Simplify!

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Matthew 7:7-11

Christian Post Report – “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17 NLT).

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

It’s a beautiful truth. Every good thing in our lives comes from God—every single thing. Promotions and pancakes. Rain showers and relationships. Songs and sunsets. The astounding blessings God gives, and also the things He does so faithfully that we take them for granted.

And since all good things are from the Father’s hand, it is also true that our very existence depends on hearts that pump at a God-guided rhythm, lungs that breathe a recipe of air He created, brains that think thoughts through channels He wired. We can no more will our hearts to beat than we can move the moon. And we live, every second, because of this orchestrated ordinariness. Every single day.

That’s not to say life is or even should be without adversity or problems. But amid the highs and lows, it is good to remember God’s sustaining provision: He commanded rain to fall, guided sunbeams, and designed vegetation to replenish. All of this happens on a planet He holds in infinite space, in perfect position for each of these things to occur. And on this held planet, He endowed talents, granted mental aptitude, and bestowed physical abilities, according to His purposes.

The word from in James 1:17 makes this truth very personal: It implies a Giver of these good things. They are not simply of God, mere overspills of His goodness. They’re from Him—invented, given, and sent from your Father in heaven to you. And, good Father that He is, His gifts are always thoughtful, meaningful, purposeful. He gave you each provision, each ability, each heartbeat with beautiful intent.

When we start to see every good thing for the gracious gift it truly is, we will loosen our grip on life. There is no need to hoard money or belongings. They’re all bestowed by a gracious Father who can provide more if we were to give them away. Every ability and talent we have is a God-sent blessing. There’s no room for arrogance; we can rest in who the Lord made us to be. And we can enjoy the “little things”—the sunshine, the rain, those pancakes on Saturday morning. Because all things, even the “minor” ones, come from Him. And that means we are deeply loved, down to the most minute detail, with our lives resting on a foundation of God’s goodness.

As you unclench your hands on your possessions and talents and increasingly use them to glorify their Giver, you will discover the beauty and freedom that come with simplicity. Pressures will fade; joy will remain. So respond in kind, and let your life be read simply as a thank-You note to the Author of generosity.

—Laurin Greco

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

Source : Christian Post

70-Year-Old Catholic Nun Gang-Raped in India

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70-Year-Old Catholic Nun Gang-Raped in India
A student prays during a vigil for a gang rape victim, who was assaulted in New Delhi, in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 31, 2012 (Photo: Reuters/Amit Dave)

A student prays during a vigil for a gang rape victim, who was assaulted in New Delhi, in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 31, 2012

Christian Post Report – Police in eastern India on Sunday arrested five people who were suspected to be part of a gang of robbers who broke into a Catholic school in eastern India and raped a 71-year-old nun after she raised an alarm.

The suspects were arrested amid protests and after police examined the CCTV footage of the incident in West Bengal state’s Nadia district, according to India’s ABP News.

The footage reportedly showed the five with at least seven other alleged robbers who stormed the Christian school Saturday afternoon.

Three of four of the robbers raped the nun, who is Sister Superior, after gagging her, police said. The gang also took away rupees 1.2 million (roughly $19,000) from the school’s locker.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a special investigation.

“We strongly condemn the incident that took place at the Ranaghat Convent,” she was quoted as saying. She promised that police “will be examining all aspects of this horrific crime… Swift, strongest action to be taken against the culprits.”

The school had received a threat call, and police are trying to find if the threat was connected to the robbery and rape incident.

Both incidents of rape of girls and women and attacks on Christian institutions have hit the headlines in Indian media in recent past.

“It is a very, very shameful act, first of all, to rape any woman, any female,” Father Dominic Emmanuel of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese said in televised comments, according to CNN. “But this one becomes even worse because, first of all, she is an old lady and then on top of it, she is a nun. She is a religious [and] has consecrated her life to God and all her life she has remained a virgin.”

Rape cases in India have increased almost 875 percent since 1971, according to official figures. At least 24,206 cases of rape were recorded in 2011 alone.

The Government of India earlier this month banned a BBC documentary on a gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi in December 2012.

Women “should just be silent and allow the rape,” said one of the suspects in the documentary.

Foreign tourists have also been raped in various parts of the country.

The victim of the Delhi rape died Dec. 29, 2912 from multi-organ failure due to injuries as she was penetrated with a blunt object, possibly a rusted wheel jack. A juvenile suspect who was one of the six accused in the case allegedly extracted her intestine with his bare hands after raping her twice in a moving bus.

Catholic churches and institutions also recently came under attack in the national capital of Delhi beginning Dec. 1, when St Sebastian Church in Dilshad Garden was burnt down, followed by the smashing of a window of Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Jasola two days later. Then, a crib with statues was reduced to ashes at Church of Resurrection in Rohini on Jan 3, and a shrine at the Our Lady of Grace church in Vikaspuri was vandalized on Jan 14. Most recently, religious items at St Alphonsa’s Church in Vasant Kunj were desecrated on Feb 2, and then unidentified persons vandalised Holy Child Auxilium School in Vasant Vihar on Jan. 13.

However, it is not known if Saturday’s rape and robbery case had any communal angle. Christians are about 2.3 percent of India’s population, which is more than 1.2 billion.

Source : Christian Post

Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Live Stream Free: Watch NHL Hockey Online (Start Time, Preview)

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Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Live Stream Free: Watch NHL Hockey Online (Start Time, Preview)

The Boston Bruins travel to the Verizon Center to face the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League on Sunday. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET, and a live stream of the game is available (details below).

Ovechkin Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Christian Post Report – Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals

Despite only one win in their last four games, the Capitals are still in the race for the Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

They’re currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division and hold a 12 point lead over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Unfortunately, they have also been riddled with injuries, with five players listed as either out indefinitely or day-to-day.

Three players have been sidelined in March alone, with Michael Latta and Brooks Orpik out with lower body injuries, while Jay Beagle is the latest casualty, and is listed as day to day due to a knock on his shoulder.

Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom need more help from other guys as they are the only two players who have exceeded 50 points so far this season. John Carlson is the next after the two stars with 46 points from 10 goals and 36 assists.

For the Bruins, they are fourth in the Atlantic Division but have improved their form as of late. They are also trying to chase a playoff spot whether it be a Wild Card or through automatic inclusion.

Brett Connolly is out until at least April after a finger injury during practice required surgery. He underwent a successful operation and is optimistic that he will be able to return just before the postseason begins.

Set to meet three times this season, the two teams have only squared-off once so far, with Washington winning big at Boston.

Ovechkin scored twice in the first period to set the tone of the game, while Mike Green and Joel Ward added to the lead in the second and third periods respectively to get two points in a 4-0 victory.

After this meeting, the two squads are set to clash for the last time in April.

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

Source : Christian Post

Dying Light Patch 1.5 Release News: New Features, Outfits and Weapons

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Dying Light Patch 1.5 Release News: New Features, Outfits and Weapons
Dying Light Facebook/DyingLightGame

Techland and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s “Dying Light” has just released its 1.5 Patch featuring free content and other features.

Christian Post Report – Patch 1.5 has just been made available for “Dying Light,” the horror survival game for Windows, Linus, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 launched last January. The Techland and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment video game update was released March 10 in the U.S. and yesterday in Europe, with the promise of more features to come.

The DLC provides players with free content, Hard Mode for PC versions of the game, Time Trial Mode, dune buggies, and 50 new weapons. Players who finish the story campaign will be rewarded with four new outfits as well.

Polish developer Techland has added new twists and enhancements to the gameplay, improved visuals, new character art, and a new option activating a zombie invasion quest once players disable the co-op.

Fans of the best-selling title will have access to new national outfits, weapon rarity levels with rare Gold level weapons, and experience the new tweaks added to shops, crafting, and loot chests, as well as improved general movement flow in the game.

Paul Milewski, Techland’s PR Manager revealed the developer is currently working on more improvements, saying Version 1.5 has been the result of player feedback.

The zombie apocalypse open world game has allowed players to explore an expansive urban world suffering from an infestation of the living dead. Players in the melee-based title are tasked with scavenging for supplies and crafting weaponry to defend themselves against a growing infected population.

Despite its modest critical review, “Dying Light” has become a massive hit with worldwide audiences since its release in January 2015, breaking the first month sales records in the U.K.

Source : Christian Post

‘Tom Clancy’s The Division’ Game News: Release Date and Gameplay Footage Leaked

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‘Tom Clancy’s The Division’ Game News: Release Date and Gameplay Footage Leaked
Tom Clancy's The Division Youtube Screenshot/ file

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Christian Post Report – Ubisoft’s upcoming open third-person shooter role playing video game “Tom Clancy’s The Division” for the Xbox One is rumored to be released this October 2015, according to reports. The rumors were also accompanied with leaked photos and footage of the game.

According to Master Herald, the footage and photos were said to be below expectations of what they were expecting to see of the game.

When Ubisoft showed off a preview of the game during the E3 2013, it was “a very beautiful, expansive title with a vast world.” What fans saw in the leaked footage and photos showed low quality of graphics which are leading some fans to conclude that the final game may have been downgraded.

The game’s developers however came out with an official statement about the leaks. In a report in Gamezone, Ubisoft said that the footage and photos indeed came from the game but were taken during the pre-alpha testing phase thus the low graphics quality.

“These low resolution images and video originate from a pre-alpha test currently organized by the development team to evaluate the server infrastructure in a real world setting. A large portion of the game features have been removed in this build and therefore is not representative of the game’s current quality. The team is focusing on providing the best experience for players, and we can’t wait to show you more,” the statement read.

Ubisoft did not make any comment about the release date of the game. In 2014, the developers announced that the game will be delayed until sometime in 2015.

The game is currently being developed for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It was originally being developed for handheld and home consoles only but the developer announced in August 2013 that a PC version will be released as well.

In the game, players will be members of the Strategic Homeland Division or The Division, “a classified unit of self-supported tactical agents” whose mission is to “do whatever it takes to prevent the fall of society and piece the city back together in a massive multiplayer online situation.” The city is in chaos after a disease spreads all over the world, causing the collapse of the government in a matter of five days.

Source : Christian Post

Android 5.1 Update Starts Rolling Out for Nexus Devices

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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

iPad Mini 4 News: Rumored 2015 Unveiling

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iPad Mini 4 News: Rumored 2015 Unveiling
iPad Mini 4 Reuters/File

Reuters claims Sharp has all but stopped producing iPad Retina displays.

Christian Post Report – Rumors surrounding Apple may point to a new device arriving in the market sooner than expected — the iPad Mini 4.

Less than a year after the iPad Mini 3 was released, there are reports Apple is ready to unveil its successor, the iPad Mini 4. The new arrival to the iPad Mni line is speculated to run on a powerful A8 processor, the same one the iPhone series runs on, as well as feature an 802.11ac connectivity.

The most prevalent of the rumors Apple device users are banking on is the news the iPad Mini 4 may be announced sooner than expected, with a number of tech websites claiming an unveiling may be on the horizon for April.

While logic dictates Apple would have unveiled the iPad Mini 4 at last week’s San Francisco “Spring Forward” event together with the Apple Watch and its new gold Retina MacBook Pro, the media has pointed out the number of times company has launched new devices weeks after an official release, although moves like these have happened few and far between in the last few years.

Motley Fool conjectured that Apple may have been holding back when it launched the iPad Mini 3 last October to keep costs down by not loading the device with a full host of features, while getting the A8 processor ready for the next generation iPad Mini device.

Users expressed major disappointment when the iPad Mini 3 was released using the same A7 processor, 802.11 connectivity, RAM and display as the iPad Mini 2, with only Touch ID and a gold variant in terms of upgrade.

With rumors of the upcoming iPad Mini 4, there have been conjectures its specs may live up to the iPad Air 3.

The iPad Mini 4 may be unveiled by April and released on the market by September or October this year.

Source : Christian Post

Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues Live Stream Free: Watch NHL Hockey Online (Start Time, Preview)

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Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues Live Stream Free: Watch NHL Hockey Online (Start Time, Preview)

It’s a showdown in Texas as the Dallas Stars host the St. Louis Blues at American Airlines Arena in the NHL on Sunday. The game has a start time of 6 p.m. ET and can be watched online through live stream (details below).

Blues Jason Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports

Christian Post Report – The St. Louis Blues celebrate after scoring a goal.

The Central Division rivals have met three times so far, and are scheduled to meet a total of five times in the regular season.

St. Louis won the first match in Dallas, with Vladimir Tarasenko scoring the winning goal in the game that went to overtime.

It was an exciting back-and-forth battle, with Jamie Oleksiak opening the scoring in the 14th minute from a powerful slapshot.

The Blues recovered quickly after Tarasenko scored only after 35 seconds of conceding.

In the second period, Tyler Seguin restored the Stars’ lead – only to be levelled again by the Blues after Jori Lehtera scored a beautiful backhand after 37 seconds.

The final period brought the same intensity as Trevor Daley wristed a shot into the net after four minutes from the restart, but again Tarasenko needed less than 10 minutes to score his second – and send the game into overtime.

It was there where the Russian secured his hat-trick after a Power Play Goal, giving the Blues the extra point.

However, in the next two meetings, Dallas got their revenge as they won 3-4 and 1-4 in Missouri to set up an interesting clash back in Texas.

March has been a tough month for Dallas in terms of injuries as they lost Daley and John Klingberg to knocks, with the former expecting to return early April after a knee injury. Klingberg is listed as day-to-day after an upper body injury this week.

Since losing Kevin Shattenkirk and Zbynek Michalek in February, the Blues have been relatively injury-free in March. Hopefully they get back Shattenkirk early April.

For scores and updates, visit NHL.com. To watch a live stream of the game, visit here.

Source : Christian Post

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

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‘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

Jessa Duggar Talks About Married Life, Family and Pregnancy Rumors

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Jessa Duggar Talks About Married Life, Family and Pregnancy Rumors
Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald Instagram/ jessaseewald

Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald

Christian Post Report – Jessa Duggar is clearly enjoying married life as she spoke to a local Tennessee radio station on Wednesday, about her marriage to Ben Seewald.

“We’re definitely in love, and we’re well on our way in this newlywed life,” said the 22-year old to Memphis FM 100. “And we’re loving it.”

The “19 Kids and Counting” star also talked about how fans would walk up to them and ask them about their chaperones.

“I think we’re past the side hugs,” she said.

In accordance to their Christian values, the Duggars have strict guidelines about courtship, and both Jessa and her sister Jill refrained from holding hands, kissing, or hugging during their respective courtship periods. Jessa got to hold hands for the first time with Ben when they got engaged, and the couple had their first kiss on their wedding.

When asked about the activities that they do together, Jessa said, “Working out is one of the things we love to do together … It’s really awesome.”

“Sometimes, it’s really important for a couple to find out what they like to do together, to find things we have in common,” she added.

Jessa also mentioned that she’s more in love than ever with her husband.

“I think that the man that I knew and fell in love with the past couple of years, he’s definitely that good and he’s better,” she said. “I’m just in awe of how great of a man I’ve been blessed with.”

Of her famous family, Jessa says that people are quick to judge based on what they see and hear on the news.

“People are just making assumptions,” she said of her family’s beliefs. “They don’t really know us. And I don’t let it affect me.”

When asked whether she and Ben were planning to have children anytime soon, Jessa said, “We’re looking forward to starting a family, but we don’t have any news yet.”

“We’re looking forward to kids and also adoption is something we’re really praying about … You have to be married for two years before you can adopt,” she added.

Source : Christian Post

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