Faith, Trust…Hope

May 14, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God has shown us how much He loves us by sending His One and Only Son to the Cross to die for us, even though we were still sinners. We didn’t earn it; it is a gift from God. No matter where you have been, no matter what you have done…Jesus Christ died to save you. Put your faith in God, trust in Him and you will find hope. Amen.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Hope

April 23, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What drives it? Why do we have it? It comes from belief…it comes from trusting. Even when no one believes there is any hope…hope persists. Think about the day Jesus was crucified…nobody, not even the disciples had hope. Jesus, their teacher, the one who performed miracles had died…yet with God anything is possible. Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! The stories of hope with God in the bible go on and on…Sarah who was barren has a son…Moses and the Red Sea…Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego survive the fiery furnace…Daniel in the lion’s den…Mary the virgin gives birth to Jesus and on and on it goes. Don’t give up hope…trust in God. Amen.

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“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)

The Way Home

April 17, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We all have choices and decisions to make in life and each one leads us either closer to or further away from God. God provides all that we need, an instruction manual for life…the Bible…He has provided the One who can lead us…Jesus Christ. Meet with Jesus regarding the path you are on and follow Him…He is the only Way home. Amen.

Home by Chris Tomlin

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

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“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

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

Do Not Be Overcome

April 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world…it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations. The bible also gives us examples of people who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives with faith. At times it wasn’t pretty, they didn’t live lives that were sweet and easy all the time. Read about Abraham and Sarah, read about Joseph. Look through the pages of David’s life. Take time to read about the life of Jesus. Yes, there are struggles, trials and suffering and a life of faith and living in God’s love doesn’t mean they will disappear…it provides you the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times. Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God and pray and you will see hope. Amen.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4

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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21

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

It’s Simple…

March 30, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Treat other people the way you want them to treat you. When you stop and think about it…often times yelling and anger gets you more yelling and anger right back at you…and kindness and a smile often get a kind response back. We are in charge of our attitudes and how we treat others and Jesus tells us the simple Golden Rule of life in the bible. Read about what Jesus teaches us and follow the example He has set for us. Amen.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:31

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“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

(This photo was taken in July of 2012 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Our Hope

March 18, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Comes from God. Easter is approaching and that event more than any other shows us that from the worst of tragedy God can bring about the greatest joy. Nothing is more powerful and wonderful than God. We do not know what tomorrow holds for us but we know full well who holds tomorrow. May God’s peace and comfort surround you this day. Amen.

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Come Near…

March 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Listen to songs of worship…go to a quiet place and pray…read God’s Word…reflect on where and when have you seen God at work in your life…have gratitude and give thanks for the blessings you have in your life…share whatever you can with those who are in need…these are just a few of the ways you can come near to God…none of them cost money, only a willingness and a desire to have a relationship with Him. Use this time to connect or reconnect with God the Father, Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

James 4:7-8

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

Overcome Trouble

March 7, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The battles are many and they are different for all of us. The darkness and evil of this world are constantly attacking us and everyone is fighting a battle of some sort…chose to overcome trouble, believe in Jesus Christ. He has fought this fight and He has overcome the trouble of this world. Stay strong in the battle find courage, strength, wisdom, peace and hope in the only One who can provide it, your Savior and Lord. Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in southern Coilorado)

With Hope

March 6, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The world looks at hope as wishful thinking, unrealistic or a daydream. The biblical definition of hope seems to be more like a confidence and belief in what God has promised and trust in His faithfulness. We may not ever fully understand or be able to comprehend things while we are here, yet with hope, provided by Jesus Christ we know that anything is possible. Be patient, be persistent, keep doing good things and believe with hope that comes only from God. 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 June of 2013 while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Jesus Comforts Us

March 5, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When you read the red letters in the bible, the very words of Jesus, He often spoke in a way that was comforting to others. Sometimes He needed to be firm and many times He had to repeat Himself, yet His overwhelming presence was comforting. He knows what it is like to live as a human on earth…He has experienced childhood, teenage years and interactions of many kinds during His life…He knows about weddings, friendships, helping others, betrayal, frustrations, temptations, pain and suffering and death. He knows what is happening in your life…today. Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and you will find comfort. Amen.

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