Sunday, February 2, 2014

Arleen Westerhof with Sharon Stone: "The Year of Open Doors - To Positions of Influence" - Prophetic Word For 2014

Love For His People Editor's Note: The words that continually jump out in prophetic words, for 2014, is "acceleration" and "open doors." Personally, since the Jewish new year 5774 began in September, 2013, I have experienced this. I hope you do too!  
Steve Martin


Arleen Westerhof with Sharon Stone:
"The Year of Open Doors - To Positions of Influence"
Prophetic Word For 2014 
From The Netherlands Prophetic Council
(The Elijah List)

Arleen Westerhof
A Short Testimony

Since the last time I sent you a prophetic word I've learned personally how God can use you to start to fulfill your own prophetic words. In 2011, The Elijah List published my word "Advance From Breakthrough Into Victory." One of the paragraphs in this word was:
Apostles and prophets will be raised up who have the wisdom, strategy and grace to mentor and disciple people who can lead corporations as CEO's, entrepreneurs, heads of communities, states and even nations.
Apostles and prophets will not just plant and build churches, but they will have the structures for managing and rebuilding ruined cities and nations. Prophets will serve in government, helping to structure the educational policy of nations, etc.

That word has not left me alone since then and has even kept me awake some nights praying for God to raise up the Josephs and the Daniels who have solutions for the global economic crisis. In Europe people are already starting to talk about a "lost generation" with a continental average of almost 25% of 18-25 year olds being unemployed.

European Economic Summit 2014To make a long story short, last year God started to give revelation on the solution. The result – the European Economic Summit, which will be held in Amsterdam this year from 18-20 September (economicsummit.eu).

The goal of the European Economic Summit 2014 is to formulate and present new Biblical models for the crisis-plagued economies of Europe in the 21st century. We desire to see a healthy and vital Europe that is able to offer opportunities (education, work, spiritual renewal) for the many, both inside and outside of Europe's borders. God has given a lot of favor with 11 European and International networks locking shields to make this happen.

Who says that prophets can't be practical!

Blessings and kind regards,
Arleen Westerhof

Facilitator, Netherlands Prophetic Council
Coordinator, European Economic Summit

2014, The Year of Open Doors

Winds of change are blowing across the earth, and this is visible in both the natural and the spiritual realms. These violent winds of change are blowing out the old era and ushering in the new: "Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new'" (Revelation 21:5). Political and religious structures are shifting. New leaders are being raised up, and many of these will be appointed and/or elected in 2014. While this happens, doors are opening in the heavenly realms.

2014, the Year of Open Doors"2014 is the Year of Open Doors,"says the Lord; doors that will bring us into a new era. 

These doors will have a visible effect upon the earth, e.g. spiritual renewal vs. a further hardening of our hearts as individuals and as a nation, and transformation vs. the acceptance of the status quo. These open doors will be doors of unprecedented opportunity and influence. 

How we respond to them will determine the destiny of nations.

Open Doors

• In 2014 great doors of opportunity for the preaching of the Gospel will be opened.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
 2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's Gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord...

It's harvest time!2014 will be the season of the evangelist.
This will set the stage for a fuller manifestation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God on the earth. It's harvest time! Not only will we see multitudes coming to Christ, but we will see nations discipled as God's principles begin to be applied in different societal spheres of influence.
Even now, God is equipping and positioning Kingdom-minded Believers for this task. New training schools will be started to facilitate this process.
• Doors will open in 2014 for Believers to step into positions of influence in the media, economics, government and the judicial system.
One of our Council members saw in a vision how people influenced by the anti-Christ spirit were busy dictating how the spheres of influence, and society as a whole, should function, e.g. job creation, housing, health care, education, etc. Laws were being drafted which will place people under a yoke of slavery. Righteousness and justice, however, are the foundations of God's throne (see Psalm 89:14).
Believers will step into positions of influenceThere are 60 verses in the New King James Version Bible describing the things that happened at the door of the tabernacle. These were not just limited to religious activity.
Civil Law, justice, family issues (from baby dedications to inheritance rights), etc. were legislated and carried out there. Our mandate is to establish God's Kingdom on the earth: "On earth as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10). 

This does not mean that we should expect that things will be perfect, but rather that God's principles will become increasingly evident in the different influential spheres, as Believers with a Biblical world view step through these doors and take the positions in the world that God has prepared for them. 

(Photo via Vimeo/by Echo)

• A double-door of opportunity is opening up to marketplace ministers who have allowed God to weed out the roots of Mammon in their hearts.
Open double doorsIsaiah 45:1-3 Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held – to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut:
"I will go before you and make the crooked places straight. I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel."
In 2014 God is going to blow to bits the idea that Christians have to be poor in order to please God. Cyrus was lavishly resourced by God to accomplish His purposes – to finance the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. 
Levels of resourcing will be released to several in 2014 that we haven't even begun to dream about yet, and the concept of "businesses that bring transformation" will become widely known.
A new time of Christian philanthropy has begun.
• We are going to have to recognize the Day of our Visitation.
Genesis 18:1-5 Then the Lord appeared to Him (Abraham)... as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash Your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant..."
Day of VisitationAbraham did not know that it was the Lord who was passing by at that moment. Something inside of him, however, caused him to recognize that this day, which at first glance looked like any other normal day, was different.
That is why he ran from the tent door to meet the men. In doing so, he received the promise that within a year Sarah would have the son that they had waited so long for. God also told him about His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. In 2014 we will have to stay alert to be able to recognize these kinds of moments. 

(Photo via thebiblerevival.com / Public Clipart Collection #67)

• In 2014 the open door will see God coming down to talk to His people.
Exodus 29:42 This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you.
Exodus 33:9 And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.
Open Door by Robert BartowThere has already been a door open in Heaven for quite some time now, and many have received revelation as they have been taken up to the Third Heaven (see Revelation 4:1). This will be different however.
When God came down to speak to Moses, He talked to him about how to lead the people and shape society. 2014 will see an increase in the number of people receiving practical revelation from God for the world we live in. Third Heaven experiences will also continue. 

(Photo via Elijahshopper.com/by Robert Bartow)

• Doors of fast and miraculous answers to prayer have been opened.
Acts 12:16-17 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to tem with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.
Liberacion de San PedroA few weeks ago there was a story in one of our national newspapers about a failed assassination attempt on someone in one of our cities. A criminal had held a gun to the head of a man and had pulled the trigger twice. Both times the gun failed to fire. The would-be assassin ran away but was later caught by the police. 
(Photo via Wikipedia/by Bartolome Esteban Murillo)
The intended victim was an acquaintance of one of our church members. When we asked this person about it, he told us that God had woken him up one night two weeks earlier and had told him to pray for the other man's protection.
This he did immediately until he received God's peace on the matter. He then said, "I know the type of gun that was used and it is very reliable. It always works. It's a miracle that it did not fire!" Miraculous answers to prayer like this are going to start to become so commonplace in 2014 that after a while we won't even be surprised anymore. The supernatural power of God in answer to the prayer of His people will become increasingly visible in our nation(s).
Know Who You Are
NetherlandsAnother one of our council members also had a vision. He saw a magician standing on a stage with a big red button on it. The magician invited a boy from the audience to come up onto the stage and push the button. Our council member said: "I had the idea that when the boy pushed the button, fireworks would go off and a huge celebration would erupt. I realized instantly that the magician was God, the Father, and that the little boy was the Netherlands." 

The Netherlands is called to push the button to start the new era. The Netherlands is small compared to other nations, but it has played this role in the past. 

(Photo via The World of Maps / 123Digitalmaps.com)

In spite of the fact that the boy had been invited to push the button, he didn't do it. Instead, he hesitated. We hesitate because we lack assurance and we do not trust that we have the ability to do what God has called us to do. 

The Spirit of God is saying, however, that, "The time when we did not know who we were has passed." The Netherlands is called to push the button and to change the world.

Heroes

Daniel 11:32b ...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

David and Goliath2014 will see a new outpouring of the "hero spirit" as God raises up a new generation of mighty men and women. 

The sons and daughters of God will rise up, shake off their lethargy and fear, and confront the armies of darkness that have our nation(s) in their grip:"Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands'" (I Samuel 17:45-47).

Many will be encouraged and will themselves rise up and do exploits as they see and hear the stories of the modern-day Gideons and Davids who God is raising up even now. The hero spirit and taking back ground that has been lost will be important characteristics of this new move of the Spirit that God is unleashing upon the earth and which will pick up speed in 2014.

Arleen Westerhof
Facilitator, Netherlands Prophetic Council
Coordinator, European Economic Summit

Arleen Westerhof is the founder and facilitator of the Netherlands Prophetic Council and is the co-senior pastor of the church God's Embassy Amsterdam together with her husband Dick. She is the Coordinator of the European Economic Summit 2014 and an associate with Christian International Europe. Arleen has a passion to see prophecy made practical and prophets raised up who are able to be problem-solvers.

The Netherlands Prophetic Council consists of church and ministry leaders from across The Netherlands and is a platform  where prophets from different denominations and movements are trained, encouraged, and raised up. Their goal is to release the prophetic voice in The Netherlands and in Europe. Each year they come together to seek the Lord about what He wants to do the following year. Several times a year they organize events aimed at seeing the Kingdom of God advanced across Europe.


Scarlett Johansson Scandal Likely Boosting SodaStream Sales - Israel Today

Scarlett Johansson Scandal Likely Boosting SodaStream Sales

Sunday, February 02, 2014 |  Israel Today Staff  
If the reaction of Canadian Employment Minister Jason Kenney is anything to go by, the negative reaction of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to Scarlett Johansson's signing to represent Israeli soda-maker SodaStream is likely to actually boost sales for the company.
A major mover in the BDS movement is international aid organization Oxfam, for which Johansson was an active ambassador. However, the actress terminated her relationship with Oxfam over its own criticism of the her deal with SodaStream, prompting Kenney to posted to Twitter that he is keen to start buying SodaStream's products.
In an interview on Canada's Sun News, Kenney acknowledged that he used to be a supporter of Oxfam, but no more.
"I've given money to Oxfam in the past because I thought they were there to help poor people, not to marginalize Israelis and make Palestinians unemployed," the minister told his host, adding that he is now "dropping Oxfam and becoming a customer of SodaStream, thanks to all the nutters at Oxfam who are marginalizing Palestinians."
It has been widely pointed out that Israeli companies like SodaStream provide thousands of Palestinians with good paying jobs that they would be unable to find otherwise, thanks to the Palestinian Authority's gross mismanagement of billions of dollars in financial aid over the past decade.
Johansson herself even pointed out that fact when she suggested Oxfam's misguided criticism would only serve to put hundreds of Palestinian employees of SodaStream out of work.
In his post to Twitter, Kenney, who visited Israel last month with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, tagged his remark with the term "buycott," which is used by those working to reverse the anti-Israel boycotts by convincing people to buy Israeli-made products.
Israel Today is pleased to host a "buycott" page of our own, featuring a video interview with several Palestinian employees of SodaStream, and plenty of Israeli-made products for your consideration. CHECK IT OUT NOW >>
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Leadership Through Love - Steve Martin's third book now available on Amazon - paperback ($7.95) and Kindle ($3.95)


Greetings to ye all!

Both the paperback ($7.95) and Amazon Kindle ($3.95) versions are now available on Amazon.com.


We also have our ministry office copies available for sale ($7.95 plus $4.00 S/H).

I know many will be encouraged and given more vision for their calling in the church/ministry or office setting roles they are in. Please see the description and content listing below for more details.

Shalom,

Steve Martin
Love For His People


Brief Description:

Where would churches, ministries or businesses be without the administrators, the directors of departments, or the executive secretaries and administrative assistants? Those organizations who have them know their value. Those who don’t may or may not realize what they are missing.

It has been my desire to share a bit of what I have experienced, and learned, over 40 years. Each one of you who now serves in this capacity is very important to the “visionaries”. The work that you do, and the support that you consistently give, enables the top leaders of the organization to do what they have been given by the Lord to do. I like to think of our role as similar to that of my Biblical heroes. Joshua assisted Moses and Timothy served with Paul. 

May the Lord encourage you as you read my thoughts and what has worked for me. I hope the stories and suggestions will impart to you further measures of blessing, for those you support and also to those you give direction to.  

Steve Martin


Contents

Introduction                                                                          Page 13
           

Chapter 1                       A Gift for His Purposes                   Page 14

                                   
Chapter 2                       Use the Tools You Have,
                                       But Not the Staff                             Page 19

Chapter 3                       Women Arising in the Workplace    Page 24

Chapter 4                       Train and Let Loose                         Page 27

Chapter 5                       Burn Candles at Both Ends?             Page 32

Chapter 6                       The Visionaries Need You!               Page 36

Chapter 7                       Staff Fun Times                               Page 40

Chapter 8                       It Doesn’t All Depend On You         Page 42

Chapter 9                       Practically Speaking and Walking    Page 47

Chapter 10                     Meetings – Need Them?                   Page 50

Chapter 11                     Acknowledge Him in All Ways         Page 53

Chapter 12                     Another Man’s Vineyard                  Page 57



Endorsements


In a rough and tumble world marred by the superficial and the phony, where nothing can be counted on, Steve Martin maps out a straight-line path for Christian organizations. In reality, it's a book on how to steward the factors that too often get side-tracked when navigating a significant call of God. It's a down-to-earth manual of wisdom needed to enable Christian organizations to keep their eye on the big picture, while building a firm foundation to enable it to happen. Steve writes from the stance of one who has served in key administrative roles in a number of key ministries. Every ministry head and administrator will profit from this straight forward operating wisdom.

Morris Ruddick
Entrepreneur, Author, Minister, Consultant and Business Coach


What a great practical book for administration. I have watched Steve oversee several ministries. I know of no better administrator than my friend, Steve Martin. I highly recommend that you read this book.

Dr. Peter Wyns, President, Christians for Messiah Ministries and Pastor of Antioch International Church. Dr. Wyns is also the grandson of Derek Prince.



God has created in Steve a heart for worship and service. His desire has been to see the body of Christ united and to see ministries come together to co-labor for the purposes of God.

Jack Alongi, former Director of Development
  at Derek Prince Ministries

  
I had the pleasure of working on an almost daily basis with Steve Martin for many years while he served several Christian ministries. While Steve had the control of whether we worked together, he always made me feel we were working as a team with a common reward in serving God. He enjoyed my family as I did his.  He is intelligent, thoughtful, patient to the extent he could be, a good listener, open to new ideas, joyful and passionate about serving the Lord. The projects may be over long ago but not the bond we hold to this day.

George Payne Write Hand Publishing Andalusia, Alabama


We are honored to write an endorsement. Anyone that has worked with you Steve knows what a blessing you are and I was SO HAPPY to read that you finally realize the gifting that God has given you. Love to Laurie and the family. 

Jeanette Alongi, formerly of Derek Prince Ministries
 - Fort Lauderdale, FL and Charlotte, NC


I just finished reading Steve Martin’s new book, “Leadership Through Love” - Steve’s heart of goodness and faithfulness to His God shines on every page.  Of great importance is the practical hands-on wisdom that comes from actually leading through love, giving integrity to the words that are written.  Steve’s sense of humor always kind of sneaks up on me, and I found myself chuckling so many times at his stories and honest, from-the-heart insights!  It is the mandate of all of us who follow the One called Faithful and True to complete the work that our Father has given us, and Steve’s book will shine the light on how to do just that, whether you are an administrator or leader in the secular marketplace or in volunteer or paid ministry positions.  Loving leadership – a high calling – Steve’s done it, and it shows in this book!

Cathy Hargett, Founder/Director, Highway to Zion Ministries


Steve - I read your excellent book! I want to share this: I've known Steve now for several years. He's a man of faith and a man of action! Both are desired in true men of God. Steve is a manager - management is something he knows and can help you with. His future may be in ever-expanding ways, but he can help you manage. Read this book intently - honor the Lord by letting it wash over you and help you become the Manager that God intends you to be. And Steve, thanks for the book - thanks for your honesty and openness! Amen and blessing!

Robbie Phillips, Founder, Present Word Ministries
 - Columbia, SC


Steve, I finished your book “Leadership through Love”. I think it is a great book, one that will help those who choose to glean from your practical (tried and proven) pointers, and at the same time, woven through the pages are thoughts and encouragements to those reading it, to build a good biblical foundation from which to lead and serve from.

I had the pleasure and great blessing of serving under the leadership of Steve Martin for five years. I witnessed firsthand his integrity and faithfulness. I watched him lead me and others with respect, appreciation, love and boundless encouragement. Although our paths have taken other directions over the past six years, I cherish his friendship which continues on today. I nicknamed Steve, “Heavy Hand of Blessings” because I have never met a person who takes such pure delight in blessing others as Steve Martin. I was blessed to call him Boss and am continually blessed to call him friend.

Terri Whitaker, Derek Prince Ministries


Every now and then you have the privilege to get to know someone whose character and life radiate honesty, sincerity, loyalty and Christian love.  Steve Martin is that type of person.  I first met Steve at a Messianic conference in Charlotte, NC, in 2007.  One of the things I quickly noticed about Steve was how "approachable" he was.  Even though he was the US Director of an international ministry, he still had time to talk with people at the conference and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping to bring about a network of Believers, as well as area groups and churches, for the purpose of serving the Lord more effectively.  As the years have passed I've come to realize just how deep Steve's roots of love and service for the Lord are. 

It has been exciting to walk with Steve, as he's "stepped out of the boat" and moved ahead with the vision the Lord gave him for LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE - a ministry that helps connect Believers around the world with the people of Israel.  He is a husband, father and grandfather.  Steve, and his wife Laurie, serve as leaders of the Ahava Love Band, a group of singers and musicians who provide praise and worship at area assemblies.  Whether you call him Messianic, a part of the "one new man", or a "Jewish Rooter", if there's anyone who knows how to demonstrate "Leadership Through Love", it's Steve Martin. 

Curtis Loftin Founder, Beit Yeshua Lincolnton, NC


Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I enjoyed it and thought it had some really great insights.  I wish I had this back in my "corporate" days.  You are a good writer too.  In a world filled with an ever increasing list of ‘how to’ books, Steve Martin has provided one which clearly sets itself apart from the rest.  He presents a concise look at the art/science of management and leadership based not on academia but on real life experiences founded on God’s Word and powered by the Holy Spirit.  Based on his vast personal experiences in leadership, reinforced by insights received from others, Steve provides truly practical instruction in how to lead and manage an effective organization whether it consists of one or one thousand people.  If you are a manager, leader, or hope to one day become one, this book is a must read.  

Dr. Richard E. Tompkins, President, Explore Truth Ministries


Steve Martin has a gift from God. He is a visionary. That cannot be taught and few people have that.  I've worked with him for three ministries. I was always amazed at how he could take a company from being in the red financially and turn it around into the black - sometimes in a short period of time. I used to say "You should write a book and workbook too."  As his friend for over 24 years, I know anyone who reads this book will say "Wow!" too and gain much timely wisdom. 

Indira Persad,  Founder, Indira Persad Ministries Charlotte, NC


I worked with Steve for five years, assisting him in photography in one of the ministries. It was an honor to work alongside of him. He made the job so much fun. The Steve that I got to know did everything that he has written about in his book, "Leadership Through Love". This is a must read book for anyone who is struggling in their administrative jobs. It will help you to re-focus on what really matters. 

Sandra McCain, Fort Mill, SC


After a few years of living in a wheelchair, the day came when the Lord revealed Himself to me. And while I sat in that wheelchair He spoke to me and said, “Lech Lecha! Go to Jerusalem and pray for the peace and love for My city!” After my return He made me walk again and started to use me as a pastor of a Messianic Jewish congregation. And with that congregation we started to support a humanitarian work named Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse in Israel. Then several years ago Steve Martin and I met each other for the first time in Israel while serving for this same humanitarian organization. He was one of the inspiring members of the organizing team of the Succot Celebration in Jerusalem. My wife Carla and I were impressed about the way this team was working together.


The teamwork was based on love and respect for each other. Since then we met annually in Jerusalem for the Succot Celebration, and every time again it was Steve Martin who showed us in practice that love was the ideal basic in working together and serving people. James says: “Faith without works is dead!” The works he means are the works of love. The love we put into our work, in our relations and in all of our life should be the love that God gives us by His Spirit. If we believe, we should use this love; otherwise our faith is nothing. This same love is the theme of this book.

It shows you that the Love of God through each and every one of us should be used as the main part of our work together. Steve is a man who knows this and showed it to us in practice. And he knows how to explain it, as this book will show you by simply giving you some ideas and tools. Therefore we recommend this book to you. Carefully try to implement these ideas into your relations in your work and daily life. May the Lord bless you, Baruch haShem.

 Peter Nissen, Beit Emoenah, The Netherlands


“Leadership Through Love” comes from the heart of a man who has been there; who has managed, administrated and served for several decades and he is one who has indeed done it not only excellently, but also from the motivation of love.   His writing reveals the foundational backbone upon which leadership and oversight must rest; love toward God first and secondly love, respect and honor toward the people God has created in His image -  our coworkers and staff.  And because Steve’s foundational motive is right on and rock-solid, the insights, lessons and wisdom-nuggets he offers so eloquently and succinctly are also right on and rock-solid.

While there are volumes of books on the mechanics of administrating and managing, the author has brought forth in “Leadership Through Love” the all-important underlying truth that must be the motivating factor behind it and all its aspects.  He speaks to the heart of those who are called to lead and oversee - not for their own personal interests or ambitions, but as those who desire to reflect the heart and nature of their heavenly Father.   
He systematically lays out the pragmatic nuts and bolts that are required to manage and oversee in a creative, productive and excellent manner.  

Sharing candidly from his own personal journey of experience, he covers some of the pitfalls common to administrating and how they can be avoided – very valuable lessons indeed.  For those who aspire to or feel called to roles of leadership administration, this book will be a very valuable tool in not only the mechanics of leadership, but also in the heart of leadership. 
 
On a personal note I have known Steve and Laurie Martin since 1990 and I can testify that they are people of consistent impeccable character and Christ-likeness.  They are humble, kind and honoring of others and they have gained great wisdom through the many seasons of walking their faith-journeys.  They have endured bitter winter-seasons in suffering deep disappointment, but they have kept their hearts right and have overcome and come forth as purified gold.   So dear reader, open wide your heart and receive from this father-of-the-faith as he – and his wife alongside him - have much to teach and share with us.  All glory and honor go to our Father in heaven who administrates and oversees all creation and His family of mankind in perfect harmony and love.  By His grace, may we learn His ways of “Leadership Through Love.” 

Karla Shrake, Mantles of Glory Ministries, Dallas, TX


I am pleased to add my personal endorsement to this creative endeavor by Steve Martin. I have had the honor to know Steve for nearly ten years.  Steve is a prolific writer, who has a wonderful gift of being able to share his experiences and insights of life in a practical, yet humorous style.  His writings are often full of delightful "nuggets of truth" which he has gleaned from his remarkable walk with the Lord these many years.

Dr. William Duerfeldt, Asheville, NC


Reading Steve Martin’s new book ‘Leadership through Love’ led me to a tear and a quick repentance. How often we can overlook the journey for the objective - what we do as opposed to who we are. Steve uses his life testimony to shine light on the importance of loving relationship in the workplace. It is good to be reminded of that, in spite of our great visions. The higher we climb in the Kingdom the greater the responsibility and the more numerous the people we need to serve and love. I thoroughly recommend this book to all in business and ministry. Thank you Steve for reminding me to love the people I work with.


Martin Powell, Kingdom Talents, Owner



Listing on Amazon:




Biography:

Steve Martin served with three Christian ministries from 1987-2010, all having a national and international outreach focus. During that time he made 14 ministry trips to Israel, China, India, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. 

On his overseas journeys Steve enjoyed sharing written journal entries with family and friends back home, through Internet media. His light-hearted stories gave an up close and personal touch for those reading along. Many could imagine being there themselves.

His extensive collection of photos taken during these trips, of both local scenery and common people on the streets, has touched thousands through their varied images.

In 2010, Steve and Laurie began "Love For His People, Inc," a 501©3 non-profit humanitarian aid ministry. This work touches the natural and spiritual lives of those around them with needed encouragement and strength. 

His regular “Ahava Love Letter”, posted both on the Love For His People Blog and Facebook, feature his love letters of spiritual enrichment, plus selected photos and commentary from abroad.

Since 1994, Steve and his good wife Laurie have lived in the Charlotte, NC area, after having homes in Illinois, Michigan and Florida. Now married for more than 36 years, they enjoy their four adult children and spouses, along with six additional grandchildren.

While continuing to serve organizations with his accounting skills, he enjoys writing and growing the ministry of Love For His People, Inc.




Click here: Order now paperback or Kindle on Amazon
Paperback $7.95 
Kindle e-book $3.95


I hope you get a copy!

Thanks,

Steve


Saturday, February 1, 2014

"Finish the Race" - Ahava Love Letter (Steve Martin)

 

                                  Finish the Race


“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, “the Righteous Judge,” will award to me on that Day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for Him to appear.” 2 Tim 4:7-8 (Complete Jewish Bible)


Dear family of friends,

Do you ever get that sense, “Yes, that is done, what is next” feeling? Not necessarily the one when you have actually just finished a project, and there is a clear ending point, but the one where you just know in your knower that this season in life, completed over a long term, has been accomplished? Yes, that sense. Let me share further on that.

I truly believe there are seasons of the soul, similar to seasons in nature. Just as the Scripture says, “...the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” (1 Cor. 15:46 NKJV), the Creator has given us another visual of how life develops in our soul. His very creation, using the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter in many locations on the earth, give us understanding in life matters. There is a time of birth (spring), many years of anticipating, experiencing and doing with full activity (summer), and then the wind down (fall) before the completion in death (winter).

And for those who have raced, either on foot or in a swimming pool, or have been a fan of NASCAR or open wheel car racing (FORMULA 1 style), you too have participated in or seen the starting point, the long stretch of ups and downs during the race, the high point right before the completion, and then the finish line. Another concept of how our lives are.

In the spiritual realm, similarly understood through these natural occurring events, the Lord gives us seasons and races. In His revealing of Himself to us, through our five senses of our sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, His Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh in Hebrew) is showing us His life and purpose – to give us further understanding of His purposes and ways. While the spiritual also includes dreams and vision, and other aspects in revelation, this is how we learn.

One example of season and race concepts has been apparent in my good wife Laurie and my lives. It has been in the area of leading worship. Both Laurie and I have been gifted in music, with voice and instrument (more voice than instrument!) We have shared this gift with the Lord and His people, by participating in many settings of song and instrument over a period of 40 years each, from our teenage years through our 50’s.

There were the early years of lessons in vocal, piano and guitar. These were followed by the musicals, the school choirs, the seven church groups, and then the three bands. The point has now come to where the Lord has said, “That season is done. I have some other plans and purposes for you now.” Sure, we may lead a small group now and then in our gatherings, but we know that another race, another season, is on the new horizon. We lay down that which has finished, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our ongoing faith (Heb. 12:2). We are called to continually pursue His next passion, coming forth out of His heart,  being instilled in us together.

I love seasons. I love races. I love how the Lord uses these in our lives to provide encouragement for our spiritual seasons and races. Understanding that each of these however come and go helps us to let go as needed, so we can begin the next one. Often, they happen whether we like it or not. But in giving Him our ongoing trust and appreciation, our understanding can be better served as the next season or race comes our way.

Be content where you are at now in life. That was one of Paul’s heavenly insights. If it feels like you are in an all out race, then give it all you got. If the season you are in seems as if you’d really prefer the next one right about now, just wait a bit. It will happen. For another one is on the way!

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.


Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

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Ahava Love Letter #104   “Finish the Race”   Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.01.14) Saturday at 5:24 am in Charlotte, NC).


All previous editions of Ahava Love Letter can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Ahava Love Letters