Living By The Spirit

January 3, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We receive messages all day long about “how we are to live”…”what we are to want”…as if we are missing out on something from this world if we don’t do or want the same things everyone else desires. The Christian life is not better than others but rather different. Dare to be different and trust God to guide your way.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

God Wants To Hear From You…

January 2, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When I first started my devotion time I had heard about and knew about God the Father, Jesus Christ his only Son and the Holy Spirit…I didn’t really know them or what a personal relationship with The Savior was all about. I am realizing there is so much to learn and experience in growing and developing a relationship with them…God the Creator loves me unconditionally and Jesus his Son is the one person who sacrificed everything in order to save me. And the Holy Spirit can be my guide through the ups and downs of life in a fallen world.

One of the hardest lessons is not to judge your relationship with God based on what you see in human relationships…all of us on earth are broken, even the people you think “have it all” and the sooner we can admit we need God the sooner we may find peace in our lives. May God’s peace be with you!

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking on the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota)

Live Honestly

December 30, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

A New Way To Look At Our Sufferings

December 27, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 5:2-5

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Sow The Seeds Of Faith

December 23, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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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.“

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

(This photo was taken in March in 2013 at the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Reflect…Be Thankful

December 22, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Encouragement

December 20, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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The words of the Apostle Paul in his second letter 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 June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Let Jesus Lead The Way

December 19, 2017 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)