trust

Resting in the Arms of God

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26 ESV

“Everything is going to be alright. God’s got this.” and, “He works everything for good.” Are all great sounding Christian ideas but in times of grief and discouragement the words often feel hollow and empty.

Some years ago we used to trade babysitting duties with another young couple so we could each have a kid-free night out. Their smallest was Debbie. From the first night she came Debbie decided that the only way she would go to sleep was if I held her in my arms and walked back and forth in our apartment for at least 20 minutes. Though my arms ached by the time she fell fast asleep I grew to have a special attachment to her.

That is what prayer is supposed to be between us and God. He invites us to bring Him our inconsolable griefs and welcomes us to be carried in His arms. Often I need Him to walk me back and forth across the throne room of heaven for much longer than I needed to carry Debbie. But the comfort and assurance I find there alone helps me embrace the truth that He is working all things together for good. Yes He is a good God – but only prayer keeps me close enough to His heart so that I can learn to rest in Him. Are you resting in the arms of God today?

Anxious for Nothing!

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment 
Be anxious for nothing
Wrote Saint Paul from the jail
Give God every worry each fear and detail
Remember to thank Him and praise from your heart
For He has been watching our life from the start

And He answers with peace greater than we can know
His love gives us rest
In Christ Jesus we hope

So if you are passing through sorrows and tests
Put it all in His hands
Only God knows what's best!

Anxious for nothing by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021
All rights reserved

A Moment for the Birds

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Luke 12 :24 KJV

After spending the last six weeks alone while my wife is taking care of her sister on the other coast I decided to just play hooky yesterday. I did nothing more work related than have breakfast, pack a few things and head to the beach. For me there is nothing more stress relieving than walking along the shore, listening to the waves and watching birds. Maybe Jesus also walked alone watching birds. He taught us to be as gentle as doves and told us we were of more value than sparrows. Today’s verse focuses on a less lovely bird – the raven. To me they are just big homely looking black birds, but God chose to create them with the special purpose of showing us worriers that He will take care of us. Well, I didn’t see any ravens at the beach – but I did get some great photos of a Great White Egret, who didn’t appear to be too worried about anything – not even my presence! I hope you enjoy my bird photos for the week and that if you are also struggling sometimes with stress that you take a quiet walk and talk to a bird or two. Have a blessed night everybody!