Ash Wednesday, 1998 proved to be a day the Lord delivered me from the fire. It was a day of repentance. The local news reported Tall Timbers home burned to the ground, possessions and animals were gone in the blaze. 

I went to work early that morning trying to get a jump on the busy day ahead. All were asleep when I left the house. I had been meeting with a co-worker for the past week who had been telling me about Jesus. I had my coffee and a dose of what this man was calling the “Word” that morning. It was a new year and I was looking to change my life around. He had given me a pamphlet to read. In my mind, this was not high on the priority list for the day. I would read it later when I had time. What I didn’t know was this new life would start now.

The loss of our home was traumatic, and for several days we were in shock. One day we have everything, and the next, nothing. And then, Sifting through the ash, we uncovered the wooden cross that I received when I became baptised. The cross was buried eight inches down in the ash. The moment I took the cross in my hand, I knew that this would be the last time God would put His invitation out for me to come into His kingdom. He gave me a vision of the three people that tried to explain to me God’s saving grace. I had a choice; I chose to live.

We all have choices. Will you choose life? If you have not decided to accept Christ, you can today. It is easier than being delivered through the fire.

 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.