Northern Ireland has been without a government for two years following its collapse in January 2017, due to ongoing disagreements between the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein.
After the death of journalist Lyra McKee, politicians have been put under increasing pressure to break their deadlock and come to an agreement in the delegation of power across the region.
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev William Davison is one of many church leaders who has sort to build unity between the parties.
Speaking on Premier’s News Hour he said: “Nothing is impossible with God and although we don’t underestimate the challenges that the political parties face, we still believe that with prayer all things are possible.
“During all the years of the dreadful troubles – sometimes we thought they would never come to an end – people persevered in prayer and eventually a breakthrough came.
“We believe that a breakthrough will eventually come and we will have these institutions up and running again.”
Rev Davison is praying that the parties will come to a compromise that prioritises the common good of the people of Northern Ireland.
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Low attendance days happen in the life of every church. While they are often unavoidable, you can potentially improve them and make them fewer and farther between.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
In your new members class, you need to address the importance of regular worship attendance.
Unexpected low attendance days can be frustrating for church leaders.
Churches might consider adding an alternative worship service on weekends they know will have low attendance.
Groups are the best way to connect people deeply to the life of a church.
The seven keys we discuss are:
Make certain expectations are clear and front-end.
Have a clear understanding of why those low attendance days take place.
Consider an occasional additional service, such as Thursday night.
Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, went into labor yesterday, delivering her first child, a boy. He is now seventh in line for the throne. The couple had previously announced that their new child would not make his or her public appearance on its first day, a departure from royal tradition.
But their son will not need to inherit the throne to change the world.
A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [07/MAY/2019]
Topic: The Power of Mercy and Grace
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. – John 8:11.
Read: John 8:1-12
Someone said, it’s the mercy of the Lord that turns a mess into a message to reach the dying world. This is so true. When a man obtains the mercy of God, such a man is forgiven all his sins. When God’s mercy is in place in a man’s life, judgment has no power over such person. When mercy is in place, your rightful position is not just giving to you but sustained forever. When God’s mercy is in place, forgiveness becomes easy. The woman in our Bible reading obtained God’s mercy which set her free from the condemnation of the law of Moses. May the mercy of the Lord turn all your mess into a message to reach the world in JESUS Mighty Name.
On the other hand, grace polishes you up to attract favour from God and man. What mercy has forgiven, grace picks up for sweatless and flawless victory in life. Grace positions you for greatness. Grace opens doors of opportunities for your destiny fulfilment. When you are under God’s grace, before you knock, the door is opened. Grace moves you to the very top without much work. It is not luck but grace makes men great in life.
Do you want to enjoy God’s mercy and grace in all that you do today? Then, you must come to the real grace of God personified – Jesus Christ. One of the things the mercy and the grace of God will do in your life first is to forgive you your sins and save you from the impending judgment. Jesus the grace of God will turn you into a wonder to the world.
Bible Promises Thought:To obtain mercy and the grace of God is to turn your life to Jesus Christ the grace of God personified. Do it now.
The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Many of My people feel they are stuck, like nothing’s going on in their life, nothing’s going right, it’s not going the way they want.”
And the Lord just says to you, “I am working behind the scenes, even as I worked with Abraham and Sarah. I am doing something that is gonna bring fruitfulness to your life, that is going to bring the change you want into your life. You may have had a vision for so long or been in a dreaming process for so long that you feel like nothing is going to change.”
The Lord says, “When you pray and you talk to Me about your dreams, I listen, for I’m a dreaming God. I have dreams for you. I have plans for you. I have ideas for you. I have a vision for you. And you have said to Me, ‘But Lord, doesn’t Your Word say that, without a vision, people perish?'”
But the Lord says, “I never stopped having vision for you. I never stopped having dreams for you. Just like you dream for your family, I dream for you. Do not be discouraged, and do not think it’s going to be too long. And do not think, when you dream dreams, that these dreams will never come to fruition. Don’t stop dreaming because, if you stop dreaming, you will dry up. If you just stay in the same place, you’re going to get stuck.”
So the Lord says, “I’m going to get you unstuck, and I’m going to help you move forward. Go back and take your dreams off the shelf. Go back and take those things that you put into the never-gonna-happen box, and some of you have put that in the trash bin. Don’t do that.” … read more
The academic was the founder of of L’Arche, an organisation described as a revolutionary international network of communities where people with and without disabilities live and work together as peers.
“Jean has left an extraordinary legacy,” L’Arche international leader Stephan Posner said in a statement.
“His Community of Trosly, the Communities of L’Arche, Faith and Light, many other movements, and countless thousands of people have cherished his words and benefited from his vision.”
Mr Vanier, who was a Catholic, founded L’Arche in 1964 in response to the treatment that people with learning disabilities faced in institutions.
He spent a lifetime reshaping society’s views on the value of disabled people and was recognised for his work.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jean Vanier. He passed away peacefully today Tuesday, May 7 at 2:10 am in Paris surrounded by some relatives. https://t.co/74rYPjpB2Vpic.twitter.com/F9MhZ2F9oY
Shortly after nomination of the prestigious prize, he told Premier how he sees Jesus in the daily life of the community he built: “It’s a question of loving people as they are.
“Not just people with disabilities but also the assistants [L’Arche’s volunteers].
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32
Unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, or offense of any kind can render us unable to hear from God. The Word of God is very clear on this subject. If we want God to forgive our sins and offenses against Him, we must forgive others their sins and offenses against us.
Ephesians 4:30–32, the passage that contains our verse for today, teaches that we grieve the Holy Spirit when we harbor negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and animosity in our hearts. When we hold unforgiveness against anyone for any reason, it hardens our hearts and prevents us from being sensitive to God’s leading in our lives.
I once heard someone say that holding unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy will die. Why spend your life being angry and bitter toward someone who is probably enjoying his or her life and does not even care that you are upset?
Do yourself a favor—forgive those who hurt you! Give yourself the gift of forgiveness. It will bring peace to your heart and enable you to hear God’s voice and follow His leading in your life.
Prayer Starter: Father, please forgive me for holding bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness in my heart toward others. Help me to truly forgive those who have hurt me or wronged me in any way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Kingdom Choir, who are currently on a UK tour following the success of their stint at the nuptial ceremony last May, have written a new lullaby especially for the Sussexes’ newborn son.
They will perform it on Tuesday night when they will be at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Karen Gibson, choir leader, said: “On behalf of the whole of The Kingdom Choir, congratulations on the arrival of your little one and God Bless you all.”
The group’s rousing performances of Stand By Me and Amen/This Little Light Of Mine during the wedding resulted in the ensemble signing a major record deal.
The London-based choir was founded in 1994 by the group’s award-winning conductor Gibson.
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Peace and blessings in the precious Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I welcome you to another interesting edition of these teaching series and I hope you were tremendously blessed in the first series? Last week, I pointed you to Jesus the ‘Living water’ who quenches any and every form of thirst in the home. Today, we shall be looking at The Realities of the Covenant Marriage.
It is important for you to understand what marriage is all about. Many people, including Christians, have a misconception about marriage. Some people think that it is just the coming together of a man and a woman to bear children while some others think it is a way to be free from loneliness.
Scripturally, marriage is a covenant, not a promise, and until you have this understanding, you may never enjoy fulfilment in your home. Marriage covenant involves two parties: God on one hand and man (and his wife) on the other. As long as you are in a marital relationship, it is important for you to know that you are in a covenant with God and with your spouse. God is the initiator of the covenant and His terms of an agreement are sealed up in His word. Malachi 2:14 says: Because the LORD hath been a witness between thee and … the wife of thy covenant.
A covenant is an agreement between two parties, with each party agreeing to do something as a prerequisite to receiving some benefit. A covenant is also for a lifetime. A promise is a verbal or written undertaking to do or not to do something, but In a covenant, you have to abide with some terms and condition and as you do these, you enjoy the benefits it contains. When you walk in terms with the covenant, God fulfils His own part of the covenant.
Success in marriage is not a function of prayers. It is basically, a function of walking in the terms of the covenant. The only place prayer is needed is for divine grace to walk in line with the demands of the covenant. Prayer can never take the place of obedience to the terms of the covenant. Therefore, instead of going from place to place seeking a solution to the problems of your home, settle down for knowledge of your covenant responsibility and stay committed to its fulfilment thereof. It is in the doing of that covenant responsibility, that your desire lies.
The marriage covenant is best described as a triangle, with God on top or at the apex, and the man and his wife at the bottom or the base, everyone playing their part independently … As unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22). God created you and made you a part of that family for a purpose and you will be accountable to Him for the fulfilment of that purpose. Husband and wife have covenant obligations to each other for which they will also be held accountable. Your responsibility to obey the terms of the covenant is not dependent on your spouse fulfilling his or her own part. As far as God is concerned, you have been given an individual responsibility and you must be accountable to Him for its fulfilment.
The failure on the part of your spouse for the non-performance of his or her responsibility is not a sufficient excuse for the non-performance of yours. For instance, as a man, you cannot say the failure of your wife to submit to your headship is the reason you cannot love her. The same goes for the woman; whether your husband loves you or not, you are under an obligation to submit to him in everything. When you fulfil your own part of the covenant, God will also fulfil His own part which is to give you peace, joy, fulfilment and every good thing you desire in your family. God is constant; His side is stable; He doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6); He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He will do whatever He says He will do. What does that mean? Whatever good you see God do for any family, He can do the very same thing for you because He is no respecter of persons. If he has to change your spouse in response to your obedience, he will do it.
The Bible says: The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will (Proverbs 21:1). The turning of your spouse’s heart is but a light thing with the Lord for with Him nothing shall be impossible. You just concentrate on pleasing Him by your obedience to His command and He will please you by the fulfilment of His part of the covenant.
When your covenant relationship with God is in place, your covenant relationship with your spouse becomes a very easy thing to observe. If you get committed to obeying the Lord, by either loving your wife or submitting to your husband, you will find out that it becomes a thing of joy for you to do. It becomes a delight to show love or submit. It is no longer mechanical but spontaneous, and all that could ever be desired in a home becomes cheaply yours.
God is a God of covenants and the benefits of the covenant are only available to those who have a covenant relationship with Him. He said in his Word: Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice Psalms 50:5. You can become a part of those in covenant with Him by praying this simple prayer with me inviting Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and personal Saviour: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You this day as a sinner, I repent and ask You to forgive me my sins. I accept You toady as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Lord for saving me, justifying me and making me a child of God.” Amen.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
“Pray without ceasing”. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
As a leader, prayer is not an option. Prayer is not something you engage in when you are distressed or challenged. Prayer must be a lifestyle.
I have heard people say that they don’t know how to pray. Prayer has to be a lifestyle. So, my question is: How did you learn to walk? Did you sit down, watch training videos on how to walk, attend courses on walking and get a coach on walking? I guess you are laughing now and wondering how could I watch a training video on how to walk. The truth is you practically tried to walk and fell down several times, but you kept at it until you could stand, then walk.
For parents, you can recall the joy in your heart when your baby took the first steps. Some people even use their phones to record those ‘baby steps’ and everyone clapped and rejoiced because those steps brought so much joy. Yes, the child fell immediately after the first step, but that did not stop the child; he crawled again and stood up to take the second step. Beloved, all truth is parallel. The way to learn to pray is by simply by praying. The first attempt at praying might be 5 minutes but keep at it. Suddenly, you will discover that you can pray for 60 minutes at a stretch and enjoy it.
Yes, there are books on prayer and seminars on prayer. While I do not knock those things off, the way to learn to pray is still by praying. What exactly is prayer?
Prayer is nothing else but speaking with God. It is a two-way communication: you speak to Him and He speaks to you; the two make up a prayer – speaking and listening. Never engage in speaking without listening, because the God you serve is a speaking God. I can imagine someone wondering – how can I pray always? ‘Are you saying that I do nothing else but pray?’ Of course not! Prayer is not only when you kneel down to pray. You can be driving and praying, you can be working and at the same time praying. I challenge you to make prayer a lifestyle.
Further Reading: 1 Thessalonian 5:16-19
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 2 Kings 1-3; Evening- Luke 24:1-35
Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
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