Rest For The Weary

April 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Each day brings us choices, decisions, questions and some answers. On some occasions these can pile up on us pretty fast and become a burden to wade through. When the way forward is blurry or getting difficult to understand we need to take sometime and be with Jesus. He set the example…several times you can read in the bible that Jesus would go off on His own or with one or two of the disciples to pray. To be with His Father in heaven in nature and stillness. We are not made to “on” all the time 24-7, we need better balance. Make your rest time with Jesus a priority at whatever point in a day makes sense for you. Make God’s peace and joy be with you.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)

Put Aside Your Fears

April 19, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The journey of faith becomes more difficult if we let our fears have the power to stop us. If we allow our fears to be sustained in our thoughts and in our actions we are feeding them. We can be strengthened against our fears by the Word of God and by connecting in a community of faith. Fear is a weapon of evil and darkness and it can be very powerful if we allow it rule in our lives. We must remember that God is good, He already knows much more about us than we realize, He loves us and He has forgiven us. Be renewed by developing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…after all He gave all He could in order to save us. May God’s peace be with you.

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“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

Saved By Grace

April 18, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We do not choose God, He chose us. He is our Creator, He sent His Son to reconcile us with Him. He continues to be involved in our everyday with the Holy Spirit. We have not earned this love nor do we deserve it for our behavior in this world. God gives to you freely out of His deep abiding love for you. No matter where you are or what is going on in your daily life…God loves you unconditionally…that is Grace. Turn to Him, seek Him and His Word. He is waiting to hear from you. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through southern New Mexico)

Follow Jesus

April 17, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Whenever we are learning to do something new or something we don’t do very often it seems easier to learn it when someone is guiding us and demonstrating for us what to do. Once we have observed the example we can begin to assimilate into doing the task or behavior. As we are learning to live a life centered on faith, we read the bible to learn about and understand the example that Jesus has set for us on how to live when He was here as a man on earth. He taught…kindness, goodness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control…that last one seems most difficult. He helped those in need and He taught about the relationship with God the Father to all. If you are wondering how to go forward, look to the life of Jesus and follow His example. May God’s peace be with you.

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“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 outside of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

In God We Trust

April 16, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

These are the words that help to form a new nation. As we fight our internal struggles our hope is tied to our belief in God. There is so much in life that can be good, if we have the courage to build a personal relationship with God. We must be prepared to humble ourselves, to know we are not the center of the universe or our own lives. When God is at the center we look to Him and His Word. God created us out of love, He has forgiven us with His One and Only Son and He can guide us with the Holy Spirit. Take the next step in trusting God whatever that is for you and see what He has in store for your life. May God’s love and joy be with you.

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

What Can I Do?

April 15, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

This is an excellent question. One that we can ask of God anytime and in any situation. Asking questions and seeking the answers from God first are an excellent way to start letting God be in control. When we are willing to ask for help we are admitting we don’t have all the answers or finally admitting we tried to answer the questions of life several times on our own and we are ready to surrender to God’s answers. This is very humbling and yet such a lift of burden all at the same time. I am sure you have heard the phrase…God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good…while it can be used as a mantra or a call and response exercise the truth of what that states is accurate. It is our perspective that needs the adjustment not God’s plan. Be open to questions, ask them to God and be prepared to listen to His answers not only the answer you want. May God’s peace and goodness be with you.

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“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:10-12

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Courage

April 14, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ in this world. It takes courage to not only say I believe but then to go out and act and do as one who believes. It takes strength and courage to stay the course of faith and let God be in control. We/I always want to take over control and management of life. Then we are surprised or sometimes frustrated when things go in a different direction then what we planned or tried to orchestrate. Trusting in God means surrendering the desire to control every aspect of your life…once again it’s simple but it’s not easy. Give to God all the things in your mind and in your heart and pick a few verses out to memorize so you can repeat them to yourself when needed. I have two recommendations for you Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13 they have helped me in many moments in my life and will continue to do so. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Friendship

April 13, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There are few things greater than the gift of friendship. Sharing experiences, listening to each other, laughing together, supporting each other. We were made out of God’s love and we were made to be in community with God and with one another. When we think about someone and it brings a smile to our face they are most likely a true friend. Make time for your friends as you know they are the ones who make time for you. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

John 15:13-14

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at one of the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa)

Renew Strength

April 12, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

In order for the journey of faith to be strengthen we need to visit the rest stops in life and spend time reading the Word of God. Devotional time gives us an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and God. No matter what is going on He is still on the throne, His presence is still with us, even at times when He feels distant. The Word of God is truly a light in the darkness of this world and it is a guide for strengthening us for life. Spend time at a rest stop with God. May God’s peace be with you.

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“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking on the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Spiritual Growth

April 11, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Spiritual growth comes when we continue to devote time to our personal relationship with God. Reading God’s word, spending time in prayer and in the quiet of His calming presence. The more we are able to center our lives on trusting God with everything the stronger our foundation of life will be. I have read about this in several different books, the writer explains a turning point, that point where everything starts to look and feel different…it is much different to read about it then to begin to start experiencing it. I began listening to christian music on the radio 20 years ago…I started reading faith based books and my devotional bible everyday 8 years ago…and I started this blog 5 years ago…I am just beginning to sense and understand what it means to trust God with my everything (yes I am a slow learner :). Just like one of my favorite phrases states…it is simple but it is not easy. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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