Tag: God

He Has Ascended

“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”” Acts 1: 9-11 NKJV

This picture was taken on a beautiful summer day. The blue color of the sky, with the white fluffy clouds and sun brightly shining, was masterfully designed by our Father in heaven. It compels you to look up and you can not help but consider how wonderful He is! Could this be how the sky looked as He ascended? It gives us reason to contemplate.

The season and events surrounding Easter is not just a one to three day time frame. It begins with the forty day period of Lent and continues through Palm Sunday, Holy Week, the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Forty days after the resurrection Jesus ascended into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of God. Then ten days later, the day of Pentecost happened. This is when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. This also signifies the birth of the Christian church. The Day of Pentecost also ends the Easter season.

We tend to focus mainly on resurrection day, rightly so, however, there is much more to consider. Take the time to contemplate all that took place.

The ascension and day of Pentecost both were a fulfillment of Jesus’ ministry on earth. The Bible tells us in Acts 1:9-11 that He is coming back in the manner He ascended, in the clouds! Be ever so diligent and alert! Jesus tells us He is returning and He cautions us to be watching and ready, for no one knows the exact day, only the Father in heaven. Be ready!

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42NKJV

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.”
Matthew 25:31NKJV

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️ Denise L Calandra 2023

Check out some photos on the sites below:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com/

https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfoliosite.com/home

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Washed White As Snow

On a tree our sins were forgiven!

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Psalm 51:7 NKJV

This picture was taken on a cold, snowy winter day. It was taken in a parking lot covered with snow. This lone tree really stood out against the white snow. It was a stark contrast to behold. I always consider God’s creation and His word when taking photos. This, however, goes way beyond creation and right to the heart of God! It really illustrated the above verse in Psalm 51.

“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
1Peter 2:24 NKJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1: 3-6 NKJV

The blood of Jesus washed our sins white as snow, because He bore them for us on the tree. Read and consider carefully Ephesians 1:3-6. Here we see, that even before creation, God had our salvation in mind. His love for us is immeasurable! It goes way beyond our comprehension. This is truly the heart of God toward us. I am forever grateful.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 NKJV

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2023

Check out some photos available at the sites below.

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com/

https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfoliosite.com/home

God is Love

It is difficult to explain the meaning of the word “Love.” Love can be explained as an affection, an attachment or tender feeling toward another person. Valentine’s Day has become a day we express or celebrate these feelings, although they are not just felt for one day. Love like this can bring much joy and happiness.

However, God’s love is so much deeper than this. Sometimes more than we can comprehend. God is our true love! 💕

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV

Enjoy His love.

Roses are red, the color of the blood that God shed, He died for all, after the fall, Grasp on to His deep love and fly like a dove!

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️ Denise L. Calandra

Check out some pictures at these two sites below.

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfoliosite.com/home

I Am The Light Of The World

One late summer afternoon I took this picture of the sun, shining through the tree, and it’s light reflecting to the ground, onto nearby flowers. It was a very inspiring moment. I thought about how God is always there guiding us. He allows us to see Himself in many ways. What a comfort this is for us. He is always there shining bright. I thought about the Bible verse where Jesus tells us that “He is the light of the world.”

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NKJV

As we come to this season of Christmas, let us reflect on Jesus and how He came down from heaven to save us, the lost sheep. What an amazing story, actually it is not just a story but an actual event. He left the glory of God and heaven to come to earth, for us!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16NKJV

God sent us His son, who came as a little babe, into this world to save us all from our fallen state. This is the foundation for us, the beginning. If He never did this we would have no hope. This is our Christmas celebration. However, the story does not end here. Jesus had to complete the purpose God sent Him for. We can continue in the book of John and look at the next Bible verse to see this. John 3:17

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John.3:17NKJV

This Christmas season reflect on Him as the little babe, but never forget that the story does not end there. He wants us to “ABIDE” in Him and glorify Him so this “Good News” can spread to all. His light shines down upon us, dwells in us and permeates us, shining outward to those around. Therefore, share His light this Christmas; for He truly is “The Light of the World!”

Let us rejoice and be glad. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas and God’s Blessing to all.

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️Denise L. Calandra 2022

Pictures available at:

https:denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

Be ye Transformed

Delight in change

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 NKJV

Be “transformed”, what does this mean? A simple definition from dictionary.com states: to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed. Fall is a season where we see transformation taking place in the trees. The leaves are “transformed” in their appearance.

A refresher on the food making process reminds us that as the amount of daylight decreases and the temperature begins to drop, the chlorophyll color of green, breaks down and goes away. When this occurs the true color of the leaves are seen, hence the beautiful Fall foliage from this transformation.

Let us look at what God tells us in Romans 12:2. First He tells us to not be “conformed” to this world. What does it mean to be conformed? Again dictionary.com gives us an idea of what it means to conform. It simply states: to comply or act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc. that a group or society adhere too. The Bible speaks of the ways of the “world” versus the ways of God. The standards of society do not meet the standards that God has for us in His word. We especially see our society falling deeper away from God’s ways, where immorality and lawlessness seem to prevail. We are not to conform to these ideas.

While God warns us that we should not conform to the ways of the world; He at the same time urges us to be “transformed, by the renewing of our mind”. How do we do this? When we accept Jesus as our Lord, God sends His Holy Spirit to dwell in us. We have the mind of Christ in us and we are being renewed and transformed to God’s ways. Perhaps this transformation is not as outward or visible as we see with the leaves, however, it is a real and amazing process. It is a character transformation and is done inwardly. However, the change should be visible in our behavior.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20NKJV

“Be ye transformed”

©️Denise L. Calandra 2022

Pictures available at:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

Christmas Shopping Ideas for Gifts that last all year.

Why not deck the walls with prints of nature?Fa La La La La La La La La!

Below are a few sample of photos available at my website below:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

These are just a few of the photos available at my website. Go check them out! They are available in prints, framed prints, canvas wraps, and giclee art prints. They would make great gifts! Order today.

©️Denise L. Calandra 2022

Only Through Jesus

God stands strong throughout time. He is our true foundation!

This picture intrigues me. I look at it and see the cross in the forefront, standing strong, with the church behind it. Let’s say the church represents God, although it is just a building it has come to depict God. We also see the cross, which we need to go through, to get to God. This is the only way to restoration with God, through Jesus, God’s only son. Jesus took our sins upon Himself as He hung on the cross with arms stretched out for us. This picture illustrates that for us. In the Bible we read about salvation through Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John.3.16NKJV

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
John.14.6NKJV

Jesus tells us in His word, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. See Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6NKJV

Looking at this picture I not only see the cross to remind me of what Jesus did for us, but also how God stands strong. He is always there for us. He is the true foundation that we must hold on to. Again, the above photo illustrates this for us.

There is an old hymn “The Churches One Foundation” written by Samuel John Stone, which is now public domain. Read the lyrics below and prayerfully reflect on them. Help us to not let His foundation crumble.

1 The church’s one Foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is His new creation,
by water and the Word;
from heav’n He came and sought her
to be His holy bride;
with His own blood He bought her,
and for her life He died.

2 Elect from ev’ry nation,
yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy Name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with ev’ry grace endued.

3 Tho’ with a scornful wonder,
men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping,
their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

4 The church shall never perish!
Her dear Lord, to defend,
to guide, sustain, and cherish,
is with her to the end;
tho’ there be those that hate her
and false sons in her pale,
against the foe or traitor
she ever shall prevail.

5 ‘Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace for evermore;
till with the vision glorious
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.

6 Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we,
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with Thee.

God’s blessing to all.

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2022

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

Photo is available at: https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

To learn more about God and His ways check out this discipleship series at Amazon, see link below.

“The Light of Life”

“I am the light of the world”

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”
John 8:12 (NKJV)

This pathway along The Saint Lawrence River, is delightfully lit up, glowing from the light of the sun. It draws you in and gives a peaceful, comforting affect. Perhaps, a rest on the bench would be good for the soul. A front row seat to watch His glorious beauty unfold for us to embrace.

This gives me cause to consider all God has done for us. He gave all, so we may receive eternal life. After we sinned, He sent His Son to redeem and restore us to a right relationship with Himself. Our God, creator of all. My thoughts go to an old hymn written by Charles Wesley, “And Can It Be, That I Should Gain,”in which one lyric states, “Oh my God that thou should die for me.” This hymn is now public domain and I suggest that you look it up.

If we give all to Him, we do not walk alone in darkness but in His light. He lights our paths. He is truly the light of the world. He speaks in His word to us, as well as Through His creation. God implores us to be filled with His Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” For God so loved the world…how much more does His love and light enfold, encompass and comfort us. He reaches deep into our soul. There is a song called “Spirit Song”, which I highly recommend you look up. Let His Spirit fill you, guide you and truly make you whole.

My prayer is for you to know the fullness of God in your life.

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2022

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

Pictures available at:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

For learning to have a closer walk with God and learning how to walk God’s way, check out the discipleship series below.