Joy at the Hem of His Garment

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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
Copyright 2020 ©

Just Like a Child

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O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1-2 ESV
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
 Just like a child I cried for things
That could not help me grow
And Insisted that the path
Went where I chose to go

But now I’m thankful for the work
You’ve given me to do
Like mowing lawns or writing verse
And singing songs for You

For simple friends and pulling weeds
And tears and fears now past
Which have helped me hear Your voice
That gave me peace at last!

Just Like a Child
By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2023
All rights reserved

Jail Break

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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV

Though the maximum security, Altiplano jail was constructed with high walls, plenty of razor ribbon and a high tech security system, in 2015, Mexican Drug Lord Joaquin Guzman, made headlines by breaking out. When the astonishing details were revealed, we learned that he had escaped through a tunnel his associates had dug, complete with lights, ventilation and a rail system that led to a building project, almost a mile away.

But Jesus offers us a freedom that is far better than the one which Joaquin Guzman experienced (After all he was captured just 5 months later). The freedom that Jesus gives is one for which He paid a price far higher than Guzman had paid his workers to build the tunnel. Jesus suffered and died a terrible death on the cross, paying for our escape with His own blood. But sadly, there are times when we Christians sometimes dig a tunnel with our bare hands, that leads straight back to the maximum security prison of sin. We speed along the rail system of selfish choices that ends in the small dark cell block of separation from God. But today’s verse tells us that does not need to be the end of our story. All hope is not lost, because if we will simply turn to Jesus, confess our sins and ask forgiveness, He is faithful and just to forgive us again and again, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restore us to the freedom of heaven where we will live with Him forever!

Photo by Aaron Burden on Pexels.com