Warp Speed by Steve Martin

​

Warp Speed

 

When Star Trek burst forth on the TV screen on Sept. 8, 1966, we were fascinated by the other-worldly characters. For many, Spock, with the pointed ears and “I will never smile” candid trait, became our intelligent hero, counseling Captain Kirk on what dangers to expect ahead.

 

With his special hand gesture, the Vulcan salute, along with “live long and prosper” (having Hebrew origins), Spock and the captain enjoyed the end of each harrowing adventure, with Kirk often saying, “Warp speed ahead Scotty.”

 

Do you realize how many months have already passed this year, as we too are seeing everything speed up in time? “Warp speed ahead” these days holds more weight in reality than they did 60 years ago. (Yes, Star Trek has been around six decades already.)

 

The prophet Daniel got it right when he wrote what he was told to, telling us in Daniel 12:4, “‘This is a confidential report, Daniel, for your eyes and ears only. Keep it secret. Put the book under lock and key until the end. In the interim there is going to be a lot of frantic running around, trying to figure out what’s going on.’ (The Message)

 

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

 

For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (NASB)

 

If we think we have time to just live as if time will never end, I think we best be aware that time is quickly passing by more than we are aware.

 “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4, NASB

As men, we need to give it all while we have the time, for the time will come when we don’t have the time.

 

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin 

Message April 23, 2026

We pray that our children have good reason to follow in our footsteps, as we follow after our Lord.

Isaiah 12 - All Men Rise Up theme verses

Isaiah 12 - All Men Rise Up Theme Verses

Isaiah 12 is a short, powerful hymn of praise that serves as a conclusion to the first major section of the Book of Isaiah. It’s essentially a "song of salvation" where the speaker thanks God for turning away His anger and providing comfort.

The chapter is divided into two brief songs of thanksgiving:

1. Personal Gratitude (Verses 1–2)

In the first two verses, the individual speaks directly to God. The core message here is trust over fear.

• Key Verse: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid..." (Isaiah 12:2).

• The Theme: It acknowledges a shift from a time of divine judgment to a time of divine comfort.

2. Corporate Worship (Verses 3–6)

The focus then shifts from "I" to "we," calling on the community to celebrate together.

• The Well of Salvation: Verse 3 mentions drawing water with joy from the "wells of salvation," a metaphor for the endless spiritual refreshment found in God.

• Proclamation: The community is encouraged to make God's deeds known among the nations, not just keep the joy to themselves.

• The Holy One of Israel: It ends by emphasizing the greatness of God dwelling in the midst of His people.

Summary of Meaning

In a broader biblical context, Isaiah 12 is often seen as a celebration of God’s faithfulness after a period of discipline. It’s a transition from the "doom and gloom" of earlier prophecies toward a future of hope and restoration.

#Isaiah12 #AllMenRiseUp #ThemeVerses #Christianmen, #Bible, #faith #encouragement

We Need To Share and Enjoy the Gifts We Have

Steve Martin, David Lauka, Keith Devera (Gemini Ai generated from Steve Martin photo.)

We Need To Share and Enjoy the Gifts We Have

As bonds are formed between men, whether established by working together, enjoying a sporting event with others, or giving of ourselves to projects, the Lord will reveal the different gifts and talents we each have.

No one man can be an island of himself. We need each other for encouragement and ongoing vision. Through the gifts our Lord Jesus has given us, we will grow into the fullness He has for each us together.

Ephesians 4:8 reads, Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive the captives and gave gifts to people.”

These gifts are both natural and spiritual, meant to share with each other so we can fully mature in Him. We need what each has. We need to share what we have been given.

I appreciate how one has the ability to pray pointedly; another who has wisdom in a situation I need; or the one who can lead when others will sit back and not move.

Getting to know the gifts each has will occur when we spend time together, seeking the Lord not only in spiritual settings (church, home groups) but as we actively serve in the opportunities we are given.

Enjoy the gifts each one has. Be willing to share what you have been given too.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Steve Martin, David Lauka (Gemini Ai generated)

Man of Faith by Steve Martin

​​

Morris, his wife Carol (now in heaven) and Steve in 2013.

Man of Faith

The apostle Paul calls us to imitate those who walk, and have walked, before us in the faith. I know two godly men who have done so. One is Derek Prince, whose ministry I served with for eight years. Another is Morris Ruddick.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7, NASB

I first met Morris, from Denver, Colorado, at a Kingdom Business Association (KBA) conference in Fort Mill, South Carolina, at least 15 years ago. Morris was one of the speakers, and after approaching him at his book table, we had a sandwich at Subway.

Listening to him speak of his US Marine days in Vietnam, and his later returning to teach, instruct, and build up the pastors as entrepreneurs, to care for their families and churches, was fascinating. When I ordered all his books published by then, teaching biblical and practical truths, his love for Vietnam, and Israel, impacted my life from that very beginning.

One thing that really impressed me about Morris was his ongoing, daily commitment to prayer every day during midnight and early morning hours. Being included on his prayer list meant a great deal to me. I believed him when he would continually tell me in subsequent emails about his commitment to those prayers.

I look forward to spending a few days with Morris at his home in May. Being with this man of faith, courage, and resolute to press on even in his 80s, I truly believe he has a great crown awaiting him in heaven. Probably more than one.

And he is not ready to go there just yet., as his mission continues here.

Ahava and shalom.

Steve Martin

P.S. Morris publishes regular messages of faith and training. See his website below.

(L-R) Steve Martin, Morris Ruddick, Bess & Larry Herzekow, David Peterman (Israel 2024)

Just a few of Morris Ruddick books. Available on Amazon and his website (see below.)

Morris and Carol in Vietnam.

Morris Ruddick: https://strategic-initiatives.org/our-team/

Three More Amigos by Steve Martin

Three More Amigos (L-R) Steve Martin, David Lauka, Keith Devera

 Three More Amigos

Men (not so much women, as I can tell) normally don’t have strong bonds. We tend to be “loners,” and I have not yet totally figured out why.

But I have found over many decades of life that when men have a common goal, something to “build together” or team up to accomplish a certain endgame, that real relationships are formed. For many, they last for a lifetime, as in the case of “Band of Brothers” - whether that be during wartime or on the sports field, or working together to “finish the job and get the reward.”

I am encouraged when I read the exploits of David, Jesus, and Paul, who picked leaders from among men to lead the people. 

“David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David [a]departed from Baale-judah, with all the people who were with him, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of armies who is enthroned above the cherubim.” 2 Samuel 6:1-3 (NASB)

In Luke 6:13, it reads of our Lord Jesus,  “And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also  named as apostles…”

Men will again be chosen to lead in their families and in areas where their return to the forefront is needed.

The days of just sitting back and letting others do it are over. Three more amigos and beyond!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

#threemoreamigos #SteveMartin #riseup #David #Jesus

Mighty Men of God by Steve Martin

 

Mighty Men of God

​The Lord has a heart for men. He created us to be leaders, start families, explore the world and take His love to those who have yet to hear and know.

But men have lost their way. They have abdicated their roles while letting others take charge. Sometimes forsaking what they have been called to do while seeking entertainment, self-fulfillment and wallowing in self-love.

We need to come back and be men. We need to lead, instruct, overcome and have victory over anything that has taken us off the righteous path.

Men need to be men again. Not “mothered”, “pampered”, or “wimpy wimps.”

I like what Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has done to bring back our armed services as they were when the Greatest Generation lived. When the fight needs to happen, fighters are ready for the battle.

Phil Keaggy, gifted guitarist among the top of his day, had this song on his album in the 1980s. Men need to rise up once again.

David assembled his mighty men. We must rise up and do the same - for our families, our cities, our nation.

1. “Now David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the leaders of the tribes, and the commanders of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, and the commanders of hundreds, and the overseers of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, with the officials and the mighty men, all the valiant warriors.” 1Chronicles 28:1, NASB
   Rise up of men of God!
   Ahava and shalom,
   Steve Martin
2. #MightymenofGod #David #warriors