Distractions

October 27, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world. So easy to lose focus from our purpose and why we are here. The world is full of distractions and it is when we take our eyes off of Jesus and our faith that we begin to feel things becoming overwhelming. We need to continually find ways to feed our faith and seek spiritual growth. To build our relationship with our Savior and keep our focus on living a life centered on faith. Jesus Christ is with you, even when you aren’t paying attention to Him…turn towards Christ and trust in Him to lead and guide you. May the peace and love of Christ wash over us in our daily life. Amen.

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“Lord if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ” Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried our “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached our his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:28-31

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Be Transformed

October 26, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Changed…renewed…remade…to make new again. How we live, the decisions we make, our purpose and perspective are continually influenced by our life in this world. If we fail to spend time feeding our minds and spiritual being with the Word of God and if we don’t spend time in prayer in relationship and communication with God, we will become like the world. Only God can make us new again, with forgiveness, wisdom, courage, knowledge, trust and faith. There are people in the world striving for the Fruits of the Spirit in their life…you may have to look for them with new eyes and a new perspective and those are available to all of us because of Jesus. I pray we feed our faith and strive towards God and His will and away from the sinful nature. Amen.

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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 October of 2018 at City Park in Winterset, Iowa)

Redeemed

October 25, 2018 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

Saved…recovered…reclaimed…restored…changed…forgiven…set free. The price has been paid for our sins. Jesus came down from heaven and suffered to save us from the defeat of death in sin. We are loved by God and that love conquers all things in this world. We are reconciled with God and can pursue His will for our lives. Sharing a song by the group Big Daddy Weave entitled “Redeemed”

I pray for God’s love to wash over the burdens in our lives and strengthen us in kindness, goodness, compassion and forgiveness. Amen.

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

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“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at City Park in Winterset, Iowa)

Be A Light In The Darkness

October 24, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the most difficult things for many of us is being different from our surroundings. When our foundation for being different is rooted in God and the Fruits of the Spirit we can be sure we are standing on solid ground. None of us is equipped to judge the actions and behaviors of others. When we are confused or lack understanding that is a time to listen and learn. It is hard to be different yet God created each of us to be unique so that together we could build community and use our gifts to strengthen the body of Christ. I pray we all seek to learn how God wants us to use our gifts each day. Amen.

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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 light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the Covered Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)

Do Not Be Afraid

October 23, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Fear can be powerful, if we let it. It can stop growth and progress, it can create major detours in our lives and relationships that none of us planned on taking. It is a weapon of evil that is used frequently on everyone. We can overcome fear, we can proceed with care and caution while still moving forward on the path God has put before us. We can’t do this alone and the good news is we don’t have to. God sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us and to teach us. We are not alone and if you find yourself in circumstances wondering ‘how is this going to change or get better?’ Remember, all things are possible with God. I pray we take our worries and our fears to the Lord and let Him guide our way. Amen.

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“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:10

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

The Message Of Hope

October 22, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

No matter what is happening…no matter the circumstances in your life and relationships…even when you can’t see the way…The Word of God provides the message of Hope and a future with the Lord. The world will provide false truths and absolutes…through the prophets of the Old Testament, through Jesus and the disciples in the New Testament, God provides Hope. Throughout human history there has been suffering, tragedies and evil, God knows these things will occur in a fallen world filled with sin. Yet only God can take the broken, suffering, worn down people of this world and give them a new perspective, a renewed strength and a belief in the Hope of good things even in the darkest hours. Jesus Christ experienced the worst suffering and treatment that humankind can offer and God used that event to provide the greatest moment of Hope the world has ever seen. I pray we take time to read about God’s message of Hope and believe in what God has in store for us and our lives. Amen.

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Gifts For Your Faith Journey

October 21, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Each one of us has been blessed with gifts, abilities, strengths. God created us out of His love and our love for God can be expressed best by using the gifts He has given us for good things. The hesitation or fear we sense when we are unsure about things can be very uncomfortable…we must be willing to take time and reflect on times when God has showed up and we were made aware of our gifts. We also need to be sure to be in prayer and not take all our cues about who we are or what we can do from the world as evil and darkness wants us to do very little in relation to what God intended for us. Our Faith is a journey and the best part is God packed our bag full of the right things for us to take on this journey…it is up to us to be sure we talk with Him about it often and use the things God has given us. I pray we all have courage, confidence and trust in the Lord until the day we go home to be with Him. Amen.

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“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:21

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Mercy And Compassion

October 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Grace…forgiveness…kindness…sympathy…generosity…tenderheartedness. It seems like sometimes people with these character traits are cast aside by society as weak or out of place. The fact is these behaviors are what make a community, a business, a church and a family strong and connected. It is focusing on living in this way that encourages others and keeps us from dwelling on self-centered behaviors. This reminds me of bible verses in the New Testament, such as: “…The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Luke 10:2) Meaning the number of people hurting, suffering and in need is many but those willing and able to help is few. Prayer and acting with these behaviors and finding the way God is asking you to serve others is a wonderful way to turn towards God and step out in faith on your faith journey. May we all be strong and courageous in showing mercy and compassion to others. Amen.

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“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”

Zechariah 7:9

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

Love Conquers All

October 19, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The driving force in any relationship is love. It is described by specific behaviors to us in 1 Corinthians 13, so that we know what it means to love. These words are read at more weddings than any other bible verse…just hearing or reading the words alone is not enough. How do each of us as individuals put the words in 1 Corinthians 13 into actions and behaviors in our lives and relationships? When we look at the life of Jesus…He did not only tell people to pray, He did it…He did not only teach people to help others in need, He did that to…He did not only speak about love…He did the one thing that showed the world His love for all people, for everyone and anyone who ever lives to see. True love that shows up in our actions and our behaviors will always win over the most difficult and tragic situations. How can we get better at practicing love in our lives? I pray we seek to understand where we need to be better at love in our relationships. Amen.

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“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18

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

Be Still

October 18, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Take time to build your relationship with the Lord…find a still and quiet place to seek Him…the greatest joy can come from experiencing God’s presence when the Holy Spirit is allowed to flow freely in your heart and soul. God is with you, He hears you and He knows you…make time to be with Him. I pray for all to take time to turn towards the Lord and away from the sinful nature. Amen.

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