A Picture Does Say - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

A Picture Does Say by Steve Martin

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” 

(Proverbs 2-:5 ESV)


They say a picture tells a thousand words. Well, “they” is right.

I posted this photo of one corner of my home office on Facebook in February, 2014. Except for major family events, such as births and weddings, which we have had a few lately, it has gotten more “likes” and “shares” than any other photo I have placed on my FB wall.

The home office

I can understand why. People are looking for something good to believe in, to stand on, to support, in their knowing that what they believe is what they should believe, no matter what the surrounding culture says otherwise. Or is trying to push down their throat and into their minds.

People still believe in supporting Israel, the family, and the good things that God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has given to us to enjoy. Thus this photo touched the hearts of people, and they responded.

You and others may wonder, “What, where or why on earth did you get, and have, all that stuff?” Well, let me tell you, so that the thousand words in the photo become a little more understood.

If you take a little time (a good song title Amy Grant has used) to look at it as best you can in print, here are some of the thousand words you might read.

1. The Jerusalem flag draped over one of my office chairs - it has the Lion of the Tribe of Judah symbol on it. It is the capital city of Israel, the Lord God of Israel’s eternal city, Yerushalayim in Hebrew. We believe in THE Lion of Judah – Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) – the Messiah of both Jew and Gentile believers.

2. The Israeli national flag – the Star of David on a tallit (prayer shawl) – hanging in the window over the other curtains (so as not to have the sun fade it). We stand on the Scripture, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

3. Many clocks are sitting on a shelf in the corner, while two are hung on the wall above. I have collected them over time. (pun intended!) The largest clock has the All Nations Church logo on it, which I had made while I was the Administrator there with Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda (1987-2000).

We are to make wise use of our time, for each one will give an account of how we spent the time we have been given here on this planet. How are you spending your time? Are you storing up treasures in heaven with it?

4. The clock next to the All Nations Church one has the face of David Ben Gurion, who declared Israel’s independence as the Jewish nation in 1948 (though this Promised Land had been given by God to the Jews since the time of Abraham. Roughly 5000 years ago. Give or take an eternity.

5. Abraham Lincoln’s portrait is on the wall in front of my Love For His People, Inc. office desk. Our American 16th President stood for the freedom of all people, and fought to see it happen. He also wanted to go to Israel before his death, but never made it.

6. On the wooden oak, two drawer lateral file cabinet under the Israel flag is a NASCAR #24 Jeff Gordon lamp (south wall). On it sits a black hat I got at Masada in the Judean desert in Israel in 2010. The lettering on the cap says, “Masada”. Both Jeff and the Jews are winners.

7. There are two shofars just behind the lamp. Intertwined on purpose. They represent the One New Man – Jew and Gentile coming together as the Bride of Yeshua, the Bride of Christ. Je is coming back the second time to receive His bride the Father has been preparing for Him. Soon and very soon.

8. There is a laptop on the desk to the right. I actually have three laptops – one for the ministry work of Love For His People, one for my sole proprietorship small business called Martin Lighthouse Services, and the other for our personal home items. And all are loaded with photos, of course!

9. On the right wall (which faces west in our home) are several 8” x 10” framed photos of our family over the years. Ones with our children (Josh, Ben, Hannah and Christen), our families on both sides, and special events of all. The very top photo was taken over 36 years ago (at the time of this writing) on Oct.7, 1997, when Laurie and I became man and wife. Forever while here on earth.

10. Below the family photos and above Abe’s head is a very large painting of a lighthouse out in the storm at night. Shining in the dark. I have always appreciated the continuing work of lighthouses, as they symbolize what we are to be in the nations. This particular painting is entitled “The Watchman”. That is what we are to be also.

You may also see that it has 4” x 6” pictures stuck in the frame on all four sides. I ran out of room on the office walls, and being I like to utilize every inch of space that I can, where I can, they ended up here. Just a few historical reminders of life moments.

11. Also on the wooden file cabinet, where the NASCAR lamp resides, are Jewish books from Hebron, Judea, Israel where the Tomb of the Patriarchs is. There is a great little gift shop there where I have bought several leather bound Hebrew books – the Tanakh (Bible) and others. Along with the English Bible, they sit on this lateral file cabinet.

12. Two chairs. Two desks. Two lamps. Whatever it takes, right??!!

In case you want to see more “thousands of words” in photos, I have added the other three corners and walls of the room. You can see those below.

Thanks for looking!

Now, what’s on your wall? (And more importantly, in your heart?)

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

Contribution checks can be sent to:
Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box414 Pineville, NC 28134
Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com
martinlighthouse@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter
Blogs: Love For His People
Ahava Love Letters

Full website: Love For His People
YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #126 “A Picture Does Say…” Steve Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.28.14) Friday at 3:33 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters

AMEN!

In the 7th Year by Steve Martin

In the 7th Year by Steve Martin

“This charge, son Timothy, I put to you, in keeping with the prophecies already made about you, so that by these prophecies you may fight the good fight, armed with trust and a good conscience.” 1 Tim, 1:18-19 Complete Jewish Bible)


I am a firm believer in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Since my own Baptism in the Holy Spirit in my senior year of high school (Roman Catholic - Columbus High School in Waterloo, IA in 1973), I have received, and practiced, several gifts given by the Ruach HaKodesh (Hebrew). First I had received the gift of speaking in tongues, then words of knowledge, along with the gift of prophecy and the interpretation of prophecy. Sharing and growing in the practice of these spiritual gifts, with several others over these years since then, has been a joy.

Seeing the gifts in operation has been both a faith builder personally and a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus). Healings, deliverance from evil spirits, words of wisdom and knowledge, and the gifts of administration have been practiced by many leaders I have served with in my Christian walk. I do not doubt that these are as real and needed in our time as they were in the first century by the first believers in Yeshua.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, 2007, a few of us had gathered in a friend’s house in Charlotte, NC. Robbie Phillips, from the Columbia, SC area, had driven the hour and a half north to minister to us. He had a widely known prophetic ministry. After first meeting him about five years earlier, and seeing him minister often since, I had a high level of trust in what he spoke to people using his spiritual gift. On several occasion I myself was encouraged from a spoken word of prophecy to me directly.

That night my wife Laurie and I led the group in worship, followed by a word from the Word from Robbie. I don’t remember what he shared during that time, but when the ministry in prophecy began, the tape recorder was ready, and the record button was pushed for every word given to those receiving this ministry. The tape was then given to them to take home, listen too, pray over, and trust the Lord for His timing in its understanding and fulfillment.

I was genuinely hoping to receive a word from the Lord myself. I was at that time in the position of Director of the Vision For Israel USA ministry office (founded by Barry and Batya Segal from Israel). Even those in leadership need to hear a directive from the Lord. Again, I truly appreciate the prophetic gift, and was about to get one from the Lord’s servant that night.

The word I received seven years ago (as of this writing on Feb. 25, 2014) I am now seeing it come to pass. I can share it verbatim now because, as a practice, I have always had recorded and transcribed words I received, or taken extensive notes while the words were given These are stored in several three-ring binders, from 1987 through today. I re-read them often, even as Timothy was reminded by Paul to do, as in the verses at the beginning of this writing.

Robbie Phillips

Here is what Robbie Phillips spoke to me:

“We call for the blessings of God. Everything he puts his hands to, bless. Everything he puts his hands to, bless, in Jesus’ name.

It seems to me in your work – talk about plowing – brother it seems to me that you have been plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing and plowing. And there is a verse in Haggai. In Haggai it is in the negative sense but in your case it is in the positive sense, where the word of the prophet was that you have sown much but have harvested little.

And it seems to me that in the ministry that you have been in the last few years, that you have sown far more than what you have seen coming back. But it’s almost like as I see you are going down, like you have one of the old time plows and you have an oxen or a mule or something ahead of you, and here you are, just getting it done day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year.

And it’s like I see this tremendously long row, and there is this man standing there, and he has a linen garment on, he’s right out of Ezekiel, and you recognize that this is an angelic visitor, and you stop, and he says, “Steve, look behind you. And you look back and you thought you had been plowing, but in the distance, where you had plowed a long time ago, whole forests have sprung up, and they are seeding new forests, and right behind you there has been an acceleration of what God is doing in your ministry, so that it’s not just a place where you just plowed, but there are already small trees that have sprung up even a few feet behind you.

And I see about you, I think it is just trickling in now, but I see the blessings of God beginning to come now, to the point where they are going to overtake you. It talks about when you are faithful to the Lord, and in the 7^th year when the land has the Sabbath, that you don’t need to worry about plowing and harvesting in that 7th year, because what you sowed three years before, and the next year and the following year, will all seem to come in on top of you at one time, and you will have more than enough, in fact you will have so much coming in, that you will have to move out some of the old to bring the new in.

And I see the blessing of the Lord and it’s like you have been looking and trusting God for His faithfulness and you are going to see a demonstration of the faithfulness of God and not just in spiritual things but in financial ways and material ways.

Robbie Phillips Feb. 9, 2007

- sharing his prophetic gift to Steve Martin

I see you, brother, you riding the high places of the earth with the Lord. I see you at 50,000 feet in jet liners just about all the time, flying all over the world. I see you a connector in the hand of the Lord. I see you being behind the scenes man, much of the time, major conferences and things like that, but the people that really know, the people that are the shakers and the movers in the Kingdom, the people that are well known, they’ll say that if you really want to meet a shaker and a mover, then you go and meet Steve Martin. He’s the guy behind the scenes, and he’s the guy that really gets things done.

And I see you being able to go to Scandinavian countries, European countries, the countries of the Far East, South America, all over the world, and I see you having contacts all over the world, and I see you being able to be used of the Lord to connect this person on one end of the world to a person over here and to bring things together in just the right timing of the Lord.

I see a tremendous amount of influence in your life, and I see that teaching anointing of your life. I see situation, particularly with leadership, it seems to me the Lord, just like with Elijah, suddenly “Boom!” out of nowhere Elijah appears, he wasn’t there one day and suddenly he’s the talk of the nation and I see the Lord just suddenly revealing you, revealing a teaching anointing, particularly for leadership and with leaders. 

A lot of it having to do with the holiness of God, and your own personal, their own personal walk with God, the things that are near and dear to your heart, about right relationships with your wife and your family. How your relationships with that, how those dynamics work, things that really matter. The nitty gritty stuff that drive the kingdom. These things being those that are really near to your heart.

Being able to be a real impact to people who are key leaders. But I see that in a teaching format, even more so than your own personal encouragement and strengthening. I see the Lord giving you teachings to begin to bring to leadership, in due season.”

Several of these words have come to pass already since then. I have been to Israel five times since 2007. Many of these words have especially been coming into being this seventh year after that word came. I am trusting that many more of those words will also come into be, as I continue to give myself to the Lord’s Word, in faith and obedience.

Many of you reading this have received prophetic words. You have written them down, or had them recorded. Maybe you just have a few notes scribbled on a piece of paper tucked in your Bible. Almost forgotten, but still there.

I would encourage you to locate those words, written or recorded, and read/listen to them again. I would think you would be surprised at what was spoken to you.

There are many good teachers who have written books on the gift of prophecy. To name a few that I know or have known personally – Rick Joyner, Derek Prince, James W. Goll, Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, Bob Mumford, and Larry Randolph have excellent books for your to read.

So I would encourage you to think on this,

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.


More photos of Robbie Phillips:

Andrew and Christen Balde receiving ministry

Robbie and Michael Blade

God Must Love Drummers - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

God Must Love Drummers
by Steve Martin

“David, ceremonially dressed in priest's linen, danced with great abandon before God.” (2 Samuel 6:14 THE MESSAGE)



Drummers fascinate me. They beat on those skins. They bang on the cymbals. They give it all with such passion. Even as King David danced with great abandon before God, I know drummers who have given it their all, also in worship.

God must love drummers.

Laurie and I have led bands through two decades - in churches, conferences, and in public places outside of the church walls. Whether it was leading the Steve Martin & The Raiders band back in 2002 (did you get that CD? Well, no one else did either!), the Ahava Love Band from 2011-2013 (we did get some recordings with these great guys) or the worship teams with All Nations Church (1994-2001), Cornerstone Fellowship (2002-2004) or Antioch International Church on occasion (2011-2013), one thing I really appreciated were our drummers.

I remember all well, for each one had a special style. Combined with their joy and commitment to keep the foundation of the music going steady, the sound they generated would fill the place. Often during the set I would look back from my position in the front, give them a big smile of encouragement, and continue leading, along with them, the listeners and participants into the presence of the good Lord.

The list is long. Ron Bowen from Rock Hill, SC has probably played the most hours with us. Beginning with All Nations Church in 1998 or so, he was on the team for the Friday night all praise and prayer times we called The Watch of the Lord, with Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda. We’d lead worship from 10 pm until 6 am for years. Ron would be one of those banging on the drums.

Ron Bowen on the drums

Steve Martin & The Raiders - 2002

When we started the Raiders, Ron was our drummer. Who was the drummer for Ahava Love Band? Ron Bowen of course. His heart for the Lord was contagious, and I loved seeing his big grin from behind the glass in the corner, filling the room with his joy and zeal for the Lord.

Steve, Laurie, Wane Daroux on bass...

and Ron Bowen on drums!

(both photos) 

Gilbert Crespo, All Nations Church, now playing in person for the Lord Jesus in heaven, was a perfectionist. His Caribbean flair just added immensely to his renditions. When we had guest worship leaders at our Mahesh Chavda Ministries conferences from 1995-2001, Gilbert was the drummer of choice. He recorded several CDs with Robert Stearns of Eagles Wing, and others.

Brian Cockfield of Cornerstone Fellowship, a mature drummer in his late 40s, seemed to always have this real seriousness about him. All knew it was coming from a firm love for the Lord. James DeVito, also at Cornerstone at the time we were, was a young guy with big aspirations. But getting him there on time was a challenge we helped him work through, because the Lord had His hand on James.

Matt Wyns of Antioch International Church was another favorite of mine. He had that particular look while playing, occasionally sharing a smile which you might catch coming out of the corner of his mouth, that let you know this was good stuff. I like Matt.

Savannah (I knew her mostly as Jill before she changed her name) could keep the rhythm with the best of them. Her Caribbean heritage also added greatly to her style.

When Laurie and I go to our home church of MorningStar in Fort Mill, SC every Sunday and for conferences, my heart is so blessed to see the young kids give it their all on the drums. Their passion for the Lord is so contagious, as I see them play with boldness and immense strength. For hours on end I think, some of them could go on and on and on. Little energizer bunnies.

You know why I believe the Lord loves drummers so much? Because as hard as His heart beats for the nations, I can see His expression of that love come through them as they share their talent and skill with the church body. Whether it is playing a soft, gentle love song, or a steady, warring anthem, these men, women and kids come to play their finest for the King.

Be it a little drummer boy or a mature man, full of wisdom and sensitivity to the moving of the Holy Spirit in their movements, God is so blessed by their expression of love for Him.

Keep on drumming guys! You serve the great King of kings, Commander of the Armies of Heaven, and soon returning Messiah, full of glory and song.

You have truly been a joy to team with, and now a joy to watch and worship alongside, for the glory of the Lord God of Israel.

Thank you my 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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

Contribution checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box414 Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter

Blogs: Love For His People
Ahava Love Letters
Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #123 “God Must Love Drummers” Steve Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.23.14) Sunday at 5:00 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our website: Love For His People

Passion, Persistence and Perseverance - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Passion, Persistence and Perseverance
by Steve Martin

“I see everything you're doing for me. Impressive! The love and the faith, the service and persistence. Yes, very impressive! You get better at it every day.” (Revelations 2:19 THE MESSAGE)



“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

That thought came as I was meditating on…or rather silently fretting about…the 14 hour drive ahead of us. Heading out on the long road ahead, in the middle of winter, through the Carolina mountains, to the plains of the Midwest, wasn’t what I wanted to be doing these next short days. But that’s where Laurie, my son Ben and I were headed.

We were spending Christmas with the family in Illinois, after not getting up there for the past five years, for this special holiday. I was keeping my word made to Laurie the previous spring, when the daffodils were blooming, the robins were singing, and life all around was fresh and abounding.

No longer did I desire to get out on the open road, as I did years ago, and drive 12-14 hours straight. It just didn’t appeal to me anymore, and I was dreading the long two days behind the Hyundai Elantra wheel. Not only that, but leaving on a Saturday, driving for two days, and having to start the return back on Christmas Day afternoon, to be in the office for one day, Friday, because my boss wanted me back for an upcoming event…

Well, I just wasn’t rejoicing and singing songs of merry.

“If the passion isn’t strong enough, the perseverance won’t last enough.”

When what I knew was the Holy Spirit speaking this word right about then to me, my attitude began to change. It was important to keep my word. It was indeed going to be special to be with Laurie’s mom Lorraine Unzicker, now 92, and her two sisters (Linda and Judy) and their families. That was what my heart and head were to focus on right now. Not the physical cost of getting there.

When faced with a situation that you know will take some stamina and persistence, we need to dig deep into our soul and count on the Lord to give grace and provision for the task ahead. Often we are given the choice to take the easy road, stay in our comfy chair wasting time in front of the TV, or move forward with what we know will count for eternity, by doing that which we are called to do. A simple choice, at least it should be. Too many times we take the easy path, which will be easier on our flesh.

The Apostle Paul had a mighty mission he had been apprehended for. The passion burning in his heart kept him going when it would have been easy to stop, count the harvest already accredited to his account, and call it done. But he didn’t.

“I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes.

I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.” (2 Cor. 11:24-29 THE MESSAGE)

In no way am I comparing a 14 hour drive to what the apostle Paul had to endure to fulfill his calling at times. We want to think so, though.

In your ongoing walk with the Lord Jesus today, consider that price which He paid for us. Receive encouragement from Him, from the other examples given to us throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Read about the martyrs who have gone before us through the centuries, giving their lives for the eternal passion instilled within them. Then we can find that which is necessary to continue pressing on to the mark, to win the prize, to reach the final destination.

The reward will be great.

Now think on this.

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

P.S. It was a good time with family those short Christmas days. Here are just two photos I took.

Lorraine Unzicker, Laurie and Ben Martin

Christmas night at a Chinese restaurant on the way home.

The only place to get food that night when we stopped.

You Never Know Who - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

You Never Know Who 
by Steve Martin

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message)

Every weekday for the past two years I’d arrive at the office building elevators around 6:40 am. The security person sitting at the front desk would give a quick greeting, and I’d greet them back, hit the “Up” button for the elevator, and ride to the 16th floor above Tryon Street in Charlotte’s center city (uptown area). I didn’t think much about it in greeting them. I try to at least say hi to people as I walk by.

Near the end of 2013, a new guy on the 3rd shift was at the front desk. He said he started at 10 pm and left at 7 am each morning, Tuesday through Friday. My guess he was 65 years or more in age. With his black rimmed glasses, color coordinated nicely with his short, gray beard, along with his matching gray hair and honest face, he reminded me of a good grandpa. As I got to know him in the following months, he was - a good grandpa to his eight year old granddaughter in town.

Mike and I would often talk about the weather, what was happening uptown that week, being that was what I had going while working with Charlotte Center City Partners, and of course, books. He would let me know what he was reading, and then I started telling him what I was writing. In time I helped add to his library, giving him copies of the first two books I had authored and published, Ahava Love Letters and The Promise.

In time, he started asking me questions about messages I had written in the Ahava Love Letters. I was glad to share further on my beliefs, the Lord’s work in my life, and the path we each had gone on in our lives up to this point. We got to know each other a little bit more as we talked each day.

In late February of 2014 he surprised me, when I stopped again for a brief conversation.

That day he asked, “How long do you expect to be here?”

I was a bit surprised, as I hadn’t said anything to him about my future plans. My response, “As long as the Lord has me on assignment here.” And then I asked him, “Why do you ask?”

“Well, in your book it seems that you are not expecting this job to be where you will retire.”

“No, it is not,” I said. “In fact, when I left my previous job as USA Director of Vision For Israel in July of 2010, to start our own ministry, that was what I had expected to be doing the rest of my life. And I only went back to an accounting job to pay the monthly bills, as the newborn ministry got on its feet. I am here until I have completed this assignment the Lord has me on also.”

“And what is that?” he slowly asked.

“To pay the bills,” I repeated, “but more importantly to affect the lives of the people I work with here,” I stated.

“Well”, he again spoke, more slowly than before, “when you came in for work the other day, I was going to say something to you further, but you went up the elevator faster than I was hoping. I wanted to tell you that, as in most lives, there are ups and downs (as he made the motion with his hand of a straight line going up at a 90 degree angle, and then brought his hand back down at a 90 degree angle), and then there are times in your life when there are hills and valleys (moving his right hand up and down, forming curves you’d associate as in an air drawing of hills and valleys.) Sometimes you meet people that touch your life at the top of the hill. You are one of those persons in my life.”

Wow, I thought to myself, and before I looked too surprised, I said, “Thank you Mike. That is very nice of you.”

Before I started stammering further over my words, totally not expecting this from him, I quickly added, “When you get done with reading my book you have now, let me know. I will give you the next one.”

He said, “Yes.”

So I walked over to the elevators, and again hit the button to go to the 16th floor. As my body was rising up, my spirit was rising too. Delighted to have imparted a piece of the Lord’s heart to Mike, I continued the upward journey.

“Thank you Lord” were the words I spoke to Him.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

Uptown Charlotte - being a light

(Photo by Steve Martin)

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

Contribution checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box414 Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com
martinlighthouse@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter
Blogs: Love For His People
Ahava Love Letters

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #121 “You Never Know Who” by Steve Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.20.14) Thursday at 8:00 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Ahava Love Letters

Assignment Not Yet Done - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Assignment Not Yet Done

by Steve Martin

“…since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and 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;” (Acts 17:25-28 NASU)


The Lord speaks to you unexpected sometimes. I think He waits to get a word in when there is a break in the music we have on the radio or in our ear; when the conversation between people takes a pause; or when the complaint we just “voiced” in our thoughts has died done for a minute. That can be a good time for Him to interrupt our train of thought.

And so it was, driving home from work on a Tuesday late afternoon. I know I was asking, wondering, begging and complaining – all in my head of course, “When will this job be done?”

I continued maneuvering around the heavy traffic, Jeff Gordon #24 NASCAR style of course, and listening to the CD in the car. Mostly I was day dreamingly complaining. I am sure you have done that too.

“When can I get on with what I really think I should be during in this time of my life?” I was murmuring again in my thought pattern. I wasn’t really expecting an answer. I was just wanting it to be known. To the Lord, of course, in case He had forgotten of my situation these past months.

“When your assignment is done,” came the unexpected reply.

I shut my thoughts up immediately. Not only had He, in that brief statement, told me when the time would be completed, but even gave me the way to move on. When I had completed the assignment He had given me to complete on this job, He would direct me to the next one. Thus I could rest in that, be assured of that, and get on doing what I was called to do while there.

His word to me was “as clear as a bell”, as a former boss would say after making his point.

Often in these writings, believing it is quite so, I share the fact that we each have specific purposes to fulfill in this life, according to the wise plans of God the Father. Out of His infinite wisdom and knowledge, being Omniscient (all knowing) and Omnipotent (all powerful), His ways are above our ways. That in itself can give us peace, knowing He is always in control.

"...appointed times and the 

boundaries of their habitation."

Having a basic understanding of our purpose and function, as part of the Body of Messiah, and using our gifts and talents faithfully in that purpose, will enable us to know the current assignment the Teacher has given. Then we can do it to the best of our ability, complete it, and move on to the next one.

When we have completed all the assignments He has put in our personal life book, then we will have completed the race, and will receive the eternal reward He promises to give to us.

Now think on this.

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

Open Doors - Now Think OnThis by Steve Martin

Open Doors

by Steve Martin

“They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas.

That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.” (Acts 16:7-10 The Message)


Beginning in the Jewish new year of 5774 (Sept. 2013), many prophetic words were coming forth in the Body of Christ about it being a year of “open doors” and “acceleration”. I could positively attest to those words personally. It happened, and it continues onward.

But it wasn’t until I actually believed it for myself. Yes. I had to believe. Not only in my head, but also in my heart. Probably what you do too at times. Right?

In the Scripture about we read of Paul trying to go one way. I am sure he believed it was the way the Lord was leading. He was on the move, following the last directive given by the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). Obedience to the previous word was going to get him to the next open door that he would walk through. In his going, he was pushing forward in the understanding he had.

Like most of us, we can expect the Lord to lead in this way. In another example from His Written Word (the Logos) it tells us about a directive for an open door to Peter.

“Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God. Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:32-35 NKJV)

Peter had been very hesitant to share the Gospel with the Gentiles. In fact, he didn’t quite believe it was for anyone outside of the Jewish nation. (Take the time to read all of Acts 10 to get the full picture.) After all, he was a Jew, and the Messiah of Israel was believed to be only for the Jews. That was deeply ingrained in his mind.

Both Peter and Paul were great men of God. But like all men and women of faith, they had to have a mind reset at times, to receive a greater understanding of the Lord’s heart. And after getting that a bit more straight, they too had to then follow the directive in obedience and perseverance to get through to the next open door.

God is not a respecter of persons, nor does He show partiality. Thus we can learn from Peter and Paul (and Mary too! I am throwing that in for the ‘60’s and ‘70’s generation.) I believe they had in their mind that the Lord was going to work in one way, and so in strong commitment they went in that direction. Again, in obedience to the revelation they had received up to that point.

But then their direction changed. Did the Lord change His mind? No. He was just getting each on them to the point where they could make the adjustment, the turn in direction, to more tune in to His plans and purposes. Being they were open to whatever He said, they followed.

In our minds and hearts following hard after the Lord, we can think He has an open door in front of us that we are to walk through. So we move forward for that opportunity. But along the way, as the Lord fine tunes our perspective and understanding, what seemingly then may become a closed door is only a momentary adjustment in our “going” to get us to the next open door. That is not a bad thing. We just need to be flexible enough to make that adjustment also.

We all have open doors. It is not a question of “Yes we do or no we don’t.” Settle it in your heart and mind – we have the open doors. With our eyes fixed on Jesus (Yeshua), the Author and Finisher of our faith, He will continually lead us on the road. A turn here, a turn there on the way to the destination. It is in His heart to get us each to the place appointed for us since the beginning of time.

Be open to the open door in front of you. If you feel like you are pushing, and the door is bolted shut, then relax a bit and ask if the other door in front of you is the next one He has for you. Then in obedience walk through it.

Now think on this,

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box414 Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter

Blogs: Love For His People

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #119 “Open Doors” Steve Martin

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.18.14) Tuesday at 7:00 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Ahava Love Letters/Now Think On This can be found on this Blog.

Chinese Bamboo Tree - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Chinese Bamboo Tree - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Chinese Bamboo Tree

Steve Martin

“However, we want each one of you to keep showing the same diligence right up to the end, when your hope will be realized; so that you will not become sluggish, but will be imitators of those who by their trust and patience are receiving what has been promised.”  (Hebrews 6:11-12 CJB)

I first heard the story of the Chinese bamboo tree in the late 1990’s. As the administrator of All Nations Church in Charlotte, NC, pastored by Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, others and myself were anticipating the growth in the church membership. All involved with the new church plant in this Carolina region, begun in 1994, were working hard, giving what each had been gifted to do, in leadership, service, and care for the people.

Mahesh spoke one Sunday morning, and again at the all-night prayer time that Friday night following, called the Watch of the Lord, about the Chinese bamboo tree. It was an encouraging word, both to the church as a group, and to individuals specifically. Myself included.

In helping us visualize what can happen in the spiritual, by looking at natural examples the Lord gives us, Mahesh explained the amazing characteristics of this particular plant species. He spoke of how it is most often the way the Lord starts and grows a work that He has initiated. If He birthed it, He will see that it thrives, as we hear and obey along the way. But the way isn’t what we always think it will be. Or at least hope it will be.

Briefly, this particular bamboo, after being planted as a sprout, is watered, fertilized, watered, fertilized, watered, fertilized, again and again and again. Year after year. But there is no visible evidence that anything is happening. During that time, it certainly can be very challenging to one’s faith, especially if you are the one hauling the water and the fertilizer!

Year one passes. Nothing seen. Year two comes and goes. Nothing. But yet you remain faithful, believing the unseen will become the seen.

Year three. “Nada” (as is “nothing” in Spanish.) Year four - “Niet” (“no” in Russian.) Year five – “klum” (nothing) in Hebrew. But year five!

In a 23 day period, the Chinese bamboo explodes upward 22 feet into the sky. And in the short period of six weeks total, it can reach 80 feet! Remarkable! World Book Encyclopedia records that one bamboo plant can grow three feet in a simple twenty-four-hour period.

The question is then asked – did it grow 80 feet in six weeks or 80 feet in five years? I’m saying the later.

During that five year period, the root system, unseen, was being developed. Once the time had come to shoot upwards, the foundation had already been laid. This would then sustain the height and weight of the full grown tree. In addition to the upward growth, shoots had been sent out, also below ground level. This multiplication can come up through the soil up to ten feet away.

What a natural visual for us in the spiritual. Builds your faith, right? You who have been laboring, faithfully, in the natural, all the time hoping, believing to see the increase come in the spiritual. Prayer, reading the Lo

You have been waiting. You have been doing. You have been crying out to the Lord for more results.

The time is coming. For you, it may be the 5th year now.

God the Father has given us examples of those who have gone before us – Joseph, David, even Yeshua (Jesus) Himself. Each had to spend the time needed to first develop the character, before the time of the release. They then had the capacity for strength, wisdom and love to hold the weight of the assignment He had for them. As for them, so for you - that eternal purpose He has for you.

My prayer is that you will not quit in the third year. That you will keep believing through the fourth year. And that you will get the reward in that fifth year.

Our God is a faithful God. His promises are true to you.

Ahava,

Steve Martin
Love For His People

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

Contribution checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box414 Pineville, NC 28134
Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

“Coffee In. Coffee Out.” - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Coffee In. Coffee Out.”

Yehuda was such an enjoyable Israeli tour guide. When he wasn't speaking Hebrew, Russian, or any of the other four languages he knows, in addition our American English, he would say some quite catchy phrases as he escorted our tour group across the Promised Land.

Having had the privilege and honor of being on three Christian Friends of Israel tours, I truly enjoyed Yehuda Hochman on my last one with CFI. He was the one guiding our "air-conditioned last days camel bus" back in 2008. That camel bus carried 40 men and women on the wonderful excursion.

If you recall that famous picture of the four soldiers standing at the Western Wall in 1967, after recapturing it in the Old City of Jerusalem, from neighboring Jordan, he is the one standing behind the other three more popularly known ones. You rarely hear of him though. At least I hadn’t before that trip.

It wasn't until the last night of that May 2008 travel, when we had our "last supper" (I love the Israeli dinner buffets in the hotels!) that the majority of us only then discovered who he was. When I saw a book with that historic photo on it, and he being asked to autograph it, my curiosity arose even more.

"Why is he signing that book?" I asked Hannele Pardain, USA Director of CFI-USA (or was it Mark DeVito, Chairman of the Board, my roommate?)

When the response was "That is him on the cover", I was disheartened that I didn't buy that poster on that trip, which I could have had him sign.

Yehuda Hochman with Hannele Pardain 2008  at the Western Wall

(Photo by Steve Martin)

The title of this Now Think About This edition, "Coffee in coffee out" is one of his most famous sayings I am sure. When the bus made several needed scheduled stops, his words held true. What goes in must come out! Yehuda to this day is a great tour guide. I hope to meet up with him again on one of our trips, and introduce you to him.

The Aroma brand Israeli coffee, with cafes in and around Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Beersheva, had outsold Starbuck's drink offerings. Our bus load was one of the reasons.

In November of 2010, after my then 24 year old daughter Christen walked down the aisle, and joined in holy matrimony to Andrew Blade (I got the honor of being both father and minister!), Love For His People started doing our annual Ahava Adventures trip to Yeretz Israel (Land of Israel.)

Primarily meant to connect our travelers with believers in Israel, we limit the numbers who go with us to just a few at a time. Because going in some sections where  "no tour bus has gone before", on foot, bus or train, enables us to touch the land and people in a more impacting way for each life. We do a lot of walking in the capital city of Jerusalem, where we spend most of our time. It is also a joy to have special meals with friends, building on those relationships established over the decade.

Whether you go on any number of wonderful annual Israel tours, with Hannele Pardain of CFI-USA, Jonathan Bernis of Jewish Voice, Barry Segal’s Roots & Reflections travel delight with Vision for Israel, Myles and Katherine Weiss with Zola Levitt Ministries, Peter Wyns and Christians For Messiah Ministries, or on our special Ahava Adventures with Love For His People – plan on going to Israel soon, for a life changing experience! Walk where Yeshua (Jesus) walked, and on those places that you know from the Bible.

For your own spiritual and uplifting good, and to especially show your support for our only true friends in the Middle East – the good people of Israel – make it one of your life priority goals to go. As it is said, “You will never be the same again.”

Blessings will be on ye heads,

Steve Martin

Love For His People & Ahava Adventures

P.S. My 5^th book in progress, Now Think On This – The Inspiration Continues, will feature many photos of that Israel tour. I am planning on an early 2014 summer release date.

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.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share this Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blogs: Love For His People

           Ahava Love Letters

           

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #117 – Coffee In Coffee Out by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.16.14 Sunday at 8:00 am in Charlotte, NC).