Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood

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Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood


Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5thCircuit handed a victory to pro-life advocates who want to see Planned Parenthood defunded. The Court overturned a ruling by U.S. district judge Samuel Sparks which prevented Texas from kicking Planned Parenthood out of the state’s Medicaid.


The Lone Star State’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood came after undercover videos by the Center for Medical Progress appeared to show officials from the nation’s largest abortion provider negotiating to sell tissue from aborted babies. Planned Parenthood argued that the videos were “deceptively edited.”


In his ruling, Sparks said the case read like a “best-selling novel” and dismissed both the videos and a report written by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Inspector General. He said the report was too flimsy to be used to “expel a group of health care providers from a social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources.”


The Court of Appeals disagreed with Judge Sparks. They vacated his injunction with blocked Texas from booting Planned Parenthood from Medicaid and remanded the case back to the lower court for further review. If Sparks reinstates his injunction, he will have to do so using a different legal standard.


Planned Parenthood blasted the decision. Their spokesperson, Erica Sackin, said, “it is completely…

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

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Six Symptoms of a Dysfunctional Church

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Six Symptoms of a Dysfunctional Church

  1. Severe theological errors are pervasive in the church.
  2. The church is known as a “pastor-eater.”
  3. The congregation experiences severe conflict.
  4. Hardly anyone in the community knows the church exists.
  5. The church is declining while the community is growing.
  6. The church is “family owned and family operated.”

Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:

  • Are things in your church going according to God’s plan?
  • Do non-Christians in your church’s community know your church exists? Does it have a good reputation with non-members?
  • If your community doesn’t know your church exists, you have a problem.
  • Most churches that die are in highly populated areas.

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

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The ‘racist’ confrontation in DC: 3 biblical responses

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The ‘racist’ confrontation in DC: 3 biblical responses

Nathan Phillips is a Native American who attended the Indigenous Peoples March in Washington last Friday. He told the Washington Post that he was there to beat his drum while urging participants to “be strong” against colonialism.

According to Phillips, a throng of young, mostly white teenage boys, several wearing “Make America Great Again” caps, swarmed around him and began to chant, “Build that wall, build that wall.” One of them “blocked my way and wouldn’t allow me to retreat,” Phillips said.

He told the Detroit Free Press a different story. This time, he said that the students became upset by a group of Black Israelites. “They were in the process of attacking these four black individuals,” he said. So, “I put myself between beast and prey. These young men were beastly and these old black individuals was their prey.”

Phillips stated that the students had a “mob mentality” that was “ugly, what these kids were involved in. It was racism. It was hatred. It was scary.”

Video of the event went viral. News outlets around the country condemned the students. One image of a student with a Make America Great Again cap smiling at Phillips became an icon for the event. Filmmaker Michael Green tweeted: “A face like that never changes. This image will define his life. No one need ever forgive him.”

Now we know the rest of the story.

“I am being called every name in the book”

Longer videos emerged showing that the incident actually started with Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) members. According to Christian apologist Ryan Turner, this group believes that black people are the true Israelites from the tribe of Judah.

In their view, white people are “conspirators who attempt to persecute the black people and hide their true identity as Israelites.” Many view white people as “almost subhuman” and are known for shouting profanity and condemning people for their allegedly false beliefs.

When BHI members began shouting…

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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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Aretha Franklin’s home church raises money for mural of her

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Aretha Franklin’s home church raises money for mural of her

New Bethel Baptist Church, where Aretha Franklin’s father, Rev C.L. Franklin was the pastor from 1946-79, is now raising money to have a piece of artwork featuring Aretha and her father painted on one of the church’s outside walls.

It’s estimated to cost $375,000 if the wall is going to be preserved.

Rev C.L. Franklin is a noteworthy figure aside from his daughter’s fame in the music industry.

He was a keynote speaker, invited by Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights ‘Detroit Walk to Freedom’ march in 1963 and a famous gospel preacher, broadcasting sermons every Sunday on a radio station.

The ‘Queen of Soul’ recorded her first album at the church and many concerts were held there throughout her upbringing and career.

The Baptist minister, Rev Jesse Jackson, announced on Tuesday in a press conference (below) that the church planned to make this tribute.

“To have on the side of this building this mural with Reverend C.L. Franklin and Aretha is entirely appropriate,” Rev. Jackson said.

Next to him was a smaller version of what the mural would look like – with a profile of Rev Franklin on the left and Aretha Franklin on the right and the church behind them inbetween.

The current pastor of New Bethel Baptist church, Rev Robert Smith, said: “The wall is going to have to be treated in such a way that it doesn’t fall apart.”

On the second day of their GoFundMe page they only had $120 of the $375,000.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a…

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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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Coach dropped by school over playing field prayers is denied appeal

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Coach dropped by school over playing field prayers is denied appeal

The US Supreme Court has declined – for the time being – to hear the case of Joe Kennedy, who previously taught American football at Bremerton High School near Seattle.

He had filed a lawsuit with the court last summer under the First Amendment – which protects freedom of religious expression.

 

Kennedy is longer working for the school after a decision was taken not to renew his contract. He was previously placed on leave in 2015.

Lower courts rejected his claim that the school district compromised his right to free speech.

 

Bremerton School District had argued it has the right to insist that staff do not encourage or discourage religious activities related to school activities.

While rejecting the case, four of the justices at the Supreme Court said they were interested in the issues it raised. They also expressed concern over the way lower courts had handled proceedings.

 

Speaking with Fox News in 2017, Kennedy denied that leading prayers on playing field after matches risked alienating people.

He said: “That was never an issue; if the kids wanted to…

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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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Church of England entices young with workouts and weekday services in £35m boost

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Church of England entices young with workouts and weekday services in £35m boost

The congregation – proposed for Bradford – will try and entice students and young adults.

It forms part of “bold” £35 million plans by the Church to reverse a decline in attendance and champion “new types of churches”.

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, said: “These projects show the dynamism and drive of the Church of England’s mission to share this good news with people throughout our dioceses and parishes.

“We are committed to this work because we want everyone to know how much they are loved by God through Jesus Christ, and how they can find that love for themselves.”

Wikimedia Commons/Jon Farman https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonfarman/5942532511/

 

Busy young professionals working near Holy Trinity Church in Leeds will be encouraged to try new weekday services, while money will also go towards creating house churches in rural parts of Suffolk.

The Community of St Cuthbert, a new group inspired by the monastic tradition, shall be established in Durham and a social media pastor – lay or ordained – will spearhead digital mission from Stockton Parish Church in County Durham.

 

The cash forms part of the Church’s Renewal and Reform programme, which aims to create “a growing church for all people and for all places”.

Programme director, Debbie Clinton said: “From a church in a nightclub area to weekday congregations and a social media…

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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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Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional – A Big Deal

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Topic: A Big Deal [Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional]

Bible in a Year: Exodus 9–11; Matthew 15:21–39

This is the kind of fasting I want: . . . Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. – Isaiah 58:6 nlt

Today’s Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 58:6-9

A family member needed help with his December rent. To his family, the request felt like a burden—especially with their own unexpected expenses at year’s end. But they dug into their savings, grateful for God’s provision—and blessed by their relative’s gratitude.

He handed them a thank-you card filled with grateful words. “There you go again . . . doing nice things, probably passing it off as no big deal.”

Helping others is a big deal, however, to God. The prophet Isaiah made that point to the nation of Israel. The people were fasting but still quarreling and fighting. Instead, said Isaiah: “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. . . . Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:6–7 nlt).

Such a sacrifice, said Isaiah, shares God’s light but also heals our own brokenness (v. 8). As the family helped their relative, they looked hard at their own finances, seeing ways they could manage better all year. This was God’s promise for being generous: “Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind” (v. 8 nlt). In the end, giving to their kin blessed them more. And God? He already gave His all—with love.

Today’s Reflection:
 Lord, light the path of generosity, helping us to give like You.

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

This message was written By Patricia Raybon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional – A Big Deal appeared first on Flatimes.

Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

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Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

Deferring Gratification?

1.I worship and Adore You, my Father, because You are the rewarder of them that diligently seek and serve You.

Also Read: Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Daily Devotional

2.Thank You, Jesus, for leaving all Your glory in heaven, to take the form of man, in order to save me from eternal destruction.

3.Thank You, Jesus, for the great and precious price You paid for me with Your blood, for the salvation of soul.

4.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus name.

5.Father, let me be willing to forgo anything that may constitute a hindrance to my spiritual growth and progress, or cause me to be vulnerable to sin and its enticing allurments, in Jesus name.

6.Father, let me always be willing to give up my personal comfort, rights and privileges, for the sake of the gospel of Christ, and for the expansion of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

7.Father, give me the grace to endure the suffering of this present world, for the glory and joy that are placed ahead of me, in Jesus name.

8.Father, empower me not to expect instant reward or gratification, for all my labours of love in Your vineyard, but be willing to wait for Your promised time of reward and harvest, in Jesus name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus name.

10.Father, reward Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, for all his labours of love in Your vineyard, in Jesus name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures; help him to overcome every challenge of getting these prayer points across to Your children timely, on daily basis, in Jesus name.

12.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)

13.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)

14.Thank you Father for answered prayers. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s book Ministry, in Jesus name.

Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

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MFM Daily Devotional 23 January 2019 – Cost-Benefit Analysis

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 23 January 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Cost-Benefit Analysis

TOPIC: Cost-Benefit Analysis (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 23 January 2019)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:44-46

Bible In One Year: Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20

MEMORY VERSE: “`If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” – Proverbs 2:4-5

The MESSAGE:

What does it profit a man who gains the whole world and losses his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul? These are soul-searching questions the Bible asks and expects you to find truthful answers to.

In business and organisation management, there is what is called cost-benefit analysis. Before an organisation decides to execute a project, it first finds out the risks, cost and reward of the project. If the reward is higher than the risk and cost, the project is adjudged good for execution. My study of the Bible reveals that this principle stems from the Scripture.

Samson did not value his spiritual gifts, assignment and ministry above the body of Delilah. His knowledge of cost-benefit analysis was poor and he lost his ministry as well as his glorious destiny. Judas did not value the relationship he had with Jesus and his future apostolic status beyond money. He lost all to avarice, stealing, treachery and disloyalty. He committed suicide and another took his place. Gehazi did not value the double-portion of Elijah’s anointing to the temporary and worldly allurement of money and costly gifts of Naaman. Covetousness and dishonesty were his undoing. He earned Elisha’s curse and he as well as his descendants became lepers.

Beloved, don’t let satan and sin get the better of you. Look before you leap. Everything man does has eternal consequences. Don’t do anything that is capable of ruining your destiny and sending you to hell. If it will not make you rapturable, it is not worth it. If it will ruin your relationship with God and make Him cast you out of His presence, don’t do it. If Adam and Eve weighed their priceless relationship with God side by side with what the devil told and offered them, they wouldn’t have disobeyed God. Whenever temptation comes or you have to make an important decision that borders on your life and eternity, remember always that if it will ruin your relationship with God and send you to hell, it is worth the trouble! You can lose all other things (worldly position, business, career, money, fame, etc.) to gain heaven, just as Paul did. Don’t be like the unwise in the world who sell or lose their souls in exchange for wealth, fame and worldly positions. Be wise!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IS TO BE READY WHEN OPPORTUNITY COMES.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You will never be a castaway.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

  1. I shall not lose the ministry God has placed in my hands, in the name of Jesus.
  2. I shall not lose my glorious destiny, in the name of Jesus.
  3. Any power assigned to ruin my relationship with God, die, in the name of Jesus.
    EVENING
  4. I shall not trade my soul for wealth, in the name of Jesus.
  5. Any power assigned to drag me away from the presence of God, die, in the name of Jesus.
  6. The devil shall not temper with my destiny, in the name of Jesus.
  7. Powers assigned to mock the name of God in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

The post MFM Daily Devotional 23 January 2019 – Cost-Benefit Analysis appeared first on Flatimes.

Seeds of Destiny 23 January 2019 Devotional – Taking Sides with God

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Topic: Taking Sides with God [Seeds of Destiny 23 January 2019 Devotional]

Scripture: And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. Exodus 32:25-26.

Thought For The Day: To be dedicated to God is to go up in life.

Dedication to God is the secret of flying high with God. People who are dedicated to God cannot remain low on the earth. To be dedicated to God is to go up in life.

The question is, what does it mean to be dedicated to God?
Dedication to God means taking sides with God.

Now, what does it mean to take sides with God?
It means:
i. Standing with God (1 Kings 17:1)
Taking sides with God means standing with God when the majority of people are standing with the enemy of God; it is standing with God when the majority of people are standing with the world. When a person is dedicated to God, he is on God’s side when every other person is on the other side.

ii. Identifying with God (Numbers 25:7-8)
Taking sides with God means identifying with God when the majority of people have a different identity contrary to the identity of God. When other people choose to identify with other things, a dedicated person identifies with God.

iii. Making the choice to identify with God irrespective of the cost (Daniel 3:16-20)
People who take sides with God identify with God even if they lose their job, friendship or relationship. One who takes sides with God sticks to God even when people reject them.

Beloved, my counsel is, make up your mind to follow God at all cost.

Remember this: To be dedicated to God is to go up in life.

Assignment:

  1. Make up your mind to stand and identify with God at all cost.

Prayer: O Lord, I receive the grace to stand and identify with You at all cost, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Genesis 46:1 to 47:31, Matthew 15:1 to 28, Psalm 19:1 to 14, Proverbs 4:14 to 19

Today In History: 23/01/1950 – The Israel Knesset approved a resolution proclaiming Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Amazing Fact: The human eye can function at 100% at any given moment without needing to rest.

Quote: When you share your feelings with God, He shares His feelings with You. Culled from PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER by Dr Paul Enenche.

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 23 January 2019 Devotional – Taking Sides with God appeared first on Flatimes.

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