The New Has Come

September 29, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God renews us…God restores us…He takes away the sin and darkness and makes us new again. All that we have done wrong and messed up, only He can make new again. Our hope is found in Christ…if you are staring at a new beginning or change of direction begin by humbling yourself and surrendering your plans for God’s plan. He truly does make all things new. Amen.

All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:7

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

Our Source Of Strength And Hope

September 27, 2019 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

We face difficulties and struggles each day and in so many different situations. We look for help within the world…yet everyone else is struggling as well. What are we to do? Who can we turn to? There is one who we should turn to and put our trust in, only one, it is Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Our Lord. He is the source of comfort, courage, strength and hope…find your hope and find new strength in Christ Alone. Amen.

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)

Sing To The Lord

September 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Music can be an expression of what resides deep within us. It touches on feelings and emotions. Music is a language that spreads across the world, to all cultures and to all generations. It is a gift from God and it is a beautiful way to offer praise to the Lord. Amen.

Lifesong by Casting Crowns

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“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”

Psalm 95:1-2

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

Forgiveness

September 14, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What we need in the world more than anything right now is forgiveness…the longer people hold on to the pain and bitterness of past events that can’t be changed the more people will suffer…if people want to truly see change in this world…look in the mirror and decide who do I need to forgive? Pray about it and seek the courage to share that forgiveness so that healing can begin. This is true for all people on all sides of every issue. Seek to forgive and you will be set free. Amen.

Forgiveness by Matthew West

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“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 6:14-15

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

He Knows…

September 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

All that has happened in our lives and in history. The greatest blessings can come from the greatest tragedies. This has been true throughout history…going back to the resurrection after the crucifixion. God knows all these things and He will guide us through everything and anything we encounter in life…it is up to us to seek Him and His Word. Amen.

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

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“You have searched me, Lord and you know me.”

Psalm 139:1

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

In Christ Alone

September 2, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The answer to all our worries, all our fears and all our burdens is found only in Christ alone. There is no love greater than Christ’s love…there is no sacrifice that anyone can do for us that surpasses His sacrifice. All of our hope and strength can be found in Christ alone. Amen.

In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell

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“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 August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Life Verse

September 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Which one do you prefer most often? I am finding at different times a different verse speaks most clearly to my heart and mind. This is the wonder of God and God’s word…it is new every day. God speaks to us through His word. When negative thoughts come to mind or selfish and sinful ways pop up, we can cast them out by remembering and repeating a verse in our minds. Spend time reading God’s word and finding some verses that resonate with you. This is one of the best ways to put on the armor of God. Amen.

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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Madeline Island in Lake Superior)

Reflect And Give Thanks

August 26, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When someone asks us, “Where have you seen God in your life?” We often quickly scan the last few days and maybe even the last week in our minds and come up with something…mostly in order to not disappoint those who are asking the question. What if we took more time to reflect? What if we look back 5 years ago or back to our childhood or teen years depending on what season of life we are in? The next time you are alone with God think about it, looking back now…”Where have you seen God in your life?” After all, He has been there all along, even when we were completely oblivious to Him. Thanks be to God for His love, His mercy and His grace. Amen.

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Be Present

August 24, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Each day is a gift. Nobody is guaranteed to wake up to a new day. Keep your thoughts and actions focused on the present people and circumstances…for all areas of life we should pray and seek God’s will for us. God is with us and He is working for good things for all of us. 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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 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 August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

The Past…Redeemed

August 23, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What has happened in the past is done and can’t be changed…we can learn from it…we can change today. Don’t let what has happened be chains around you that are dragged with you everywhere you go…Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins and He is our Redeemer…bring your past, your shame and your guilt to the Lord and He will set you free. Amen.

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

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