Give Thanks

June 8, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Father God, nothing is impossible for You. You love us even when we are unloveable. You are good to us even when we don’t deserve it. You are kind and compassionate toward us even when we mess up. Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us! Teach us to focus on gratitude in all circumstances and draw us closer to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:4-5

(This photo was taken in St. Croix State Park in northern Minnesota)

It Takes Courage…

June 7, 2024 / 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

Courage is not the absence of fear…Courage is the willingness to move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…Having courage is placing your trust in God ahead of fear…it is about not allowing fear to stop you or defeat you.

It takes courage to seek the Light…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…

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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

(This photo was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Believe

June 2, 2024June 2, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

2 Timothy 4:18 NIV

Believe in the power of God…He is our Creator…He is our Savior…He will guide us with the Holy Spirit. God can and will rescue you. Don’t give up hope…don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Believe in God’s saving grace, believe in God’s love for you. Trust in the Lord and He will rescue you.

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

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“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

Lay Down Your Burdens

June 1, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Carry You by Amy Grant

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

(This photo was taken along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

His Sacrifice For Our Salvation

May 21, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“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 NIV

^“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 NIV

Father God, we are so grateful for the good news of Jesus and our eternal relationship with You. Help us each day to share Your Word with those around us so they can experience Your love. Guide us to live a life that honors You and inspires others to know You and love You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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⁵But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.“

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

(This photo was taken on a walk near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God Is Our Refuge

May 20, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

Father God, nothing is impossible for You. You love us even when we are unlovable. You are good to us even though we don’t deserve it. You are kind and compassionate towards us even when we mess up and get ourselves into trouble. You are our faithful refuge. Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us! Remind us of how You have shown up in our lives so that we can intentionally give You praise. In Jesus name, Amen.

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“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

(This photo was taken in Arches National Park in Utah)

An Encounter With God

May 17, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NIV

How do you respond when God calls to you?

God promises His presence…He is with you and He is for you.

What happens next is up to you…

I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

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“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.“

Revelation 3:20 NIV

(This photo was taken near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)

Our Hearts And Minds

May 13, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

Father God, open our eyes to what we are truly devoting ourselves to. Help us as we fight against selfish desires and worldly ways. We want You at the center of our lives. When we drift away refocus our hearts and minds on You, and Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:1-2

(This photo was taken while traveling through southern New Mexico)

Where Does Your Help Come From?

May 10, 2024 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

Father God, please show us how to approach You with confidence. We know You care for us and that You love us…unfortuantely, there are times when we doubt our worthiness. Replace our negative self-talk with bold assurance that we belong to You and that You will guide us and protect us. Help us to pray…“Here I am Lord – please help me.” In Jesus name, Amen.

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