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.

DSC_1549 publish

“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)

How We Spend Time

July 22, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

None of us knows the time we have and yet we easily take it for granted. The people in our lives and our relationships with them will end up meaning more than anything else in this world. As each generation lives through the phases of life, we all have different experiences and opportunities to share with each other. We eventually will get the opportunity to share with the next generation and that is what we truly will leave behind when we go home to the Lord. If you are thinking about your time, turn towards Jesus in prayer and ask Him to guide you to living your life more closely aligned to God’s plan. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you. Amen.

DSC_0029-1 publish

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17

(This photo was taken last weekend at a lake place in northwestern Wisconsin)

With God In Control…

June 6, 2019June 6, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We can be conquerors of sin…we can overcome obstacles…we can be blessed with wisdom to find our way. If we are willing to cast our worries and burdens on Him and trust His love for us anything is possible. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan for us. Believe and you will receive. Amen.

DSC_1556 publish

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 8:37

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

Perspective

May 29, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we talk about the rich and the poor our minds immediately go to someone’s value based on their financial position. There are more ways to be rich or poor than with money. People can be rich or poor in intellect or with emotions. The bible talks about spiritual poverty and spiritual riches. If we get it stuck in our minds that money is the key item to define poverty and wealth then we are missing out on so much joy and we are setting ourselves up for constant defeat and struggle. Turn towards the Lord in prayer and read God’s Word regarding wealth and poverty (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and be open to expanding and shaping your perspective of rich and poor. Amen.

DSC_0150 publish

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:2

(This photo was taken in March 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Whatever You Do…

May 28, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

During your time at work or at home…with family or friends…on an adventure or relaxing on a beach…or just trying to keep up with a busy schedule…God is watching over you. Too often we are turning away from Him, going off on our own and then making some sort of mess of things. To read a similar story, pick up the bible and look at Luke 15:11-32…the story of the prodigal son. God is just like a father that welcomes us back every time we come home to Him. Seek the Lord and walk with Him in all that you do. Amen.

DSC_0043 publish

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Chirst Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the covered bridges near Winterset, Iowa)

Persevere

March 14, 2019 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

Purposeful…dedicated…courageous…committed…determined…resolute. It takes strength to run the race of faith. The evil in this world will serve us many forms of darkness and struggle, it will work hard, very hard to keep us away from God. We have to be willing to fight just as hard to stay close to God and trust in the hope that faith gives us…even when…especially when we can’t see it. Don’t stop believing…(and now the song by Journey is playing in my mind)…keep the faith, when you get knocked back or pushed down trust in God and keep running the race of faith. Amen.

DSC_0555 publish

“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.”

Hebrews 12:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Contentment

March 3, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Satisfaction…fulfillment…comfort…well-being…peace…serenity…tranquility. This is not a popular word when it comes to many areas of society. The messages are usually about more, more and more. The perspective of faith encourages us to find contentment with worldly things and use our zeal in life to serve the Lord. To be content does not mean to retract from engaging in or to stop pursuing something rather it is about priorities. God can and does meet our needs, our job is knowing when we have enough and when we receive beyond that it is for us to share with others. May the grace and peace of God be with you. Amen.

DSC_1641 publish

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

1 Timothy 6:6

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

Serve One Another

February 28, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We are comforted by the presence of the Lord in our lives. A life of faith can lead to peace and joy that transcends worldly understanding. As we are fulfilled, we are equipped to help others who are in need. Our growth in our spiritual lives will shape us as a new creation, with new values, a new attitude and a new perspective. God does provide all that we need and it is up to us to use the blessings we receive to care for ourselves, our families and others. We are blessed to be a blessing. Amen.

DSC07554 publish

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13-14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)

Father God

February 6, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We are encouraged by the grace and mercy God our Father gives to us. We stumble and fall and yet He loves us the same. He walks with us daily and still there are days we yell ‘God, where are you?’ His love for us is greater than any we will find in human relationships but yet we put our time with Him off to the side or as a low priority that easily can be removed for our busy lives. We seek His forgiveness and He delivers everytime…the Word of God never changes…He created us; He loves us; He calls us by name…at that point it is up to us to respond. The greatest Dad there is, is God our Father. We are His children. We are comforted and encouraged by His love. Amen.

IMG_5059 publish

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Psalm 103:8

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

Give Thanks

January 26, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Lord, I thank you for the people you have put in my life. My family, my friends including all of those who help me to see things differently, the encouragement they provide and the joy and laughter we experience together. They help guide me through the rocky moments and events in life. Because of them I know you are near and I give thanks for your faithfulness and your love. Thank you, Lord…I love you…Amen.

dsc06917 publish