joy

The Peace of Christ

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

dsc01214-publish

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word of deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:15-17

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

Go And Do

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0559 publish

“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  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 4:4-7

(This photo was taken while driving on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Believe

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0699 publish

The words of Jesus while speaking to his disciples in the Gospel according to John…

“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 July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Treasure

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0081 publish

The words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew…

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

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

Joy and Praise

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0452 publish

“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while driving through North Dakota)

God’s Presence

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_1529 publish

The words of Jesus according to the Gospel of John…

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love.  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

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 15:9-12

(This photo was taken by my daughter in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)

Trust

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC01215 publish

The following is a wonderful verse for everyday life…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

We will often have questions and not understand the reason that things happen.  We must remember that the world is being ravaged by sin and people choosing to pursue sin and ignore God.  There are just as many events that show the light of God in the world everyday…unfortunately, people choose to ignore those stories and seem to enjoy spending all their time sharing and talking about events of darkness and evil.

We are to Trust…trust that God is still on the throne of glory and because of free will we can choose to seek him and events that reflect His will.

May we seek to see the work of God today!

 

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

Listen And Learn

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

dsc_1448-publish

Solomon the son of David became king of Israel and when God came to him and told him to ask whatever he wishes and it will be given to you…Solomon made a choice very few people would…

“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

2 Chronicles 1:10

God blessed him with significant wisdom and knowledge, more than any other person had ever been given.  The Book of Proverbs is a collection of many nuggets of wisdom spoken by Solomon and therefore it has many great instructions for life…and again most of these items are simple statements of truth that are not always easy to live out.

If you have had difficulty wondering where to start in looking at or reading the Bible, try starting in Proverbs it has so many great lessons to remember for everyday life.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”

Proverbs 19:20

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