Author: mcalcagno

Overwhelmed

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It is so easy to become stressed and overwhelmed by all that goes on in our everyday lives.  This is not a new concept to people living on earth.  It goes back to the beginning of time.  When you read some of the individual accounts of life and times in the book of Genesis and the book of Exodus you will read about men and women who were constantly stressed out and full of anxiety.  Nobody gets the easy life…even the people you see on Facebook or other social media sites.  We are only seeing the good parts for public distribution, sometimes we do see some of the bad of someone’s life but it is limited.  Remember this, every person is fighting a battle in life, most of the time it is a battle we know nothing about, yet they are living it everyday.

When Moses had reached a point of frustration between God and His people, that he led out of Egypt, he tells God his true feelings.  He expresses his desire to understand…he was expressing his battle to God…and God replied with a statement we need to remember everyday as we fight our battles.

“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.  Remember that this nation is your people.  The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’.”

Exodus 33:13-14

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui)

When We Are Tempted

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“When tempted, no on should say, ‘God is tempting me.’  For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.”

James 1:13-18

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park near Sioux Falls, South Dakota)

We Are Blessed To Be A Blessing

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“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 on a lake in central Minnesota)

The Way of the Lord

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“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103: 8-12

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Colorado)

Be Kind and Compassionate

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“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29-32

(This photo was taken in July of 2014 on a lake in central Minnesota)

When We Are Tired and Weary

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Jesus said when he was speaking to the people of Galilee…

“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 July of 2015 on a lake in central Minnesota)

The Gift of God

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Paul writes to Timothy…

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving on the north shore of Maui)

To Make Him Known

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“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Be Persistent

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Two very important aspects of faith are patience and persistence.  Patience to know that God is working in our lives according to His plan not our own ideas.  Persistence to seek guidance from God to understand His plan so that we work together for His glory and our salvation.  The verses below do not say you will get what ever you want or you will get the answers you desire or that every opportunity you want will come your way.  One of the hardest part of transformation is to read the verses of God’s Word from a God centered perspective and not a self-centered perspective.  May God’s peace be with you.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Matthew 7:7-8

(This photo was taken in June of 2012 while driving through northwestern Wisconsin)