Talk with Jesus

Note: To get the most out of the PureHeart Challenge, we recommend that you read the scriptures and go through these questions together with Jesus and journal your answers.

Take some time to think through these questions. Remember, the PureHeart Challenge is not about giving the ‘right biblical answer’, it is about asking yourself what you really believe, deep down, and then asking the Holy Spirit to “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Our actions stem from what we really believe, deep down. I knew so much about the Bible - I could recite all the books of the Bible in order, I could recite many verses, and could retell hundreds of Bible stories, but heart revelation is different from head knowledge.

As a simple example, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” is one of the most well-known Christian children's songs. By the time I could walk, I knew this song. But the true revelation of His love came much, much later. I've heard this song sung by adults in worship - it is incredibly powerful when you are singing from a place in your heart where you TRULY KNOW that He loves you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Psalm 86:11-13

Sit with Jesus and talk with Him about the following two questions.

What does it mean to sit with Jesus? When you open the Bible each day you are opening the door into the presence of God. When you read the Bible, you are coming to a Person. Reading in the presence of Jesus means to consciously acknowledge and honor Him. It is through Jesus’ blood that you can enter freely into the presence of the living God. “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). You can come to God with confidence because of Jesus. He made relationship with God possible through the cross. You can come to Jesus with confidence, faith and expectation. Ask Him to meet you and to speak to you through His Word. Jesus can open your mind so that you can truly understand the Bible. He did this for the disciples after the resurrection: “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). Apart from the work of His Spirit we cannot really understand the things of God, but He has given us His Spirit so that we can understand (1 Corinthians 2:12,14). Prayer: “Jesus, I come to You today by the grace of your cross. Open my heart and mind to understand Your Word and to know You better. Speak to me today through Your Word.”

What does it mean to listen to Jesus? Close your eyes and wait on the Lord. Don’t struggle or strive. Just listen. Usually the Spirit has already begun speaking to your heart while you were reading and meditating. As soon as you sense you understand what He is saying, write it down. Prayer: “Jesus, speak to me through your Word. I wait expectantly for You. Make Your words clear to my mind and heart.” ¹

• What are the areas in my life where it is most difficult to trust You and follow Your ways?
• Have I resolved in my heart to entrust my life and my future to You, and not trust in my own understanding in the area of sexuality, singleness, romance, marriage etc.? If not yet, what is stopping me? * (Share with a friend during your weekly meet-up!)

Are you ready to pray the following prayer?

Jesus, please reveal more of who You are - Your goodness, trustworthiness, love and care for me over the next ~55 days. Help me to know You and trust You with my everything. I want to know You in a deeper way than I do now through the course of this challenge. I will make time by fasting one unnecessary thing: ________________.

I give up living my life in my own way. I want to commit to this journey - to give you full control and to live according to your ways. Even if at times when I may not understand your ways, I know You are good and I trust You.

_{[1] Cross Bible Study, p. 4, 5. https://www.onfire.jp/downloads/CBS-ENG.pdf}