Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

“Let Go & Let God” – Think On This by Steve Martin


“Let Go & Let God”
Now Think On This
by Steve Martin

“The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and He saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the Lord's presence as I live here on earth!” Psalm 116:6-9, New Living Translation



“Let go and let God.”

I heard the words in my spirit. I knew it was the Lord. Even in that deep sleep, when He speaks, I have learned to recognize His voice.

The day had barely turned to March 21, 2014. It was going to be the first full day of spring. The clock’s red letters said “2:12”. As in “A.M.” As in, “It is still quite dark outside here in Charlotte, NC.”

But I had woken up, or to put it correctly, I had been woken up with His words, “Let go and let God.” When I confirmed the time on the clock placed at the headboard of our bed, I quickly reminded the Lord that I had a long day ahead that Friday. It was going to be around midnight before I’d probably get to bed again, and I really wasn’t wanting to get up just yet.

But in learning to trust Him in these things, having experienced Him this way in the past, when awoken with a word spoken from Him, I responded. I got up. The five hours of sleep would have to be enough for that day.

There were a few things that I knew He was speaking that word to me about. One was the upcoming income tax due, whereby the remaining $1100 was going to have to get paid. There were yet another 24 days to see His hand provide for that. I was being challenged in my trust.

My faith level had already risen a degree, when He sent the unexpected room renter from Minnesota this week. He had arrived just last Sunday, after responding to an ad I had placed on a website that morning at 5:30 am. This upcoming rental income would cover three fourths of the tax bill. Thank you Jesus.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQQQroDJDa2eliDSAf-HlXEy8uF96vZWvSdcd7Ql9BP1xNJktCPc13IlvSnG34-LVbNzUaxdiyGV-GJLfnyoCJ9mr5U6B1dYebGp6rUTBPL6C1T5zGMDo1MRjaDEd1yB-_eITwya43IKe/s1600/Faith+&+Fear.jpg

I am most grateful for this provision, as the Lord takes care of our needs. The years in walking His chosen path for our lives, for my good wife Laurie and I, have proven His love over and over again to us and our family. Walking His walk brings the joy and fulfilment He desires for His children.

But I actually don’t think this word, His word, “Let go and let God,” was just for me. I think it is for you who are reading this.

Our Lord, God of heaven and earth, Creator of all and Caretaker over Israel, truly cares about matters in our lives. That income tax bill that is due in three weeks; that long day ahead where more sleep would have been good in preparation for it (or so we think); the child whom we have raised, with as much love as we knew how, and yet still has not followed the Lord’s ways as we had spent long hours praying they would; He most certainly cares about that.

The Lord is saying to you, “I am in control. I am taking care of that concern. You can put it back in MY hands, and watch Me take care of it.”

In addition, there is the thought that the "Let go and let God" may be in connection to something else. Sometimes He calls us to let go of the "cup" we are holding - that treasure or object we know came from the Lord in days gone by. It may be the best cup we have ever had. It may actually be an actual object, like the  #24 Jeff Gordon NASCAR cup I used to really admire, or you might have even a championship cup from your favorite team 20 years ago. 

On the spiritual side, it may be that prestigious role you have always filled, but now the Lord is calling you to let go of that one, for the new one He has prepared you for these past years while doing that current one. In my life, it was letting go of leading worship and a praise band, so I could give that time to writing books. I love it even more now - the new role He has placed me in!

It may be that event, person, or passion that is keeping you from letting go so you can take the next path the Lord has in store for you, which you won't know about until you let go of this one.

But if we let go of that past, He has a better one for us now. He wants us to move on and live in the here and now. We have to let go of that and go forward with the now. Fresh manna daily, right?

As the Psalmist wrote in the Scripture shared above, “And so I walk in the Lord's presence as I live here on earth”, we too can choose to walk in our Father’s presence, each and every day, with His Holy Spirit as our Guide and Comforter. We can choose to abide under the shadow of His wings, protected by the flurry of activity around us, remaining peaceful in His loving care.

My prayer for you, for my family, for those who have entrusted prayer concerns to me, is that you will also this day, “Let go and let God.” I am trusting in Him and keeping my eyes fixed on Yeshua, the Author and Finisher of my faith. I hope you do too.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.
  https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDIlBEDA8f2GanycpSa3ZkfDV9XfAs8HbahH9K4bye10N6Y_jyENfTJK797yB8FGoDrWS3xYHm4M4RAVpi6L8MUXTQ74KDRR_nB4EnMm5hkyG1v7XWdqqjNU0Ky4YPis4cVghF8LPfSla/s1600/Logo+-+LFHP+2013.png

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 letters 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 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This #133  “Let Go & Let God” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (03.21.14) Friday at 3:30 am in Charlotte, NC.


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

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Community in the Last Days - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Community in the Last Days
by Steve Martin


“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” (Acts 4:32 NKJV)

Any of you remember the days when you knew who your neighbor was, by name, and if you needed to borrow an egg, Grace next door always had one? And she really didn’t expect you to pay it back.

Remember the days when your lawn went uncut for a few days longer than it was supposed to, because the sickness you caught held on, but George got his out his lawnmower and just came and took care of it?
How about those times gone by when you needed a ride to the store, and gave Harry down the street a quick call, knowing he’d help you in your time of need?

It was a time when we just helped one another out. First, because we actually knew one another, and second, because that was just what we did. We were part of a close knit community, knowing the families who shared the neighborhood we lived in and with whom our kids played with each other. Outdoors of course.

Those were the days some have never seen in their lives. They have grown up in more recent times, possibly moving so often that they can’t remember the names of their school classmates two years ago, as they changed so much.

Many of us still cherish those good memories, and even desire those times to come back. I don’t think they will ever return as then, but I do have the hope that the Lord is bringing us back to those types of relationships necessary to survive in these coming last days.

You see, the Father God has always had it in His heart for people to be in families, in close-knit communities, in relationships where you know the ones you are meant to be close to. Throughout history He has given us the example of living in community life, supporting one another as needed, caring for the young and old in our midst. The Jewish community has been that example, even in the early days of the church, when they were together and had all things in common.

This Jewish heritage, part of our Jewish roots as believers in Jesus, who Himself grew up in a close-knit Jewish culture, has continued through the centuries demonstrating the heart of the Father. They have been given as a light to the nations to display the desired care and concern that God has for individuals, families, and the extended family life.

This community life is even more though than just having a next door neighbor there for that egg, or giving a hand to cut the grass. Actually having ongoing relationships - sharing concerns, helping one another raise kids in a healthy environment, and participating in His love in a real way beyond just talk - I believe He is going to restore.

As members of the Bride of Christ and the One New Man church of believers, we will live in such a way that others really will long for what we have together. They will see the love and desire it for themselves.

In these last days to come, no longer will our living exist for just “hers and mine and maybe two more.” We will be in real community - sharing, giving, supporting and depending on those joints whom we are connected to. Not in just some spiritual sense, but in the actual here and now.

Tough times tend to bring people together in living out actual community. He will see to it that His people do come together, and be the people we are called to be. Together. One heart, one mind, having all things in common. I believe that day is coming sooner than we think. 

I look forward to it, personally.

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 letters 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 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This #127  Community in the Last Days   Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (03.09.14) Sunday at 1:30 am in Charlotte, NC).

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

Friday, February 28, 2014

A Picture Does Say… Now Think On This by Steve Martin



A Picture Does Say…
by Steve Martin

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 2-:5 ESV)

They say a picture tells a thousand words. Well, “they” is right.

I posted this photo of one corner of my home office on Facebook in February, 2014. Except for major family events, such as births and weddings, which we have had a few lately, it has gotten more “likes” and “shares” than any other photo I have placed on my FB wall.

The home office

I can understand why. People are looking for something good to believe in, to stand on, to support, in their knowing that what they believe is what they should believe, no matter what the surrounding culture says otherwise. Or is trying to push down their throat and into their minds.

People still believe in supporting Israel, the family, and the good things that God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has given to us to enjoy. Thus this photo touched the hearts of people, and they responded.

You and others may wonder, “What, where or why on earth did you get, and have, all that stuff?” Well, let me tell you, so that the thousand words in the photo become a little more understood.

If you take a little time (a good song title Amy Grant has used) to look at it as best you can in print, here are some of the thousand words you might read.

1.      The Jerusalem flag draped over one of my office chairs - it has the Lion of the Tribe of Judah symbol on it. It is the capital city of Israel, the Lord God of Israel’s eternal city, Yerushalayim in Hebrew. We believe in THE Lion of Judah – Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) – the Messiah of both Jew and Gentile believers.

2.      The Israeli national flag – the Star of David on a tallit (prayer shawl) – hanging in the window over the other curtains (so as not to have the sun fade it). We stand on the Scripture, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

3.      Many clocks are sitting on a shelf in the corner, while two are hung on the wall above. I have collected them over time. (pun intended!) The largest clock has the All Nations Church logo on it, which I had made while I was the Administrator there with Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda (1987-2000). 

      We are to make wise use of our time, for each one will give an account of how we spent the time we have been given here on this planet. How are you spending your time? Are you storing up treasures in heaven with it?

4.      The clock next to the All Nations Church one has the face of David Ben Gurion, who declared Israel’s independence as the Jewish nation in 1948 (though this Promised Land had been given by God to the Jews since the time of Abraham. Roughly 5000 years ago. Give or take an eternity.

5.      Abraham Lincoln’s portrait is on the wall in front of myLove For His People, Inc. office desk. Our American 16thPresident stood for the freedom of all people, and fought to see it happen. He also wanted to go to Israel before his death, but never made it.

6.      On the wooden oak, two drawer lateral file cabinet under the Israel flag is a NASCAR #24 Jeff Gordon lamp (south wall). On it sits a black hat I got at Masada in the Judean desert in Israel in 2010. The lettering on the cap says, “Masada”. Both Jeff and the Jews are winners.

7.      There are two shofars just behind the lamp. Intertwined on purpose. They represent the One New Man – Jew and Gentile coming together as the Bride of Yeshua, the Bride of Christ. Je is coming back the second time to receive His bride the Father has been preparing for Him. Soon and very soon.

8.      There is a laptop on the desk to the right. I actually have three laptops – one for the ministry work of Love For His People, one for my sole proprietorship small business called Martin Lighthouse Services, and the other for our personal home items. And all are loaded with photos, of course!

9.      On the right wall (which faces west in our home) are several 8” x 10” framed photos of our family over the years. Ones with our children (Josh, Ben, Hannah and Christen), our families on both sides, and special events of all.  The very top photo was taken over 36 years ago (at the time of this writing) on Oct.7, 1997, when Laurie and I became man and wife. Forever while here on earth.

10.  Below the family photos and above Abe’s head is a very large painting of a lighthouse out in the storm at night. Shining in the dark. I have always appreciated the continuing work of lighthouses, as they symbolize what we are to be in the nations. This particular painting is entitled “The Watchman”. That is what we are to be also. 

      You may also see that it has 4” x 6” pictures stuck in the frame on all four sides. I ran out of room on the office walls, and being I like to utilize every inch of space that I can, where I can, they ended up here. Just a few historical reminders of life moments.

11.  Also on the wooden file cabinet, where the NASCAR lamp resides, are Jewish books from Hebron, Judea, Israel where the Tomb of the Patriarchs is. There is a great little gift shop there where I have bought several leather bound Hebrew books – the Tanakh (Bible) and others. Along with the English Bible, they sit on this lateral file cabinet.

12. Two chairs. Two desks. Two lamps. Whatever it takes, right??!!

      In case you want to see more “thousands of words” in photos, I have added the other three corners and walls of the room. You can see those below.


Thanks for looking!

Now, what’s on your wall? (And more importantly, in your heart?)

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 letters 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 this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  
martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  
  
Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

           Ahava Love Letters
           
Full website: Love For His People


Ahava Love Letter #126   “A Picture Does Say…”   Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.28.14) Friday at 3:33 am in Charlotte, NC).


All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters







      
AMEN!