Sunday we celebrated my birthday with cake, ice cream, balloons and presents. I am so grateful to have had the privilege to be part of this incredible family for 21 years.

But God has more in mind for everyone than to only be born once. Jesus says in John 3:3 that “ye must be born again.” Why? Because we must be born out of our sin (all that we’ve done wrong according to God’s perfect law) that destroys the purpose for which we were born the first time: to be in fellowship with the God who made us. 1 John 1:1-4 and Rev 4:11.? Sin keeps us from being part of God’s family. I remember asking Dad about this on Oct. 24, 1991 and him showing me through verses like Rom. 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:13 that my sin made it impossible for God to communicate with me on earth or allow me into His heaven after death.

I was so grateful to hear that God wanted fellowship with me and all other people so bad that He offers to make our sins pardonable by paying for them with the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Heb. 9:22-28 That night I prayed and accepted God’s awesome forgiveness and committed my life to Him. This was my second birth. This time into the incredible family of all who trust Him for salvation from sin. Yes, Sunday we celebrated not just the breath God has given me but the joy of His presence in that life. Have you seen your need for the Savior and purposed to live in fellowship with Him?