Thursday, April 23, 2026

Warp Speed - Message by Steve Martin

Warp Speed

 

When Star Trek burst forth on the TV screen on Sept. 8, 1966, we were fascinated by the other-worldly characters. For many, Spock, with the pointed ears and “I will never smile” candid trait, became our intelligent hero, counseling Captain Kirk on what dangers to expect ahead.

 

With his special hand gesture, the Vulcan salute, along with “live long and prosper” (having Hebrew origins), Spock and the captain enjoyed the end of each harrowing adventure, with Kirk often saying, “Warp speed ahead Scotty.”

 

Do you realize how many months have already passed this year, as we too are seeing everything speed up in time? “Warp speed ahead” these days holds more weight in reality than they did 60 years ago. (Yes, Star Trek has been around six decades already.)

 

The prophet Daniel got it right when he wrote what he was told to, telling us in Daniel 12:4, “‘This is a confidential report, Daniel, for your eyes and ears only. Keep it secret. Put the book under lock and key until the end. In the interim there is going to be a lot of frantic running around, trying to figure out what’s going on.’ (The Message)

 

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But ]be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

 

For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (NASB)

 

If we think we have time to just live as if time will never end, I think we best be aware that time is quickly passing by more than we are aware.

 

We need to give it all while we have the time, for the time will come when we don’t have the time.

 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message April 23, 2026


Challenges

Challenges

Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Seemingly ongoing, yes?

Life has challenges so we look to another other than ourself. So we understand our dependence on the Lord and not in our own abilities and strength.

Having been to several foreign countries, coming from America, I have witnessed the daily pressures others have to live under. Though many in these nations see “you American” as rich and proud, and can despise us, His heart, and mine, is to encourage them where they are at.

Having just spent two hours on a Zoom call with a friend in Pakistan, I truly cannot fathom the pressure he endures as a believer in a Muslim country. And then as one who stands strong for Israel and the Jews makes it even more challenging for him.

John 17:14-16,  “ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the worldbut to keep them from the evil oneThey are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

I often say that the Lord never promised us a rose garden, but He did promise to never leave us nor forsake us, and to walk beside us with His Holy Spirit to encourage us.

We know challenges and trials are just part of life. Knowing Jesus (Yeshua) has overcome them gives us the foundation on which to stand and do the same.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin