Five Major “What If” We Regrets We Are Hearing from Churches – Rainer on Leadership #479

Podcast Episode #479

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Regret often comes when it’s too late to change things in a church. Today, we discuss five of the most common regrets we hear from churches.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Sometimes, churches need to relocate for good reasons but wait too long to do so and miss the opportunity.
  • Too often, churches ask meaningful questions about their health when it’s too late.
  • The right time for a church to be acquired by another usually comes before the dying church is willing to be acquired.

The five regrets we are hearing are:

  1. What if we had relocated?
  2. What if we had changed our name?
  3. What if we had gotten outside help?
  4. What if we have been acquired?
  5. What if we had not run off the pastor?

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast


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

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Man arrested trying to steal Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral

The 45-year-old man was arrested on Friday morning and remains in custody in Melksham, Wiltshire.

Police said in a statement that shortly before 5pm yesterday, alarms at the cathedral were activated following an attempt to smash the glass box surrounding the Magna Carta.

 

The man matching the description given by witnesses was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

Only four known copies of the document exist, with the version held at Salisbury considered by historians to be the best-preserved.

Salisbury Cathedral

 

The Magna Carta wasn’t damaged and no one was injured in the incident.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who haven’t already spoken to them to get in touch via 101 and quote crime reference number 541800101438.

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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FBI analyzing bombs sent to prominent Democrats

At least ten suspicious packages have been sent this week to prominent Democrats and critics of President Trump. None of the devices have exploded, and nobody has been hurt.

On Wednesday, authorities intercepted bombs intended for former President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Suspicious packages were sent to Joe Biden and several other top political figures as well.

CNN’s New York bureau was evacuated after a package containing a bomb was discovered. The latest package was sent to actor Robert De Niro. The FBI is analyzing the packages at its laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.

“These terrorizing acts are despicable”

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders issued a statement condemning the attacks. “These terrorizing acts are despicable,” she said, describing the perpetrators as “cowards.”

She is exactly right. Such threats against political figures threaten us all. Whatever our political differences, we are the “United States.” Whatever our background and beliefs, we are all Americans.

The priority of solidarity is a lesson I see on display each time I travel in the Middle East. As I write today’s Daily Article from Jerusalem, I am looking from my hotel room at a city composed of Jews, Arab Muslims, Arab Christians, and dozens of other sects. I love visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where six different Christian traditions worship together.

But unity in the face of adversity is not enough to end all adversity. To solve our most persistent problems, we must admit another fact of solidarity, one that affects us all.

“Living among the once-flourishing idols”

In Matthew 8, a centurion asks Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus replies, “I will come and heal him” (v. 7). The centurion replies: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (v. 8).

This confession prompted a remarkable prayer by the late William Breault, a writer and artist in California:

Lord Christ, I wish I could offer you a…

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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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British Airways worker who won right to wear a cross embarks on fresh legal action

Nadia Eweida claims she has endured victimisation, harassment and punishment since winning her claim of religious discrimination at the European Court of Human Rights in 2013.

The 67-year-old hopes to receive compensation in a fresh employment tribunal claim which gets underway at Watford Tribunal Hearing Centre during a preliminary hearing.

 

Speaking with Premier in August, she said: “I do not see why I should be bullied or harassed out of a job that I enjoy.

“I’m hoping to make a stand for other colleagues in the same predicament to stand up against bullying and harassment and consequences of speaking out the truth.”

Ms Eweida took her claim to judges in Strasbourg five years ago after it was rejected by courts in Britain.

The airport check-in worker was sent home in 2006 for not adhering to British Airways’ clothing policy when she wore a silver cross around her neck.

Josh Hallett/Wikimedia Commons

 

Ms Eweida claims she has “never been forgiven” for bringing her case forward.

Responding to her allegations, a British Airways spokesperson said: “We strongly deny all of these claims.

“We work hard to ensure that all 42,000 staff who work for British Airways are treated fairly and consistently.

“We actively encourage staff to report concerns that they have about safety or their wellbeing, so that these can be discussed with managers.”

Stay up to date with…

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MFM Daily Devotional 26 October 2018 – Overcoming Failure

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 26 October 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Overcoming Failure

TOPIC: Overcoming Failure (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 26 October 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:1-5

MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” – Isaiah 58:11

The MESSAGE:

Man has often times failed God by disobeying His word. Adam and Eve failed God by being disobedient to the rules God gave them in the Garden of Eden. They had the privilege to commune with God daily but lost this as a result of disobedience to God. The human race also suffered the consequences of their failure before the coming of Jesus Christ.

Judas failed God and humanity. The opportunity to work with the Master as a treasurer, was given to him free of charge. He failed his generation, he failed his maker, and he failed himself. He committed suicide. Beloved, betrayal does not pay. Job’s wife died before Job, and Judas died before Jesus Christ. It seems the heart of Judas was wrong from the beginning and his motive to join Jesus Christ’s ministry was totally different from that of others. David the king had a repentant and rejoicing heart, which was committed to the Lord. Whenever there is a seed of failure in the heart, it gives satan every opportunity to act, and this seed in the heart of Judas made the devil to capture, manipulate and use him contrary to the meaning of his name “Praise”.

In 2 Kings 14:29, Gehazi failed, but his master Elisha never failed. Gehazi failed in the school of the prophets, despite the gift of discernment in him. Do not forget he discerned the woman had no child and revealed it to his master. He was intelligent, but the negative spirit of covetousness which he refused to deal with, dealt with him, and he was cursed. When David cursed Joab, one of the curses was that of leprosy. The seed of failure can cause disgrace and attack on generations. Beloved, it is possible to have all opportunities in this world and still fail. All of us are not the same because we carry different anointing. Jesus prayed for Peter and said, “I have prayed for you” but to Judas, Jesus said, “That which you want to do, do quickly”. These two statements of Jesus marked a big difference between Peter and Judas respectively. The fact that your colleague failed does not mean you must fail. Arise this morning and begin to kill the seed of failure in your life. You shall not fail God, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
THERE IS NO PHILOSOPHY WHICH WILL HELP A MAN TO SUCCEED WHEN HE ALWAYS DOUBT HIS ABILITY TO DO SO AND HE IS ATTRACTING FAILURE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
For your sake, I rebuke failure; you shall succeed after the order of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Father, I thank You because failure is not my lot, in the name of Jesus.
2. By the power in the name of Jesus, from today, I reject failure, in the name of Jesus.
3. By the power in the name of Jesus, I claim success from today, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Inherited power of failure operating in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Failure at the edge of breakthroughs awaiting me this year, die, in Jesus’ name.
6. Failure unto early grave designed by the enemy for me this year, backfire, in Jesus’ name.
7. I shall succeed in good things this year by the power in the blood of Jesus, in Jesus’ name.

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 Daily Devotional 26 October 2018 – Overcoming Failure appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer Devotional 26 October 2018 — You Are at a Place of Prayer

Topic: You Are at a Place of Prayer [Joyce Meyer Devotional 26 October 2018]

And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. — 1 Corinthians 12:6

Under the Old Covenant, the temple was the house of God, the place of prayer for His people, the children of Israel. The temple had three compartments, one of which was the Holy of Holies, and it held the presence of God! Amazingly, now our renewed and sanctified spirit is the place where His presence dwells!

Under the New Covenant, the apostle Paul tells us that God’s presence is now a mystery revealed, which is of Christ in us, “the Hope of glory” (see Colossians 1:27).

Because of the union you now have with Christ, you can be close to God because you are God’s living temple. You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, a building still under construction, but nonetheless His house, His tabernacle. Paul goes to great length in encouraging us to live a holy life because we are the temple of God.

Whereas the children of Israel had to go to a specific place to offer their worship with detailed instructions, we have the incredible privilege of worshiping God anywhere and at any time. Therefore, we can be called a house of prayer.

Prayer Starter: Oh, Lord, I thank You for Your Holy Spirit Who lives inside of me. Thank You that Your awesome presence goes with me everywhere I go! 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 Devotional 26 October 2018 — You Are at a Place of Prayer appeared first on Flatimes.

Personal Revelation By David Ibiyeomie

Personal Revelation by David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Personal Revelation

When you know what to do you will never panic in the face of challenges. When God’s word strikes on the inside, a miracle will born on the outside. Do not just read the word, press until you understand what you have read.

Luke 16:16 (KJV) The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

In life everybody must accept responsibility. Until you face your challenges, you cannot overcome them. If you do not press, you cannot give birth to miracles; first labor in the word. The kingdom can be likened to a labor room. A labor for the word of God is certain to make delivery; it is what births miracle. Every miracle to be delivered you must first go through labor.

Also Read: Overcoming Challenges by David Ibiyeomie

Hebrews 4:11a (KJV) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Effective labor in the word of God will give birth to outstanding miracles. No woman likes to go through the pain of labor but she must go through it to deliver her baby. So also, you must go through the pain and labor in God’s word to the point where you deliver your miracles. Many believers want to get to the miraculous but do not want to go through the process. You don’t need to be on the prayer line every day to get a miracle. If you have prayed and nothing has happened, go for the Word.

John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

When you sit on the word of God, you will rule your world. Step out and discover the truth for yourself. There is no shortcut; do not wait for somebody else to do it for you.

Acts 20:32 (KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Eat the word. You do not use another man’s headlamp to drive your car. Go and discover your light.

Psalms 119:130 (KJV) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Do not live by another man’s revelation and testimonies; live by your faith.

Habakkuk 2:4b (KJV) but the just shall live by his faith.

People may pray for you but the Word you discover for yourself is the one that works most for you. To work in the miraculous you must have your personal discovery!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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 Personal Revelation By David Ibiyeomie appeared first on Flatimes.

Teens Open Heavens 26 October 2018 – Follow This Order

Topic: Follow This Order [Teens Open Heavens 26 October 2018]

Memorise: Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:36-40 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 17-19, 1 Timothy 6

MESSAGE:

God’s Kingdom is very well organized. There are hierarchies of powers in the Kingdom. There are also principles, procedures, rules and laws guiding the operation of His Kingdom. Unlike the satanic kingdom that employs force, threats and intimidation as tools of control, God’s Kingdom operates by the Spirit of Christ and love.

The truth is, whenever you break the rules and refuse to follow the right order, trouble will surely follow. You are expected to follow the order so as to keep away from trouble. For instance, you are to always involve your parents when making important decisions. You are not to speak rudely to your teachers whatever the situation. Your elder siblings are to be respected at all times. The laid down rules in your school and Church must not be flouted. Do everything you do decently and in order; this is one of the trademarks of genuine children of God.

Key Point: When things are done indecently and disorderly, trouble is just around the corner.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 2

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Chorus:
Trust and obey, for theres no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

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TREM Devotional 26 October 2018 – There Is No Fear In Love

Topic: There Is No Fear In Love [TREM Devotional 26 October 2018]

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love”. 1 John 4:18

Today’s scripture declares that “Perfect love casteth out fear”. That means, when you understand this love, you are not afraid. The devil can do you nothing. Remember, they will surely gather. That is their own ministry but God has told us, not by Me. So, they shall be scattered for your sake. You know believers have been made to believe that God is at war with the devil. No! God is not! The last time I checked, He is sitting down and laughing at the devil.

He’s sitting down irrespective of what the devil is doing because he, the devil is a defeated foe. No witchcraft can destroy you. No enchantment or incantation can destroy you. Nothing will stop your miracles. The love of God will cause you to succeed where others have failed. Because of God’s love, you will scale through that hurdle. God wants us to know that we have been raised to sit together in His class. That is where we are. The Head and the body cannot be separated.

The problem with the church is that we have refused to sit down. We are standing and our standing is a sign of anxiety. I don’t know what the devil will do. The Psalmist saw it years before Christ came. He says, “The LORD said to my Lord, sit down until I make your enemies your footstool.” In other words, when you sit down, I will handle them the way they should be handled. He says: Rest in what I have done. I have already done it. Just rest! When you do, you will discover that they will have no other choice but to fall. So, the church needs to sit in the promises that God has made available to us. Don’t be afraid! Perfect love casts away fears.

Further reading: 1 John 4:1-18; Psalms 110:1-3

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 9-11; Evening- 1 Timothy 6

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

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.

The post TREM Devotional 26 October 2018 – There Is No Fear In Love appeared first on Flatimes.

Seeds of Destiny 26 October 2018 Devotional: The Danger of Unforgiveness

Topic: The Danger of Unforgiveness [Seeds of Destiny 26 October 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

Thought For The Day: The root of bitterness (unforgiveness) makes life bitter.

Unforgiveness refers to the lack of forgiveness; it is the inability of a person to let go of offences and offenders from his/her heart. It is very important to forgive because unforgiveness has many dangers.

Now, what are some of the dangers of unforgiveness?
1. Unforgiveness prevents people from receiving from God
The truth is, if you feel someone’s offence against you is too grievous for you to forgive, your sins as well would be too grievous for God to forgive (Matthew 18:32-35).

2. Prayer becomes a waste of time where unforgiveness is in place
Without forgiveness, prayer becomes a waste of time and an exercise in futility (Matthew 18:35).

3. Unforgiveness attracts the ministry of tormentors
If you don’t forgive, you have signed in to the activities of tormentors in your life. Cancer is a tormentor, ulcer, paralysis, arthritis, poverty, witchcraft attacks, etc. are all tormentors (Matthew 18:32-35). But that shall not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

4. Unforgiveness invites troubles to life.
The root of bitterness (unforgiveness) makes life bitter

5. Unforgiveness leads people to eternal damnation in hell fire (1 John 3:14-15).
Unforgiveness is the pathway to eternity in hellfire. Therefore, refuse to go to hell because of being hurt by a person.

Now, what are the keys to forgiveness?
1. Remember that you have been forgiven by God of your sins
Always know that if God could forgive you, you too can forgive another person.

2. Remember that your eternity is at stake
To agree to be unforgiving is to sign in for hellfire.

Beloved, I prophesy the grace and the spirit of forgiveness upon you, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: The root of bitterness (unforgiveness) makes life bitter.

Assignments:
1. Make up your mind not to go to hell because of offence or hurt.
2. Ask God daily for the grace to forgive.
3. Pray for and reconcile with all offenders.

Prayer: Lord, I make demands on Your grace to be able to forgive offences and offenders. Help me not to be an agent of offence to people Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE DANGER OF UNFORGIVENESS

Quote: When we carry bitterness and unforgiveness, we carry again what was nailed on the cross with Jesus Christ. We take on the nature of satan and God is forced to look away from us. Culled from AM I BITTER? By Dr Becky Paul-Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 49:23 to 50:46, Titus 1:1 to 16, Psalm 97:1 to 98:9, Proverbs 26:13 to 16

Amazing Fact: Cashew nuts have the ability to improve cognitive or reasoning ability.

Today In History: 26/10/1951 – Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church meeting tomorrow by 6:00pm at a Dunamis Home Church near you. Invite your neighbours and family. God bless you.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

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 Seeds of Destiny 26 October 2018 Devotional: The Danger of Unforgiveness appeared first on Flatimes.