Blessings And Spiritual Gifts

December 11, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

As God’s creation, each of us has been blessed and have God-given gifts and abilities

It is up to us to learn about and use the spiritual gifts God has given to us

We are blessed to be a blessing to others

What gifts has God given you?

What can you offer or provide to others in your family, your neighborhood or your faith community?

If you are unsure about your gifts, turn towards God in prayer and ask Him to help you to see

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“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8 NIV

(This photo was taken on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

No Matter What…

December 10, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
²When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;…”

Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV

God is with you…no matter where you go

God is for you…no matter who is against you

God loves you…no matter what happens

Seek Him, believe Him, trust in Him…No matter what

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling in New Mexico)

Come Near To God

December 9, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.”

Psalm 145:18 NIV

God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world

Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever

Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way

God Is With Us by Casting Crowns

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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

James 4:8 NIV

(This photo was taken at Temperance State Park on the shore of Lake Superior)

The Son Of God

December 2, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Jesus gave up everything and came down from heaven as one of us

He did it to save us by taking the punishment for our sins

He did it for you and me and everyone

He sacrificed himself for us because thats how much He loves us

Take time this Christmas season to reflect on what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for you and the people in your life

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“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:5 NIV

(This photo was taken at park along the St Croix River in Minnesota)

Prepare The Way For The Lord

November 30, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“…as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”^[a]—
³“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”^[b]

Mark 1:2-3 NIV

God’s story and God’s plan is greater than our self-centered desires

We are a part of His story, not the other way around

We all have been given certain gifts to use while we are here

Our role is to recognize the gifts we have been given and to use them to help others

We are to do our part to Prepare the Way for the coming of the Lord

Prepare Ye The Way by Michael W Smith

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning. ³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.“

John 1:1-5 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunrise on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Share The Good News

November 29, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

We live, we learn and we grow

As we read God’s word and learn about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are not only learning for ourselves…we also have a responsibility to share what we learn with others

Especially, the younger generations

Often the wisest people are those who choose to learn from life’s experiences

Each one of us has certain experiences that give us knowledge about different aspects of life…as we learn, we can share to help the future generations to benefit from our experiences

This is true for our faith journey as well…seek the Lord and share what you learn with the younger generation

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“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:5 NIV

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

Thankful For God’s Faithful Presence

November 28, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 NIV

Father God, You are the bread of life, true nourishment for my soul. Forgive me when I chase what the world offers, instead of You. I want to pursue You and know You, rather than empty pleasures. Thank You for your faithful presence in our world and my life. Keep me focused on You and an attitude of gratitude today and all through the holiday season. In Jesus name, Amen.

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“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:9-10 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

What’s Different…Perspective

November 27, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.“

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

Different by Micah Tyler

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“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NIV

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

God Is Greater

November 25, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.”

2 Chronicles 2:5 NIV

“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

1 John 3:20 NIV

Put anything that comes to mind before this title and it will be a true statement…God is greater

No matter what you can think of, our God is greater

This means whatever is on your mind, whatever is pulling on you or keeping you distracted, whatever burden you are carrying…God is greater than that issue, that problem, that worry, that concern, that guilt or shame

It doesn’t matter if we are are talking about the past, the present or the future…

God is greater than all things and He is with you right now

Turn towards Him, talk with Him and trust in Him

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