**If you are reading this post, it’s because you came looking for more information. Perhaps it was a conversation we had, or perhaps you read my book. If you are hungry for a more fulfilled life, here is how to follow Jesus. 

First, God is not a genie to give us all our hearts desire, but rather, He is where we find true joy and purpose. Our sins—the bad things we do, or even the good things we fail to do—separate us from God who is Holy and Just. We deserve eternal death as punishment.

But His Son, Jesus, took our punishment upon Himself. He came to reconcile us to God through His willing sacrifice and death on the Cross and Resurrection (Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:6-11).

Now, it is our choice to accept Jesus’ blood as payment for our sins, so we can have peace with God and live out His plan for our lives. Today is the day of salvation, and this decision requires humility, faith, and action.

Here are some Bible verses to consider:

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 10:9 says, “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 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

If you would like to accept this free gift of salvation, pray these words as an act of faith:

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe You died and rose from the dead to save me from my sins. I want to be with you in heaven forever. Please forgive me and make me new. Be my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Help me live for you. Amen

If you prayed that prayer with sincerity, let me be the first to welcome you into God’s family! Congratulations! This is a cause for great celebration!

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Without a doubt, this is the most important decision you will ever make because there are eternal consequences. Yet, living for God in the here and now can be a challenge—even for those of us who have been walking with the Lord Jesus for decades. In order to learn more about your new life of faith, you need support.

Here are some next steps:

First, start reading the Bible. I would suggest beginning with the gospel of John. Learn about Jesus from those who knew Him best!

Second, connect with a local church for discipleship. Tell someone about your decision to follow Jesus. This is helpful for growth and accountability.

Third, email me at nat.grace.lemonade@gmail.com. I’d love to cheer you on!