Do Not Be Overcome

April 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world…it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations. The bible also gives us examples of people who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives with faith. At times it wasn’t pretty, they didn’t live lives that were sweet and easy all the time. Read about Abraham and Sarah, read about Joseph. Look through the pages of David’s life. Take time to read about the life of Jesus. Yes, there are struggles, trials and suffering and a life of faith and living in God’s love doesn’t mean they will disappear…it provides you the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times. Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God and pray and you will see hope. Amen.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4

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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21

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

Be Present

March 31, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Stay alert of your thoughts, words and actions. It is so easy to slide down a dark path and to be led astray by temptations. Keep the Word of God in your heart and verses will come to mind when you need them most. When an opportunity presents itself, share your faith and what you believe respectfully. Trust in the Lord, He is with you. Amen.

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“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

1 Peter 5:8-9

(This photo was taken in July of 2012 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Overcome Trouble

March 7, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The battles are many and they are different for all of us. The darkness and evil of this world are constantly attacking us and everyone is fighting a battle of some sort…chose to overcome trouble, believe in Jesus Christ. He has fought this fight and He has overcome the trouble of this world. Stay strong in the battle find courage, strength, wisdom, peace and hope in the only One who can provide it, your Savior and Lord. Amen.

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in southern Coilorado)

Persistence

January 26, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Perseverance…determination…patience…endurance…dedication…commitment. Stay the course…don’t give up. This is what it takes to find what you are looking for…no matter what it is. Reflect on what you have been “thinking about doing,” what have you been “wishing were different” in your life…is it related to your finances? Is it related to your weight? Is it related to a relationship? Your faith? Something else? Begin again and this time bring it to the Lord first, seek His wisdom and be persistent. Amen.

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“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. ⁹Let 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 6:7-10

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

It Takes Courage…

January 20, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

To move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…to share and be vulnerable with another person. It takes courage to be humble…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…it takes courage to live the life that God has intended for you…and the best part is…a relationship with Jesus Christ will give you the courage to seek His will when you trust in Him. Amen.

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Wisdom

December 27, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We have so much to learn…it is easy to think that we have lived our lives long enough to know what is right for us. We have experiences to draw on and we rely on feelings and emotions. Yet God knew all of these things before we were even born. He is our Creator and He loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son to save us…He knows what is best for us. For example, how many people would believe that Saul could become Paul…the greatest enemy of Christians would become one of the greatest disciples? You can read about it in Acts 9…this is the wisdom of God and it is far greater than any human wisdom. Trust in the Lord and seek His will for you and your life. Amen.

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“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in what is now officially White Sands National Park in New Mexico)

God’s Presence

December 9, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Courage…comfort…strength…persevering…secure…enduring. In the bible we are told we will have trouble in this world. All of us will be in a battle of some kind…we are also told that God will be with us every step of the way. There have never been any promises that life will be easy and even if you think someone has an easy life, they may be fighting a battle you know nothing about. Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives, in your prayers give Him thanks…if it is hard to see where He is working or what He is up to in your life, pray that you can look at things with new eyes and a new perspective. No matter what the situation…God is with you and He knows what you are going through, today and every day. May His peace wash over you. Amen.

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Faith Over Fear

November 24, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When facing struggles and suffering, we have a choice to act based on our faith or on our fears. Choose faith. Fear is a weapon of evil and a powerful one. When given the opportunity, faith can conquer fear. As with most things there is a certain amount of fear that is healthy, protective instinct and we all need that level for personal safety. An unhealthy level of fear is destructive and paralyzing and keeps us from the life God intends for us. Bring your fears to the Lord and let your faith be greater than your fear. Amen.

Fear Is A Liar by Zach Williams

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico)

Do Not Be Afraid

November 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God is with you…wherever you are…whatever your circumstances…no matter what you have done or left undone…God promised He would never leave you or abandon you. If you can’t see Him…look at things differently than you have been. Pick up God’s word and learn about Him so that you can see. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

(This photo was taken in December of 2013 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Courage

November 8, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A life if faith is not easy and we were never promised it would be…in fact the bible is clear that we all will face troubles in this world. Everyone is facing a battle of some kind and it takes courage to stand in faith and live with God at the center of your life. God knows our difficulties and struggles and Jesus lived as a man on earth for over 30 years and knows all too well the ways of the fallen world. Turn towards Jesus Christ, trust in Him to guide your life and stand firm on the foundation of your faith. Amen.

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