| Feb.24, 2023 Charlotte, North Carolina Greetings to my family and friends of Love For His People Ministry. First of all, I want to thank those who have responded to my messages I send out, as it also encourages me when you do so. Some may think that those "in the public view" have it all together and are always enjoying the best of life. But everyone needs encouragement from time to time, and I am thankful for those who do share theirs with me. And thank you to those who continue to contribute to the ministry of Love For His People. As we continue to uphold the hands of those who live in the Land of Israel, we count on your support also in that endeavor. We look forward to our next trip in April to also bring encouragement in person. My message, "Oppressed" below is meant to remind you that our battle in the spiritual realm continues, and we can overcome that which comes against us to drag us down, and even take us out of the battle. Be encouraged as you read it. Ahava and shalom, Steve MartinFounder, Love For His People MinistryP.S. Again, thank you to those who respond with a word or two, and also who share their blessings as we bless families in Israel. |
| Oppressed "I will say to God my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Psalm 42:9, NKJV In reading many historical books on our 16th President, President Abraham Lincoln, you will know that he suffered from what he called “melancholy”. According to the dictionary, it means“a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.” But when you understand Lincoln’s story, you know he certainly had an obvious cause, from the time of his youth until the day he was assassinated. But I also believe he came under spiritual oppression. King David suffered from oppression, as he writes in several Psalms of his battle against the oppression of the enemy, and he felt the torment from the evil spiritual forces that tried to keep him from walking in the joy of the Lord, His strength. You and I, like most Christians, are under the continuing and ongoing attack of the enemy of our soul. We may not be always aware of his activities, but in his ongoing works aimed at us, we too must realize that he comes against us to keep us pressed down and discouraged at times. Yeshua spoke it clearly when He said, as recorded in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” NASU There have been times when the path we walk on seems one of drudgery, cloudiness, and very sluggish, as we seek the Living God of Israel to carry us through in what He has called us to do. Those who know His will for them, and daily endeavor to hear and obey His Word, will face this wall from time and time. For the enemy knows that if he can keep us oppressed and discouraged that we will end up sitting down and giving up in our desire to be daily holy, upright, and content in His plans and purposes. I have known the “seasons of the soul” as some have called those days in our life when the joy is not there, the encouragement seems gone, and the willingness to press on through it all just doesn’t seem to be worth it. Oppression and discouragement are real. We need to battle it through the help of His Holy Spirit and others who know how to encourage us. Watching the activity of the current world activities, beginning with those yet in the womb to the ending of life for the aged and infirmed can give one the sense that our God sits in the heavens and does nothing, as goodness seems to be fading and evil replaces everything that we hold dear in our family and nation. So, what do we do? In our personal lives, we can continue to cry out to the Lord for His sustenance to sustain us and keep our eyes fixed on Him, and not on the works of the enemy. Through daily reading His Word for increased confidence and faith, we can stand on the truth and what He says will come of those who come against us. Through the listening of praise and worship music, we can fill our spirit with His love, promises, and the righteousness of His life. Praying in tongues has been a vital source of ongoing encouragement for me, not knowing exactly what the prayers are, but believing that the Holy Spirit praying through me knows all, sees all, and is working on my behalf for good. And then keeping in fellowship with other believers, who can encourage, remind, and instill His love through them to us is a must. We cannot forsake assembling with one another, no matter what the government or those who consider themselves more powerful say about it. God’s Word is forever true, and we can stand strong in our walk, even as oppression and depression may war against our souls. “The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:9-10, NASU Our strength, joy, and encouragement to carry on come from our God, Faithful and True. As the temptation comes to quit, keep doing that which has brought you thus far, and He will see you through to the end. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin Founder, Love For His People Message #135 in this series – in the year of our Lord 02.23.23 – “Oppressed” –Friday, 11:50 am in Charlotte, North Carolina |