Treasures

August 20, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in July of 2018…

What gets your attention quickly? What is it that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing faster? What is it in your life that you have passion towards? These are hints of your treasures. We all have something that drives to the heart of us. As we continue to grow on our faith journey the treasures tend to change. As knowledge and time spent on growing our relationship with Jesus Christ increases we begin to get a better understanding of the value of relationships. We also can begin to clearly see that the stuff and the things we have worried about in the past may have been foolish worries. We are humbled to learn that God in heaven knows us, loves us and forgives us and the things He has planned for us involve far greater treasures than those the world offers us. May the awe and wonder of our God be with you. Amen.

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“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

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

Give Thanks To The Lord

August 12, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God. We are redeemed…we are loved. God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us. Give thanks to the Lord. Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

Listen

August 6, 2020 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

God speaks to us many ways…most often it is through the words in the Scriptures. When we read the bible, we are reading the very words of God. Things He wants us to know…a guide for living with peace in our hearts. In our relationship with the Lord we should not be the one doing all the talking, otherwise we will miss out on hearing God’s will and God’s plan for our lives. Listen and you will learn and gain wisdom from God. Amen.

“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
⁵Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5

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“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 32:8

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

It Takes Courage…

August 4, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The post below was originally posted in January of 2020…my how the world has changed since January…we need courage to do the right things now more than ever…we need to trust in the Lord. Amen.

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

Joshua 1:9

To move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…to share and be vulnerable with another person. It takes courage to be humble…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…it takes courage to live the life that God has intended for you…and the best part is…a relationship with Jesus Christ will give you the courage to seek His will when you trust in Him. Amen.

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“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 July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Redeemed

August 2, 2020 / mcalcagno / 3 Comments

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Romans 5:19

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

There Is A Place…

July 26, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A place to find redemption…a place to be forgiven…a place where we will know hope…a place where we will find peace. There is a place where you can find what you have been looking for…it is at the foot of The Cross. Amen.

The Cross Has The Final Word by Newsboys

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“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.”

John 3:16

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

God Knows

July 20, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter where you have been…no matter what you have done or left undone…God knows. We may feel alone or trapped in our lives due to circumstances around us…don’t believe the lies that Satan is telling you…God knows about you…God loves you…He knows about everything and He knew it when He sent His Son to die for you. You are not alone…God is with you and God loves you. Turn towards God in faith and pray. Amen.

God Only Knows by for King and Country

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“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Psalm 103:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 on a bridge near Winterset, Iowa)

Jesus

July 12, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in December of 2019…

Immanuel…Light of the World…King of Kings…Lord of Lords…The Good Shepard…Bread of Life…Living Water…Prince of Peace…Wonderful Counselor…Lamb of God…The Truth…The Way…The Savior of the World. Amen.

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp

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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Our Refuge In The Storm

July 9, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in October of 2019…

When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover? Where can we be safe? Who can help us in our time of need? God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us. Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control. A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world. Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm. Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

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

Savior…Sacrifice…Salvation

July 8, 2020 / mcalcagno / 3 Comments

Originally posted in March of 2019…

The world tells us to pursue money, comfort and the easy life. To look out for ourselves and satisfy ourselves first and most often, this is the sinful nature and it has taken hold in many people. There is a way to be different and to live with purpose and it is based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves you, He gave His life to save you and His way is the only way to God the Father. Spend time reading God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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