Holy Spirit

December 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our guide…Our conscience…Comforter…Presence of God…Spirit of truth…Helper. When we believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Son of God and we confess our sins, God gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in our daily lives. Open your heart and mind to God’s Holy Spirit, seek His wisdom and you will find strength and peace. Amen.

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

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“The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”

1 John 3:24

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

God’s Presence

December 9, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Courage…comfort…strength…persevering…secure…enduring. In the bible we are told we will have trouble in this world. All of us will be in a battle of some kind…we are also told that God will be with us every step of the way. There have never been any promises that life will be easy and even if you think someone has an easy life, they may be fighting a battle you know nothing about. Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives, in your prayers give Him thanks…if it is hard to see where He is working or what He is up to in your life, pray that you can look at things with new eyes and a new perspective. No matter what the situation…God is with you and He knows what you are going through, today and every day. May His peace wash over you. Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Faith Over Fear

November 24, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When facing struggles and suffering, we have a choice to act based on our faith or on our fears. Choose faith. Fear is a weapon of evil and a powerful one. When given the opportunity, faith can conquer fear. As with most things there is a certain amount of fear that is healthy, protective instinct and we all need that level for personal safety. An unhealthy level of fear is destructive and paralyzing and keeps us from the life God intends for us. Bring your fears to the Lord and let your faith be greater than your fear. Amen.

Fear Is A Liar by Zach Williams

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“Do 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.”

Philippians 4:6-7

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico)

Courage

November 8, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A life if faith is not easy and we were never promised it would be…in fact the bible is clear that we all will face troubles in this world. Everyone is facing a battle of some kind and it takes courage to stand in faith and live with God at the center of your life. God knows our difficulties and struggles and Jesus lived as a man on earth for over 30 years and knows all too well the ways of the fallen world. Turn towards Jesus Christ, trust in Him to guide your life and stand firm on the foundation of your faith. Amen.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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

With God…

November 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

What are you facing today? What burdens and worries are you carrying in your life? It is easy for us to get caught up in the problems and the struggles, we also tend to think that others aren’t suffering as we are…friends, the world is a broken place, the whole world and everyone in it is fighting some type of battle. Just because we haven’t seen it or it hasn’t been shared with us or we haven’t read about it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. If we try to go it alone and depend on our own will power…we will continue to fail. With God, we can get through anything…it won’t be easier and the problem won’t magically go away…rather when we believe and we trust in God we will be filled with encouragement and courage. When we read God’s word a sense of comfort and peace will calm our worries and we can replace our fears with faith. You will be amazed at what can happen when you walk with God. Amen.

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“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

(This photo was taken in June of 2012 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Keep Going

October 16, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Don’t give up…keep doing good things. Persistence is powerful. God did not promise life would be easy. Keep praying, walk closely with God. Do not give into the sinful nature and the temptations of this world. I have struggled just like you, we all do…turn towards the Lord, trust in Him and you will make it through whatever trouble or sadness or struggle you are facing. God is with you. Amen.

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

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

Our Refuge In The Storm

October 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover? Where can we be safe? Who can help us in our time of need? God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us. Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control. A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world. Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm. Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Our Source Of Strength And Hope

September 27, 2019 / mcalcagno / 2 Comments

We face difficulties and struggles each day and in so many different situations. We look for help within the world…yet everyone else is struggling as well. What are we to do? Who can we turn to? There is one who we should turn to and put our trust in, only one, it is Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Our Lord. He is the source of comfort, courage, strength and hope…find your hope and find new strength in Christ Alone. Amen.

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“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.”

Isaiah 41:10

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

Strength

September 19, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

All that we need is provided by God. It is easy to give up and believe that something is never going to change or get better and frankly the majority of people do exactly that…the strength to keep working for good comes from God. Reading God’s Word and spending time with Him in prayer renews your spirit and your mind. When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we see what He has done, we know that God is working for our good in all things…do not give up…whatever it is, whoever it is…don’t give up…bring it to the Cross of Christ. Amen.

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“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

He Knows…

September 11, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

All that has happened in our lives and in history. The greatest blessings can come from the greatest tragedies. This has been true throughout history…going back to the resurrection after the crucifixion. God knows all these things and He will guide us through everything and anything we encounter in life…it is up to us to seek Him and His Word. Amen.

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

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