Shabbat or Saturday?

​Shabbat or Saturday?

For centuries, since God the Father created the earth and rested on the seventh day, the Jewish people have celebrated Shabbat (Sabbath day). 

The rest of the world calls it Saturday, which according to Gemini is named after a Roman god.

“The word Saturday has a unique origin compared to the rest of the week. While most days of the week in English are named after Germanic or Old Norse gods (like Thursday for Thor), Saturday retains its roots in Roman mythology.

Etymology Breakdown

• Latin Roots: It comes from the Latin Saturni dies, which literally translates to "Day of Saturn."

• Old English Transition: In Old English, this became Sæturnesdæg.

• The Deity: It is named after Saturn (Cronus in Greek mythology), the Roman god of agriculture, liberation, and time.

Hmmm.

Makes one think which god we will follow.

God the Father, the Living God of Israel, is the One I seek, know, and walk in His ways.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Who Am I?

Who Am I?

Men in general tend to hold back when called upon to do as the Lord told them to do. Moses is a case in point.

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11, NASB

All kinds of excuses will come to the surface as to why we can’t do it. “I am too old, too young, not enough time, why pick me?”

“Let someone else do it!” (A favorite among men, even if not said aloud. Especially if they are “retired”.)

Paul even spoke to the young men, Timothy in particular, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (I Timothy 4:12, NASB)

Maybe we should act like Mary, when the Lord called her to do something beyond her “known” ability?

“And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38. NASB)

Men, it is time we sought the Lord, hear His voice, and take our place as we have been called to do.

Who am I? The one who the Lord has assigned for His specific job to be done, and you specifically, are the one to do it.

Ahava and shalom.

Steve Martin

Warp Speed - Message by Steve Martin

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Warp Speed

 

When Star Trek burst forth on the TV screen on Sept. 8, 1966, we were fascinated by the other-worldly characters. For many, Spock, with the pointed ears and “I will never smile” candid trait, became our intelligent hero, counseling Captain Kirk on what dangers to expect ahead.

 

With his special hand gesture, the Vulcan salute, along with “live long and prosper” (having Hebrew origins), Spock and the captain enjoyed the end of each harrowing adventure, with Kirk often saying, “Warp speed ahead Scotty.”

 

Do you realize how many months have already passed this year, as we too are seeing everything speed up in time? “Warp speed ahead” these days holds more weight in reality than they did 60 years ago. (Yes, Star Trek has been around six decades already.)

 

The prophet Daniel got it right when he wrote what he was told to, telling us in Daniel 12:4, “‘This is a confidential report, Daniel, for your eyes and ears only. Keep it secret. Put the book under lock and key until the end. In the interim there is going to be a lot of frantic running around, trying to figure out what’s going on.’ (The Message)

 

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But ]be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

 

For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (NASB)

 

If we think we have time to just live as if time will never end, I think we best be aware that time is quickly passing by more than we are aware.

 

We need to give it all while we have the time, for the time will come when we don’t have the time.

 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Message April 23, 2026

Challenges

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Challenges

Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Seemingly ongoing, yes?

Life has challenges so we look to another other than ourself. So we understand our dependence on the Lord and not in our own abilities and strength.

Having been to several foreign countries, coming from America, I have witnessed the daily pressures others have to live under. Though many in these nations see “you American” as rich and proud, and can despise us, His heart, and mine, is to encourage them where they are at.

Having just spent two hours on a Zoom call with a friend in Pakistan, I truly cannot fathom the pressure he endures as a believer in a Muslim country. And then as one who stands strong for Israel and the Jews makes it even more challenging for him.

John 17:14-16,  “ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

I often say that the Lord never promised us a rose garden, but He did promise to never leave us nor forsake us, and to walk beside us with His Holy Spirit to encourage us.

We know challenges and trials are just part of life. Knowing Jesus (Yeshua) has overcome them gives us the foundation on which to stand and do the same.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

 

As the Sun Rises by Steve Martin

As the Sun Rises

Sitting on the front porch in the glider we have had for years, I enjoy the warmth of the sun as it rises in the east. Replacing the cool temperature of the early spring night, the birds sing and life seems to renew.

I have already spent time this morning with the Lord - in His Word, daily devotional readings, and prayer. I know what comes my way today is directed by Him. 

Because of His faithfulness I need not fear the future, for today and ongoing. He has proven He establishes my steps as I have given my life to Him.

I pray your day begins spending the needed time with the Lord. He awaits you each morning.

“Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3. NASB 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Three More Amigos

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(L-R) Steve Martin, David Lauka, Keith Devera)

Three More Amigos

Men (not so much women as I can tell) normally don’t have strong bonds. We tend to be “loners” and I have not yet totally figured out why.

But I have found over many decades of life that when men have a common goal, something to “build together” or team up to accomplish a certain endgame, that real relationships are formed. For many, they last for a lifetime, as in the case of “Band of Brothers” - whether that be during wartime or on the sports field, or working together to “finish the job and get the reward.”

I am encouraged when I read the exploits of David, Jesus, Paul - who picked leaders from among men to lead the people. 

“David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David [a]departed from Baale-judah, with all the people who were with him, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of armies who is enthroned above the cherubim.” 2 Samuel 6:1-3 (NASB)

In Luke 6:13 it reads of our Lord Jesus,  “And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also  named as apostles…”

Men will again be chosen to lead in their families and areas needing the return of them to the forefront.

The days of just sitting back and letting others do it are over. Three more amigos and beyond!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Morris Ruddick - a man to imitate in faith

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Morris, his wife Carol (now in heaven) and Steve in 2013.

Man of Faith

The apostle Paul calls us to imitate those who walk, and have walked, before us in the faith. I know two godly men who have done so. One is Derek Prince, whose ministry I served with for eight years. Another is Morris Ruddick.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7, NASB

I first met Morris, from Denver, Colorado, at a Kingdom Business Association (KBA) conference in Fort Mill, South Carolina, at least 15 years ago. Morris was one of the speakers, and after approaching him at his book table, we had a sandwich at Subway.

Listening to him speak of his US Marine days in Vietnam, and his later returning to teach, instruct, and build up the pastors as entrepreneurs, to care for their families and churches, was fascinating. When I ordered all his books published by then, teaching biblical and practical truths, his love for Vietnam, and Israel, impacted my life from that very beginning.

One thing that really impressed me about Morris was his ongoing, daily commitment to prayer every day during midnight and early morning hours. Being included on his prayer list meant a great deal to me. I believed him when he would continually tell me in subsequent emails about his commitment to those prayers.

I look forward to spending a few days with Morris at his home in May. Being with this man of faith, courage, and resolute to press on even in his 80s, I truly believe he has a great crown awaiting him in heaven. Probably more than one.

And he is not ready to go there just yet., as his mission continues here.

Ahava and shalom.

Steve Martin

P.S. Morris publishes regular messages of faith and training. See his website below.

(L-R) Steve Martin, Morris Ruddick, Bess & Larry Herzekow, David Peterman (Israel 2024)

Just a few of Morris Ruddick books. Available on Amazon and his website (see below.)

Morris and Carol in Vietnam.

Morris Ruddick: https://strategic-initiatives.org/our-team/