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.

DSC_0178 publish

“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.

DSC_0125 publish

“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)

Our Refuge

June 25, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 18:30

DSC_1502 publish

“Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62:8

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

God’s Word…Our Guide

June 24, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

DSC_0120 publish

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Beaver River Falls in northern Minnesota)

Be Strong

June 13, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God is with us every day, everywhere, no matter what happens. I can say this because He promised He would be…our relationship with God should not be part of our weekend “To Do” list. Spending time with Him daily and recognizing He is our Creator; His Son is our Savior and He will guide us with the Holy Spirit takes courage and a willingness to commit to His Word…a willingness to trust in Him…Be Strong. Bring your worries, your burdens, your fears…your everything to Him…everyday…no matter what. Amen.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

DSC_0939 publish

“I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

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

Hope From God

June 11, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

He gave us the greatest sacrifice to save us. He did it for love. God has promised to always be with you and God never breaks His promises. Jesus Christ died to save all of us and He has risen from the dead and it is because of His sacrifice and His resurrection that we have hope. Amen.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

1 Peter 1:6-7

DSC_0664 publish

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

1 Peter 1:8-9

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

Angels All Around Us

June 9, 2020 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

2 Kings 6:16-17

DSC_0227 publish

“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 May of 2020 along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota)

We Believe

June 6, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Romans 10:10

We Believe by Newsboys

DSC_0012 publish

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

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

The Path Of Peace

June 3, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever wants to save their life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?“

Mark 8:34-36

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

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

Trust In The Lord

June 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
⁸They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”