Treasures

August 20, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in July of 2018…

What gets your attention quickly? What is it that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing faster? What is it in your life that you have passion towards? These are hints of your treasures. We all have something that drives to the heart of us. As we continue to grow on our faith journey the treasures tend to change. As knowledge and time spent on growing our relationship with Jesus Christ increases we begin to get a better understanding of the value of relationships. We also can begin to clearly see that the stuff and the things we have worried about in the past may have been foolish worries. We are humbled to learn that God in heaven knows us, loves us and forgives us and the things He has planned for us involve far greater treasures than those the world offers us. May the awe and wonder of our God be with you. Amen.

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“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

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

Make Time For Rest

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 / 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. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For 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

August 16, 2020 / 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)

God’s Presence

August 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.

“You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

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

Wisdom And Understanding

August 13, 2020 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

Often times the writings in the bible can be misunderstood because the true intent of the word has lost its meaning in society. Take the word ‘fear’ as an example…in today’s world this strictly means to be afraid, danger or a bad feeling. In the bible to fear the Lord is to regard God with reverence and awe, to be respectful. When we learn we gain wisdom and when we understand the writing becomes clearer. We would be wise to regard God with reverence and awe. Amen.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
¹⁴for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10

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

Give Thanks To The Lord

August 12, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God. We are redeemed…we are loved. God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us. Give thanks to the Lord. Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

Be Patient

August 11, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Do not be anxious or worried…be persistent in doing good things and in prayer. God works on His own time table not ours. He knows what you need and He wants to give you good things. He cares for you, trust in the Lord. Amen.

“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

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“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Psalm 37:7

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

Set An Example

August 10, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A younger generation watches the older generation…they observe the words, actions and behaviors of those who came before them. Every generation has made a contribution to where the world is today…good, bad and otherwise, no one group deserves only praise or only blame. We are all accountable for how we act and behave. Choose to do good things…seek to do the good things that God asks you to do according to His Word. Amen.

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“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. ⁷Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.“

Titus 2:6-8

(This photo was taken in March of 2013 in the Bontanical Gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Open Your Heart

August 9, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Let the Word of the Lord wash over you and cleanse you…clear your mind and share what is on your heart with the Lord. Spend time reading God’s Word…let the peace of Jesus into your daily life. Amen.

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

James 1:21

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“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 July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Run To The Lord

August 8, 2020 / 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.

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