Inspiration

Savior…Sacrifice…Salvation

/ mcalcagno / 3 Comments

Originally posted in March of 2019…

The world tells us to pursue money, comfort and the easy life.  To look out for ourselves and satisfy ourselves first and most often, this is the sinful nature and it has taken hold in many people.  There is a way to be different and to live with purpose and it is based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He loves you, He gave His life to save you and His way is the only way to God the Father.  Spend time reading God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  May the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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

John 14:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

The Grace Of God

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Originally posted in January of 2019…

We have been saved…the battle has been won.  Jesus Christ gave of Himself to save us and to reconcile us back to God.  We are not made to do life alone, God our Creator made us out of His love and His Son sacrificed His life because of His love for us and the Holy Spirit is guiding us through our days with God’s grace.  We haven’t earned it, we don’t deserve it.  It has occured because of the mercy and grace of God our Father.  He is not a distant figure in the sky looking for ways to punish us for every mistake, He is doing everything for our good, not according to our plans rather according to His.  We would do well to turn towards God and thank Him and seek to grow our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)

Contentment

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Originally posted in July of 2019…

I hope you have enjoyed the music and listening for God in the talent of those who have been blessed to share the Good News through song over the last few weeks.  This morning I am struck by gratitude for all the good things God has given.  There is so much to be thankful for and yet we often choose to wish for things to be different or to have more or less of something.  It seems to be human nature to desire more in some way, however, true joy and peace is found only in contentment.  Think about how much we can enjoy the present moments in life each day if we begin with gratitude and thankfulness for what blessings we have been given and put Christ in the center of our lives rather than ourselves and our desires.  Thanks be to God for all He has done for us and may the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

1 Timothy 6:6-7

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at sunset on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Compassion

/ mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Originally posted in September of 2018…

To be helpful…thoughtful…aware of the suffering of others…a desire to provide help and support…understanding the needs of another.  One of the strongest elements of humility is compassion.  Being aware that others are suffering and need assistance and then going and doing something that provides help and support.  We all have different roles in our relationships with others, which means there are many different ways for us to provide help and support depending on who needs us and what has happened to them.  When you know or get a sense inside you that you should do something for someone else but you are unsure what it is you should do, do not ignore that feeling, turn to the Lord and ask Him to help guide you to what the other person needs…then listen and watch for His reply.  Be careful not to do something you believe they need from your perspective, rather be sensitive and aware of what they say they need.  Compassion does not have to be something difficult and complex in order to be helpful…often times it is the simple and thoughtful things that make the biggest difference for others.  May God’s grace and mercy flow through us and into our relationships.

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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 near the border between Minnesota and South Dakota)

Put Your Hope In God

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Originally posted in December of 2018…

Good morning.  Welcome to a new day.  There are many things happening in your life today, yet God is still with you because He loves you.  Sharing the lyrics and music of the song on my mind this morning.  Here is “Find Rest” by Francesca Battistelli

“Find Rest”

He never sleeps, He never slumbers
He’s been awake at every hour
No tear catches Him by surprise
He’s never lost, He never runs out
He never lives in the shadows of doubt
No fear catches Him by surpriseFind rest my soul
Put your hope in God
Put your hope, put your hope in God

He always is, He always will be
He always has been everything I need
How can this be catching me by surprise
He’s ever strong, He’s ever faithful
His love is real, now nothing is impossible
‘Cause nothing catches Him by surprise

Find rest my soul
Put your hope in God
Put your hope, put your hope in GodI close my eyes, and I can see
The arms of mercy holding me
I close my eyes, and I can see
The arms of Jesus holding me

Find rest my soul
Put your hope in God
Put your hope, put your hope in GodPut your hope in God
Put your hope in God

Songwriters: Francesca Battistelli / Ian Eskelin / Jared Anderson
Find Rest lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Capitol Christian Music Group

 

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“Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:11

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

A Foundation Of Faith

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Originally posted in June of 2019…

Even though the world knocks you down, your faith will see you through.

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalms 37:3-4

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

Perspective

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Originally posted in January of 2020…

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.

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“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)

Patience

/ mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Originally posted in May of 2018…

When we believe and we trust in God we will be required to develop patience in this world.  Circumstances will often look hopeless and many people will despair and be engulfed in sadness and fear, that is the way of evil.  We must never give up hope, we must trust in God to continue working for the good for us and for everyone.  God does not make bad things happen, He is not tempting you with things that are not good…that is sin in the world and we humans invited that sin into this world.  God is at work in all the bad we have created to bring out goodness, kindness and love.  Believe in Him who created us, believe in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ and see the good things that can happen in your life in this world.  May God’s peace and joy be with you.

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“I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

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

Everything, Anything

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Originally posted in November of 2018…

Nothing is to big, to complex.  Nothing is to powerful.  Nothing is to difficult to solve.  When we believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him with our everything, everyday we know that God will guide our way through anything we encounter in life.  It may not be the way we would do it on our own, but that is the point, on our own we would get stuck…stopped, without resolution.  No matter what it is you are facing, no matter what battle is knocking you down…get back up and surrender the issue to God.  That doesn’t mean you stop doing things or stop living, it means you do your best according to God’s word to live by the Fruits of the Spirit and let God take care of the rest.  May we all take steps to surrender everything, anything to the Lord.  Amen.

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“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

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

The Holy Spirit

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Originally posted in October of 2019…

We have access to a guide, a comforter and one who will hold us up in our weakest moments…it is the Holy Spirit.  This is a gift from God.  If we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and we confess our sins, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  This is a gift that is greater than anything we will encounter in life.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in your life and seek the peace that comes from knowing God is with you.  Amen.

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“All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  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.”

John 14:25-27

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)