The Baton by Steve Martin

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Sept. 30, 2026 Greetings once again from Jerusalem, where we are thankful for the Lord’s mercy everyday.  I am also most grateful for His healing grace. When the enemy tries to take your joy and high expectations and attacks you with pneumonia instead, you can either keep your eyes on the Lord or give up. Eleven days of cough and fever, lacking the will to do anything…enough of that. We all face obstacles and difficulties. The Bible has plenty to say of those who seek to walk in our Lord Jesus’ ways and what they will face. He will always be our CHIEF example of facing the wind and just keep going. Until it is done. Thank you for your prayers, and to the ones who sent funds to cover the medical bills. I hate meds and such but sometimes all things are necessary. As I consider this trip, I am at peace that going forward I can support our Jewish friends from home best, and that will be the way to go from now on.  Passing the baton was always a favorite race for me in high school during the 440 yard relay.  Now it is another’s time to carry the work of the Lord to His wonderful Land and people.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of 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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3, NASB We must carry on the work as He directs our steps. The time is short. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin P.S. While we still have 4 weeks left in Israel we will make the most of it. Support the young soldiers protecting their families; bring comfort to the weary; give some joy as their Redemption draws nigh. Back home Oct. 21. All of Steve Martin’s books are available in hardcover, paperback, audio and e-books on Amazon. Search the “title, Steve Martin”. Read of our journey earlier in 2015-2026: BACK TO JERUSALEM YouTube - Walk With Me videos Visit our website We appreciate your sharing with the work in Israel, to “bring comfort to His people.” Use the blue website button tab above for online giving.

Love for His People | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd |Pineville, NC 28134 US

“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