What Love Is

Well we have come to the end of the week and we have come to the end of the Month. Today is Friday YES! and you know what that means we have made it, so here is some words of wisdom to help us end the month and start a new month. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8 Years ago I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, “How do you know that you love her?” It was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart’s motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, “I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy.” We discussed what that meant—and the price tag attached to the selflessness of constantly seeking the best for the other person, rather than putting ourselves first. Real love has a lot to do with sacrifice. That idea is in line with the wisdom of the Bible. In the Scriptures there are several Greek words for love but the highest form is agape love—love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. Nowhere is this more true than in the love our heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. We are deeply valued by Him. Paul stated, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). If sacrifice is the true measure of love, there could be no more precious gift than Jesus: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16 nlt). —Bill Crowder Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, Shouldst die for me? —Wesley The measure of love is what you are willing to give up for it. Bible in a year: Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1 Insight As a result of Christ’s sacrifice, Paul mentions two great benefits for the follower of Christ. In verse 1, he says that we have “peace with God,” an idea that he unpacks in Philippians 4, where we read of the incomprehensible peace of God, but also the relationship we have with the God of peace Himself (vv.8-9). In Romans 5:2, Paul also declares that we now have “access” to God. This was a stunning idea that he explained more fully in Colossians 1:21, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.” We receive the gifts of peace with God and access to God because of Christ’s loving sacrifice on our behalf.

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Here is CCFA'S October Newsletter. Letter from our President & CEO For the second year in a row, our friends at Bridgestone America selected CCFA as one of three charity partners for their in-store Round-Up campaign. This year, the campaign raised over 50% more revenue than last year and was able to donate an incredible $138,000 to further our mission. On behalf of the 1.4 million Americans suffering from IBD, their families and friends, we are all deeply grateful for their support. Richard J. Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Sincerely, Richard J. Geswell Richard J. Geswell President & CEO October Webcast Series: Know Your IBD With over 1.4 million Americans affected by IBD, there is no "one size fits all" approach to managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Understanding your disease and its treatments and becoming an active member of your healthcare team are important ways to take control of IBD. Don't miss our educational webcast series that will provide an in-depth look at Crohn's disease (October 16, 8pm EST), colitis (October 23, 8pm EST) and biologic therapy in IBD (October 30, 8pm EST). REGISTER NOW ► Going beyond IBD Patients with a chronic disease like IBD understandably put a lot of focus in managing their condition. However, it is also important to maintain your general overall health, because you are still susceptible to the common cold, strep throat, high blood pressure, stomach viruses and other illnesses like the general population. In addition to regularly checking in with your gastroenterologist, it is important to continue to consult with your primary care physician about vaccinations, blood pressure, periodic blood testing, oral health, and more. For more information, see our General Healthcare Maintenance fact sheet or reach out to the IBD Help Center at info@ccfa.org. SEE FACT SHEET ► What have you done for IBD lately? Take action today by making a donation to CCFA. Your generous support will fund game-changing research for treatments and cures, support IBD education for patients and raise awareness among the public and elected officials. That's making a big difference. Donate now Join us for Facebook Live! Get ready for our next Facebook Live Event! On Wednesda​y, Octob​er 22, at 5-6​pm ES​T, U.S. News & World Report-ranked IBD doctor Scott Strong, MD, will discuss IBD and surgery. LOG IN & JOIN US! ► November Webcast: Making Healthy Choices Are there potential foods that may trigger a flare? How can diet complement conventional treatments? Join us on Th​ursday, Novembe​r 20 from 8-9​:15 P​M ES​T for a new webcast/teleconference addressing commonly asked patient questions about diet and nutrition in IBD. Learn tips for ensuring proper nutrition during social gatherings and hear about resources for continuous education and support. REGISTER TODAY ► Ready to be an IRONMAN? Registration is now LIVE for five 2015 IRONMAN events... exclusively through Team Challenge! CCFA holds a limited number of bibs with some great perks that athletes just can't get anywhere else. To learn more and secure your IRONMAN race entry, please visit us here today. REGISTER NOW ► What's on your holiday shopping list? How about making a difference? Send one of our beautiful and customizable holiday cards this season and you'll be spreading cheer and supporting IBD treatments and cures. Proceeds from your cards will go towards our research, education, and programs. BUY YOUR CCFA HOLIDAY CARDS ►

New To The Family

Here we are getting ready to start a new week, as we face this new week let's face it with boldness There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7 While on a ministry trip with a Christian high school chorale to Jamaica, we witnessed an illustration of God’s love in action. On the day we visited an orphanage for disabled children and teens, we learned that Donald, one of the boys our kids had interacted with—a teen with cerebral palsy—was going to be adopted. When the adopting couple arrived at the “base” where we were staying, it was a joy to talk to them about Donald. But what was even better was what happened later. We were at the base when Donald and his new parents arrived just after they had picked him up at the orphanage. As the brand-new mom embraced her son, our students gathered around her and sang praise songs. Tears flowed. Tears of joy. And Donald was beaming! Later, one of the students said to me, “This reminds me of what it must be like in heaven when someone is saved. The angels rejoice because someone has been adopted into God’s family.” Indeed, it was a picture of the joy of heaven when someone new joins God’s forever family by faith in Christ. Jesus spoke of that grand moment when He said, “There will be . . . joy in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7). Praise God that He has adopted us into His family. No wonder the angels rejoice! —Dave Branon The One who made the heavens, Who died on Calvary, Rejoices with His angels When one soul is set free. —Fasick Angels rejoice when we repent. Bible in a year: Jeremiah 12-14; 2 Timothy 1 Insight In Luke 15, Jesus delivers a trilogy of parables to describe the pursuing love of God for the lost. The first, seen here in verses 3-7, displays the shepherd desperately pursuing his lost sheep. The second, in verses 8-10, pictures a woman tenaciously searching for a lost coin. The third, in verses 11-32, tells of a father’s compassion for a wayward child and of his grace and forgiveness when that prodigal returns home. In each parable, the result of finding the lost is a celebration (vv.6,9,22-24) that depicts the great joy experienced in heaven when the lost return to their heavenly Father.

Tiny Island

We have made it to the end of the week it's FRIDAY! YES! So here is some words of wisdom to get you through the remainder of the day and the weekend. Speak evil of no one, . . . be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. —Titus 3:2 Singapore is a tiny island. It’s so small that one can hardly spot it on the world map. (Try it, if you don’t already know where Singapore is.) Because it is densely populated, consideration of others is especially important. A man wrote to his fiancée who was coming to Singapore for the first time: “Space is limited. Therefore . . . you must always have that sense of space around you. You should always step aside to ensure you are not blocking anyone. The key is to be considerate.” The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, a young pastor: “Remind the people . . . to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:1-2 niv). It has been said, “Our lives may be the only Bible some people read.” The world knows that Christians are supposed to be different. If we are cantankerous, self-absorbed, and rude, what will others think about Christ and the gospel we share? Being considerate is a good motto to live by and is possible as we depend on the Lord. And it is one way to model Christ and demonstrate to the world that Jesus saves and transforms lives. —Poh Fang Chia Dear Lord, help us to be gracious, kind, and considerate not only in the church but also in our community. May the world who watches see transformed people and believe in Your transforming power. Your witness is only as strong as your character. Bible in a year: Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4 Insight According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, Titus “was with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch, and accompanied them to the council at Jerusalem (Gal. 2:1-3; Acts 15:2) . . . . He appears to have been a Gentile, and to have been chiefly engaged in ministering to Gentiles; for Paul sternly refused to have him circumcised . . . . [Later] he was sent by Paul to Corinth for the purpose of getting the contributions of the church there in behalf of the poor saints at Jerusalem sent forward (2 Cor. 8:6, 12:18).”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Many of you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I just wanted to take a moment to recognize those that have been diagnose with Breast Cancer. I know it's NOT easy BUT we must continue 2 FIGHT this NASTY Disease, so weather you have friend's, families, Aunt's, Uncle's, Sister's, Brother's, or Co-Worker's let's STAND UP 2 Cancer so that NO ONE will have to fight this alone.

A War Of Words

So here we are getting ready to start a new week well here is some words of wisdom to get you through this week. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. —Proverbs 15:1 On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time. The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (15:4,23). —David McCasland A careless word may kindle strife, A cruel word may wreck a life; A timely word may lessen stress, A loving word may heal and bless. —Anon. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Bible in a year: Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3 Insight A major theme in Proverbs concerns the use of our tongues (10:19-21; 12:18, 13:3; 17:27-28; 18:6-8; 25:11; 26:18-22). Proverbs 15 warns of the consequences of using wrong words and the benefits of using right words. A wise person is carefully restrained and judicious when speaking (vv.2,7,28).

From Peeker To Seeker

We have ALL made it to the end of the week so lets take this moment to be Thankful for getting through this week here is some words of wisdom that will carry us ALL into the weekend. I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. —Jonah 2:2 When our daughter was too young to walk or crawl, she created a way to hide from people when she wanted to be left alone or wanted her own way. She simply closed her eyes. Kathryn reasoned that anyone she couldn’t see also couldn’t see her. She used this tactic in her car seat when someone new tried to say hello; she used it in her highchair when she didn’t like the food; she even used it when we announced it was bedtime. Jonah had a more grown-up strategy of hiding, but it wasn’t any more effective than our daughter’s. When God asked him to do something he didn’t want to do, he ran in the opposite direction. But he found out pretty quickly there is no place God couldn’t find him. In fact, Scripture is full of stories of God finding people when they didn’t necessarily want to be found (Ex. 2:11–3:6; 1 Kings 19:1-7; Acts 9:1-19). Maybe you have tried to hide from God, or maybe you think even God can’t see you. Please know this: If God sees and hears the prayer of a rebellious prophet in the belly of a big fish, then He sees and hears you wherever you are, whatever you’ve done. But that’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s actually a great comfort. He’s always there, and He cares! —Randy Kilgore Thank You, God, that You are there for us. We hear Your words: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). We need not fear the troubles around us as long as the eye of the Lord is on us.

Instead of Columbus Day, some U.S. cities celebrate Indigenous People's Day

As many of you may know that today we have been celebrating what we have known for many years as Columbus Day but here is an article from CNN on this Holiday and what needs to be done and what I believe should have ALREADY been done. Columbus Day often brings to mind the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. This Monday, some cities and states would rather you think of the Sioux, the Suquamish and the Chippewa. For the first time this year, Seattle and Minneapolis will recognize the second Monday in October as "Indigenous People's Day." The cities join a growing list of jurisdictions choosing to shift the holiday's focus from Christopher Columbus to the people he encountered in the New World and their modern-day descendants. The Seattle City Council voted last week to reinvent the holiday to celebrate "the thriving cultures and values of Indigenous Peoples in our region." The Minneapolis City Council approved a similar measure in April "to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Dakota, Ojibwa and other indigenous nations add to our city." The Seattle School Board followed suit along with Portland Public Schools, where officials say Indigenous People's Day will not replace Columbus Day but supplement it. Schools across the country have been working for years to clarify Columbus' role in history. "It's not about one or the other, it's about how do we get a complete picture to understand where we're at in history, and how we got there?" said Portland School Board member Greg Belisle, according to the Oregonian. Opinion: What to tell your kid about Christopher Columbus In many cities, Columbus Day is a celebration of Italian-American heritage, leading to opposition to the recasting of Columbus Day. "Italian-Americans are deeply offended," Lisa Marchese, a lawyer affiliated with the Order Sons of Italy in America, told The Seattle Times."By this resolution, you say to all Italian-Americans that the city of Seattle no longer deems your heritage or your community worthy of recognition." President Benjamin Harrison established a celebration of Columbus Day in 1892, the 400th anniversary of Columbus' landing in the Bahamas in 1492. The holiday started being celebrated on the second Monday in October in 1971. Today, 16 states, including Alaska, Hawaii and Oregon, don't recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday. South Dakota has celebrated Native American Day since 1990. Redskins owner sits with Navajo Nation president Berkeley, California, is thought to be the first city to adopt Indigenous People's Day in 1992, building on international efforts to end the celebration of Columbus' "discovery" of the New World. The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is celebrated on August 9 thanks to a 1994 United Nations General Assembly resolution. The Italian explorer and his namesake holiday have long been controversial. Despite what American schoolchildren may have learned about when "Columbus sailed the ocean blue," supporters of Indigenous People's Day believe Columbus should not be celebrated for "discovering" America. Indigenous people had been living in the "New World" for centuries by the time he arrived, and his voyages established lasting connections between Europe and Americans that paved the way for its colonization, leading to the subjugation and decimation of the indigenous population. "Learning about the history of Columbus and transforming this day into a celebration of indigenous people and a celebration of social justice ... allows us to make a connection between this painful history and the ongoing marginalization, discrimination and poverty that indigenous communities face to this day," Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant said. http://www.cnn.com

Timely Words

As we have begun to celebrate the 4 day weekend which many had started on Friday lets think on these things as we start the new week off on this Columbus Day Holiday. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. —Proverbs 25:11 You may have heard the adage, “Timing is everything.” According to the Bible, good timing applies to our words and speech too. Think of a time when God used you to bring a timely word to refresh someone, or when you wanted to speak, but it was wiser for you to remain silent. The Bible says that there is an appropriate time to speak (Eccl. 3:7). Solomon compared properly timed and well-spoken words with golden apples in a silver setting—beautiful, valuable, and carefully crafted (Prov. 25:11-12). Knowing the right time to speak is beneficial for both the speaker and hearer, whether they are words of love, encouragement, or rebuke. Keeping silent also has its place and time. When tempted to deride, belittle, or slander a neighbor, Solomon said that it is wise to hold our tongue, recognizing the appropriate time for silence (11:12-13). When talkativeness or anger tempts us to sin against God or another human being, resistance comes by being slow to speak (10:19; James 1:19). It’s often hard to know what to say and when to say it. The Spirit will help us to be discerning. He will help us use the right words at the right time and in the right manner, for the good of others and for His honor. —Marvin Williams Heavenly Father, thank You for using others to speak words of encouragement and challenge to me. Help me to be wise in how and when my words or my silence may be helpful to someone else. Timely words are works of art. Bible in a year: Isaiah 41-42; 1 Thessalonians 1 Insight Hebrew poetry (such as psalms and proverbs) differs greatly from Western poetry. Where Western poetry often depends upon rhyme and meter to artistically tell its tale, Hebrew poetry is dependent upon linguistic devices to paint the picture of the ideas it is seeking to convey. One such device, synonymous parallelism, is found in verse 15. Here, the idea of the first half of the verse is reinforced through a reworded repetition of that idea in the second half of the verse. Another common poetic device is found in verses 11-14, where analogies (notice the word like) form the word-pictures that carry the meaning.

The Lesson Of The Hula Hoop

We have made it to the end of the week YES It's FRIDAY! I'm so thankful we have ALL made it to the end of the week let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom. Let us not grow weary while doing good. —Galatians 6:9 One of my favorite childhood toys is making a comeback—the hula hoop. My friend Suzi and I spent hours on the front lawn perfecting our technique and competing to see which of us could keep a hoop circling our waist longer. This year I relived that part of my childhood. While sitting in a park, I watched as children of all ages and sizes tried their hardest to keep hula hoops from falling to the ground. They twisted and turned with all their strength, but despite their exertion the hoops landed on the ground. Then a young woman picked up a hoop. With hardly any motion, she moved it smoothly and rhythmically up and down from her waist to her shoulders and back to her waist. Her success depended on strategic movement, not vigorous motion. In our spiritual lives, we can expend all kinds of energy trying to keep up with others in service to God. But working to exhaustion is not a virtue (Gal. 6:9). Before feeding thousands of people with only five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:38-44), Jesus called His disciples away to rest, proving that He doesn’t need our frantic exertion to accomplish His work. The truth Jesus taught His disciples, He wants to teach us: Quiet obedience accomplishes more than wild activity. —Julie Ackerman Link Help me, Lord, not to compare myself and what I do with others. May I serve where You want me to serve and do it in Your strength. I love You and give myself to You. Jesus wants willingness, not weariness. Bible in a year: Isaiah 34-36; Colossians 2 Insight It is believed by scholars that each of the four gospel narratives was written to a specific audience. In that context, Mark’s gospel is said to have targeted a Roman audience—with a strong emphasis on action, movement, and the works of Jesus, including the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 in today’s text.

A Faithful Helper

We are starting a New Week so let's start it off Fresh and New with this. The Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. —Jeremiah 20:11 As a young boy, my father had to deliver slop to hungry pigs on the farm where he grew up. He hated this job because the hogs would knock him over when he entered their pen. This task might have been impossible except for a faithful helper who accompanied my dad—a German shepherd named Sugarbear. She would maneuver herself between my father and the pigs and hold them back until my dad finished his chore. The prophet Jeremiah had the difficult job of proclaiming God’s messages to the Israelites. This required him to endure physical abuse, verbal attacks, imprisonment, and isolation. Although Jeremiah struggled with deep discouragement, he had a Helper through all of his trouble. God promised him, “I am with you . . . to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19). God did not desert Jeremiah, and He will not desert us. We have His continual aid through the power of the Spirit who lives inside every believer (John 14:16-17). The Helper gives us hope (Rom. 15:13), steers us toward spiritual truth (John 16:13), and pours out God’s love in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). We can trust that God faithfully helps us as we endure hardship. We can say with Jeremiah, “The Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One” (Jer. 20:11). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt You, God, have been our help forever. And You are our hope now and into eternity. We thank You that You will never desert us. You will be faithful. Our greatest hope here below is help from God above. Bible in a year: Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2 Insight Knowing that God called him to a difficult ministry, Jeremiah endured much persecution while striving to remain faithful to his calling (Jer. 20:1-6). His suffering caused him to question that calling (vv.7-10), but he was quick to reaffirm God’s sovereignty (vv.11-13).

Filtered Light

We have made it to the end of the week YES! It's Friday here is some words of wisdom for the end of this week. It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts. —2 Corinthians 4:6 The painting A Trail of Light by Colorado Springs artist Bob Simpich shows a grove of aspen trees with golden leaves lit by the autumn sun. The topmost leaves are brilliantly illuminated while the ground beneath the trees is a mixture of sunlight and shadows. The painter said of this contrast, “I can’t resist the light filtered through to the forest floor. It weaves a special magic.” The apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). Paul goes on to describe the reality of life in which “we are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; . . . perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv.8-9). There are times when it seems that the light of God’s face is dimmed because of our difficulty, sorrow, or loss. Yet, even in these dark shadows, we can see evidence of His presence with us. If we walk in filtered light today, may we discover anew that God’s light—Jesus—is always shining in our hearts. —David McCasland Lord, shine the light of Your face on us that we may find our way to Your salvation. Shine Your light into the darkness that envelops our world that we may see who You are and show others the way to You. In dark circumstances, God’s light is still shining in our hearts. Bible in a year: Isaiah 17-19; Ephesians 5:17-33 Insight Despite the high price Paul paid to remain faithful to God (2 Cor. 11:23-28), he remained resilient and did not lose heart (4:1,14). He had been sustained by God’s sovereign power and sufficient grace (vv.7-9) and Christ’s resurrected life (vv.10-12).