Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Kill It So It Can Live. Again. (Part 1 of 2) - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Kill It So It Can Live. Again. (Part 1 of 2)
Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection…” (Romans 6:5, NKJV)


Life. Death. Burial. Resurrection.

As I read Don Moen’s new autobiography, “God Will Make A Way” (Thomas Nelson, 2018), I was struck by a paragraph in which he explains how typically the Lord works, when He gives us a vision for our life.


“There seems to be a pattern that the Lord often uses in our lives. He will birth a vision in us. Then there will be a point where we feel led to lay it down, even to the point of letting it die. Once we believe the vision is dead and gone, He will revive and restore it in us, often making our passion stronger than ever.” Don Moen

He reveals the vision. We start to see it happen. He asks us to kill it. (Or He does.) And then months, years or decades later He resurrects it.

It happened with Moses. So too with Joseph. Many of the prophets. And of course Jesus. Life. Death. Burial. Resurrection. Ever happen with you? If not yet, it will. If it is God from the beginning.

Personally, I can relate. Yes, indeed. I got it.

Music has always been a joy in my heart. Beginning with the period of time that I took basic chord guitar lessons on my cheap, Gibson starter guitar (rented, if I remember right) in 6th grade, going to the YMCA building in Waterloo, Iowa (thanks Dad and Mom for always driving me the 15 miles, waiting the half hour during the group lessons, and then taking me home every week!) Mrs. Fullilove, a rather robust, jolly black lady in her mid-40’s I think, taught me the G, C, D, and minor chords. I learned how to play “Red River Valley” and a few more during those months with her small group.

Then it was onto 7th grade, carrying my guitar, that I had bought with my Waterloo Courier paper route money, the one and half miles (yes, even in the snow at times in Cedar Falls, Iowa!) to the single man who taught me even more, with picking, songwriting and such. At $15/half hour, that was a stretch for me way back in 1962. Again, thank you Lord for my paper route!

A song I played at the 8th-grade talent show encouraged me to continue, singing Song of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. Somewhat in high school and a small bit in college, I led worship at small Christian home groups. I regret I never learned bar chords though. I could never wrap my wrist far enough around the neck it seemed to master that essential part of playing more songs than I ever did.


After Laurie and I got married in 1977, we sang together in choirs and led worship many times in churches, with me strumming the guitar along with both of us singing lead vocals. By 2002 we also formed the “Steve Martin & the Raiders” band, wanting to hit the “secular” scene with Gospel praise and worship. My thought was to “Be as David did, and go out into the highways and the byways, “raiding” the lost souls for Jesus.” With Steve Martin being my actual name, I felt that would be a name catch too and get people’s attention to come to check us out. That lasted two years.

Finally, around 2011, we brought together Jew, black, white, Indian, male and female, to form the “Ahava Love Band” (“ahava” being love in Hebrew, so we had the real One New Man band – both Jew and Gentile!) Through 2013 we enjoyed the joys, struggles, and commitment it took to keep the band team together.

Steve & Laurie's music...over the years.
Then we quit it all. 

Right before a Saturday night Messianic Jew-led gathering, in August of 2013, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Lord told me that this was it for the worship band. End of the road. Time to lay it all down. Bury the band.

And He was right. Right before the meeting started, the keyboard player/singer told me she was leaving because the band was “under our non-profit” Love For His People, Inc. ministry, a 501©3 tax-exempt organization, and thus essentially “controlled by the US government”. Because of that, she said she could no longer be a part of us. I said, “OK”, but even before then the Holy Spirit had told me that this was the end. So it didn’t crush me as I would normally have experienced.

And so for the next five years, neither Laurie or I sang again. My Takamine guitar had long before been laid down, but now even my tambourine, orange shaker, and “lead vocal” instrument was laid to rest. Laurie’s beautiful alto voice no longer sang publicly, except as part of the full church congregation worship during Sunday morning services. We had no plans to ever sing again – as a duet, band vocals, or as a worship team backup or lead singers.

But…never say never if you walk with the Lord Jesus!!!


And so, this week of November 26, 2018, I shall continue this real, right now story in my next Now Think On This message. I am thrilled to share it with you!

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.




P.S. Want an adventure walking the streets of Jerusalem? Come with me sometime! And in the meantime, watch my short videos that I recorded in October 2018 as I did that just that. Jerusalem October 2018 playlist

P.S.S. I hope you get my latest book, Adventures in Courage, just out this November. Paperback or Kindle versions. My 19th authored publication. (Yes, this is an advertisement!)
  
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Now Think On This #371 - in the year of our Lord 11.25.18 –Kill It So It Can Live. Again. – Part 1 of 2)”  Sunday, 4:10 pm

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord...so we did! "Grandpa & the Grands"!


 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord...so we did! 
"Grandpa & the Grands"!

Steve Martin with grandkids Logan, Dylan Joy and Jensen Martin
Thanksgiving Day
11.22.18
Charlotte, NC USA







Our instruments - ready for next time! (photo - Steve Martin)

Photos and video by Hannah Martin Avalos. Thanks, Hannah!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Jerusalem Old City night walk to the Western Wall - Hurva Square singer




On our night walk to the Kotel (Western Wall) through the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem, we walked past the Hurva Synagogue and came across this man playing guitar and singing. Nov. 4, 2013

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Sharing Love From Sweden - "WORSHIP IS LIKE A PRECIOUS OIL FROM OUR HEARTS" by Eva Haglund

WORSHIP IS LIKE A PRECIOUS OIL 
FROM OUR HEARTS

I believe that sometimes people do not understand the importance of worship. There are some who think it is just to save time in a meeting and are never interested to sing outside the church building. There are Christian leaders who do not understand it and some stop worship leaders after five minutes and say that is enough.

There are other leaders who understand some importance of it now, but hopefully will understand more later. People want to do things for Yeshua but sometimes do not understand the importance of the relationship with God. The relationship ought to be first. We need to be home too, and have time to seek God. We worship because that is having a relationship to God. It is giving your heart to Him. This is not a law but it is as between a bride and a bridegoom. As in Song of Solomon, anyone who loves you will want to express your love in words. You can use the song to express your love to Yeshua.

God wants our worship from our hearts. He loves us and He love to hear our voice singing worship to Him. In Song of Solomon 2:14 is written, "Let me hear your voice." He loves to hear us worship Him. We need worship in the church building but God lives in people's hearts. The ones who have received Yeshua are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we can sing in other places and at home. David was singing much outside with the sheep. It is written much about thanksgiving and to sing to God in the Bible.

In Ps.106 is written " Oh, gives thank to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endureth forever."

Sometimes we forget to thank God. It is good to remind each other about it. In Ps.100:4 we can read, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name."

Worship is important and it is good to give thanks to Yeshua. I think dance to God can be like worshiping Him with your body. In the Bible we can see that David danced to God. Miriam did also. Worship is important and it is good to give thanks to Yeshua. I think dance to God can be like worshiping Him with your body.

David and Miriam understood the importance of dance and did it from the hearts because they wanted to lift up God with dance and song. When we are in difficult circumstances we need worship. Sometimes we can be in very difficult circumstances and then we need to worship. To rejoice in the Lord is our strength. When we worship we become glad. We rejoice in Him.

I have noticed that when you dance to God that you become joyful. Worship and dance to God does not have to be done if we only feeling like it. You can feel sad or discouraged but it is good to worship when you do not feel well also. It is a sacrifice of praise. Instead of complaining, it is good to turn it and gives thanks to God. It is good to read about how much He suffered before the cross and at the cross - to read more of it to get more revelation about how much He suffered for us personally because of His love to us. 

Yeshua  faced the hate, rejection and the biggest suffering while nailed at the cross. He showed His love for us. You can worship thinking about that. He knows what suffering is and He suffered so much for me at the cross because He loves me. We can always praise Him for what He has done for us at the cross - His immense suffering for us. We can thank Him for His love for us. We can thank God for that He is good and that His mercy endureth forever.

In Acts. 16:25 we can read, "But at the midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." In the prison I do not think it was nice. It was a hard place to be in. Their strength then was to worship. When they worshiped I think spiritual things happened.

When you lift up God with worship it is also spiritual war against darkness. We can read in verse Acts 16:26 that things happened as prisoners were released. When we worship it causes things to happens. In meetings the presence of God can come. We can also worship in our homes. It is nice when someone plays guitar for instance, in addition to singing in a home. I think unsaved can get saved by hearing worship.


I have heard about people who have been healed in worship and it is good for your soul to worship. Yeshua is wonderful and worthy our worship!

Worship can be like giving God roses from your heart to Him. It is also like worship when you give your life in His hand. Your life is as symbolic as a rose you keep in your hand and give to Him. One time I danced with a rose to symbolize this.

Worship is like a precious oil from our hearts to Yeshua. The woman at his feet was crushed by His love and wanted to give something from her heart. She gave Him precious oil.

Yeshua loves to hear our voices and love to hear us worshiping Him! He is wonderful and worthy all our praise!

Eva Haglund

Friday, March 7, 2014

Faith Yesner sings "Baruch Haba"

Faith Yesner


Faith Yesner - Stage, film and commercial actress

Faith Yesner (from the Philadelphia area) sings "Baruch Haba" at the Morris Ruddick gathering at City of Light in Indian Land, SC. March 7, 2014 (Laurie Martin in background vocal.)

Contact Faith at faithngd@aol.com  610-657-9763
www.faithyesner.vpweb.com

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Joshua Aaron sings "The Lord is my Light" - in Jerusalem - Succat Hallel dedication

Joshua Aaron

Joshua Aaron leading worship in Jerusalem



Published on Nov 14, 2013
Joshua Aaron leads worship in Jerusalem - Succat Hallel's dedication of prayer room on Nov. 4, 2013.

"The Lord Is My Light" is one song.

Thanks Curtis Loftin of Lincolnton, NC for first sharing his CD with me last year!!!

Video filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.






 



"Kadosh" - Joshua Aaron leads worship at the Succat Hallel dedication in Jerusalem



Published on Nov 16, 2013
Hebrew worship song - Kadosh - Joshua Aaron at Succat Hallel Nov 4, 2013 at their new 24/7 prayer room dedication in Jerusalem.

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.


Monday, December 9, 2013

Julie Joyner - "Christmas Memories" - Singing at Rick Joyner's 30th Year in Ministry



Published on Dec 9, 2013
Julie Joyner - "Christmas Memories" - Sung at Rick's 30th Year in Ministry Anniv. Celebration. Sat. pm Dec. 7, 2013 at MorningStar in Fort Mill, SC.

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.
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Friday, August 16, 2013

Worship the Lord!



Christian Friends of Israel tour - 2004
Jerry Ginn on guitar, with Steve Martin on tambourine
Overlooking Kidron Valley in Jerusalem

Steve Martin (tambourine) and Jerry Ginn (guitar)
Leading worship in Gethsemene, Jerusalem, Israel 2004

Steve & Laurie Martin - Charleston, SC 2004

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention
Israel Ministry of Tourism breakfast
2004 - Charlotte, NC
- leading a time of praise

Steve & Laurie Martin 
2011 - Antioch International Church Fort Mill, Sc
Beit Tikvah Friday night meeting

Tom Fahey (guitar) & Steve Martin (tambourine)
 - leading worship 
All Nations Church in Charlotte, NC
"Watch of the Lord" in 1998

Ahava Love Band - 2012
Charlotte, NC

Ahava Love Band - 2012
Charlotte, NC

Phil Keaggy & Steve Martin
- after the Derek Prince Memorial Service
Charlotte, NC 2004


Jerusalem & The Western Wall
Art by Alex Levin of Tel Aviv, Israel



Monday, May 6, 2013

Ahava Love Band - a Messianic worship team


Ahava Love Band


The Ahava Love Band, a Messianic worship team, leads people into times of praise and admiration of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). 




Ahava Love Band members include Steve & Laurie Martin (lead vocals), Gid Anthony (electric and acoustic guitars), Wane Daroux (bass guitar), Ron Bowen (drums) and the special Patty Paquette (keyboard and background vocal.)

We have great joy sharing the music of Paul Wilbur, Ted Pearce, Don Moen, John G. Elliott, Rob Critchley, Hillsongs and more. 

We'd love to come and minister at your church, synagogue, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding party, near or far...

You can see a bit of Wane and Gid on the Love For His People (Steve Martin) YouTube channel, via the links under their photos below.

YouTube: Gid Anthony



YouTube: Wane Daroux





Gid Anthony - lead guitar and acoustic


Wane Daroux - bass 

Patty Paquette - keyboard and vocal


Gid Anthony

Ron Bowen - our drummer man!




Steve & Laurie Martin
Lead vocals


Click here for 

Ahava Love Band: Some YouTube footage...

Ahava Love Band (some more...Part 2 of 3)


Wane Daroux also a new ministry called 
Remembering Zion Ministries



Next year...in 2014 the Ahava Love Band is planning a trip to Israel to be with our friends!