Battles Along The Way

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Portions of this posted were originally published in January of 2019…

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 NIV

We read in the Bible about what this life will be like in this world, these are the words of Jesus…“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Yet all of us attempt to get through things alone. We are not alone on this journey…no matter who or what or how much trouble we are facing in this world nothing is too big for God Our Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Maybe in order for more humans to take note, life should come with a warning label given to all at a young age…WARNING: Life will be difficult do not try this alone.

Take time to seek Jesus, read about His life on earth, His teachings, His sacrifice, His victory. It is all available for you to read in God’s Word and God made sure you would have the opportunity to see it and to know Him. Peace to you on your journey. Amen.

dsc07538 publish

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colorado)

God’s Promises…

November 15, 2021November 17, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Here are some of God’s promises written in Scripture…

“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 NIV

“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 15:7 NIV

DSC_0135-1 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. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17 NIV

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

Freedom Isn’t Free

November 11, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

This post was originally published in May of 2019…

Freedom requires humility, sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of many before one. Freedom is the result of human beings working together for a common cause…not by shouting and trying to tear others down. Freedom is earned through courage and a belief in something greater than self. Jesus Christ is the one who provided the example of sacrifice and the willingness to forgive…we all would do well to read about Him and His example of love. Time to put down the flaming arrows of hate and to serve one another in love.

Thank you God, for all the people who serve and have served in the military services of this country…thank you for their willingness to put themselves in the line of fire so others can prosper. I give thanks for them and their families that sacrifice so much in the name of freedom for all of us. Amen.

IMG_20130609_publish

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial)

Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

November 8, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

DSC_0888 publish

“Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to him. ⁷Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds. He will do this because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NIRV

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

Daily Living

November 7, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient. ¹³Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these good things put on love. Love holds them all together perfectly as if they were one.”

Colossians 3:12-14 NIRV

DSC_0125 (2) publish

“Let the peace that Christ gives rule in your hearts. As parts of one body, you were appointed to live in peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the message about Christ live among you like a rich treasure. Teach and correct one another wisely. Teach one another by singing psalms and hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing to God with thanks in your hearts. ¹⁷Do everything you say or do in the name of the Lord Jesus. Always give thanks to God the Father through Christ.”

Colossians 3:15-17 NIRV

(This photo was taken in July of 2021 in the Black Hills in western South Dakota)

The Goodness Of God

November 6, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“A child will be born to us.
    A son will be given to us.
    He will rule over us.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God.
He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever
    and Prince Who Brings Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 NIRV

The Goodness Of God by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

“The Lord is gracious, kind and tender.
He is slow to get angry and full of love.
⁹The Lord is good to all.
He shows deep concern for everything he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9 NIRV

DSC_0207 publish

“Your kingdom is a kingdom that will last forever.
Your rule will continue for all time to come.

The Lord will keep all his promises.
    He is faithful in everything he does.
¹⁴The Lord takes good care of all those who fall.
    He lifts up all those who feel helpless.
¹⁵Every living thing looks to you for food.
    You give it to them exactly when they need it.
¹⁶You open your hand
    and satisfy the needs of every living creature.”

Psalm 145:13-16 NIRV

(This photo was taken in July of 2021 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Keep God’s Word In Your Heart

November 4, 2021 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

What are the verses of Scripture that speak to you? Comfort you? Remind you that God has got you? This is part of the essence of Take Your Faith With You…store God’s Word in your heart so that no matter where you are or what is happening, you have the ability to call on God for strength, courage and comfort. Here are some verese that have guided me on my journey…

“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?”

Psalm 27:1 NIV

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
²My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

DSC09023 publish

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”^[a]

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)

God Is Walking With You

November 3, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.
²    He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
³    He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths
    for the honor of his name.
⁴Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
    You are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff
    comfort me.”

Psalm 23:1-4 NIRV

“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIRV

DSC_1554 publish

“So do not be afraid. I am with you.
    Do not be terrified. I am your God.
I will make you strong and help you.
    I will hold you safe in my hands.
    I always do what is right.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIRV

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

Surrender

November 2, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Luke 9:23-24 NIV

DSC_0021-1 publish

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20 NIV

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Conclusion

November 1, 2021 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Later, Jesus knew that everything had now been finished. He also knew that what Scripture said must come true. So he said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹A jar of wine vinegar was there. So they soaked a sponge in it. They put the sponge on the stem of a hyssop plant. Then they lifted it up to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰After Jesus drank he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and died.”

John 19:28-90 NIRV

“At just the right time Christ died for ungodly people. He died for us when we had no power of our own. ⁷It is unusual for anyone to die for a godly person. Maybe someone would be willing to die for a good person. ⁸But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:6-8 NIRV

DSC_0273 publish