God’s Love

May 18, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is nothing greater, nothing stronger and nothing higher than God’s love. He showed the human race His love by sending His one and only Son into the world to save us. No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, turn towards the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you see God’s love in your life. Amen.

IMG_20141016_114917386_HDR publish

“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 October of 2014 at the Nakalele Blow Hole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

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.

IMG_20150719_212711704 publish

“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)

Persevere Under Trial

May 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Don’t give up…keep praying…keep trying…be persistent…have courage…believe. Everyone is challenged by something in life. Everyone is fighting a battle of some kind. It is in these situations that we can see the power of God, we can see the His mercy and His grace when we shift our perspective off of worldly treasures and back on to Jesus. God is holding on to you through everything the world is throwing at you. Trust in Him and persevere through trials. Amen.

I Am by Crowder

DSC_0054 publish

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 standing on one of the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)

The Name Of The Lord

May 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When trouble comes, seek the Lord. When you feel like you are being attacked, seek shelter by turning towards the Lord. When you are filled with worries and anxiety, find comfort with the Lord. When you have fear, get courage by seeking the Lord. We you have joy, give thanks to the Lord. Don’t limit the experience of a relationship with God by having Jesus as a Savior but not the Lord of your life. He is with you, every day, everywhere you go. Amen.

DSC_0975 publish

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

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.

DSC_0102 (2) publish

“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.

DSC07415 publish

“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)

Relationships

May 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Successful relationships are two way relationships. Both people bring unique abilities and attributes to a relationship. When it comes to parents and children a long term successful relationship is about honor and respect going both ways. In the beginning of life the parents bring the most to the relationship, they should be sacrificing the most in the beginning to aid the growth and development of the child…over time this needs to shift to the child to be giving and sacrificing as the parents grow older and may need more assistance. All along the way the best relationships are when all involved bring love, honor and respect to others. No matter where this stands for you and your parents bring your relationship before the Lord, be thankful and seek His guidance. Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s out there, may the peace of God be with you. Amen.

winter 2013 090 publish

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 5:16

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

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.

DSC06492 publish

“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

DSC01210 publish

“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.

DSC_0144 publish