Daniel 9:6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.

Who is it you listen to when you pray? Do you listen out for God or do you give in and follow the rest of the people?

Far too often in our lives we do give in to peer pressure and do things God has asked us to avoid – not because we want to rebel, but because it is easier to give in and do them instead of making a stand!

God wants us to make a stand and allow people to see we are willing to do so – our faith will give rise to hope for others!

John 14:22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, ‘But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?’

You may think this a weird question to come from Judas, but we ask ourselves these sorts of questions all the time – and it is right to do so!

Where would our faith be if we blindly accepted anything and everything we heard. It is good to question and good to make things settle in your own minds and hearts.

Question things, but listen to God for explanations – don't run off and make conspiracy theories just to satisfy your mind!

Jude 1:22 Be merciful to those who doubt;

I love these words from Jude. Be merciful to the doubters...

I have always had an issue with the words Jesus told the disciples – to dust off their feet and leave the places where people would not listen.

I understand why Jesus said that because there is an urgency to our work as disciples, but we also have to show those who doubt mercy.

How else will someone get to know God until you show up and show mercy just like Jesus did?