How I Learned To Give - Steve Martin

 

How I Learned To Give - Steve Martin

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, NASU

On rare occasions, I share a message in our homegroup, as I normally lead worship and another gives a message. But this time we switched roles, and I gave the message.

After seeking the Lord during the three weeks preceding the homegroup, I settled peacefully on the topic of giving, and how the Lord had taught me over decades the discipline, even beginning in my youth.

I recall sitting in the Roman Catholic church pew before the weaved basket at the end of the long pole being handed down our row – my dad had given me a dime or a quarter to put in it. Later I was given a box of 52 white, small envelopes distributed by the church at the beginning of the year, for the weekly giving moments during Mass.

Being raised a Catholic I wasn’t familiar with “tithing”, but after working a few months in the Eagle grocery store stocking shelves my senior year of high school, alongside the new Baptist friend, I heard about it for the first time. I commenced the practice then and have continued since.

During my one and only year of college at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, I lived with several Christian brothers. No rent or other expenses were individually requested, but a glass jar served as the collection container, and each would put in funds as they “felt led”. Once when the jar became very low on provisions, the Lord had me privately put in my first $400, unbeknownst by the others.

I was learning to hear the voice of the Lord in giving, in sharing what He had blessed me with in provision for the blessing of others.

My good wife Laurie and I lived in common purse community for the first four months of marriage, in LaSalle/Peru, Illinois. Known as Victory Community, the concept was based on Acts 2, where the early church had “all things in common.” Each working member gave their entire paycheck to the elders each payday, who in turn divided it equally among all, for food, clothing, housing, and transportation expenses.

It even included special events. So, when we got married (in October 1977) we were given $600 for our honeymoon (with the wedding expenses covered by Laurie’s parents.)

Thus, we did also, until we became involved with the Discipleship/Shepherding Movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and moved to East Lansing, Michigan to further live as we believed. About half the community, 35-40 members) also made the move.

Around 1983 the elders of Shiloh Fellowship, the church we were members of, felt it appropriate to ask each family household and single members to give a week’s paycheck so we could honor and bless the national teacher, Derek Prince, living in Jerusalem, Israel, in need of a large sum of funds to complete the building of his home. In faith, Laurie and I gave. It certainly was another teaching experience in giving, especially with two young boys and living paycheck to paycheck.

All during this time the Lord was putting into my heart the Christian discipline of trusting Him to give beyond what I thought I could, believing Him when it says in Scripture, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,

"HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER."

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, NASU

Learning to give is a process. You start out giving as you can in faith, and then as you do, the Lord increases your faith with more increase resulting in more opportunities to give larger than before.

One thing I also noted in my message was even though I have given 10% and much more through the years, I don’t limit it to one location or ministry. Our household gives much to those working in the land of Israel, knowing personally the households of the faith doing the work there to fulfill the prophetic words of the Lord as He brings the Jewish people back to their homeland. Love For His People Ministry focuses on this mission in ministry.

I encourage you to honor the Lord foremost in your giving continually, and as you give thanks for the provision He gives you to share, you do so in increasingly stronger faith and evermore joy in your heart.

Steve Martin, Founder

Love For His People Ministries 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com loveforhispeople.blogspot.com

The Great Falling Away - Steve Martin

 

The Great Falling Away - Steve Martin

“Adonai said to Gid‘on, “I will use the three hundred men who lapped the water to save you; I will hand Midyan over to you. Let all these others go back home.” (Judges 7:7-8 Complete Jewish Bible)

There is a great falling away coming from among those who once walked with the Lord. In fact, it has already started. For decades, it was “popular” to be a Christian. Not so anymore, especially when one considers the numbers who attend a weekly church service. Looking around any given Sunday morning gathering, and in most churches you will see mostly grey hairs; and they are dying off. Sure, there are those churches that are doing well among the youth, but that is an exception. We give thanks for them.

After a major crisis occurs in a nation, the pews do fill back up. But within a few months, or even weeks, the “Crisis Christians” no longer come around. It is back to normal as usual. (We may still have the “C & E” group – Christmas and Easter, but even those numbers are dwindling fast.)

The apostle Paul said that in the end of days there would be a great falling away. We are living in those times.

"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NASU)

Lest you become fearful, and wonder what is going to happen when so many are gone, let me share a little insight with you. It will inspire you in faith, I believe.

The Lord seems to allow for the reduction of numbers when He has a job that needs to get done. Unlike humans, more is not always better. As my good wife Laurie likes to remind me on certain occasions, “Less is more.” My accounting mind doesn’t always see it that way, but it is true.

Let’s look at a few instances in the Word of God, and see how the Lord chooses to accomplish His purpose, and achieve the final victory.

Take what happened when the Lord decided to flood the earth. He saved a remnant, Noah’s family of eight (Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives) and repopulated the earth with those alone. Looks like that worked.

And what about Gideon’s army, when it came time to defeat the Mideonites? Gideon took as many warriors as he had available, starting with 32,000. By the time the Lord had set up a few tests, the number was finalized at 300. With those remaining, the job got done. Victory was won.

Yeshua (Jesus) chose only 12 who would walk with Him for a little more than three years. Then He released them (even knowing one would be replaced by another) into the world. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, those twelve apostles changed the world.

Jesus also fed the multitudes, with very little. “All we have with us,” they said, “is five loaves of bread and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to me.” After instructing the crowds to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking up toward heaven, made a b’rakhah (Hebrew – i.e. gave thanks). Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the talmidim (Hebrew – i.e. disciples), who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they took up twelve baskets full of the pieces left over. Those eating numbered about five thousand men, plus women and children.” (Matthew 14:17-21, Complete Jewish Bible)

The Creator of the Universe can get the job done with very few.

What about the 144,000 in Revelation of Jesus (Revelation 7:4)? That sure is something to consider.

“I heard the count of those who were sealed: 144,000! They were sealed out of every Tribe of Israel: 12,000 sealed from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad, 12,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Naphtali, 12,000 from Manasseh, 12,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar, 12,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 sealed from Benjamin." (Revelations 7:4-8 THE MESSAGE)

There is a great falling away that is coming through the Christian ranks. It will remove the lukewarm as the Lord Himself is going to weed them out. I believe He will then emblaze the remnant with His Holy Ghost fire, and show the world Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In the process, millions during that time, yet to be saved for all of eternity, will come into His kingdom, gathered from all the nations.

Are you going to be one of the few? As the Marine’s would say in their motto, I pray you are.

By His grace you will keep committed and stay faithful to the end. It is going to be a battle, but He wins. Stay on His side.

Steve Martin, Founder

Love For His People Ministries 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com  loveforhispeople.blogspot.com

Catholic Chapel in Magdala, Israel -Walk With Me and see, Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

Catholic Chapel in Magdala, Israel -Walk With Me and see.

Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

Catholic Chapel in Migdal, Israel -Walk With Me and see, Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry. Named after Mary Magdela April 25, 2023 in Magdala, Israel near Tiberias, Israel Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

 

Man Pleasers Don’t Need Courage - Steve Martin

 

Man Pleasers Don’t Need Courage

 

“Therefore, brothers, just as you learned from us how you had to live in order to please God, and just as you are living this way now, we ask you — indeed, united with the Lord Yeshua, we urge you — to keep doing so more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Complete Jewish Bible

 

If you have ever been to China, which I am thankful for Derek Prince Ministries that my good wife Laurie and I did go in 2002, as we snuck in Mandarin Chinese Bibles and Derek’s Mandarin Chinese translated books, you will realize one thing.

Courage is not something you talk about. Courage is something you do.

For you English experts out there, I know that “courage” is a noun. Thank you, Sister Mary Matthew, for teaching me that subject in English while in 8th grade at St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. But in this case, I want to use it as a verb. An action word means to actually do something about something.

And to have courage, to “do” courage, you can’t be a man-pleaser.

High School for most of us was probably traumatic. In fact, now it begins in middle school, and even younger, when kids face opposition, ridicule, and meanness. Our grandsons and one sole granddaughter (Dylan Joy, a senior this year!) will most likely face that again, knowing this school year is about to start again for them here in North Carolina and Florida. Lord, protect them!

When I was in high school for the wonderful years of 1969-1973 at Columbus High School (Catholic) in Waterloo, Iowa, the Lord taught me one major lesson that I have used for my entire life.

If you are going to live for Him, you can’t be a man pleaser. And if the world is going one way, brother and sister, you can bet the Lord is going the other.

When kids wore the latest fashion to be “cool”, I never did.

When kids teased and ridiculed the “last one on the pecking pole”, I chose to be that one’s friend.

When talk at the school lunch table was of “what they did last Friday night with that girl” (yes, this was a Catholic high school), I did not participate.

No drinking for me. No carousing in the back seat. No disrespect to my parents and teachers.

Was I a “goody two shoes” as some would say? Or a “brown-nose” as was another common slur towards those who chose to do right?

No. The Lord had given me the courage to trust Him and let the others go their own way. I had already learned that you reap what you sow, and I could foresee what they would reap after all their “wild oats” sowing.

We have to at some point in our life choose to be “God-pleasers” and not seek the approval of men. They fade away. They die in their sin. But we who choose Him, and His ways will reap eternal life in heaven, while at the same time live a fruitful and victorious life while yet on this planet.

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve — and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God."

The people answered, "We'd never forsake God! Never! We'd never leave God to worship other gods.

"God is our God! He brought up our ancestors from Egypt and from slave conditions. He did all those great signs while we watched. He has kept his eye on us all along the roads we've traveled and among the nations we've passed through. Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land.

"Count us in: We too are going to worship God. He's our God." Joshua 24:15-18, THE MESSAGE

We need a whole lot of God pleasers today, men and women who will stand for righteousness, peace, and courageous enough to say something, write something, do something when it is necessary to do so.

A man pleaser doesn’t need courage. It is far too easy to not do anything about anything.

But you - have some courage! DO some courage today, in and around you.

Following Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is a hard road as we know it is at times. But when you keep focused on Him and His Word, it goes a whole lot better, along with the courage that He puts in your heart.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

Old City Ramparts Jerusalem - Walk With Me and see, Steve Martin as we continue on.

Old City Ramparts Jerusalem - Walk With Me and see, Steve Martin as we continue on. (Part 3) Nov. 2, 2022 Love For His People Ministry in Jerusalem, Israel We continue on this wonderful walk atop the outer walls of the Old City, where many valiant men of war fought to protect their own. To the top! Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

 

Baggage. Less of It. - Steve Martin

 

Steve Martin, David Peterman in Israel (Sea of Galilee)

Baggage. Less of It.

 "…lay aside every encumbrance…” Heb. 12:1, NASU

 Yeshua (Jesus) loved to use stories, which we call parables, to teach others.

Think of it. One of the best ways we learn is by hearing stories. Wonderful biographies of others’ exploits; encouraging enactments of heroic quests; exciting adventures that inspire us to press on in our own lives.

Even little kids love to sit on the floor, look up, and hear fascinating stories that let their young imaginations fill in the unspoken words surrounded by glorious images.

So here is a story for you, to help you envision some hopeful results.

Two traveling men, one age 56 with a full beard and long hair to match it, and the other 67, with somewhat the beginnings of the balding status on the front line, set out from a rather busy airport on the east side of the land split by a major river…to cross the Big Pond to a promised land.

One bag apiece, weighing under the allowed 50 pounds/bag, was checked in at the airline counter. A nice lady served them, and once all set, they went and awaited the boarding of their Boeing 747-400 plane. All seemed well. Seemingly, of course. Until the huge plane and the approximately 430 passengers arrived at the foreign destination at the receiving end of the international flight.

Trusting that the checked luggage also arrived in good order as they did, they made their way through customs, straight to the baggage delivery section. They waited. They waited some more. They waited until nothing was left that came around the carousel oval-moving belt.

Their checked baggage did not arrive.

Nada. Nope. Not here.

Getting on the high-speed rail from the airport to the capital city of the Land, Jerusalem, Israel, took only 22 minutes. It was an enjoyable trip mingling with the sabras (native-born citizens), and with less heavy baggage to carry and maneuver up the four major long escalators to above ground, the final leg to the hostel on the light rail train brought back memories not forgotten from over 2.5 years ago.

The two weary men, a bit more hair having grown on their faces during the 17-hour total time trip, shuttled to their reserved room and collapsed. On the one bed. (Another story. Another day.)

One day passed. Two days more. Then one checked bag arrived. The other’s did not.

Three days, then four. Clap your hands and wait some more.

Two hours before departing from the hostel for the return trip home, the second checked bag arrived at the front desk. Joy erupted as some very special and valuable items in that bag were returned to the owner, from whence wherever they had been for 10 days.

During those days of “less clothing, less baggage” a natural lesson was learned.

The moral of the story is this: you can do without a lot more than you think you can. You need less baggage than you thought you did and will still get by.

Also, a spiritual lesson can be taught from this. What you think you need to walk with, you really don’t. The comforts once thought to be essential are not as important as you think they are. Prepare for what is ahead.

The Lord has you covered. You can get by with a lot less than you think and come out ok on the other end. (The 20,000 Ukrainians landing in Israel after escaping war in their land, many with all but one bag to their name, is also a major visual for all of us. One bag sometimes is all you need.)

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NASU

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People founder

"Jaffa Street in the heart of Jerusalem" - Walk With Me - Jerusalem Ahava Adventures, Steve Martin.

 "Jaffa Street in the heart of Jerusalem" - Walk With Me - Jerusalem Ahava Adventures, Steve Martin.

The light rail train keeps the people of Jerusalem moving quickly, to work, school, and the many activities they travel to. Sept. 10, 2022, Jerusalem, Israel Videos were filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Jerusalem, Israel on another Ahava Adventure.

Derek Prince, Lance Lambert, Messianic Jews, Christian Zionists burial sites - Jerusalem, Israel - Walk With Me, Steve Martin

Derek Prince, Lance Lambert, Messianic Jews, Christian Zionists burial sites - Jerusalem, Israel (2) Nov. 6, 2022 Walk with me, Steve Martin, as we go to the Alliance Cemetery in southern Jerusalem, the German Colony, where many Messianic Jews, Bible teachers, Christian Zionists (believing Israel is for the Jews), and those who loved and supported the Jews coming to Israel are buried.

The cemetery keeper Meir speaks of Derek's life and the others buried here. Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
 

Ever been to the German Colony in Jerusalem? I will show you some as you Walk With Me. Steve Martin

 

Ever been to the German Colony in Jerusalem? I will show you some as you walk with me. Steve Martin Nov. 3, 2022 Jerusalem, Israel Another section of the capital city of Israel where the German immigrants coming to the Land in the early 20th century mostly set up neighborhoods. Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Persistently Consistent - Steve Martin

 

Zoe

Persistently Consistent - Steve Martin

“Four things on the earth are small; nevertheless, they are very wise — the ants, a species not strong, yet they store up their food in the summer…” (Proverbs 30:24-25, Complete Jewish Bible)

We all have heard stories of the ants, of how they work and work and work. I can certainly attest to that. Living here in the South (southeastern part of the USA) over these past 30 years has presented many encounters with the red fire ants. These are the ones that when they bite you, you know it because it hurts. Then a short time later, small, red blisters cover your ankles or elsewhere on those parts of the body that were exposed. Sometimes they even get you under your socks, and then it is later that you feel their bite. Just great.

I have found a method that works for me, to rid my beautiful, weed-infested yard of their hills. For if you don’t deal with them, you will have nice mountains of red clay all over your scenery. So what I found that works is this.

Step on the mound with your foot (shoe on of course) to flatten the mound out. This causes them to eventually move on to the neighbor’s yard. Or if the mound has already grown to be bigger than your foot, take a plank of wood, lay it on top, step on it, and then roll it over to smash the next section. Repeat as needed. Works every time! No pesticides. No buckets of hot water to carry. No bleach killing the rest of your lawn.

It must be said of the ant colonies – they are persistently consistent.

They never give up. They never give in. They keep on working even better than the Energizer Bunny did. (Is he still around, or did his battery finally die out?)

One thing that I have found that also “works” in my Christian life, is to be faithful in the small and the large, is to be persistently consistent in what I do. Then I trust, as He promised, that I will finish the race and get His reward.

After all, who doesn’t like rewards? Even Zoe, our now deceased 12-year-old loving Dachshund, knew that if she consistently finished her doggy supper she would get a rawhide bone! You can bet she likes rewards.

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?” (Luke 16:10-12) New Living Translation

Want to know what are some things in the disciplined Christian life that please our Father in heaven? Seeing His children be faithful in prayer; spending time learning about His ways in His Written Word; and being the one who others can count on when a need needs to be met.

If you learn to be persistently consistent in your doing, you shall obtain the reward, and help others achieve that objective also.

Good servants of the Most High can be counted on, for they have learned to press on and not give up.

We Bless by Steve Martin

 

                                                    Arriving off the train at the Jerusalem depot. Steve Martin

"Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” Romans 15:27, NASU

 Every time the Lord gives me the opportunity to go to Israel as part of our Love For His People Ministry, I greatly enjoy spending time with our good friends among the Jewish people. Some we have known for 17 years now. Blessing them, as the good Lord has instructed us as Christians, has been on my heart now for over 48 years, beginning when I was first given the understanding of our debt to Israel and the Jewish people. Because of their faithfulness to the living God of Israel in spiritual things, we now have an indebtedness to them in material things.

Because of His faithfulness to them above all, the Jews, we Gentiles, now believers, have been grafted into the olive tree as well.

“And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:17-18, NKJV

Standing with the Messianic Jewish believers in the Land and befriending the “pre-believers” has enriched my spiritual life for many years. These connections the Lord has made continue to grow, as we see the days becoming darker and His light shining even more.

Being friends with Nissim and Hadassah, Nouri, Avraham, Uri, Danny Boy, Chaim and Deanna, Richard and Carolyn, Kokeb and Menalu, and the several ministries we have stood with and supported over the years allows the Holy Spirit to do what He has given us to do as our part in the restoration and salvation of Israel and His people re-gathered there once again, as He prophesied centuries ago.

I have written previous messages of the debt Christians owe the Jews, as I first heard and learned from the great Bible teacher Derek Prince. Because of the Lord’s granting them as a people the knowledge of Him and His Word, the Torah, through whom our Messiah Jesus has come, Yeshua HaMashiach, we are now too grafted into the olive tree, and can partake of their salvation and inheritance, among all Who call upon the Name of the Lord.

Understanding this basic, vital foundation in the life of believers is necessary for further unity in His Body, as He joins Jew and Gentile into the One New Man, the Bride that is being prepared for the return of the Son of God, Yeshua (Jesus).

Thank You, Father, for Your great plan of salvation, which has been laid out in completion through the Word of God, from Genesis through Revelation. Seeing Your fulfillment of prophecies and plans from Your heart encourages us to press on as we now do our part through faith and obedience.

Bless the people of Israel, Lord, and may those be blessed who realize the debt we owe them and seek to bless them also.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder, Love For His People

"Walk With Me' in the City of David on the street up to the Old City from the Pool of Siloam.

Break Away - Steve Martin

 

Break Away

 

“Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd…” Mark 7:17, NLT

 

Even Jesus needed to get away at times, to break away from the cares and concerns of the world around Him. Not to just “escape from the world” but to take a break, to get some rest, to be with the Father and inquire of Him.

Have you done this lately? To get up earlier than normal; to turn off the news on the TV or radio; to get out of your routine and spend some time with the Lord Who created you and knows what you need?

We all need that time. We need to break away.

I think back to the days growing up, with eight kids in the family. For sure it was a house full, but for the most part, we all got along, and still do to the day. Five girls and three boys, with Dad and Mom working hard every day to keep a roof on our heads and food on the table. It surprises me today when couples struggle to raise one or two kids. Yes, I know it is a different time, but still, I wonder at times where the priorities are with people. They certainly have changed.

Dad had his two weeks of vacation the same time every year, the first two weeks in August, when the foundry shut down (they made water pumps in Cedar Falls, Iowa) and every worker was off. Saving up for the entire year prior, and working two jobs to do it, Dad had enough money for us to go on camping trips, with a big tent, and hauling all in the homemade trailer he had made to pull behind the 1960 Ford station wagon. He even painted it the same color – baby blue. Later when we could afford a camping trailer that slept eight it was much better. Two had to always sleep in the station wagon when we all went.

It was a fun time. It was family time. It was time to get away and live for two weeks in God’s creation outdoors. Campfires. S’mores. Even having a bear snatch our food in the middle of the night happened on a Colorado family adventure.

But one thing else I remember, the other 50 weeks of the year. My Mom would spend time reading her Bible and praying almost every morning of the week before the rest of us occupied her day. She would take time to be with the Lord, seek His face, and get strength and assurance for the rest of the day. Often Christian music on records would be playing in the phonograph (a record player, for the younger generation who only know of MP3 technology.)

She would wisely take time to break away.

Maybe you can’t always get that annual vacation trip or the weekend away very often. But we all have 24 hours in the day, and we need to spend more time with the Lord. Just as Jesus did, our God Who became man, and yet took time to get away and spend with His Father.

And as you give Him time to refresh you, to encourage you, to let you know of His continuing love and ongoing care, you just may be passing it on to others who will be watching and later follow your example.

Be blessed as you seek Him.

Steve Martin

Love For His People Founder

Man of War and Mighty Men - Steve Martin

          

Man of War and Mighty Men

 

"Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.” 1 Chronicles 11:10-11, NASU

 

Anyone and everyone who knows Bible history are very familiar with King David. From the time he was taken from the shepherd’s field in Israel and anointed king by the prophet Samuel, through his gallant leading of his mighty men to remove the ungodly from the land, and onto reigning as king over the tribes of Israel, David bears witness as a large living example in the walk of faith.

The Lord raised up David and put him in positions to first take on the lions and bears attacking the sheep; then the giant Goliath; and further beyond to the people of Canaan who did not know the Living God of Israel but instead served false and evil gods.

During his mighty battles and wars, the men who fought under David’s experienced leadership fought through the rigors of war. Many received wounds and sufferings as they took the Land that was to be theirs, given first to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the generations following them.

How ironic that believers today often fail to understand the natural and spiritual battles that we go through, believing that once saved all becomes a rose garden. But we must realize that that is part of the promise yet to come. The beautiful rose garden.

So, here on this earth it is a battle for us in both the natural and the spiritual, fought on our knees, but at times calling for us to take up arms to destroy the wicked who threaten us and our families.

The Lord Himself, the Anointed One, the One with the armies of heaven on His side, clearly states of things yet to come.

"In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them. "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” Zechariah 12:8-9, NASU

Is this just a spiritual battle that is coming, which I believe is sooner than many would want to realize, in our day? If I read it correctly, there is some major physical conflict going on “in that day.” The Lord Himself will destroy the nations that come against Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, and the Jewish inhabitants. No doubt about that.

Did not Israel have to take the promised land in Joshua and David’s time, and then fight to keep it in the 1948 War of Independence, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and today yet battling the ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas in Gaza, and threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon? With Syria’s threats on the east and others further north? And as always, Iran trying to carry out their promises of completely destroying Israel with nuclear bombs while many shut their blind eyes?

Am I also saying that there is war coming in these days in America? Did not the first Americans fight a Revolutionary War, while generations later the Civil War, followed by two world wars and so many after that?

Maybe so. And Christians will be called upon to defend truth, righteousness, and the godly principles the Righteous God has set forth in His Eternal Word. His will being done won’t come by just letting the enemy run amuck in our land, with rampant lawlessness and violence carried out under the guise of “peaceful marches” and “my right to protest any way I want.” His will certainly will be done as it has been done in history gone by.

David’s men fought and won for the King.

American men and women fought for freedom to be maintained in our land and the freedom of others needing our help to defend theirs.

The Lord is raising up godly men and women, brave and courageous, not afraid to give their lives for the lives of the unborn, children, young and old, among all families, and to take a stand and fight for that which is right and true.

I am not a man of war. But our God is a Man of War, and He does and will do whatever it takes to give His people, Jew and Gentile together, that which His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, died, buried, and rose again for - a Bride and people unto Himself.

“The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:13, NASU

Prepare yourself. Our God reigns, and He will have the last word.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder

Heart of Compassion - Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

Heart of Compassion

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36-37, NASU

Many of us still remember our years in high school. For some, it was a good time, experiencing those growing and transforming years when we thought we knew everything there was to know and were ready to conquer the world. (Maybe this year I will be able to go to my 50^th graduation anniversary.)

For others, we may have wanted to just get those days over so we could get out of there. There may have been too many times that the other students did as is so commonly done in every generation – teasing, belittling, rejection, and more.

There were two boys in my senior class who always seemed to get the brunt of the jokes, the ones others picked on. Neither Gene nor Bernie had the handsome looks, wore the latest in clothes in fashion, or received good grades in any of the classes that I knew of. In fact, there were some who were just plain mean to them.

Gene’s face was covered with pimples, as acne was an obvious problem. Most days he needed a good shampoo too, as his jet-black hair was slick, and not with the stuff intended to be used. As he walked the halls to each class, he would slump down, not looking up except to confirm his whereabouts. When he did talk his words were quiet and his speech slurred. It was believed that Gene’s dad was a lawyer, but that status didn’t do Gene any good.

Bernie was sadly called the “Hunchback of Notre Dame”. He had a large body with a deformed hump on his back. Generally, his clothes were from a second-hand store, obviously costly little to purchase. He was ridiculed and scorned for something he could not change on his own.

It didn’t matter that he was enrolled in this Catholic high school, Columbus High in Waterloo, Iowa. Every kid in that school needed to be saved and know salvation through Jesus. Just because you could call yourself a Catholic didn’t make you a Christian. There were not many students attending there that I knew were born again, sad to say.

It was the Lord who gave me a heart of compassion for Gene and Bernie.

As much as I could be their friend, I was. I stood with them. I communicated with them. I walked the halls with them. Because of the Lord’s heart that He had for each, He had allowed me to befriend them as no one else would.

The Chosen TV series does a great portrayal of the Savior’s heart for His creation. As Yeshua walked this earth as God in the flesh, He showed the love of His Father and taught the disciples to do the same. Often as more than words can say, His actions spoke forth what He continues to long for each of us to communicate to those He places around us.

As St. Francis is known for saying, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”

In reading again the verse I started out with above, understand the one verse that follows it, with Yeshua speaking of the harvest. Many people and nations experience suffering and the need for the Lord’s love. It is His Body that is able and must share it.

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, " The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38, NASU

Each of us knew, or know, a Gene or a Bernie. Or maybe you were that one in high school who got the brunt of the jokes and the ridicule. Know that Jesus was there and felt your hurt and pain, and above all, it is His compassion that can and will heal you, and those others who know the same.

May His heart of compassion be growing in your heart, as you too express love to those who know so little of it and need what you have to share. Let us each have a heart of compassion.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder, Love For His People

Confidence by Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

Confidence

 

“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…” Acts 17:26-28, NASU

 

Our times are in His hands. Or as it is written, “Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.” Psalm 66:9, New Living Translation

When you believe that Word, that indeed our times are in His hands, and He does keep us from fumbling and stumbling around, you will do awesome deeds for the Lord and His people. You will have built confidence in His Name, and in His actions in your life. You trust that what He says He is going to do, He will do it. Enough said.

When Laurie and I were part of a small group in LaSalle/Peru, Illinois back in the day (1976-1980 to be exact) called Victory Church, and then the name was changed for identifiable purposes to Victory Community, we had to trust the Lord when we were placed in one of the common purse community homes, with four other couples. And we were newlyweds! O Lord!

When He called us to leave the town of her birth, childhood, and teen years included, with her parents and two sister families being left behind, we ventured out, with our two young sons Josh and Ben. We relocated to East Lansing, Michigan in 1980, along with several other church families, to become part of Shiloh Fellowship (later changed to New Covenant Christian Church in the early 1980s). We were wanting to be a part of the Shepherding Movement happening in that decade.

We had to have confidence in Him.

Then when He set another divine appointment time for seven years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which we honestly called, “Our time in hell” due to not only the heat but the spiritual battles we fought, our trust level in Him had to be raised higher. Again, we needed to know He still loved us, had called us there and hoped He would soon deliver us back to the rest of the USA. On staff at both Derek Prince Ministries and Mahesh Chavda Ministries for those seven years was a challenge, but with His grace, we were overcomers in that appointed time also.

In 1994 both ministries, not necessarily in conjunction with each other, moved families, staff, and offices to the beautiful land of North Carolina. Charlotte to be exact. Cutting 13 hours from the length of time it now took to travel back home to Iowa and Illinois once or twice a year was truly a blessing. The Lord does have mercy, especially when the four kids, now having added Hannah and Christen to the tribe, had to sit on suitcases in the back seat of the four-door Ford while enduring those Chevy Chase “National Lampoon Vacation” adventures on the interstates. In our case, it was Martin’s Traveling Show.

I think you are getting the point. As we daily put our lives in His hands, we learn to trust Him increasingly, believe more firmly that He has our utmost at heart, knows what He is doing, and will complete that which He started in us.

We often quote the verse about Him knowing His plans for us, and sometimes it can just get too “familiar” and we dismiss it. But think about it a bit longer.

The One Who dispersed the Jews out of Israel in the 70s A.D. is bringing them back home in our day, just as He promised. Given that mighty, daily, awesome miracle taking place right before our eyes, we can have complete confidence that again, what He says He will do, He will do.

“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. When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly; and I will let you find me,’ says Adonai. ‘Then I will reverse your exile. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have driven you,’ says Adonai, ‘and bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.’ Jeremiah 29:11-14, Complete Jewish Bible

We serve an awesome God. (Sing it, Rich Mullins! Our God is an Awesome God)

If we continually walk in faith, we can have the assurance that our God, our Father, knows best. I want to encourage you to not let up, not to give in, press on in faith, hope, and love, and know that the confidence He gives you will carry you through.

You will do mighty deeds. You will accomplish mighty acts. You will be as the Lord God of Israel created you to be and do!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder