The Pope welcomed students, their family members and teachers from Rome’s Visconti High School in the Pope Paul VI Hall on Saturday.
“Free yourself from the addiction to mobile phones,” the pontiff said.
While he noted the importance of communication and using mobile phones, the leader of the Catholic Church added, “but when you become a slave to your mobile phone, you will lose your freedom”.
He also urged young people to “never to stop dreaming big and hoping for a better world for all”.
Today, World Youth Day, I would like to mention all those young saints, especially the saints “next door” to us, known only to God; sometimes he likes to surprise us with them. #DiocesanWYD
“Don’t settle for mediocrity in relationships, in cultivating who you are, in planning for your future, in your commitment for a more just and more beautiful world,” he said.
He ended by reminding those present that as the Holy Week begins ending on Easter Day, that it was “also a time of renewal for the soul – a time to blossom!”
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Executive Pastor Donna Williams from the Greater St Stephen Full Gospel Baptist in New Orleans told The Christian Post: “We do this as a way of giving back to the community.
“This is the second year that we will be doing it. We call it [the] Greater Good Friday Gas Giveaway.”
The first 250 people to turn up at Sterling Express station and the Gentilly-Paris Shell from 9am until 11am will receive the gift.
“We plan to service 250 people and we have two different gas stations that they give the gas away, so once we reach the amount that we expect to giveaway then unfortunately we just have to turn some people away,” Williams said.
Once 250 people have been served, the church will also offer prayers and an invitation to join them for their service on Easter Sunday.
When the church first held the event last year, Williams said they were able to invite many people to church and about 20 per cent of them showed up for the service the following Sunday.
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Rick Warren invited Kagame – who has ruled Rwanda since 2000 to speak “as we join our Rwandan brothers and sisters in remembering the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and thank God together for the renewal the country has experienced over the last 25 years”.
However, Kagame is a controversial figure that has also been blamed for denying Rwandans basic human rights.
Aristide Rwigara is the younger brother of Diane Rwigara, who ran against Kagame for president and was imprisoned along with her mother and sister after he came to power.
Ms Rwigara was barred from running in presidential elections and spent over a year in prison before being acquitted.
Aristide Rwigara told the Los Angeles Times: “Why would he give attention to someone who has closed thousands of churches and who has consistently denied human rights to his own people?
“This cannot go unchallenged. Warren is a global figure, and if you want to wear the mantle of spiritual leadership, why would you do this?
“I used to think he was the real deal, and then I found out that he backed the government — a government that stifles all manner of opposition, that has no humanity.”
Kagame told Warren at the church that he had the difficult task of reintegrating society and uniting the population after the genocide.
“We had a tragic situation where over one million people died,” Kagame said.
When I wrote Autopsy of a Deceased Church five years ago, the response took me by surprise. While all authors expect or hope their books will be bestsellers, I frankly didn’t see it coming. Hundreds of thousands of book sales later, Autopsy became the all-time bestseller in the genre of church leadership.
Why? Why did church leaders, both vocational and laity, respond to the book with this level of interest? The concept was simple. We interviewed church members of churches that had closed their doors or died. We performed an autopsy of deceased churches. We found out why these churches died.
After about a year of receiving questions and comments from readers, I saw a common theme emerging. The readers wanted to know what they could do to prevent their churches from dying. Ironically, a book about the death of churches became a book about hope for churches.
While the sales of the book remain strong to this day, I think it’s worth noting what we have learned in the five years since I wrote the book. On this fifth anniversary celebration of Autopsy of a Deceased Church. Here are six things we’ve learned.
Most members of dying churches didn’t see it coming. Many of the members were still dealing with the shock of the death of their churches when we interviewed them.
Many of the members and leaders of these churches would have begun revitalization efforts if they knew how. I am so grateful for the revitalization revolution taking place today. Churches have resources and…
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. — Proverbs 19:11
One of our first responses when someone hurts or offends us can be to pray: “God, I choose to believe the best. My feelings are hurt, but You can heal me. I refuse to be angry; I refuse to be offended.” It’s important to be firm in your determination that you will not be offended because offense is a trap that pulls us away from God, His people, and His principles.
The word offense comes from the Greek word skandalon. A skandalon was the part of an animal trap that held the bait; its purpose was to lure a victim. Offense is bait that will lure us into a trap of full-blown bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.
When you are tempted to be offended, choose to forgive right away. Don’t give the bitterness you feel a chance to take root in your life. Choosing to live without offense is one of the wisest choices you can make. If you need to forgive someone, today is the best day to do it!
Prayer Starter: Father, please show me any areas where I may be harboring bitterness or offense. Help me learn to be quick to forgive and hard to offend. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Israel Folau’s post (below) that forced the governing body of rugby union in Australia to reveal it intends to terminate the 30-year-old’s central contract read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters – hell awaits you!”
Rugby Australia has issued Folau, with a code of conduct breach notice to which he has 48 hours to respond.
However, speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, the fullback said the row erupted over his comments has not prompted him to change his stance.
“First and foremost, I live for God now,” he said in his first interview since the controversy over his recent comments began.
“His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that’s not to continue playing, so be it.
“In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.
“In Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that ‘God has no pleasure in the person that’s living in sin’
“He’s a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they’re living in and he’ll give them life. That’s the message I’m trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh.
“I can’t change what the word of God says. As we heard today, those that live for Christ will be persecuted for his…
Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: The Supremacy of Faith!
From scriptures, we discover that we engage in faith to tap into divine virtues, which in turn enhance our value. The Bible says: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2). Also, our vision can never deliver beyond the level of faith we are operating in. Hence, the beauty and colour of every vision is a function of the quality of faith that is employed. Therefore, without faith, our vision has no substance because it is faith that defines the substance of our vision. Every act of God in our lives is only realisable via faith and as long as our faith is on fire, we remain on flight and also in command of things happening around us. Thus, it is to us according to our faith, not according to our vision (Matthew 9:29). So, if our faith is down, our life and destiny will be down.
What, Then, is the Supremacy of Faith?
1. Faith Engages the Word for Performance: It engages the Word of God in order to enforce the delivery of our destiny and desires. The Bible records about Mary: …Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:38).Sometimes, it may not be convenient for us but if it is commanded, we must engage in it because that’s the only way to where we are going and it is what determines the happenings in our lives. That is what makes faith a vital force that gets the job done. As long as our faith is in place, we remain in command over the issues of life.
2. Faith is A Spiritual Force: Faith is neither a psychological nor philosophical force; it is a spiritual force. It is not an intellectual issue either; it is a spiritual virtue that operates within the spirit of man not in his head. As it is written: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Thus, whatever is working contrary to our inheritance in Christ, faith can stop it instantly. For instance, the woman with the issue of blood had her faith intact and her health was restored immediately (Mark 5:25-34).
3. Faith is a Spiritual Chemistry: It is the spiritual chemistry with which we quench the oppositions, clear obstacles and access our possessions. The Bible says: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:23). Every time faith is at work, a spiritual connection is established and that connection provokes the flow of virtue from God. That virtue flows to enhance our value.
4. Faith is A Living Force: It is a living force, drawn from the living Word to produce living proofs. That woman drew from Jesus, the Living Word, and a living proof was produced. Faith is not just believing that God can do something; it is being moved to do something to prove that we believe. When we are moved to act on what God commands, He is committed to perform. So, faith is an act. For it is written: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, faith is the only way to move God in our direction and the only way to stop the devil from molesting us (Ephesians 6:16).
5. Faith is Hard Work: Faith is no cheap talk; faith is hard work. It is written: For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:10-11). It requires a form of labour. We don’t wish for faith but work at faith. Faith does not answer to wishes; it answers to workings, that is, working with the Word of God. Whether it is conventional faith or supernatural faith, all forms of faith draw from our Word bank or reservoir. The things on our inside are what faith draws from; it has to be there before faith can draw. The Bible says: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17; see also 2 Peter 1:5).
6. Faith is a Great Profession: Faith is no mere confession; it is a great profession. As it is written: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23). Profession here connotes definite skills. Thus, it requires skills to maximise its benefits (Hebrews 5:12-14).
In summary, faith is an asset of inestimable value, an unstoppable force which taps into the omnipotence of God, quenches all the fiery darts of the devil, addresses all satanic assaults and commits the integrity of divinity. However, you cannot experience the supremacy of faith unless you are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Understanding the Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith and Born to Win!
I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.
David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel
“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!”Genesis 17:18 KJV
When God spoke to Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, He told him to come out of his kindred to a place that He would show him. Abraham was about 75 years then. Abraham and Sarah waited for twenty-four years and nothing happened. But the Word of God had gone forth. When you read that chapter of the Bible, it is so easy to think Abraham started that way, he never started that way. Abraham did not believe throughout. Hagar produced Ishmael because Abraham tried to help God. He doubted God. That was why he went into Hagar. He agreed with his wife and Ishmael was born against the will of God.
When you read further, when God kept on promising him, he said to God, ‘don’t worry about the promise, let Ishmael live.’ Many of us are content with a second-class miracle, other than what God has ordained for us. We are content with mediocrity. I have never seen the righteous forsaken. The seed of the righteous will never beg bread. Please don’t accept just anything. Every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights in whom there is no variableness, neither any shadow of turning. Our God is a good God. He wants to bless you. The blessings of God make rich and He does not add any sorrow.
Ishmael was born, and Abraham said ‘let Ishmael live.’ But God said ‘Ishmael is not the promise, send him away.’ Some of us have to send some things away. It may look as if nothing is going to happen but out of that nothing, something will spring forth. After Ishmael was born, for thirteen years God never spoke to Abraham again. May you never put yourself where God cannot reach you. When God no longer speaks to you, you are finished. But when he speaks to you, no matter how bad or low you are, then there is hope for you.
Further Reading: Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 17:15-22
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Samuel 27-29; Evening- Luke 13:1-22
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.
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
THE MESSAGE:
Jesus crossed the Kidron, fully conscious that Judas would betray Him, and went to Gethsemane to surrender to the Father’s will. His disciples had affirmed their devotion to Him and Peter here, proved it by drawing his sword for a fight.
Jesus said to him, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Peter had a sword in his hand (symbolizing rebellion against the will of God) but Jesus had a cup to drink (symbolizing suffering and His submission to it). Peter was resisting God’s will and hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish, but Jesus was submitting to it. Peter made mistakes, used the wrong approach/weapons and accomplished the wrong result! He was sincere, but sincerely wrong, perhaps due to his prayerlessness. Remember Jesus had asked them to pray with Him but instead, they slept.
What is in your hand today, a sword, or a cup? You may not have a physical sword but that of intellect, wealth, wisdom, resources, power, certificates, position, strength, etc. Do you use them to oppose and struggle against the work and will of the Lord? Like Jesus, you must learn to submit to the will of God for your life, using everything you possess. The surest way of doing so is through prayers!
Prayer: Father, help me to stop struggling against Your will but to be submissive to show forth Your glory.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:8-9).
The Bible speaks of the Father’s love poured out lavishly in Jesus Christ. Such extraordinary love did He express toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He didn’t die for us because we were living right; He did it while we were yet sinners. That’s indescribable love, but it describes our value.
When you know who Jesus is, and the fact that He actually gave His life to save you, you’ll understand what God thinks about you; how He values you. His vicarious death defines your value. He thought you were worth His life; therefore, He gave His life in your place. This shows that you’re as valuable to God as Jesus is. No wonder the Lord Jesus, pouring out His heart to the Father in prayer, wanted the world to know that the Father loved us even as He loved Him (John 17:23).
How inspiring it is to know that Jesus gave His life, so that you may have it. The life you ought to live now should be the life of the Son of God; live His dream. Paul boldly declared in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Don’t live a lesser life. Live God’s dream. He considered you valuable, and gave Himself for you. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
PRAYER Blessed Father, thank you for your unfailing love; it surrounds me like a shield and I soar in its comfort and bliss forever. This love compels me to preach the Gospel to the lost, and turn them from sin unto righteousness, and from the power of Satan unto God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 3:17-19; 1 John 4:8-10
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:13-22 & Leviticus 15
Rhapsody of Realities 15th April 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
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