Freedom Isn’t Free

July 4, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b] ¹⁵If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Galatians 5:13-15 NIV

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

Jesus paid the price for our sin so we could be free to love one another

Time to put down the flaming arrows of hate and to serve one another in love

Thank you God, for Jesus sacrifice and 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 have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom for all of us

In Jesus name, Amen

“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 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial)

Friendships

July 2, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

¹³Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 NIV

Being a friend means listening…just listening

Being a friend means putting the needs of others before your own

Being a friend means making time to be together

Friends can share thoughts…

Thoughts about dreams and goals as well as disappointments and frustrations without judgment

Being a friend means laughing together…often

Being a friend means offering your shoulder when someone needs to cry because the pain is too great to bear alone

A friendship is a give and take relationship…

If your give and take are not balanced evenly the friendship will suffer

This give and take in relationships is also necessary in your spiritual life…

Your friendship with Jesus requires both give and take…

We all have a friend in Jesus

Begin or continue to listen, to make time, to share your dreams and frustrations, to laugh with your friend Jesus…

It is the one friendship that will definitely last forever

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know the master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:15 NIV

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

Life With Purpose

June 30, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

(This photo was taken at the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana)

Stand Firm In The Faith

June 26, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

There many elements of life working against those desiring to follow Jesus

The world, the flesh and Satan all are like a rushing river of water trying to keep us away from God and His Word

We must learn to stand firm in the faith

To speak the truth with respect, kindness and compassion

Remember God is with you, no matter what

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

(This photo was taken in Tettegouche State Park in northern Minnesota)

Peace Is Found With God

June 25, 2026 / 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

Father God, it is so easy for us to worry about the circumstances in our lives

Each day, help us to remember that You are always in control

Help us trust in Your provision, protection and plans for our lives

Because we know You care about every need and desire we have…we know we can rest in You

Give us peace as we let go of circumstances that we can’t control and put ourselves into Your hands

In Jesus name, Amen

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunrise at a lake in central Minnesota)

He Is With You Wherever You Go

June 24, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

“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

“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.

¹¹“All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
¹²Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
¹³For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 NIV

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

Gifts And Serving One Another

June 22, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Father God, remind me what humility and serving others looks like

Thank You for the gifts and blessings You have provided me

Change the way I think and act, and teach me to put others first in a healthy way that honors You

In Jesus name, Amen

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in is various forms.”

1 Peter 4:9-10 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling near the South Dakota and Minnesota border)

Our Good Father

June 21, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV

Being a parent requires a willingness to sacrifice to serve the needs of others

What we give up is nothing compared to the loving and nurturing relationship we can have with our children throughout life

Once again God has set the example of a Father who has given up so much so that He can have a loving, engaging and nurturing relationship with us

We would do well to not take Him for granted

He is our Father, who loves us and wants good things for us

Take time to be with Our Good Father

Good Good Father ft. Pat Barrett by Chris Tomlin

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Psalm 103:8 NIV

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

God’s Faithfulness

June 20, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

Father God, even in the midst of many troubles, You are faithful

When we are tired, overwhelmed, burnt out or grieving, Your love still covers us

Thank You for showing us kindness and mercy every day

Your steadfast love endures forever

Great is Your faithfulness!

In Jesus name, Amen

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

(This photo was taken in Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming)

Patience and Persistence

June 19, 2026 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”