He Knows

April 7, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Jesus knows what it is like to live life in this world. He was born as a baby…from the day of His birth until the day He died He experienced almost anything we encounter in our lives. He knows what it is like for you and me in this world. He knows we are sinners and that we will make mistakes and poor decisions…yet He sacrificed Himself to save us anyways. Why? Because He loves us that much. Amen.

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

DSC_0730 publish

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 2:18

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

Do Not Be Overcome

April 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world…it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations. The bible also gives us examples of people who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives with faith. At times it wasn’t pretty, they didn’t live lives that were sweet and easy all the time. Read about Abraham and Sarah, read about Joseph. Look through the pages of David’s life. Take time to read about the life of Jesus. Yes, there are struggles, trials and suffering and a life of faith and living in God’s love doesn’t mean they will disappear…it provides you the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times. Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God and pray and you will see hope. Amen.

“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

DSC_1245 publish

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

It’s Simple…

March 30, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Treat other people the way you want them to treat you. When you stop and think about it…often times yelling and anger gets you more yelling and anger right back at you…and kindness and a smile often get a kind response back. We are in charge of our attitudes and how we treat others and Jesus tells us the simple Golden Rule of life in the bible. Read about what Jesus teaches us and follow the example He has set for us. Amen.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:31

DSC00819 publish

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

(This photo was taken in July of 2012 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Fruit Of The Spirit

March 19, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Even though we all know about the common thing that is impacting everyone in the world, there are still battles everyone is fighting that we don’t know about. The impact of a pandemic goes far beyond are you sick or is someone in your house sick…there are people who were struggling with the basic needs in life before this ever started and it could be worse now…there are still people battling mental illness and this situation is adding another level struggle…the list could go on and on. Life is hard and often unfair and if this pandemic has magnified anything it is this…how we treat each other in our daily life is so important…every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind, live your life with the Fruit of the Spirit shining through your thoughts, your words and your actions. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

DSC06486 publish

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Our Hope

March 18, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Comes from God. Easter is approaching and that event more than any other shows us that from the worst of tragedy God can bring about the greatest joy. Nothing is more powerful and wonderful than God. We do not know what tomorrow holds for us but we know full well who holds tomorrow. May God’s peace and comfort surround you this day. Amen.

DSC09023 publish

“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 May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Go And Bear Fruit

March 11, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

Our actions speak louder than our words. Our actions tell the truth about the condition of our heart. The faith journey is a process that works from the inside out…we must begin with what is in our hearts and minds…we can be made new and be renewed by spending time with Jesus Christ. As we learn more about what Jesus is teaching us, we can turn that learning in to actions that bear fruit. May peace and patience be with you on your journey. Amen.

DSC_0546 publish

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.”

John 15:16-17

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)

Jesus Comforts Us

March 5, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When you read the red letters in the bible, the very words of Jesus, He often spoke in a way that was comforting to others. Sometimes He needed to be firm and many times He had to repeat Himself, yet His overwhelming presence was comforting. He knows what it is like to live as a human on earth…He has experienced childhood, teenage years and interactions of many kinds during His life…He knows about weddings, friendships, helping others, betrayal, frustrations, temptations, pain and suffering and death. He knows what is happening in your life…today. Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and you will find comfort. Amen.

DSC_0135 (2) publish

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

John 14:1

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

Be Courageous

February 28, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Let your faith and trust in the Lord be greater than your fear. This is easier said than done…but it is not impossible…there is not a quick fix or a shortcut for convenience…there is a Way. I know from personal experience, it does not mean all your troubles will go away and your life will be easy…yet I have never known peace in struggle and difficult times until I finally stopped trying to do things my own way. Be courageous, turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer, confess your sins and ask Him into your heart and life and continue that journey by reading God’s Word and you will see what the Lord has in store for you. Seek Him, be persistent, be patient, listen and you will know peace. Amen.

IMG_20190419_194210 publish

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in April of 2019 at a park near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Gifts And Blessings

February 27, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As God’s creation, each of us has been blessed and have God-given gifts and abilities. Our purpose in our lives is to love the Lord and to learn about and use the gifts He has given us to contribute to our communities. What gifts has God given you? What can you do or provide to others in your family, your neighborhood or your faith community? If you are unsure, turn towards God in prayer and seek His will for you. Amen.

Blackbear Golf_publish

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 on a golf course in northwestern Wisconsin)

Start With Gratitude

February 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It’s an incredible thing…choosing to start with gratitude is a clear path to changing your perspective. Ask yourself, ‘what am I thankful for?’ and it leads your thoughts and your mind to search for what is good, positive and optimistic. If at first it is difficult and you find yourself quickly slipping into ‘what I don’t have’ or ‘the way things used to be’ consciously stop yourself and make a list of 2-3 things that you are grateful for. The more we put this into practice the more our perspective will change. If you struggle with this turn to Jesus Christ in prayer and ask Him to help you see the good that is all around you. Trust in the Lord and give Him thanks for all that He has done for you. Amen.

DSC_1292 publish

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”