Gold Stars - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Gold Stars

“…and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ” This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:17, NASU

Remember getting a gold star on your school paper in grade school? Even adults love it. This I know, for on my accounting job in a corporate office setting, after I had finished reconciling the credit card expense report of a staff’s individual month expenditures, I would send a “gold star’ back to one or more in an email, if deserving. That is if they did their work accurately and in excellent order.

I loved rewarding those doing a job well done. And they loved it if they got one! A gold star!

That may have happened a few years ago, but just today I heard someone say they had heard another express how they had loved getting them. I’ll have to start it again.

People receive and appreciate affirmation. We all love gold stars.

What was it like when your dad and mom said to you, “Good job” after you knew you did a job well done on the task, no matter how small or large, that they had given you to accomplish? It felt good, right?

Imagine if God the Father spoke out loud to you, in the presence of others, as He did for Jesus, saying, “This is My beloved son (or daughter) in whom I am well pleased.” What would that do for your spirit! It sure would cause mine to soar!

Affirmation, or being assured of who you are or what you have done, is so vital to each of us. Many did not receive it growing up, though. No father or mother who gave approval but should have. Or not having a good teacher, who acknowledged your best efforts, but missed it. Maybe it was a sports coach who really loved the other one but rarely noticed you. (Sit on the bench as I did in football senior year? At least #88 was between #87 and #89. Comrades on the bench.)

We can be confident that once we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, that He affirms us. When the Father sees us, He sees Jesus, His Holy Spirit, in us. And He is well pleased. With His precious blood having covered all our sins, through His death on the tree, what the Father sees then is His redemption having been received by those who call on His Son’s Name for salvation.

Not only should we desire affirmation, but we should also seek to keep doing those things which deserve being acknowledged, and even doing so even if it doesn’t. (For our God sees all.) Paul urges us to keep striving to do that which pleases our Lord and to do it continually and increasingly in our lives.

“Therefore, brothers, just as you learned from us how you had to live in order to please God, and just as you are living this way now, we ask you — indeed, united with the Lord Yeshua, we urge you — to keep doing so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Yeshua.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, Complete Jewish Bible

Be affirmed in your knowledge of your place in the Lord’s heart. Then practice affirming those around you, encouraging them to keep striving and not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Getting gold stars is minor compared to the crowns we will receive once we reach our heavenly destination and eternal rewards. Won’t that be great!

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry P.O. Box 414 Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #456 – in the year of our Lord 09.04.19 – “Gold Stars” – Wednesday, 8:30 pm

“Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 2 ” Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 2 ” Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much dispute…” Acts 15:6, NKJV

Controversy continues to rage around us, as people of all walks, cultures, nationalities and spiritual beliefs just can’t get along. Disputes happen.

You can read the rest of it here: Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 1.

https://loveforhispeople.com/2019/08/31/controversy-let-the-battle-rage-now-think-on-this-by-steve-martin/

In Part 1 of this message I began with, “Controversy is nothing new. Neither are the battles that have raged within the population of mankind. From the beginning of recorded history, as we know it, brother has been against brother. The first two, Cain and Abel, certainly proved that.

One thing is certain as we consider controversy. It happens. Because sin continues to work in the hearts of men (and women, ladies!) we will always be surrounded by contentions, judging of one another, and battles within and without our families, friends, and nations. That’s just the way it is. Or as a pastor friend of mine said decades ago, “It is what it is.”

In the Acts of the Apostles it is written that when Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem after their long journey across the Mediterranean area (Acts 15) they too faced controversy once they arrived, as disagreements arose. How were Gentile believers to respond and do according to some strongly held beliefs, after they too were believing on Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah, for their salvation?

You can read the Scriptures for yourself as to how they arrived at a reasonable conclusion. This is one example; but not my focus in this message.

When Jesus walked the earth for over 33 years, He was not one to shy away from controversy. In fact, on one occasion He prophesied, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:8, NKJV

He also said this, which can seem rather outspoken by many, and simply outstanding to others. Jesus said that, you ask?

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth — how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything right side up — how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be — Three against two, and two against three; father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against bride, and bride against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:489-53, THE MESSAGE

He came to move hearts, to change hearts, to get us to the place acceptable to Him.

But wasn’t Jesus (Yeshua) all love, full of compassion, accepting of all, having the “live as you each want, as anything goes” attitude, so as not to offend anyone?

Being God in the flesh, He not only was all loving, for He is Love, but He was, and always will be, also just, and full of righteousness. “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30, NKJV

The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. Let the truth be properly taught. We can’t throw out the Old because we think we know it all now.

Adonai, Hashem, Jehovah, Yeshua, Jesus, Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) are One. Three in One. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Three in One – maintain the same character and actions from the beginning to the end in all of Scripture.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5, NKJV

The Lion of Judah is roaring.

When God the Father waged war upon His enemies in the Old Testament, Torah, Tanakh, He also will do so in the New Testament, as Yeshua (Jesus) proclaimed, and as He revealed to John in the Revelation of Jesus. He is not afraid of controversy. He does what it takes.

As controversies rise and fall, know that the One in charge permits them to happen, for ultimately His perfect plan and purpose is worked out. As He uses humans to do His work, we must be aware that the battles that rage aren’t necessarily just because we have a devil warring against us. The Lord will cause all things to work out His good pleasure.

Just be sure that you walk in humility, love and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in all that you do. and practice having the full armour of God on when you do.

The Lord is willing for all to come to repentance, and for His Name’s sake, He will see to it that above all, He will have His way. That may be war, both in the natural and the spiritual.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21, NKJV

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #455 – in the year of our Lord 09.02.19 – “Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 2.” – Monday, 8:40 am

Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 1 - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 1
Now Think On This by Steve Martin

 August 31, 2019  Steve Martin

Controversy. Let the Battle Rage.

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Hebrews 12:25-26, NKJV

Controversy is nothing new. Neither are the battles that have raged within the population of mankind. From the beginning of recorded history, as we know it, brother has been against brother. The first two, Cain and Abel, certainly proved that.

One thing is certain as we consider controversy. It happens. Because sin continues to work in the hearts of men (and women, ladies!) we will always be surrounded by contentions, judging of one another, and battles within and without our families, friends, and nations. That’s just the way it is. Or as a pastor friend of mine said decades ago, “It is what it is.” (True, Geoff.)

I for one don’t avoid contentions, communications that bring about change, implementing new policies, or the “cleansing of the house.” Even within the many ministries I have been blessed and honored to work in (8 at last count over 32 years as of this writing on Aug. 31, 2019) I did not run from speaking out. If there was a need, the Lord would many times use me to bring  about a change. It wasn’t always “fun” or highly reputable, but looking back, He proved it was the right thing to do.

Was I labeled a troublemaker? Not really. People knew my heart was to see individuals, and employees, especially those on staff within those ministries, treated with full respect and the honor that was due, through the Lord, and because of Him and His Name’s sake.

I wasn’t concerned about my reputation, loss of job, or retaliation from those in higher leadership positions. I had learned early on in life, during my high school years (1969-1973, to be fully transparent) that what man thinks of me, or you, holds nothing compared to what our Lord, the Ultimate Judge, knows and sees. For He alone has the final say in all things. Before Him we do, and will, stand.

So, when controversies within the Church flare up, the Body of Christ that He is creating out of feeble, fully human vessels, it does not bother me. I will take a stand, be shot at, and give my input as requested and sought. Foremost, and above all the fray, in order to see the Lord’s plans and purposes take hold, as He builds His Kingdom. In His ultimate finality, He has chosen to use you and I, together, in being part of that final building.

I tend to run to the battles of controversary, rather than go hide away in order to protect my interests and self-preservation. Past situations have already proven that.

The Lord is seeking to establish the creation of a pure and holy One New Man. From the start, He has known what it will take to make a people for Himself, called by His Name, to bring glory and honor to Him alone. Surprisingly, it has taken all these centuries to do it, but He will see that it gets done, for His sake, and His glory in heaven and earth. He seems to be in no hurry to accomplish His will. Nor will He stop from doing it, and use whatever means He chooses.

As it has been written, “He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” (Hebrew 12:29)

Let it be done, Lord.

“No, that’s not your experience at all. You’ve come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. It is the city where God is Judge, with judgments that make us just. You’ve come to Jesus, who presents us with a new covenant, a fresh charter from God. He is the Mediator of this covenant. The murder of Jesus, unlike Abel’s — a homicide that cried out for vengeance — became a proclamation of grace.

So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time — he’s told us this quite plainly — he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” (emphasis mine)  Hebrews 12:22-29, THE MESSAGE

As the shaking continues, first in the House of God, and then beyond the self-imposed walls of our churches and synagogues, my eyes are fixed on Yeshua, Jesus, the One Who sits on the heavenly throne.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV

If your eyes are fixed on Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, you are standing on good, solid ground. As the shaking continues, and even as it heats up even further, don’t be unaware that He is on the move, as His Holy Spirit brings the needed cleansing and purity that is so needed in our midst.

Controversy will continue. Battles will rage. Be sure you know the One Who has the final say, and let His Spirit go about building the temple, through the cementing of all of us together, using pure and holy cement at that.

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. Thanks Rick. Lead on. https://www.facebook.com/RickJoyner.MorningStar/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARDPif7BnmFsmQaw1azZBfGq2USMc1SlabJMbXqToGFv5tVpqQJrEQm-TlnuM1GE-c_Xau01xParuz10

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #454 – in the year of our Lord 08.31.19 – “Let the Battle Rage” – Saturday, 5:30 am

Love Broke Through - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Love Broke Through

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” 2 Corinthians 13:14, THE MESSAGE

When I returned to the place where I had once been, it was different. Or maybe my heart had been changed, coming back with a different one, or rather, one that had been enlivened once again, and prepared better to shine again.

I know Danny Gokey sings about that. Both Keith Green and Phil Keaggy had also.

Love had broken through, and now the Lord had given me once again a place to share His love, which I may not have done quite so well before. So now I have been given the opportunity to be there once again.

There are places, people, opportunities in your life where the Lord once had you, and then you left, thinking that that wasn’t the way it was supposed to be, that if only you had done better, been wiser, or simply let His Holy Spirit lead as He can, your impact may have been a bit more everlasting.

I want to assure you that even when you think it didn’t go right, when you thought you had messed up, that surely goodness could have been more good in the place of your footprint…the Lord had made His mark with the light you did share, and it was going to be better because of you.

Love had broken through. When it seems most dark, the small flame which did come forth from your heart did shine; the seed was planted, and life did grow as a result.

We don’t always know what is going on in the minds of those around us, who have been through a lot, seen a lot, and experienced a bit more than at times they could handle. But when we share the love of God, through a simple smile, a caring word, an act that otherwise might go unnoticed, our Lord Jesus Christ uses that to touch lives. And if you get the opportunity to go back, you will see just how much your life did affect them. If you don’t, then let it shine where He has you now.

“…in all these things we are superconquerors, through the One who has loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39, Complete Jewish Bible

By the love of the Father, through the outworking of the Holy Spirit, we have been given a measure of His grace and mercy to share to a dying world, a world which many not even want His love. But there will come a time when they will certainly realize they need it, and Him Above All (another great song as sung by Michael W. Smith.)

Opportunities will come today to share the love of God. Walk with open eyes, an open heart, and think a bit less about yourself, your needs, and give some of His grace and mercy to the one next to you on the job, in the school, or as you shop.

Let the love of God break through. The world needs you. The nations need you now. And so does that one He gives you to show Him.

Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Check out our new website! Love For His People ministry

Thank you for reading!

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This. The sign-up form is on our ministry website: https://loveforhispeople.com

You are welcome to help support the families in Israel that we do. Give now. Givelify.

Love For His People ministry

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Please share Now Think On This with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #453 - in the year of our Lord 08.29.19 – “Love Broke Through” – Thursday, 6:00 am