Hope

July 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our faith relies on hope and our hope is eternal because of Jesus and what He has done for us. The events and circumstances of our lives are constantly trying to snuff out all hope…if we get distracted and put ourselves in the center of our lives instead of Christ, it becomes difficult to see any hope. When we choose to live this way, focused on the self, we will be frustrated, disappointed and feel hopeless. When we turn our attention to the Lord, when we read God’s Word and we pray we can find hope once again. As it is written in Matthew 19:26 “…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” May the hope that is found in Christ be with you this day. Amen.

DSC_1927 publish.jpg

“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 July of 2017 at a lake place in northwestern Wisconson)

God’s Word

July 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we open up and read the Word of God, we can sense the Spirit that God has planted within us. Our faith is living and breathing and needs to be fed. God’s Word renews us, encourages us and centers us on Him and His plan for us. His Word is truth, it is fact based on actual events in history and His Word gives us life. May God’s peace be with you and flow through you each day. Amen.

Word Of Life by Jeremy Camp

DSC_0233 publish

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

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

The Good Shepherd

July 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Jesus is described as our shepherd in many places in the bible. This is not a common occupation in today’s world, yet the description of who The Good Shepherd is and what it means for us is extremely accurate for our relationship with Him. He watches over us and ensures we have what we need…He guards us and keeps danger away…He knows everything about us…and most importantly He laid down His life to save us. You can read more about Jesus the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. We live in peace with The Good Shepherd watching over us. Amen.

DSC_0485 publish

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalms 23

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)

Trust

July 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Even when you can’t see the result…even when it feels like everything is working against you, He is working for your good…even when your feel your desires, wants and temptations are pulling you away from God, turn towards Him and be patient. This can be so difficult to live out each day, yet by reading God’s Word and spending time with Him in prayer, He will renew your strength. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

DSC_1549 publish

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalms 27:1

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Pray

July 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

God is listening…He has shown His love to us in His Word…You are not alone.

Confidence by Sanctus Real

DSC_0027 publish

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior in Ashland, Wisconsin)

Alive With Christ

June 19, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

All people are unique and different in some way. Yet all of us suffer from similar temptations and the sinful nature. We are sinners because of things we do and the things we do not do. Because of God’s love, God’s mercy and God’s grace we have been saved and we can become a new creation that is alive with Christ. He took upon Himself the punishment we all deserve and He did this because of His love for each of us. Nothing and no one on earth can do what Jesus Christ has done for us. Amen.

DSC_0597 publish

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5

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

What Is Faith?

June 17, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It is belief…it is trust…it is confidence…it is optimism…it is hope and it exists because of God’s love and what He has done for us. It is not complex, it is simple. Faith and religion are not the same thing. Faith is about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…religion is about the ways people choose to practice their faith. Your faith is between you and God, first. Start by seeking Him, believing in Him and trusting Him and He will guide you and your life from that point forward through any and all circumstances. Amen.

DSC_0841 publish

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

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

Father Of All

June 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

To all the Fathers out there:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

God the Father, is the Father of all. None of us will be as good of a Father as God is to us. We will make mistakes, yet as long as we stay close to the Lord, He will encourage us, strengthen us and help us to do better. Do your best…and leave the rest up to God. Amen.

Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin

IMG_5059 publish

“…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2014 at a lake place in central Minesota)

Our Loving Father

June 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We are blessed with everlasting love from God our Father. He knows us and wants to spend time with us. He gives us good gifts…not everything we want, yet everything we need. God knows we will have trouble in this life and He is always right there with us no matter what…we just have to be willing to seek Him. Amen.

DSC_0376 publish (2)

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Comforted

June 13, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

To restore a sense of well-being…to soothe…console…reassure…to ease the grief or burden. To pursue your faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is about finding your starting point or ending point to each day. It is about coming back to the place that most feels like home in your heart. If you are seeking this comfort, choose a time that works for your situation and every day spend time with God…it will change your life in ways you can’t imagine. Amen.

DSC_0001 (2) publish