Be Thankful

February 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is significant power in gratitude. It is one of the forces that can truly impact our perspective. The attitude of gratitude drives us to reflect and reconsider, it encourages a shift in focus on what is good, instead of what is wrong. It leads us to look for solutions, instead of problems. It helps us give thanks instead of complaining. Most importantly it takes the focus off of the self and the sinful nature within all of us. All that is good in our lives is from God, everything else is because of sin and selfishness, in us and in others. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) Amen.

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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 October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Developing Who We Are

February 2, 2019February 2, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The faith journey takes us on a road of self-awareness and growth. As we read God’s Word and the teachings of Jesus, we hear messages about our attitudes, our behaviors, our words and our actions. These are all things that we can control in our everyday life. Instead of wasting our time worrying and wringing our hands about what other people are doing, thinking or saying we would do well to focus that effort on developing the Fruit of the Spirit in our own lives and relationships. After all, we have the most control over one thing more than any other…how we choose to respond. May we strive to grow the Fruit of the Spirit in who we are in the world. Amen.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Transformation

January 5, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What does it look like? How should it feel? What is different? I certainly can’t answer these questions for others as this is a process of spiritual growth and the cornerstone of the spiritual life is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For me it is still going on, as I have mentioned in the past, I am a slow learner. This process is about the change of perspective…when the bible talks about the dying of self and the rising of my focus on Christ, it is 100% in contrast with what I see and experience in the world. I have spent a significant amount of time talking about the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22 because for me these behaviors are the keys to transforming my life. There are plenty of days and moments when I get derailed and the desires of the self bully there way into life…hey I’m only human…it is not about that we will make mistakes, what is more important is how we respond when the mistakes happen. That is one way things can be different in transformation. Have a talk with Jesus about it for yourself and look and listen for ways to change and to be transformed. 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 September of 2014 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Merry Christmas…Joy To The World

December 25, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Merry Christmas Everyone! Christ is born! Peace to you and yours. Amen.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17

Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) – Chris Tomlin

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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 October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Begin With Jesus

December 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

How can we start or restart focusing on our Faith journey. We can grow up going to church or not, we can be someone who attended Sunday school or catechism classes or not. We can be someone who has very little exposure or experience to organized religious practices…none of this matters when it comes to your Faith. Faith is bigger than religion…religious practices, worship services and activities at church are things we do as a part of our Faith journey. They can contribute to our learning and our spiritual growth along the way. Our Faith journey is more, it is everything, everyday and every interaction with others…and it begins with Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. No matter what is happening, where you are or how you feel, turn to the One that God sends to save you, to strengthen you and hold you up…begin again with Jesus. Amen.

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“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he provided purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven.”

Hebrews 1:3

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

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)

The Message Of Hope

October 22, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what is happening…no matter the circumstances in your life and relationships…even when you can’t see the way…The Word of God provides the message of Hope and a future with the Lord. The world will provide false truths and absolutes…through the prophets of the Old Testament, through Jesus and the disciples in the New Testament, God provides Hope. Throughout human history there has been suffering, tragedies and evil, God knows these things will occur in a fallen world filled with sin. Yet only God can take the broken, suffering, worn down people of this world and give them a new perspective, a renewed strength and a belief in the Hope of good things even in the darkest hours. Jesus Christ experienced the worst suffering and treatment that humankind can offer and God used that event to provide the greatest moment of Hope the world has ever seen. I pray we take time to read about God’s message of Hope and believe in what God has in store for us and our lives. 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 July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Joyful, Patient, Faithful

August 24, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Happy Friday…you know when you are having one of those times when it feels like something is going wrong with everything? When you are able to take a step back and review you often find the one common thing is your perspective…I know, I know not what you wanted to read. When things seem to pile up like this I have learned to immediately turn to prayer…stop what ever you are doing and ask God to intervene, to guide you and to cleanse your perspective. Maybe it’s time for a new approach to something, to look at it differently or just to open your mind to new possibilities to old issues. Whatever it is we don’t have to do it alone. May God be with you and provide you comfort.

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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Give Good Fruit

July 8, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our lives are filled with choices and decisions. We are the ones responsible for the attitudes and behaviors we present to the world. We are blessed with the redeeming blood of Christ. We have been forgiven for our sins. Let’s go out and give good fruit. No matter what your circumstances or your place in life today you can give the good fruit we receive from the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t take money and it doesn’t take a certain level of influence in society. The Fruit of the Spirit is all about making the choice to behave as we have been instructed to. We should not expect the world to always be kind and generous to us as it is broken, however, we know that no matter what, God is with us and He is holding us. May we share the blessings the Lord has given to us with others.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

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

Praise The Lord

July 4, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Today is recognized as Independence Day in the US. A holiday where people can gather and celebrate freedom. It is a day where we should give thanks to the Lord for all we have in our lives. Take a moment and reflect on your surroundings, people in your life…all of the good things are gifts from God. If it is difficult to see goodness, take some time to work on your relationship with God, talk to Him and listen in the quietness of time alone with God. You were created out of love by God, He is with you and you can have contentment, security, peace and hope for a future in a way that only God can provide by choosing to turn to Him and His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. God is good…all the time…and all the time…God is good! Praise the Lord. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you.

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