Friday, July 31, 2015

He Found Me

So here we are at the end of the week and the end of the month before we head into the 8th month of the new year here is some words of encouragement to help us reflect on ALL that has happen this week. Read: Luke 19:1-10 Bible in a Year: Psalms 54-56; Romans 3 The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. —Luke 19:10 The film Amazing Grace was set in the late 1700s. It tells the story of William Wilberforce, a politician who was driven by his faith in Christ to commit his money and energy to abolishing the slave trade in England. In one scene, Wilberforce’s butler finds him praying. The butler asks, “You found God, Sir?” Wilberforce responds, “I think He found me.” The Bible pictures humanity as wayward and wandering sheep. It says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way” (Isa. 53:6). In fact, this wayward condition is so deeply rooted in us that the apostle Paul said: “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside” (Rom. 3:10-12). That is why Jesus came. We would never seek Him, so He came seeking us. Jesus declared His mission with the words, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Wilberforce was exactly right. Jesus came to find us, for we could never have found Him if left to ourselves. It is a clear expression of the Creator’s love for His lost creation that He pursues us and desires to make us His own. —Bill Crowder Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind, but now I see. John Newton Once lost, now found. Eternally thankful! INSIGHT: Jesus’ description of His mission to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10) is pictured beautifully in His trilogy of parables in Luke 15. He begins in verses 3-7, describing a shepherd who pursues the one lost sheep. The theme continues in verses 8-10 with a woman searching diligently for a lost coin. The trilogy finds its apex in the parable of the prodigal son in verses 11-32. Two common threads run through these three parables. The first is the passion and determination of the seeker—a picture of God’s great love for us. The second is the absolute joy and celebration every time the lost is found. What a marvelous expression of God’s loving pursuit of us.

Monday, July 27, 2015

31 Years of PURPLE RAIN

On this day 31 years ago July 27, 1984 The Movie and Soundtrack by the same name Purple Rain drop by Prince & The Revolution the movie and music changed my life and solidify a Minnesota boy by the Name of Prince as a Household name that was here to stay. WOW! I can't believe it's been 31 years already the Movie & Music is CLASSIC and to this day has NEVER gotten old it still sounds as fresh as it did when it came out. Here is some footage of the Premiere of Purple Rain at the Mann Chinese Theater Purple Rain Premiere a film by Tony Blass Prince

Welcome Michael Osso: Our Next President & CEO

Here is July CCFA Newsletter of ALL the things that are happening. Letter from our President & CEO I am honored to introduce Michael Osso, the next President & CEO of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Michael has spent his entire professional career in the non-profit sector. As the Foundation's Chief Business Development Officer, he has been instrumental in expanding CCFA's revenue portfolio. Michael's passion for our mission and commitment to the patients we serve, coupled with his proven success and vast experience, make him the ideal person to lead CCFA into the future. I will head into retirement knowing that we have the right leader in place. Congratulations to Michael, and all the best! Richard J. Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Thank you, Richard J. Geswell Richard J. Geswell President & CEO Our Story: A Father-and-Son Journey Like any Dad, Russ Lessard had coached his son Keegan in sports, and participated with him in many father and son activities – until 2012, when Keegan was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and life was turned upside down for the Lessard family. Once Russ began to understand the complications, reality hit hard. Now, with Keegan turning 16 and thinking about college, Russ looks back on the past years to realize how proud he is of his son's resilience and courage. Read Russ's full story here ► Join Team Challenge today! How far would you go for someone you love? Team Challenge, our premier endurance training program, empowers patients to fight back against IBD, while providing a unique support network for both patients and their friends and families. When you join Team Challenge, you'll receive custom training, free hotel accommodations and race entry, fundraising support, and much more! Run or walk a half marathon or 10K in Las Vegas, New Orleans – or both! Team Challenge is even going to Walt Disney World! RSVP to learn more ► Support groundbreaking IBD research Your gift makes a difference Your donation supports research for the 1.6 million Americans struggling with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Give today! Donate now Maintaining Healthy Nutrition in IBD Disease flares can negatively impact nutrition. Consult your healthcare professional about nutrient deficiencies and check out the brochure: Diet, Nutrition, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. For further help and information, contact info@ccfa.org Read the brochure ► GI Buddy: Disease Management Tool GI Buddy, CCFA's online disease management tool, allows you to easily track and share with your healthcare team important aspects of your IBD – including your food, symptoms, medication, and overall well-being. Download GI Buddy to your desktop or mobile device here. Download the app ► Webcast: Diagnosing and Monitoring IBD On Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 8-9 PM EST, join medical experts as they discuss the diagnostics and monitoring of IBD, including blood tests, endoscopy, biopsy, imaging, and genetic testing. Learn helpful resources and important questions to ask your healthcare team at this not-to-be-missed webcast. Register today ► Search our resources Find your chapter IBD Clinical Trials and 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 Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter Study to Explore the Effect of GED-0301 on endoscopic and clinical outcomes in patients with active Crohn's disease conducted by Celgene Corporation. An Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Phase Ib Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Oral SA100 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis sponsored by Stanford University School of Medicine. CRADLE – A Multicenter Postmarketing Study to Evaluate Breast Milk Transfer in Lactating Mothers Receiving Treatment for Crohn's and Rheumatologic Diseases sponsored by UCB BioSciences, Inc. CRIB – A Multicenter Postmarketing Study to Evaluate Placental Transfer in Pregnant Women Receiving Treatment for Crohn's and Rheumatologic Diseases sponsored by UCB BioSciences, Inc.

The Checkup

The Weekend as come to an end and we are jump starting the New Week with these words of wisdom Read: Psalm 139:17-24 Bible in a Year: Psalms 43-45; Acts 27:27-44 Search me, O God, . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me. —Psalm 139:23-24 It’s that time of year when I go to the doctor for my annual physical. Even though I feel well and I’m not experiencing any health problems, I know that routine checkups are important because they can uncover hidden problems that if left undiscovered can grow to be serious health issues. I know that giving permission to my doctor to find and remedy the hidden problems can lead to long-term health. Clearly the psalmist felt that way spiritually. Pleading for God to search for hidden sin, he prayed, “Search me, O God, . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). Pausing to give God the opportunity for a full and unconditional inspection, he then surrendered to the righteous ways of God that would keep him spiritually healthy. So, even if you are feeling good about yourself, it is time for a checkup! Only God knows the true condition of our heart, and only He can forgive, heal, and lead us to a cleansed life and productive future. —Joe Stowell Lord, You know me better than I know myself. Search the deepest parts of my heart for anything that is displeasing to You. Cleanse me of my wandering ways and lead me in Your good and righteous way. God’s work in us isn’t over when we receive salvation—it has just begun. INSIGHT: Often when discussing the greatness of God, Bible scholars speak in terms of His “omni”-attributes. These reveal God to be all-knowing (omniscient), everywhere-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). In Psalm 139 David gives us descriptions of all three. God’s perfect knowledge and understanding are pictured in verses 1-6, His continual presence is praised in verses 7-12, and His mighty power is in view in verses 13-18. We serve a God who is both great and good—a God who is big enough for all we will ever face.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

New Music & Album from Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL "The Hit N Run"

WHAT! YES! I am so Excited to be hearing that there is New PURPLE Funk Music coming out Very Soon from the Purple Camp. On Friday Social Media was buzzing that something very major was getting ready 2 drop from the Purple camp and it did the name of the New Album is called The HIT N RUN it's paying homage to ALL those HIT N RUN Concert's that Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL did during the European leg of there Tour to some of the HIT N RUN concert's that they've done here on U.S. Leg of the tour as well. Here is an Exclusive from Prince's 3RDEYEGIRL Drummer Hannah Welton she called up a local radio station BBC6 to drop the BIG announcement

Friday, July 24, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER LOPEZ!

Today is the day I Celebrate my Inspiration & SHERO Jennifer Lynn Lopez May this day be filled with JOY, LAUGHTER, & BLESSINGS. You have not only inspired me but you have inspired Million ALL over the world to Dream BIG and to remain the same NO MATTER what obstacles come your way. As I am taking a moment to reflect on your body of work from the dayz as a Fly Girl on In Living Color to where you are right at this very moment it's Incredible to see a Puerto Rican Girl from the Bronx accomplishing her Dreams. So I CELEBRATE YOU! HAPPIE BIRRRRTHDAY JLO! In Living Color Introduce Jennifer Lopez In Living Color Fly Girls: Season 4 Episode 1-6 Jennifer Lopez Dance Solo. In Living Color Jennifer Lopez - If You Had My Love Jennifer Lopez - Same Girl

Speak Up

YES! We have made it to the end of our week so let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom Read: Luke 22:54-65 Bible in a Year: Psalms 35-36; Acts 25 Having arrested [Jesus], they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. —Luke 22:54 When I hear stories about young people who have been bullied, I notice there are always at least two levels of hurt. The first and most obvious comes from the mean-spirited nature of those actually doing the bullying. That’s terrible on its own. But there’s another, deeper hurt that may end up being even more damaging than the first: The silence of everyone else. It hurts the one being bullied because they’re stunned that no one will help. That often makes bullies more brazen, leading them to intensify their meanness. Worse, it heightens the embarrassment, false shame, and loneliness of the victim. So it is imperative to speak up for others and speak out against the behavior (see Prov. 31:8a). Jesus knows precisely what it feels like to be bullied and to be left to suffer completely alone. Without cause, He was arrested, beaten, and mocked (Luke 22:63-65). Matthew 26:56 says that “all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” Peter, one of His closest friends, even denied three times that he knew Him (Luke 22:61). While others may not understand fully, Jesus does. When we see others being hurt, we can ask Him for the courage to speak up. —Randy Kilgore Make us brave, Lord, for those who need our courage. Help us to speak for others and show them that You know their hurt and loneliness. The voice of a courageous Christian is an echo of the voice of God. INSIGHT: Luke’s inspired account of the life of Jesus reflects Luke’s profession as a physician. He alone is the only gospel writer who records that while Jesus was praying on the night before He was arrested “his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (v. 44 niv). This unusual detail underscores the amazing demonstration of love seen in Christ’s suffering for us. Additionally, only Luke records that Jesus healed the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest who had been attacked by Peter (vv. 50-51). Both of these details reflect the knowledge of a medical person.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

World Premiere of BALTIMORE Prince ft. Eryn Allen Kane

YES! The wait is over Prince has just release a Powerful Protest Video of the song Baltimore Featuring Eryn Allen Kane. Now you may remember 3 months ago Prince and his Band 3RDEYEGIRL held a Rally 4 Peace Concert at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore to call 4 Peace in a city that was dealing with Civil Unrest over the Death of Freddie Gray the concert was streamed lived on Social Media. Well I am HAPPY 2 announce that today PRINCE drop the New Video for Baltimore ALL the Social Media was a BUZZ from Twitter to Local News outlets about the moving and Profound documentary video of Baltimore . Thank You Prince, Eryn Allen Kane, & 3RDEYEGIRL for this New Video. Prince - Baltimore (feat. Eryn Allen Kane)

Monday, July 20, 2015

Faithful Service

The weekend is over time to start a new week with these words of wisdom to Help us get through this week with Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-10 Bible in a Year: Psalms 26-28; Acts 22 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. —2 Timothy 2:3 Having served in World War I, C. S. Lewis was no stranger to the stresses of military service. In a public address during the Second World War, he eloquently described the hardships a soldier has to face: “All that we fear from all the kinds of adversity . . . is collected together in the life of the soldier on active service. Like sickness, it threatens pain and death. Like poverty, it threatens ill lodging, cold, heat, thirst, and hunger. Like slavery, it threatens toil, humiliation, injustice, and arbitrary rule. Like exile, it separates you from all you love.” The apostle Paul used the analogy of a soldier suffering hardship to describe the trials a believer may experience in service to Christ. Paul—now at the end of his life—had faithfully endured suffering for the sake of the gospel. He encourages Timothy to do the same: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). Serving Christ requires perseverance. We may encounter obstacles of poor health, troubled relationships, or difficult circumstances. But as a good soldier we press on—with God’s strength—because we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who sacrificed Himself for us! —Dennis Fisher Dear Father, help me to be faithful in my service to You. Thank You for the strength You provide to help me persevere through suffering. Share this prayer on Facebook with your friends. God’s love does not keep us from trials, but sees us through them. INSIGHT: Paul often uses colorful metaphors to describe the Christian. Sheep (John 10:27), salt and light (Matt. 5:13-14), and ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20) are well-known examples. In today’s reading Paul uses three common professions to describe the motivation and challenges of the Christian life. He speaks of the perseverance and allegiance of the soldier (vv. 3-4), the dedication and discipline of the athlete (v. 5), and the diligence and patience of the farmer (v. 6). Paul also uses these metaphors again in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:7,27).

Saturday, July 18, 2015

HAPPY NELSON MANDELA DAY

WOW! Can't believe it we would have been Celebrating 97 Years with Nelson Mandela on this Day July 18th. So I just want to take a Moment to Honor Nelson Mandela and say HAPPIE BIRTHDAY TATA MATBA there was an Article that was written by Emmanuelle Saliba of NBC News and this is what he wrote, #Time2Serve: Nelson Mandela Day Celebrated Worldwide On what would have been Nelson Mandela's 97th birthday, people around the world Saturday are honoring the legendary South African leader's legacy with charitable acts. Nelson Mandela International Day, or Mandela Day, was adopted by the United Nations in 2009, and asks those who want to follow in his footsteps to "Take Action. Inspire Change." The Nelson Mandela Foundation encourages people to devote 67 minutes to helping others — one minute of charitable work for every year Mandela devoted to humanitarian service. He died in 2013 at the age of 95. A woman paints a shack with white fire retardant paint as a contribution to International Nelson Mandela day celebrating former South African president Mandela birthday in the township of Nomzamo, South Africa on July 18, 2015. Schalk van Zuydam For her part, Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, held a lunch for elderly and poorer women at the Mandela family restaurant near the family's home in Soweto and handed out blankets, according to The Associated Press. At the University of Johannesburg, his widow, Graca Machel, gave out food parcels. Image: Nelson Mandela Day A young girl Thando Masuku, kisses a mural showing former South African president Nelson Mandela's face at Katlehong township on Mandela Day, which is celebrated on July 18th every year. Themba Hadebe / AP The U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon announced in a statement that it will be granting the first-ever Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize — the award will be presented every five years to two individuals who build on Mandela's legacy. Others are also honoring the beloved statesman on social media using the hashtag #MandelaDay and #Time2Serve: "It is in your hands to make a difference." #MandelaDay & every day is #Time2Serve. http://t.co/IuLVHVS0gv pic.twitter.com/FdOzoMXEA9 — United Nations (@UN) July 18, 2015 “All of the Big #HumanRights Defenders used to be little once.” Happy #MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/CUtNq9akMu — Art For Amnesty (@ArtForAmnestyUS) July 18, 2015 Remembering the apostle of peace, a shining beacon of democracy & a champion of equality, the beloved Madiba on Nelson Mandela Day. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2015 "#MandelaDay will not be a holiday but a day devoted to service" #Time2Serve #MakeEveryDayAMandelaDay pic.twitter.com/99zKYNLRAr — NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) July 18, 2015 "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others" #MandelaDay — Kirstine Stewart (@kirstinestewart) July 18, 2015 Today is International #NelsonMandela Day, honouring his leadership in addressing social injustice issues around the world. #MandelaDay — The Salvation Army (@salvationarmy) July 18, 2015 Remembering #NelsonMandela on what would have been his 97th birthday #MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/bG2AMfAUg2 — Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) July 18, 2015 Reflecting on #MandelaDay: 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' Free yourself, free others. #Time2Serve pic.twitter.com/TW7h4Fzy0i — DOS African Affairs (@StateAFAsstSecy) July 18, 2015 Mandela Day 2015 Inspirational Message

Friday, July 17, 2015

Tears of a Teen

Made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! with these words of wisdom Read: Romans 9:1-5 Bible in a Year: Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38 I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. —Romans 9:2 As I sat with four teenagers and a 20-something homeless man at a soup kitchen in Alaska, I was touched by the teens’ compassion for him. They listened as he talked about what he believed and then they gently presented the gospel to him—lovingly offering him hope in Jesus. Sadly, the man refused to seriously consider the gospel. As we were leaving, one of the girls, Grace, expressed through her tears how much she didn’t want the man to die without knowing Jesus. From the heart, she grieved for this young man who, at least at this point, was rejecting the love of the Savior. The tears of this teen remind me of the apostle Paul who served the Lord humbly and had great sorrow in his heart for his countrymen, desiring that they trust in Christ (Rom. 9:1-5). Paul’s compassion and concern must have brought him to tears on many occasions. If we care enough for others who have not yet accepted God’s gift of forgiveness through Christ, we will find ways to share with them. With the confidence of our own faith and with tears of compassion, let’s take the good news to those who need to know the Savior. —Dave Branon Is there someone you need to talk to about Jesus today? Sharing the gospel is one person telling another good news. INSIGHT: The book of Romans is unique in Paul’s New Testament writings. While the rest of his letters are to those with whom he had an existing relationship (either individuals or churches), Romans is written to a group of people that Paul has not yet met. This may explain some of the deep theological themes that he covers. Although Paul was hoping to visit the Christians in Rome in person, one of the reasons he wrote this letter was to ensure they had a solid foundation of belief.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

A Father and Son Journey with Crohn's

Here is a story about a Father and Son by the name of Russ and Keegan journey with Crohn's. Russ and Laura Lessard hail from Texas. They have two children: Keegan, age 16, and Madeline, age 11. Here is Russ's story as the father of a child with Crohn's disease: As far as being a father is concerned, life was pretty normal until my son hit the 8th grade. Until then, our only concern with Keegan was getting him to do his homework, clean his room, and brush his teeth -- pretty standard stuff with a growing boy. But I'll never forget the night before I began a new job, in December of 2012, when Keegan started complaining of severe abdominal pain. As that night went on, he was literally writhing in pain. And then came the kicker: blood with bowel movements. This is when my wife and I realized there was something very different going on with our son. 2012 began our journey as parents of a child with Crohn's disease. Keegan went in and out of Texas Children's Hospital, and through batteries of tests and exams. It took months for the final diagnosis to come, and as with many Crohn's patients, it was the only diagnosis left after all other possibilities were excluded. This is when I began to do my own research. Prior to 2012, I had only heard of the disease, but had little to no real understanding of the disease, its symptoms, or its long-term implications. Once I began to realize what the complications were, the pain that would be in my son's future, and the fact that there is no cure, reality hit hard. No parent wants to hear that their child has an incurable disease. Like any Dad, I had coached my son in sports, had been his Den Leader and Cubmaster, and watched him or participated with him in many father and son activities. I always assumed he would be in good health. Now fear gripped me because I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to live a normal life. Even worse, no parent wants to outlive their child. Since his diagnosis, due to the unpredictability of the disease and the pain that comes and goes, we have had to forego Boy Scout trips because our son might become sick in the middle of an isolated trail with no assistance available. This has caused us concern about other opportunities, such as a Boy Scout trip to Sweden or taking an ocean cruise with the family. Can we ever truly, as a family, get too far from a good hospital? Now that Keegan has turned 16, college comes into the picture in two years. Once again, as a family, we are wondering what options Keegan has because he always needs to be close to medical care. With all of this said, one thing I have come to peace with as a Dad is that my son is as tough as nails. I wish he cleaned his room more often, and frankly, I've never been able to convince him of the merits of brushing his teeth. Where I admire my son greatly, though, is how he soldiers on in life, in all of his passions. Even though he has missed out on some of the Boy Scout activities he would like to have experienced, he is currently working on his Eagle Scout rank and should have it before he turns 17. He is doing this while also playing baseball at a very competitive level. Keegan idolizes Craig Biggio, the career Houston Astro about to be inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. Due to the fact that Biggio was Keegan's baseball hero, he has modeled his game after him. Keegan has always sought to wear #7 any time the number was available, and he has always wanted to be the dirtiest player after a game... because no one plays harder or hustles more than Craig Biggio (the dirt proves it). Keegan is currently a sophomore catcher and plays club baseball during the summer. I'm very proud of my son. He understands that Crohn's disease is a part of his life. He does not want to give into it. Rather, sometimes he just has to "play through pain." You hear NFL guys talk about playing through pain. But for Keegan, that has a special meaning. As his father, I don't live in fear of the disease and its ramifications for my son any longer. I hate that my son has this disease, and I hate seeing him suffer. But my son son has grown with the disease since 2012, and I know he can handle it. What more could a father want? Honestly, when I really think about how well he copes with his life, it brings tears to my eyes. I got a text one day from my son that said, "So this is my life and I have this disease, so be it!" Wow! Courage! In 2014 I found out that my longtime friend Matt Jackson had become the Take Steps Walk manager for the Houston Chapter of CCFA. Since then, CCFA has introduced me and my son to other patients in the Houston area who suffer from this disease. Keegan had the opportunity to serve as the 2015 "Honored Hero" for his CCFA chapter's Walk. Getting involved with others has been very good for Keegan and I. We are very thankful for CCFA, the team, and all they do for families like ours.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Not Saying Goodbye

The weekend has come to an end and were are starting a New Week with Read: Philippians 4:1-9 Bible in a Year: Psalms 7-9; Acts 18 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:9 Francis Allen led me to Jesus, and now it was nearly time for Francis to meet Jesus face to face. I was at his home as it grew time for him to say goodbye. I wanted to say something memorable and meaningful. For nearly an hour I stood by his bed. He laughed hard at the stories I told on myself. Then he got tired, we got serious, and he spent his energy rounding off some rough edges he still saw in my life. I listened, even as I tried to sort out how to say goodbye. He stopped me before I got the chance. “You remember, Randy, what I’ve always told you. We have nothing to fear from the story of life because we know how it ends. I’m not afraid. You go do what I’ve taught you.” Those challenging words reminded me of what the apostle Paul said to the believers in Philippi: “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do” (Phil. 4:9). Francis had the same twinkle in his eye this last day I saw him as he had the first day I met him. He had no fear in his heart. So many of the words I write, stories I tell, and people I serve are touched by Francis. As we journey through life, may we remember those who have encouraged us spiritually. —Randy Kilgore Who has been your mentor? Are you mentoring others? Live so that when people get to know you, they will want to know Christ. INSIGHT: Paul often showed his appreciation for people who had worked with him, and he often singled out individuals for special mention in his letters (see Rom. 16; Col. 4; 2 Tim. 1:16-18; Titus 3:12-13). It is estimated that he designates some 80-90 people as his “fellow workers” in the book of Acts and in his letters. Included are fellow missionaries and interns, independent ministry associates, traveling companions, fellow prisoners, and supporters. In today’s passage, he urges two women to reconcile and lovingly acknowledges that these women, together with Clement (not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament) and an unnamed list of fellow workers, have labored with him in spreading the gospel (vv. 2-3).

Friday, July 10, 2015

Help for a Heavy Load

The week as come to an end we have made it to FRIDAY! YES! with these words of wisdom Read: Numbers 11:4-17 Bible in a Year: Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40 [The men] shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. —Numbers 11:17 It’s amazing what you can haul with a bicycle. An average adult with a specialized trailer (and a bit of determination) can use a bicycle to tow up to 300 pounds at 10 mph. There’s just one problem: Hauling a heavier load means moving more slowly. A person hauling 600 pounds of work equipment or personal possessions would only be able to move at a pace of 8 miles in one hour. Moses carried another kind of weight in the wilderness—an emotional weight that kept him at a standstill. The Israelites’ intense craving for meat instead of manna had reduced them to tears. Hearing their ongoing lament, an exasperated Moses said to God, “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me” (Num. 11:14). On his own, Moses lacked the resources necessary to fix the problem. God responded by telling him to select 70 men to stand with him and share his load. God told Moses, “[The men] shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone” (v. 17). As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to handle our burdens alone either. We have Jesus Himself, who is always willing and able to help us. And He has given us brothers and sisters in Christ to share the load. When we give Him the things that weigh us down, He gives us wisdom and support in return. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Who has come alongside you? Have you thanked them? God’s help is only a prayer away.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Darkness and Light

As the holiday weekend as come to an end and even though we still are some what in vacation mode as we start this New Week with Read: Psalm 91:1-8 Bible in a Year: Job 32-33; Acts 14 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, . . . nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness. —Psalm 91:5-6 When I was a boy, I delivered newspapers to about 140 homes on two streets that were connected by a cemetery. Since I delivered a morning newspaper, I had to be out at 3:00 a.m. walking through that cemetery in the darkness. Sometimes I would be so frightened that I would actually run! I was afraid until I was standing safely under a streetlight on the other side. The scary darkness was dispelled by the light. The psalmist understood the connection between fear and darkness, but he also knew that God is greater than those fears. He wrote, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness” (Ps. 91:5-6). Neither terrors of night nor evil in the darkness need to drive us to fear. We have a God who sent His Son, the Light of the World (John 8:12). In the light of God’s love and grace and truth, we can find courage, help, and strength to live for Him. —Bill Crowder Lord, I come to You, the Light of the World. I want You to bring Your light into the darkness of my fears.For help in overcoming worry, read discoveryseries.org/q0711 You need not fear the darkness if you are walking with the Light of the World. INSIGHT: Psalm 91 celebrates the safety and security of those who trust in God. The psalmist warns of danger from insidious schemes of men, uninvited troubles, physical attacks, sickness, and disasters. But the Lord protects those who trust in Him. This psalm does not promise immunity from danger, but security in the midst of it. Various metaphors are used to describe the safety of the Lord including “the secret place of the Most High,” “the shadow of the Almighty,” a “refuge,” and a “fortress” (vv. 1-2). He will “cover [us] with His feathers,” “under His wings” we take refuge (v. 4), and “His faithful promises are [our] armor and protection” (v. 4 nlt).

Saturday, July 4, 2015

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

WOW! So here we are Celebrating with Family and Friends as America is Celebrating it's 239th Anniversary of Independence July 4 is a federal holiday marking America's independence from Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is celebrated nationwide with parades and fireworks. Just want 2 wish every one a HAPPIE 4TH OF JULY! May this day be filled with JOY & BLESSINGS. Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

Friday, July 3, 2015

A Letter from the Battlefield

The week has come to an end YES! It's Friday as we prepare ourselves to Celebrate Independence Day with Family and Friends let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom. Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Bible in a Year: Job 25-27; Acts 12 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7 For more than two decades, Andrew Carroll has been urging people not to throw away the letters written by family members or friends during a time of war. Carroll, director of the Center for American War Letters at Chapman University in California, considers them an irreplaceable link to tie families together and open a door of understanding. “Younger generations are reading these letters,” Carroll says, “and asking questions and saying, ‘Now I understand what you endured, what you sacrificed.’ ” When the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome and knew his life would soon end, he wrote a letter to a young man whom he considered a “son in the faith,” Timothy. Like a soldier on the battlefield, Paul opened his heart to him: “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8). When we read the letters in the Bible that the heroes of the Christian faith have left for us and grasp what they endured because of their love for Christ, we gain courage to follow their example and to stand strong for those who come after us. —David C. McCasland Lord, give us strength for the spiritual battles we face today, knowing that You have won the ultimate victory and that we will one day live eternally with You. Run the race with eternity in view. INSIGHT: Titus and 1 Timothy were probably written after the apostle Paul was released from house arrest in Rome (ad 61-62) and during his fourth missionary journey (ad 62-63; see Acts 28:30-31). When persecution broke out under Emperor Nero, Paul was imprisoned again. During this second Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote 2 Timothy (ad 65-67). This time he knew his death was imminent (4:6-7). Paul warns that a time is coming when Christians will not “endure sound doctrine” and will turn away from the truth (vv. 3-7). To counter false teaching, Timothy is to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (v. 2).

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

NEW MUSIC HARDROCKLOVER By Prince

OK! So here I am transitioning out of the month of June into the month of July changing ALL my Social Media Profile when ALL of a sudden I'm checking my Twitter feeds around midnight when I see it Prince has just Twittered out a New song called HARDROCKLOVER through Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL SoundCloud YESSSSSSSS! So ALL U PURPLE HIPPIES out there YES! It's HERE the much anticipated New Music 4 the Summer has just drop. I know y'all been THIRSTY 4 some Purple Music well I hope this quinces U're Thirst on these HOT Summer days and nights. Well I know it's going 2 quinces this Queens thirst.