Identifying Self-Rejection

Romans 15:7

Christian Post Report – As news reports indicate, mistreatment of children is tragically widespread. And kids wounded by abuse can be scarred for life. Fortunately, most people’s experiences aren’t that extreme. But even mild hurts can fester, affecting relationships and self-image.

  • Dr. Charles F. Stanley
    (Photo: In Touch Ministries)
    Dr. Charles F. Stanley (File).

The Origin. The bondage of self-rejection can often be traced to feeling unaccepted by someone close. Trauma like divorce or a loved one’s death may also contribute to a distorted self-image. Once internalized, this type of thought pattern can lead to negative behaviors.

The Symptoms. If a person has difficulty accepting himself, he may have a tendency to criticize others and interpret innocent comments as personal attacks. Perfectionism and feelings of inferiority are also common. As a result, fear of failure and criticism may lead to procrastination.

Another outcome of self-rejection is unpredictable anger. People who are hurt may find themselves easily frustrated. Such individuals might become loners or feel overly concerned about others’ opinions. For example, instead of focusing on a church service, one may notice what people are wearing and feel insecure about her own outfit. Someone with this mindset can be hard to love because she questions whether she’s worthy of care and affection. Sadly, she may then behave in a way that “proves” her theory.

We find the solution in today’s scripture: We are to accept one another as Jesus accepts us. This includes accepting ourselves. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of self-rejection.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2015
All Rights Reserved.

Source : Christian Post

Creflo Dollar Shuts Down Campaign for $65 Million Jet; Will Now Focus on ‘Spreading the Gospel’

Creflo Dollar, Airplane (Photo: Facebook)

Televangelist Creflo Dollar.

Christian Post Report – After a bruising weekend handling ferocious backlash over his campaign to acquire a $65 million Gulfstream G650 airplane with planned donations of $300 or more from 200,000 people, controversial televangelist and founder of World Changers Church International, Creflo Dollar has completely abandoned the idea and will only consider acquiring one in the future if it’s “properly priced.”

“There is no campaign right now,” said Juda Engelmayer of 5W Public Relations, who represents Creflo Dollar Ministries, in an interview with The Christian Post on Monday. The website hosting the campaign page was deactivated last week and an option to donate to the G650 campaign through the Creflo Dollar Ministries website was removed Monday afternoon.

The Gulfstream G650 (Photo: gulfstream.com)

The Gulfstream G650.

Dollar, who has an international ministry, was banking on raising enough money to buy the luxury jet to replace one owned by his ministry that was significantly damaged in an accident last November.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, Dollar’s “Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A airplane, N103CD, had a nose landing gear collapse during a runway excursion at the London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB), near London, United Kingdom,” on Nov. 24, 2014, and “the airplane sustained substantial airframe damage.”

Since then, Dollar and his staff have been travelling “commercial,” an option critics believe he should have simply continued to exercise instead of asking the public for money to purchase the luxury jet. It appears Dollar has somewhat taken that suggestion to heart.

“He’s gonna continue traveling commercial. And if and when he obtains another jet it’s gonna be used for ministry purposes, just like the current one,” said Engelmayer.

When asked if acquiring a jet is still something on the televangelist’s radar, Engelmayer said: “If one comes along that is properly priced and is sufficient and workable perhaps, but right now there is nothing that they are looking at.”

Asked what the ministry considered a “properly priced” jet, he replied, “I don’t know.”

Engelmayer further explained that the now broken ministry plane has flown some 4 million miles in 16 years. Most of the trips made in the airplane were national flights. When it was used for international trips, he said, they transported hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and other supplies cumulatively. He was unable, however, to say how much cargo they transported on an annual basis.

“They load the plane up with what it can handle,” he said.

Although not saying it in so many words, he acknowledged that the G650 campaign was a bad idea and they are now trying to move on.

“There is no campaign. It’s a moot point. The ministry will now focus on spreading the Gospel,” he said.

Contact: [email protected]; follow me on Twitter @leoblair

Source : Christian Post

Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen Live Stream, Start Time: Watch Champions League Online

Bayer Leverkusen are looking to complete the upset as they travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid at Estadio Vicente Calderon in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League match. The match is on March 17, 2015, and starts at 3:45 p.m. ET. The game can be watched online through live stream (details below).

Calhanoglu Ina Fassbender / Reuters

Christian Post Report – Bayer Leverkusen’s Hakan Calhanoglu (C) scores a goal past Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya.

In their first meeting at BayArena, Bayer got a surprise result as Hakan Çalhanoğlu scored the match’s only goal in the 57th minute. It was an intense affair as five Bayer players were cautioned, while Atletico had four of their own, including a red card on Tiago for getting his second booking. Diego Godin also had a booking in the match and, as a result, the two stars will not be available to play in the second leg.

As far as injuries are concerned, Saúl Ñíguez is out for Atletico due to a back injury, while Robbie Kruse will not take part for Bayer as he is recovering from an ankle knock.

Many still consider Atletico as favourites in the match, despite losing the first leg. This is due to them finishing as finalists last year and the team have advanced into the quarter-finals of the competition seven times.

Ironically, Leverkusen have never gotten past the round-of-16 and have a golden opportunity following the win in the first leg.

They are in excellent for as they have not lost in their last six matches across all competitions, winning their last five. As it stands, they are fourth in the Bundesliga and are only two points behind Borussia Monchengladbach for automatic contention in next year’s European competition.

Atletico have struggled as of late, failing to win in their last four matches in all competitions. Since their loss to Bayer in the Champions League, Madrid have drawn three consecutive matches in the Spanish La Liga.

They are also fourth in their respective league, one point behind Valencia and four points ahead of Sevilla.

For live scores, go to UEFA.com. For live streaming, click here.

Source : Christian Post

‘Star Wars VIII’ Release Date is May 26, 2017; Spin-Off ‘Rogue One’ Announced

STAR WARS: The Force Awakens YOUTUBESCREENSHOT

“STAR WARS: The Force Awakens” opens in theaters December 18, 2015

Christian Post Report – Disney Studios recently made two big announcements about “Star Wars.” During a shareholders meeting in California, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced that “Star Wars VIII” will be released on May 26, 2017 and that the first “Star Wars” spin-off movie will be called “Rogue One.”

“Star Wars VIII,” according to a report in The Verge, will be released exactly 40 years and one day after the first “Stars Wars” movie “A New Hope” came out in 1977. Disney also confirmed earlier rumors that Rian Johnson will write and direct the upcoming sequel. Reports earlier said that Johnson was reportedly doing not just one, but two “Star Wars” films.

Johnson, as reports would have it, is said to be a good choice for director. According to the Business Insider, he is considered to be one of the more promising young directors in the industry. He first made his name at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, directing the feature film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt called “Brick”. It won the “Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision.” He has also worked with big stars such Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Weisz in the film “The Brothers Bloom.”

It was his 2012 sci-fi film “Looper” solidified his reputation in the science fiction genre. The movie showed his capacity for world-building and creative use of CGI to make beautiful imagery.

“The film has elements that proves he’s capable of taking on ‘Star Wars,'” Business Insider reported.

No plot details or casting rumors have surfaced yet. The sequel comes after “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which is due in theaters Dec. 18, 2015.

As for the first stand-alone movie “Rogue One,” Disney has confirmed that Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla”) will direct the film, while Chris Weitz (“Antz” and “The Golden Compass”) will pen the screenplay. Felicity Jones of “The Theory of Everything” is the only confirmed casting for the spin-off. The movie will open on Dec. 16, 2016.

Source : Christian Post

Gia Giudice Defends Her Father Joe From Cheating Rumors: ‘Nice Try’

Teresa Giudice Twitter/ Gia Giudice

A picture of Joe, Teresa, and Gia Giudice posted on Gia’s Twitter account on Dec. 24

Christian Post Report – Gia Giudice is coming to her family’s defense as the 14-year-old recently took to social media to deny rumors that her dad Joe is cheating on her mom Teresa while she’s in prison. On Wednesday, the aspiring singer took to Twitter with a message about the rumors.

“Honestly hilarious how people go out of their way to make my family look bad…#nicetryppl,” she wrote.

Gia followed it up by posting a quote about relationships.

“There’s a reason why people stay together. They give each other something nobody else can,” the teen wrote.

Last week, InTouch claimed that Joe allegedly had an extramarital affair with a woman named Jamie Jackson just weeks before his wife turned himself in. However, an insider told E! News that “100 percent, nothing happened between the two.”

“Joe was in Atlantic City for a meeting about getting a wine that he’s involved with into one of the casinos. He was also there to discuss a potential appearance with Teresa for later that month before she surrendered,” the source added.

E! News reports that the woman in question turned out to be a model hired by the wine company to do promotional work. As for the photo of Joe and Jamie, the source explains that it was taken during a “business meeting that turned into lunch” where they were joined by other people.

Joe gave a statement to Us Weekly completely denying the accusation.

“I did not flirt with her … nothing happened between us. Everything In Touch is saying that happened between us is a lie,” he said.

Clearly, Gia has had enough of the rumors as she tweeted on Thursday, “I need a break from all this…a new beginning.”

It was earlier reported that Gia has been helping her father take care of her younger sister since Teresa reported to Danbury prison in Jan. 5. Though she is behind bars, Teresa has made it a point to get in touch with her eldest daughter.

“Emails at night from my mom make me so happy,” Gia wrote earlier this month.

Teresa is expected to be released from jail by March 2016.

Source : Christian Post

Identifying Self-Rejection

Romans 15:7

Christian Post Report – As news reports indicate, mistreatment of children is tragically widespread. And kids wounded by abuse can be scarred for life. Fortunately, most people’s experiences aren’t that extreme. But even mild hurts can fester, affecting relationships and self-image.

  • Dr. Charles F. Stanley
    (Photo: In Touch Ministries)
    Dr. Charles F. Stanley (File).

The Origin. The bondage of self-rejection can often be traced to feeling unaccepted by someone close. Trauma like divorce or a loved one’s death may also contribute to a distorted self-image. Once internalized, this type of thought pattern can lead to negative behaviors.

The Symptoms. If a person has difficulty accepting himself, he may have a tendency to criticize others and interpret innocent comments as personal attacks. Perfectionism and feelings of inferiority are also common. As a result, fear of failure and criticism may lead to procrastination.

Another outcome of self-rejection is unpredictable anger. People who are hurt may find themselves easily frustrated. Such individuals might become loners or feel overly concerned about others’ opinions. For example, instead of focusing on a church service, one may notice what people are wearing and feel insecure about her own outfit. Someone with this mindset can be hard to love because she questions whether she’s worthy of care and affection. Sadly, she may then behave in a way that “proves” her theory.

We find the solution in today’s scripture: We are to accept one another as Jesus accepts us. This includes accepting ourselves. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of self-rejection.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2015
All Rights Reserved.

Source : Christian Post

Stacey Dash Cast as Meriam Ibrahim in Feature Film ‘I Am A Christian’ About Persecuted Sudanese Mother

Stacey Dash, outspoken conservative known primarily for her 1995 role in the cult classic “Clueless,” has been cast to portray Sudanese Christian and near-martyr Meriam Ibrahim in a planned feature film currently seeking $500,000 in funding from the public.

I Am A Christian Indiegogo Promo from I Am A Christian on Vimeo.

Ibrahim captivated the world’s attention in 2014, when it was revealed that she had been arrested and sentenced to death for alleged apostasy. Ibrahim, pregnant with her second child and imprisoned with her toddler son, was convicted by Sudanese authorities on the grounds that she had converted from Islam to Christianity — an act prohibited by law and considered a capital offense in the Muslim-majority country.

  • Actress and Fox News contributor Stacey Dash has been cast to portray persecuted Christian Sudanese woman Meriam Ibrahim in the film project I Am A Christian
    (Photo: Reuters//Carlo Allegri/Fox News video)
    Actress and Fox News contributor Stacey Dash has been cast to portray persecuted Christian Sudanese woman Meriam Ibrahim in the film project “I Am A Christian.”

The 27-year-old woman, married to Sudanese, U.S.-based emigrant Daniel Wani, insisted that she was raised as a Christian by her mother after her Muslim father disappeared early in her childhood. The young woman, whose charges were eventually dropped, testified in court, “I am a Christian, and I have never been a Muslim.”

Ibrahim’s consistent declaration and steadfast refusal to renounce her Christian faith will be the focus of the film, “I Am A Christian” (which features a cross in place of the “T” in a mock-up poster for the project). The cinematic presentation of the Sudanese woman’s story will also involve “the people who here in America who worked tirelessly to rescue her,” according to a press release for “I Am A Christian.”

“Presently Meriam is not involved in the project,” Brian Harrington, an associate producer and promoter for the project, told The Christian Post via email. “Regardless, we still intend to give her and her family 10 (percent) of the film’s gross, not because we have to, simply because it is the right thing to do.”

He added, “Once the project has gained momentum, both online and in the news, we do intend to reach out to Meriam and offer her a chance to become officially involved!”

In addition to Dash, a Fox News contributor, Kevin Sorbo of “God’s Not Dead,” Rachel Hendrix (“October Baby”) and Ben Davies (“Courageous”) are slated to appear in the film. Sorbo’s, Hendrix’s and Davies’ respective roles have not yet been announced, according to Harrington.

As for who will be working behind the cameras for the production, Harrington said his team was still searching for “the perfect director.”

“We would like a Christian director who can shoot a movie, on a budget, that has a similar look and feel to ‘Argo’ or HBO’s ‘Newsroom,'” he added.

Harrington noted that Brian Bird has agreed to write the script. The 30-year Hollywood and TV veteran’s writing credits include the ’90s series “Touched by an Angel” and the 2009 film “Not Easily Broken” (adapted from the T.D. Jakes book of the same name).

To get the project, currently in pre-production, off the ground, Christian Lives Matter, LLC has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, requesting $500,000 in donations.

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign page for the film project, I Am a Christian (Photo: Indiegogo)

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign page for the film project, “I Am a Christian.”

“We are asking you to join our crew and help us make this film a reality,” reads the appeal on Indiegogo.

Donation levels range from $5 to $50,000, the latter of which is described as the “Executive Producer package.” The package includes an array of perks, including a speaking role in the movie.

“I Am A Christian” is being done independently, organizers claim, because “if Hollywood makes this film then Christianity will be watered down, Sharia Law will be protected, and Meriam’s story will be made totally PC.”

Harrington emphasized that Christian Lives Matter, LLC wants “to make this story the Christian way.”

“We are counting on your support to help us make this film truthfully and without regard for political correctness!” the press release states.

The press release also notes that organizers of the campaign will donate 40 percent of the film’s gross earnings to “Judeo/Christian charities working to fight religious persecution worldwide.” They also promise that Ibrahim and her family will receive “a full 10 percent … to provide life and hope for their future.”

Harrington explained that although his group has been approached by private investors, having to provide a return would prevent them from using 50 percent of the film’s gross for charitable purposes.

“Therefore it is our desire to raise the entire budget on Indiegogo,” he explained. “If people are willing to fund projects like ‘Potato Salad’ they certainly should be willing to back a worthy Christian movie!”

Christian Lives Matter, LLC, the company behind “I Am A Christian” is “new,” according to Harrington. “The company was formed to make films about religious persecution worldwide. It is our hope that we will be able (to) help fight back, both by raising awareness, and through the charitable donation of 50 (percent) of our gross receipts. We challenge any Hollywood studio to do the same!”

Harrington is also the associate producer for other film projects similarly crowdfunded, such as “Crowning Jules” and “Rodeo Girl.”

People around the world rallied for Ibrahim’s release from prison, with a petition launched by Amnesty International attracting more than a million signatures. After she was freed and escorted by Italian officials from the United Nations embassy in Khartoum, Ibrahim met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome. The pontiff reportedly “thanked her for her courageous witness to perseverance in the faith.” Ibrahim has since been honored at the Values Voter Summit and bestowed a National Religious Broadcasters’ President’s Award. Ibrahim, her husband Wani, a U.S. citizen, and their children currently live with relatives in New Hampshire.

Follow this Christian Post reporter on Twitter namenzie

Source : Christian Post

Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Live Stream: Watch NBA 2015 Basketball Online

The Miami Heat battle the Cleveland Cavaliers at the American Airlines Arena in the NBA regular season on March 17, 2015. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET, and the game can be watched online through live stream (details below).

Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Reuters/Photo

Christian Post Report – Having met twice already this season, both teams have won one each – with the home team getting the victory on both occasions.

Miami strolled to a 101-91 win in their first meeting in Florida, with LeBron James returning to his former team for the first time after leaving for the Cavs. In his return, King James scored a team high 30 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field. He also had eight assists to help the team but had four turnovers and only shot 10-of-18 from the free throw line.

On the other side, Dwyane Wade led the Heat with a game high 31 points. He also pulled down five rebounds and dished out five assists in the victory. Luol Deng also scored 25, having a very efficient night after converting 69 percent of his attempts.

In their second meeting in Ohio, the Cavs turned things around and won 113-93.

Timofey Mozgov proved to be too much for the Heat defense as he drained 20 points while shooting 82 percent from the field. James came very close to notching a triple double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on the night.

Wade was not around to play in that matchup but Deng shared 17 points in the losing effort. Mario Chalmers added 18, while Hassan Whiteside impressed with 17 points and 14 rebounds in only under 29 minutes of play.

Injuries may hamper this match-up from being star-studded as James and Kevin Love are slated as day-to-day following knocks in their win over the Orlando Magic.

For the Heat, Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts have already been ruled out for the season.

For live scores and updates, visit NBA.com. For live streaming, click here.

Source : Christian Post

Monaco vs Arsenal Live Stream, Start Time: Watch Champions League Online

Arsenal will try to do what is almost impossible as they face Monaco at Stade Louis II in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League match on March 17, 2015. Kick-off is at 3:45 p.m. ET, and the game can be watched online through live stream (details below).

Monaco Reuters / Eddie Keogh

Christian Post Report – Monaco’s Geoffrey Kondogbia scores their first goal against Arsenal in the 3-1 victory.

In their first meeting at the Emirates Stadium, Monaco completed the upset by winning 3-1, now getting an aggregate lead going to the return leg. Geoffrey Kondogbia started the scoring for Monaco in the 38th minute, converting a swift pass from Joao Moutinho. In the second half, Dimitar Berbatov doubled the vistors’ lead as he scored in the 53rd minute.

Arsenal seemed to get one back, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netting one late in injury time, but the two-goal lead was restored after Ferreira Carrasco beat the Arsenal defense four minutes into stoppage time to end the game 3-1.

Now the Gunners must do what no other team has done in the Champions League era, score at least two goals in the away leg of the match after losing their home tie.

Injuries are abundant for both teams as Monaco will be without Lacina Traore who is suffering from a shin fracture, while Tiémoué Bakayoko has a hamstring injury. Defender Andrea Raggi has a knock on his knee and will not see any action as well.

For Arsenal, they will be without Oxlade-Chamberlain who has a hamstring pull, while Mikel Arteta, Matthieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby are also unavailable due to injury.

Monaco have been excellent in their last seven matches across all competitions. They have only lost once in that span, with their most recent result a 3-0 win over Bastia.

Arsenal have also been in excellent form, only losing twice in their last 14 games. Since their loss to Monaco, the London club have gone on and won their last four games, only conceding two goals in the process.

For live scores and updates, visit UEFA.com. For live streaming, click here.

Source : Christian Post

Android 5.1 Update Starts Rolling Out for Nexus Devices

Android Lollipop Google/Twitter/Image

There is good news for Nexus device owners. Nexus devices are first in line for the Android Lollipop 5.1 update, even before the Android 5.0 reaches other non-Nexus devices.

A Tech Times article recently reported that all Nexus devices, namely Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 are in various stages of receiving the update. It noted that it is Google’s practice that whenever an update comes up, they always prioritize devices which they manufacture themselves.

The updates are being made available over the air, but schedules are dependent on the country and carrier. The report mentions that “a staggered OTA roll out is currently underway for Nexus devices.”

In Europe for example, T-Mobile is currently making the update available for Nexus 4, 5 and 7 devices. Sprint, in the U.S., on the other hand said that they are currently pushing the update for Nexus 6. Verizon, also in the U.S. recently announced that their Nexus 6 Motorola devices will already have the update pre-installed.

Aside from getting the update through OTA, Nexus smartphone owners may also download the update from the web. The Android Authority has provided some of these links in their report. The article however also warns users about “manual flashing” and recommends that they check out forums about how to update their phones through this method.

The update is reported to have some new features such as better options for scheduling and prioritizing notifications, which allows the user to choose the time when “interruptions” are allowed or not and what kind of “interruptions” will be allowed. Another feature is the fix in the memory leak that was affecting devices with RAMs less than 2GB.

Device protection is also introduced in this update. This feature turns a stolen or lost device into a “brick,” or something that is useless even if it is factory reset. Logging on to the authorized Google account associated with the phone is the only way to unlock it.

“Heads up notifications” were another nuisance in Lollipop because they could only be dismissed completely. In the update, heads up notifications can be swiped to the side to clear it or swipe up to hide the banner and send it back to the main notification area. Yet another is dual-sim support among which includes color-coding in the dialer to identify which SIM is being used.

Source : Christian Post