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Easter Faith Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). A California pastor responds to some of the natural disaster that was experienced on the west coast some time ago. “For the past few weeks we’ve watched in horror as houses in our area of southern California have been sliding off the sides of mountains. A few had been teetering on the edge of the chasm beneath them as the land has continued to erode away, leaving their foundations hanging in thin air. Some neighbors have captured their final plunge on home video and made the national news as these expensive homes were destroyed in one thunderous crash.” Although the owners had purchased their dream homes and beautiful view lots with different expectations, nature had an incredible way of revealing their property’s weaknesses. There is no way to adequately describe the sense of loss and disappointment of these unfortunate families. While the owners had no doubt invested in their homes in many visible ways, it was the unseen problems with the foundation and the land they stood on that eventually took their toll on the properties. All the exterior aesthetics meant little when the homes rolled down the slopes and splintered into a pile of debris. The scriptures teach that our lives can be like that, having the appearance of being strong and well only to have the façade come crashing down in the storms of life. Faith needs to be our strong and secure foundation in the tough times. Listen to this description of faith: The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see (Hebrew 11:1, The Message). On that day of dark disillusionment there was a degree of doubt. Was Jesus who we thought he was – the Messiah? The disciples were discouraged by what they saw – the death of Jesus by imperial Rome. But as they were down in the dumps, Jesus entered the room of their fear and brought peace in the midst of their despairing faith. He brought comfort and assurance to their doubting faith. He had indeed been raised to new life. Where are you in your faith journey? Wherever you are the Easter season is God’s faithful response and resounding, “No!” to the powers of death, deep disappointment and despair. God is faithfully on your side. You can have faith in (fully rely on) God, because God will not leave you nor forsake you in your journey. Easter is our assurance of faith in God. Let us put that faith into practice so that others may be inspired to experience and share in the hope of Easter faith. Your Friend, Pastoral Dave Easter Faith Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). A California pastor responds to some of the natural disaster that was experienced on the west coast some time ago. “For the past few weeks we’ve watched in horror as houses in our area of southern California have been sliding off the sides of mountains. A few had been teetering on the edge of the chasm beneath them as the land has continued to erode away, leaving their foundations hanging in thin air. Some neighbors have captured their final plunge on home video and made the national news as these expensive homes were destroyed in one thunderous crash.” Although the owners had purchased their dream homes and beautiful view lots with different expectations, nature had an incredible way of revealing their property’s weaknesses. There is no way to adequately describe the sense of loss and disappointment of these unfortunate families. While the owners had no doubt invested in their homes in many visible ways, it was the unseen problems with the foundation and the land they stood on that eventually took their toll on the properties. All the exterior aesthetics meant little when the homes rolled down the slopes and splintered into a pile of debris. The scriptures teach that our lives can be like that, having the appearance of being strong and well only to have the façade come crashing down in the storms of life. Faith needs to be our strong and secure foundation in the tough times. Listen to this description of faith: The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see (Hebrew 11:1, The Message). On that day of dark disillusionment there was a degree of doubt. Was Jesus who we thought he was – the Messiah? The disciples were discouraged by what they saw – the death of Jesus by imperial Rome. But as they were down in the dumps, Jesus entered the room of their fear and brought peace in the midst of their despairing faith. He brought comfort and assurance to their doubting faith. He had indeed been raised to new life. Where are you in your faith journey? Wherever you are the Easter season is God’s faithful response and resounding, “No!” to the powers of death, deep disappointment and despair. God is faithfully on your side. You can have faith in (fully rely on) God, because God will not leave you nor forsake you in your journey. Easter is our assurance of faith in God. Let us put that faith into practice so that others may be inspired to experience and share in the hope of Easter faith. Your Friend, Pastoral Dave THE ECHO click below on the date of the newsletter you wish to view March 1 – March 31, 2009