The Essence of Faith

This is what we are called for:

"Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,but do it with gentleness and reverence,keeping your conscience clear"

This is from 1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 15-16 and really spoke to me today. What is the reason for our hope? The cross.

A shot inside my father-in-law's barn

I am not trying to proselytize, but I hope this story touches hearts. As most of you know, we lost my father-in-law this last Sunday. We said our last goodbyes to his earthly self on Wednesday. Grief is overwhelming and yes, religion, and my belief in Christ, is certainly a great and powerful tool to cope with this loss. However, it is more than that. Rick was able to bring some tools home with him that had belonged to his father. One of these things was a scroll saw. Last night I volunteered at our church's annual Summerfest and walked by a room a man and woman were working in. I entered and asked them what this room was for and the woman replied that it was for the book sale, but they were wrapping things up. She pointed to a pile of boxes and said that everything was now free and I was welcome to look through the boxes and pick out what I wanted. The very first thing I saw, laying on top of a stack of boxes, was a book entitled 300 Christian & Inspirational Patterns for Scroll Saw woodworking. Now, some of you may poo-poo this as just wishful thinking or dumb luck, but I just can't believe there would be that many books related to this subject matter at a church bazaar. To me, this was a sign from Ernie, letting us know that he was alright and our faith was real. It was done in his own Ernie way, unobtrusive and poignantly specific. I immediately grabbed it up and brought it home for Rick. I hope that each of you today will be attentive and look for these signs. I wasn't even asking for anything and it was still given to me.

Mark 13: 32-33 "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come."