“Example” by Steve Martin

 Example

Most of us learn a great deal by watching others. Sons learn from their fathers how to mow the yard by watching and then doing. Daughters are taught by their mothers, when told to “watch how I do this and then you do it.” (That used to happen more so when it came to baking and preparing a meal than it does these days.)

Our example in walking on our spiritual path? Jesus, or called by His Jewish name, Yeshua.

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mark 1:35 NASB

I find it very energizing, encouraging, and most necessary to do what Yeshua did. Get up before the sun, find “my place of quietness”, and spend my first time of the day with Him. 

He did it. So must I, if I am going to be called His disciple, the one who follows. After all, if God in the flesh had the discipline each day to go, find a secluded place away from the hassle and bustle, to pray, should not I? Obviously He knew something we must too. And do it.

He led by example. I like how St. Francis was known to have said, “Preach the Gospel. Use words if you have to.”

People who know watch you. They learn from you. And you often don’t need to use words.

Let your walk do the talking. Lead by example. 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. I might have to forgo that blueberry bagel this morning. My steps aren’t keeping up with the input. I must lead by example.

"Suddenlies" by Steve Martin

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A beautiful horse in South Carolina. Photo by Steve Martin, March 2026)

Suddenlies

You wait. You wait. You wait. 

And then suddenly! The time has come. And you get the “Now is the time” word from the Holy Spirit.

We all have waited for events to come, people to respond, the answer to a concern we have prayed for. For a long time.

Trusting in the Lord’s timing is what brings us His shalom, His peace, as we, “normal humans” anxiously wait at times for that time.

“Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.” Psalm 105:18, NASB

Sometimes we get ahead of the Lord. Remember how King Saul didn’t wait for the prophet Samuel? It later cost him the throne.

Not every time will be this serious, but waiting for His perfect timing is always the way to go. Stay off the horse until the Lord says, “Go!” And then move on it.

I like suddenlies. I feel the presence and joy of the Lord then too. It is like the little kid waiting at the door to get outside, and then Mom gives him the “now” word.

Be expectant. Your suddenly, well certainly, will come. Suddenly.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message #16 in the year of the Lord 03.25.26

#Suddenly #suddenlies #time #horses #HolySpirit #Jesus #Yeshua

"Place of Encounter" by Steve Martin

Place of Encounter

As often as I can I make the long 12 hour plane flight to Israel, then take the high speed rail train the 22 minutes to the capital city of Jerusalem, I am on it.

Riding up the three flights of very steep escalators, then walking out onto Jaffa Street, I sense the Lord’s presence every time. He has met me here before.

I feel like I am home, though I am not a Jew. Another Gentile from the nations.

At times the Lord will take you back to a specific place of encounter, where you distinctly remember, “He met me here.”That place where you had come before, discouraged and beat down, and knowing you needed something more, a shot in the arm (a spiritual jolt, not the drugs stuff). Jacob knew that place when he had the dream of the ladder. 

“Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he [f]happened upon a [g]particular place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and made it a support for his head, and lay down in that place. And he had a dream…” Gen. 28:10-12, NASB

(My good friend Morris Ruddick speaks often in his writings of needing “something more” as he knows by experience on his many journeys back to Vietnam and Israel. Thanks Morris!)

It was from Charlotte, North Carolina to Jerusalem where the Lord had instructed me in 1999, to pay the cost, give the time, and go to the place where He promised to meet me. He then indeed gave me the word I needed to hear, which would take me on the adventure lasting the next 20-30 years. 

He took me to my “place of encounter” which I now know, looking back, as a major anchor of encouragement and foundational stone for my spiritual walk.

I know you too have a place of encounter, where you did what you had to do to keep going on, facing your own giant(s), overcoming by His Almighty grace and outpoured love He has deeply entrenched in your inner being. And if not, seek Him for it until He does reveal it.

Remember that place and be strong as you continue to fight to do that which is necessary in your walk today.

​“When I looked things over, I rose up and said to the nobles, the rulers and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:13-14 Tree of Life version

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People

#encounter #morningplacetobe #SteveMartin

All Hands On Deck

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All Hands On Deck

Each of us has been given gifts (talents) as the Lord shared to the listeners in the Gospel. What they did with them (or only one) determines how their reward, or not, resulted.

We each know individuals who are using their gifts from the Lord for the good of His Body. We surely recognize the “more noticeable one” – the pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and even a few apostles in the church.

But I want you each to know, the ones who don’t have those “titles” ( and don’t get me started on “titles” so prevalent these days) that you are just as important.

The main leader in any church, synagogue or ministry, the visionary, certainly needs the administrator to carry out the dream. There may be the engine, but without the wheels, that vehicle is not going anywhere fast.

So you having a hospitality gift, or a child development gift, or the one who uses his skills to construct or maintain the properties the Lord has entrusted to us; or even the one who leads worship in the home group of seven – you are just as important.

Not every job is “ministry”. Trust me, I know, after having been with ministries and churches on staff for over 35 years.

The Lord and His Body needs us all, serving together, each sharing his/her talent(s) for His plans and purposes.

Serve on!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People

Go where they are…

Steve Martin with grandson Daniel Martin. Daytona 500, February 2023

Tom Bach, Steve Martin, Charlotte Motor Speedway October 2025

Hendricks Motor Sports Museum in Concord, North Carolina near Charltote Motor Speedway

Go Where They Are

There was a time when I was really into NASCAR. Now some people would say how “ungodly” that is. Mixing with all those “sinners.”

And yet it blessed me when I heard the Lord say to me, “Enjoy the time when you go. Just take Me with you.”

I thought, “Wow!” And then I realized Jesus (Yeshua) has the heart for those who walk a “different beat” and that is where He went.

Sure, He went to the synagogues, to the religious people, but He walked among the sinners, the ones who really knew they needed a savior, and He showed Himself to them - that He was the One.

We need to understand that the lost need saving. They no longer come to our big, beautiful buildings, but they do go to other big stadiums. 

I no longer feel out of place you g to where the people are and enjoying a race now and then. Opportunities do arise to share His love and compassion.

Off to the races then! And Yeshua loves coming with me.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 

But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-17, NASB

Message #14 2026, March 22, 2026

#NASCAR #Jesus #Yeshua #racetrack #races #sinners #Daytona500,

Guidance. What next?

Guidance

​It is amazing how the Lord directs our steps. We think we ought “to go this way” and then, as He did with Paul on his voyages, He gives us a new directive to “go that way.”

I believe He enjoys seeing how we will respond, and also to keep us listening to His voice and His authority in our lives.

And I know it refreshes the adventurous path we walk.

 Following His Holy Spirit causes us to “be on our toes”, anticipating His next directive. And when we see the results afterwards, our faith and trust in Him grows stronger and more assuring.

We can be so grateful of His ongoing care  He daily provides. It is like walking hand in hand. I am glad His hands are bigger than mine. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a foundational Bible verse for guidance, advising to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Enjoy the Colombian brew. Maybe try the whole grain bagel today.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

#Guidance #Bible #HolySpirit

Rocking Chair Days

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Rocking Chair Days

As the days, months, and then years go by, time doesn’t slow down. But in some sense we do. The physical just can’t keep up with the desires.

I once told my good wife, Laura Jean (aka Laurie) that even though our days may be numbered, it is not my anticipation to be sitting on our front porch reading a good book. As much as I enjoy that I believe the Lord has yet more for us to do.

Wives, mothers and grandmothers have that “dwelling” heart within them, to build “the nest”, secure the home place with warmth, love and comfort.

Guys, well, we are not as prone to do that. Personally I want more adventure - to get out and get going. At least while I still can!

As the world spins faster and faster it seems, and the years continue to speed by, I recall the Bible verse from Daniel which speaks of this time we live in.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4

Times will continue speeding up the closer we get to the Lord Jesus’ return.

My prayer is that you and I will keep running the race to the end of His plan and purpose for us. To finish the race set before us.

The rocking chair on the porch is great. But as for me and my house, may we not just sit there and watch, but stand strong and keep on going to the very end.

Enjoy your blueberry bagel and hot Colombian dark roast coffee ( as I do),

Steve Martin in Charlotte, NC

P.S. Of course there are several men and women who love doing it all!

Disappointments

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We all have disappointments. Schedules get changed. Trips having spent months working on get cancelled. People leave as friends and we are left with a big hole in our life.

It’s not easy to just put on a “happy face”. So what do we do?

There are times when we will grieve, knowing that whatever caused the disappointment may come again or it may take awhile to recover from it. I believe that is a normal process, to draw us closer, not away from, the Lord Jesus.

When I was seriously praying about leaving a ministry that I had labored with for 14 years, the Lord instructed me to take a trip to Jerusalem. In fact, to the holy place of the Western Wall in the Old City where the Jews pray. 

After all the details had been worked out, I made it there. As I stood waiting at the Wall (Kotel in Hebrew), I placed my hands and forehead against it, grateful that I had heard and obeyed.

And the “flood waters” of emotion poured over me, as the Lord spoke softly, “Your years of service have not been in vain.” His heart of love was what I needed to heal the pain and make the decision I needed in this situation.

Draw near to the Lord with your disappointments. He will bring healing and renewed hope.

The Lord promises in James 4:9, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (NKJV).

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

#disappointments #healing #hope #waiting #GodtheFather #Jesus

Keep On Keeping On

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

In days gone by, when the computer monitor was the big one with the large tube, barely fitting on your home desktop, I had taped on the side, printed on a 81/2” x 11” paper, this verse, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.“ Galatians 6:9, NKJV

It was a daily reminder to keep on keeping on.

The same old same old, the daily grind, can wear us out. We need encouragement. We need renewed strength. We need grace to start each day and see through to the end.

Whatever makes you wonder, “When will a break come?” remember that our Lord is the One able to cheer us, giving us the ability to complete the race set before us to the finish line.

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“ Hebrews 12:1-2, NASB

Lord, bring us each renewed strength so we can keep on keeping on.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

#Keepon #keepingon #SteveMartin#loseheart#encouragement #Jesus 

The Good Lord’s Blessings on this St. Patrick’s Day!

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Anticipation

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Psalm 37:4states: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (NKJV)

This was the first Scripture verse I ever memorized, going back a few decades (ok, it has been 5 decades now.) When I read the Bible, after giving myself to believing in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the Word of God meant more than just being the big white book on our family TV room endtable. (The one we bought from the door-to-door salesman back in the 1960s.)

Being raised a Roman Catholic, and going to Catholic schools from 1962-1973, walking with the Lord was not personal. Just something we did as part of growing up - hearing the Sunday sermonette of 15 minutes weekly, and going on with being a kid and then a teenager in those years.

But new life really meant new life. Having a true relationship with Jesus (Yeshua) changed the meaning of life, the purpose, and ongoing times of discovering His plans for the world, the country, and yes, me.

Anticipation was now becoming a way of life, knowing that as I gave myself to “delighting in Him”, wanting to please Him, He would give me the desires of my heart. After all, He is the One Who gives us those good desires.

That is the promise for you, too, every day. Anticipate the promises and watch them be fulfilled.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. The restaurant was out of blueberry bagels yesterday. I had to settle for raisins and cinnamon. My next “go to.”

#Psalm374 #Scripture #anticipation #Catholicschool #Bible #relationships #Jesus #bagel #coffee

Availability

Availibility

There are two things that I have learned about our Father. (Well, maybe more but to keep to the subject..)

Being available. Being faithful. Those who adhere to these two character traits go far in their walk with the Lord.

But for this time we will focus on being ones who are available, who put the Lord’s request first and foremost.

You all remember the Gospel story Yeshua (Jesus) told of the wedding feast and how all the initially invited guests had an excuse whereby they would not/could not come. So the father of the bride (I liked that Steve Martin movie) sent out his servants to the “highways and the byways” to ask whomever, and then bring anyone who would come to the celebration.

I don’t want to miss out on any invitation the Lord offers me. If He wants a driver, I will drive. Lead worship? Count me in. Speak to that one next to me at the office? They need encouragement too.

And pray when the Holy Spirit says, “Pray” I will pray. Sometimes that is 3 am when He awakens you.

Be available. Say to the Lord, “Here I am. Send me.”

And He will. And the adventures will continue.

Time for a mug of hot Colombian dark roast, and don’t forget the blueberry bagel.

Available for Him and His plans and purposes,

Steve Martin

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch out your tabernacle curtains. Do not hold back—
    lengthen your cords,   strengthen your stakes.

3 For you will spread out to the right hand and to the left. Your offspring will possess the nations
and will resettle the desolate cities.

4 Fear not, for you will not be ashamed. Nor cringe, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, and you will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more.“ Isaiah 54:2-4, Tree of Life

#availability #gospel #Yeshua #HolySpirit #Lord

Count your days

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As I sit in my Pineville, North Carolina home (located where I call the “Bethlehem of Charlotte” if you are aware of the Israel map) in the front room, in the black “fake leather” rocking chair (because it is too cool outside temp wise at 6:20 am in March), I begin praying. In tongues as normal. It helps get my spirit focused and my mind not wondering.

These are critical times we live in. Not to be wasted on frivolous days and weeks of self-pleasure and “happy” seeking, but to keep our eyes on Jesus and what He is doing. We all will give an account of how we spend our time here on this planet.

I know. I wrote earlier that this “Morning Place To Be” with me is supposed to be on the lighter side, but I just sense that maybe each of us needs to more consider our ways, to ask Him if they line up with His.

Can I get an amen?

Be blessed as you drink your coffee. After prayer I am headed out for the additional blueberry bagel that the staff knows awaits for me.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Open Doors

       A friendly cat in Jerusalem. Nice kitty.

                              OPEN DOORS

I have a good friend whom I call the “Open Door Prophet”. From time to time Mordecai will give me a word, and it usually goes something like this, “I see two doors. The Lord is closing two doors but He is opening other doors.”

So I graciously say thank you and ask the Lord to show me more clearly. What doors? People? Places? Opportunities?

“Do not despise small things” is a Bible verse which too often we don’t know, hear, or believe. We want the biggest and the best right away, and may miss an “open door” when it is open with a small crack and we aren’t aware of it.

Our Lord will give us glimpses of things to come, and if our heart is not open to receiving it, we will miss it.

Normally a freight train will not go by with a big sign saying, “Go this way.” Usually the Holy Spirt will whisper, “Go this way” and we need to know it is Him.

Open doors are given for us to walk through. When the next one comes your way, go through it. It is the next step to the bigger adventure awaiting you.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin, waiting for my Colombian dark roast coffee and blueberry bagel to come this morning.

Be sure to “Walk With Me.” Almost 400 videos of the places and people seen when the Lord gave me another open door.

Two of my latest “Walk With Me” playlists on YouTube.

A bit disappointed…but hopeful.

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We each have disappointments. Some more deep than others. So what do you do?

My first reaction, as I have learned over the decades of trying to get it right, is to say, “Lord, my times are in Your hands.” And then my spirit and soul settle down.

As I sit drinking my Colombian dark roast and enjoying the raisin and cinnamon bagel (they were out of blueberry!) my trust remains firmly in the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. So it is no big deal for Him to make a way when there seems to be no way.

Trust Him with your life. Daily. He is the Big God to whom no one can compare.

Enjoy your bagel. A spread of whipped butter is good on it.

Ahava and shalom.

Steve Martin

P.S. I will keep them packed for the month!

It’s a man’s world. At least in my garage man cave.

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Come walk with me as I reveal some hidden gems in my converted garage “man cave”. A few mugs collected from my youth, ministry jobs, USA famous locations, and international trips.

Also one corner of the wonderful “museum” as a few have called it!

#museum #mugcollection #coffeecups #walkwithme

Choices by Steve Martin

Our young friend Grace, whom we met in Jerusalem last December, came to our home for a visit last week. We love Grace! (She works with YWAM/David’s Tent in Washington, DC. You can support her, too. Ask me.)

CHOICES

So I get in the car to get my coffee, Colombian dark roast in honor of Camila, our daughter-in-law, and the blueberry bagel, which has now become my “norm”, and the adjustments are needed.

Since we have downsized to one car (another story), Laurie and I each have our own seat settings, mirror adjustments, and, of course, the radio. The routine each time now.

I don’t know about you, but the radio choices include music, news, comedy, and sports. Especially on XM, which I have managed to trim down to only $4.98 a month. (Ask me how to use the contact form.)

Today I chose The Message Worship, which they say is a temporary choice. I hope they keep it on. No DJ. No commercials. All worship music. From the past and others known by even the youth today.

More choices will come our way today. Experience helps in those decisions. And so does wisdom from above.

Carry on. Have a coffee and a bagel.

Steve Martin

#choices #SteveMartin #MessageWorship #Columbia #coffee #blueberry #bagel

Where it began...I can't begin to know it. But come and see!

                       

Where it all began...must have been in Lawrence, Kansas, in August of 2025. My good wife Laurie and I flew to Kansas City to be with one of my sisters (I have 5), Janet, and her husband, Nate. It was a very pleasant time of touring the city, the countryside, the small towns, and the parks found in central Kansas.

When Nate told me about his "$4.95 Sip and What Not" (not the real name) at the local coffee-and-bagel restaurant, I just had to do it. I was raised looking for the "good deals".

When we got back to Charlotte, North Carolina, I checked out the local one. And sure enough, every morning I could get a cup of coffee (limit one every two hours, mind you), and I liked adding a blueberry bagel just to ease my conscience.

Lo and behold, this website began with that theme. "Morning Place To Be."

I like to write, so this will be one of those "not so heavy with all the news" places to go, as you, too, enjoy your coffee every morning.

As they say (sometimes, though it gets worn out), "Enjoy."

Be blessed,

Steve Martin

P.S. Nate in the top photo is on the left. More grayer, though a wee bit younger, than I am. Ha!

And of course, we went to the Wizard of Oz Museum! Click the photo to watch the video.

Dorothy's Epic Journey on the Yellow Brick Road | The Wizard of Oz Adventure Join Dorothy on her epic adventure down the Yellow Brick Road in this magical retelling of The Wizard of Oz! From the winds of Kansas to the sparkling Emerald City, follow her journey alongside Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as they seek courage, heart, brains — and a way home. This timeless tale is brought to life with new storytelling and vivid imagination. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering The Wizard of Oz for the first time, this is the perfect place to relive the magic!

#WizardofOz # Dorothy #Kansas #Morningplacetobe #SteveMartin

Birds - they sure do abound. Beautiful creations.

 

Birds - photos I have taken over the years.

Steve Martin

#Birds #Beautifulcreations #travel

Susita Israel Park over Sea of Galilee. A Roman fortress. Walk With Me, Steve Martin

Windy but fun atop the mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

#SusitaIsraelPark #SeaofGalilee #Romanfortress #WalkWithMe #SteveMartin #Israelpark, #Kinneret, #travel