Do You Not Know? Have You Not Heard?

April 27, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There are so many different verses in the bible that can become a connection point for us. God’s Word is filled with life application instructions and teachings. I have heard people say I son’t know what to do, or all I can do is pray…the power of scripture and prayer should not be underestimated. If you haven’t seen it or you are unsure if God is present in your life…give this a try. Pick up a bible and find words that may apply to your situation…not sure what part of the book to go to…go out onto the internet and type ‘bible verses about (insert your topic here).’ The world is filled with darkness, evil and suffering…choose to follow the light that has been given to us and see what God has planned for you. May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31

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

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)

God Is Love

April 10, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Everything comes back to this…God is love. Why did God create the world, the animals and us…God is love. How did people in the Bible who had committed hurtful sins, like David, Rahab, Saul and others get used by God for the good of others…God is love. Why did Jesus come down from heaven to be born a man, to suffer, be tempted, get crucified for who He is and rise from the dead…God is love. In all that we are and all that we encounter everyday, it is most important to remember that we humans brought sin into this world and we are broken, but we are forgiven and we are saved because…God is love. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”

1 John 4:16

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

When We Are Wrong

April 9, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Another characteristic that seems to be very difficult to cultivate in today’s world is humbleness. Admitting that we are in trouble, that we made mistakes and we need help. The communication style of the world seems to be believe your own truth and punish those who disagree with you. It is already difficult to be humble and admit when we are wrong…and the path the world is on makes this even more difficult. As I am reading 1 John 1 today it talks about confessing our sins and forgiveness. We all are going to find trouble in this life, it will be best for us and for others in our life if we work on being humble when we are in trouble and helping and supporting others when they are in trouble. May God’s love and peace be with you and flow out of you.

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

1 John 1:9

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

The Light

April 6, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The Bible talks about Light in many ways. When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is our Savior and Lord, we begin to get a sense of this Light as we study the Word of God. When the Light of Christ shines in us we look different, we act different and we feel different than we use to. Acknowledging the Light is a shift in perspective, it is purposefully looking for the goodness, kindness and love in our actions and in the actions of others. It is being self-less, working for the good of others, it is coming along side someone and walking with them rather then trying to knock them down or push them aside to advance our own ideas. Seek this Light and shine it out to others and you will find peace. May God’s Light be with you.

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“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Living Faith

April 2, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We have been redeemed. Christ lives, He is in us and we are saved. Jesus did His part to save us and now it is up to us to live as a people saved by Christ. We are blessed with free will. We need to do our part to uphold our faith. Choose goodness, choose kindness, choose to help those in need, choose joy, choose to be encouraging and uplifting…we have already received more than we could have ever hoped for from Jesus Christ, now we are reconciled with God, let’s go out into the darkness of the world and share the light of Christ. May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:31

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

Good Friday, Reflect…Be Transformed

March 30, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There cannot be unexpected and jubilant celebration at the resurrection without the pain and tragedy of the crucifixion. Life is not always going to be sweet smelling roses and unconstrained happiness. It is because of our sufferings that we learn and appreciate the good things God has given us. When I think about the most difficult times of my past I begin to see my focus at those times was all self-centered, I was putting myself at the center of my life and that is not my place. When I notice the times when I have had real joy, peace and contentment it is when I have surrendered myself to God and His will. Only God can help us in the terrible times and events that are caused by humans and sin, only He can bring about the love, forgiveness, peace and joy. God does not make the bad things occur, we do that ourselves but He is always there ready to help us when we turn towards Him and His Son who sacrificed everything to save us. May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

The Love Of Christ

March 29, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It is so overwhelming to me to think about all that Jesus suffered to save us. He was different than everybody else and because of that people let fear drive them to the point of His death. When any of us look at the current circumstances in our lives and we put on the perspective of what Jesus faced on earth, it is clear to me that nothing I face in this life will ever match the love that Jesus Christ has for me…nothing. There are terrible pains, suffering and events of deep sadness that exist because of darkness and sin. The love of Christ is more powerful than any of it…not when you are trying to see it without first inviting Jesus into your heart. Invite Him into your life and read the Word of God and you will see His love every day. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 8:35,37

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Consistent

March 21, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We all experience times and events that are good times and bad times. Times when we can relax and be at peace and times when chaos reigns, it all occurs depending upon what is going on in our lives and who we are spending our time with. The environment we choose to spend time in will always impact our highs and lows. Who are we surrounding ourselves with, are we able to be ourselves or are we always performing for others consciously or subconsciously? Throughout history there is only one thing that has created a firm foundation to stand on…the bible. The Word of God and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The values and principles of a life following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are documented, solid and unchanging. If you are looking for a place to build your life on start with the greatest foundation available. May God’s peace be with you.

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Taste And See

March 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The hymns that played on Sundays in worship when I was growing up often come back to my mind. I believe this is proof that once the seed of faith is planted it will emerge when we take time to be with God. He never leaves us and no matter what we are facing He is willing to guide us if we can open ourselves up to His goodness. As the lyrics of the hymn state, “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”…some of the other hymns I remember that come to mind, “On Eagles Wings”; “Here I Am Lord” all based on verses in the bible. Music, one of the many ways God can communicate with us. May God’s peace be with you.

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