Been Offended? - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Been Offended?

"A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19, NKJV

It happened again. Just after we finished the worship team practice for the Sunday morning gathering. An offense sent my way. Just great.

And it happened then, on the Friday before, a few hours before we were to meet for the first time in The Barn for the monthly Strength For Israel gathering, with me leading the worship team, I got offended.

Excitement had been built up. The night was going to be really special. And then the drummer called, saying he forgot to tell me he had to work that night. Great.

Not only that, but one friend who had played with us before really got offended when I didn’t ask him to play as the first one I contacted, not even knowing if he still did play after our last time we did together many years ago. So, that mistake was followed by his literal 40-minute rant over the phone to me. Lord!

I like watching football. I enjoy when there is a great offensive team on the field, especially the college team I follow during the fall on Saturday afternoons, who hail from the Midwest (I’ll leave it at that, except to say I still have one Catholic heritage I maintain.) When they run the ball around the end; when they throw the deep bomb to the wide-open receiver; when a touchdown is scored at the very end to win the big upset, that is offense! Another great play again! “Hail, hail to old…”

I like that kind of offense.

But like you, I don’t like being offended. The kind when someone ridicules you, makes fun of your looks, or tells you something that you already know and have been praying about for a long time. That one concern you have been hoping that someday the Lord will bring the answer to that deep longing in your heart, that aches every time someone mentions it again. (After all, He put it there. Can you hurry it up, please, Lord!)

We are so easily offended. We take things wrong. We let the arrows pierce our heart. We carry it far too down the road, long after it happened. And it does happen. But then, days, months, years, and decades go by. Will we ever let it go?

Maybe what happened was on purpose. Maybe they didn’t know. Maybe we just had had enough, and everything anyone says becomes the tipping point.

But it need not be so. I am still learning, and trying, but over the years, and there have been a lot of them now, I know the answer is to be quick to forgive and let it go.

After all, that is what our Lord, the One Who is daily getting cursed at, laughed at, screamed at…for everything and from everyone…did even back on the cruel cross He accepted and chose to forgive His creation, from that place, as He hung there dying. For us. So we too could forgive.

Arrows are going to come. Words are going to be said. Mistakes are going to be made.

Our choice is either to let them settle in our spirit, or quickly choose to forgive, and forget about it. Yes, you New Englanders, “Forget about it.”

Often my first reaction is to take the hit and back off from them. But then I too have to quickly decide if I am going to let it become part of my life, let the bitterness grow in my heart and maintain a wounded spirit, or forgive, even as I want to be forgiven for the wrong I have done. (The Lord bless my wife and my kids who have known me – and all the good, the bad, and the ugly over the years.)

Far too many have left families, churches, synagogues, jobs, and life, deciding to not forgive and forget. Sad to say, they waste away in their hurt and bitterness. But the Lord Jesus is continually coming after them, to free them from the hit. If they will let Him.

Everyone has been hurt. We each have had offenses come our way. We can choose to stay offended, or we can forgive and move on.

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25-26, NKJV

May your heart choose the path of life. Even as He has forgiven you and me, we too need to daily be forgivers and life changers.

The world knows no different but to hate and pass it on. We know to love, and must pass that on.

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.

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This

On Friday night, Aug. 2, 2019, at 7 pm, Strength For Israel will be having our monthly meeting, the 2^nd one to be held in the main auditorium of The Barn, at Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC. Come and celebrate the goodness of our God! Look here: Strength For Israel
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.

With a one-time contribution or a commitment to send monthly support for a length of time, I do ask now for your help.

You can give safely online through PayPal or Givelify. Click on either of these links PayPal or Givelify or the images on the right column of our Love For His People website.

You can also give by check, sending to:

Love For His People ministry

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, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #437 - in the year of our Lord 07.08.19 – “Been Offended?” – Monday, 5:30 am

Thank you, Yeshua, for Your life given for ours.

"Reunion" - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Reunion"

"Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." (Genesis 33:4, NASU)

Jacob had long been separated from his brother Esau, going back to the time when Jacob did a bit of deceptive work and ended up with Esau's birthright. (Genesis 27-28) Having done that to Esau as Jacob dis, I would suspect that quite possibly you and I would have felt the same towards Jacob as Esau later did. Maybe not so much murder, but close to it. Or at least a little bit of animosity to say the least?

After all, none of us can declare that which would say, "I never had bitterness nor hatred towards anyone." At least I know I can't.

Many examples are written in God's Word, all are for our benefit, as Paul states in 1 Cor 10:11-12
"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (NASU)

When Esau ran and embraced Jacob, it gives us several reasons that he was able to do this. You will have to read some of the preceding Scriptures for the full picture, but let me summarize as to what I think happened in Esau's heart.

1. "Esau ran to meet him". During the years of separation between the two brothers, the Lord had worked a change in Esau's heart. Maybe he realized the temporal here on earth, his birthright lost, wasn't worth the pain and agony, or hatred, toward his brother. He knew he hadn't been the perfect brother either. 

It is known that carrying these attitudes towards another, as in unforgiveness, eats away at your mind, soul, and spirit. Hopefully, as you grow older in the Lord you become aware of this, and turn, with repentance, from this sin.

When Esau ran to meet Jacob, he had already left all that behind. Nothing was holding him back now from expressing joy and love towards his younger brother.

2. "embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him" Esau led the way in showing total forgiveness and repentance on his part. Having already known the Lord's forgiveness on his part, he was able and willing to express that totally, and not hold back. It takes a mature believer to lead the way.

3. "they wept." I trust you too have known the release of years having pent-up emotions, and when a reunion occurs between friends and relatives that had been separation due to hurt, injustice, lies or selfishness, having a good cry, a fantastic flow of tears and all, feels really good. They let it all go. and let it all out.

I love when a reunion takes place between father and son, mother and daughter, cousin and cousin, employee and employer, pastor and congregant. Forgiveness is a great gift from our Father, Who Himself is always the first to express forgiveness. Having sent His Only Son Jesus, Yeshua, to die for our sins in order that we to may be forgiven was the very first ultimate step in restoration and reunion.

This week the Louis and Lila Martin clan celebrate another time of gathering in our biennial (once every two years event - I had to look it up myself). There certainly have been times of separation and individual reunions, but through the ongoing grace and mercy of our Lord, this family of 8 siblings has held together over these 60+ years. Thank God!

May the Lord give you the grace and love to express forgiveness in your relationships, because Lord knows we need it. And if you have a family or friend reunion coming up this summer, have a great time!

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.

Please sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter: Now Think On This 

On July 5, 2019, Strength will be having our first Friday of the month meeting in The Barn at Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC. Come and celebrate the goodness of our God!

Look here: Strength For Israel

P.S. In May 2019 I returned from my 20^th trip to Israel. And guess what? I brought back for you my last 58 short videos I entitled “Walk With Me in Israel”. You can join me as I walk through the beautiful land and cities of Israel. Watch them here on our YouTube channel: Walk With Me - Israel May 2019

Also, my previous ones from other locations are here also on YouTube: Walk With Me

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.

  

With a one-time contribution or a commitment to send monthly support for a length of time, I do ask now for your help. 

You can give safely online through PayPal or Givelify.

Click on either link PayPal or Givelify or the images on the right column of our Love For His People website.

You can also give by check, sending to:

Love For His People ministry

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, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.  Others will be thankful you did.

Now Think On This #433 - in the year of our Lord 06.18.19 – “Reunion” – Tuesday, 6:00 am

Forgive, Forget, Move On - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Forgive, Forget, Move On

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-15, NASU)

Have you ever noticed the “tools of the trade” that fishermen, who want to catch the bottom-feeding fish, use? One of them that I am aware of is the sinker, the little lead ball-shaped object. Once tightly fastened to the fishing line, not too far from the hook and bait, its purpose is to take the fishing bait to the bottom of the pond or lake. That is where the bottom-feeders are sucking up what garbage and other less-nutrient food particles end up once they have fallen to the bottom. Down to where it is dark and murky.

The enemy of our soul likes to hang around bottom-feeders. These are the ones who have been hurt, wounded and continue to walk around in bitterness. They too would rather live where it is dark and murky; where leaden lines bring down more bait to subsist on. Rather than forgive and forget, as we are commanded to do, they choose to hang onto the hardness of heart which has resulted, and stay as they are. Living in darkness, in the basement, means you don’t have to face the light. "No more chance to get hurt again by others" is your mindset.

But in fact, it is the light which will save you from the darkness. It is getting the infection out, the scab removed, the hurt and wounds healed that will give you the life you were meant to be free to participate in. The cross of Jesus sets us free from all this.

I have seen many people wounded in their walk with Christian brethren, both from leadership and other members of the church congregation. Rather than walk in forgiveness and forgetting what lies behind, they instead make the choice to not let go of the hurt and carry their wounds. What once was great fellowship and sharing a common bond in the Lord’s grace and mercy, it has instead become an infected sore, which never seems to go away. Another church, another day, another attempt at hiding it away doesn’t make it go away.

“Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13, Complete Jewish Bible)

The ones who resist the command to forgive will continue to grow in the hardness of heart, the darkness, that robs all of the freedom to walk in love. By not letting go, through the act of forgiveness, will keep you from the trust and forbearance we need in walking with one another. The new relationships you will endeavor to make will have the shadow of the previous ones preventing you from true fellowship.

We must learn to forgive each other continually, forgetting the past, and move on to fulfill the call and purpose we each have in the Body of Messiah. There are too many dying people out there whom we are sent to help, but will not be able to if we insist on protecting our space and not letting these things go.

“Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.

And be thankful - let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:14-17, Complete Jewish Bible)

  

We don’t have the “luxury” of being bottom-feeders. We can't continue to let offenses, being offended, and petty arguments keep us from walking in the light.

We must bring everything to the His light, to forgive those who hurt us, and get on with the work we instead must be doing. There are bigger issues to deal with, so walking in forgiveness daily is a necessity.

I have been hurt. You have been hurt. Insisting on living in unforgiveness will only deepen the infection that Jesus Christ died for, to save you from.

We must repent from our sin of allowing unforgiveness to rule in our hearts. There must not be any place for it in your life, nor mine.

I am still learning how to live in forgiving others. Some days are better than others, but I have no choice but choose forgiveness, if I am to do that which He has saved me to do, and requiring of me to walk out.

I hope you are too.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

 
Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

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.

I recorded this also: Arms of Love video message - "Forgive, Forget, Move On"

Secure, conveniently contributions can be done online now through our website using the DONATE buttons on either side column of our 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+ and Twitter. (And all other social media platforms!)

Now Think On This - in the Year of our Lord 08.23.17 - #309 – “Forgive, Forget, Move On” – Sunday, 5:55 pm

The Snake That Bites – Part 2 Healing the Hurt - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Snake That Bites – Part 2

Healing the Hurt

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:23-25, THE MESSAGE) 

While growing up in the Midwest, Cedar Falls, Iowa to be exact, one of my heart’s desire, even at an early age, was to be a missionary priest/doctor to Africa. Now I realized that being a “missionary”, and a “priest”, and a “doctor”, and then going to the faraway, dark continent of “Africa” wasn’t the most probable, nor desirable, career path for most 8^th graders in the late 60’s. Even my grade school Roman Catholic priest, Father Purcell, who taught the eleven of us in our religion class, said I should give up that prayer and be content at becoming a diocesan priest. You know, stay here in the comforts of America.

So what does that have to do with my first Now Think On This message on The Snake That Bites? Well, let me tell you.

The Lord Jesus puts it in the heart of His people to carry His love to the nations.  It used to be that the only way you could actually fulfill that command was to go. Literally become a missionary, leave all behind, and go to a foreign land having absolutely nothing in common with the civilization you grew up in your first 18 years of life. Some still do that. I bless them in Jesus’ Name for their courage and longing to fulfill His commandment to take His Gospel, Good News, to the nations.

Taking His healing word to the nations. 

The globe serves as a reminder in our home.

But now, through the great advancements that God Himself has given to men and women, with ever increasing revealed knowledge to excel in all kinds of new discoveries, we can take His Words to the nations through social media. Just as He had the Romans build the extensive road system, extending their kingdom throughout the known land in their time, they unknowingly made the way to enable the apostles and other believers to travel easily.

Today He has also given inventions, technical savvy, and vast understanding to mankind, to “build the roads” in our time – such as primarily the Internet, to get His Gospel out. (Sorry Al Gore. Not you.)

Thus, finally, I am getting to the point I want to make. The Lord has made a great way to get His word out, to bring His healing to the people of the world. Going as a missionary has now become possible for each of us who call on the Name of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus). Through social media.

Bringing you His healing word has been His desire from the start. He wants people freed from the snake bite where it all began in the Garden of Eden. His plan of redemption and salvation has been eternal, and now you and I can experience this, wherever you are at this moment in time and space.

Much of the mental and body sickness we experience is the result of the spiritual diseases we carry. Proven medical facts.

There is healing from the snake bites you have received over the years. There is a way to be free from the resulting bitterness, resentment, and even hatred that first brought infection into your spirit, which moved down into your soul (mind, will and emotions), and then eventually manifested itself in your body. Yes, spiritual sickness shows itself in soulish and physical outlays. Many mental and body sickness is the result of the spiritual diseases we carry.

Needing forgiveness, receiving it first from the One who alone can begin the process, and then acting on His work yourself, will bring the healing that the snake venom poisoned you with after each bite.

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:21-25, NASU) 

Jesus’ death on the brutal Roman cross was the plan from the beginning with His Father. He knew ahead of time, before He came as the sinless Lamb, that He was going to suffer, receive 39 gouging whip lasses from the laughing soldiers, and hang on the mocking, cursed tree, in order to complete the required payment for mankind’s sin – the shedding of Innocent Blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Then and only then could the healing process begin, to free us from the sickness and death caused by our sin, including unforgiveness which we carry far too long in our daily life.

“For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach —  if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”
(Col 1:19-23, NASU)

And being there are always two sides to the coin…who have you hurt with your biting words, quick temper, or rude remarks? Repentance is both for you, me and the others. It goes both ways. Consider asking forgiveness from those whom you have bitten with your own venom.

Are you willing to be forgiven for your sins? You can ask Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, for the first time in your life, or for the ongoing confession of sin, to be free from the lasting effects of the venom we carry. Crying out to the Lord and Savior is simple. You just have to do it.

Do you hold unforgiveness towards your Mom, Dad, sister, brother, boss, close friend? How about your pastor (or your church member - yes I know!) or your co-worker. The list can be inexhaustible. Anyone who has said, did or acted against you, and that one you so want to get back at for hurting you? If so, you need to accept the forgiveness you have already first received, as a sinner, acknowledge the wrong was wrong, but now know that it is time to let it go, to let the Blood of Jesus wash over you, and bring healing to your spirit, soul and body.

Repentance and forgiveness. Again, it is simple. 

You don’t have to work yourself up in an emotional frenzy, or bring up every occasion when you received the stinging wound.

Just quietly and with resolve say, “Jesus, I forgive them, as you have first forgiven me.” Say each name or memory that the Holy Spirit brings to mind right now, forgive them, and receive the healing touch from your loving Father and His Only Son Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Let the Father forgive your sins. You then in turn forgive those who sinned against you. That also is in the Lord’s prayer you learned as a child (I hope.)

As I said, I didn’t make it as the missionary priest doctor that I wanted to be, but now the Lord has allowed me to bring His truth and healing word to you, in your very nation. It is just in a much wider realm.

Be free again to enjoy life. Rejoice in Jesus and give thanks!

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. If you didn't read yet Part 1, you can find it here: 
The Snake That Bites - Part 1

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, Hungary, 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  

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Now Think On This - In the Year of our Lord 06.03.17 - #289 – “The Snake That Bites – Part 2 Healing the Hurt” – Saturday, 7:00 am

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