Priorities

October 14, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Galatians 6:7-8

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:9-10

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at the High Falls in Tettegouche State Park in northern Minnesota)

Patience

July 1, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Originally posted in May of 2018…

When we believe and we trust in God we will be required to develop patience in this world. Circumstances will often look hopeless and many people will despair and be engulfed in sadness and fear, that is the way of evil. We must never give up hope, we must trust in God to continue working for the good for us and for everyone. God does not make bad things happen, He is not tempting you with things that are not good…that is sin in the world and we humans invited that sin into this world. God is at work in all the bad we have created to bring out goodness, kindness and love. Believe in Him who created us, believe in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ and see the good things that can happen in your life in this world. May God’s peace and joy be with you.

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“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

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

The Power Of Prayer

June 27, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in February of 2019…

We are children of God. He wants to hear from us. We may think, well He is God if He knows everything and life is supposed to go according to His plan why do I need to talk to Him? Think about your relationship with your parents or if you are a parent think about your relationship with your children. In both circumstances the relationship is always enhanced or stronger when we have good cmmunication. The same is true with Father God. Believe in the power of prayer. Amen.

“When We Pray” by Tauren Wells

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

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

Walking With God

April 22, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

A faith journey. It begins with prayer. It grows as we read the Scriptures, spend time in devotions, engage in our communities, serve others…it transforms us with a new attitude centered on God and His will for us. Trust in God, spend time on your relationship with Jesus Christ and pray…pray about everything, every day. Amen.

“Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.”

Micah 6:8

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

Gifts And Blessings

February 27, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As God’s creation, each of us has been blessed and have God-given gifts and abilities. Our purpose in our lives is to love the Lord and to learn about and use the gifts He has given us to contribute to our communities. What gifts has God given you? What can you do or provide to others in your family, your neighborhood or your faith community? If you are unsure, turn towards God in prayer and seek His will for you. Amen.

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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

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 on a golf course in northwestern Wisconsin)

Together In Christ

February 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is a section in Ecclesiastes 4 that speaks about going through life alone versus with others. It provides a few examples of how much more difficult life can be alone. We are made to be in community, to work together to support each other. I am a sports fan and my favorite sport is football, today is a very big day in the football world…over the years I have reflected on the different sports and I have come to realize I often prefer team sports versus individual ones…it is not that individual sports are bad but I prefer a sport where we are more dependent on each other than individual talent alone…a sport that requires community for success. At its basic level, in football it takes all 11 people on the field to find success, individuals willing to sacrifice for the good of the team…community, working together for the good of all. May we all be engaged in community in our daily lives…if you are unsure of your community, turn towards God and seek His guidance. Amen.

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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:1-6

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Custer State Park in South Dakota)

Do Your Best

January 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The struggle is real…we strive and we press to finish and to see the result…only to find the race is not over…there is more that needs to be done. We were made for community to lift each other up and encourage one another. Each of us has been given different gifts to offer to others, we can’t be everything to everyone and if we try, we will be going off course with God’s plan. Learn what God has planned for you and the blessings and abilities He has given to you for this life. Seek to do your best according to God’s will and you will find peace. Amen.

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3

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

A Giving Mindset

November 29, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The holiday season is a time to remind us to be grateful and to share with others where and when we are able. The challenge is to maintain a level of a giving mindset throughout the whole year. It is easy to slip into a self-oriented mindset for numerous reasons…the ability to stand firm and to change your perspective is possible by building and growing your relationship with Jesus Christ, every day. He knows what it means to sacrifice for others, He knows how to have compassion and to be humble even when, especially when we don’t deserve it. Ask God to help you find and maintain a giving mindset throughout the holiday season and beyond. May we all find moments of peace and joy and opportunities to help those in need. Amen.

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“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:13

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while driving through Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Self-less

August 4, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the most tragic afflictions of our time is selfishness. The me first with a lack of consideration for others attitude, constantly assessing my place in the world compared to others and then determining my own value based on what others think about me. This perspective pushes God to the side and puts me first as the top priority. This has always been an affliction on human society and it seems to have grown exponentially since the explosion of social media. One of the world’s greatest needs right now is more humility. Imagine the impact on human relationships when people are looking to lift others up instead of tearing them down. I am not suggesting we ignore self-care rather we put God first to guide us in the way we live. I pray that we all take time to be humble and serve others more than we look to be served. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition of vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

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