Courageous And Consistent

Here we go we are starting off the new week with a fresh perspective on the week ahead with these words of encouragement. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. —Acts 28:15 While reading the obituary of Eugene Patterson, Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of the Atlanta Constitution from 1960 to 1968, I was struck by two things. First, for many years Patterson was a fearless voice for civil rights during a time when many opposed racial equality. In addition, he wrote a column every day for 8 years. That’s 2,922 newspaper columns! Day after day, year after year. Courage and consistency were key factors in the impact of his life. We see those same qualities in the apostle Paul. Acts 13–28 records his bravery in one harrowing situation after another. After being shipwrecked on his way to stand trial before Caesar, he landed south of Rome, where many brothers in Christ came to meet him (Acts 28:11-15). “When Paul saw them,” Luke wrote, “he thanked God and took courage” (v.15). During the next 2 years as a prisoner, Paul was allowed to live in his own rented house where he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence” (vv.30-31). Every follower of Jesus can be a consistent giver and receiver of courage. The Lord can use us today to encourage and strengthen each other. —David McCasland O keep up your courage, each day to the end; Go forth in the strength of the Lord; Trust wholly in Jesus, thy Savior and Friend, And feed on His own blessed Word. —Miles When people share their fears with you, share your courage with them. Bible in a year: Psalms 46-48; Acts 28 Insight Today’s passage chronicles one of Paul’s journeys and how he and his companions were received and shown hospitality. It is easy to forget that this was not a luxury cruise with an exotic island destination. During this trip, Paul was a prisoner and he and his companions (soldiers included) were met by and stayed with Christian believers. It is possible that Paul was allowed to live in his own rented home under house arrest and share the gospel (vv.30-31) because the soldiers were impressed by the hospitality that had been shown to them.

Purple Rain's 30th Anniversary

Where do I begin with this Purple Rain is Celebrating it's 30th Anniversary on July 27, 1984 the movie that would change the lives of Millions ALL over the World.Well lets start with this I was 3 years old when I saw this Movie YES! I know your saying to your self WHAT! Yes I was 3 years old when I saw this Movie by Minneapolis own son Prince Rogers Nelson. Here is how the story goes my cousin was a HUGH Prince supporter and she introduce me to his music and this Movie Purple Rain which is Celebrating it's 30th Anniversary today. When my cousin told me his name was Prince, I said "Who would name there son Prince." Well I would soon find out the reason why they called him PRINCE so my cousin ask me "Do you want to go to the Movies to see Purple Rain?" I remember asking her Is it Scary, She replied No, it's not scary. So were off to go see this Classic movie in the theater throughout the entire movie I sat in my Moms lap and by the time the movie was over I was HOOKED on Minneapolis own Prince, I now know the reason Why they called him Prince because as a Musician he truly defied ALL the odds. To this day this movie is still one of my Favorites so on this day I want to Celebrate with the Millions ALL over the World and reflect on the movie that truly took us inside the World of Prince. Here are just some flash backs of what took place during the Purple Rain era. HAPPY 30TH Anniversary Purple Rain Thank You Prince and The Revolution for such GREAT Memories. Purple Rain Official Movie Trailer Purple Rain Premiere Prince Wins Original Song Score: 1985 Oscars PRINCE dominates the American Music Awards 1985

Tavish Margers' Challenge

Tavish and Hilari Margers and their sons Devon and Trevor have been Team Challenge fundraisers since 2010. Tavish explains, “The 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon was my first race ever. I joined so I could help find a cure for my son Trevor’s Crohn’s disease. Running and fundraising can be described as things ‘way outside my comfort zone’ – but I made it through to race day. Thousands of people were there to share my experience, and it was one of the best days of my life. Now when I see that finish line, I think back to that first race and recall the overwhelming feelings of pride and accomplishment. I’m racing again in 2014 and it will be more special than ever. My son Trevor is now old enough to run with me – and his first race will also be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon with Team Challenge!” Join Tavish and Trevor in Vegas: Attend an upcoming information meeting where you'll meet a coach and learn more about how Team Challenge changes lives!

Looking For Zacchaeus

We have made to the end of the Week lets take this time to reflect on the Goodness of God this week before we head into the weekend. Today salvation has come to this house. —Luke 19:9 Alf Clark walks the city streets looking for Zacchaeus. Well, not the actual one in the Bible—Jesus already found him. Alf and some friends who serve with an urban ministry do what Jesus did in Luke 19. They go purposefully through town to meet with and help those in need. Alf walks house to house in his neighborhood, knocking on doors and saying to whoever peeks out, “Hi, I’m Alf. Do you have any needs I can pray for?” It’s his way of opening up communication and—like Jesus did with tax-collector Zacchaeus—seeking to supply needed counsel and spiritual life and hope. Notice what Jesus did. Luke simply says that Jesus “passed through” Jericho (Luke 19:1). Of course, a crowd gathered, as usually occurred when Jesus came to town. Zacchaeus, being “height challenged,” climbed a tree. Jesus, while passing through, walked right over to his tree and told him He had to visit at his house. That day salvation came to Zacchaeus’s house. Jesus had “come to seek and to save that which was lost” (v.10). Do we look for Zacchaeus? He is everywhere, needing Jesus. In what ways can we share Christ’s love with people who need the Savior? —Dave Branon God, guide our steps toward and not away from those who need You. Then guide our words and our actions so that we can be purposeful in our encounters with others. God’s good news is too good to keep to ourselves. Bible in a year: Psalms 37-39; Acts 26 Insight When Zacchaeus said he would “restore fourfold” (v.8), he followed the highest pattern rather than the one required under Jewish law. While fourfold restoration was required for sheep stealing (see Ex. 22:1 and David’s response to Nathan, 2 Sam. 12:5-6), the restitution for normal theft was a return of the principal plus an extra 20 percent.

Celebrating Jennifer Lynn Lopez HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

On this day 45 years ago July 24,1969 Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born. So on today I would like to honor and Celebrate the Woman who has been my SHERO since this dayz of being a Fly Girl. She has come a mighty LONG way from the Bronx to where she is now. Today I am Celebrating along with the Millions ALL over the world that she calls her JLOVERS her 45TH BIRTHDAY! I just want 2 wish you a very HAPPIE BIRRRRTHDAY 2 Tha Boricua Mama May God continue 2 richly Bless her Now and Always. Here is her journey from her very First video from her first Album On The 6 to her 10th Album which is out now A.K.A. If You Had My Love Same Girl I Luh Ya Papi First Love Wishing Jennifer Lynn Lopez a very HAPPIE BIRRRRTHDAY!

Water For The World

WOW! What a weekend now it has come to and end and were getting ready to start a new week so hear we go. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. —John 7:38 Although 70 percent of the world is covered by water, less than 1 percent of it is drinkable by humans. Water conservation and sanitation are crucial matters in many parts of the world, as all life depends on having sanitary water. Jesus went out of His way to introduce a lost woman to another kind of life-giving water. He deliberately chose to go to a town in Samaria, a place where no respectable rabbi would set foot. There, He told this woman about “living water.” Those who drink of it, He said, “will never thirst.” It will “become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). The living water is Jesus Himself. Those who receive Him have eternal life (v.14). But the living water He provides also serves another function. Jesus said of those who receive it: “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (7:38). The living water that refreshes us is to refresh others also. As fresh-water distribution is uneven in the world, so too is the distribution of living water. Many people do not know followers of Jesus who really care about them. It is our privilege to share Him. Christ is, after all, the living water for whom people are thirsting. —C. P. Hia Lord Jesus, I want to live for You. May Your life and love flow through me as I go about my duties today so that others may see You through me and be drawn to the living water. Jesus is a never-ending supply of living water for a parched world. Bible in a year: Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15 Insight The stories of Nicodemus (John 3) and the woman at the well (John 4) are found side by side in Scripture, yet there is great contrast between them. Contrary to Nicodemus, the woman at the well recognized that Jesus was offering something that she could not do without. Nicodemus’ last words to Jesus were, “How can these things be?” (3:9). The woman simply responded, “Sir, give me this water” (4:15).

Remembering the Life of Nelson Mandela July 18, 1918-December 5, 2013

Today is a Celebration of Life for those living in South Africa because today would have been Nelson Mandela 96th Birthday BUT even though he is gone his legacy lives on in the lives he has impacted. I know for sure that Nelson Mandela which is known to Million ALL over as Tata Madiba has truly impacted my life as an African American young woman. He taught me to be strong and fearless in the face of unjustice to stand your ground NO MATTER WHAT and if you have a voice USE IT to speak the oracles that will build up our society and communities NOT tear it down or stoop down to others societal level,these are ALL the qualities that Mandela encompass. So on today has I reflect on the life of Mandela I'm reminded by a quote that Mandela said ,"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall." HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATA MADIBA! Here is an article by USA TODAY on the life of Nelson Mandela http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/07/18/nelson-mandela-day/12780115/ Mandela Day Message Zindzi Mandela On how she will be celebrating her Mandela Dey

Living Bridges

Another week has come and gone and we are getting ready to settle in for our weekend plans but before we do lets take a moment to reflect on this week. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. —Jeremiah 17:7 People who live in Cherrapunji, India, have developed a unique way to get across the many rivers and streams in their land. They grow bridges from the roots of rubber trees. These “living bridges” take between 10 to 15 years to mature, but once they are established, they are extremely stable and last for hundreds of years. The Bible compares a person who trusts in God to “a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river” (Jer. 17:8). Because its roots are well-nourished, this tree survives soaring temperatures. And during drought it continues to yield fruit. Like a firmly rooted tree, people who rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality despite the worst circumstances. In contrast, people who place their trust in other humans often live with a sense of instability. The Bible compares them to desert shrubs that are frequently malnourished and stand alone (v.6). So it is with the spiritual lives of people who forsake God. Where are our roots? Are we rooted in Jesus? (Col. 2:7). Are we a bridge that leads others to Him? If we know Christ, we can testify to this truth: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord (Jer. 17:7). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all; He is my strength from day to day, Without Him I would fall. —Thompson Even strong trials cannot blow down a person who is rooted in God. Bible in a year: Psalms 20-22; Acts 21:1-17 Insight The heart is the very basis of character, including the mind and will. Because of our sinful nature, the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9). Jeremiah debunked the popular belief that people are basically good (cf. Job 25:4; Ps. 51:5). That God examines and tests the heart is the consistent teaching of Scripture (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Chron. 28:9; 2 Chron. 6:30; Ps. 139:1-2; Jer. 11:20; Rom. 8:27; Heb. 4:12-13). Although we might try to hide our innermost thoughts and motives from others, God sees. He alone knows the true character of every person. God searches and knows us, but loves us despite our inherent sinfulness.

Last chance to sign up for our treatments webcast!

Here is the July issue of CCFA'S Newsletter. Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President & CEO Rick Geswell, CCFA President and CEO With all the fun activities that come with the summer, it's important to take time to focus on your health – especially for those living with IBD. Our educational webcast on IBD treatments is just two days away, and I hope you'll join us and learn more about your treatment options and how to figure out what's best for you. See below for more – and register before it’s too late! What's the best treatment for you? Molly Roberts IBD treatments have come a long way in the past few years, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make the choices that best meet your needs. At CCFA, our goal is to empower patients and provide the tools and information needed to manage IBD, so we hope you will join us for our educational webcast, What's Best for Me? Treatment Options in IBD, on July 17th from 8-9:15 PM EST. Throughout the webcast, we'll discuss current treatment options, the associated risks and benefit and the best resources to help you make informed decisions. Register today! read more Team Challenge: A Family Affair Tavish and Hilari Margers and their two sons, Devon and Trevor, have been Team Challenge fundraisers since 2010. Tavish explains, "The 2010 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon was my first race ever. I joined so I could help find a cure for my son Trevor's Crohn's disease. Running and fundraising can be described as things 'way outside my comfort zone' – but I made it through to race day. Thousands of people were there to share my experience, and it was one of the best days of my life. "Now when I see that finish line, I think back to that first race and recall the overwhelming feelings of pride and accomplishment. I'm racing again in 2014 and it will be more special than ever. My son Trevor is now old enough to run with me – and his first race will also be the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon with Team Challenge!" Want to join Tavish and Trevor in Vegas? Attend an upcoming informational meeting where you'll meet a coach and learn more about how Team Challenge changes lives. Immunizations & IBD As a patient or parent of a patient with a chronic disease, it's understandable to have questions about immunizations and vaccination schedules. Some common questions are: - Can I get a flu shot and/or the shingles vaccine? - Can my child follow the same vaccination schedule as the general population? - Can I be vaccinated with a "live" and/or "killed" virus? Adults and children with IBD should generally follow the same vaccination schedules as the general population. The only exceptions are people taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators and anti-TNF therapies – these individuals should not receive any live virus vaccines. In general, the best time to vaccinate is when someone is newly diagnosed with IBD, before any immunosuppressive therapy has begun. However, patients and parents of patients should always discuss the risks and benefits of vaccines with a doctor. Please reach out to our IBD Help Center for additional information or guidance at info@ccfa.org. JULY 2014 ISSUE The Power of 2 Power of 2 is a peer-to-peer support program that connects people (via phone, email or Skype) with other patients or caregivers affected by IBD. Individuals over the age of 10 are matched with a peer mentor with similar medical experiences and/or personal. If you need support or would like to become a peer mentor, contact your local CCFA chapter today. Your Support Matters The support of people like you makes all the difference in our groundbreaking research for treatments and cures. Donate now. Team Challenge Participants Take Steps for Cures this Fall Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Take Steps this past spring! We are now gearing up for our fall walk season with over 45 walks scheduled across the country. Please register today – you can become a team captain and walk for cures with your friends and family!

Grain On The Mountaintop

Here we are getting ready to start a New Week, so lets jump right on into this new week with. There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains. —Psalm 72:16 I’ve been on a number of mountaintops in the US in my time, and I can tell you that not much grows up there. The summits of mountains are bare rock and lichen. That’s not where you would normally find an abundance of grain. But Solomon, who wrote Psalm 72, asked God for “an abundance of grain . . . on the top of the mountains,” to characterize his reign as king. If grain on the mountain is so unusual, what is Solomon suggesting? That God’s power can produce results in even the most unpromising soil? Perhaps you think of yourself as a little person, with very little to bring to the kingdom. Take courage: God can produce an abundant harvest through you. This is one of the ironies of faith: God uses the insignificant to accomplish the great. Not many of us are wise or noble; most of us are anonymous and far from extraordinary. Yet all of us can be used. And contrary to what we might think, it is because of our weakness that we can be used by God (1 Cor. 1:27-29; 2 Cor. 12:10). It’s possible to be too big or proud for God to use, but we can never be too little. “Out of weakness” we are “made strong” (Heb. 11:34). By God’s great power, we can do all that He has called us to do. —David Roper Lord, You work through such common things— those of us with flaws and weaknesses. We are in awe of Your power and humbled by Your choice of us. Our hearts long to be faithful to You. To experience God’s power, we must first admit that we are weak. Bible in a year: Psalms 10-12; Acts 19:1-20 Insight Solomon and wisdom are virtually synonymous. As great as Solomon was and as much as he did for Israel through his kingship—economic prosperity, peace, arts, and culture—he still fell short of what God can do. In today’s psalm, Solomon, the man who built golden temples and palaces, reflects on the power of God to save souls and to bring growth to barren places (72:13,16). God is the only one who truly does wondrous things (v.18).

Paranoia In Reverse

We have made it to the end of the week. As we prepare for the weekend let's keep our minds stayed on the Goodness of God, so no matter what you have experience this week hear are some words of wisdom to get you through the weekend.There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. —1 John 4:18 I remember watching television news reports in 1991 as the nonviolent revolution took place in the streets of Moscow. Russians who had grown up in totalitarianism suddenly declared, “We will act as if we are free,” taking to the streets and staring down tanks. The contrast between the faces of the leaders inside and the masses outside showed who was really afraid, and who was really free. Watching the newsreels from Red Square on Finnish television, I came up with a new definition of faith: paranoia in reverse. A truly paranoid person organizes his or her life around a common perspective of fear. Anything that happens feeds that fear. Faith works in reverse. A faithful person organizes his or her life around a common perspective of trust, not fear. Despite the apparent chaos of the present moment, God does reign. Regardless of how I may feel, I truly matter to a God of love. What could happen if we in God’s kingdom truly acted as if the words of the apostle John were literally true: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). What if we really started living as if the most-repeated prayer in Christendom has actually been answered—that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven? —Philip Yancey Far, far above thy thought His counsel shall appear, When fully He the work hath wrought That caused thy needless fear. —Gerhardt Feeding your faith helps starve your fears. Bible in a year: Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15 Insight First John 4:2-3 is used often by Christians as a test to determine if one is demon-possessed. This ignores the context. John is warning against false prophets who deny the humanity of Christ and teach that Jesus only appeared to be human. A false teacher is one who denies that Jesus Christ is both fully man and fully God.

The Jaws Of Death

The Holiday Celebration as come to an end and we are jump starting the new week with fresh optimism with this food for thought. They departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. —Luke 9:6 Lauren Kornacki is glad she took that summer CPR class, but she probably never thought she would have to use it so soon and on someone she loves. Her father was repairing his car when the jack slipped and the car fell on him. Lauren, a 22-year-old, reportedly heroically lifted the 3,300-pound car enough to pull him from underneath! Then she kept him alive with CPR until the paramedics arrived. Far greater than Lauren’s rescue of her father from the jaws of death is Jesus’ rescue of us from the clutches of sin by His death and resurrection. When Jesus sent the 12 disciples to carry out His work, He gave them the assignment to preach the good news of God’s desire to rescue people (Luke 9:1-6). They would not carry this out in their own strength, but Jesus would lift the heavy burden of people’s sin as they taught about Him. Their preaching and healing in Jesus’ power and authority proved that Jesus had actually brought God’s rule to earth. Many today are trapped under the weight of sin, but our great God can rescue us from underneath those burdens and then send us into the world to tell others that He can set them free. —Marvin Williams Thinking It Over Do you know someone who is trapped under the burden of sin and needs Jesus’ rescue? In what practical ways can you be an active agent of Jesus’ love? Those who’ve been rescued from sin are best able to help in the rescue of others. Bible in a year: Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21 Insight Luke records that Jesus gave the disciples “power and authority” (9:1). He does not relate the specific situations the disciples faced or the people’s reaction to these 12 new miracle workers who were suddenly working in Israel. Instead, Luke simply found it important to record, “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere” (v.6). Luke’s emphasis was on Jesus. He was the one who gave His disciples the authority. It’s important to remember that power and authority are always His to give.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

I just want to take a moment to wish every one a Fantastic 4th Of July as we are Celebrating 4th of July with our family and friends.I want to say Thank You to ALL that have served our country for our freedoms that we have today. Wishing U and Yours a very HAPPIE 4TH Of July. May it be FANTASTIC! Blessings and Love

Dependence Day

Today as we gather with family and friends to Celebrate our freedoms on this 4th of July lets take a moment to reflect on this. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. —John 15:5 In the US, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays, picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence. Independence appeals to all ages. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others.” So it’s not surprising that teenagers talk about gaining their independence. Many adults have the goal of being “independently wealthy.” And senior citizens want to maintain their independence. Whether anyone is ever truly independent is a discussion for another time and place—but it sounds good. Craving political or personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual independence is problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Far from being self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set us free. Every day is our “dependence day.” —Bill Crowder I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine can peace afford. I need Thee, O I need Thee; every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee. —Hawks/Lowry Our greatest strength comes from dependence on our strong God. Bible in a year: Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25 Insight There are two sides to the word picture of Jesus and His followers as a vine and branches. On the one side, His followers, the branches, are totally dependent on Him, the vine. But as the vine, He freely and generously supplies what we need to bear fruit.