Humility And Strength

June 5, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It’s not about me…it’s not about how everything affects me or makes me feel…I am not the center of everything. Each of us is one person, created by God and how we choose to live and interact with others on a daily basis is what we can control more than anything. Our actions and how we choose to respond to the actions of others is up to us. Put God first, read His word and pray. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to Jesus Christ for His love, His mercy and His grace…if you are wondering how will I ever do this or get through this…know that strength can be found in weakness. Amen.

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“…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

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

Our Hope Is Found

May 26, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

In Christ alone. We are saved by His sacrifice, His mercy and His grace. Give thanks to God for all that is good. We can search high and low and all over this world for peace but our source of strength and hope and true peace will be found in Christ Alone. Look for where God is at work in your life today. Amen.

In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell

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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 June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be Strong

May 24, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is nothing greater, nothing stonger, nothing that can separate us from the love of God. You were created by God the Father, you have been saved by Jesus Christ, His Son our Lord and you are guided by the Holy Spirit. No matter what the world throws at you today…stand firm in faith. Amen.

Our God by Chris Tomlin

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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 July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

The Name Of The Lord

May 15, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When trouble comes, seek the Lord. When you feel like you are being attacked, seek shelter by turning towards the Lord. When you are filled with worries and anxiety, find comfort with the Lord. When you have fear, get courage by seeking the Lord. We you have joy, give thanks to the Lord. Don’t limit the experience of a relationship with God by having Jesus as a Savior but not the Lord of your life. He is with you, every day, everywhere you go. Amen.

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

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

Renew Your Strength

May 5, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Many aspects of life on earth can make us weary and tired, shaping our perspective to approach life with negativity, doubt and fear. We often forget, daily, that we can choose our attitude and perspective for this day. If we focus all our thoughts and energy on the problem and why me, then we may get stuck and begin to spiral downward. We can be renewed and draw strength by turning our focus to the Lord. No matter what you are facing remember God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, your strength will be renewed. Amen.

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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:29-31

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

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)

Do Not Be Afraid

March 10, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the favorite weapons of evil is fear. It can be paralyzing and stop us from doing good things. It takes our focus off of God which is exactly where the prince of darkness wants us to be. Do not listen to fear, listen for God. What are you not doing because of fear? What are you not taking part in or what are you not saying? Take it to God and listen for Him to guide you. Trust in the Lord and let you faith be greater than your fear. Amen.

Here is an amazing and powerful song by Zach Williams regarding Fear…

“Fear Is A Liar” by Zach Williams

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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 June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Faith Makes You Stronger

March 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We will have troubles in this world and the troubles will feel relentless. Hold on to your faith and pray. I am sharing lyrics and musical talents of Mandisa this morning, as she is an artist who has had battles just like everyone else and it has led to her sharing her musical talent with the world to remind us that God has us and with Him nothing is impossible. May strength and courage flow through our hearts and minds today. Amen.

Stronger by Mandisa

Overcomer by Mandisa

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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 June of 2015 while traveling through South Dakota)

God Renews Our Strength

December 2, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When I read God’s Word different verses and phrases will seem to stick out more than others from time to time. This is our time to listen…God is speaking to us through the same words His Son spoke so long ago. In the devotional bible I have been reading I have either highlighted or marked with little stars some of these verses…I have also taken time to make a list in the front of the book of the verses that speak to me the most or the most often. This morning, on this day of worship, after completing my daily devotional I have read many of those on the list and in doing this I have literally felt peace and comfort washing over me. If you are looking for something that seems to be missing in your life or in your heart, go look for it in the place God has provided…His Word of life. I pray we seek the wisdom of God in His Word to renew our strength. Amen.

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“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

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

He Gives Us Strength

November 27, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we feel weak and tired…when frustrations seem overwhelming…when the way forward is difficult or unknown. God the Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son and the Holy Spirit lift us up and renew us. Everything and anything in life is going to better when God is at the center of our lives. Spending time in devotions and prayer, reading God’s Word these are ways to build your relationship with Jesus. The more our relationship grows the more we begin to sense His presence in our lives which can lead us to courage and strength at times when we need it most. We were never promised a life of faith would be easy…the promise is “…he will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6 The Lord is good and He is the provider of all we need. I pray we seek the will of the Lord and trust in Him. Amen.

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