Peace

I Looked all Through the Forests Deep

/ pastorpete51 / 8 Comments 
I looked all through the forests deep
Over hills through rushing streams
Until sunset I searched on
For peace I’d glimpsed in dreams

Till in complete exhaustion
I sat down to catch my breath
Just then I heard the gentle voice
Of Christ calling me to rest

And when I turned to look at Him
He showed His hands with wounds
And invited me to touch those scars
Where nails had pierced Him through

Then in worship I fell down
For suddenly I knew
That His peace for which I’d searched
 He would give me all night through

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV

I Looked All Through the Forests Deep
by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2023 all rights reserved

Peace After the Storm

/ pastorpete51 / 7 Comments

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV

Last week we talked about having God’s peace in the storm. But we also need peace after a storm has passed. When things are calm and quiet we find the damage that the storm has left behind. Here in Florida today that means assessing damage, reopening roads so supplies can get in and beginning the very long road towards rebuilding.

Divorce, disability and death just to name a few of our spiritual storms also leave behind a wake of destruction. In those long weeks, months and years as we are being rebuilt, God will never leave us alone, but will join us in the work of restoration. If that is you this morning, listen carefully to the verse of this new rendering of a wonderful old hymn. “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay!” In that moment when our hearts fail us. When we survey the devastation after the storm, we can rest assured that the Carpenter of Galilee will take up His tools and rebuild us again according to His perfect blueprint!

Stop Your Fussing and Be still!

/ pastorpete51 / 7 Comments

Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10 ESV

Our eight-day trip had been wonderful, yet anything but restful. Living out of suitcases, eating from the food we had packed or from various restaurants, left us with the constant reminder that we were neither at home nor at our destination. But God had a surprise planned and I almost missed it. After the first four days in our hotel room, just as I was packing for the next leg of our adventure, I just happened to look up and then I noticed for the first time a large, framed print. It hung on the wall just above my side of the bed but I had never seen it. There two large words on a white background told me all that God had been trying to tell me for days – “Be Still!”

Have you ever noticed that while we are looking for a detailed message from God about what we should be doing, where we need to be going or why things aren’t working out, that He often gives us something far simpler? While we are preoccupied with the geography of our destination, He is far more interested in the geography of our hearts. And so, I am hearing His answers to my questions –

“Be Still” - I have your family problems in my hands
“Be Still!” - I will be a spring in your dry places.
“Be Still!” - It is more important what I think than the acclaim of people who know you little
“Be Still!” I will be exalted in your life when you stop your fussing and simply know that I am God!