Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Name Removed from Children’s Literature Award Due to Wilder’s Alleged Racism

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Name Removed from Children’s Literature Award Due to Wilder’s Alleged Racism



In 1954, Laura Ingalls Wilder became the first author to receive the award bearing her own name: the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) first established this award as a way to recognize notable works by U.S. children’s book authors.


But last week, after several months of deliberation, the ALSC decided to remove Wilder’s name from the award. From now on, the award will be the “Children’s Literature Legacy Award.” The ALSC’s reasons for this change boiled down to certain phrases and scenes in Wilder’s “Little House” books that could be seen as demeaning towards Native Americans and African Americans.


For decades, critics of Wilder’s books have complained about this apparent racism. Others look past the questionable portions, seeing them simply as representations of the cultural mentality of Wilder’s time. Nevertheless, these segments of her books still stir controversy among readers both young and old. In their final decision, the ALSC considered these questionable portions, ultimately concluding that “Wilder’s legacy, as represented by her body of work, includes expressions of stereotypical attitudes inconsistent with ALSC’s core values.”


In response to the ALSC’s decision, defenders of Wilder’s work argued that the apparently racist remarks are no reason…

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Prophecy Can Change the Way You Parent, Minister to People in Pain

(Photo: Gateway.com/screengrab)Brady Boyd, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO preaches on the gift of prophecy at Gateway Church on June 6, 2018.

If parents want to disciple their children effectively, learning to hear the voice of God through the gift of prophecy is essential, according to the pastor of the largest church in Colorado. And the gift holds the key to bringing God’s healing to people in pain.

In a sermon earlier this month at Gateway Church in Texas, Pastor Brady Boyd, who leads New Life Church in Colorado, explained how the gift of prophecy is to mark the life of the believer, and that when non-Christians are around Christians they should experience the power of the Holy Spirit operating in their lives. And this gift is to impact in every area of life, including marriage and family.

When most people think about the gifts of the Spirit they think of 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul’s explanation of the spiritual gifts, Boyd explained. But Numbers 11:29 is an often overlooked passage on this subject of prophecy.

“I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all,” Moses says in that particular text.

Boyd added that the Apostle Peter explains in Acts 2 that one of the most power evidences…

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Is the Upcoming July Blood Moon a Sign of the End Times?

Is the Upcoming July Blood Moon a Sign of the End Times?



The past couple years have bought some spectacular astronomical sights which will continue in 2018 with a blood moon which is set to grace the skies of the Eastern Hemisphere on the night of July 27.


According to Independent UK, a blood moon is defined as:


“A blood moon is the definition used when the moon appears bright, large and reddish in colour, and it only occurs when there is a full moon.

The blood moon is the result of a total lunar eclipse, which is when the moon passes directly behind earth and into its shadow.”


The upcoming blood moon is not only of interest to astronomers and star-gazers, however. It has also drawn the attention of end times speculators and pastors.


Christian John Hagee and Mark Blitz explained that this blood moon is part of a series of unique astronomical events which signal what the Bible predicts in Acts 2:20 and Revelation 6:12.


According to Mirror UK, Hagee and Blitz particularly point to what they call the “tetrad”–four consecutive lunar eclipses which began in April 2014 with six full moons in between.


Whether you believe an event like a blood moon has prophetic significance, or is simply part of the way God created the heavenly bodies, it is most certainly an opportunity to marvel at the wonder of Creation. 


 


Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/Cochise Vista


Publication date: June 26, 2018

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All Churches With Employee Parking Hit by New Tax, Additional Filing Requirements

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Churches and other historically tax-exempt organizations will now have to file federal and likely state income tax returns according to a recently unearthed provision in the newly instituted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that applies the federal income tax to parking benefits. Hundreds of organizations are now calling for its repeal.

“Tax practitioners who have evaluated Section 512(a) (7) generally believe that the result of this new provision is that tax‐exempt organizations that provide parking to their employees will be subject to unrelated business income tax on the cost of the parking provided. A nonprofit organization that simply allows its employees to park in a parking lot or garage that is part of the organization’s facilities will be subject to a tax on the cost of the parking provided,” the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability explained in position statement included in a petition seeking to repeal the provision.

“Because of this new tax, many tax‐exempt employers, including churches, hospitals, charities, and schools will be required to file federal Form 990‐T, and in many cases, state corporate income returns, every year regardless of whether they actually engage in any unrelated…

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Samaritan’s Purse to Help Rebuild 55 Churches in Hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico

Samaritan’s Purse to Help Rebuild 55 Churches in Hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico



Samaritan’s Purse is planning to rebuild the 390 homes and 55 churches in Puerto Rico that were severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.


The rebuild is part of the organization’s multi-year plan to support the area. Even nine months after the Category 5 storm, many are still in need in the country.


One of the churches being restored is the Iglesia Cristiana Carismática Monte De Sión. The roof of the church was destroyed.


“They helped us with the roof. They helped us with getting windows. They helped with plumbing, wiring, cement, rebar. Samaritan’s purse has given [us] everything,” said pastor Roberto Vega Santiago. “Without Samaritan’s purse, [we] could not have done it.”


The church, which has about 45 members, initially tried to rebuild on its own, applying for loans. No banks or government help would approve the loan.


“Samaritan’s Purse is what God provided to get the church rebuilt,” Santiago said.


Tom Ovington, Samaritan’s Purse ministry program manger for Puerto Rico, said the organization wants to help encourage pastors in the area.


“A lot of them have had congregants leave to move to the United States,” Ovington said. “Other congregants have suffered so much damage that their contributions to the Church have had to diminish because they are fixing their own homes. It is a real stress on the pastors.”


Since Hurricane…

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Seeds of Destiny 27 June 2018 – The Steps of Abraham

Topic: The Steps Of Abraham [Seeds of Destiny Wednesday June 27, 2018]

Scripture: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Romans 4:12.

Thought For The Day: Claiming the blessings of Abraham by faith without following Abraham’s steps is a waste of time.

The Scriptures make it clear that believers in Christ are the seeds of Abraham and are commanded to walk in his steps (Galatians 3:16,Galatians 3:7).

Now, knowing that you are a seed of Abraham by faith forbids existence in frustration and harassment; being a child of Abraham forbids existence as a pitiable beggar. And if you are a seed of Abraham, you should see the results of Abraham if you follow his steps.

Our anchor Scripture admonishes us to walk in the steps of Abraham since we are his seeds.

Now, what are some of the practical steps of Abraham?
1) Unconditional Obedience to God (Genesis 12:1-4).
God told Abraham to get out of his father’s house to a place where He (God) would show him and Abraham obeyed God. This is unconditional obedience. As seeds of Abraham, we also ought to be unconditionally obedient to God.

2) Believing God Without Question
Abraham believed God without questioning Him when God asked him to leave his country to a land He (God) would show him (Genesis 12:1-2). In the same way, the children of Abraham should believe God’s Word without questioning or negotiating with God.

3) Seeing the Future Before it Arrives (Genesis 13:14).
Abraham saw the future before it arrived. Vision was and is an Abrahamic principle; so, as a Christian and seed of Abraham, endeavour to conceive vision for living like your father Abraham.

4) Servicing the Needs of the Needy (Genesis 14:14).
Abraham cared for the needy. He had three hundred and eighteen children of his servants, trained in his house. If you want Abraham’s greatness, decide to meet people’s needs.

5) Holding Nothing Back From God
Abraham held nothing back from God. Those who are of the faith are to follow the steps of faithful Abraham by holding nothing back from God.

6) Looking Up to Nobody But God
Abraham looked up to no one but God (Genesis 14:22-23). Beloved, as you follow these Abrahamic steps, you will arrive at his greatness.

Claiming the blessings of Abraham by faith without following his steps is a waste of time.

Remember this: Claiming the blessings of Abraham by faith without following his steps is a waste of time.

Assignments:
1. Go through the passage again.
2. Make up your mind to follow the steps of Abraham.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for the grace and discipline to take Abrahamic steps in order to see Abrahamic greatness. Deliver me from the life of claiming promises without responsibility, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE HAND OF THE LORD – THE TITHE.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10:32 to 12:21, Acts 18:1 to 22, Psalm 145:1 to 21, Proverbs 18:1

Amazing Fact: Giraffes have no vocal chords

Today In History: 27/06/1955 – The state of Illinois enacted the first automobile seat belt legislation.

Quote: The principal ways wisdom operates are the principal secrets behind the making of principal people. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Seeds of Destiny 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.

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Korean ‘Chapel of Peace’ to Be Built in Demilitarized Zone – Urban Christian News

A new chapel for peace will be built in the Korean Demilitarized Zone in the only village where North and South Korean troops stand face-to-face.

In what is known as the truce village of at Panmunjom in the Joint Security Area, a groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this month to commemorate the new chapel that will be presided over by Bishop Francis Xavier Yu Soo-il.

According UCA News, an Asia-based outlet that covers Catholic news, the structure will act as a “chapel of peace.”

The building will be one story tall and is expected be able to accommodate 100 worshipers.

Expected to be completed by March 2019, the building will be located on a plot of land that measures over 2,000 square meters.

The new building will replace an older chapel that was constructed in 1958, about three years after peace talks between the two sides resulted in a ceasefire.

The groundbreaking ceremony held on June 5 came about a week before United States President Donald Trump met with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and signed a joint statement calling for a lasting peace and stability in the Korean peninsula. It also came a little over a month after Kim met with South Korean president Moon Jae In and signed an agreement to work towards a “common goal” of denuclearization in the peninsula.

“The construction of the new chapel in the JSA is a gift showing God’s grace,” Xavier said, according to UCA News.

Xavier stated that the chapel will serve as a place where people can pray to “overcome the division of the two Koreas” and peaceful reunification.

“It…

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Man Says He Woke Up From 8-Day Coma With Vivid Memory of Heaven, Talking to Jesus

Michal Osmenda, Brussels, Belgium/Wikimedia CommonsA representation of stairway to Heaven utilizing graphic effects.

A man who was seriously injured in a car accident says that while he was in a coma for eight days he went to Heaven and now claims to have a “vivid memory” of his experience there with Jesus, God and the angels.

The Christian Post obtained Tom Dolezal’s full interview with Paul Overlie of the Liberty County Times. In the piece, titled “But for the Grace of God,” Dolezal, a Christian man who hails from Montana, detailed his account. 

As he was leaving a family celebration for his father’s 90th birthday, Dolezal stood outside his family’s home and described feeling an evil spirit come over him.

“I felt like my eyes were burning,” Dolezal described. “I had a couple of family members outside with me and I couldn’t look at them. I felt like someone kicked me in the heart and I felt a spiritual force that affected me and it felt like it was trying to put a wedge between me and my family.”

After shaking it off, he hit the road that evening to make sure he made it back home in time for church on Sunday. Dolezal would never make it home that night, as he was driving through Wolf Creek Canyon in Helena he collided head-on with a truck pulling a horse trailer. Completely knocked unconscious with 22 broken bones, Dolezal, who says he doesn’t recall anything from the accident, said that’s when he found himself in Heaven.

“I had an out-of-body experience,” he told Liberty County Times. “I just flew away and I flew up into Heaven and Heaven is stacked!”

Dolezal recounted seeing a lot of…

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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland Devotional 27 June 2018 – God’s Medicine

Topic: God’s Medicine [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Wednesday June 27, 2018]

The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. – John 6:63

We’ve seen some tremendous medical breakthroughs in our generation. We’ve seen “miracle drugs” developed that can conquer many kinds of sickness and disease.

But, you know, in the 45-plus years I’ve been a believer, I’ve discovered another, much more effective, kind of medicine: the Word of God. There’s never been a miracle drug that could equal it. God’s medicine is the answer to every need. It is life. It is health. It is the power of God. And if you put it in your heart and act on it, you will be healed.

Sometimes people ask, “If God’s medicine works every time, why are there so many believers who are still sick?” There are two reasons. No. 1, because they don’t take the time to plant the Word concerning healing deeply into their hearts. And No. 2, because they don’t do what that Word tells them to do.

Think of it like this: If a doctor prescribes medicine for you to swallow daily and you decide to rub it on your chest instead, that medicine isn’t going to work for you. You have to follow the instructions and use it properly if you expect to get well, don’t you? In the same way, if you read God’s prescription for health and don’t act on it, you won’t reap any of its benefits.

Proverbs 4:22 says God’s Words are life and health to you. So don’t wait until you get sick to start using them. Start now. Begin to put God’s Word in your heart in abundance and it will be hard for you to get sick. That Word within you will constantly be keeping God’s healing power at work in you.

And don’t worry. There’s no limit to the amount of God’s medicine you can take. You can’t get an overdose. The more you take, the stronger you get.

Start growing strong today.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4:20-27

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 Devotional 27 June 2018 – God’s Medicine appeared first on Flatimes.

Open Heavens 27 June 2018 — The Price Of Being A Standard

Topic: The Price Of Being A Standard [Open Heavens 27th June 2018, Wednesday Daily Devotional]

Memorise: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – 2 Timothy 4:16

Read: 2 Timothy 4:14-18, 2 Timothy 3:10-14 (KJV)

2 Timothy 4:14-18:
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3:10-14:
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 11-12, Acts 18:1-23

MESSAGE:

Every Christian is expected to be a standard for people around to emulate. Standing out for God as a standard has a price tag attached to it. The price of being God’s standard is comprised mainly of antagonism, loneliness and persecution. In John 16:2, our Lord Jesus Christ prepared our minds for what we should expect if we would be His standard in this world, saying:

“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”

We live in times when these words are being fulfilled right before our very eyes.

To live as God’s standard in this world, you have to be ready to walk on the cold road of loneliness sometimes. God’s standards we celebrate today, such as Elijah and Apostle Paul, all faced this reality (1 Kings 19:14, 2 Timothy 4:16). When you choose not to follow a multitude to sin, they will confront and antagonise you because you are different. When they discover that they cannot win you over to their side, they will sideline and isolate you. You must be willing to pay this price to avoid the contamination of the world. Always have at the back of your mind that the Christian race you are called to is an individual race that can be lonely. However, be assured that the Lord will be with you always, and so you are never alone. He stood by Paul in his moments of loneliness and He also strengthened Elijah in his time of despair (2 Timothy 4:17, Acts 27:23-25). You can be sure that what He did for them, He will do for you also.

To live as God’s standard in this generation, you must prepare your mind for it. The secret of not conforming to the standards of this world lies in the continuous renewing of your mind with the word of God. The Holy Spirit revealed this to us in Romans 12:2, where He said:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The reason is that what is in your mind determines what you would become and the nature of life you would live in this world. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood out for God and they became standards and reference point in the Babylonian and Medo-Persian empires. Although they suffered a great deal, their sufferings yielded extraordinary promotions (Daniel 3:30, Daniel 6:26-28). Anyone who wants to be a standard of godliness must be ready to suffer all sorts of evil from the enemies of the cross. The good news is that Jesus Christ promised He is with us till the end of the world (Matthew 28:20b).

Prayer Point: Father, please grant me grace to stand firm as Your standard in this crooked generation.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click HERE to read Open Heavens 26 June 2018 — Strange Destiny Helpers

Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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.

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