Connection Through Prayer

April 22, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The joy of the resurrection is more than a one day event or church service. It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to never leave us or abandon us. We can continue and grow our relationship with the Lord each day through prayer. Prayer that is from the heart, that involves raw emotion, not a list of wants or a moment that we recite words before a meal with no feeling or emotion other than let’s finish praying so we can eat. Our connection with God the Father exists through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ our risen Lord…start today…thank Jesus for what He did for you on the cross and ask Him to guide you and teach you through your prayers. Amen.

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“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

2 Thessalonians 3:5

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Good Friday…God’s Love

April 19, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Sacrifice…Savior…Salvation. God has shown us just how much He loves you, cares for you and values you. He sacrificed His Son, our Savior for our Salvation. Thanks be to God for His everlasting love. Amen.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(Photo credit: Stockphoto)

Sacrifice

April 17, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

An offering…to give up something of value to serve a greater cause or to help others. During this Holy Week we recount the events that led to the greatest sacrifice in human history. Jesus Christ suffering and sacrificing Himself to death on a cross in order to save us from our sins. And just when we may wonder ‘what more could He do’…He spoke these words while hanging on the cross, “…Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34 Whenever I reflect on these events, I typically end up asking myself the same question in my mind…’what have I done for Him, after He has done so much for me?’

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“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

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

Courage

April 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Brave…bold…stouthearted…spirited…determined. When we come to a situation or scenario that is beyond our control we get a glimpse of the powers that exist beyond ourselves. It forces us to look at the world and our life with a different perspective. It takes courage to have heartfelt compassion…it takes courage to be truly humble…it takes courage to admit we are broken and we need help. It takes courage to move forward after a tragedy of any kind. Our inspiration for courage should come from the One who was more courageous than any other in His life, His death and His resurrection. Jesus Christ…turn to Him in prayer for your courage to face whatever is weighing on your heart today. Amen.

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Holy Week

April 14, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It is Palm Sunday…the day we celebrate Jesus entering the city…the moments and events of the coming week are in honor of the facts that changed everything in the world thousands of years ago. It is all very relevant today, and this week in history was not the End…it was the End of the Beginning…think about the events in the life and death of Jesus this week and all that He has done for you. Amen.

End Of The Beginning by David Phelps

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“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Revelation 22:12-13

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Saved By Christ

April 6, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A sacrifice…an offering of redemption…grace…mercy…humility…love…Savior. There is nothing or no one in our lives as compassionate as Jesus Christ. He lived a life on earth just like everybody else…only He suffered more than anyone else and He did it knowing it was going to happen the whole time. He offered Himself up to take the punishment we all deserve and He did it to save you and to save me. Give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Amazing Love

March 31, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is no one in life that will be able to show us through their actions the love that God has demonstrated for us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. His love endures through every aspect of our lives. Through the greatest joys and through the deepest of sorrows…God’s love is surrounding each one of us. No matter where you are or what is happening turn towards the Lord and you will find comfort in His love. Amen.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in October fo 2014 at the Nakalele Blowhole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Savior…Sacrifice…Salvation

March 18, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The world tells us to pursue money, comfort and the easy life. To look out for ourselves and satisfy ourselves first and most often, this is the sinful nature and it has taken hold in many people. There is a way to be different and to live with purpose and it is based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves you, He gave His life to save you and His way is the only way to God the Father. Spend time reading God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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

John 14:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Christ Died For Us

March 7, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As we read about the life of Jesus in the Bible, we hear about how His presence alone was powerful. When He spoke it captured the attention of anyone around, it didn’t matter if what He was saying was making them feel good or made them feel fearful, everyone listened intently. Something was different about this man, He was more different from any other person. Then there were the miracles…healing the sick, feeding the hungry, bringing the dead back to life. He was a friend to those that society had cast aside and He could see people in a way that no one else could. He was God in human form and He came down from heaven to save us. Before He began His public ministry, a ministry He knew would end with His death on earth…He spent 40 days in the desert fasting. As of yesterday, we have entered a similar 40 day period…how will we take time to connect with Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord over the next 40 days? May the peace of the Lord be with you on your journey. Amen.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Troubles Can Be Overwhelming

February 27, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our thoughts are often the driver of our hearts and our actions. The more we think about and focus on something, the more likely it will lead us to doing something. The problem is the amount of inputs and sensory overload we are getting from darkness and evil tend to keep us dwelling on our sins and the sinful nature within us. It truly is a struggle and can be all consuming. The only source of Light is Jesus Christ. The only way to get help in removing the blinders to goodness and good things is God’s Word. Faith will not make the evil and darkness disappear, rather it provides the tools and the resources we need to promote the Fruit of the Spirit. Faith helps us shine the Light of Christ for us and others to see in this dark world. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Light of the World. Amen.

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