Roads

The Shepherd’s Voice

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment 
The voice of the shepherd
It rings crystal clear
It skips on the hilltops
And in the valley I hear

Stay close Stay close
As close as you can
For this journey ahead
You must stick to My plan

Then I turned and I saw
The wound in His side
And I trusted the voice
Of my Shepherd who died

Stay close Stay close
As close as my heart
On this narrow way
We won't travel apart

Stay close Stay close
Whatever may come
For the rough road ahead
Is the way that leads home!

The Shepherd's Voice by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021 all rights reserved

The Road Ahead

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 24:15 KJV

Sometimes we look at Easter as a single defining event of our faith. But the Good News of Easter morning is that, as we walk (or run in Peter’s case) from the tomb, Jesus comes and walks along at our side.  If we believe that living for Jesus means we having to do everything just right, then we will often feel like giving up.  I am so encouraged to know that on the first Easter, Jesus decided to walk with disciples who were far from perfect. Let’s listen in on their conversation a bit:

But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel…. Luke 24:21 ESV

In other words; they had given up hope. They just didn’t get it. Why had Jesus died? On those kinds of days Jesus draws near and asks:

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Luke 24:26 ESV

Just like a doctor treating a wound Jesus pokes and prods with questions that can make us feel uncomfortable. But His examination is for the purpose of healing and focusing our thinking on His cross, His forgiveness and eternal life.

Prayer: Father my hope this morning is no longer that I have everything right, but that You will come along side today. Come Lord and walk with me and lead me to the cross that meant death for You and eternal life for me.

First Day on the Road

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. Luke 2:4 ESV

Often I lie awake the night before a trip turning over in my mind whether we have enough food, clothing, and money for the days ahead. As Mary and Joseph gathered their belongings for Bethlehem, they had practical concerns to deal with also. How would they safely bring their tax money along roadways where thieves laid in wait? Who would give them a place to stay? Should they return to Nazareth?

Amazingly in spite of so many things they could have worried about, we don’t hear one single complaint from either one of them. But Mary and Joseph we

P1030431

re not some kind of super-heroes. The Bible is quite clear that they were just ordinary people who put their trust in God. They had questions just as we do. Mary wondered how she would become pregnant without a man. Joseph considered whether Mary was the right woman to marry. Yet they traveled together on a difficult road in peace because they had taken their questions and fears to God.

In what ways are you fearful about your future today? Do you wrestle with some doubts about God’s plan for your life? If you long to travel boldly, first bring God all your questions and then trust His answers. God knows the why and where of the road ahead.