I was once within milliseconds of drowning in white water. (That is another story).  But as I was about to suck in water, something pulled me to the surface and I got a second chance. My only explanation as I spoke to god for help in that instant, he or an angel pulled me up by the back of my life vest. My vest could not  keep me afloat over the strength of the currents.  My wife witnessed the whole event standing on the bank of the river.

God spared me for something else. This picture is the best depiction of how God saved me that day. 

Have you had a similar experience or feel God has given you another chance?

God gives us a another chance everyday. 
Just by asking his forgiveness and accepting the grace of his son Jesus Christ, we can be saved from our shortcomings.  Ephesians 2:8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

We either believe in a God or we don’t. We either belief in heaven or we don’t. God gives us the free will to decide.

You see, i believe in God and heaven and the hope, faith and promise of being re-united with my spouse, my children, the miscarried one as well, my grandchildren, my parents, grandparents, great grandparents and on and on. (those before i was born and those in my lineage not yet born) I look forward to heaven and an eternal life with all my relatives, friends and acquaintances. I am sure you get the picture. I want to see everyone get there.

Who all do you love and want to be with forever?

When i was about to drown, I told God, “this is it, I am going to suck water and drown”.Then after he miraculously saved me…..I wondered if I had died, would I have gone to heaven? I did not think I was in the right place with God at the time.  I think this is a question that people all over the world wonder while some admit it and some don’t want to think about it.

What are the stumbling blocks to relinquishing control of one’s life to God and being certain of their destiny in heaven? It’s a legitimate question because none of us are perfect.

So is there something they have done that they think is too awful for God to forgive?
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

Are some mad at God because of something that happened?

Do they not understand why God does not save some people including children from disaster?

Have they been hurt by someone or by someone rude at a church?

Do they feel people, especially christians are hypocritical about religion?

Do some people just not feel worthy?

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Do some people feel insignificant and wonder why they are here?    

Do some wonder what their purpose is?
  Jeremiah 29:11 ESV   For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

From the CDC Ranked causes of Death in the year 2013
Heart disease: 611,105
Cancer: 584,881
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 149,205
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 130,557
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 128,978
Alzheimer's disease: 84,767
Diabetes: 75,578
Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,979
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 47,112
Intentional self-harm (suicide): 41,149

An auto association study cites that over 1.3 million are killed each year in auto accidents.

WE are all terminal. We all will die in this earthly body.  As seen above, the odd are against us. Only by Gods grace and timing, I am still here. Have you received another chance? Are you a christian or are you still in the process?  Are you sure about heaven?  Gods word, grace and promise of eternal life in heaven covers us, if we ask.

WHY would anyone not take God up on his offer and want a peaceful eternal life after this trying & sometimes hopeless life on earth?

Acts 3:19 New International Version (NIV)  19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Commit your life to God and study his word. Reading his word  (daily) more than once a week reveals the answers you seek.

Find a bible teaching church to help you grow, If I can help, let me know. I am using my second chance, how about you?

Have a blessed day, week and year.


Chaplain Mark

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