Uniqueness - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Uniqueness

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14, NKJV)

People are indeed unique, and each person brings something especially different into the lives of those around them. Because we are all created in the image of God, His vastness and glory in creation knows no bounds. And thus each one of us, found throughout every tribe and nation, has a specialty about them that only they can bring to this world to share. This truly is amazing.

Working at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, specifically in the gift shop called Ruth’s Attic (after Billy’s wife Ruth) has given me a real opportunity to observe people, as often I stand behind one of the three cash registers to handle the product being purchased by the visitors. From foreign countries, from around the city of Charlotte, from all the states of the USA they come to see a glimpse into the life of the one who was known by many as the “World’s Pastor” during his 60 years of ministry, Billy Graham.

Whether they come alone, with a family or family reunion, in a church group, or as part of the many youth groups, school or camp, (we had over 120 kids come through one day this week alone), it really is a joy to see the many aspects, and creative ways, that these arrive for the “Journey of Faith” tour, walk through Billy’s youth home, or pay their respects at the gravesites.

I am convinced that in addition to the attire each decorates themselves with – be it in a fancy outing dress, a sports coat and tie, t-shirt and shorts – you name it, they show up in it. I am still deciding which t-shirt style is the most represented overall, such as the ones wearing their favorite sports team logo, the college team logo of choice, or the ones donning a wide variety of sayings and images splashed across both front and back. The tally is ongoing.

Not only are the threads and feet coverage so varied, but especially also are the hairstyles. Each gender has a multitude of color, length, and specifics, and when adding to the mix the many various cultures, there seems to be no end to how each one prepares, or has paid to be prepared, the many hairs that sit atop their heads. When I asked a young black girl how she got the blue and pink strands braided into her full length, she looked at me and just smiled. This was a truly masterful, artistic endeavor by someone. She surely stood out amongst the others.

Only the Lord knows how many strands of hair rest on your head at any given time. (What you do with them is quite a story that many could share!) Each life is indeed, and has, a remarkable story in themselves.

“Why, every hair on your head has been counted! Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7, Complete Jewish Bible)

Being the children of God, known fully by Him, should bring rest and comfort to us, as each has His uniqueness encased within us. Those who know His only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), can most assuredly be confident of His everlasting peace and rewards that He gives, on earth and then in heaven. For we have been made for His glory and honor as part of His universal family.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14, NKJV)

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Use the "Sign Up" button on our website, or go here: Sign Me Up!

If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$50 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

  

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(or use the DONATE buttons on the blog.)

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

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P.O. Box 414   

Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) 

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Now Think On This #349 - in the year of our Lord 07.24.18 – “Uniqueness”, Tuesday, 2:45 pm

Be Rid of Them All - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Be Rid of Them All

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“You are not to curse God, and you are not to curse a leader of your people.” (Exodus 22:27, Complete Jewish Bible)

Amazing isn’t it how so many seem to know it all, especially when it comes to speaking out against those in leadership. They criticize our President for every move he makes; they rail at those who are called to serve in protection of our neighborhoods and cities; they decry the pastor for speaking a word that they simply can’t agree with because it stepped on their toes. Every office and place of employment has one or two who know it all, even about running the business they receive their income from, without knowing all the facts.

“Be rid of them all!” often seems to be the outrageous outcry from the masses, marching in every city in bellowing pride and prejudice. With angry words, evil deeds and ammo that kills both soul and body, they shoot the backs of those given the role of leading themselves and others.

How foolish we have become when we curse those whom the Lord has put in power to govern and lead. Yes, we have become very foolish.

If you say you believe the Bible, and adhere to its words, then the verse about cursing our leaders should be taken seriously. Are we so high-minded to think that the eternal God who had those words written were only for the Old Testament times? I think not.

Regretfully, while acknowledging my own sin in times past, I have had my moments of speaking out against a boss, a pastor, an elected official, and even the one who wrote my speeding ticket. Out of my own arrogance and lack of respect, more than once have I spoken against those whom I should have had more appreciation and honor towards. But in my own foolishness I didn’t. I can see now where it had come back to bite me, when I was then in positions of leadership myself.

Yes, over 30 years of administration and leading others has taught me a lot about being the head of the pack. Now I am not so quick to point and accuse those who reside in those places of directing if I am not in agreement.

Over the generations, this lack of respect for leadership has worked itself down further into our society. There are families whose children demonstrate very little honor for their parents, teachers, and other classmates. They treat many with disdain and disregard for the position they hold. Their lack of wisdom shows itself strong in many cases. In years to come this internal and external rebellion will wreak havoc on our society more so than it is now. Ultimately it will be to their own demise. The Bible is correct when it firmly states that you will reap what you sow.

In Hosea 10:12-14 we find truth in this:

“Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you. You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors, therefore a tumult will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed…” (NASU)

I used to not pray for our leaders as much as I should have. Even though the Bible says that it will go well with us if we do, somehow that just doesn’t gel too much with many. It should if we really knew truth. Leading a tranquil and quiet life should be a desire of all.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4, NASU)

Next time you have the urge to criticize and ridicule one who holds a place of leadership, I would encourage you to think again. Would you be so eager to curse and speak against another if you fully realized it is to your own harm? Having a righteous concern over a matter is one thing. Calling down the fire of God is a whole other matter.

Let us be wise in our understanding and what comes forth from our hearts and ultimately our mouths. Bless and curse not. Pray for those in leadership.

 

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Use the "Sign Up" button on our website, or go here: Sign Me Up!

If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$50 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

  

Secure, conveniently contributions can be done online now. Click here: DONATE 

(or use the DONATE buttons on the blog.)

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc. 

P.O. Box 414   

Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) 

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and LinkedIn.  We appreciate your help.

Now Think On This #348 - in the year of our Lord 07.17.18 – “Be Rid of Them All”, Tuesday, 4:20 pm

Family Ties - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Family Ties

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.” (Proverbs 8:31, THE MESSAGE)

Summertime is a good season for family reunions. It’s an annual gathering of relatives who enjoy talking about the good old days, when life wasn’t so complicated as it can seem today. Cherished in recollection are those years of the days gone by when right was right and wrong was wrong. Sharing moments of “back then” helps shed light on how things should be now.

I myself will be attending two such events this summer – one on my Dad’s side and one on my Mom’s side. Both will take place in southeastern Minnesota, the land where many of my ancestors, relatives and I were born and raised.

Around my current home location, in beautiful North Carolina, it is enjoyable to see family reunions using the picnic tables at local city park shelters when you see the brightly colored t-shirts, all the same color of course, proclaiming the family name and reunion date. At times you might even see matching ball caps, as I provided when I was in charge of our family reunion.

Picture the Father’s loving heart as He also sees these family times. Watching the adults and children, some very young and others very old, with all ages in between, is very special, as they are reconnecting, interacting, and showing appreciation for the lives each has traveled, while at the same time making more memories for the generations that follow. You can see how the One who created family expresses Himself even further when His children know and experience the bonds of love, support and encouragement that comes about when families thrive. His care, provision and protection is demonstrated over and over again as the family unit is cherished and nurtured.

As important as these natural gatherings are, in order to follow His lead, part of my earthly father’s duties is to take the spiritual responsibility to pray daily for each of my immediate family members. My good wife, children, spouses and grandkids know that their names are brought before the throne of heaven often. Caring for them in this manner will further maintain that foundation laid, from which to keep looking up. It is from where their help supernaturally comes. Sharing my Father’s heart assists in continually strengthening theirs.

As we can share in these natural and supernatural moments of love, may each of us as parents strive to be a safety net for those whom we have been given care for, from the time of birth, through the growing years, and even until the time of eternal passage. Though many of our children are now grown adults, may we continue to be a source of strength and encouragement for them, and for the ones that have also come forth.

Enjoy your family reunion should you be blessed with one. Continue to be an example of the Father’s love for His children, and how He has purposed for us to be connected with these times of family ties.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Use the "Sign Up" button on our website, or go here: Sign Me Up!

If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$50 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

  

Secure, conveniently contributions can be done online now. Click here: DONATE 

(or use the DONATE buttons on the blog.)

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc. 

P.O. Box 414   

Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) 

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and LinkedIn.  We appreciate your help.

Now Think On This #347 - in the year of our Lord 07.16.18 – “Family Ties”, Monday, 11:30 am