He is Near

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:5‭b-‬6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.5-6.ESV

Just a brief encouragement today for those who like me are seeking God’s direction yet feeling as if we are at a dead end. Thankfully Jesus specialized in showing up for his disciples at times just like that! In storms, in locked rooms or at gravesides Jesus came near. And when He came, he always began with same message. “It is I. Don’t be afraid! In today’s passage Paul begins by reminding us that our reason for confidence and peace in our prayers begins with one fact. Jesus is at hand. He is so close that we can reach out and touch Him just as Thomas did. So as we go about our journey we can put anxiety to rest with three simple truths. He is near, He is listening and He promises to answer. May God bless us this weekend as we rest secure in knowing that He is within our hand’s reach, He listens to our prayers and calms every fear with His message. “Do not be afraid!”

The Lord’s Prayer for Children

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments 
Our Father guards His little ones 
Before they rise to play
And in Heaven watches over 
All we do and say
Your kingdom come your will be done
In this world where we live
Give us please our daily bread
And Forgiveness as we forgive  
And when strong temptation strikes
Keep us from evil’s way
Now in Your glory and your power
Jesus be king today!

The Lord's Prayer for Children by Peter Caligiuri
copyright 2022 all rights reserved

Hurry Up Turtle!

/ pastorpete51 / 15 Comments 
"The Hurrier You Go
The Behinder you get!"
Old Pennsylvania Dutch saying

Hurry up turtle you’re right in the way
And we’re late for the things we’ve got to do today
Turtle turned and he looked
But kept plodding along
As if to ask “What’s the hurry 
When this road is so warm?”

But I fussed and I fumed and I honked on the horn
Till my wife told me I had to slow down and stay calm
Then I turned and I saw we had stopped by a nest
Of robin’s cheep-cheeping - I had disturbed their rest

Then I blushed as I bowed and talked to the Lord
So ashamed yet so glad we were stopped on that road
For God speaks to us in some unlikely places
If we'll slow down and listen instead of off to the races
For He shows us His path step by step as we pray
And be patient with turtles 
He has put in our way! 

Hurry Up Turtle by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2022 all rights reserved
Photo by Ludvig Hedenborg on Pexels.com