Holy Spirit

Courage

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

Romans 8:28-35

DSC07553 publish

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[c] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither 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 June of 2013 while traveling in southern Colorado)

He Is With You

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what…no matter where…no matter what you have done or left undone…He is with you. Give thanks and find peace with Jesus. Amen.

There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Make Time For Rest

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The pace of life always seems to be increasing and so we must make a conscious effort to live a balanced and healthy life. This includes more than eating right and physical exercise…we must also spend time nurturing our mind and our spirit. If we are always running at peak energy and activity we will eventually crash and the constant high high’s and low low’s is taxing on every part of who we are. Strive for balance…make time to go to a quiet place and rest. Jesus knows this is important for us and spoke about it in the Gospels. Follow His example…make time for rest. Amen.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.””

Mark 6:31

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30

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

God Truly Is The Way Maker

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We continually wander off and get led astray and no matter where we go or what we get ourselves into…God is the only One who is our Way Maker to get us back on track…He gives us the ability to see…He gives us wisdom…He gives us courage…He makes the way clear. Trust in God and His will…He loves you and He is constantly working to be your Way Maker. Amen.

Way Maker by Leeland

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

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

Run To The Lord

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Don’t hesitate…don’t come casually…decide to come to the Lord and then run to Him.  He is waiting for you…He will comfort you, strengthen you and guide your way.  Amen.

DSC_0090 (2) publish

“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 July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

 

Plans

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Whose plans are you working on?  What is the purpose of what you are doing?  When you have questions like this and others about your life the best place to turn is to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  He knows what is best for you and He loves you.  Ask the Lord to guide and direct you and then pay attention and listen for His reply.  Amen.

DSC_0022 publish

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3

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

Listen

/ mcalcagno / 2 Comments

God speaks to us many ways…most often it is through the words in the Scriptures.  When we read the bible, we are reading the very words of God.  Things He wants us to know…a guide for living with peace in our hearts.  In our relationship with the Lord we should not be the one doing all the talking, otherwise we will miss out on hearing God’s will and God’s plan for our lives.  Listen and you will learn and gain wisdom from God.  Amen.

“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5

DSC_0135 (2) publish

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 32:8

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

It Takes Courage…

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The post below was originally posted in January of 2020…my how the world has changed since January…we need courage to do the right things now more than ever…we need to trust in the Lord.  Amen.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

To move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…to share and be vulnerable with another person.  It takes courage to be humble…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…it takes courage to live the life that God has intended for you…and the best part is…a relationship with Jesus Christ will give you the courage to seek His will when you trust in Him.  Amen.

DSC_0164 publish

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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

A Servant Spirit

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It takes discipline and a willingness to sacrifice self-serving ways.  It is not about fame and fortune or ‘likes’ and ‘followers’.  There are many in our society that choose a vocation to serve and it shows the goodness that comes from God that can shine through us.  It really is a choice for each of us, how we want to live…what attitude we are going to put on each day.  If and when you are finding it difficult due to the sinful nature of this world…turn towards God in prayer and put some of God’s Word in your heart to renew and refresh your spirit.  I have often used Psalm 51:10-12 to help my spirit.  May God’s peace be with you.  Amen.

DSC_0334 publish

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:1-4

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

Open Ended Praying

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When you pray leave room for God’s will and God’s plan to be the way you should go.  We tend to think we have things all figured out and we just need to top it off with a quick FYI to God to get Him on board.  Surrendering to God’s will and God’s plan means we are open to a new way for things to go…maybe in a way we haven’t considered or thought about yet…be open ended in your prayers…make room for God’s way in your life.  Amen.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 143:8

DSC_0232 publish

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And 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 March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)