Worry And Anxiety

January 19, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The first time I highlighted some verses in my bible it was Matthew 6:25-34…they stood out to me. They told me something nobody else has ever told me about worries, fears and anxiety…those verses told me why I don’t need to worry all the time about everything. God is in control, He knows what we need and He knows what is best for us…now when we get off track and try to live our lives separate from God we end up getting ourselves in some pretty dicey situations…that is not God doing that to us that is all on us. So, if we want to see change in our lives and our situations it is up to us to put God first in our lives and to seek His will. Life will still have trouble but we know with God all things are possible. Amen.

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“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)

Trust

January 17, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Firm belief…confidence…faith…count on…believe in…truth…certainty…love. The darkness and evil of the world are constantly working to turn us away from God and God is constantly speaking to us. Seek Him, seek His will, believe He has good things planned for you and be patient. Amen.

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“Trust 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.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

Do Your Best

January 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The struggle is real…we strive and we press to finish and to see the result…only to find the race is not over…there is more that needs to be done. We were made for community to lift each other up and encourage one another. Each of us has been given different gifts to offer to others, we can’t be everything to everyone and if we try, we will be going off course with God’s plan. Learn what God has planned for you and the blessings and abilities He has given to you for this life. Seek to do your best according to God’s will and you will find peace. Amen.

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“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, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3

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

Transformation

January 14, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Change…modify…reshape…rebuild…renew. This is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We are not able to do this alone, although we often try. In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us the answer to the question, ‘how can I change?’ “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 If you truly want to seek a change in your life seek your relationship with Jesus Christ first and you will be transformed. Amen.

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“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 ina neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Nothing Can Separate Us

January 10, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is nothing on earth in your life that is more powerful than the love of God…nothing. Trust in the Lord…He sacrificed His life to reconcile us with God…this is the greatest gift you will ever receive. Turn towards God and trust in Him. Amen.

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“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39

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

Repentance

December 31, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Acknowledge…admit…regret…sorrow…to turn away from wrong doing…to change. The prayer I have prayed the most in 2019 is Psalm 51…it was written by David after he had committed terrible sins…we are all broken, every person since the beginning of time, the sooner we can acknowledge where we are wrong the more we can grow in faith…come near to God and He will come near to you. May God’s forgiveness and love flow through you in the new year. Amen.

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

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

The Name Of The Lord

December 20, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

This time of year can be joyful and it can be painful…depending on your journey and the road you have traveled to get here. The message of Christmas is the same today as it was thousands of years ago back in that manger. Jesus Christ was born; the Savior has come to save us all from all of our sins. He came to save all of us no matter who we are or where we came from, He came to save us no matter what we have done or what we have left undone…it is never too late to turn towards Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Savior and Lord and confess your sins. He knows you; He loves you and He is waiting to hear from you. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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

God With Us

December 19, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Emmanuel.

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

Medley by Michael W Smith

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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)

God’s Promises

December 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God has made many promises and He keeps His word. Too often we think God has failed because we expect Him to work on our timeline, when we want or we believe is the right time or way for something to happen. That is our mistake not God’s. We are not in control; humankind did not create the world and we do not determine its outcome. What God has asked us to do is to trust Him and to care for one another. Read God’s word and learn about His promises, they are the only promises you know will be kept. Amen.

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while traveling through Utah)

Put Your Hope In God

November 30, 2019December 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what has happened in the past, no matter what you are facing today and no matter what you are worried about for tomorrow…you can find rest for your soul when you put your hope in God. He alone knows what you are going through and He will never leave you or abandon you. Trust in God and trust in His Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Find Rest by Francesca Battistelli

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