Nuns embezzled $500,000 'for Las Vegas gambling trips'

Two nuns have admitted embezzling approximately $500,000 from a Catholic school in California and using it at casinos in Las Vegas, it has been claimed.

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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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Teacher fired for not using transgender student’s preferred pronoun

Peter Vlaming teaches French at West Point High School in West Point, Virginia. He was fired by the school board last Thursday for refusing to use a transgender student’s preferred pronoun. (The student was born as a biological female but wishes to use the pronouns “he” and “him.”)

The school’s administration claims that Vlaming was told multiple times to refer to the student using male pronouns. “By failing to follow the directive, he was therefore discriminating and creating a hostile environment,” the superintendent told the board.

The next day, students at the school coordinated a walkout in support of Vlaming. Several held signs that read “Men are men and women are women and that is a fact!” and “You can’t impose delusion on us.”

Vlaming told the school board that his Christian faith was the reason for his refusal. “We are here today because a specific worldview is being imposed on me,” he said. “Even higher than my family ranks my faith.” Asked whether the debate was worth losing his job over, he told reporters, “There are some hills that are worth dying on.”

God “made them male and female”

My purpose today is not to focus on the transgender issue itself. (For an in-depth discussion of this subject, please see my chapter on the transgender debate in my book, 7 Crucial Questions.) Nor do I want to limit our discussion to the West Point controversy.

Rather, I want to ask: Are there “hills that are worth dying on” for Christians today?

Imagine yourself in Peter Vlaming’s position. Your Christian worldview affirms the biblical statement that God creates humans as “male and female” (Genesis 1:27). You agree with Jesus: “He who created them from the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4).

What should you do?

This is not an abstract question. A recent survey found that nearly 3 percent of ninth- and eleventh-grade students say they are transgender or gender nonconforming, meaning…

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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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6 Reasons Many Church Leaders Stop Leading Outwardly

Podcast Episode #492

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Inward focus is natural for churches. It takes intentional effort and supernatural power to overcome this inward focus. Today, we discuss six reasons why it is so difficult to overcome.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • There are times in every leader’s life when they get comfortable and don’t move forward. It happens, but you must keep pushing.
  • Churches have to be outwardly focused or their kingdom impact will be minimal.
  • For churches, inward focus is natural. Outward focus requires supernatural power.
  • The tyranny of the urgent often keeps us away from fulfilling the Great Commission.

The six reasons we discuss are:

  1. The shift is gradual
  2. Tyranny of the urgent
  3. Demands of church members
  4. Settling into a comfort zone
  5. Lack of guidance or resources
  6. Lack of affirmation

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.


The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of…

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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 accused of Birmingham church stabbings ‘died from medication overdose’

John Delahaye, a type 1 diabetic, had been on remand at HMP Birmingham after three people were hurt during a service at New Jerusalem Apostolic Church in Aston in September.

A jury heard how the 46-year-old from Ettington was pronounced dead on 5th March this year after being discovered laid down in his cell close to an empty insulin pen.

 

He was due to stand trial later that month.

Dr Simon Trotter, a consultant pathologist, told Birmingham Coroner’s Court he put Mr Delahaye’s death down to a severe lack of glucose and hypoglycaemia.

He was quoted by the BBC as saying: “Given he had a pen before being locked up and it was empty when he was found, I consider this was due to an insulin overdose.”

 

The court was told how Mr Delahaye had been allowed to handle an insulin pan despite previously overdosing at HMP Birmingham on New Year’s Eve 2017.

He had been charged with attempted murder, making threats to kill, wounding, and two counts of possessing a bladed weapon.

Twitter

 

Adam Brooks (pictured above), who was injured in the attack at New Jerusalem Apostolic Church, told Premier earlier this year how he had mixed emotions when he learned of Delahaye’s death.

The hearing continues.

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…

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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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Joyce Meyer Devotional 11 December 2018 — It’s Your Future

Topic: It’s Your Future [Joyce Meyer Devotional 11 December 2018]

And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food…. — Genesis 2:9

The Roman poet Horace wrote: “Rule your mind, or it will rule you.”

The enemy wants your mind; he wants to control or influence as much of your thinking as possible, but you do not have to let him. The key to overcoming him is learning to discipline your thinking, and disciplining yourself to believe you are disciplined is the beginning.

As my son once said, “Discipline is a discipline!” Most people don’t get excited when the subject of discipline comes up. However, if you learn to understand the power, the liberty, the joy, and the victory discipline brings to your life, you will embrace it eagerly.

Prayer Starter: Father, Your Word says You have given me a spirit of discipline and self-control (see 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC). Help me today to choose my thoughts carefully and purposely dwell on things that are positive and full of hope. Help me to discipline my thoughts, words and actions so I can enjoy the great future You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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Kenneth Copeland Devotional 11 December 2018 – Spread Peace This Christmas

Topic: Spread Peace This Christmas [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 11 December 2018]

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. – Luke 2:13-14

Christmas is a very important time of year. It’s a time of year when the whole world is hearing the message of the birth of Jesus. It’s a time when people are tenderhearted…the perfect time to plant seeds of love in the lives of those you meet.

Sometimes those seeds may just take the form of a kind word in the middle of rush-hour shopping. Other times, you may get the opportunity to pray and minister to someone. But whatever the situation, keep a sharp eye out for even the smallest chance to assist people.

I’ve had some outstanding experiences giving a few dollars to someone in need. As they are taking the money, I tell them, “This money is from the Lord Jesus Christ. I serve Him. He is the One who instructed me to help you.”

It’s amazing how many people are ready to hear what you have to say when you say it in love. They’re starved for someone to really care. Be that someone this Christmas season. Spread the Word about the peace that’s available in Jesus. Tell about His goodwill toward men.

Who knows how many of those small seeds may one day take root and bring one more precious person into the glorious kingdom of God?

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

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.

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Andrew Wommack Devotional 11 December 2018 – Christ Is Alive In Us

Topic: Christ Is Alive In Us [Andrew Wommack Devotional 11 December 2018]

John 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” He was not referring to the whole plan of salvation as being completed. He still had to descend into the lower parts of the earth and lead the captives out (Eph. 4:8-9), as well as come back from the dead and ascend to the Father to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

Paul made it very clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17, that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins.

Why is the resurrection so important? The resurrection of Jesus makes Christianity different from religion because we are dealing with a real, live person, not just principles. Christianity is fellowship with a real person who is alive.

Also, forgiveness of sins is not obtained by a doctrine, but by Christ Himself. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He cannot give salvation to us. However, He did rise from the dead and now He lives forever to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

It is Christ living in us that gives us power to live a victorious life. If there was no resurrection, there would be no power.

The resurrected life of Jesus is the guarantee of our physical regeneration.

Because Jesus conquered death, the fear and sting of death have been removed for us. This produces great comfort for those who believe.

So, faith in the present ministry of Jesus is essential to true Christianity, and would be impossible if Jesus was not alive. Without Jesus being alive, Christianity would be just another dead religion.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

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Billy Graham Devotional 11 December 2018 – What Is Idolatry?

Topic: What Is Idolatry? [Billy Graham Devotional 11 December 2018]

Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father . . . — Matthew 10:33

What is idolatry? Idolatry is anything that comes between us and God. Joshua told his people that their nation would be destroyed if they persisted in idolatry, and their souls would suffer eternal death. He said, “You must make your decision today. You must decide whether you want to serve the idols of this life, or the living God.” “Choose you this day,” said Joshua, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What about you? Are you taking your stand with Joshua? No matter what the cost? I am asking you to choose this day whom you will serve. Our families cannot choose Christ for us. Our friends cannot do it. God is a great God, but even God can’t make the decision for us. He can help, but only we can decide. We have to make our own choice.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus Christ, take away the idols in my life so that, completely undivided, I may serve You, my Savior.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

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Open Heavens for Teens 11 December 2018 – Fruit of the Spirit; Joy

Topic — Fruit of the Spirit; Joy [Open Heavens for Teens 11 December 2018]

Memorise: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Read: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Hosea 9-11, Revelation 2

MESSAGE:

People often mistake joy for happiness, but these two are very different. Happiness depends on circumstances and situations. If for example you are given a new pair of shoes, or you pass your exams in flying colours you are expected to be happy, and there is nothing wrong with that. However there is something much deeper that happiness and that is joy.

Joy is the deep-rooted gladness that is unstoppable, and not affected by changes in the circumstances and situations around; it can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Joy is a function of faith in God. This means that a deep knowledge of God’s Word will automatically give joy. How much of the Holy Spirit do you carry? How well do you know God? How much of His Word do you have on your inside? Do you have joy? Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice at all times no matter the situation, are you capable of doing this?

Prayer Point: Sweet Holy Spirit, please fill my heart with Your joy. Give me the grace to study your Word continuously that I may know you deeply.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 14

  1. O spread the tidings ’round,
    Wherever man is found,
    Wherever human hearts and
    Human woes abound.
    Let every Christian tongue
    Proclaim the joyful sound:
    The Comforter has come!

Chorus:
The Comforter has come!
The Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from heav’n,
The Father’s Promise giv’n,
O spread the tidings ’round,
Wherever man is found:
The Comforter has come!

  1. The long, long night is past;
    The morning breaks at last;
    And hushed the dreadful wail
    And fury of the blast,
    As o’er the golden hills
    The day advances fast!
    The Comforter has come!
  2. Lo, the great Kings of Kings,
    With healing in His wings,
    To every captive soul a full
    Deliv’rance brings;
    And thro’ the vacant cells
    The song of triumph rings;
    The Comforter has come!
  3. O boundless love divine!
    How shall this tongue of mine
    To wond’ring mortals tell
    The matchless grace divine-
    That I, a child of hell,
    Should in His image shine?
    The Comforter has come!

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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MFM Daily Devotional 11 December 2018 – Lessons From the Life of Elijah (I)

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 11 December 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Lessons From the Life of Elijah (I)

TOPIC: Lessons From the Life of Elijah (I) (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 11 December 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 18:36-40

MEMORY VERSE: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16

The MESSAGE:

No man has ever accomplished anything great for God and sustained it without being a prayerful person. Elijah was a man of prayer. He had the lifestyle of being alone with God and enjoyed His presence. The reason his public ministry was full of results that glorified God was because he spent quality time in His presence and did only what He instructed him to do. He was a carrier of God’s presence, power and glory. Hence, he would say, “The LORD before whom I stand”.

Do you want to live a life worthy and pleasing to the Lord? You must be a prayer addict. Do you want to be a kingdom builder and God’s partner in the redemption project? You must be a prayer addict and the fire on your prayer altar must not go out. Do you want to fulfill the Great Commission and your personal ministry? Do you want to make great impact in your generation as a believer? You must love God’s presence and fellowship with Him day and night. That was the secret of Elijah’s exploit. It explains why he was unstoppable, unbeatable and indomitable. It also explains why he was a one man riot squad who challenged, confronted and defeated the prophets of Baal. Prayerful lifestyle was the reason he could turn the hearts of Israel back to God.

Beloved, your life is a project and the success you make of it depends on how well and often you travail in prayer to draw help, power and grace from heaven. Prayer warriors are God’s battle axes and weapons of war. They are God’s partners, change agents and game changers. Whatever assignment you have in your ministry, career, marriage, finances or any other area of life, consistent, effectual fervent prayer will bring down God’s power and glory that will make you a phenomenal success. Elijah’s life and achievements are eloquent testimonies to this truth. You have a master key called prayer. Use it to your advantage!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
THE FIRE TO CHANGE THE WORLD IS AVAILABLE IN THE UPPER ROOM –THE PLACE OF HIS PRESENCE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The Lord will make you a mysterious wonder.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

  1. O God of Elijah, make me a carrier of Your presence, power and glory, in the name of Jesus.
  2. My Father, use me to win nations for You as You used Elijah to win Israel back to You, in Jesus’ name.
  3. O Lord, make me a prayer warrior, weapon of war and battle axe, like Elijah, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING

  1. Father, make my life as fruitful as Elijah’s life was for You, in Jesus’ name.
  2. The anointing to fulfil my ministry, fall upon me, in Jesus’ name.
  3. Father, help me to maintain an unbroken focus towards my purpose, in Jesus’ name.
  4. I shall reach my goal, 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)

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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.

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