An Open Conversation

This morning as I sat down with my bible, a clean page from my journal and an open heart, I began to have this open conversation with the Lord. The conversation was very honest and some would view me differently. I received my answer,as always, right from God’s word. When I started this blog I promised myself that I would with the Lord’s guidance and wisdom be as vulnerable and as authentic as possible. So here’s the conversation:

Dear Jesus,

I struggle in so many ways, like Paul wrote about in Romans 7 to please you. I know the right thing to do and don’t always do it, while also knowing what I’m about to think, say or do is not pleasing to you and still I do it. Help me to daily follow you and show me your purpose for my life- as a wife, a mom and most importantly as Tristin a follower of you. Lord my question is how do I wake up every day and use every waking moment to please you? To glorify your name? I want to be used in every moment of every day to honor You. Please give me a hunger and a thirst for righteousness and for you.

Amen

As always the Lord answered me with his Word:

“After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:14-18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Jesus calls for everyone to repent, believe and then to follow him. In following Him, we bear witness, so that others may believe in Him.

His answer is in plain text- Tristin live with a repentant heart, be obedient to me.

At church at the end of every sermon when we go over the application points, one of the points that is ALWAYS listed is to rehearse the gospel.

To rehearse the gospel means remember your need for a Savior- Jesus Christ and reflect on the penalty he paid for our sins and the victory we experience over sin because of his death and resurrection.

Today after reading God’s word, I did just that I rehearsed the gospel. I remembered that while I was still a sinner Christ died for me demonstrating his love for me. I remembered that in hearing the truth of the gospel- that I was sinner, Jesus died for my sins and that I could live for him- I repented and believed in Him. I remember that every day I am called to one thing and one thing only to follow Him in obedience. I remember that I can’t do this in my own strength but with the power of the Holy Spirit. After all my remembering and rehearsing my response:

Dear Jesus,

May I follow you faithfully, so that other might see and believe in you.

Amen