To Be Different

December 17, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As we move along on our faith journey we notice that the ways of the world that focus on money, time and other self oriented goals are not what we are learning from the Word of God or the example that Jesus has given us. Spiritual growth means change, change to do better, change in perspective and change in attitude. Many of my readings in the last week or so have been focused around this one verse. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 These are words spoken by John the Baptist, who’s primary purpose was to point toward the One who was coming…Jesus. This Christmas prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into your heart and life. Amen.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling near Henry, South Dakota)

Faith

December 16, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Commitment…belief…trust…relationship…communication…courage…strength…mercy…grace…worship…praise…thankfulness…love. It is a powerful thing. Give thanks to God for all He has done for you and trust in Him to carry you through, wherever you are, no matter what struggle you are facing. Believe in Jesus Christ and the power of Faith. Amen.

Here is some music about Faith…

What Faith Can Do – by Kutless

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

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

Joy And Love

December 14, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Here we are back to discuss some more Fruits of the Spirit. Our relationship with Jesus Christ can help us get a better understanding of how these fruits show up in our lives. Let’s look at joy for a moment. The world’s definition of joy includes words like ‘good fortune’ or ‘possessing what one desires’…that sounds more like the emotion of happiness and satisfying the self. For me joy is more than a feeling, it is about comfort knowing that God is in control. It is about knowing God works for the good of all in every situation. Joy is as much about learning and growing in faith and sharing what we have learned with others. And love…show love to others in the same way God shows love to you. It is simple and yet it is not always easy. God never said life would be easy. I pray we seek to bear good fruit in the world according to God’s will. Amen.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

John 15:11-12

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

Why Did Jesus Come?

December 11, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

He came down from heaven and into this world. God had a plan and Jesus knew exactly what He was getting into…so why do it? He did because He loves you, He cares for you and He wants only the best for you. The answer to this question and so many others have been given to us in God’s Word. It’s not complicated, it is simple and yet the human race seems bent on making things much more difficult and complicated then they need to be. Jesus came to save us because He loves us and even though we don’t deserve it, He loves us anyways. Let us be thankful for Jesus Christ and His saving grace. Amen.

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“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Our Living Hope

December 10, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the greatest strengths of our faith is the hope we have because of Jesus Christ. When we read from God’s Word about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the way He lived when He was here on earth, we find there were many times when circumstances looked really bad and the people seemed to have very few choices of how to respond. Yet Jesus would help and find new ways to work things out…not necessarily the way the people wanted but in a way that was better for everyone involved. Just because we cannot see the way forward during trails and suffering does not mean the situation is hopeless, it just means we are not putting our trust in the Lord. Look to Jesus in all situations good and bad and there we will find our Hope. Amen.

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

1 Peter 1:3

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

Faithfulness

December 8, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Devoted…loyal…dependable…reliable…committed. Faithfulness is another one of the Fruits of the Spirit. To be faithful means there is a willingness to set aside ourselves as top priority, and put our focus on something greater. Faithfulness may not be filled with excitement and adventure rather it is about being consistent and supportive in our values and beliefs. Being faithful may not always fulfill all of our wants and desires, however, when faithfulness is given and received it does fulfill some of our greatest needs. May we all take time to reflect on our relationships and give thanks to those who have been faithful to us and seek where we can serve others faithfully. Amen.

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“…The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.”

Psalm 145:13

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

More And Less

December 5, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As we pray and read and learn more about Jesus and the examples He has provided us for living, our spiritual life should take on greater significance. The development on our faith journey could be referred to as an inside out process. We profess our belief in Jesus Christ and open ourselves up and ask Christ to come into hearts…we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us change our thoughts, our attitude and our perspective. A surrendering of self-focused living and an increase in Christ focused living. The stronger we become in faith the better prepared we are to share the Good News with others in this broken world. First God restores us on the inside and then He sends us out to share what we have learned. I pray for courage and wisdom for all of us to be persistent in growing and nurturing our faith. Amen.

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“He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 3:30

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through southern New Mexico)

Prayer

November 28, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Honest…thoughtful…sincere…heartfelt…engaging…communication in relationship that involves talking and listening. Prayer like this is the kind that nurtures and supports spiritual growth and actual change because its foundation is belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It is important to make time each day and offer up heartfelt, sincere prayers and spend part of that time listening…to clear your mind of the day to day items and see where your thoughts go. A relationship can only grow and get stronger if we are willing to commit and invest time in it. May we all be moved to prayer by our faith in Jesus Christ who gave all He had to reconcile us with God. Amen.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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

A Christmas List

November 26, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Often this time of year people of all ages are asked by someone “what do you want for Christmas this year?” For younger children in large families ‘a list’ of Christmas wishes may be created. Think for a moment if you were to make a list of Christmas wishes or desires this year. What would go on the list? Would your list have needs or wants on it? How much time would be spent of thinking about your list for this Christmas? As we grow older how does your perspective change? Think about your list and think about what would be on it if you share it with Jesus? As many of you know I am a big fan of music and it’s impact when you really listen to the story of the song…and yes I do really enjoy Christmas music. I am mot referring to the songs of the children’s tales like Rudolph and Frosty but the spiritual Christmas music. Amy Grant recorded a song in 1992 entitled “The Grown-Up Christmas List” I am sharing the lyrics and a link to the song. May we all spend time reflecting on our own list and sharing it with Christ. Amen.

My Grown Up Christmas List

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child but my heart still can dream

So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself but for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list

As children we believe
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath the tree
But Heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a heart-ached human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

Songwriters: Linda Thompson / David Foster

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

Luke 12:34

(This photo was taken in December of 2013 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Jesus Is The Only Way

November 25, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of my favorite things about faith is simplicity. It seems to be human nature to try to make things more complicated and difficult then necessary. To fill life with worry, anxiety, frustration and unhealthy fear. If we want peace, if we want joy, if we want loving and caring relationships then we must come to Jesus. He already knows all about us whether or not we have acknowledged Him. He knows you, He loves you and He died to save you. Seek Him and live. I pray for the new found and growing relationships people have with Jesus Christ. Amen.

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