Where Is Your Treasure?

July 22, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the most precious gifts in life is time…where we spend our time gives light to what we value. When we spend too much time on things that are not aligned with God’s will for us, often we feel discouraged and drained. When we seek God’s wisdom and we strive to live in His will and purpose for our lives we feel renewed, peaceful and content. Take time to assess where you are spending your time and seek to look at your purpose through God’s will rather than the world’s perspective. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

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““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust^[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

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

God Knows

July 20, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter where you have been…no matter what you have done or left undone…God knows. We may feel alone or trapped in our lives due to circumstances around us…don’t believe the lies that Satan is telling you…God knows about you…God loves you…He knows about everything and He knew it when He sent His Son to die for you. You are not alone…God is with you and God loves you. Turn towards God in faith and pray. Amen.

God Only Knows by for King and Country

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

Psalm 103:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 on a bridge near Winterset, Iowa)

Recharge

July 19, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Spend time alone with God in prayer. Focus on your relationship with Him and your relationships with others. When you pray don’t worry about using the right words, be open and honest with the Lord and speak from your heart…then sit quietly alone and listen…focusing your mind on Christ alone. Do this every day and you will feel the nourishment of your soul, the unexplainable sensation of peace will wash over you and your spirit will be renewed. Recharge your spirit each day and God’s peace be with you. Amen.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do 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 4:4-7

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

The Cross

July 18, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our Savior…He was flogged…He was beaten…He dragged that Cross as the crowds cursed Him and spit on Him. He was crucified on it and took the punishment for our sins. He died…for you and for me. Why? Because He loves us that much. The best part is three days later God raised Him from the dead and Christ is alive. We are loved, we are forgiven and it is up to us to spread the Good News…the message of The Cross. Amen.

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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18

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

His Angels

July 17, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

They are nearer than you think. They are fighting for us against the forces of darkness. They keep us safe and help guide us. They aren’t looking for us to honor them, they do their work so that we will honor God. When our time is up, they will usher us up to heaven. Give thanks to God for the angels in your life. Amen.

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“For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Psalm 91:11-12

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 while on a walk in a park in central Minnesota)

The Lord Is Good To All

July 14, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We live in a fallen world (Genesis 3) and we are surrounded by the sinful nature and our own sins. We have been told in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33) …so we should expect it. However, we still have hope because of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross for us. He has taken on all the sin of the world and has given us a Way to the Father. Trust in the Lord, do good things because the Lord is good to all He has made. Amen.

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

⁹The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 on the north shore on Lake Superior)

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

July 10, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in December of 2018…

One of the most difficult things for us to accomplish is change. A change that will last, is sustainable and makes a difference in us and how we interact with others. One of the greatest changes in human history occurred when Jesus Christ changed Saul into Paul, His disciple. We read about this is the Book of Acts, chapter 9. What Jesus did to create and sustain this change was to illuminate His Presence to Saul. To show His Presence and then to give instructions to Saul as to what he must do. God is present in creation and in each of our lives everyday…we just need to do a better job of looking for Him. His Presence exists in nature, the change of the seasons and in the Fruits of the Spirit that we give and receive in our interactions with others. God is with you, He loves you and His Presence is what gives you strength. Thanks be to God. 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)

The Grace Of God

July 7, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in January of 2019…

We have been saved…the battle has been won. Jesus Christ gave of Himself to save us and to reconcile us back to God. We are not made to do life alone, God our Creator made us out of His love and His Son sacrificed His life because of His love for us and the Holy Spirit is guiding us through our days with God’s grace. We haven’t earned it, we don’t deserve it. It has occured because of the mercy and grace of God our Father. He is not a distant figure in the sky looking for ways to punish us for every mistake, He is doing everything for our good, not according to our plans rather according to His. We would do well to turn towards God and thank Him and seek to grow our relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.

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