In a New York minute...

As I walked out onto the rock shelf this morning I was reminded of the tragedy that happened right here last week when two young women aged in their mid 20s, drove up the highway, 1.5 hours north of Sydney for a fun day in the sun. By the end of that day one girl was dead and the other was in hospital with horrible memories to deal with.

As I wandered back and forth looking for a good angle to capture the rising sun I was for a moment distracted by a fisherman who greeted me and I stepped on black moss that grows here on the rocks in abundance and ended up falling into a rock pool and my camera was dowsed in water.

This beautiful place where I spend much of my mornings capturing sunrise is also a very dangerous place. Memory plaques attached to the rocks by loved ones of those who’ve died remind all that we need to take care. I don’t know how these girls found themselves in the ocean after sunbathing on the rock shelf – maybe they too slipped on this unforgiving moss.

My story has nothing to do with The Eagles song ‘A New York Minute, or even with New York except that just as in 911, without any warning, everything can change. Without any warning a few short seconds can be the difference between life and death for us and the Bible says that death isn’t the end. It says ’But they will have to give an account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

I don’t know if anyone ever told these girls that there was a God who loved and cared for them so I’m writing this to let you know because I care about you.

Here are other verses direct from the Bible that talk about our future – These verses unless stated otherwise are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible:

How we live and the choices we make determine where we spend eternity – heaven or hell. When we die we will give an explanation to God about how we spent our lives and the choices we made.

Did you know that Jesus died on the cross to save you from your sin so you could be forgiven for all the mistakes of your past and step into a new beginning with Him, a relationship that is real, personal and forever?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. John 3:16

The choice you make right now concerning Jesus will give you eternal life with Him in heaven or banish you from God’s presence forever, its that important.

Jesus says :
All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living. 2 Timothy 3:16

All have sinned and come short of earning God’s praise. Romans 3:23

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.1 John 1:8 New Living Bible

Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.Romans 6:23 The Message Bible

Here, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me. Revelations 3:20

If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing. 1 John 1:9

(These verses unless stated otherwise are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible)

If you don’t know if God even exists or if you’ve already decided in your heart that he doesn’t, you can test Him right now….

Speaking to God works, you just have to move your mouth and ask Him to show Himself to you, to prove that He exists and He will – it’s your choice. He doesn’t promise life will always be without problems but he does promise to guide us no matter what comes.

Here is what King David, a man who had made more than his share of mistakes said when He turned His life over to God:

I waited patiently for the Lord’s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.
He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure.
He taught me to sing a new song, a song of praise to our God.
Many who see this will take warning and will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3

When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him. Psalm 116:15

This simple decision will be the difference between spending eternity with the God who knows you intimately and loves you completely… or not – its your choice.

Please share this message and do your part to help advance the Kingdom of Heaven!

© Copyright 2013 Elaine Costin All Rights Reserved
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