Seasonal Changes

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!

I’ve Got Confidence!

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my salvation. Psalms 118:13-14 ESV

“Are you sure you can do this?” Mike yelled over the sound of the rushing stream.

“No problem, I’ve got confidence!” I shouted back as I finished cutting the trunk of the tree that had fallen in the water. But as the saw sliced through the last inch of bark I realized too late that my calculation was terribly wrong. In a moment I was catapulted head over heels with the running chain saw still in my hand. Mercifully, the saw flew away from my body and I landed chest deep in freezing water. I was embarrassed and unhurt but on the other side of the stream my friend Mike was doubled over in laughter. “I’ve got confidence! I’ve got confidence!” he kept repeating, between peals of uncontrollable laughter!

My problem was not lack of confidence, but that I didn’t think I needed any help. There I was catapulting through the air until God caught me. He was a friend standing by that stream ready to rescue and He will not laugh when we mess up. (Though I sometimes wonder if He chuckles). God promises to be our strength when we ask for help – our song when He gives it and our salvation, when we learn to put our confidence only in Him!

The Greatest Story That’s Ever Been Told!

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:31-32


Free from the love of money
And free from the fear of loss
Free from the fear of all others may say
Is peace found at the foot of the cross


For He calls us with all of our hearts to believe
And trust from the depths of our soul
In His promise to always be right where we are
The greatest story that’s ever been told!

Where sinners like me find acceptance
In God’s family of orphans and tramps
And the love of a Savior who shed blood for me
Says’ “I love you no matter the cost!”

And the morning shines bright with His presence
And His promise is better than gold
For He calls us with all of our hearts to believe
The greatest story that’s ever been told!


The Greatest Story That's Ever Been Told 
by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021 all rights reserved