When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John,

he wasn't calling highly educated people or even

people with authority. He was calling simple fisher-

men. People who were humble enough to know that

they hadn't got all the answers - and so were willing

to learn from the beginning. The call to "follow me"

was more than a call to walk behind me, it was an

invitation to "do what I am doing". And they did; not

because they knew the answers, nor because they

understood fully, but because they loved God and wanted to please Him, and Jesus seemed to know God better than anyone else. And

it was in Jesus that they came to see God, face to face. An awesome

prospect. But again, that only happened after they had discovered

their own weaknesses, their total inability to live the lives that Jesus was inviting them to live in their own ability. In the Upper Room

they met on the Day of Pentecost, fearful, ashamed, and wretched.

But when the Holy Spirit came upon them they were transformed.

No longer driven by a failing, weak human spirit, they were given

The Spirit of their Lord! From that moment on the world was no longer a frightening place; it was the stage on which their master was already at work - and they had the greatest desire to "follow Him" - but now with His power at work in them. Jesus is calling you

to "follow Him". Not because you're clever, or powerful or rich, but because you love Him and want to do what He is doing. Say "Yes" and He will give you everything you need. It's true!

Lord, I see so much around me that I want you to deal with, and it would be so easy to say - "I'm only weak. I'll just watch." But you didn't call people to be spectators, you called them to be disciples; followers - people who would do what you do; not because they had the power, but because they trusted you and believed you when you sent them out in your name. Lord, send me out to do what you are doing, to speak the things you are speaking and love those that you are loving. Today!

Time

Jesus, When you called the disciples, they were busy people with families, yet they gave up everything to follow you and found life. Lord, I know that you have faith in me, and I know that I waste much of my time on myself and on things that don't matter. Please give me the desire to spend my time for others as you did, and the joy of time to listen to God, so that I may do everything in the power of your name.

Work

Through work, both paid and unpaid, we are able to contribute to the well being of others. Lord, I thank you that in all I do I am able to work with you. Keep me from doing things which I know would harm others. Keep me from resentment as I work through the day and let me recognize You standing alongside me in all I do so that tasks, small or great, may be done in a way which brings honour to Your name. Amen.

Choices

Father, thank you for your love so great that you have given us freedom to choose our path in life. Lord, You know I have chosen to follow You, but I confess that sometimes I choose the wrong things: I choose to follow my wants; I choose to follow others; I choose foolishly and unwisely. So Lord, please forgive me and keep me close to you so that I shall know how to choose the right and glorify Your name.

Gifts

We only have to stop and look around us to see just part of all that God has given us. But when everything we see has gone, He is still there. But there is more. To those who commit themselves to be Jesus' disciples He gives wonderful, powerful gifts to do the things He did and proclaim His Kingdom through action to everyone we meet. Lord, may Your love empower me to serve You in power today. Amen.

Money

It is often said, with some justification, that the last thing to be converted is our pockets. God doesn't need our money, but He asks that we give a tenth, willingly and joyfully, in recognition that He is the giver. Lord, help me not to be mean spirited towards You. You are so generous and give more than we could need when we are generous too. Give me the real joy that comes from giving freely - to You and to others.

Family

Father God, from the beginning you have lived in a great company of love. You created us to be a part of your family and share in creation with you. You have given us the love of others to show us a little of your love. Send Your Holy Spirit upon me in power so that I may love every aspect of Your family; at home, in the Church, and in the world, just as You do. Lord, what a blessing, to have a world-wide family! Praise You, Lord.

Remember those areas where  prayers are needed:

- my home

- my town

- my workplace

- shops & market

- pubs, B&B

- others who use        The Link

Remember those for whom special prayers are needed today:

 - my family

- among friends

- the homeless

- my Church

- the government

- others who use

        The Link