Jesus Knows…

January 24, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

He lived a life on earth…He was born as a baby…He was a toddler…He was a teenager, we don’t get to read about that time in the bible but He had to live it to get to the age of 33…He experienced hardship, pain, bad things that other people did to Him, He experienced unfair judgement by people that didn’t know Him, He was bullied…He experienced temptations of the devil and He suffered punishment as an innocent man. Jesus knows about everything and anything you are facing in this life, not only because He is the Son of God but because He experienced life on earth with other people…just like you and me. Jesus knows and He wants to walk with you on your journey…there truly is no better guide for us in life than Jesus Christ. Amen.

DSC_0090 (2) publish

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 2:18

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on a hike near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Perspective

January 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Outlook…viewpoint…position…approach…frame of mind…attitude. What feeds your perspective? What are you consuming with your eyes, your ears and your mind? What experience or experiences are framing your view? All of these are inputs into your perspective and they shape your attitude. If we choose to allow our point of view to be shaped by what goes on around us in a world filled with me first, self-centered, get more attitudes we will become like the world. The best defense is to build a foundation within your heart and mind that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can’t stop the world from trying to influence us, yet we can choose to turn away from the sin and run towards our Savior and Lord. Jesus said;

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Begin or continue to build a strong foundation for your everyday life…trust in the Lord and you will find peace. Amen.

DSC_0029-1 publish

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake place in northwestern Wisconson)

Thanks Be To God

December 22, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is hope…even at times when it feels like there is no hope…God is still on the throne in heaven and even though things don’t go the way we want them to, or how we want them to, or things don’t happen when we want…we still have hope for the future because of Jesus Christ. No matter where you are or what is happening or not happening in your life, look around your life for what is good, look for what you can be grateful for and give thanks to God. Amen.

DSC_0376 publish (2)

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

He Understands

December 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

In the bible, Jesus is referred to as the Son of God and also as the Son of Man. During His life on earth He was God in human form. He knows what it is like to be one of us living on earth. If you have ever thought, ‘God doesn’t seem to care about me’ or ‘God is far too busy to care about my problems’…take a look at Jesus, read about His life in the New Testament of the bible…He knows about life on earth, He understands what you are experiencing. Trust in the Lord and you will find peace. Amen.

DSC_0004 publish

“Jesus wept.”

John 11:35

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

The New Has Come

December 3, 2019 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

There is always hope for a new way and it begins by having a new attitude or new perspective. If you wish things to be different or you believe there is something missing in your life and you are not sure how to find it…you must begin by changing you. There is a phrase/quote that is used by some groups that sums this up really well…’the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result.’ The bible also tells us this, we must become new again and see things with new eyes and a new attitude. We don’t have to do this alone; we can begin by turning towards Jesus Christ and inviting Him into our hearts and minds. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you. Amen.

DSC06174 publish

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Contentment

November 27, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As the retail world bombards us with messages of the ‘greatest sale ever’…’lowest prices now’ and this year…’black Friday prices early’…it is a good time to seek contentment. This could be done by spending more time reflecting on all that we already have been given…realizing how much our needs are met each day and being…thankful. I find it interesting that the holiday intended to focus on gratitude is constantly getting pounded by the ‘get more’ self-focused attitude. Let’s work on becoming a new creation this holiday season and spend more time on being grateful for what we have, considering what abundance we can share with others and spend less time fulfilling our self-satisfying wants and desires. May the peace of the Lord be with you this holiday season. Amen.

DSC_0142_1 publish

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

1 Timothy 6:6-9

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

Gratitude

November 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Where do you see God today? If you think for a moment where did you see Him at work yesterday? When was the last time you recognized what God has done for you and you took time to give Him thanks? An attitude of gratitude starts by taking time to acknowledge what needs have been met by God in your life and offering thanks to God for those blessings. It is easy to slip into a mode where we take things or people for granted. A decision to be grateful is a change in perspective that can put to rest the worries and anxiety about what we don’t have and redirect us back to giving thanks to the Lord. Thanks be to God for His love, mercy and grace. Amen.

DSC_0035 publish

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalms 118:24

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

A Different Attitude

November 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A change in perspective…focusing on eternal values rather than worldly values…living with the Fruit of the Spirit in mind at all times…getting rid of pride, selfishness and worldly ambitions and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to be different, not better than but different from the ways of the world. Amen.

Different by Micah Tyler

DSC_0105 publish

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

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

Peace

November 10, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

In the Gospel of John chapter 14, Jesus speaks of peace. If you have ever wondered ‘where is God in all of this?’ or ‘Where can I find peace?’ True peace requires a new perspective…the words of Jesus in John 14:27 “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.” He comes right out and tells us ‘not as the world gives’…if we are looking for peace according to the world’s values, we will not find peace only heartache and suffering. The one way the only way to find peace is through a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. Turn towards Jesus and away from sin and you will find peace. Amen.

DSC_0993 publish

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

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

Thanks Be To God

September 21, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What are you thankful for in your life today? Giving thanks is not reserved for once a year in November. Being thankful and having gratitude is about changing your perspective to a positive point of view. It is easy to focus on what is wrong, what I don’t have and what I can’t do or even what other people are doing wrong…be different…take inventory of your life today…look around, what are you thankful for? Pray about it and ask God to help you to continue to see the good. All that is good is from God and for that we give Him thanks. Amen.

DSC_1549 publish