“Be Encouraged” message by Steve Martin

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BE ENCOURAGED

 

 

As I wrote previously, I love August. Not because of the heat (preferable to bitter cold) but because the Lord has done great things for us in previous August months.

 

Moved at least two times; saw prayers answered like never before; and this August a “new” (only 37 years old) Chevy Silverado Sidestep 4x4 truck for $1,200! I have named it The GOLDEN CHARIOT. (Thanks Keith for the find!)

 

“What a beaut, Clark!”

 

And then… another “new treasure” - a five-year old Honda lawnmower (thanks son-in-law Andrew!) being my other Home Depot one said it was “too hot” to run.

 

We are all blessed when we are thankful for what the Lord gives us. New or “somewhat used.”

 

So be encouraged and read my message for you, BE ENCOURAGED below.

 

Ahava and shalom,

 

Steve Martin

Love For His People

 

P. S. I have enjoyed publishing new books and updating my previous ones with new covers and updates this August too. Take a look below. Now 42 books over the last 16 years. Thank You, Lord!

 

 

BE ENCOURAGED

Who does not need encouragement from time to time?

 

As I was updating some of my previously published books, with new covers and edited chapters, I was really encouraged. What the Lord had given me to share over these past years in writing confirmed of hearing the Lord and sharing His heart.

 

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:11-12, NASB

 

This is one aspect of our Christian faith that we can do for one another – encourage each one in our walk.

 

Whether we use our spiritual gifts to build one another up, allowing the fruit of the Holy Spirit that our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) has grown in us over our years to bless others; to helping those in need with prayer, financial support, or physical, practical assistance - it is wonderful and usual timely for both.

 

When we give out, the Lord gives back in. We cannot out give the Lord.

 

There have been many times when you and me have needed a helping hand, an encouraging word, a text or message from another simply saying, “You got this. The Lord is with you, and He will not forsake you.”

 

This also includes standing with our friends in Israel, and Jews in the USA who need us, as Isaiah 40:1-2 also says, ““Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. Speak kindly to Jerusalem…” (NASB)

 

Encouraging each other pleases the Lord. When His sons and daughters lift one another up, the world will see our love and long for the same.

 

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

“When His Grace Comes On You” by Steve Martin

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When His Grace Comes On You

 

Remember those times when you get “in the groove” - you feel like baking a whole lot (some people do, like Laurie in the winter); you have extra energy to finish three loads of laundry (ugh!); you mow the yard for an hour and you can do it again, as the sweat pours through your soaked t-shirt…

 

 

Well friend, that is how it is with me in writing or designing new book covers. The Holy Spirit gives you that grace to push on and do more.

 

 

Particularly after I have spent some time praying in tongues.

 

 

When The Grace Comes On You is a special time.

 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.” Psalm 84:11

 

There are certainly “seasons of the soul” – those times in the spiritual which seem like a spring time of refreshing;  summer months of growth and sun;  a fall of coolness and colorful beauty; and a winter of dry days and maybe even darkness within and without.

 

Each of us have had them, and continue to. They help us keep our spiritual balance and seeking our Lord.

 

Not every day can be a mountain top experience, nor will we have ongoing desert periods, similar to what Yeshua (Jesus) walked through before His major anointing  came down.

 

When His grace comes on you, it is do accomplish His will, His purpose, for your good and those He has sent you to share it with. His abundant and available grace comes because of His Love, His provision, His ongoing care for people.

 

He wants to, and does, use us, enables us, challenges us even to do so.

 

When His grace comes to you, do what He blesses you to do. Share His Grace with others, and experience part of His manifest love He has for His world.

 

“For God so loved…” Yes He did, and daily continues to pour out His grace upon you and me.

 

For the sake of others.

 

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Marin

A grateful man for His grace.

“Leap of Faith” message by Steve Martin

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The Leap of Faith

Laurie and I have loved the series, The Chosen, airing its sixth season in the fall of 2026. It will be impacting and life touching, as Yeshua (Jesus) is crucified.

In the first episode of The Chosen in the Wild,  a Prime Video series starring Bear Grylls, a retired British military man, and cast members from The Chosen, Bear speaks of “taking a risk”.

I remember those words given to the both of us a few years ago in a prophetic word, before deciding to volunteer three months in Jerusalem with Christian Friends of Israel.

Both being retired, the rocking chair on the front porch just didn’t seem the place to be, at least for me.

I was “going for it” and Laurie, though hesitant at first (ok, for awhile) agreed. We took the leap.

“ But as for me, I trust in You, Lord,
I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14, NASB

 

For each of us, you included, we must walk in faith and trust if we are going to experience all that the Lord desires of us. If we say, “Yes, Lord”, at times it will take a leap of faith on our part. Trusting in His provision, His faithfulness, His protection, His overall care will be necessary.

We will walk through valleys of green, and ones not so much. We will climb many mountains, and even fall a few times. We will look back with what could have been, but must move forward with what can be as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Personally, I am not much for living in the “comfort zone.” I want everything the Lord has for me, for us, and as I give myself to His ongoing calling and leading, the leaps of faith become exciting adventures.

May your faith be the same in Him. Go where He takes you. It is an ongoing walk of faith, but the rewards are so much greater.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

“Teach Them - Young Men and Women” by Steve Martin

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Teach Them – Young Men and Women

As older men and women in the Faith, the Bible teaches that we are to teach those who come after us, to train them, entrusting to them that which the Lord has taught us.

Experience goes a long way. I would rather follow someone who has been on the rocky trail before me, rather than follow the one who has just read about how to walk on a trail in the mountains.

For me, give me someone who knows what to do, probably has fallen a few times and yet got back up,  then one still “learning the ropes”, so I won’t make the same mistakes myself and go the wrong way.

As Paul spoke to his young disciple Timothy, so do I want for those I am given to lead.

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2: 1-2 NASB

Many times I have prayed to be a good example, to heed the words of Jesus (Yeshua) so I might be a good witness, and carry His Name in a worthy way.

 

I remember as a young boy I wanted to be a good example to my brothers and sisters. It is even so today, with two brothers and five sisters in our family.

As I continue to be a good example, others will see, and hopefully watch or listen, to walk in the same way as our Lord did, and does.

“Do as I do” is better done than, “Do as I say and not as I do.”

I enjoy encouraging young men in particular in the faith. With my own two sons, along with others that the Lord has given me to build up in the faith – Moses in Pakistan, Yeshudas in India, Duncan in Kenya, I enjoy being one to follow.

May the good Lord continue to guide my steps so I can be one with solid faith and good leadership.

And may you too be one who others look to for guidance and walk in faithful obedience to our our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

“It Is A Dilemma” Steve Martin

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Think I Got It

It is a dilemma. Maybe for you too?

For years I have been wanting to have a disciplined, connected life with the Lord, God the Father (Abba as some call Him), Jesus (Yeshua) and the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh).

Reading my Bible daily, a chapter from the “Old” and “New” testaments, maybe a Psalm, add on one or two devotionals…and pray in tongues for those He gives me. And…listen to my worship song playlist.

The best time for me, for all of this, is before the sun comes up. Quiet. Slow. No distractions.

Often I connect with them, the Three. Sometimes I struggle and think, “Is this just too much routine? Is it really worth it and lasting? Do they really hear me and my heart?”

But most important, do I connect with their heart? Their prayers? Their vision?

Of course I have read many biographies of saints gone by…both in the Bible and those whom followed in their footsteps over the centuries. Even the ones in our day. All the while wanting to be sure I am connecting with the Lord.

I think I got it. After about, say, 50-60 years.

Our Father wants us to spend time with Him. Forgot the news for awhile. Let the emails, texts and all messages stay as they are, waiting on the phone.

Give Him time. Just give them time.

And when you do…the discipline, connection, refreshment, fulfillment will come.

I think I got it. And them too.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. Enjoy this song by Leeland on YouTube: Where You Are

Travel on until you get there. Walk With Me, Steve Martin (Song by Leland)

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Walk With Me as Leland sings, “Where You Are.” Beautiful, Lord.

Steve Martin

Charlotte, North Carolina

“Under 50?” Message by Steve Martin

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Under 50?

Listening to Tucker Carlson, Candice Owens, and others on TikTok or YouTube will give you a strong opinion about world events. Especially about Christians and Christianity. And even more so about Israel and the Jews.

A strong biblical foundation is necessary if one is to have a good perspective of this world and the direction it is going. And those who call themselves “Christians,  and yet speak vehemently against biblical truth, are not. They simply are not Christians.

You can call yourself something you are not, but your walk tells others who you really are. Remember, “You will know them by their fruit.”

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will [p]know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?

17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will [know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7, NASB

I grew up under the teaching of Derek Prince, an Englishman who came to the USA in his 60s and later started Derek Prince Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was on staff a total of eight years with his ministry. His strong stance and clear, solid teaching on deliverance, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and especially Israel gave me the  biblical foundation I needed.

His message, “Our Debt To Israel” which I first heard in 1979, changed my life forever. I was 25 at the time.

When modern day teachers, prophets, podcasters and “influencers” speak lies and half-lies of Israel, in time the One Who knows all will remove them. He always has judged those who oppose His plans and purposes. Study world history and see for yourself.

I pray daily for my children and grandchildren, as a good father and grandfather should. They are under 50 (yet) but they too need the strong, biblical truths buried deep in their hearts, so when the “liar of all lies” spews out his words, from those among us, they too will know the truth and stand strong on His Word, not theirs.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

A Gentile

Loveforhispeople.blogspot.com

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA