MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE

I want to keep it real and keep it simple. After making bad choices for years, I reached the point of exhaustion and total disgust with the paths I’d taken. Then I made the best choice ever. I asked Jesus, God’s one and only Son, to live in my heart. I asked Him to take control and be Lord over every part of my life. I’m not pretending when I tell you that He has NEVER let me down. I may not always like His answers, and sometimes I totally don’t understand or like His plan, but ultimately, it works. He’s never let me face a challenge alone.

Stepping down and giving Jesus total control was tough. Clearly my way wasn’t working for me, so I surrendered. Wow! It’s wonderful to be God’s child and obey what He says through the Holy Bible—as tough as that may be sometimes.

This Christian life is breathtaking; I recommend it to everyone!

If you’d like to stop feeling alone; if you’d like someone to share your burden; if you’re done trying to do everything on your own or you just want a power boost in your life, ask Jesus into your heart. (It’s called “getting saved”.)

The Bible says we’ve all made bad choices—have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Every person who has ever lived has fallen short.

On that day in the hotel bathroom when I surrendered to God (see my bio), I realized that He loves us so unconditionally that He sent Jesus, His only Son, to come to earth to be born as a human baby so we can relate to Him. (That’s what we celebrate at Christmas.) That baby grew to be a man, was crucified on a cross, put in a tomb, and rose three days later. (That’s what we celebrate at Easter.) He lives now in heaven and in the hearts of people who invite Him to come into their hearts to live.

You know, when Jesus died on the cross, it was His choice; no one forced Him. The Bible says that that’s how God showed His love for us—that although we’re sinners, Christ did choose to die for us. The Bible also says if we’ll confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts, we will be saved—you know, be made whole or complete.

Skeptical? If I’m right, you’ll be glad you gave your life to God here on earth and you’ll be with Him for eternity after you die. If it turns out I’m actually wrong, well then you’ve lived a better life while you were here. Either way you win!

How to receive the gift of eternal life i.e. get saved (made whole or complete):

* Admit that your sin separates you from Holy God.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

* Believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again to pay for your sins.
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

* Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, repenting (turning away) from your sin.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

That means you receive eternal life (salvation) through faith, NOT by doing good deeds or “paying it forward”. While it is important to help others, you don’t get to heaven that way.

To make a positive change in your life today, trust Him and pray the prayer of salvation.

Prayer:

God, I’m sorry that so often I fall short. Please forgive me for my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me. Jesus please come into my heart right now. I give my life to you completely. Please be the Lord over every part of my life, so I don’t have to go it alone anymore. Thank you for hearing me and for saving me today. In Jesus’ Name, A-Men

If you just prayed this prayer, I’m super excited for you! Now please get plugged into a Bible-believing church or study group so you can grow spiritually.

To repent means you turn away from your old ways and strive to live a life pleasing to God. Studying with other Believers can help you grow. Believe me when I say, nothing feels as good as obeying God. He’s loving and gracious. You can do it!