The Unexpected - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Unexpected

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

  

“Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.” (Psalm 23:4, Complete Jewish Bible)

Fear suddenly comes upon you. Your stomach churns as if you had just been punched in the gut. Panic wants to overtake you. Your head spins, looking for a quick solution to get you out of the mess you just found yourself in. What in the world are you going to do? Where can I run? Who can I call? What do you do?

You trust in the One whom you have trusted in thus far. You call on the Name of the Lord Jesus.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

'I will be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.' (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NASU)

You can believe that is true. God cannot lie.

When I woke up this morning I had just gotten a text message from a friend who is newlywed. (I keep my phone on silent when I go to bed. Smart thing to do. Derek Prince, the great Bible teacher whom I was honored to serve on his ministry staff for eight years, often said, “There are no emergencies in the kingdom of God.”) They got married in her country, went on a fantastic honeymoon in another country, but when they came back to cross over into his homeland to start their new life together, they were stopped at the border. The paperwork hadn’t been done as it was supposed to have been done. She couldn’t cross over. 

They were then told it was going to take much legal paperwork, several months, and could cost thousands of dollars. Dollars they didn’t have. Bills they never dreamed of having to be paid on the road ahead. The unexpected had just happened.

How many times have we faced challenges and circumstances when the impossible was facing us, and we didn’t know where to turn, who to call, or what to do next. We seemed frozen with fear, which itself wanted to keep us there. But that is when we need to stand on His Word – that He never leaves us, never forsakes us, never lets the enemy have the final victory.

All of us have faced these situations. A traumatic car accident; a tragic turn of events; an impossible place in our life when it looks as if we have been forsaken, forgotten about, and left standing alone. That is where and when we need to stand on His Word.

“Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.” (Psalm 23:4)

When these times come, we need to know in our heart, our soul, our very being that the Lord Jesus, Yeshua, is faithful to see us through whatever comes our way. Even if death itself stands at the door and says he has got us now, we must be firm in our belief, that even then, eternity with our Lord awaits us on the other side.

Whatever you face today, this week, or this month, know that He is on your side. You will not fail, you will not fall, you will not be left standing alone. The Living God of Israel has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He will see you through.

I told my friend that on the phone. It may be a tough road ahead, but the Bible is full of examples which have been given to us to show His faithfulness towards those who believe.

Be reassured in your faith. Stand strong. He is a BIG God, and we are His.

“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:2-14, NASU)

Be at peace. For the Lord will always be your strong tower. You can run to Him and He will see you through.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. 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-$25 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 - in the Year of our Lord 10.08.17 - #323  – “The Unexpected”

Sunday, 7:07 am

The Unexpected - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Unexpected

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

  

“Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.” (Psalm 23:4, Complete Jewish Bible)

Fear suddenly comes upon you. Your stomach churns as if you had just been punched in the gut. Panic wants to overtake you. Your head spins, looking for a quick solution to get you out of the mess you just found yourself in. What in the world are you going to do? Where can I run? Who can I call? What do you do?

You trust in the One whom you have trusted in thus far. You call on the Name of the Lord Jesus.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

'I will be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.' (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NASU)

You can believe that is true. God cannot lie.

When I woke up this morning I had just gotten a text message from a friend who is newlywed. (I keep my phone on silent when I go to bed. Smart thing to do. Derek Prince, the great Bible teacher whom I was honored to serve on his ministry staff for eight years, often said, “There are no emergencies in the kingdom of God.”) They got married in her country, went on a fantastic honeymoon in another country, but when they came back to cross over into his homeland to start their new life together, they were stopped at the border. The paperwork hadn’t been done as it was supposed to have been done. She couldn’t cross over. 

They were then told it was going to take much legal paperwork, several months, and could cost thousands of dollars. Dollars they didn’t have. Bills they never dreamed of having to be paid on the road ahead. The unexpected had just happened.

How many times have we faced challenges and circumstances when the impossible was facing us, and we didn’t know where to turn, who to call, or what to do next. We seemed frozen with fear, which itself wanted to keep us there. But that is when we need to stand on His Word – that He never leaves us, never forsakes us, never lets the enemy have the final victory.

All of us have faced these situations. A traumatic car accident; a tragic turn of events; an impossible place in our life when it looks as if we have been forsaken, forgotten about, and left standing alone. That is where and when we need to stand on His Word.

“Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.” (Psalm 23:4)

When these times come, we need to know in our heart, our soul, our very being that the Lord Jesus, Yeshua, is faithful to see us through whatever comes our way. Even if death itself stands at the door and says he has got us now, we must be firm in our belief, that even then, eternity with our Lord awaits us on the other side.

Whatever you face today, this week, or this month, know that He is on your side. You will not fail, you will not fall, you will not be left standing alone. The Living God of Israel has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He will see you through.

I told my friend that on the phone. It may be a tough road ahead, but the Bible is full of examples which have been given to us to show His faithfulness towards those who believe.

Be reassured in your faith. Stand strong. He is a BIG God, and we are His.

“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:2-14, NASU)

Be at peace. For the Lord will always be your strong tower. You can run to Him and He will see you through.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. 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-$25 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 - in the Year of our Lord 10.08.17 - #323  – “The Unexpected”

Sunday, 7:07 am

The Great Falling Away - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Great Falling Away

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Adonai said to Gid‘on, “I will use the three hundred men who lapped the water to save you; I will hand Midyan over to you. Let all these others go back home.”

(Judges 7:7-8 Complete Jewish Bible)

There is a great falling away coming from among those who once walked with the Lord. In fact, it has already started. For decades, it was “popular” to be a Christian. Not so anymore, especially when one considers the numbers who attend a weekly church service. Looking around any given Sunday morning gathering, and in most churches you will see mostly grey hairs; and they are dying off. Sure, there are those churches that are doing well among the youth, but that is an exception. We give thanks for them.

After a major crisis occurs in a nation, the pews do fill back up. But within a few months, or even weeks, the “Crisis Christians” no longer come around. It is back to normal as usual. (We may still have the “C & E” group – Christmas and Easter, but even those numbers are dwindling fast.)

The apostle Paul said that in the end of days there would be a great falling away. We are living in those times.

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NASU)

Lest you become fearful, and wonder what is going to happen when so many are gone, let me share a little insight with you. It will inspire you in faith, I believe.

The Lord seems to allow for the reduction of numbers when He has a job that needs to get done. Unlike humans, more is not always better. As my good wife Laurie likes to remind me on certain occasions, “Less is more.” My accounting mind doesn’t always see it that way, but it is true.

Let’s look at a few instances in the Word of God, and see how the Lord chooses to accomplish His purpose, and achieve the final victory.

Take what happened when the Lord decided to flood the earth. He saved a remnant, Noah’s family of eight (Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives) and repopulated the earth with those alone. Looks like that worked.

And what about Gideon’s army, when it came time to defeat the Mideonites? Gideon took as many warriors as he had available, starting with 32,000. By the time the Lord had set up a few tests, the number was finalized at 300. With those remaining, the job got done. Victory was won.

Yeshua (Jesus) chose only 12 who would walk with Him for a little more than three years. Then He released them (even knowing one would be replaced by another) into the world. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, those twelve apostles changed the world.

Jesus also fed the multitudes, with very little. “All we have with us,” they said, “is five loaves of bread and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to me.” After instructing the crowds to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking up toward heaven, made a b’rakhah (Hebrew – i.e. gave thanks). Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the talmidim (Hebrew – i.e. disciples), who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they took up twelve baskets full of the pieces left over. Those eating numbered about five thousand men, plus women and children.” (Matthew 14:17-21, Complete Jewish Bible)

The Creator of the Universe can get the job done with very few.

What about the 144,000 in Revelation of Jesus (Revelation 7:4)? That sure is something to consider.

“I heard the count of those who were sealed: 144,000! They were sealed out of every Tribe of Israel: 12,000 sealed from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad, 12,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Naphtali, 12,000 from Manasseh, 12,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar, 12,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 sealed from Benjamin.

(Revelations 7:4-8 THE MESSAGE)

There is a great falling away that is coming through the Christian ranks. It will remove the lukewarm as the Lord Himself is going to weed them out. I believe He will then emblaze the remnant with His Holy Ghost fire, and show the world Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In the process, millions during that time, yet to be saved for all of eternity, will come into His kingdom, gathered from all the nations.

Are you going to be one of the few? As the Marine’s would say in their motto, I pray you are.

By His grace you will keep committed and stay faithful to the end. It is going to be a battle, but He wins. Stay on His side.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

P.S. We sure could use your help to bless the families we do in Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and the hurting ones here in the USA. Please give out of the abundance you have been given.

In May, 2106, my wife Laurie and I will be traveling to Israel to spend time we our friends. We support them in word and deed.

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 #198 “The Great Falling Away” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.28.15) Wednesday at 6:15 pm in Charlotte, NC

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

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

Fear - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Fear

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“…men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26 NASU)


Fear is prevalent in our society. We are fearful of oncoming storms, both from natural weather patterns and within the economic world. Loss of a job, possible collapse of the stock market, or the internal anticipation of an unexpected accident or sudden illness can cripple our emotional health. Feeling powerless at times in being able to provide for your family or other loved ones can further heighten the effects of fear that reside within us.

Fear may keep one from speaking up when something wrong is seen or heard. Having fear will cause people to turn away when danger approaches, rather than stand and confront the situation head on. Being afraid of what may come one’s way may keep them from doing anything at all. Sitting back and letting it happen seems to be the easier way out at times, when in reality it only brings on more harm.

Even believing some form of retaliation will strike back at us, if we “come to the rescue” at moments of crisis, will keep us from acting. Fear keeps one from attempting to do right when righteousness should prevail, and therefore the right thing isn’t done.

“Don’t get involved” becomes the easy choice many take in these times we live in.

We see the results of fear within families, where a mother is afraid to speak up in defense of her child, knowing the father, or live-in boyfriend, will then lash out against her too. He has done it often before, so the same response is expected. The child is beat down, and the silence lives on.

A bully at school rages upon a younger classmate, while other students stand back and let it happen. Speaking up to a teacher would only bring ridicule upon themselves. So nothing is done and the pain continues on.

Having no one take your side and be a surrounding protectorate can lead one to the point of suicide. One tragedy unstopped leads to another tragedy fulfilled. If only the fear would cease, and replaced with courage to act. In far too many cases it does not.

Among the cities of our once free land here in America, we bow down to the demands of the 1%, who are slowly taking away our freedom, right before our eyes. If one person doesn't like the cross that has stood on the overlooking hill for the past 70 years, an outcry goes up, and the city council takes it down. The Ten Commandments, which have governed lawful societies for centuries, are removed from public view, for fear of the anti-Christian elements who decided it offends them.

Our schools have become murder scenes, decades later after prayer and the Judeo-Christian laws have been removed from them. "We can't force our religion on someone else" is so often quoted. So what about you forcing your ungodly standards on us?

Looks like the USA, Europe and once truth believing nations have gotten what the majority allowed the minority to have. Throw out the One True God and let the devil in. How is that working out for you?

The water is getting hotter in the frog's kettle, and few seem to notice, or care. The once lively creature will soon be cooked alive, having believed que sera sera. But soon he will be dead and gone.

On a much larger scale, one nation attacks another without challenge. Words spoken only of “peace” and “understanding” do nothing to stop the evil encroachment. And so the wrongful offensive continues on, unopposed by those who could, and should, stop it.


All these situations reflect the growing reality that comes when fear rules.

The Scripture speaks clearly of “men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world.” We sense the ominous approaching, as the darkness overtaking our nations slithers forward, being the snake that it is. It is affecting each and every one.

Scripture also boldly declares the answer, the very Word that we must trust in, while letting our faith solidly depend upon. It is to believe what the Lord Himself has already said.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' "Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish.

You shall seek them and not find them — those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'” (Isaiah 41:10-13 NKJV)

Thus this word speaks to those who live in fear - believe on this, the Lord’s spoken Word, which is for you.

To the people of Israel, surrounded by enemies constantly seeking your destruction -  believe this word spoken through your Messiah’s prophet Isaiah.  Know that your Jewish brother, Yeshua HaMasiach, is your Defender.

We will also continue to love and support you, and stand beside you. When called upon, we shall give our lives for the purpose of our uniting King.


And when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon us, to speak up, to stand up and to move forward in righteousness and courage, we will see the Lion of the tribe of Judah leading us both on.

Let it be so, even as it is written:

“Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NKJV)

Overcome fear, by having the word of the Lord Jesus in your head and in your heart. He is the answer we need at this hour. There is no other.

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 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 #188 “Fear” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.13.15) Tuesday at 1:30 am in Charlotte, NC

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

Please share this message with your friends on your FaceBook page, Google+, and/or Twitter account if you would. You can use the icon links below. Thanks!