The Big Comeback

We have come to the end of the month today marks the last day of June before we usher in a new month Boy time is moving as we are preparing ourselves for the new week ahead lets take the time to focus on this. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9 Chad Pennington is a former American football player who has suffered multiple career-threatening injuries. Twice, his injuries forced him to endure surgery, months of physical therapy, and weeks of training to get back onto the field. Yet, both times he not only returned to playing but he also excelled at such a high level that he was named Comeback Player of the Year in the National Football League. For Pennington, his efforts were an expression of his determination to return to football. Spiritually, when sin and failure break our relationship with God and sideline our service, determination alone is not what restores us to rightness with God and usefulness in His kingdom. When we are sidelined because of sin, the path to a comeback is confession as well. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). For us to be able to recover from our spiritual failings, we are absolutely dependent on the One who gave Himself for us. And that gives us hope. Christ, who died for us, loves us with an everlasting love and will respond with grace as we confess our faults to Him. Through confession, we can find His gracious restoration—the greatest of all comebacks. —Bill Crowder Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. —Elliott Confession is the path that leads to restoration. Bible in a year: Job 17-19; Acts 10:1-23 Insight In today’s reading we see how God has provided a gracious means of cleansing us from our personal sins and reestablishing fellowship with God. It comes through confession of sin and redirecting our choices to the path of obedience (1 John 1:9).

Do No Harm

The end of the week has approach and as we are gearing up for the weekend I hope that your Summer is starting off with a Blast. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. —Romans 13:10 Many consider the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates as the father of Western medicine. He understood the importance of following moral principles in the practice of medicine, and is credited with writing the Hippocratic Oath, which still serves as an ethical guide for today’s medical doctors. One key concept of the oath is “to do no harm.” It implies that a physician will do only what he thinks will benefit his patients. The principle of doing no harm extends to our relationships with others in everyday life. In fact, benevolence is central to New Testament teaching about loving others. In reflecting on the law of God, Paul sees that love is the intent behind many biblical commands: “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10). Each day as we follow Jesus Christ our Savior, we are faced with choices that will affect the lives of others. When we choose a course of action, we should ask ourselves, “Does this reflect Christ’s concern for others, or am I only concerned for myself?” Such a sensitivity demonstrates the love of Christ that seeks to heal the broken and help those in need. —Dennis Fisher Lord, I admit that it is easy to be consumed with my own wants and needs. Thank You that You showed us how to be concerned for others too. Help me to follow Your example in caring for others. Caring for the burdens of others helps us to forget about our own. Bible in a year: Job 8-10; Acts 8:26-40 Insight Paul’s words in today’s passage remind us of Jesus’ words to the young teacher of the law who asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25-29). Love for God and neighbor is the epitome, fulfillment, and intention of all the laws of the Old Testament. In Luke, Jesus went on to say who our neighbor is and what love for that person should look like (vv.30-37). Paul does a similar thing for the people at the church in Rome. After telling them to love their neighbor in chapter 13, he goes on to tell them in chapter 14 to consider the effect their actions will have on their neighbor. Love is to guide all our actions.

Celebrating 30 Years of Purple Rain! June 25, 1984-June 25, 2014

It's been 30 years since Purple Rain WOW! I can't believe it on this day June 25, 1984 the world of music and the music industry changed when Prince drop this Movie and the Soundtrack to go along with it called Purple Rain.Here is my story as I reflect on this day 30 years ago,many may know that I was a BIG Michael Jackson fan before I became a Prince fan at a very young age a friend of the family had given me Michael Jackson Thriller album and I used to walk around the house with it that was until my cousin came along and introduce me to the Man we call Prince. Here is where my world change My cousin had introduce me to this man we call Prince but as a child when my cousin told me that she was a fan of his music my reaction was Who would name there child Prince. I was 3 or 4 years old when my cousin took me 2 see this movie, I can remember it like it was yesterday I asked my cousin was the movie scary and she said NO and seat in my Moms lap through the whole entire movie and after seeing the movie I see why he is called Prince and I have NEVER looked back. This Movie and Soundtrack changed my life I have been supporting Prince ever since. Thank You God for Prince and the Wonderful Music he has given me and the World. Prince truly is a Blessed Man Of God. The Premiere Of Purple Rain The Song that changed my Life

Remembering Michael Jackson 5 Years Ago Today June 25, 2009-June 25, 2014

WOW! I can't believe it's been 5 years already. I will never forget the day that Millions not only lost an Icon but it was the day that the music died and the world went still when we lost our beloved MJ. On June 25, 2009 my world turned upside down I will never forget that day. I had just woken up and was starting the day off very Happy and optimistic until my brother was on the computer and he shout out Michael is DEAD and I said No he is not and then my phone started to ring and it was my Best Friend and I reassured her that MJ was NOT DEAD until my Aunt called and told me that MJ was dead and that's when I told her no he is not dead and that's when I turned on the News to hear the horrible news that Michael Jackson had died as I was watching the news my cousin called and we talked briefly about Michael saying that we were going to grow Old with Michael Jackson we NEVER imagine the sudden a tragic death of Micheal,and that's when I had to call my best friend back to let her know the sad news that Michael Jackson had passed away, for a moment I had an outer body experience and I was in a state of Shock and AWW The man that I was the biggest supporter of had died it felt like the world had STOP and I couldn't stop crying I cried so hard that my heart was hurting. So on this day 5 years later I am Celebrating the Life of our King Of Pop he will FOREVER REIGN in the life of Millions all over the World. 5 years ago today this is What Millions ALL over the world heard. Michael you will NEVER be forgotten your music, life and legacy will remain in our heart forever.

Restored By The Master

Here we are again getting ready to start a New Week. As we start this Week let's keep or minds focus and our spirits uplifted with hope. [You] have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. —Colossians 3:10 Over the centuries, many attempts have been made to restore damaged and time-worn masterpieces of art. While some of these efforts have skillfully preserved the original work of artists, others have actually damaged many works of genius, including ancient Greek statues and at least two paintings by da Vinci. In Paul’s letter to the Christians at Colosse, he described a restoration process that is impossible in the world of art. It’s a restoration of God’s people. Paul wrote, “You have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:9-10). This is no attempt at renovating the work of a deceased artist. It is a spiritual renewal from the living God who created us and gave us new life in His Son, Jesus Christ. His forgiveness brightens the colors of our lives while His grace sharpens the lines of His purpose for us. The canvas of our lives is in the skilled hands of our Lord who knows who and what He designed us to be. No matter how sin-damaged and dirty we may be, there is hope for renewal and restoration. The Master Artist is alive and at work within us. —David McCasland Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, To His feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore His praises sing. —Lyte Jesus specializes in restoration. Bible in a year: Esther 9-10; Acts 7:1-21 Insight Today’s reading reminds us of two influences in our lives (vv.9-10). One is “the old man,” that is, the person we were before trusting Christ. The other is “the new man” who is becoming more like Christ. We are to “put off” the behavior patterns of our old ways and “put on” the new character qualities of Christ.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

WOW! I can't believe it, is it here Summer where did the time go ALL I know is that it went by so fast. It's like that song says Funny How Time Flies When Your Having Fun. So as millions of us Celebrate this first day of Summer, I'm Excited to see all the festivities of 2014 from Movies, Music, Sports and Concerts. So I just wanted 2 wish U and yours a HAPPIE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER! May it be a BLAST!

Forgotten Memories

FRIDAY is in Da House and we have alot to rejoice about weather it be Family, Friends or Love ones lets take a moment to reflect not only on this week BUT let also focus in on ALL those special memories or moment that brought us so much joy and excitement into our lives.Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. —Psalm 103:2 Recently, a friend from my youth emailed me a picture of our junior high track team. The grainy black-and-white snapshot showed a vaguely familiar group of teens with our two coaches. I was instantly swept back in time to happy memories of running the mile and the half-mile in track meets. Yet even as I enjoyed remembering those days, I found myself thinking about how easily I had forgotten them and moved on to other things. As we make our way on the journey of life, it is easy to forget places, people, and events that have been important to us along the way. Time passes, yesterday fades, and we become obsessed with the concerns of the moment. When this happens, we can also forget just how good God has been to us. Perhaps that is why David remembered as he wrote, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Ps. 103:1-2). Never is this remembrance more needed than when the heartaches of life crowd in on us. When we are feeling overwhelmed and forgotten, it’s important to recall all that He has done for us. In remembering, we find the encouragement to trust Him in the present and for the future. —Bill Crowder When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. —Oatman Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past strengthens us for the future. Bible in a year: Esther 1-2; Acts 5:1-21 Insight Many of the psalms refer to the miraculous and wonderful deeds of God in Israel’s history (see Pss. 44, 78, 89, 90, 105). Today’s psalm asks the reader to remember not God’s deeds but God’s character and the gracious benefits He gives to His people. God’s benefits—forgiveness, healing, redemption, and crowning with lovingkindness and mercy—have always been available to God’s people and are still available today (Ps. 103:3-5). These benefits are rooted in God’s character, which the psalmist describes in verse 8. This verse reminds the reader of God’s own description of His character in the book of Exodus: “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (34:6).

CCFA Takes The Hill!

Here is What's happening with CCFA this is our June Newsletter issue. Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President & CEO Day on the Hill Advocates 2014 Last week marked our 12th annual "IBD Day on the Hill," and 120 advocates headed to Washington, D.C. to share how IBD affects their daily lives. Among the advocates were patients, caregivers, supporters and members of Congress, including Rep. Ander Crenshaw and Rep. Jim Moran. This year was particularly momentous since we also launched our first social media advocacy campaign, "You Are Not Alone" with our National Council of College Leaders. Remember, advocacy happens all year round, and we hope you'll take part in this important effort to raise awareness! The New York Times on IBD and CCFA Molly Roberts Part of our mission at CCFA is to raise public awareness about IBD and what it means for the 1.4 million Americans living with the disease. We achieved a significant milestone in this effort when The New York Times published an article on May 26 about IBD and CCFA's promising genetics and microbiome research initiatives. Dr. R. Balfour Sartor, a gastroenterologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and our Chief Medical Advisor, is featured throughout the article – check it out! read more Join an Online Support Group Share your stories and experiences, exchange disease management tips, and make friends with people in your community who also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Patients, family, friends, and healthcare providers are welcome to attend. Learn more about support groups in your area. Don't have a local support group in your area? Join our online support group to learn more. Want to start a local support group? Learn more here or contact your local CCFA chapter. What Treatment Works Best for You? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for patients and caregivers to choose a treatment that best meets their needs. Join us for an educational webcast focused on IBD treatments and the resources needed to make informed decisions about IBD management. In addition to learning about the risks and benefits associated with each treatment, you'll also be provided with the relevant questions to ask your healthcare team. Register today. JUNE 2014 ISSUE Traveling this summer? IBD doesn't need to get in the way of your vacation plans. Make sure to plan ahead so you can be prepared! Find our traveling tips online here and here. Help Us Get There Treatments and cures are within reach – but we need your support! Donate now. Team Challenge Participants Are you ready for a challenge? Get fit, make friends and change lives by joining Team Challenge! Through endurance training and fundraising, you'll find incredible strength inside yourself and fund vital IBD research. Watch the video to learn more! Charity Miles Log on and track every mile you run or walk with Charity Miles by 7/18 and enter to win Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon entry and 2 nights at Bellagio with Team Challenge! Go to charitymiles.org, click on the App Store, download the app and select CCFA! It's that easy. IBD Clinical Trials & Other Studies CCFA provides a comprehensive database of studies, clinical trials and other research on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the recently added studies include: • A Phase I Study Evaluating Autolongous Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stromal for Crohn's Disease in subjects with moderate to severe Crohn's disease conducted by Emory University. • A Study to Evaluate Prediction of Response to an Investigational Medication in Subjects with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis, conducted by Janssen Pharmaceuticals • A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Trial to Assess Clinical Efficacy and Safety of NNC0114-006 in Subjects with Active Crohn's disease, conducted by Novo Nordisk A/S Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant's role.

Hometown Hero Brings IBD Awareness to His Community

Here is Andrew Inspirational Story.In 2012, Andrew began coming down with what his family thought was a stomach virus. After days of testing, it was revealed he had ulcerative colitis. “We went from procedure to procedure. He was in so much pain and unable to keep any food down. At that point, we did not know what was going on with him. It was very scary when we were first admitted and the doctors had no answers,” says Heidi. This is not the first time Andrew has dealt with health challenges in his young life. At just 2 years old, Andrew was diagnosed with Autism. So when he was diagnosed with IBD, his family immediately knew what they had to do. “That was the first time we heard the words ulcerative colitis. When we heard, the words UC, I instantly got back into research mode. We got as immersed in knowledge and figured out how all this would affect Andrew.” The first thing his parents did was empower Andrew with full knowledge and awareness of his disease and how it affects his body so he could be independent. Now he is more aware of his symptoms and how certain foods make him feel. Since then they’ve become involved with IBD advocacy initiatives in their home town of Atlanta, GA, connecting with the government, eventually getting a proclamation in Georgia passed during IBD Week 2013 with the help of Andrew’s story. “I had no idea how many people were affected in my state with these diseases. The more we are able to educate our community, the more we can support people with these diseases. Awareness is the key. “ Andrew has not let colitis or Autism stop him. He is very involved in his community, volunteering at various organizations and working part-time at an animal shelter. “Andrew taught me to always celebrate accomplishments. Even if it is the smallest accomplishment, we celebrate. What we have learned in this process is to take day by day. Every day is a gift. Andrew has worked very hard because he has overcome so much with the autism and more the colitis. He has worked so hard, and we are just extremely proud of him. ”

The World’s Children

The New Week as approach us the weekend is now in the distance we are getting ready to embark on this new journey ahead of us. Hope everyone enjoyed Celebrating and Honoring there Father's I know I certainly did enjoy spending time with my Dad it was truly a blessings. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble. —James 1:27 After a group of high schoolers visited an orphanage during a ministry trip, one student was visibly upset. When asked why, he said it reminded him of his own situation 10 years earlier. This young man had been living in an orphanage in another country. He said he recalled people coming to visit him and his friends—just as these students were doing—and then going away. Occasionally someone would come back and adopt a child. But each time he was left behind he would wonder, What’s wrong with me? When the teenagers would visit an orphanage—and then leave—those old feelings came back to him. So the others in the group prayed for him—and thanked God that one day a woman (his new mother) showed up and chose him as her very own son. It was a celebration of an act of love that gave one boy hope. Across the world are children who need to know of God’s love for them (Matt. 18:4-5; Mark 10:13-16; James 1:27). Clearly, we can’t all adopt or visit these children—and indeed we are not expected to. But we can all do something: Support. Encourage. Teach. Pray. When we love the world’s children, we honor our Father who adopted us into His family (Gal. 4:4-7). —Dave Branon Father, You made each child in Your image. Help us to convey Your love to them with our hands, our help, and our hearts. The more Christ’s love grows in us, the more His love flows from us. Bible in a year: Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:22-47 Insight James emphasizes not only learning the Word of God but putting it into action. The Word is like a mirror that shows us where we are making spiritual progress and where we need improvement: “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (v.25). The Scriptures clearly give us set boundaries, but it is obedience that brings us a sense of liberty and blessing.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Want to take a moment to wish ALL The King's of the World a Happy Father's Day but I just don't want to stop there I want to wish ALL the Mother's and Father's a Happy Father's Day because some of you all have to do double duty since the Father is not in the home. Here is some words of wisdom on this Father's Day. Bring [your children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4 While waiting for an eye examination, I was struck by a statement I saw in the optometrist’s office: “Eighty percent of everything children learn in their first 12 years is through their eyes.” I began thinking of all that children visually process through reading, television, film, events, surroundings, and observing the behavior of others, especially their families. On this Father’s Day, we often think about the powerful influence of a dad. Paul urged fathers not to frustrate their children to the point of anger, but to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Think of the powerful example of a dad whose behavior and consistency inspire admiration from his children. He’s not perfect, but he’s moving in the right direction. A great power for good is at work when our actions reflect the character of God, rather than distort it. That’s challenging for any parent, so it’s no coincidence that Paul urges us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (v.10). Only through His strength can we reflect the love and patience of our heavenly Father. We teach our children far more from how we live than by what we say. —David McCasland Heavenly Father, I need to know Your love in order to love others. I want to experience and share Your patience and kindness with those I care about. Fill me and use me. We honor fathers who not only gave us life, but who also show us how to live. Bible in a year: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21 Insight In today’s reading, Paul writes of two of the most basic human relationships: parent-child (6:1-4) and employer-employee (6:5-9). The parent-child relationship is particularly sacred. The fifth commandment to honor parents is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a special blessing attached for those who observe it (Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:2-3). On the other hand, ancient Israelites who physically or verbally abused their parents were put to death (Ex. 21:15,17; Lev. 20:9).

We’re Safe

We have come to the end of the long work week. We can SHOUT! and say, "YES it's Friday". Here is words of encouragement to prepare us for the weekend. [God] has begotten us . . . to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. —1 Peter 1:3-4 The United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, is a fortified building that stores 5,000 tons of gold bullion and other precious items entrusted to the federal government. Fort Knox is protected by a 22-ton door and layers of physical security: alarms, video cameras, minefields, barbed razor wire, electric fences, armed guards, and unmarked Apache helicopters. Based on the level of security, Fort Knox is considered one of the safest places on earth. As safe as Fort Knox is, there’s another place that’s safer, and it’s filled with something more precious than gold: Heaven holds our gift of eternal life. The apostle Peter encouraged believers in Christ to praise God because we have “a living hope”—a confident expectation that grows and gains strength the more we learn about Jesus (1 Peter 1:3). And our hope is based on the resurrected Christ. His gift of eternal life will never come to ruin as a result of hostile forces. It will never lose its glory or freshness, because God has been keeping and will continue to keep it safe in heaven. No matter what harm may come to us in our life on earth, God is guarding our souls. Our inheritance is safe. Like a safe within a safe, our salvation is protected by God and we’re secure. —Marvin Williams For Further Thought What about your salvation brings you the greatest joy? How does it make you feel knowing that your salvation is kept safe with God? An inheritance in heaven is the safest possible place. Bible in a year: Ezra 6-8; John 21 Insight Peter begins his first letter with a complex greeting. After addressing God’s “elect” who are strangers in the world and scattered throughout different areas (v.1), Peter uses the struggles of this life to highlight the glory and security of heaven. He speaks of the permanence of their home and inheritance in heaven—it is “kept” (v.5) and can never spoil or “fade” (v.4). Peter reminds them that they are shielded by God’s own power. He reiterates the confidence Jesus gave His followers in John 10:27-29: Those who belong to God, the elect, are held safe and secure in His hand.

Generous God

The weekend has come and gone know we are entering into a New Week let's see What becomes of it.[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. —Ephesians 3:20 When our family lived in Chicago several years ago, we enjoyed many benefits. Near the top of my list were the amazing restaurants that seemed to try to outdo each other, not only in great cuisine but also in portion sizes. At one Italian eatery, my wife and I would order a half portion of our favorite pasta dish and still have enough to bring home for dinner the next night! The generous portions made us feel like we were at Grandma’s house when she poured on the love through her cooking. I also feel an outpouring of love when I read that my heavenly Father has lavished on us the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7-8) and that He is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (3:20). I’m so grateful that our God is not a stingy God who begrudgingly dishes out His blessings in small portions. Rather, He is the God who pours out forgiveness for the prodigal (Luke 15), and He daily crowns us “with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:4). At times we think God hasn’t provided for us as we would like. But if He never did anything more than forgive our sins and guarantee heaven for us, He has already been abundantly generous! So today, let’s rejoice in our generous God. —Joe Stowell Lord, remind me often that You have been exceedingly generous to me. Help me to extend that generosity of spirit toward those around me, so that they may know who You are and rejoice in You. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19-40 Insight Today’s reading addresses the wellspring of spiritual power in the Christian life. Certainly, human willpower or adopting a positive mental attitude is not the source of this spiritual power. Instead, the apostle Paul points us to the reality of the indwelling Christ. But the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ alone does not change the believer’s life. Choosing to yield to the Spirit’s promptings and meditating on God’s Word give the believer power for living. An attitude of faith and expectation in prayer access vast resources available in God, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20).

Celebration Of Life-Prince Rogers Nelson

WOW! What can I say that has already been said by so many ALL that I can say is Thank U 4 the many effortless years of Music and Breathtaking Live Performance. I Celebrate and Honor U 4 U're drive,passion and love 4 u're craft of Music. For almost 40 years of U're career U have given so much of U're self and we truly LOVE U 4 that. I just want 2 wish U a HAPPIE BIRTHDAY! May God continue 2 richly bless U on U're Special Day. I am looking forward 2 Celebrating another 50 more years with U and the Music. In U're own words "Until the end of time I'll be there 4 U U own my heart and mind I truly adore U If God 1 day struck me blind U're beauty I'll still see Love is 2 weak 2 define Just what U mean 2 me".

D-Day

Man! It's Friday already and the weekend is here, as we reflect on what this day means and represent has many of you may know we are Celebrating and Remembering those that have fought for our freedom. Today we are honoring and reflecting on D-Day it's been 70 years ago today since the Normandy invasion so here is how we remember and honor this Day in National history. Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24:15 Recently I asked my older sister, Mary Ann, if she remembered when our family moved into the house where we lived for many years. She replied, “You were about 9 months old, and I remember that Mother and Daddy stayed up all night packing boxes and listening to the radio. It was June 6, 1944, and they were listening to live coverage of the Normandy Invasion.” Today marks the 70th anniversary of what has become known as D-Day—a military term for the day on which a planned operation will begin. Over the years, D-Day has also come to mean a moment of decision or commitment in our personal lives. At one point in ancient Israel, their leader Joshua, now an old man, challenged the people to another kind of D-Day. After years of struggle to possess their inheritance in the land God had promised them, Joshua urged them to faithfully serve the One who had been so faithful to them (Josh. 24). “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” he said. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v.15). The day we decide to follow the Savior is the greatest turning point in our life. And each day after, we can joyfully renew our commitment to serve Him. —David McCasland Lord, what a privilege it is to say “yes” to You each day. Thank You for loving me and forgiving me. Guide me in all my choices today and help me to serve You faithfully. Life’s biggest decision is what you do with Jesus. Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 25-27; John 16 Insight Joshua 22–24 records Joshua’s speech to the Israelites as they begin to occupy the Promised Land. Reminding them that the land was God’s gift to them (24:13), Joshua urged the people not to worship their ancestral gods from Mesopotamia or the gods of the Egyptians and the Canaanites, but instead to fear and serve the Lord in sincerity and in truth (vv.14-15).

The Careful Walk

Let's Kick start the New Week and the New Month off with See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. —Ephesians 5:15 One of my favorite places to visit in Jamaica is Ocho Rios, home of Dunn’s River Falls—a spectacle that never ceases to amaze. Water cascades down a long series of rocks as it makes its way to the Caribbean Sea. Adventurers can climb the falls, scrambling over rounded rocks on an invigorating trek to the top. The flowing water, the potentially slippery surface, and the steep angles make the going slow and a bit treacherous. To make it safely to the top, climbers must watch every step. If a person is not careful, he or she could fall on the journey. The keys to a successful climb are concentration and caution. I can’t think of a better picture of what Paul is saying in Ephesians 5:15 when he says, “walk circumspectly.” We should “be very careful . . . how [we] live” (niv). Clearly, with all of life’s possible dangers coming our way as we climb through life, it is vital that we take each step with Jesus wisely and cautiously. A fool, the passage says, lives carelessly; a wise person watches each step so he does not stumble or fall. Our goal of being “imitators of God” (v.1) is met, Paul says, as we walk carefully in love (vv.2,15). Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can walk in a way that honors God. —Dave Branon Consistency! How much we need To walk a measured pace, To live the life of which we speak, Until we see Christ’s face. —Anon. As we trust God to rule our hearts our feet can walk His way.