Death

Seasonal Changes

/ pastorpete51 / 7 Comments

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalm 119:89-90 ESV

If you live in the Northern States you have already seen the beauty of the leaves changing their Summer clothes for colorful Fall outfits. Apple cider and pumpkins fill the market shelves, but that celebration of the new season is mixed with a melancholy knowledge that Winter is not far away.

Some changes in life are eagerly anticipated, like weddings or the birth of a child. But when our child graduates from high school and sets off on their own, that happiness mixes with silent tears. It was no different for Jesus as He lived on earth. The joys and gifts of the Christmas story were quickly followed by Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt. His healing of the sick was followed by Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. But as Jesus hung on the cross and the most difficult hour of change was upon Him, He held on to words that never change. “I thirst”; “Why have you forsaken me?”  and “It is finished.” were all quotes from the Old Testament. Jesus was trusting in a word that never changes because He knew that in Heaven His Father’s promises would not fail Him. They would carry Him through death and the grave to resurrection. Unlike the falling leaves, God’s word never lets go. It stays attached to the heart of the Father forever. If there are circumstances that are changing your life forever, then hold onto the faithful and loving promises of God. He has you firmly held in the palm of His hand and He has promised that whatever may come in both life and death that He will never let you go!

Till With Him We Will Be

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments 


So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 ESV

It’s not what others say or think
Of what we’re going through
Or how they feel about the way 
Of all God asks of you

But only what His word has said
And what He calls us to
How on His cross He showed us all
That love asks us to do

Then the lame will walk and the deaf will hear 
And the blind begin to see 
By the power of the love of Christ 
For friend and enemy

That washes feet and feeds the poor
And turns the other cheek
And trusts to walk in faith today
Till with Him we will be

Till With Him We Will Be - by Peter Caligiuri copyright 
2021 all rights reserved.
Photo by Peter Caligiuri Pasco County – Florida

What is Your “All Things?”

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

My dad was a quiet, yet amazing guy. I learned lessons from my him about finances, faithfulness and keeping a humorous humility about ourselves in the face of difficult circumstances. But what I remember most of all the things he taught me was how to trust in the strength of the Lord.

Dad with our firstborn

In the last week of his life as he lay in the ICU unit, dad didn’t complain much. Instead he seemed most concerned that I understand how to handle the affairs of his home and if I was getting enough rest at night. During that time he often asked to hear the New Testament or Psalms read aloud, and most of all he loved quoting the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He did not repeat those words with desperation through gritted teeth but with a calm confidence that his Good Shepherd had come to lead him on the last mile of his pathway on earth.

In fact, this verse is a favorite of many of us as we face challenges. Maybe we are starting a new job, wondering where the money will come from to pay the bills or are about to take a final exam. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul gives us these words, not as a skill he was good at, but as a lesson he had learned after experiencing a laundry list of crazy circumstances. He looked back and remembered his successes as well as failures. He talked about his hunger pains from when the cupboard was bare, as well as the wonderful home cooked meals at the homes of friends. But more than any one kind of challenge Paul faced, he shows us that trusting in Christ is something he learned to do and that we can too.

The key is remembering that overcoming whatever we face is in Christ. Got temptations? Then we need to remember that we are crucified with Christ. It’s not about us anymore. It’s about Him. Are we in the middle of confusion, and the pressure of unrelenting demands? Then we must bring to mind that we are buried with him in baptism. Nobody bothered Christ once the stone was rolled over the face of the tomb. He rested in perfect peace – though not for long! Are we crossing a storm tossed sea that is about to sink our boat? Then we can joyfully recall that just as we are crucified and buried with Jesus, so we are also raised with Him. Going forward is no longer just about our power – it’s about His. What are the “All things” that you face today? God’s got this! He’s not just in control on the outside of our situations, He is at work on the inside of us as well and will help us finish the job He gave us to do. Then we will be able to say with my dad,” It really is true! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”