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Singing in Memory Care

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

Some folks probably wonder why I bother to write two separate blogs. The reason is that, Walking With Lambs is devoted specifically for people whose lives have been touched by long-term-care, whether you are on staff, have a family member or friend in a facility or are a volunteer, these posts are meant to be an encouragement as well as a forum to add your own experiences. Today’s post is a reminder that, while those in the memory care wing of one community I visit are the least visited, they do still have a capacity to worship and praise Jesus. In fact, if you listen carefully, you will hear many happy voices praising God as we sing. I think that God loves to hear those folks more than any worship team of earth. They are the little ones who our Father is pleased to spend His time with. Why shouldn’t we do the same!

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40 NLT

pastorpete51's avatarWalking With Lambs

If you have ever wondered if it is worth it to visit memory care, then this is a perfect video for you to watch. If you listen just a bit, you will hear many happy voices singing along with me. They may not recall where they used to live, or the name of family members, but they remember these songs and the name of Jesus. What a delight it is to sing with them and in my humble opinion, I think Jesus likes the sound of their voices better than any recording artist on earth! Today’s song session includes: Isn’t the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful, Oh How I love Jesus and He Keeps Me Singing. I pray that He will keep you singing as well and that you will live for Him every day!

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But This I call to Mind

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments 
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 
Lamentation 3:21-23 ESV

When we look around at our society, there are some days when we wonder how things could possibly get any worse. But more than 2,500 years ago as Jeremiah wrote today’s passage, things were worse: far worse. His home city lay in ruins; many people had either been killed by the Babylonians, or simply died of starvation during the siege of Jerusalem. Afterwards Jeremiah reacted much as you or I would have done – he wept uncontrollably. Though his own life had been spared, everything around him had been burned, torn down or stolen. But instead of giving up, he tells us that he called to mind God’s promises.

First, he called to mind, that God’s steadfast love had not changed. It was not altered by their failure or success, or even their sins. His care was not based on His people’s performance, but on the unchanging nature of His heart. And today, God still so loves the world so much that He still sends His only Son into the world by the good news of the Gospel. It is still true that anyone who believes Him will NOT perish but begin to experience eternal life. Now that kind of love gives me hope, and yet God is not done!

Then Jeremiah tells us that God’s mercies never come to an end. Yes, His nation was defeated, and their enemies were busy plundering and burning the temple, yet God wasn’t finished with His people. The people of Jeremiah’s day discovered, there are times when God allows His children to reap what they have been sowing and stands back to let us experience the results of our selfish choices. But God isn’t through with us! He hasn’t now, nor will He ever, stop being merciful to His children. Our very real hope is that even when we reach the bottom of the barrel of our sin, God is still willing to reach down and pull us out, when we cry to Him for mercy and put our hope in Him alone!

Last of all Jeremiah remembered that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on ours. God stands by His promises and faithfully keeps covenant with His people. At the Last Supper, while Jesus was blessing the bread and passing the cup, one disciple was running off to betray Him, another would soon deny knowing Him and all the rest were arguing about which one of them was the most important. Why would Jesus choose to lay down His life for them? Because Jesus was not giving a new philosophy to be understood, a new club to join or a cause to defend. Jesus was offering His own body and blood for a New Covenant for them to receive. So, the next time you take the bread and drink from the cup as you receive communion, remember. Remember His loving sacrifice, receive the mercy that has never come to an end and call to mind once again the unchanging faithfulness of God in Jesus Christ at Calvary!

Joy at the Hem of His Garment

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments 
They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. Mark 10:37

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Luke 9:21 KJV

My recent bout with sickness, reminded me of the difference between the woman with the issue of blood, and the disciples, James and John. Like them, I am far more likely to “Claim my inheritance.” or say that “I am more than a conqueror”, instead of quietly seeking the low position at the hem of Jesus’ garment. But I discovered that there is nothing like severe chills, fever and weakness, to get me on my knees praying for God to calm my heart and give me strength. This morning, grateful to be feeling normal again, I remembered how these two brothers came up with a plan to leapfrog ahead of the other guys. It is almost funny to look at this same story in Matthew chapter twenty, where we find out that they had actually sent their mom to make the request. But if we would be honest, most of us would have to confess that we are not so different from these brothers. In our church, our small group or in our neighborhoods, we jockey for position, privilege or prestige, far more often than we humbly set our sights for a lowly unnoticed place. But the truth is that there is little blessing to be found in asking for prominence, but much joy and healing flows naturally when our hearts are willing to take the lowest place. A long time ago I wrote a poem that I hope may be a blessing for you today, and that you will find God’s acceptance and blessing at the hem of His garment! I also posted my favorite version of “Like a River Glorious” sung by Lindsey Kirkland with her new baby. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Blessings all!

Grace for The Road

At the hem of the garment of Jesus
Is a place that is low and unseen
And a voice that is quiet and gentle
Calling to come follow Him

Some say they don’t want us around them
They’re more comfortable when we’re not there
But at the hem of the garment of Jesus
Is a place of acceptance and care

There the Lord and the ruler of Heaven
Shows His heart that is lowly and meek
For He’s ready to carry our burdens
And gives strength in the places we’re weak

So trust Him today and forever
Take hold of the hem of His robe
For He welcomes the humble and weary
And has promised us grace for the road!

Grace for the Road by Peter Caligiuri
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