Multiply It

We have made it to FRIDAY! Yes, the week has come to an end so lets take a moment to reflect on this past week with this.There shall be no more curse. —Revelation 22:3 Amy had battled cancer for 5 years. Then the doctor told her that the treatments were failing and she had just a few weeks to live. Wanting some understanding and assurance about eternity, Amy asked her pastor, “What will heaven be like?” He asked her what she liked most about her life on earth. She talked about walks and rainbows and caring friends and the laughter of children. “So, then, are you saying I will have all of that there?” she asked longingly. Amy’s pastor replied, “I believe that your life there will be far more beautiful and amazing than anything you ever loved or experienced here. Think about what’s best here for you and multiply it over and over and over. That’s what I think heaven will be.” The Bible doesn’t describe in detail what life in eternity will be like, but it does tell us that being with Christ in heaven is “far better” than our present circumstance (Phil. 1:23). “There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him” (Rev. 22:3). Best of all, we will see the Lord Jesus face to face. Our deepest yearnings will be fully satisfied in Him. —Anne Cetas We’re thankful, Lord, for Your presence now in our lives. But what an amazing day it will be when we meet You face to face! Life with You in heaven will be greater by far. To be with Jesus forever is the sum of all happiness. Bible in a year: Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4 Insight In some translations of the Bible, the book of Revelation is entitled “The Revelation of St. John,” giving attention to the human author John, one of the disciples of Jesus. This title, however, is inaccurate. In Revelation 1:1, we read, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.” This is significant because the word revelation means “a revealing or unveiling.” The primary purpose of the book is to give us an unveiling of Christ Himself. Interestingly, that unveiling reveals Jesus to be the Lamb of God, and the word lamb appears in Revelation more than 25 times.

Does God Care?

We have official entered into a new month and a new week, so to KICK START! This new month and new week with a question we should ask ourselves Does God Care? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! —Psalm 30:10 Minnie and George Lacy were faced with some questions: “Is Jesus enough? Is our relationship with Christ sufficient to sustain us? Will He be enough to help us want to go on living? Does He care?” While serving as missionaries in 1904, the Lacys’ youngest daughter fell ill. Then in rapid succession, all five of their children died from scarlet fever, none living to see the new year. In letters to the mission board George Lacy wrote about their deep loneliness and grief: “Sometimes it seems more than we can bear.” But then he added, “The Lord is with us and is wonderfully helping us.” In this, their darkest time, they found that Jesus was near and He was enough. Many of us will face moments when we will wonder if we can go on. If our health fails, if our job disappears, if we lose those closest to us, will we find our relationship with the Lord real enough to keep us pressing forward? The psalmist reminds us of God’s presence and faithfulness (Ps. 30). When he was deeply depressed, he cried out, “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” (v.10). God gave Him healing and comfort (vv.2-3). As believers in Jesus, we will never lack what we need to persevere. The Lord will always be near. —Randy Kilgore Though tempted and sadly discouraged, My soul to this refuge will flee And rest in the blessed assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” —Anon. Faith in an all-sufficient Christ enables us to press on. Bible in a year: Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon Insight “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). David was no stranger to sadness and grief. In these two poignant lines of Scripture we see how anguish can disturb sleep and seem to last throughout the night. But there is always the assurance that each new day brings the hope of God’s providential deliverance and help. This realization can bring joy even to those who grieve.

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.

Join Us On the Web

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.