God’s Rest

Not a Very Good Waiter

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. Exodus 31:15 ESV

It is amazing how resting, which after a long hard work-week, you might think would be kind of desirable and natural. And yet to those Israelites as much as with us today it was such a struggle that God had to prescribe the death penalty, in order to get everyone’s attention about obeying this commandment. And you might also assume that since I am now in my early seventies and still struggling through Covid, that I would be smart enough to listen to my wife and rest. But no! The lawn needed mowing, the weather was perfect, and no one was around outside. What could it hurt? Stumbling back inside a while later, I learned what it could hurt and that was my body! God has not only designed us to rest, and to rest in Him, but He has also made it so there will be consequences when we fail to do so. Since rest is something, I am still trying to learn after 50 plus years as a Christian, I hope that this upcoming series on rest may be of benefit to others as well. Today was just a teaser, but we’ll begin in earnest on Monday (I have to rest tomorrow!). I am looking forward to hearing your comments, feedback or personal stories on how you are learning to rest.

Not a Very Good Waiter
I’m not a very good waiter
Doing nothing seems simply a waste
But our Father who loves to walk slowly
Does nothing in hurry or haste!

Come Rest Awhile

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment 


Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” …
Mark 6:31 NLT

Come rest awhile from working through the night
From all men’s expectations
And your own machinations
Come rest in faith that sees beyond your sight

Come rest from sin and all regret’s demands
And from your shame, and every hidden doubt
The unanswered questions and fears that stalk about
Come find your rest in God’s Almighty hands

Come rest awhile when everything seems lost
Just as I slept when the boat was tossed
By that great storm - and the deck by waves was washed
Till at my Word the wind and sea were hushed

Come Rest Awhile
by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2024
 Use by permission only



Learning to Rest

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
Jesus teach me the lessons of resting in You
When I'm burdened with fears and care
Help me to trust grace will carry us through
While I'm quietly waiting in prayer

Help me to have a heart gentle and kind
Not just endlessly doing my best
Always striving yet somehow unable to find
Your gift of sweet stillness and rest

Like a shepherd You lead us on just as You said
Around the twists and turns of life's way
Up on the ridges down the valleys ahead
To Your arms at the end of the day!

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am 
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls
Matthew 11:29 NKJV

Learning to Rest By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2023
 all rights reserved

I’ve had to step back for a while from regular posting. I have needed time to rest, and this labored bit of verse reflects my heart. I hope it might point you to our Savior. He is teaching each of us in different ways, a daily lesson on rest, (though I often struggle with my homework!)