Pope Francis Asked by Irish Minister to Pay for Remains of Hundreds of Children Thrown in Sewage

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Pope Francis Asked by Irish Minister to Pay for Remains of Hundreds of Children Thrown in Sewage

(Photo: REUTERS/Max Rossi)Pope Francis has lunch with the poor following a special mass to mark the new World Day of the Poor in Paul VI’s hall at the Vatican, November 19, 2017.

Ireland’s children minister has said that the Catholic Church must pay for the recovery of hundreds of children’s remains that were thrown in sewage systems decades ago at a nunnery.

“It is my strong conviction that given the role of the Church in this shameful chapter of recent Irish history it must play a practical role in addressing the hurt and damage,” Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone said in her remarks to Pope Francis, who visited the country over the weekend.

“I believe that the Church should contribute substantially to the cost of whatever option is decided by the government …. Nothing less will demonstrate remorse,” she added as the text of her request to Francis was released to the media on Monday.

As Crux Now explains, close to 800 babies and young children are believed to have been found in mass graves in an underground sewage structure from a home for unwed mothers and their children, which was run by an order of Catholic nuns in the 20th century.

DNA tests have shown that the remains of the children found at the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – The Christian Post.

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How J. J. Watt continues to change Houston

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How J. J. Watt continues to change Houston

J. J. Watt has been named NFL Player of the Year and voted numerous times to the Pro Bowl. He is one of the most dominant defensive players in professional football.

But what he’s done off the field in response to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey has made the greatest impact. It all started with an Instagram video he posted on August 27, 2017:

“I want to start a fundraiser. Because I know that these recovery efforts are going to be massive. I know that there’s going to be a whole bunch of people that we need to help get back on their feet. Whatever you can donate, please donate to help these people out.”

Watt set up a page on YouCaring.com with a $200,000 goal, then donated $100,000 to start the effort. To this point, $41.6 million has been given, making it the largest crowd-sourced fundraiser in history.

On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the funds raised by J. J. Watt are continuing to rebuild the city and help the people he loves.

Good news in the news

President Trump announced yesterday that a bilateral trade deal has been reached with Mexico. The Dow Jones gained 259 points and the Nasdaq closed above 8,000. And NASA determined that an asteroid the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza will miss our planet by three million miles.

That’s the good news in the news.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville shooting victims have been identified as a father and an ex-high school football player. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office announced yesterday that actor Jackson Odell, who passed away two months ago at the age of twenty, died of an accidental drug overdose. And the pope continues to face questions about the ongoing clergy abuse scandal.

The persistence of bad news calls for persistence from those who would make good news. As J. J. Watt reminds us, the need goes on long after the headlines stop.

There are three life principles here for followers of Jesus.

One: If God has called you to do something, do it until it is done.

Watt

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

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Pope’s Skoda donated to charity

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Pope’s Skoda donated to charity

The blue Skoda Rapid will take families from emergency housing in the Dublin area to longer-term accommodation arranged for them by Crosscare, a social care agency in the Irish capital run by the Catholic Church.

A decision of the future of the now famous five-door car was taken by Diarmuid Martin, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.

 

Bosses say the vehicle will be in daily use but the registration plate ‘SCV 1’ must be changed as it currently stands for Stato della Citta del Vaticano – or Vatican City.

The pope spent two days in Ireland at the weekend as part of the World Meeting of Families Congress which is held every three years.

Speaking at the event, director of Crosscare services, Conor Hickey, said homelessness has become increasingly prevalent in Dublin during recent years.

PA

 

He said it was affecting “people very much like you or I who, because of economic factors beyond their control, have found themselves in a housing market where there are no available houses”.

Fifty families at any one time use The Hub – an over-subscribed temporary accommodation site operated by Crosscare as it tries to move families on to longer-term housing.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Donald Trump says evangelicals have got ‘just about everything I promised’

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Donald Trump says evangelicals have got ‘just about everything I promised’

The leader pointed to moves by his administration to stem the flow of federal funding to abortion clinics and work to secure the freedom of imprisoned church leaders such as Andrew Brunson – who has been held in Turkey since October 2016.

Speaking at a dinner held at the White House on Monday night, he was quoted by the Washington Times as saying: “The support you’ve given me has been incredible.

 

“But I really don’t feel guilty because I have given you a lot back, just about everything I promised.”

Mr Trump welcomed several high-profile Christian figures for the formal occasion, including Rev Franklin Graham and president of the Christian university Liberty, Jerry Falwell Jr.

Megachurch leader Paula White and James Dobson from the Christian conservative organisation Focus on the Family also attended.

 

The US President also said “attacks” on faith communities throughout the US were “over”, citing efforts to protect freedom of conscious and religious liberty.

He added: “Unlike some before us, we are protecting your religious liberty.

“We’re standing for religious believers, because we know…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Eight Ways Church Members Can Help Pastors Avoid Burnout — Rainer on Leadership #462

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Podcast Episode #462

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio

Burnout is a real issue for many, and pastors are not exempt. Today we discuss how church members can help their pastor avoid it.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • There are times that need ministry on a 24/7 basis. But there should also be times when that’s not the case.
  • More often than not pastors either don’t know how to take time off or just don’t take time off.
  • One of the biggest things you can do for your pastor is to defend the pastor to critics.
  • There is a correlation in how joyful a pastor ministers and how joyful a pastor’s family life is.

The eight tips we discuss are:

  1. Let the pastor know he should not be 24/7
  2. Be an encourager
  3. Insist the pastor takes some time off
  4. Respond to critics for your pastor
  5. Become a prayer intercessor for your pastor
  6. Help protect the pastor’s family
  7. Find ways to help the pastor’s family have fun times together
  8. Pay your pastor reasonably

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of…

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 28 August 2018 – The Power for Christian Service

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TOPIC: The Power for Christian Service (Mountain Of Fire And Miracle Ministries Tuesday, 28 August 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:19-20

MEMORY VERSE: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

The MESSAGE:

In Luke 10:1-2, Jesus sent seventy disciples on mission assignment with the mandate to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. He drew their attention to the great work of evangelism at hand and the fact that labourers are few; that is, those who would be fully committed to the work. He emphasised commitment and dedication to cover gaps already created by inadequacy of labourers in the vineyard.

To enable them carry out the assignment successfully, Jesus gave them spiritual empowerment. But on return from the assignment, the disciples were more excited with their exercise of supremacy over the devils rather than the impact of the gospel message on the people. The thing that impressed them most was how supremely they fared in the war against evil spiritual powers. Although they had the details of the assignment, they were more interested in authority over the devils than the real message of salvation. We must be careful in dealing with people who boast of their fights with satan and their conquest over him rather than the impact of gospel message on the people. Our main task in mission is not fighting the devil but carrying out the Lord’s will. It is not power show but service unto God. Don’t let the preaching of the gospel and it’s acceptance take an inferior place in your ministry. Jesus rebuked them because they emphasised the wrong things. They were proud because they thought they had defeated the devil and his demons. They thought that casting out devils was the primary assignment. They forgot that their primary task was to preach and heal, and then when the devil attacked (as he surely always does), he would not prevail. The devil’s activity is to hinder God’s children from doing what God wants them to do for the souls and bodies of people. If we attempt to see the devil everywhere, then he will occupy all our time and keep us so busy fighting him that we will leave ourselves no time to preach the gospel. If he is able to engage us in constant battle, he would have succeeded in keeping us from the true fight that we as Christians should be fighting. Jesus told the disciples that the most important thing that could ever happen to them was that their names were written in the Book of Life in heaven. The most important task for any of Christ’s messengers is to see that people’s names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27). Knowing that people are saved from the eternal condemnation of sin should produce in us, as messengers of Christ, the greatest joy.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
OUR MAIN TASK IN MISSION IS NOT FIGHTING THE DEVIL BUT CARRYING OUT THE LORD’S WILL.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You will not neglect the true fight –evangelism.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Lord Jesus, make me Your fruitful branch, in the name of Jesus.
2. Anointing to depopulate the kingdom of satan, come upon me now, in the name of Jesus.
3. Satanic devices to unproductively engage my ministerial time, catch fire and burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Satanic battles, directed to keep my spiritual life in disarray, scatter unto desolation, in the name of Jesus.
5. Spirit of evangelism and soul winning, enter me afresh, in the name of Jesus.
6. I mount the horse of war, and I pull down satanic strongholds hindering evangelism and soul winning, in the name of Jesus.
7. Holy Spirit, breathe afresh on me, in the name of Jesus.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 28 August 2018 – The Power for Christian Service appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer’s Daily 28 August 2018 Devotional — Set Your Mind

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 28 August 2018 Devotional — Set Your Mind

Topic: Set Your Mind [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Tuesday August 28, 2018]

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. — Ephesians 2:4-6 (NKJV)

I have learned over the years the value of purposely setting my mind on things I want to happen throughout the day, instead of passively waiting to see what kind of thoughts I happen to have.

Just as we choose our clothes and purposely put them on, we can and should choose our thoughts, because what we meditate on often becomes our reality (see Proverbs 23:7). “Where the mind goes, the man follows” is one of my favorite sayings!

Today I set my mind to be strong, energetic, and joyful. I have decided to enjoy this day and to be a blessing everywhere I go. The more I think positive things, the more excited and empowered I feel! God is waiting to bless His children, but we need to expect Him to do so. What are you expecting from God today? Nothing? A little? A lot?

I taught this in our office chapel, and an employee came to work the next day and said, “I have lots of problems at home, especially with my teenage son who argues with me constantly. After hearing Joyce speak on expecting good things, I decided to try it. Instead of driving home dreading the evening, I went home expecting something good. My son looked at me when I got home and told me that he loved me, something I hadn’t heard in a long, long time.”

Aggressive expectation is faith in action! Release your faith for God’s best in your life and get ready for an upgrade in blessings.

Prayer Starter: Father, I am sorry I have been so passive about my thoughts. Forgive me, and help me learn to think in a way that will release Your best in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer’s Daily 28 August 2018 Devotional — Set Your Mind appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust

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Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust

Topic: Learning to Trust [Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Matthew 6:25–34, Bible in a Year: Psalms 123–125; 1 Corinthians 10:1–18

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

When I was a teenager I sometimes challenged my mother when she tried to encourage me to have faith. “Trust God. He will take care of you,” she would tell me. “It’s not that simple, Mom!” I would bark back. “God helps those who help themselves!”

But those words, “God helps those who help themselves” are nowhere to be found in Scripture. Instead, God’s Word teaches us to depend on Him for our daily needs. Jesus tells us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26–27).

Everything we enjoy—even the strength to earn a living and “help ourselves”—are gifts from a heavenly Father who loves us and values us beyond our ability to fathom.

As Mom neared the end of her life, Alzheimer’s disease robbed her of her creative mind and memories, but her trust in God remained. She lived in our home for a season, where I was given a “front-row seat” to observe God’s provision for her needs in unexpected ways—ways that helped me see she had been right all along. Instead of worrying, she entrusted herself to the One who promised to take care of her. And He showed Himself faithful.

Prayer: Loving Lord, please help me to trust You to take care of me today, tomorrow, and forever!

Don’t worry about tomorrow—God is already there.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust

CM Editor
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Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust

Topic: Learning to Trust [Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Matthew 6:25–34, Bible in a Year: Psalms 123–125; 1 Corinthians 10:1–18

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

When I was a teenager I sometimes challenged my mother when she tried to encourage me to have faith. “Trust God. He will take care of you,” she would tell me. “It’s not that simple, Mom!” I would bark back. “God helps those who help themselves!”

But those words, “God helps those who help themselves” are nowhere to be found in Scripture. Instead, God’s Word teaches us to depend on Him for our daily needs. Jesus tells us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26–27).

Everything we enjoy—even the strength to earn a living and “help ourselves”—are gifts from a heavenly Father who loves us and values us beyond our ability to fathom.

As Mom neared the end of her life, Alzheimer’s disease robbed her of her creative mind and memories, but her trust in God remained. She lived in our home for a season, where I was given a “front-row seat” to observe God’s provision for her needs in unexpected ways—ways that helped me see she had been right all along. Instead of worrying, she entrusted herself to the One who promised to take care of her. And He showed Himself faithful.

Prayer: Loving Lord, please help me to trust You to take care of me today, tomorrow, and forever!

Don’t worry about tomorrow—God is already there.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 28 August 2018 Devotional – Learning to Trust appeared first on Flatimes.

Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 August 2018 – Abide in Jesus

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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 August 2018 – Abide in Jesus

Topic: Abide in Jesus [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered. – John 15:6

If I were to ask you to make a list of a hundred things you need to do to please the Lord today, you could do it, couldn’t you? In fact, you probably have so many spiritual “dos” and “don’ts” cluttering up your mind that you’d hardly know where to start.

But you can relax. I’m not going to suggest you make a list of them. Instead, I’m going to help you simplify things by giving you only one: Abide in Jesus.

The one thing you’re truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of.

“But Gloria, I’m facing some big problems right now. My life’s turned upside down. I’m so rushed I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. I don’t have time to fellowship with the Lord today.”

That’s when you need to do it the most! You need to maintain your union with the Lord particularly when the storms of life come. I know that’s often not easy to do. Whether the storm is a sickness in your body or financial problems or family strife, the temptation will be to settle your attention and your mind on that problem. You won’t even want to think about anything else.

That’s what the devil planned on. That’s the reason he sent that storm in the first place. To distract you from fellowshiping with God. To draw your attention away from your union with Him.

Don’t fall into the devil’s trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm.

Fellowship with Jesus today.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-11

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

The post Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 28 August 2018 – Abide in Jesus appeared first on Flatimes.

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