Courage

April 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Brave…bold…stouthearted…spirited…determined. When we come to a situation or scenario that is beyond our control we get a glimpse of the powers that exist beyond ourselves. It forces us to look at the world and our life with a different perspective. It takes courage to have heartfelt compassion…it takes courage to be truly humble…it takes courage to admit we are broken and we need help. It takes courage to move forward after a tragedy of any kind. Our inspiration for courage should come from the One who was more courageous than any other in His life, His death and His resurrection. Jesus Christ…turn to Him in prayer for your courage to face whatever is weighing on your heart today. Amen.

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

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

The One Who Is In You

April 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Don’t forget the power of the Cross. The world is filled with violence, evil and darkness. The attempts to distract us and pull us into the things of this world are relentless. Read the Word of God and memorize some verses that speak to you…the verse you choose may change over time and different verses will come to mind as you plant the Word within you. The prince of darkness despises the Scriptures and it will defeat him. This is one of the foundational reasons I started to write this blog six years ago…so that we could learn how to take our faith with us…everywhere we go. The Word of God planted inside us is greater than anything in the world. May the peace found with Christ be with you. Amen.

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“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4

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

Work In Progress…

April 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We do not have all the answers…we do not know all the reasons why…whatever is happening, whatever is going on, we need to remember God is with us and as long as we are here He is not done with us yet. God’s Word does not change but there is always more for us to learn from it. Turn to God in prayer and ask Him to give you eyes to see His will for your life, this day and every day. Amen.

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

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“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

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

Practice What Is Preached

April 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The faith journey has two main elements…the first is learning about and getting to know God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit. It is a transformation on the inside, a redemption. The second element is about making Him known. Taking what we have learned and have experienced and sharing it by helping others in need, whatever that looks in your life. Both elements are vital to our spiritual life and to the Kingdom of God, as either one without the other has little lasting value or impact. Take time to know Him and create space in your life to make Him known. Amen.

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

James 1:22

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on a hike near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

A Strong Foundation

April 10, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The best things are built by starting out with the development of a strong foundation. A solid foundation helps to support missteps, mistakes and accidents along the way. If we try to build something without developing the foundation the endeavor will eventually fail and end up as a pile of rubble. The foundation of our faith is our relationship and daily interaction with Jesus Christ and the Word of God. These are the elements that will help us build and grow our spiritual life and sustain us through the most difficult things the world will throw at us. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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“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 August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

Sing Praise

April 7, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Today is a day of worship. Give thanks and praise to the Lord. May we be comforted by His mercy and grace and know that God is with us…Forever. Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; his is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:9-11

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

Saved By Christ

April 6, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A sacrifice…an offering of redemption…grace…mercy…humility…love…Savior. There is nothing or no one in our lives as compassionate as Jesus Christ. He lived a life on earth just like everybody else…only He suffered more than anyone else and He did it knowing it was going to happen the whole time. He offered Himself up to take the punishment we all deserve and He did it to save you and to save me. Give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Guided By The Holy Spirit

April 5, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we put our trust in God and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us grow spiritually. It can be difficult to tune in to the Holy Spirit during the hustle and bustle of daily life but that does not mean God is not present with you. Evil and darkness will go to great lengths to keep us from our connection to God…make time to connect to God’s presence in your life and tune into the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

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“But the Counselor, 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.”

John 14:26

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

Take Time to Rest

April 3, 2019 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

There is always more we could be doing. More on the checklist of things to do…how many items on our checklist make room for living a balanced life? We seem to prioritize the activities of “getting things done” pretty easily, when do we rest? To be clear sitting still scrolling through social media is not rest. Resting and restoring yourself is about calming your mind, body and spirit…when and how do we rest our minds and emotions? The first step is figuring out what place or environment best provides you the opportunity to calm your mind, your body and your spirit? What time of day or night? The next step is to make it a priority and designate time in your schedule. As always, be sure to include God’s Word and prayer in your time as the only true source of peace in life is Jesus Christ. Amen.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 sitting by the lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Spiritual Battle

April 2, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The goal of the prince of darkness is to turn us away from God and keep us focused on other things. He will use everything and anything available in this effort. The more we choose the distractions and the less time and effort we spend on our relationship with Jesus and reading God’s Word the easier his job becomes. God knows all about this battle and He provides us weapons of faith to fend off these attacks. Take a look at Ephesians 6:10-18 and you will learn about the Armor of God. Turn toward God in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, He will guide you during all the events in your life. Amen.

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