Stepping Stones: “Try Jesus”

Transformational Thought

Slogans are everywhere. “Just Do It,” “Got Milk,” “M’m! M’m! Good!” and “Have it your way,” to name a few. Christian slogans exist also, like “Let go, and let God” or “What Would Jesus Do?” But, it just dawned on me about how short and simple the best slogan is: “Try Jesus.”

Many times we resist trying new things because we don’t want to let go of our routine … or the old way, our good old comfort zone. We fear that by switching to the new thing we might lose something valuable that we won’t be able to get back. Or we fear looking awkward when we try something new and others judge us negatively. Or maybe we fear the amount of time and energy it will take to for us to learn and become good at the new way.

But when it comes to THE way, the way to the Promised Land, the good life, abundant living … what the heck are we thinking? Why would we ever want to go back to the old way spiritually … the way of the world … the way of conformed thinking and decision-making?

So, by “Trying Jesus” you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And anyway, if trying Jesus isn’t what you want … Satan is always willing to take you back, and the fruit of the flesh is what you will reap: insecurity, anxiety, lust, jealousy, strife, bitterness, feeling overwhelmed, hopelessness, loneliness, frustration, disconnected, empty … wow, that’s just the beginning!

Doesn’t that thought just send shivers down your spine? I used to “try the world,” and the fruit of the flesh was what I reaped. I never want to go there again … nor would I wish it on my worst enemy. But here’s a certainty … you must serve one master or the other … Jesus or Satan. If you say that you are serving neither, then Satan has you right where he wants you.

“Try Jesus” and you just can’t lose. In fact, you win every day … and forever!

Today, pray the prayer of salvation and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Remember how free you were and joyful you felt the first time you tried Jesus? If He is your Savior, try Jesus as the Lord of your life, in all areas of your life. Make the decision to try Him everyday in a very concrete and intentional way. Put Him first, you will be amazed at how differently you will view life and how freely you will live apart from the bondage of this world.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I know I cannot save myself and need a Savior. I believe by faith, and not through anything I can do, that Jesus, your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and sin’s separating me from you. I trust You, Jesus, as my personal Savior, I receive You as my Lord, and I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank You for Your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, and being with me forever. Now help me make You the Lord of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I need to try all day and everyday, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news to the poor; he has sent me to make well those who are broken-hearted; to say that the prisoners will be let go, and the blind will see, and to make the wounded free from their chains,
Luke 4:18

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36