Kippur
   Guide to Yom Kippur Prayer Services
   
   More About Bible Feasts
   Bible Feasts Calendar
   Feast of Trumpets
   Foods of the Bible
   Related Articles
   Yom Kippur - What Is Yom Kippur
   Yom Kippur
   When is Yom Kippur 2010? - Date of Yom Kippur 2010
   Angel - Angels - Yom Kippur
   Yom Kippur - Judaism
   
   
   Mary Fairchild
   Christianity Guide
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"The Promise - One Man's Journey To See God's Word Revealed" - Now on Amazon.com.

Promise: One Man's Journey to See God's Word Revealed [Kindle Edition]

Book Description

Publication Date:
September 6, 2013

Throughout our lives, God keeps His hand on our shoulders and nudges us on to more than what we could ever realize. I am excited to share how He did this with me, and am confident it will be a story you’ll be able to relate to. 

As I unveil my story, think back to those times when you knew there was some thing more but you just couldn’t put your finger on it. You knew deep down that life wasn’t what the TV sitcoms portrayed it to be. In our souls there is the hope, the cry for more, that someday questions will be answered and promises fulfilled if we just kept plugging away at what we know to do.

In The Promise I share my 40 year journey with you, and show you that dreams do come true. Though Peter Pan isn’t real, the Lord, the One Who created us, certainly is, and He has a plan in place for each one of us. When you are done reading this story, my prayer is that you too will know more of that good plan and His purpose for you.

Click here to buy now:

The Promise on Amazon.com

(Both paperback & Kindle versions)

Product Details File Size: 381 KB Print Length: 203 pages Publisher: Martin Lighthouse Publishing  (September 6, 2013) Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Language: English ASIN: B00F1JL4XW Text-to-Speech: Enabled  X-Ray: Not Enabled  Lending: Not Enabled

To Purchase Kindle Edition 
Now for $0.99 - Click Here:

The Promise - 
Kindle Edition on Amazon

Note: You don't have to have a Kindle, smartphone or tablet to download the e-book edition. I downloaded the free app below onto both my PC laptop and desktop computers. 

(Steve Martin)

  

Anybody can read Kindle books—even without a Kindle device—with the FREE Kindle app for smartphones and tablets.

“Have your delight in the Lord,

and He will give you

the desires of your heart. 

Trust also in Him,

and He will do it.” 

Psalm 37:3,4

Dedication

To all those who have a desire and a dream that is yet to be fulfilled, but continue to hang onto the promise the Lord has given you – I dedicate this book.

In agreement with the Bible verse that I have printed on a note card standing upright on my home computer desk, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:0, NIV), I declare that He will do it.

As surely as the Lord God of Israel lives, He will bring it to pass!!!

We’ve Only Just Begun…

                                              

Back in the ‘70’s, when music was still decent, and you could really understand the words, a brother and a sister, the Carpenters, came out with a popular song,  We’ve Only Just Begun.  For those of us around at that time, songs like this gave us some hope, as we made our way through grade school or high school.  Deep in our souls, whether we realized it back then or not, something, or Someone, was calling after us, and songs on the radio helped draw us on.

Not sure which way to go at times, we knew something was still possible, even as our parents sought after the “Almighty Dollar”, and the Sunday service was at least a place the family, which still looked like one, went to on Sundays.  Friday night football games, followed by the sock-hop (finally realized that we had to wear socks, not our shoes, because of the gym wooden floor), gave us potential stability, after coming out of the ‘60’s and before the ‘80’s hit.

Through it all, Someone kept His hand on our shoulders, and nudged us on to more than what we would ever realize, before now.  And then…boom! The answer comes in an unexpected way.

As I unveil this story, think back to those times that you knew there was something more, but you just couldn’t put your hand on it.  You knew, deep down, that life wasn’t just what Walter Cronkite said it was every night on the CBS news, or that the faith and love shown by John Boy to Grandpa, Jim Bob, and the other twenty Waltons wasn’t just for their family.  Deep down in our souls, the hope, the cry for more, would someday be answered and fulfilled, if we just kept plugging away at what we did know.

I want you to share my journey with me, as I look back over the last forty years, and you see that dreams do come true, and that though Peter Pan isn’t real, the Lord, the One Who created us, is, and He has a plan in place for each one of us.  And when you are done reading this story, you too will know that…we’ve only just begun.

  

Book Chapters

Going To Africa

Father Thomas Purtell

Columbus High School

“I am a Christian”

Laura Jean

The Dream

Hasselbring-Clark

Bonnie, Derek & Mahesh

Heritage USA

The Barn

Worship The Lord God of Israel

The Beginning of the End

Jerusalem & The Western Wall

This Season Completed

The Incredible Journey

New Beginnings

Steve Martin & The Raiders

“Carry My Bags” – The Great Wall

A Season of the Soul

I Thought It Was Over

Roll Call of Honor

Editor's Note:

It was very exciting to know that my book came out during Rosh Hashanah, the new year of 5774, on Sept.4-6. This is a new beginning in the Lord's purposes and fulfillment of promises given to Laurie and I.  I hope you read my book!  Steve Martin

Steve & Laurie 2013

You can purchase The Promise now: E-Book Version