“Dependence” - message by Steve Martin

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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

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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

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