Forgiveness

May 21, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Everybody makes mistakes, everyone makes poor choices. There are examples of this throughout history. The most prominent names in the bible committed sins, except for one. We are broken, we are weak, we give into temptation and the human race is responsible for bringing sin into the world. Even still we can be saved…Jesus Christ the one without sin who was crucified and died…He is Risen and He is our Redeemer. No matter what you have done or left undone, turn towards God and confess yours sins and you will be saved. Amen.

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

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

Share With Those In Need

May 20, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We are blessed to be a blessing. Sharing with those in need is about more than a financial giving. It is sharing whatever God has provided in abudance. Some have an abundance of wisdom, some the ability to be a good listener, some have a solution oriented mindset and some an abundance of posititvity. These things and many others like them are blessings from God that can be shared with others. When reflecting on what you have the ability to share look at your life from a Godly perspective not from the world’s point of view. Be thankful for what God has given you and share as He has shared with you. Amen.

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“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:13

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

Daily Living

May 17, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

This is defined as the activities we perform on a daily basis for self-care related to our needs. Caring for ourselves related to food, hygiene, our living environment, etc. Many people take these items for granted and for many people just getting through the day regarding these things is a struggle, for a variety of reasons. The Fruits of the Spirit provided by God are not worldly possessions that require wealth or privilege, they are not only for certain people. God’s love is for all in creation and we all have a responsibility to learn, to grow, to care for and to share with others. Give thanks to God for each day and seek to live as God intended. Amen.

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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2015 while on a mission trip in Denver, Colorado)

Commitment

May 14, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Devotion…dedication…faithfulness…self-sacrifice….love. A commitment can be hard at times. A commitment is not something to be taken lightly. If you commit to something think carefully about how you will respond when things don’t go as planned or how you expect them to go. God made a commitment to love us and to save us even though we are still sinners and it was tremedously difficult for Jesus to keep that commitment…yet He was able to fulfill the commitment by staying close to the Father in prayer and trusting the will of God. Jesus is our example of how to get through the hard times and to remain committed to God and trust Him with all aspects of our lives. Amen.

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“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:5

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

God’s Word…Our Actions

May 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Do these things connect easily in our daily life? We read the words of Jesus and others in the bible and we look around at the world we live in and it really is difficult to see it in action. Or is it? Actions that reflect God’s love are happening all the time, all around the world every day…the real questions are where are you looking to see God’s love in action and what are you doing in your circle of influence in the world to show God’s love to others? Just because the news and social media streams are obsessed with sin, evil, darkness and hate does not mean that is all that is going on in the world…it just means we are looking in the wrong places for Him. Every single person of all backgrounds and expereicnes have a responsibility to show the love of God to others in some way. If more people had a goal to show kindness, goodness and love to just one other person each day…it would make such a big difference in the world. May the God’s love flow through you today. Amen.

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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for one’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 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.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James 1:19-22

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

When Trouble Comes…

May 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We all face trials and struggles. The one thing we can control during these times and situatons is how we choose to respond. Many of us quickly try to gain control and take charge, determined not to let the situation get the best of us…others do an about face and get away from the situation as quickly as we can. All of us can do better if we start with bringing the situation, the difficult time or difficult relationship, start with bringing our anxieties and worries to God…First! Not waiting until after it gets worse or something unexpected occurs…going into battle against darkness and evil without God is like a soldier heading into a battle without any weapon. The more we turn towards God first the more likely we will find peace and be able to overcome the troubles of life. 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 March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Believe

May 10, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

You most likely know the information and the stories written about in the bible. You know the names of most of the books of the bible and many of the names of the people. There is one name that is above every other name, there is one who did the unthinkable for the undeserving. Jesus. You know about Him…the question is do you believe it? Believe in the power of God…believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who died and was rasied to life and lives in you today…when you believe you can achieve anything. Amen.

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp

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“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20-21

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

Peace From God

May 9, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

I saw a story about Mother’s Day and that the most popular request from Mom’s is to get a day away from their families. This is not true for all Mom’s, there was even an interview with one woman who was planning the whole day with her family and she spoke with a tone of…I know I am odd, but I just want to be with them. Wow, the human race is really messed up. We all, myself included, are so naive to look at life with ourselves in the center…we have allowed Satan to influence our perspectives so much that we have created a society in which “me time” is more important than anything else. We treat each other so poorly, that makes it hard to trust others. The only refuge, the one source of truth and peace is Jesus Christ. Seek Him and you will find true peace. Amen.

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

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

Shine The Light

May 8, 2019 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

To follow Jesus, to read the words He spoke and do as He instructed is to walk in the Light of Christ. There are several references in the Bible to the darkness and the light. Evil and sin lead us into darkness and keep us from our relationship with God. When you find yourself physically in a dark room or outside on a dark night and you cannot see anything, what is your first instinct? We were made to seek the Light…when we invite Jesus into our hearts and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit we will have the Light of Christ and as we study God’s Word and build our relationship the Lord, we will learn how God wants us to shine His Light into the world. Seek the Light of Christ that God has placed in you and ask Him how He wants you to let that light shine. Amen.

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

His Sacrifice Saves Us

May 7, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what you are facing…no matter what things are going on around you…no matter what decisions or worries you have…remember that Jesus Christ died once for all sins, for all people. We all are broken, we all need His forgiveness for our sins. God has shown us His grace and mercy through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do not fret or be discouraged…trust in the Lord and you will find peace. Amen.

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