| Be Prepared - article by Joel Hempel For those of you who were or are in scouting, you know one of their mottos is “Be prepared!” I didn’t advance far in Boy Scouts, but I loved it and have done my best to put that motto into practice - except when I don’t. The other day, we changed Wi-Fi providers. The young man who came into our home to trade out the hardware was capable and respectful. As he was working in our great room, I noticed him glancing at the sculpture of the Lord’s Supper hanging over our television. Joel: Are you a spiritual person? Enrico: Yes, but I haven’t been going to church recently. I know you would like an inspirational ending to that interaction. So would I. But I failed to ask the obvious follow-up question: “What’s keeping you away?” I did not even think to ask it! I was unprepared! Oh, I’ve had the training, even taught it. But being prepared includes being ready. I was not! St. Peter, who had painful memories of times when he was unprepared, offers this God-inspired wisdom: In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.1 Everyone reading this has the hope of Christ within them, or I pray that you do. But few of us are always prepared to give witness to our faith when the Holy Spirit opens that door. Like Peter in the courtyard, we can be caught off guard, not in sync with the moment, and out of touch with the opportunity.2 But also like Peter, we can learn, reflect on what needs to be different within us, and become ready for the next adventure God will surely give to us.3 That night, after Enrico finished his work, I went to bed upset with myself and prayed myself to sleep, asking for God’s forgiveness. I’m certain I received it, and I am grateful that the next day, from the chancel, Pastor Scott reassured us that Almighty God, in His mercy, has given His Son to die for us and, for His sake, forgives us all our sins. Friends, God’s mercy is never-ending, as is the Holy Spirit’s loving presence. God will open doors for us to take that step into the doorway of opportunity. Every morning, you are invited to pray for the Spirit to keep you alert to the needs of others and ready to claim the courage to gently and respectfully be the love of Christ and to talk about our sure and certain hope. 1. 1 Peter 3:15b 2. Luke 22:54-62 3. Acts 3:1-10, 11-26; 4:1-12, 13-20, 23-31 | 
