Free Will

April 24, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the most sacred aspects regarding the creation of humans is free will. We are given the gift of free will by God to decide and to choose our behavior and attitude each day. How we choose to live is our responsibility and no one else’s. We choose to do good or to do wrong or we choose to do nothing. Everybody in the world is fighting a battle of some kind, real life is not what people are posting on social media, that is merely the book cover that people want to present to the world. We should not take our free will for granted, use the power to choose how you will live to do good for others, just as Christ did to save you. May God’s peace be with you.

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“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Galatians 5:13-15

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

Rest For The Weary

April 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Each day brings us choices, decisions, questions and some answers. On some occasions these can pile up on us pretty fast and become a burden to wade through. When the way forward is blurry or getting difficult to understand we need to take sometime and be with Jesus. He set the example…several times you can read in the bible that Jesus would go off on His own or with one or two of the disciples to pray. To be with His Father in heaven in nature and stillness. We are not made to “on” all the time 24-7, we need better balance. Make your rest time with Jesus a priority at whatever point in a day makes sense for you. Make God’s peace and joy be with you.

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

Matthew 11:28-29

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

Put Aside Your Fears

April 19, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The journey of faith becomes more difficult if we let our fears have the power to stop us. If we allow our fears to be sustained in our thoughts and in our actions we are feeding them. We can be strengthened against our fears by the Word of God and by connecting in a community of faith. Fear is a weapon of evil and darkness and it can be very powerful if we allow it rule in our lives. We must remember that God is good, He already knows much more about us than we realize, He loves us and He has forgiven us. Be renewed by developing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…after all He gave all He could in order to save us. May God’s peace be with you.

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“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

In God We Trust

April 16, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

These are the words that help to form a new nation. As we fight our internal struggles our hope is tied to our belief in God. There is so much in life that can be good, if we have the courage to build a personal relationship with God. We must be prepared to humble ourselves, to know we are not the center of the universe or our own lives. When God is at the center we look to Him and His Word. God created us out of love, He has forgiven us with His One and Only Son and He can guide us with the Holy Spirit. Take the next step in trusting God whatever that is for you and see what He has in store for your life. May God’s love and joy be with you.

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

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

Courage

April 14, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ in this world. It takes courage to not only say I believe but then to go out and act and do as one who believes. It takes strength and courage to stay the course of faith and let God be in control. We/I always want to take over control and management of life. Then we are surprised or sometimes frustrated when things go in a different direction then what we planned or tried to orchestrate. Trusting in God means surrendering the desire to control every aspect of your life…once again it’s simple but it’s not easy. Give to God all the things in your mind and in your heart and pick a few verses out to memorize so you can repeat them to yourself when needed. I have two recommendations for you Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13 they have helped me in many moments in my life and will continue to do so. May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

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

Patience

April 8, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the hardest characteristics to develop and grow in this world is patience. All around us is convenience, time-saving, be first, get it done…hurry hurry, we want it now! Whew…take a moment…breathe. The “rat race” as it has been called consumes so many people. Let’s stop and think about that phrase…’rat race’…it has origins of a mouse or hamster in a cage running on a spinning wheel. Working so hard and going nowhere. We need the courage and strength to step off the spinning wheel. The goals of the rat race give us nothing but anxiety, stress and the desire to move the bar higher causing more of the same pain and suffering. One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein…‘the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result,’ sounds like the rat race to me. Time to start making a change in how we live and the only way we can change is with patience and persistence. Take a least one step each day out of the rat race and get into the race of faith…for the reward in that race is eternal life through Jesus Christ. May God’s peace be with you.

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

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

The Light

April 6, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The Bible talks about Light in many ways. When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is our Savior and Lord, we begin to get a sense of this Light as we study the Word of God. When the Light of Christ shines in us we look different, we act different and we feel different than we use to. Acknowledging the Light is a shift in perspective, it is purposefully looking for the goodness, kindness and love in our actions and in the actions of others. It is being self-less, working for the good of others, it is coming along side someone and walking with them rather then trying to knock them down or push them aside to advance our own ideas. Seek this Light and shine it out to others and you will find peace. May God’s Light be with you.

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“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Be On Your Guard

April 3, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we go out to live a life of faith, based on the foundation of our relationship with God we need to be prepared to be opposed. The dark forces of evil in the world do not want us living with the light of Christ shining for all to see. We will be tempted to do differently and we will be given distractions to take our attention away from a life of faith. If you can, pick a verse or two that are most reassuring to you and memorize them, place them deep in your heart and mind and reaffirm your faith repeating these verses whenever you want and use the Word of God to keep you focused. May God’s peace be with you on your journey.

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“Be self-controlled and be alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

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

Good Friday, Reflect…Be Transformed

March 30, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There cannot be unexpected and jubilant celebration at the resurrection without the pain and tragedy of the crucifixion. Life is not always going to be sweet smelling roses and unconstrained happiness. It is because of our sufferings that we learn and appreciate the good things God has given us. When I think about the most difficult times of my past I begin to see my focus at those times was all self-centered, I was putting myself at the center of my life and that is not my place. When I notice the times when I have had real joy, peace and contentment it is when I have surrendered myself to God and His will. Only God can help us in the terrible times and events that are caused by humans and sin, only He can bring about the love, forgiveness, peace and joy. God does not make the bad things occur, we do that ourselves but He is always there ready to help us when we turn towards Him and His Son who sacrificed everything to save us. May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Trials Of Life

March 26, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Everyone has knowledge and experience in trials and pain and suffering. No matter what type of front they display on a social media feed there is trial and pain in their life too. The problem with comparing ourselves is that many people are very skilled at hiding their pain, trying to ignore the suffering. Worse yet is the news media and the sad way they choose to display their view of the world. There is a phrase I have heard used more when I was younger and not as much now…“you get what you give” or “what you will get out of this is determined by what you put into it” To me this provides one of the things missing in society today…accountability. Easy street is not a real place or a way to live. That doesn’t mean that we never will feel happy or joy but it depends on where you are looking for it, it depends on your perspective. The one place that helps with every day life and builds a strong foundation to live on is the Cross. Come to the Cross and live. May God’s peace be with you.

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