Tag: jesus

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

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.

How to Stop Worrying and Clear Your Head From Anxious Thoughts

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worry cover edit

I was brought up in a family that would worry about day to day problems. So, I thought that’s what worry was. Thinking about whether someone was ok or whether a family member would get to their destination safely.

It’s not until a few years ago did I find out how bad worry could get. It all started the moment that I decided to stand up for myself.

Normally a people pleaser I started to say no, as I felt that certain people were taking advantage of my good nature. That simple action started a series of events that took me to my knees.

If someone would have told me the results of standing up for myself, I may never have. Doing what others wanted me to do would have been such an easier option.

Some people, I have discovered, only want you for what you give them. Their friendships are based on a set of conditions.

When you break them condition’s they will make your life very uncomfortable. Certain people tried their best to push me back into the person I was. The people pleaser that never said no, and always did what I was told.

Bullying and emotional abuse is what followed. Not the terms I would have used at the time but terms that my doctor and councillor gave for what the people were doing to me.

At first, I worried whether I had done something wrong, so I decided that keeping out of their way was the best thing to do, but this seemed to fuel the problem.

Of course, I was annoyed and upset but I didn’t think what was happening would lead to anything serious. Then I started to have a pain in my throat and chest. I went to the doctor about it, who said it was stress and to take it easy for a while. So, I did.

When I returned to my regular life it started again, I became afraid of meeting the people giving me so much hostility, so much so that one day I took a mild panic attack.

I returned to my doctor, explaining the situation. He said that what I was describing was bullying. Not until that point did, I regard what was happening as bullying. Now looking back, I was in denial. I never thought that close friends would bully me, but they did.

Getting myself out of that situation was only the beginning. Something had clicked within me. Usually a confident, happy, life loving person, I began to feel anxious, disconnected, and vulnerable.

Every moment of the day was filled with fearful thoughts, I was overflowed with insecurities, and self-doubt. Physically I felt a tightness in my chest most of the day. I was having trouble sleeping and my body was too anxious to enjoy food.

Day after day the feelings were relentless and exhausting. I was trapped on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster and couldn’t find any peace.

Anxiety makes you feel that there is something wrong when there isn’t. It eats away at your confidence and affects every area of your life. I was scared of my own thoughts and bodily sensations, constantly on red alert for the next panic attack.

I spent my days trying to gain back some control by monitoring my feelings and avoiding situations that made me feel anxious.

The turning point came when I decided that I didn’t want to live with anxiety anymore. That decision took me on a quest of discovery. It helped me gain the discipline to do what was necessary to make a recovery.

For me, my anxiety manifested itself because I needed to make certain changes in my life that I didn’t have the courage to make on my own. I was surrounded by people and circumstances that were not good for my mental health. My growth was limited.

What started out as a negative experience turned out to be a positive one. The negative people needed to be removed for me to reach the next level of my destiny.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It may seem like you will never overcome your relentless worry or crippling anxiety, but I would like you to know today that you can. But you can’t sit inactive

It is pleasant to daydream, wouldn’t it be amazing to be without worry or anxiety, but to make your daydreams come true you have to start walking in their direction. You have to take action.

You have to take the first step, and then the second, the third, and all the steps that separate you from your goal. This is valid for every improvement you would like to make, small or big, relating to your job, health, finance, self-improvement or spirituality.

Make that step today and download my book on Amazon by clicking on the image below.

htsw-RJM 2

 

Heal The People In Your Life

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thpow-RJM 2

Did you know that the words you speak can bring healing to people’s lives?

When you speak words of love, comfort, or encouragement, those words have the power to affect the person hearing them in such a positive way, that the result is health in their body.

For those of you who are parents, your words can impart valuable knowledge to your children, which results in their good health:

Not only do our words have the power to heal, but unfortunately they also have the power to hurt, which can result in sickness.

Careless words can make people feel insecure which can lead to them feeling depressed. The greatest sickness of the 21st century.

As Proverbs 12:18 states: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts..” – and swords kill or cripple people!

When we get into a conflict or argument, our words can diffuse the situation, or make it worse.

Most people are lazy with there words; they fail to understand or appreciate the power they possess. So, they use them unwisely. Saying negative things like, I can’t, I will never, that’s impossible.

responsibility

Each of us needs to take responsibility. Responsibility for the words that we use. When you change I can’t to I can; healing energy will flow into your life.

If you have a problem in your relationship, you have two choices, you can be stubborn, or you can choose to sit down with a loved one and admit that you’re in the wrong, even if you’re not. You will often find that when you make the first move the other person will apologise also.

In my new book, The Healing Power of Words I write about the healing power that our words contain.

How they can mend relationships and friendships that have fallen apart.

How negative self-talk can hold you back.

How to create habits that are healthy, not only mentally but also emotionally.

Learn to heal people where ever you go. Control your tongue. Strengthen your family bonds, and nourish the ones you love.

Power-of-words-2

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

These are healing words. These are words that instil faith that can restore a person’s life. Like Jesus, we too must speak healing, encouraging, and inspirational words over our lives and the lives of others.

Words that build people up not tear them down. Words that motivate inspire and push people towards their destiny.

The Healing Power of Words is currently on free promotion on Amazon. Get your copy now!

Click the link – Free eBook

Thank you.
Rev J Martin

Don’t Worry

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beautiful sunrise

Matthew 6:31-34

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The Key to Successful Living

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secret-of-success1

I was caught in a rush the other day and had to heat some food up in the microwave. Something that I try to keep to a minimum as I was always told it was not that healthy, but it was just one of those moments when I needed it.

The thought reminded me of when I was younger.

Remember when you had someone that would tell you, don’t eat that, don’t wear that, or I wouldn’t travel there. When we are younger, we had family members, friends or other people in our lives trying to give us wisdom.

We rarely listened, and even when we did, we convinced ourselves that it was our idea.

At that moment I thought; we all need that voice in our lives. Someone to tell us to make the call, or to remind us that when we say sorry all will be ok, or someone to say, ‘if you are out of breath walking up some stairs, maybe it’s time you walked to the corner shop rather than take the car.’

But the voice is not there.

Achieving what we want in life is not easy, and there is no one to keep you on track, you are sadly on your own. Something that I recommend that has worked wonders for me is reading from the Bible every day. It centres and calms the mind so that you can think clearly.

The key action that turned my life around was the day that I discovered the Great Book and started to let its wisdom wash over me. I became more understanding, loving and compassionate and shared that wisdom with family and friends.

It changed the direction of my life.

When we are going around in our mundane lives, yes it can be boring, but it is safe, it’s easy. But this is not the life destined for us; we were created to do great things.

What I found is, there are two reasons we underachieve in life, one, the fear of failure, ‘what if I don’t succeed, what if I invest my time and it doesn’t work. And secondly, the fear of success, ‘what if I do succeed, what if it leads to bigger things.”

When you read from the Bible God will speak to you, the words will translate into the message you need to hear. Fearful thoughts fade away. You will gain an unshakable faith in your abilities, and in time you will find the direction you must take.

You will soon discover that success is an ongoing process, not a destination as we are led to believe, there will be setbacks along the way, you will stumble and fall, but you must carry on.

As humans we want the easy way out, we don’t want to put in the work. Everyone wants to be successful and live the high life, but they want it handed to them. This is not how the world works.

Finding our own truth is something that we must all do, and for me, this can only be achieved reading the word of God. Through scripture, God will speak to you, and you will know what you must do.

I wish you all the best on your journey. May you find what’s true to you.

Enjoy your week.
Rev J Martin