Turn Towards God

September 28, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

This is the first thing we should do with every aspect of our lives. We often try to go it alone and then turn to God as a last resort…even then He will be there for us because of His mercy and grace. No matter what the circumstances are…bring it to the Lord, trust in Him…it is never too late. Amen.

“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

DSC_0004 publish

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Actions Of Hope

September 16, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

An action of hope means getting practical. Working and doing things with trust in God’s plan even when the circumstances don’t reveal it. Actions of hope are a way to live in faith and to put your trust in God. In Jeremiah 32 there is a story of Jeremiah buying a field at a time when Babylon was coming to capture the city…this was not a logical action at the time rather an action of hope because God had said the people will return to buy fields, build houses and live in this land. Destruction was coming yet Jeremiah bought a field. Turn towards God in faith and ask for His guidance for opportunities for you to take actions of hope in your life. Amen.

DSC_0457 publish

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling in North Dakota)

Learning

August 24, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We learn from our experiences and by reading about the experiences of others. Many times, learning from our own experiences is a slow and difficult process as we are most stubborn with ourselves. Reading and learning from the experiences of others gives us new insight into how can we live going forward. God provides the greatest book filled with lessons and learnings, to help us as we live. Pick up a bible and learn from the experiences of those who came before us. Amen.

DSC_1594 publish

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

²for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

⁷The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:1-7

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

The Way Of Faith

August 21, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The way of faith is a wise way to live and a narrow path for life. Simple yet not easy. Commit your way to God, trust in Him and you will find peace. Amen.

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. ¹⁹For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a]; ²⁰and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

“My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
²for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

³Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”^[a]

Proverbs 3:1-6

DSC07538 publish

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

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

Run To The Lord

August 8, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Don’t hesitate…don’t come casually…decide to come to the Lord and then run to Him. He is waiting for you…He will comfort you, strengthen you and guide your way. Amen.

DSC_0090 (2) publish

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Trust In The Lord

July 27, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
⁴Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

⁷Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

⁸Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
⁹For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”

Psalm 37:3-9

DSC_0485 publish

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)

Stand Firm

July 23, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When a person stands firm in faith they are often persecuted and told that their thinking is outdated or wrong. This is because the way of the world and the way of faith are constantly in conflict with each other. The world wants faith to be convenient, easy, self-pleasing and self-serving. The way of the world is about following the sinful nature. The way of faith is not about the self-first…it is about God’s Word and Jesus Christ…the way of faith is about being humble, admitting that sin is wrong and confessing our sins…the way of faith is about surrendering your will and following God’s will according to His word. The way of faith is about your relationship with Jesus Christ. Stand firm in faith. Amen.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

DSC_1250 publish

“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 August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

All People

May 11, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Are created by God. He has a plan and He values all people. If we choose to judge others by the standards of the world, we are forgetting about what God teaches us. Often times we know very little about others we encounter in our daily life…yet we are quick to assume things about them. Pick up God’s word and strive to see people through the eyes of Jesus. Like many aspects of our faith journey it is simple, but it’s not easy. Peace be with you. Amen.

DSC_0080 publish

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

James 2:12-13

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a park in Winterset, Iowa)

The Experience Of Following

May 10, 2020May 10, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Jesus was very clear about what it takes to follow Him. It does not mean life will be easy and you will not have to face any trouble or suffering…it means we will have trouble because we live in a world that pursues the exact opposite of what Jesus teaches us. It also does not mean your life will be miserable…again it is the opposite, you can have joy and peace and contentment. It all comes down to what do you believe? Your beliefs will drive your values, your perspective and even your attitude. And so, Jesus said…“Follow me” – Matthew 9:9

DSC_0005 publish

“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever would save his life^[^a^] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Mark 8:34-36

(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Price Of Salvation

April 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Today is the third day since Resurrection Sunday and we must caution against taking our salvation for granted. For most people by now they are focused solely on the tasks of work or daily tasks at home and the glory of Christ sacrifice for us is in the rear-view mirror. The faith journey and spiritual growth is about so much more than checking in on Sunday and checking out the rest of the week. Seek your relationship with Jesus Christ every day, spend time with Him and in God’s Word. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

DSC_0126 publish