On this day April 29, 2015 is Denim Day you may be asking yourself What is Denim Day well here is what it's ALL about There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape
For the past 16 years, Peace Over Violence has run its Denim Day campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. This year’s Denim Day is April 29, 2015. donate
There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape
For the past 16 years, Peace Over Violence has run its Denim Day campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. This year’s Denim Day is April 29, 2015.
An 18-year old girl is picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her. Threatened with death if she tells anyone, he makes her drive the car home. Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.
He appeals the sentence. The case makes it all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same, which in turn spread to Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, and Denim Day in LA was born. The first Denim Day in LA was in April 1999, and has continued every year since.
For more information on the case, visit The New York Times’ coverage.
Aloe Blacc & Maya Jupiter Denim Day 2015 PSA
Denim Day 2015 Napa Valley
So here we are jump starting a new week we are almost getting ready to step into a new month BUT before we step into that new month let's be Grateful for this day with Read: Deuteronomy 11:8-15
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
The land which you cross over to possess is a land . . . for which the Lord your God cares. —Deuteronomy. 11:11-12
Friends are starting to plan their summer vegetable gardens. Some get an early start by planting seeds indoors where they can control the conditions and provide the best environment for sprouting. After the danger of frost has passed, they will transplant the seedlings outdoors. Once the garden is planted, the work of weeding, feeding, watering, and guarding against rodents and insects begins. Producing food is a lot of work.
Moses reminded the Israelites of this before they entered the promised land. While living in Egypt, they had to do the hard work of irrigating crops by hand (Deut. 11:10), but in the place where God was taking them He promised to ease their work by sending spring and autumn rains: “I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains” (v.14 niv). The only condition was that they “faithfully obey the commands” He gave them—“to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul” (v.13 niv). The Lord was taking His people to a place where their obedience and His blessing would make them a light to those around them.
God wants the same for us and from us: He wants our love to be displayed in our obedience so that we might be His light to people around us. The love and obedience we have to offer, though, is far less than He deserves. But He is our provider, blessing us and enabling us to be a light that the world will notice. —Julie Ackerman Link
Loving God doesn’t make life effortless, but having His strength makes it easier.
INSIGHT: The word deuteronomy means “second law.” This word describes the content of the book and its purpose. After the law was first given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Israelites rebelled and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Now, 40 years later, they were about to enter the land of promise, and the laws given at Sinai were repeated in order to prepare them to be a people of God in their new home.
Here is our April issue of CCFA Newsletter Providing Hope and Inspiring Action | CCFA
APRIL 2015 ISSUE Letter from our President & CEO CCFA has proactively reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about their recent Tips anti-smoking ad campaign and how they are inaccurately portraying ostomies. We have expressed our concerns and issues with the intent that they will reconsider these ads. We are also working in partnership with United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) and others to address this issue. We will keep you apprised of our progress.
Additionally, we want to remind you that May 19 is annual World IBD Day. This year, more than 40 countries across the globe will join together to raise awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Please visit World IBD Events to learn how you can get involved.
Bridgestone has once again pledged to help raise money for IBD. Throughout April, Bridgestone customers can round up their transactions to the nearest dollar to help fund CCFA's programs and research. Tell your friends and family to head to Bridgestone and take advantage of this special opportunity.
Richard J. Geswell, CCFA President and CEO
Richard J. Geswell
Richard J. Geswell
President & CEO
Walking across the USA for a Cure
Scott Star was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, but he kept it a secret from his peers until his college years. Now 24, Scott is no longer embarrassed about his condition – or quiet. He has embarked on an amazing journey: On February 27th, he began a six-month expedition with his German friend, Matthias. Together, they're walking from Delaware to California while raising money for CCFA. To learn more, visit Scott's fundraising page, or follow his journey on www.klimawalking.com and Facebook.
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Create a Video for World IBD Day
Worldwide, 5 million people live with IBD. On May 19, more than 40 countries will join together in honor of World IBD Day. This year's campaign, "United We Stand," encourages anyone affected by the disease – patients, caregivers, gastroenterologists, nurses, family, friends – to submit a 20-second YouTube video sharing their story, and we want you to get involved! Just include your name, city and country, how IBD has impacted your life, and end with the message "United We Stand in the Fight Against IBD." For social media, make sure to use #UnitedWeStand2015. Learn more about how you can help raise awareness for World IBD Day!
Will you help us find a cure?
Your support helps us bring comfort to people with IBD – and gets us closer to cures. Please donate today!
Limited Time Only: Race IRONMAN for FREE
We're offering 25 VIP race entries to sold-out IRONMAN Chattanooga this September and 5 other excellent IRONMAN events. Use code FREE at checkout. Conquer the ultimate endurance event and help cure IBD!
Complementary and Alternative Therapies Webinar
Join us on Tuesday, May 12 at 2PM ET for a webcast on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used together with conventional treatments in IBD. Don't miss this program: Sign up today!
Resources: Managing IBD Flares
When you have IBD, you’ll likely experience flare-ups: times when symptoms become active. The updated brochure Managing Flares and Other IBD Symptoms (PDF) and the available flare tracker help you manage your life with this unpredictable disease. Download or order the brochure online, or contact the IBD Help Center at firstname.lastname@example.org.
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Facebook Chat: IBD Extra-intestinal Complications
Our next Facebook Live Chat is on Wednesday, April 22 at 6pm ET. Host Dr. Christina Ha, MD from UCLA Medical Center, discusses Managing IBD Extra-intestinal complications. Join the chat at facebook.com/ccfafb.
Summer Is Right Around The Corner!
Camp Oasis, CCFA's co-ed residential summer camp, is a fun environment where children with IBD learn, play, and meet others just like them. Visit our website for more information and to apply!
Interested in serving as a Camp Oasis counselor or Medical Team member this summer? Check out our volunteer page for more information.
APPLY AS CAMPER ►
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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 Phase III Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter, Parallel Group Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-dose Combination RHB-104 in subjects with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease conducted by RedHill Biopharma.
An Open-Label, Phase I/II Pilot Study to Assess the Safety and Tolerability of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Infusion for the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease conducted by the National Institutes of Health.
Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant's role.
Take Steps Team Challenge
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We have come to the end of the week, so let's take a moment to be Grateful for ALL that has happen within this week with Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
Your faith, being much more precious than gold . . . may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 1:7
When unspeakable tragedy shatters people’s lives, they search for answers. Recently, a mother who had lost a teenager said to me, “I can’t figure it out. I don’t know if I can believe anymore. I try, but God doesn’t make sense to me. What does it all mean?” There are no easy answers to such big concerns. But for those who have trusted Christ, there is hope—whether we are basking in blessings or grinding through grief.
Peter spells this out in his first letter. In glowing terms, he praises God for our “new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3 niv) through our salvation. That hope can bring joy even in the middle of tragedy. He also assures us of the permanence of this hope (v.4). He then tells us of the heart-breaking reality that we may “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (v.6 niv). Those who have suffered loss turn hopeful hearts toward Peter’s next words: These come so that “your faith . . . may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v.7).
Trials—seemingly random and inexplicable—can be seen differently in the light of these words. In the midst of tragedy, the power and beauty of our salvation can shine through because of our great Savior. And that may be just enough light to get a troubled person through another day. —Dave Branon
The light of salvation shines clearly even in the darkest night.
Lord, You assure us that the grand salvation You provided is proved genuine in our pain and that it leads to glory for You. Help us to begin each new day with renewed hope in You.
INSIGHT: The hope that Peter describes in today’s reading is also a major theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Romans 5:5 he describes this hope as a reality that flows from our growth in Christ. In Romans 8 he discusses our hope as something we anticipate from our salvation. Romans 12:12 reminds us that hope is grounds for great joy. Romans 15 describes hope as something we learn through trials, yet something that is characteristic of our God (v. 13). Clearly, to Paul and to Peter, hope is very important in the life of faith.
On this day we Celebrate Earth Day so on this day I just want to wish every one a HAPPIE EARTH DAY! Let's take care of God's creations.
Each year, Earth Day -- April 22 -- marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.
At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.
Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center.
The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair; and recruited Denis Hayes as national coordinator. Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land.
As a result, on the 22nd of April, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.
Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. "It was a gamble," Gaylord recalled, "but it worked."
As 1990 approached, a group of environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes to organize another big campaign. This time, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1995) -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States -- for his role as Earth Day founder.
Earth Day Today
As the millennium approached, Hayes agreed to spearhead another campaign, this time focused on global warming and a push for clean energy. With 5,000 environmental groups in a record 184 countries reaching out to hundreds of millions of people, Earth Day 2000 combined the big-picture feistiness of the first Earth Day with the international grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990. It used the Internet to organize activists, but also featured a talking drum chain that traveled from village to village in Gabon, Africa, and hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Earth Day 2000 sent world leaders the loud and clear message that citizens around the world wanted quick and decisive action on clean energy.
Much like 1970, Earth Day 2010 came at a time of great challenge for the environmental community. Climate change deniers, well-funded oil lobbyists, reticent politicians, a disinterested public, and a divided environmental community all contributed to a strong narrative that overshadowed the cause of progress and change. In spite of the challenge, for its 40th anniversary, Earth Day Network reestablished Earth Day as a powerful focal point around which people could demonstrate their commitment. Earth Day Network brought 225,000 people to the National Mall for a Climate Rally, amassed 40 million environmental service actions toward its 2012 goal of A Billion Acts of Green®, launched an international, 1-million tree planting initiative with Avatar director James Cameron and tripled its online base to over 900,000 community members.
The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and help write many more victories and successes into our history. Discover energy you didn't even know you had. Feel it rumble through the grassroots under your feet and the technology at your fingertips. Channel it into building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come.
President Obama Visits the Everglades
The weekend as come to an end and we are preparing ourselves to start a new week with Read: Luke 15:11-24
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. —Luke 19:10
Every day a father craned his neck to look toward the distant road, waiting for his son’s return. And every night he went to bed disappointed. But one day, a speck appeared. A lonesome silhouette stood against the crimson sky. Could that be my son? the father wondered. Then he caught sight of the familiar saunter. Yes, that has to be my son!
And so while the son was “still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). It is remarkable that the family patriarch did something that was considered undignified in Middle Eastern culture—he ran to meet his son. The father was full of unbridled joy at his son’s return.
The son didn’t deserve such a reception. When he had asked his father for his share of the inheritance and left home, it was as if he had wished his father dead. But despite all that the son had done to his father, he was still his son (v.24).
This parable reminds me that I’m accepted by God because of His grace, not because of my merits. It assures me that I’ll never sink so deep that God’s grace can’t reach me. Our heavenly Father is waiting to run to us with open arms. —Poh Fang Chia
Father, I’m so grateful for all Your Son did for me at the cross. I’m thankful for grace. I offer You a heart that desires to be like Jesus—merciful and gracious.
We deserve punishment and get forgiveness; we deserve God’s wrath and get God’s love. —Philip Yancey
INSIGHT: The parables of Luke 15 deal with recovering what was lost. In verses 3-7 the search is for a lost sheep; in verses 8-10, a lost coin; in verses 11-24, a lost son. Each time the emphasis is on the sense of urgency of the one who is searching.
Well this is day 2 of Fiesta De La Flor Honoring and Remembering the life and Legacy of Tejano Singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez here is what's been going on. Here are a list of performers who performed at Day 2 of Fiesta De La Flor A.B. Quintanilla y los Kumbia Kings Allstarz, Chicas Rock, Clarissa Serna, Nina Diaz, Stefani Montiel, Chris Perez, Los Palominos, Jay Perez & Band, Little Joe y la Familia.
The Fiesta De La Flor is HERE! it has begun in Corpus Christi,Texas honoring the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla Perez. The 2 day festival has been full of alot of Bands performing and attractions. Tonight the performers were Steven James, Las Fenix, Multiple Latin Grammy Award winners Los Lobos,HEB Presents an Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow Screening of “Selena” the Movie Screening. Fiesta De La Flor is Presented by Citgo, Fiesta de la Flor is a 2-day festival that will celebrate the life & legacy of Selena Quintanilla Perez, known to her many admirers as the “Queen of Tejano”. Selena’s impact on the hearts & lives of so many has been immeasurable and this annual event will serve as a tribute to her, as well as the cultural contributions of Tejano music worldwide.
This celebration will showcase well-known Tejano musicians; feature Alamo Drafthouse’s Rolling Roadshow screening of Selena; artisan vendors from around the state of Texas; culinary delights from specialty local & regional food trucks, Kids Zone for families; a fabulous fireworks finale and much more…..all along a beautiful backdrop of the Corpus Christi Bay.
Fiesta de la Flor would not be possible without the generous support of the following 2015 sponsors: Citgo, HEB, SEA District, Sunoco Stripes Convenience Stores, Herrman & Herrman and the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Abraham Quintanilla remembering Selena
YES! It's FRIDAY! and as we are gearing up for the weekend let's take a moment to reflect on ALL that has transpired this week with Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24
[The Lord] gave some . . . for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11-12
A pastor’s wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. That put the family in a difficult, stressful situation. The pastor wondered how he was going to be able to take good care of her while he still had responsibilities for his church family. But he needn’t have worried because church members stepped up and volunteered to assist him with meals and some of her care.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about the purpose for which the Lord gave them their spiritual gifts. Before he listed the diversity of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, he reminded them that “a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (v.7 nlt). God does not give His spiritual gifts for our own selfish use but to serve others, and in so doing, we serve Him.
We are all given different gifts to be used at different times and in different ways. But they are all to be used in love for the “edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). Wherever God has placed us, we can use what He has gifted us to do as we see the need, remembering that we are all part of the church—the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13-14). —C. P. Hia
Thank You, Father, for the wonderful gifts You have given Your church. Help me to understand how You have gifted me to encourage other believers, and to spread the message of Your love to the world.
Use your gifts to exercise care for others.
INSIGHT: Spiritual gifts are discussed in 1 Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, and 1 Peter. In 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul emphasizes how these gifts relate to one another within the body of Christ, the church. In Romans 12:3-8, he gives a shorter list, but also emphasizes the exercising of those gifts. In Ephesians 4:11-13, he describes gifted leaders God has given to the church for its development in life and service. In 1 Peter 4, the apostle Peter says that the purpose of all gifts is that “God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (v. 11).
On this day April 16, 1971 44 years ago Selena Quintanilla was born to Marcel and Abraham Quintanilla. Selena would have been Celebrating her 44th Birthday Today BUT tragically on March 31, 1995 Selena was shot by her Fan club President her life was cut short by this tragedy, but her memory lives on in ALL of us that keep her Memory ALIVE. What I am most Grateful and Thankful for is In that short period of time she spent with us Selena impacted us ALL with her Humbleness, Kindness, Generosity, Her HUGE SMILE, Her AMAZING Captivating VOICE and Laughter. So on this day I just wanted to take a moment to say HAPPIE BIRTHDAY SELENA!!! I truly THANK GOD for Selena and her Family for giving the world such a precious gift. I Thank God for the HIGH impacted life Selena lived. Mucha Gracias Selana Siempre Selena. I will KEEP your memory and legacy alive as long as I live you are my SHERO and my Inspiration.
Selena 20 years later
Selena Disco Medley Houston Astrodome 1995
Selena - Enamorada De Ti
Here is Scott Star story After about two years of dealing with periodic bouts of gut-related issues, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 15 years old. I had no idea what this meant so it was very scary for me. Following the diagnosis was another period of about six months when my gastroenterologist was trying to figure out a medication that would alleviate my symptoms. My doctor put me on prednisone for a short period of time. She warned me that I might put on quite a few extra pounds since prednisone is a steroid, but luckily for me, there was no such weight gain, allowing me to keep my secret even longer (it really wasn’t until college that I started to feel comfortable telling people about the medication I was on and what it was for). It was 6-MP (mercaptopurine), a medication given to cancer patients and which suppresses the immune system, that finally put my body back on track.
I have been very fortunate that since I was put on 6-MP at 16 years old, I can count the number of flare-ups I’ve had on one hand (I’m 24 now). And they have been shorter and easier to deal with than before 6-MP. I also never noticed a change in my immune system.
I participated in CCFA’s Team Challenge in Spring 2013. For those unfamiliar, Team Challenge is a program where you train for a race (a half-marathon in my case) and raise funds for CCFA with a ton of cool people who are doing the same thing. On race weekend, I was assigned a roommate who had had some portion of his digestive system removed and always had to wear a colostomy bag. This guy was running the same 13.1 miles I would be running! It’s truly inspiring to see people overcome such obstacles.
So many more people suffer from Crohn’s and colitis than we know about. Just thinking of how embarrassing it can be to have to run off to the bathroom out of nowhere makes me sympathize with those teens and pre-teens who just want to fit in.
On February 27th, I began a six-month journey with my German friend Matthias walking from Delaware to California while raising money for CCFA. You can find my fundraising page here: https://fundraise.ccfa.org/twinkletwinkle . If you’d like to follow our trip, you can visit our website www.klimawalking.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/klimawalking.
As told by Scott
The weekend has come to an end and we are starting a new week with Read: 1 Samuel 23:1-5
Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31
David inquired of the Lord. —1 Samuel 23:2
When my husband and I supervise our son’s piano practice sessions, we begin by asking God to help us. We pray first because neither my husband nor I know how to play the instrument. Together, all three of us are coming to understand musical mysteries such as the meaning of “staccato” and “legato” and when to use the piano’s black keys.
Prayer becomes a priority when we realize that we need God’s help. David needed God’s assistance in a dangerous situation as he considered fighting the Philistines in the city of Keilah. Before engaging in battle, “David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’” (1 Sam. 23:2). God gave His approval. However, David’s men admitted that the enemy forces intimidated them. Before a single sword was lifted against the Philistines, David prayed again. God promised him the victory he later claimed (v.4).
Does prayer guide our lives, or is it our last resort when trouble strikes? We sometimes fall into the habit of making plans and then asking God to bless them, or praying only in moments of desperation. God does want us to turn to Him in moments of need. But He also wants us to remember that we need Him all the time (Prov. 3:5-6). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Dear God, please guide me as I walk through this life. Help me not to act only by my own wisdom, but to seek Your will in every situation.
God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. —Oswald Chambers
INSIGHT: In today’s passage we are told twice that David “inquired of the LORD” (vv. 2,4), but we are not told how he sought out God’s will. Some say David himself was the prophetic voice (2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 4:25) or that he cast lots since the Lord directed the lots (Prov. 16:33). He may have simply petitioned God in prayer with an open heart.
My GOSH! We have come to the end of the week as we take a moment to reflect on ALL that has transpire let's be Thankful and Grateful that we have made it to the end of this week with these words of wisdom. Read: James 2:14-17
Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. —Hebrews 13:16
Lee Geysbeek of Compassion International told about a woman who had the opportunity to travel to a distant land to visit the child she sponsored. She decided to take the child, who was living in abject poverty, to a restaurant.
The boy ordered a hamburger, and the sponsor ordered a salad. When the food came to the table, the boy, who assuredly had never had such a meal in his life, surveyed the scene. He looked at his huge hamburger and over at his sponsor’s small salad. Then he took his knife and cut the burger in half, offered it to his sponsor, rubbed his tummy, and asked, “Hungry?”
A child who had next to nothing his whole life was willing to share half of what he had with someone he thought might need more. This child can be a good reminder the next time we meet someone in physical, emotional, or spiritual need. As followers of Jesus, our faith in Him should be mirrored through our actions (James 2:17).
We encounter people in need every day. Some around the globe, some simply around the corner. Some in need of a warm meal, others a kind word. What a difference followers of Christ, who have experienced His love, could make by doing good and sharing (Heb. 13:16). —Dave Branon
Today, Lord, help me see beyond my own problems to the needs of others. Guide my hand to give instead of get, to offer instead of ask, and to bless instead of seeking blessings. May Your name be honored.
To be doing good is man’s most glorious task. —Sophocles
INSIGHT: James makes a strong connection here between invisible faith and the visible works that faith produces. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul declares faith to be completely distinct from works. There is no conflict between these two points, however, for Paul agrees with James in Ephesians 2:10, saying, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Paul says that salvation in Christ is rooted in faith apart from works, but that this faith will result in the kind of works for which God has made us in Christ.
Here we are getting ready to start a New Week with Read: Psalm 18:1-3,46
Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. —Psalm 18:2
My wife and I both have grandmothers who have lived past 100. Talking with them and their friends, I detect a trend that seems almost universal in the reminiscences of older people: They recall difficult times with a touch of nostalgia. The elderly swap stories about World War II and the Great Depression; they speak fondly of hardships such as blizzards, the childhood outhouse, and the time in college when they ate canned soup and stale bread 3 weeks in a row.
Paradoxically, difficult times may help nourish faith and strengthen personal bonds. Seeing this principle lived out, I can better understand one of the mysteries relating to God. Faith boils down to a question of trust. If I do stand on a solid rock of trust in God (Ps. 18:2), the worst of circumstances will not destroy that relationship.
Solid-rock faith allows me to believe that despite the chaos of the present moment, God does reign. Regardless of how worthless I may feel, I truly matter to a God of love. No pain lasts forever, and no evil triumphs in the end.
Solid-rock faith sees even the darkest deed of all history, the death of God’s Son, as a necessary prelude to the brightest moment in all history—His resurrection and triumph over death. —Philip Yancey
Lord, You are the Rock, the object of my faith. My faith stands on You and not on my shifting feelings; otherwise I would be sure to fall.
Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.
INSIGHT: Psalm 18 is a song of thanksgiving. The long superscription, taken from 2 Samuel 22:1, gives the circumstances that led David to write this song of deliverance: “A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” David used seven metaphors to describe the Lord: He is a rock, fortress, and deliverer. He is our strength, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold (vv. 2-3).
On this day millions are Celebrating Easter but in the Christian world we call it Resurrection Sunday so we are taken the time to remember what Jesus has done for us. So I want to wish every one a HAPPIE RESURRECTION! HE IS RISEN! Here is some information as to What is Easter and Why Do Christians Celebrate? From Christianity.about.com
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.Christians believe, according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated
on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.(For a more detailed explanation about his death and resurrection, see Why Did Jesus Have to Die? and Timeline of Jesus' Final Hours.)
In Western Christianity, Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.Because of Easter's pagan origins, and also because of the commercialization of Easter, many Christian churches choose to refer to the holiday as Resurrection Day.
Easter in the Bible
biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.
Today marks the day that many christian celebrate which is Good Friday so on this day let's understand the true meaning of Good Friday. Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.
The End of the week is here so has we prepare ourselves on this GOOD FRIDAY! and get ready for this Resurrection Sunday with Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Bible in a Year: Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50
[God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. —2 Corinthians 5:21
Noise. Vibration. Pressure. Fireball. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield used these words to describe being launched into space. As the rocket raced toward the International Space Station, the weight of gravity increased and breathing became difficult. Just when he thought he would pass out, the rocket made a fiery breakthrough into weightlessness. Instead of lapsing into unconsciousness, he broke into laughter.
His description made me think of the days leading to my mother’s death. The heaviness of life kept increasing until she no longer had the strength to breathe. She was then released from her pain and broke free into the “weightlessness” of heaven. I like to think of her laughing when she took her first breath in Jesus’ presence.
On the Friday we call “good,” something similar happened to Jesus. God placed on Him the weight of the entire world’s sin—past, present, and future—until He could no longer breathe. Then He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit’ ” (Luke 23:46). After being suffocated by our sin, Jesus received back from God the life entrusted to Him and now lives where sin and death have no power. All who trust Christ will one day join Him, and I wonder if we’ll look back at this life and laugh. —Julie Ackerman Link
Father in heaven, words cannot describe our gratitude for Your Son Jesus, who bore the weight of our sins. Thank You that to be absent from this body with its heavy burdens is to be present with You forever.
The sacrifice of Jesus points us to the joy of heaven.
INSIGHT: Paul uses metaphors such as “earthen vessels,” “earthly house,” and “tent” (2 Cor. 4:7; 5:1) to contrast the frailty and mortality of our earthly existence with the indestructibility, immortality, and glory of our resurrection bodies. When a believer dies, the body goes to the grave, becoming dust (Gen. 3:19; Job 34:15; Eccl. 3:20), but the spirit goes to be with Christ (Eccl. 12:7; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21–25). When Jesus Christ returns for His own (John 14:3), our body and spirit shall be raised together for a glorious eternity with God (5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:50-53; Phil. 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16–18).