Showing posts with label guidance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guidance. Show all posts

Friday, January 12, 2018

Aim for the Target - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Aim for the Target

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;” (1 Corinthians 9:26, NASU)


Aiming to hit the mark is the purpose of anyone seeking to put the arrow where it will count the most. Setting our purpose on the Lord’s will is just as important – wanting to get it right on the bull’s eye in order to make the most of His plan for us. Sometimes we get it right on. Sometimes not.

Though He knows the road ahead of us it falls on us to make the intentional purpose to know it for ourselves. Whether you are 20 or 60, we won’t know for ourselves unless we use the mapping equipment He gives us. These tools are available to us so we can walk down the right road, and be in the center of His plan.

Over the years I have watched how others seek the Lord; what they have taught in their pursuit of Him and how they have discerned His plan for them. Though the goal is not the exact same for everyone, for each has his place to fulfill, the ways given to reach that goal are so. We can reach the target. We can walk in His way.

When seeking the Lord for direction, the tools given to us include knowing His Word, the Bible, hearing His voice through prayer, and hearing the instructions taught by others. Receiving a prophetic word and understanding circumstances are also part of the mix. The Lord wants us to know His will for us. He makes all these avenues available to those who want to know it.

In His Word, accurately passed down through the centuries, He has provided examples of His working in the lives of those who have gone before us.

“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.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12, NASU) Common to all through the lives of these were the temptations, trials, and opportunities to see the Lord move, even as they are in our lives. We can learn from them. Reading His Word on a regular basis enables us to understand more because of them. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Prayer, communicating with the Lord, gives us the opportunity to speak our heart to Him on matters, and in return hear His heart on these concerns. With His Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Guide, impressions received and obvious responses to our prayers show us He is acting on our behalf. Seeing His hand in daily input encourages us to seek Him often and with thanksgiving in our asking and acknowledging.

Being with other believers, receiving wisdom and encouragement from them in matters we need clarity on, certainly helps guide our steps. Input given through them through teaching, either from their own experiences or having gained insight through the teaching of others, is a vital asset in knowing the Lord’s will for our lives. Someone who has walked the path further and longer carries with them insight that others don’t have as yet. Accepting their life’s wisdom helps us to avoid pitfalls, and get closer to our destination in safety and fulfillment.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, NKJV)

Being a strong believer in personal, prophetic words as another form of God’s guidance, I have received words spoken into my life which either prepared me for the years ahead, or encouraged me in the midst of trials and fog when I needed a sure word from the Lord. Receiving these words has allowed me to use all aspects of the Holy Spirit’s methods of showing me the way, whether it be through another with the prophetic gift, by a dream, or given through a supernatural act that didn’t “just happen”, but was a sign giving instruction to me. I consider any and all ways of the Lord’s voice coming my way to be received and discerned for its full purpose. He freely gives these to all who are open to receive them.

The Lord wants us to know which way to go and how to get there. Practicing in a consistent way the methods He has given us will make us more certain when He speaks and how to respond to His leading. We must know Him to know His ways and walk in them. Then we can be confident of the direction we are heading.

Our faith will be strengthened and encouraged in our pursuit of Him, as we continue to aim for the target. He will show us the way to go.

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 #340 - in the year of our Lord 01.12.18 – “Aim for the Target”, Friday, 1:00 pm

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Closed Doors. Open Doors. - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Closed Doors. Open Doors.

Now Think On This
Steve Martin

“When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:10 NASU)


The Lord speaks to us in order to get us to where He needs us to be. If we listen, we will hear His voice, know His ways, and fulfill the purpose He has planned for us. Something good will come then.

Do you want Him to do that for you? Are you ready?

There have been many times when I was in a situation that I did not know what to do. I remember once needing to make a critical decision, which would affect not only myself, but my family, friends around us, and the employment I had at the time. It involved a move to another state, for a ministry job opportunity, but at the same time we would be leaving family and that life which we had been familiar with. Prayer, fasting, guidance from others, and the Holy Spirit speaking to me brought the right decision.

We moved. Thank you Jesus.

That may seem just a common situation to some, as many people move all the time. Some would think it was just a matter of time and we would have moved anyway. Or I would have figured it out by myself, given further research and just making the decision to do it, letting the results be as they would.

Maybe.

But then I wanted to depend on the Holy Spirit to guide our steps, so even in that common example I had learned to ask Him to help me. And as I continue to learn, as I am being trained, I will be able to hear His voice distinctly in those times when more difficult, pressing issues come my way, and I really need to know the way to go, and make the right choice. Life or death may depend on it.

In the Scripture given at the beginning of this message, Paul had been trusting the Lord for direction, seeking which way he was to go. He was willing to do what the Lord wanted him to do.  People were depending on him. His team needed his leadership, and he needed to get it right.

He thought it was one way, and so he proceeded, literally, down that road. But in his going, he was directed to another way, another place. It came in the form of a vision. Sometimes His word will come in a dream. Often He tells us in a simple thought in our mind, which hopefully we don’t dismiss as a random thought.

Whichever way He choices to guide, we must know it is Him, and respond in obedience. For Paul, later it became apparent that this was a critical step in his walk in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. If he had not been expecting guidance from the Lord, Europe may not have heard the Good News in this time they needed to.

Have you ever been in a place in your life where the doors seemed to keep getting shut? It didn’t work the way you had expected, hoped for, figured it would? Have you ever thanked the Lord later, after His perfect plan was then revealed to you down the road, and you realized how He stopped you from going that way, because He had something better up ahead, and you just had to wait a bit more?I am sure you have, just like it happened in Paul’s life. Just as it has already happened several times in my own, and also in yours.

“They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:6-10 NASU)

Paul was on the move. He had been wanting to go to Asia (modern day Turkey and surrounding lands), believing that was the next stop. But the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, did not permit Him. Why did that happen? How did that happen?

The time was not yet right for the one location. The Lord stopped Paul to reveal to him where he was to be. Supernaturally.

You too can hear the Lord’s voice. You too can learn to depend upon Him, to hear His quiet leading, for He is more than willing to speak to you. And when a door is shut as you start to walk through it, you will not get discouraged and give up, but will seek Him for the open door that He has on ahead for you. Through His Holy Spirit’s guidance He will show you the way.

Learning to hear and obey now will be vitally important for when we are put in a situation where knowing the right door to go through is the only one that will work. You may be trying to push open a closed door that would cause harm for you and those close to you, not realizing the right open door is just another step ahead.

Depending on the Holy Spirit to guide our steps, speak to us with His answers, and show us what is the open door, so we don’t try to break down the closed ones, is vital. In these days we are living in, you and I will need to know the way to go, how to go, and when to go. 

Having that close relationship with the Lord and the Spirit of God speaking and leading will not be a luxury, but a necessity.

So 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 bless the families that we do 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: LoveFor 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 - In the New Year of our Lord 01.26.16 - #238 –“Closed Doors. Open Doors.” – Tuesday at 4:30 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


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Guidance - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Guidance
- Now Think On This
by Steve Martin


“Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 3-:21 NASU


We all need guidance in our life. The Lord promises to give it to us, if we ask Him.

While some would choose to just keep walking in the way that seems right to them, the Lord says that if we seek Him, He will show us the right way. Whether that would be a decision we need to make in marriage, buying a home, making a job change, or knowing what to do with one we ourselves are giving care to, the Lord has promised that He has the answer if we but ask. We can receive wisdom from the Lord.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 NASU

Over the many years I have walked with the Lord, there are several ways He has given me to help in my decision making, and to know if the answer is His will or not. I would like to share them with you, as you seek Him for guidance.

1.      Daily reading of God’s Word will bring guidance. There are many directives in His Word that we can already know what His will is, as they have been given as our daily life’s road map. With these already written down for us in His Word, He has already spoken what is truth. We can base our decisions on those standards, and not the world’s ways. At other times the Holy Spirit will have a verse or two “jump out at you” while reading, quickening your spirit, to give you an answer to your question.

2.      If the Lord has already blessed you with a mate (a wife in my situation), ask them to pray along with you concerning the situation. Discernment given to them can be an affirmation to what the Lord would speak to you. A pastor or close friend can also pray and ask the Lord for a word for you, as long as you don’t trust solely in them, but the Holy Spirit’s word. There is wisdom in the counsel of many.

3.      A prophetic word has often been an encouragement to me when received. Given by one who has the gift of prophecy has been very helpful, as the Lord will use them to bring enlightenment. If you know someone who has the gift of prophecy, ask them to seek the Lord on your behalf. Be mindful that you will always need discernment in receiving any word given by another, so as not to just go by what another would say. A word received is just another piece of the puzzle to consider.

4.      Circumstances do play a role in discerning the will of the Lord. Something may happen that seems to come “out of the blue”, or “it just happens”. Consider that the Lord is using that circumstance to bring further guidance. At times circumstances can also occur that will keep you from going a certain way. The Lord is known to use those in directing your path.

5.      The Holy Spirit can speak a word to you quietly in your thoughts. That sense of “Where did that come from?” thought may very well be the Holy Spirit nudging you, sharing with you a message in regards to the situation. It may just be a simple word, but that word can very well be just what you need. He may also use a dream or vision to guide you. Don’t dismiss those thoughts, but ponder them for further confirmation. Write them down so you don’t forget them. The fulfillment of that dream or other supernatural method of bringing you a directive may occur later,

6.      The timing of the Lord is vital to making the right decision. He is not in a hurry to just lay out His will for you, giving you all the steps at once. He delights when you take the proper time to seek Him. Often He will give you one step at a time. If He delays in giving you an answer (or what we many times deem as a delay), know that it is because He is lining up other situations that may have to come about before your time is now.

7.      Once you believe you have received the answer, have confidence in Him and make the move. Carry out what He has told you in obedience. Faith is always necessary when walking in the right way. Do not let the enemy bring doubt or try to make you second guess what you believe is right. The peace of the Lord should be with and in your spirit.

Though the enemy may try to bring confusion and double-mindedness along the way, the peace of the Lord will be present if you have made the right decision. As one teacher would say, “You know in your knower” that the decision you made is the one from the Lord. Carrying out that decision may take you on a rough road, but it will be the right road to take. There are many examples of taking the right road, even when the journey will not be so pleasant. Jesus’ crucifixion is a prime example.

Many good books have been written by trusted authors/teachers on how to seek the Lord’s guidance. One of the best ones I ever read, simple but very instructive, was by Bible teacher Bob Mumford in the 1970’s It is called “Take Another Look At Guidance.” The 20th year edition was printed again by Lifechangers in 1993, and can be found on Amazon.com.

Another highly recommended Bible teacher is Derek Prince, who has several spoken and written words on guidance. His material can be found at www.derekprince.com, or www.derekprince.org.

I myself have published two books that are helpful in learning to walk in the Lord’s guidance. One is entitled The Promise – One Man’s Journey To See God’s Word Revealed. I share my life’s journey and how the Lord led me. It can be purchased at Amazon.com. Look here.



Another one is Prophetic Stories: Signs Along The Way. I share several chapters on how the Lord gave me words and dreams that gave guidance to myself and others. Look here.


The Lord Jesus does not want us to just let “whatever will be will be” for us. He wants to continually have His Holy Spirit give us instruction on how to walk in the way, and which way that is. Whether in making a life changing decision or one that seems too little to bother Him with, He has given us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. He is always there for us. (John 14:26)

It is a journey of faith as we walk with the Lord. We must continually seek the Lord for His will and way, trusting that our times are in His hands, and that He wants the best for us and those we live amongst. As you learn to seek Him in all your ways, He will bless you with goodness.

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 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This #172 “Guidance” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (05.31.15) Sunday at 8:30 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

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Choices & Decisions We Make - Now Think On This by Steve Martin


Choices & Decisions We Make
Now Think On This
Steve Martin


"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  Joshua 24:15 NASU


Choices. We face them every day and must decide on which one. Go here, go there. Wear this or wear that. Say something or hold back. What decision will you make, given the choice you have?

You may remember words you have heard over the years, given by someone you trust, as a leader, and at the time you heard it, something clicked inside your brain, and your spirit. You then perked up and listened attentively to it. It was a word they spoke that seemed to stick with you for the rest of your life.

For me once such word was spoken at a church gathering in East Lansing, MI back around 1986. The founder of the church, Erik Krueger of Shiloh Fellowship (later changing its name to New Covenant Christian Church) was sharing at a Friday night gathering. A young man in his mid 30’s I believe at the time, Erik wanted to instruct us about an upcoming locational move the church was considering. I was at least 30, so that made him wiser than me. And so I listened.

At one point I distinctly heard him start to say something that I will always remember, as I know it got down into my spirit. He said something like this, “You will make choices today that will make a big difference as to where you end up later years down the road. Even a slight turn, or what seems to be a miniscule veer you take in the road today, will cause you to end up either one way or the other, for good or bad, way off down the road. Because of that decision you make, it will determine your destination years from now. So carefully make the right decisions.”

Making decisions shouldn’t be left up to what seems good at the time; what the general population is doing (I learned long ago that if the general public is going one way I am best off going the other. My life isn’t determined by the popular vote of the people); or how I can best determine my financial future if I leave this job and take another. It shouldn’t be based on my lone understanding, but on hearing the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listening to His quiet voice, and determining in my heart that His way is the best way.

Receiving the counsel of those who have taken similar paths, who themselves had chosen in their lives to hear and obey His Spirit, is wise also. Grounded on His Word and having the heart of Joshua to choose His ways before all else will lead us on. Determined to have this form of guidance is best done even before a decision is to be made.

Several times over the course of our 37 years of married life, my wife and I made decisions that caused us to make geographical moves. The Lord normally spoke to me first, as head of the household, on what usually would come a year later. Heeding His voice, in those times of prayer and Bible reading, while listening to the words spoken at church gatherings, helped us to hear Him speak, and further choose to walk in faith in His way. He would give confirming signs as we looked and listened, and trusted in His guiding hand.

So first from Illinois to Michigan, and then seven years later from the far north of the USA to the far south, Michigan to Florida, we followed. Looking back, thanks to the leading of the Holy Spirit, these were the right decisions. And then seven years later another decision was made, to move from Florida to North Carolina. Looking back 20 years later, it was another good decision. Trusting in His provision and blessing upon our family, as we served Him and His purposes, we experienced His faithfulness.

Recently I read another’s word on following after the Lord. I take it to heart, as seeking the Lord and knowing His will is my utmost desire. What other path is there to take, that will prove for eternity that His way is the best way? I know of no other. Faith we must have. Faith we must use. And keeping our eyes on Jesus will show us the way.

“There are many Biblical instances where choices were made to follow a God-given road less traveled; these righteous choices continue making all the difference for the good in the outcome of the destinies of many.

Saul of Tarsus, later named Paul, a Jew among Jews, was presented the choice of leaving his familiar environment of Judaism to minister in the unfamiliar world of Gentiles.

The Apostle Peter, an unlearned and uneducated fisherman, was called and sent down the road of unfamiliarity as an Apostle to the Jews.

Must I detail the unfathomable Godly difference in the kingdom of God today as a result of these two Apostles righteous choices to go the way of unfamiliarity?

Dangers along a Road of Familiarity: Familiarity Breeds Contempt

A known road is one in which travelers might very well grow to depend on familiar and past road signs instead of accepting the challenge of the need to be alert to new road signs. Does familiarity breed contempt? Contempt argues that "my" familiar way is the only way to successfully travel. Unfortunately this contempt for the signs given by an ever-present God in order to lead us down the less traveled road is rampant in the present day church. This contempt is called "religion".

God is much better served, not by our familiarity or experience from a well-traveled road, but from our familiarity with Him. God is able to guide us down the less traveled road!

The road chosen by God for us is one which Robert Frost says in his poem, “The Road Not Taken” (see below), is grassy and desires wear. Unfamiliar roads desire to be trodden down with steps of those willing to walk this way. I believe that only those who are willing to follow God down an unfamiliar path will as Frost said, "Make all the difference."   

Possible Characteristics of a Present Day Road Less Traveled

The unfamiliar road chosen by God for us needless to say could have an infinite number of characteristics. I am seeing that one of the unfamiliar characteristics of a road less worn could be in the area of a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. God is truth and desires truth in our inward parts.

I believe that the hand-me-down traditions which have for two thousand years nullified the truth and liberty desired for the church is being now challenged as never before. This path or road of revelation is a road less traveled and is now challenging the very heart of thought to be established doctrines; doctrines which for the most part aren't producing a true witness to the works given to us by our Father God. This present life changing unfamiliar revelation is nothing new but rather a rediscovery of the profound simplicity of the word of God. Rejoice and prepare to be shaken to the core. God recently told me to tell the body of Christ that there is presently a post script written on the heart of every believer. PS is an acronym for profoundly simple.

Also just as Joshua and the Apostle Paul were called geographically down an unfamiliar road less traveled so will many of us hear the voice of God calling us to other locations with which we are totally unfamiliar.
                                                                                      
May this poem and article challenge our heart unto consistent reexamination to see if we be on the faith road of unfamiliarity?

To those of us with a pioneering spirit this word is a glorious boost on to a road which will make "all the difference" to the world.” Gale Maiden, Fathers Heart Ministry, Moravian Falls, NC

Making a difference in this world, for which we have been placed in, will take faith, courage, and the willingness to seek God, trust in His leading, and do what He calls us to do. I know of no other reason to live life, except the one He has chosen.

By His grace and mercy working in and through you and I, we can and will accomplish His perfect plan in our lives, and effect the nations with the outcome.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.


The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, sorry I could not
travel both and be one traveler, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost




  

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 

Full website: Love For His People

Now Think On This #145 “Choices and Decisions We Make” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (04.22.14) Tuesday at 5:00 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