Tag: faith

The Day You Became A Better Christian

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I went from being a Christian bogged down by stress and guilt…
to one who walked lighter — after a simple weekend retreat.
I couldn’t believe how simple it was.
So I’ll share the key insights here, so you don’t have to spend a whole weekend stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Being a better Christian isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing less —
Less stress.
Less guilt.
Less pressure.

Simple actions can unlock profound results.
One moment of surrender can do more for your soul
than a thousand perfectly worded prayers.

It is simple to get to the core of your problems.
Now simple does not mean easy.
But when was anything worthwhile easy?

Becoming a better Christian is a lot like learning to follow
a guide through unfamiliar terrain.
You don’t stop and question every step — you trust the
One leading you knows the way.

You walk.
One step at a time.

And somewhere along the path, you realise you’re not just following…
You’re becoming… a better Christian.

You’d think most Christians would walk this path…
but sadly, that’s not often the case.

Many Christians try to create their own path.
Rather than follow clear instructions
they choose to bend those instructions
to suit how they want to live their lives.

Then they wonder why their life isn’t working out…

They wonder why they are stressed..
They wonder why they are frustrated…
Why they experience pain…
or even illness and dis-ease.

So what’s the answer?

Well, It’s not about pushing harder.
Or pretending to have it all together.

It’s in learning to pause.
To listen.
To follow.

That’s where the change begins.
Not in your effort —
but in your surrender.

And if that idea speaks to something inside you…
I’ve written something that might help.

It’s called – The Day You Became a Better Christian
It’s not a rulebook.
It’s not a checklist.
It’s a short, simple invitation to

  • Step lighter
  • Live deeper
  • And let grace lead the way

You don’t need to try harder to be close to God.
You just need to follow.
And maybe this is the day you start.

Click the link below to download your free copy — available for a limited time.

The Day You Became a Better Christian

Are You Craving Peace in a Chaotic World?

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Let’s face it—life today can feel like it’s too much.

You wake up and scroll the news: fear, violence, injustice.
You open social media: smiling faces, perfect lives, endless comparison.
You try to focus, but your mind is constantly pulled in a 100 different directions.

It’s exhausting.
And if you’re being honest… it’s draining your spirit.

You carry it quietly. The worry. The stress. The tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix.
You try to stay hopeful, but the weight of the world keeps pressing in.

And then there’s the inner stuff—
The guilt over what you should’ve done.
The resentment you wish you could let go of.
The doubts that creep in when God feels silent.

It’s no wonder your soul is tired.

Many of us are living spiritually depleted lives, constantly plugged into noise, pressure, and fear. We’re running on fumes—hoping that someday, somehow, peace will come.

But here’s the truth:
Peace isn’t something we find out there.
Peace is something we carry within—when we’re connected to God.

And that’s what led me to write God’s Perfect Peace.

A Gentle Invitation Back to Stillness

This book wasn’t written from a mountaintop.
It was written from the middle of the mess—from seasons of anxiety, exhaustion, and doubt

It’s not a how-to manual. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine.

It’s a conversation.
A companion.
A gentle reminder that peace is possible—even now.

Inside, you’ll find personal stories, honest reflections, and practical steps rooted in Scripture—all designed to help you:

  • Let go of fear and anxiety—even when life feels uncertain
  • Escape the grip of comparison, digital noise, and emotional exhaustion
  • Quiet the resentment, guilt, and inner criticism that steals your joy
  • Stop striving for approval and start resting in God’s unshakable love
  • Reconnect with God—even if He feels distant right now

You don’t need to “get it all together.”
You just need space to breathe—and an open heart.

This book helps you create that space.

Peace for You—and the Next Generation

As a special gift, you’ll also receive a bonus children’s book when you download God’s Perfect Peace.

Mia Learns About God’s Peace is a gentle, illustrated story for little ones.
It follows Mia, a young girl who learns how to find peace in God during a storm.

It’s perfect for family time, bedtime reading, or introducing your child to the God who calms our fears.

Because peace is not just for us.
It’s a gift we can pass down.

Your Soul Deserves Rest

If your spirit feels worn out from carrying too much
If you long to quiet the noise and reconnect with what’s real and lasting…

God’s Perfect Peace is here to help.
It will walk with you—step by step—toward a peace that stays steady, even when life isn’t

So take a breath.
Let this be your invitation back to stillness.

👉 Click here to download your free copy

With peace and gratitude,
Rev J Martin

Finding Hope in Life’s Valleys

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It was 2 a.m., and the weight of the world felt like it was crushing Emily. She sat in the dim light of her kitchen, staring blankly at her half-empty coffee cup, her thoughts running in endless circles. The bills were piling up, her boss had been more critical than usual, and her once-vibrant relationship with her spouse now felt like two strangers passing in the hallway.

“How did it come to this?” she whispered into the stillness.

Emily had always prided herself on being strong. Independent. A “fixer.” Whenever life threw her a curveball, she tackled it head-on. But this time was different. This time, every effort seemed to push her deeper into a valley of despair.

If you’ve ever felt like Emily, you’re not alone.

Life is full of valleys—moments when fear, doubt, and frustration close in on us. Maybe you’ve been there too, feeling overwhelmed by financial strain, health challenges, or broken relationships. Maybe you’ve tried to “power through” on your own, only to feel more lost and alone.

It’s in these moments we start asking the hard questions: “Where is God in all of this?” “Why do I feel so stuck?” “Is there a way out of this valley?”

These very questions are what inspired me to write Craving Divine Guidance.

Like Emily, I’ve had my share of valleys. Moments when God felt distant—when my prayers felt like they were bouncing off the ceiling. But what I’ve learned is this: the valley is not a punishment. It’s a place of preparation.

Because the truth is, God is never absent.

The Truth About Valleys

In Scripture, valleys are often symbols of life’s challenges. Psalm 23 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Notice it doesn’t say we avoid the valley, or that God plucks us out of it. It says we walk through it, and God walks with us.

But when we’re in the thick of it, that truth can feel hard to hold onto. Fear and worry cloud our vision. We wonder if God is really there or if we’ve been left to fend for ourselves.

The valley, though, isn’t the end of the story. It’s often where we find strength we didn’t know we had. It’s where we learn to lean on God instead of relying on our own strength. And it’s where we discover that even in the darkest places, there’s light to be found.

Craving Divine Guidance was written to help you reframe how you see these valleys. What if instead of viewing them as obstacles, you began to see them as opportunities? Opportunities to grow, to deepen your faith, and to trust in the One who sees the bigger picture.

A Shift in Perspective

Emily’s story didn’t end in that dimly lit kitchen. That night, as she sat with her coffee cup, she made a simple decision: she was going to stop trying to carry it all alone. For the first time in months, she opened her Bible and read Psalm 91.

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge.”

Those words stayed with her. Emily began to pray differently—not asking for all her problems to disappear, but asking for the strength to face them and the wisdom to trust God’s timing. She started keeping a gratitude journal, jotting down even the smallest blessings she noticed in her day. Slowly, something began to shift.

Her problems didn’t vanish overnight, but her perspective changed. She no longer felt alone. She began to notice God’s hand in the little things—a kind word from a stranger, an unexpected breakthrough at work, a laugh shared with her spouse. The valley that had seemed so dark began to fill with light.

This is the heart of Craving Divine Guidance: finding hope, strength, and clarity in God, even when life feels overwhelming.

Why This Book Matters

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed, this book is for you. It’s not about offering quick fixes or pretending life’s challenges don’t exist. It’s about helping you see that God is at work—even in the darkest valleys.

Inside Craving Divine Guidance, you’ll find:

  • Practical steps to strengthen your faith, even when God feels distant.
  • Stories and reflections that remind you you’re never alone.
  • Biblical truths to bring comfort, hope, and encouragement.

This book is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where is God in all of this?”

Your Invitation

So, where are you on your journey?

Are you standing on a mountaintop, filled with gratitude but wondering what’s next? Or are you walking through a valley, longing for peace and clarity?

Wherever you are, know this: God is with you. He always has been.

If you’re ready to take the next step, to draw closer to Him and discover the peace only He can provide, I invite you to download your FREE copy of Craving Divine Guidance on Amazon today. (For a limited time only!)

Let this book be your companion through life’s valleys—and a reminder that with God, you’re never walking alone.

Click Here to Get Your Free Copy

Would You Sell What You Have For A Million Dollars?

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There was a young man who lived in Manchester England, who had been a successful DJ who had DJ’ed at the hacienda with names like Sasha and Graeme Park.

He had been at the right place at the right time and had made a lot of money. I met him years later when I was doing a course in the city. He was now teaching as he had lost the entire fortune he had made.

Nothing seemed to ever faze him, he didn’t seem to worry about anything. during one of our meeting I asked him how he kept from worrying about his past mistakes, and everything he had lost; and he went on the tell me an inspiring story that I will never forget.

I used to worry a lot; he said, ‘but one spring day in 1995, I was walking down Gaunt St, London when I saw a sight that banished all my worries.

It all happened in within minutes, but during those few minutes I learned more about life than I had learned in the previous 30 years.

In 1995 is when I hit rock bottom, my lavish life caught up with me. Not only had I spent all my money but I owed money all over the country for tabs I couldn’t pay which meant that I could no longer get bookings.

I was going to my bank to borrow some money so could go to Southampton to look for a job. I walked like a beaten man. I had lost all my fight and faith.

Then I seen a man coming down the street on a wheelchair who had no legs, He stopped beside me wait to cross the road when the light went green. I didn’t feel like talking as I had a lot of worries on my mind. Then he greeted me with a glowing smile, ‘Good morning, sir, It is a fine morning, isn’t it? he said with spirit.

As I stood looking down at him, I realised how rich I was. I had two legs. I could walk. I felt ashamed of my self-pity. I said to myself if this little fellow can be happy, cheerful, and confident without legs, I certainly can with legs.

As I crossed the road I had already a spring in my step.

I had intended to ask the Bank for only £1000. But now I had courage to ask for two thousand. I had intended to say that I wanted the money to go to Southampton to try to get a job. But now I announced confidently that I wanted to go to Southampton to get a job.

I got the loan; and I got the job.

I now have the following words pasted the mirror in my hall, and I read them every morning as I leave the house;

I had the blues because I had no shoes,
until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet?

What would you sell both your legs for? Million dollars?

What about your hands? Or eyes?

Add up all your assets, and you will find that you wouldn’t sell what you have for all the gold in the land.

In sharing this story, the young man taught me a valuable lesson about perspective and gratitude. Through the encounter with the man in the wheelchair, he found a renewed sense of appreciation for the things he once took for granted.

The memory of that moment remained etched in his mind, a constant reminder that no matter the challenges he faced, his own circumstances were far from dire.

His story serves as a vital reminder that true wealth lies not just in monetary possessions, but in the gratitude we cultivate for the invaluable treasures life bestows upon us.

For People Who Want to Develop a Strong and Enduring Faith

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Faith is a powerful force that has the ability to shape our lives in profound ways. It gives us hope in difficult times, helps us find meaning in the face of adversity, and provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. But cultivating a strong and enduring faith is not always easy. It requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to confront and overcome challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of faith and offer some tips for how to cultivate a strong and enduring belief system.

One of the most striking aspects of faith is its ability to give us hope. When we are facing difficult circumstances, it can be easy to lose sight of the good things in life and to feel overwhelmed by negativity and despair. But faith gives us the strength to hold on to hope, even in the darkest of times. It reminds us that there is always a way forward, that there is always a chance for things to get better.

But faith is not just about hope. It is also about finding meaning and purpose in life. When we have a strong belief system, we are able to make sense of the world around us and to find meaning in our experiences, both good and bad. This can give us a sense of direction and motivation, helping us to stay focused on our goals and to persevere through tough times.

So how can we cultivate a strong and enduring faith? Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Seek out supportive communities: Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share your values and beliefs can be a great way to strengthen your faith. Look for faith-based groups or organizations in your community, or consider joining an online forum or community where you can connect with others who share your beliefs.
  2. Engage in spiritual practices: Engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or worship can help to deepen your connection with your belief system. These practices can provide a sense of calm and clarity, and can help you to feel more connected to something larger than yourself.
  3. Reflect on your beliefs: Take some time to really think about your beliefs and what they mean to you. What do you believe in, and why? How do your beliefs shape your worldview and your actions? Reflecting on these questions can help you to better understand and strengthen your faith.
  4. Seek out education and knowledge: One of the best ways to strengthen your faith is to learn more about it. Seek out educational resources or attend classes or seminars on your belief system. The more you know, the more confident and grounded you will feel in your faith.
  5. Practice patience and perseverance: Cultivating a strong and enduring faith requires patience and perseverance. There will be times when your faith is tested, and it is important to remember that faith is a journey and not a destination. Keep practicing and seeking out ways to strengthen your belief system, and you will find that your faith becomes stronger over time.

Faith is a powerful force that has the ability to shape our lives in profound ways. It gives us hope in difficult times, helps us find meaning and purpose, and provides us with a sense of direction and motivation. By seeking out supportive communities, engaging in spiritual practices, reflecting on your beliefs, seeking out education and knowledge, and practicing patience and perseverance, you can cultivate a strong and enduring faith that will serve as a source of strength and guidance throughout your life.

Focus On The Good

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With so much negativity all around me, it is refreshing to see people moving forward and planning for the future.

Focusing on the good in difficult times is challenging; there is no doubt about that. But when you look at the alternative, concentrating on the bad, then it is a task worth investing your time.

When you focus on the negative, you will notice that the problem you have will grow bigger and bigger, you will begin to see things that you didn’t think of at first.

Worrying and feeling anxious very rarely, if ever, resolves a situation. However, what does help is sitting down and asking yourself what you can do to make things better and whatever you come up with, getting to work on it without delay.

When you focus on solutions, you will find them.

Enjoy your weekend.

How to Fill Up on Faith When You Are Full of Fear

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I can only speak for myself, but the last year has been one of the most challenging years in my life. Usually, a person of great faith, that faith has been shaken.

Almost every conversation I have with people nowadays is rooted in fear. People are worried about the future, uncertain of what the future holds. And rightfully so, there are a lot of unknowns moving forward.

2020/21 has been a very confusing time, and it’s quite natural to be fearful, so how can you increase your faith when you are full of fear?

Well, the first step is to realise that FEAR is the absence of FAITH. Meaning that if you are feeling fearful, you are purposely or unintentionally focusing on more fearful thoughts.

So how can you reverse this?

Take it upon yourself to focus more on faith.

This is not easy, but what has helped me immensely is to connect with nature as often as I can. Although, of course, sometimes the negative thoughts are so strong that you can not shake them off.

When I find that negative thoughts have a firm hold of me, I have learned from experience that you must change up your routine.

So instead of the familiar, go to a new location, walk through a forest or beside the ocean. When surrounded by new places, our minds are forced to take in further information; when we walk on uneven surfaces or hear new sounds, our minds have no choice but to take our awareness into the present moment; otherwise, we may bump into something or trip or fall.

As powerful as the mind is, it can only think of one thought at a time, so if it is torturing you with the same thought over and over, it is time that you change your surroundings. You will not believe the difference that it makes.

What most people do, however, is they keep the same routine, letting the same thoughts replay day after day, not knowing that there is a better way.

Most of us have plenty to worry about, but the more we dwell on our worries, the bigger they grow.

Increasing your faith is about changing your focus; it’s about connecting more with nature and connecting more with God. You can make the shift; you get to choose how you spend your time; you can spend time doing things that build you up or things that tear you down.

Choose today to get close to God and spend time surrounded by his beautiful creation. Spend time with the people that build you up and want the best for you. Do the things that bring you joy and happiness and give you the most pleasure.

Getting through this pandemic is difficult; your mind will default to the negative, and the reason for this is that there is negativity all around us. Therefore, we must take it upon ourselves to feed our minds with information to build us up and help us grow.

The most crucial time to do this is first thing in the morning. It is reported that the first 30-60 minutes set the tone for the day. So play, read, or listen to something that will uplift your spirit and make you feel good.

Change up your routine. If your default is checking emails and notifications, put that off until after breakfast; if it is to tune into the morning news, put on some music instead.

It sounds almost too simple to be effective, but you will not believe the difference that it makes.

You give yourself the chance to experience life without being bombarded with marketing and negative news.

Everyone needs a ray of light in their lives, be a ray of sunshine for someone else this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

God bless you all.

Feeling Drained Off All Your Energy?

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There is so much uncertainty in our world, and if you are not careful,
fear can take control of your thinking.

Layer on top of that past hurts, regrets, and disappointments, and
you may feel drained of all your energy.

In my opinion, it is vital to do self-work to remove any negativity that’s
in your power to remove. Necessary to strengthen your faith and build
on that faith through your words and actions.

The Power to Change Your Life is a boxset containing, The Power of
Surrender, The Power of Mountain Moving Faith, and The Power of
Words. I combined these books as I think they provide an excellent
foundation moving forward.

Available for FREE today on Amazon.

Wishing you all the best. I will keep you in my prayers.

https://amzn.to/3xgZZML