Timing

October 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We spend so much effort trying to line things up, make things happen just the way we want, just when we want…as if we are in complete control…when will we learn? The timing of events in life are not up to us! God is in control…we would do well to acknowledge Him and wait patiently for His timing. Put your hope in God and trust He is doing good things in your life. Amen.

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“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:25-26

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)

Give Thanks

October 14, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What is on your mind? What thoughts are you stewing on? We easily slip into worries and fears even when things around us are calm and ok. Choose to change your focus…what are you thankful for? Think about yesterday and find what you are thankful for from yesterday. Look at your current surroundings…what type of device are you reading this post on? There are many things to be thankful for each and every day of your life…stop focusing so much time on what you can’t control; like what other people think, say and do. Finally, give thanks to God for His Son, Jesus Christ and the sacrifice that He made to save us. Amen.

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“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake place in northwestern Wisconsin)

God’s Presence

October 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

He is with you…He is guiding you…He has been impacting your life in ways you cannot comprehend while living in this world. The greatest experience in faith is experiencing and realizing God’s presence in your life…acknowledging the voice of the Holy Spirit when you sit quietly in prayer. Learn to connect with the Lord daily…He is with you everywhere you go. Amen.

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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 July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Our Refuge In The Storm

October 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

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)

Serve Those In Need

October 9, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Food, shelter, clothing, clean water. Basic needs…these should be readily available to all people. The world was created with more than enough resources to provide for everyone…yet the sinful ways of all humans in all parts of the world has created shortages. If we have our basic needs fulfilled, we should take inventory of how we can help others and then give our time and resources to help those in need. Ask yourself, ‘how can I help?’…pray about it, do your best and God will take care of the rest. Amen.

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“…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Be Strong And Courageous

October 5, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Meet with God daily. Pick a time and quiet place for you to be with God. He is our Creator…His Son is our Savior and He gives us the Holy Spirit as a guide for the darkness of this world. God is with you and He loves you and wants good things for you and your life…be strong and courageous…turn towards God, trust Him and live. Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in October of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Holy Living

October 4, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As we learn about Jesus and we read God’s Word, we find that the life God wants for us is not all about money…that message comes from sin and the world, that message is about selfishness. To live a holy life doesn’t cost money, it is about who you are and how you treat others. If you spend all your time comparing yourself to others and worried about what you don’t have you are setting yourself up to be miserable. Trust God, listen to the words of Jesus and live as God’s Word has taught us to live. May the peace of the Lord be with you. 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 October of 2018 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Trust Requires Patience

September 30, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God is working for good things in our life…we must be willing to wait for Him. If we believe and know Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we confess our sins, and we know the sacrifice that Jesus made to save us…then we know how much God loves us and how far He will go to care for us. As it says in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Trust in the Lord, wait for Him and good things will come. Amen.

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“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalms 27:13-14

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

Pray Faithfully

September 26, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what your circumstances are, make time to pray. If everything is going well and you are feeling good, say a prayer of thanks. If it feels like the world is crashing down around you, say a prayer for courage and strength. Prayer is our primary way of connecting with the Lord. It is about spending time with Him and walking with Him. Think about it this way…if God is like that person you pass in the hall at work or at school every day and you only exchange a hello or hi and never have a real conversation, how can you know God and His plan for you any better than you know this person? Invest time in your relationship with God, pray faithfully. Amen.

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