“Blaze the Trail” by Steve Martin

Blaze the Trail

As a young boy I loved reading biographies of Christian explorers and missionaries, who went to places never gone before, as they knew it, to take the Gospel to the nations.

I enjoyed the exploits and explorations of David Livingstone in Africa, Chariots of Fire Eric Liddell in China, and the various saints who lived for the Lord Jesus and followed His leading daily.

These were ones who blazed the trail, which meant being among the first to step out and do that which was beyond the norm, facing the fears, and praying daily for courage, boldness, and just plain sheer determination to fulfill their calling from the Lord.

As spoken in the “Star Wars” TV series words, by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) in the original 1966–1969 television series, the full speech is:

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before!"

 

“To boldly go where no man has gone before” is truly an adventurous calling one receives when the word is spoken by the Captain of Hosts to you.

Ruth in the Bible also spoke it correctly when she said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth 1:16, NASB

Will you blaze a trail? Will you be one available to go when called and do what needs to be done in His Name?

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

“All in the Lord’s Hands” by Steve Martin

All in the Lord’s Hands

I can’t say this was the “best trip” I ever had to Israel (and there have been dozens.) Three days after landing in Jerusalem (by train) I get the beginning of pneumonia which lasted past three weeks. No fun.

Not what I had planned on, as I had come for six weeks to serve with Christian Friends of Israel. My plan was to be continually on the go, doing the marvelous work.

In an earlier message I had written, “Why Ask Why,” we often proclaim that our times are in our Lord’s hands. As for me, my times still are. His hands are certainly big enough, as His heart is always for us, so our trust in Him and His care must grow even as affliction comes our way.

I most likely won’t be writing my 44th book, with chapters of this time, least of all about the events that never happened on this trip. There is just not enough material after spending those first three weeks sick and not doing much.

A personal prophetic word received before coming on this adventure was about “noticing.” I must say I have noticed more than one important thing in these days.

As a Christian, my support for Israel and the Jews remains strong, as the world, deceived in so many ways, continues going the wrong way. Now more than ever believers must stand with the Lord’s choice, those He has brought back to their Land of Israel.

I also noticed that I can bless Israel from my home in the United States. These past 31 trips over the decades enabled me to make many one on one friendships, in person, Jew and Christian, that will last for eternity.

Now I will still encourage them. Only it will be just a bit farther away on this small planet. Words written and hearts shown go a long way.

And here is another final thought as I close out this journey and head home. We each are called to give an account of our days, seeking the God of Israel to know what those days are to be, as clearly as we can.

Following in obedience will take you places you never dreamed of; blessing people you never knew but now do; and seeing His miracles happen right before your eyes, in those places He has and continues to direct your steps.

 Maybe even in the land where Yeshua (Jesus) is returning to. And soon.

My beloved friends here, in good cheer, have said to me, “Next year in Jerusalem.” I smile and quietly say to myself, “Lord, Your will be done. You lead. I will follow. And may that be so all the days of my remaining life.”

“The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8, NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Jerusalem, Oct. 18, 2026

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA