“Matchmaker” by Steve Martin

​​

Matchmaker

We all remember the movie “”Fiddler on the Roof”. Especially the one with Chaim Topol as Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in early 20th-century Russia. I love his character!

Remember the matchmaker, the old lady who brought a young man and a young woman together? And the song the daughters sang, as their hearts longed for a good husband? (Full lyrics below.)

I love it when I see the good Lord connecting people for His purposes and plans. And when He brings together a man and a woman, as He fully intends in His awesome family plans. It is so special and the families rejoice as they should in celebration.

Marriage between a man and a woman should not be a decisive thing. Nor should we allow the enemy of the Lord and His people to make it so. Just basic “sight and science” show His creative design and great achievement to bring more on earth for His eternal family.

That is what a father, and the Father, has always wanted. And trust me, HE will always get what He wants. I can rest in that.

For those longing for a good husband, or a good wife, seek the Father who already knows who it is. And then be patient as He brings you together in love and grace.

Matchmaker! Make them a match! And we will give thanks to You again in joy and love!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

 

Matchmaker, Matchmaker lyrics

Tzeitel you're the oldest
Yente has to arrange a match for you before she can make one for me
Oh Yente, Yente
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches
Young people can't decide these things themselves
She might bring someone wonderful
Someone interesting
And well off
And important
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book
And make me a perfect match
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
I'll bring the veil
You bring the groom
Slender and pale
Bring me a ring for I'm longing to be
The envy of all I see
For Papa
Make him a scholar
For mama
Make him rich as a king
For me, well,
I wouldn't holler
If he were as handsome as anything
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Night after night in the dark I'm alone
So find me match
Of my own
Since when are you in a match, Chava?
I thought you had your eye on your books

And you have your eye on the Rabbi's son
Well, why not?
We have only one Rabbi and he has only one son
Why shouldn't I want the best?
Because you're a girl from a poor family
So whatever Yenta brings, you'll take, right?
Of course right
Hodel, oh Hodel
Have I made a match for you
He's handsome, he's young
Alright, he's 62
But he's a nice man, a good catch, true?
True
I promise you'll be happy
And even if you're not
There's more to life than that
Don't ask me what
Chava, I found him
Won't you be a lucky bride
He's handsome, he's tall
That is from side to side
But he's a nice man, a good catch, right?
Right
You heard he has a temper
He'll beat you every night
But only when he's sober
So you'll alright
Did you think you'd get a prince?
Well I do the best I can
With no dowry, no money, no family background
Be glad you got a man

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
You know that I'm
Still very young
Please, take your time
Up to this minute
I misunderstood
That I could get stuck for good

Dear Yenta
See that he's gentle
Remember
You were also a bride
It's not that
I'm sentimental

It's just that I'm terrified
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
Maybe I've learned
Playing with matches
A girl can get burned
So
Bring me no ring
Groom me no groom
Find me no find
Catch me no catch
Unless he's a matchless match

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Lewis Bock Jerrold / Sheldon Harnick

Matchmaker lyrics © ACUM Ltd., Audiam, Inc, Concord Music Publishing LLC

 

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

What A God - message by Steve Martin

​

What A God

For the past year, ever since I first heard the song by SEU Worship (South East University in Lakeland, Florida) on XM’a channel “The Message”, I have been “addicted” to the worship song What A God.

Even while Laurie and I spent the three months October 2025-January 2026 volunteering in Jerusalem, I would listen to it early mornings around 5 am on the back mezzanine three floors up (and turned it up loud to drown out the Muslim’s “call to prayer” racket noise.)

And so it continues here in Dallas, Texas, on this month-long ministry tour with Sharon Sanders, co-founder of Christian Friends of Israel, and the team in the Lone Star State (just like Israel’s flag!).

I listen to “What a God” almost every morning.

If you too listen to the words, they simply state, “You are my everything.” Truth. For He is.

I miss my wife. I miss my family and friends. But as I hear and obey the call of the Lord on my life to share His love for the Jews and Israel, especially since anti-semitism has so dramatically risen and hatred spreads, as prophesied by Yeshua Himself, our God, the same One Whom is the Living God of Israel and His Chosen People, my friends the Jews, I know I am in His perfect will.

And I know how awesome our Lord, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is. What a God!!!

Be encouraged in your walk today. The Bible does say, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, NASB

As the world continues to turn away from life to darkness, we will continue to share the Words of Life and live with them. To life! L’chaim!

“If the highest place I reach is at Your feet, then I've done it all
If thе best thing that I've seen is Your glory, then I'vе seen it all
Your love has changed my life, forever satisfied
God, You are my everything.” (“ What A God“

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. I have a pretty good playlist by the way.

"They Love Too" by Steve Martin

 

They Love Too

 

One of the joys of traveling in ministry is meeting new people. Especially those who are halfway across the USA in the state of Texas.

 

On Monday, while with our Christian Friends of Israel ministry team, I met and spent time with three couples (one my age in their 70s and two the age of my children, in their 40s) at a home meeting of about 24. (It was a big house. Yes, everything is big in Texas as they say.)

 

I like their names. I particularly love their heart for the Lord Jesus and thus their hearts for Israel and His Chosen people the Jews.

 

Ben is married to Cristen (her spelling.) James and Jamie are almost newlyweds (in their 70s.)

 

Thomas is from Pennsylvania but moved to Dallas 50 years ago. (Says he is not an NFL fan, so no Dallas Cowboys support there.) His wife Julie treasures him. (Just an observation.)

 

I gave them each a copy of my 40th book, “Back To Jerusalem”, being we had been talking about the red heifers in Shiloh, with a chapter in the book, with an abundance of photos of course!

 

Laurie and I had the joy of seeing the four red heifers, originally Texan cattle, now in Israel, in December 2025. I was able to interview their keeper, Larry Borntrager, a Mennonite from Indiana, and write of him also in a full chapter.

 

These are good people who support Israel too.

They continue to learn of the Lord’s heart for the Land and those He has, and continues to, bring back, to their promised Land.

 

 As believers, He has chosen us to lift up Jewish arms and bring His love to them. Blessing them brings blessing to us.

 

“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.” Isaiah 40:1

 

As we continue to travel this vast land of Texas, taking His Word of support as Christians for the Jews and our comforting work in Israel, His Holy Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, is directing our steps (and loaded van) to meet more who love Him, and love His people.

 

Be blessed as you do the same.

 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

#love #Yeshua #Israel #Jews #Texas #Abilene #CampBarekeleyFellowship #AngelPoorman

“Dependence” - message by Steve Martin

​

Dependence

Waking up this morning was almost as if I was in a fog. You have had that before after a night where dreams are somewhat weird. It must have been the ups and downs of the weekend, with many things going on and you try to wrap your head around it all.

With the world seemingly out of joint with the many hotspots, wars and rumors of more, and then on the other hand the sports world’s unexpected twists and turns, if you watch those games on TV. 

Governments not getting things in order as they should; people demonstrating against “kings” as they are clearly showing ignorance to the facts after being paid off by anti-Americans. 

You can be a bit out-of-joint trying to take it all in.

If I didn’t have my quiet time with the Lord, to start each day reading His word, a devotional, and then prayer, all these activities trying to wear me out would have its long term goal - the inability to see the world from His perspective.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23 it reads, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Take the time needed each day to rest in the Lord, seek His face for His guidance, and know that He knows all that is going on. We look forward to His soon return as we depend on Him to fulfill His promises.

 

Ahava and Shalom,

 

Steve Martin

#dependence #SteveMartin #morninplacetobe #peace #Jesus #Yeshua #guidance #Bible #prayer

“Example” by Steve Martin

Older men leading by example as we install the church children's playground.

 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.

#example #oldmen #Yeshua #playground #children

"Suddenlies" by Steve Martin

​

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

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,

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