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.

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

Dogs - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Dogs

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so. God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:24-25, NKJV)

For a long time I considered writing about dogs, but didn’t think it would be a good Now Think On This message. My thought was, “Why would the Lord have me write about dogs?” But now I feel so led. (Sorry cat lovers. I probably will never write about cats. Just not my cup of tea.)

Because I believe the Lord will have us enjoy His creation of creatures also in heaven, how appropriate that we can share that love for them while on this earth. After all, He created them even before He created mankind, so it wasn’t an afterthought of His. All of His creation of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals are quite a feat. But it seems that dogs have been especially helpful, loyal, and the favorite of most people.

For a long time our family did not have a dog. A few stray cats had made their way into our lives over the years (for the kids’ sake, not mine) and even a white rabbit was a wholesome pet. Finally, ten years ago, as a fulfillment of a promise I had made to my good wife Laurie, our Dachshund Zoe was the hit Christmas present of the year. She remains a joy in our home yet today – a few inches longer and a lot of pounds heavier.

Zoe on a car ride

I am fascinated by dogs. As I watch them in their daily motions, one of which is how they respond when seeing a friend or family member, it brings delight. With the tail wagging, the eyes lit up, and even a playful bark in greeting, their expression of love does the spirit good. Even the wet licks of love, another kind showing of affection, keeps spreading more of their own joy to the other.

One can learn patience from them. Waiting at the front door for the home arrival of the family member, it seems that time does not deter them as the clock ticks by. They will wait as long as it takes.

They are content with the simple things they have – a favorite toy chased after during playtime; a tossed bone after the dinner table is cleared; a treat given to them once they have returned from the morning outing. For some it is the words, “Want to go bye-bye?” which brings a run to the door, knowing a ride in the car with the window down, and head out of it, is coming. It doesn’t take a whole lot to please a dog.

A dog is a true companion when one is sick, or lonely, or just wanting to share a time on the path walkway with another. Their presence seems to bring the peace of the Lord. Their protective nature guards the home and family in a way no other sense of duty can. With a keen nose and sensitive ears, they are ready at all times.

With an attitude of thanksgiving, I am glad we have a dog. She is yet another demonstration of the Lord’s love for us, and His display of His vast and amazing creativity.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

  

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Click here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

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

Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Blogs: Love For His People,   Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 06.04.16 - #259 –“Dogs” – Saturday at 12:45 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

New Shoes - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

New Shoes

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine is for freshly prepared wineskins.” Mark 2:22 CJB

I put on my new pair of work dress shoes recently. At first they felt over tight, uncomfortable, and squeezed my big toe into the corner spot so much that it couldn’t wiggle if it wanted to. They just didn’t fit right, as I thought they would once home, after that brief moment I tried them on at the store, just before I picked out an extra pair of gray socks, and the loaf of whole wheat bread my wife asked for as I went out the door.

But then that was last month. Today, after wearing them and having “broken them in”, they are just like my favorite old pair that I had to throw out, due to wear and tear after seven years.

If you think about it for a moment, it is like a new job, a new home setup, a new car (even if the new one is just a little younger than the previous one), or anything we now have that is different than what we had become used to. Until we gave it some time to work out the kinks and the normal, uncomfortable newness, which we had really appreciated with the old that we had, it didn’t feel right, or as good as the previous one. But having given it some time to grow on us, it surely does now. It has become even better than what we had before.

When the Holy Spirit brings revival again, knowing He certainly has promised to do so, as written in His Word for these last days, it will not be what we are used to. In fact, He may even get rejected by the old guard as He did when He came in previous visitations, as the experiences are not what we have now become accustomed to, since the last time of touching this planet in a major way.

“You are not from these parts, are you?” could be the response of some who look on from a distance, upon that which will be going on. Ruach HaKodesh, and those He has put new wine into, could easily be dismissed as just having another emotional experience or fanatic outburst, as the new movement overshadows the previous ones from the Pentecostal decades, the healing years, or the last, great Charismatic Movement I was involved with in the ‘70’s and onward.

This coming revival, effecting the nations with the powerful Good News of salvation, healing and the love of the Father God, will so impact people, that the new wine will cause the old to be done away with, replaced with a fresh fullness that we didn’t think could, or would, happen again. Because we had not seen it before, it will transform our lives in such a way that we will boldly face the enemy, confidently proclaim the Gospel, and tear down the walls that have surrounded the cozy churches, keeping us from effecting the world as we have been called to do.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 NASU

We will be getting out of the pew and into the pasture, going where the lost sheep are throughout the world. Some are even right next to us in the office desk, or the one occupying the white house down the street.

Those blinded by the spiritual forces of Islam, Hinduism, secular humanism, “sexual freedom” and other lies of the enemy will be set free, as the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, moves in to break the bondages and strongholds that have ravaged the nations we have been called to be in and shine throughout.

As the old pair of shoes has worn out, it is time to get on a new pair. They will feel uncomfortable at first, but once our feet adjust to them, by His grace working within us, they will take us to places we had only dreamed of going before.

I am looking forward to this next revival outpouring movement of the Lord and His Holy Spirit, to bring it on and get us going.

Thank you Lord for new shoes!

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Love For His People. Inc.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

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

Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Blogs: Love For His People,   Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #159 “New Shoes” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (06.27.14) Friday at 5:10 am in Charlotte, NC.

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog.

God Don’t Make Junk - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

God Don’t Make Junk

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

  

“So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him:

male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 CJB

  

A few years ago, maybe even in my high school days, back in “the” day, there was a popular saying, “God Don’t Make Junk.” Any of you remember that? (Proves you too are over 30!)

It seemed to be a real encouragement to people. T-shirts, posters and artwork creations used it quite well and quite often. I know it was an inspiration for me, when I was the one who was a mere 5’0” in my freshman class and everyone else, even that pretty freshman girl that I liked, was just a bit taller than I was. Or like several others, who because the grade school we came from didn’t carry the “popular” status that the other ones across town did, and thus did “those kids”, our social standing was, well, a bit lower on the ladder ranking. Yes, sometimes we felt just a bit below the ground, and sometimes even wanted to dig a hole and crawl in it.

I know it is true today with young people, and even adults. We have this great image laid out before us, on TV, in print, in the movies, of how we are supposed to be, and yet it is hard to not have that affect you personally, deep in your thoughts and heart. Some even resort to taking their own life, as they are told theirs isn’t important because of this or that ungodly lie.

But no one has to accept those lies. We can believe the truth - we have been created in His image. Because God is good, because God IS Love, because GOD IS OUR CREATOR, He doesn’t make junk. Our worth, our importance, our self-esteem is to be established in Him, because of Him and Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross on our behalf.

No life is to be rejected. No person, born or unborn, is to have their worth determined by some standard that man has chosen to establish, to set themselves on high, to the detriment of all others. No Jew, Gentile, black, white, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or anyone else is to be rejected. All are loved by the Lord and sought by Him, so that each can receive and know His Son Jesus as their Savior, and live with the full knowledge that He is their Father and Perfect Creator.

And as we walk in His love, acceptance and understanding of our worth in Him, we will see our lives become even more and more brighter and beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.

For as the truth in Scripture is written, “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are — face to face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” 2 Cor. 3:16-18 THE MESSAGE

As we look to Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, our Messiah, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, our eyes with meet His eyes. That is the look we need to focus on. He is the One we need to declare to our heads and firmly place into our hearts, that “God don’t make junk.” He certainly doesn’t, and you can stand tall in that truth.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

  

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

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

Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Blogs: Love For His People

No Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This #140 “God Don’t Make Junk” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (04.08.14) Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Charlotte, NC.

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog.