Christian owners of this house win ‘war on Christmas’ case

A court has found Jeremy and Kristy Morris from Hayden in the US state of Idaho did suffer religious discrimination at the hands of their local housing association.

They claimed the West Hayden States First Addition Homeowners Association tried to block their festive celebrations – allegedly over concerns about noise, bright lights and its religious nature.

 

The Morris family informed the association in December 2014 of their intention to move into Ferndale Drive and plans to stage the annual festive celebration.

A letter allegedly sent by the association threatened “expensive litigation” if its rules were flouted, saying Jeremy and Kristy could not move into the neighbourhood unless they scrapped the nativity event.

Jeremy R Morris/Facebook

 

The note read: “It’s not the intention of the Board to discourage you from becoming part of our great neighborhood, but we do not wish to become entwined in any expensive litigation to enforce long standing rules and regulations and fill our neighborhood with the hundreds of people and possible undesirables.

“We have worked hard to keep our area peaceful, quiet, and clean.”

 

“And finally, I am somewhat hesitant in bringing up the fact that some of our residents are non-Christians or of another faith. And I don’t even want to think of the problems that could bring up.”

Taking the association to court last…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Nine Updated Trends about Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve is less than a month away. Most churches have some type of Christmas Eve services, but we are seeing clear trends in how churches approach them. Every time we write or podcast something about these services, we get a lot of comments and questions. In that context, here is an update on nine clear trends we are seeing:

  1. It is growing in importance. Non-Christians are more likely to come to worship services on Christmas Eve than any other day of the year, including Easter. Church leaders get it. They are putting more prayer, preparation, and strategic thinking into the services.
  2. There are three popular times for the service. Whether a church has one or multiple Christmas Eve services, three times are more popular than others: later afternoon (typically for families with young children and for older adults); early evening (the more traditional time); and late evening (for empty nesters and families with teenage or grown children).
  3. The services are traditional. They include traditional hymns and carols. They may include some time for the lighting of the final advent candle.
  4. The services are brief. The typical length is 30 to 45 minutes.
  5. The pastor’s message is brief. The typical length is 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Most churches include candlelight services. They are now expected by Christians and non-Christians alike.
  7. More unchurched are attending these services. As I noted in the first item, one of the reasons for the growing importance of Christmas Eve services is the increasing number of…

… Read More

—

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

قالب وردپرس

Australia open to offering Asia Bibi sanctuary

Canberra said it is willing to grant asylum in the event that talks to bring Asia Bibi and her family to Canada stall.

The development was welcomed by campaign group The Australian Christian Lobby, which urged ministers to “act now”.

 

Managing director, Martyn Iles said: “This is momentous news for all who have lobbied so hard and so long for Asia Bibi.”

It remains unclear what progress has been made since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed two weeks ago that Canada was “in discussions” with Islamabad about Ms Bibi.

Mr Iles continued: “Government sources have this afternoon confirmed that it will make an offer of asylum to Asia Bibi if Canada does not do so in the coming days.

Bkamprath/Wikimedia Commons

 

“This announcement means that both her and her family have been guaranteed a home in one of the freest and safest countries on earth.”

Earlier this month, Italy’s deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said he would do “everything humanly possible” to secure her safety.

Nationwide protests by hard-line Islamists erupted in major Pakistani cities when Ms Bibi was acquitted at the country’s Supreme Court.

AP Photo/Shakil Adil

 

She had been on death row since 2010, when she was convicted of insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Since her release from jail, Ms Bibi has been kept at a secret location in Pakistan. Her family…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Joyce Meyer Devotional 26 November 2018 — You Are at a Place Of Prayer

Topic: You Are at a Place Of Prayer [Joyce Meyer Devotional 26 November 2018]

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 November 2018 — You Are at a Place Of Prayer appeared first on Flatimes.

MFM Daily Devotional 26 November 2018 – Victorious Christians

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 26 November 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Victorious Christians

TOPIC: Victorious Christians (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 26 November 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Exodus 14:27-31

MEMORY VERSE: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

The MESSAGE:

A genuine Christian is a born again Christian that is consciously working towards rapture. There are two categories of Christians in this context: those that can be described as non-victorious and the victorious ones. A victor is a winner, one that remains unbeatable, and a terror to the kingdom of darkness, while non-victorious Christians are the defeated ones. They always run from their enemies; they are fearful and are cowards. To be a victor and a winner, there are battles to fight. Those who are victors, therefore, must have fought some battles of life, defeated their enemies in many ways that have made the enemies to be fearful of them.

There have been victorious Christians from the beginning of time: Abraham was victorious in rescuing Lot and his family. Moses was victorious in demonstrating God’s power over Pharoah’s magicians and in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was victorious when he commanded the sun to stand still and the moon to stay in place to enable him to totally destroy his enemies. In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Christ was victorious when He cast out demons, healed sicknesses, raised the dead and finally, the biggest victory of all was when he said, “It is finished”. He said earlier that “greater works shall ye do”. When a Christian remains non-victorious spiritually and physically, attacks would usually come in form of pursuers in dreams and the Christian will run and get tired in the physical realm. This is followed by persistent and constant affliction, limitation, unexplained poverty, prayerlessness, lack of Bible reading, inability to fast, lack of love for God and man etc.

Non-victorious life could be due to a secret sin, open sin, not busy for God, lack of spiritual exercises, refusal to obey God, refusal to answer God’s call etc. God expects us as Christians to have victory over evil influences, over malign spiritual power and over severe afflictions. On the other hand, God wants us to prosper and be instruments in His hands the way Joshua, Moses and others were. He wants us to have victory over all the battles of life. Beloved, enough of being totally dependent on Pastors and other men of God for prayers and prophesies. You may go for counseling for clarification, but you must also learn how to interpret your own revelations or dreams by engaging in operation-do-it-yourself. It is not enough to just be a church goer.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
BAD SPIRITS HAVE NO POWER TO BRING YOU TO DESTRUCTION UNLESS THEY FIND AN AREA IN YOUR LIFE THAT HAS NOT BEEN YIELDED TO GOD.

PROPHETIC WORD:
By the power in the name of Jesus, you are a victor forever.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. I receive divine power to destroy every destroying power assigned against my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. I issue a divine curse on every satanic instrument set against my life, in the name of Jesus.
3. Every power trying to bury me at all cost, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. I issue command by the authority in the name of Jesus, you owner of evil load of sickness in my life, carry your load, in the name of Jesus.
5. Every Pharoah in my life, it is your time to die, die by fire, in the name of Jesus.
6. Every taskmaster assigned against my labour, somersault and die, in the name of Jesus.
7. King of glory, visit me and turn around my captivity, 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 26 November 2018 – Victorious Christians appeared first on Flatimes.

DCLM Daily Manna 26 November 2018 – Never An Unbeliever!

Topic: Never An Unbeliever! [DCLM Daily Manna 26 November 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Genesis 24:1-9 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell“ (Genesis 24:3).

MESSAGE:

Getting hooked in marriage to a wrong partner is the worst pitfall any serious-minded individual can ever encounter in life. Abraham, the patriarch and father of Isaac did not want to put-at-risk the life and destiny of his son and lineage by marrying any of the daughters of Canaan.

The problems of unequal yoke in marriage, business, spiritual and secular endeavours are better imagined than experienced.

Believers must be wary of who they want to partner with in short and long-standing relationships. The scriptural injunction which serves as a guide for Christian pilgrims in this matter today is: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” (1 Corinthians 6:14). This, however, does not prescribe non-association with unbelieving colleagues in social circles but a strict warning not to knot our life and destiny with such individuals through whom Satan can wreak havoc on us as believers.

One may retort and wonder how possible this stance is today! Yes, the chief servant of Abraham faced similar problem and felt the same way when this injunction was first given by God through father Abraham. But Abraham’s answer was reassuring, appropriate and practicable even in our contemporary time. He said, “the Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house…; he will send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence” (Genesis 24:7). God and His good Spirit will guide you when your heart is steadfastly inclined to do His will. Never allow the current tide of evil in the society sway your heart away from obeying God and following this time-tested principle for Christian pilgrims.

Thought For The Day: Do not knot the tie with an unbeliever.

Bible Reading In One Year: Acts 17-18

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

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 DCLM Daily Manna 26 November 2018 – Never An Unbeliever! appeared first on Flatimes.

Seeds of Destiny 26 November 2018 Devotional – The Five-Fold Secret for Captivity Termination

Topic: The Five-Fold Secret for Captivity Termination [Seeds of Destiny 26 November 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Luke 13:12-13

Thought For The Day: The Word of God manufactures a person unto freedom.

Previously, we saw that the power of God establishes a person in freedom from captivity by destroying the foundations of prisons and opening prison doors. The Presence or the Power of God is an answer to terminating the captivities of life.

In addition, there are other factors that can terminate captivity:
1. The power of prayer
When Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, the prison doors broke open (Acts 16:25). Prayer carries a captivity-terminating power.

2. The power of praise (Acts 16:25).
Paul and Silas sang praises, in addition and the prison doors could not hold them anymore. Praise is a captivity terminator. You can praise your way out of the bondage of life.

3. The Power of the Word (Psalm 107:20).
The knowledge of the truth of God’s Word makes a person free. (John 8:32, John 17:17). So, the Word manufactures a person unto freedom.

4. The Power of the Anointing
The anointing destroys yokes (Isaiah 10:27).

5. The power of prophetic impact
The captivity of a person can be terminated when God’s prophet over his life decrees against the captivity. In Luke 13:10-13, Jesus declared, woman thou art loosed…, laid hands on her, electrocuted the demon of paralysis, electrified her back and she got straightened on the spot.

I declare into your life today, every yoke holding you down is broken, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: The Word manufactures a person unto freedom.

Assignments:
1. Engage the secrets mentioned in our study today and expect a captivity turnaround.
2. Be intimately and consistently connected with God in worship.
3. Vehemently refuse a life of captivity.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE TERMINATION OF CAPTIVITY.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the truth that will guarantee my freedom from every captivity around my life, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 2:24 to 3:30, 1 Peter 4:7 to 5:14, Psalm 119:81 to 96, Proverbs 28:15 to 16

Quote: Prayer without ceasing is the secret of winning without ceasing. Culled from PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Eagle eyes are angled 30 degrees away from centre of the face, which gives them a greater field of view; they can see five basic colours and can detect UV light.

Today In History: 26/11/1842 – The University of Notre Dame is founded.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Healing and Deliverance Service by 9:00 am tomorrow. Invite someone. God bless you as you do so.

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 November 2018 Devotional – The Five-Fold Secret for Captivity Termination appeared first on Flatimes.

Kenneth Copeland Devotional 26 November 2018 – What’s Your Name?

Topic: What’s Your Name? [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 26 November 2018]

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. – Colossians 3:17

Did you know your name has been changed? It’s no longer the same as it was before you were born again. You gave your old name away when you made covenant with Jesus.

To fully appreciate what that means, you have to think about it in the light of what we know about blood covenant. When someone enters a covenant of blood, he is giving himself completely away. He is no longer his own. His assets and his debts, his strengths and his weaknesses belong forever to his covenant brother.

When you’re in blood covenant with someone, that person’s name becomes your name forever. You cannot escape it—good or bad—it’s yours.

When you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He took your name! Your name was sin. Your name was weakness. Your name was fear and poverty and every other evil thing you inherited from Adam.

Jesus took those names from you and gave you His own in exchange. That’s right! Ephesians 3:15 says that the whole Body of Christ has been named after Him both in heaven and earth. That means you have been given Jesus’ Name. Its authority is now yours!

Just think about who you’re named after:

“Jesus, Mighty God, Wisdom, Deliverer, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Word of Life, Advocate, Provider, The Great I Am, Helper, Savior, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Lamb of God, Lord of Hosts, Root of David, Author and Finisher of Our Faith, The Way, Healer, Son of God, The Truth, Chief Cornerstone, King of Kings, Light of the World, Chief Shepherd, My Strength and Song, Righteous Judge, Son of Righteousness, Resurrection and Life, The Alpha and Omega.”

Praise God, those names cover any need you’ll ever have. What’s more, the power of God is in His Name to bring that Name to pass in your life (Acts 3:16).

You can’t call yourself discouraged anymore. That’s not your name. You can’t answer when the devil yells, “Hey, poor boy.” That’s not your name. Jesus has taken those old names of yours. They’re gone. So meditate on the names of the Lord. They’re all wrapped up in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names, and that Name with all its power and authority has been given to you!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:16-21

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 Copeland Devotional 26 November 2018 – What’s Your Name? appeared first on Flatimes.

Billy Graham Devotional 26 November 2018 – Enjoy Life

Topic: Whose Son Is He? [Billy Graham Devotional 26 November 2018]

Now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. — 1 Peter 1:8 (TLB)

Christians are to enjoy life and enjoy one another. When children see no joy in their home, no joy in your Christianity, they will not be attracted by it. When they see you excited about going to a ball game, or watching television, and then dragging around to do spiritual things, they will soon get the idea that Christianity does not mean much to you. Your attitude will rub off. My wife says that the best way to get a child to eat his food is to see his parents enjoying theirs. Our children will not be attracted to Christ if we make Him seem dull.

Prayer for the day: May I live so close to You, Jesus, that those around me will see Your joy.

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.

The post Billy Graham Devotional 26 November 2018 – Enjoy Life appeared first on Flatimes.

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 – The Secrets of Life

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Secrets of Life

Topic: The Secrets of Life (Open Heaven 26 November 2018)

Memorise: “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”– Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV)

Read: Daniel 2:25-28 (KJV)

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;

28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 29-30, John 3:22-4:6

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday MESSAGE:

Life is crowded with a lot of mystery, and the secrets of these mysteries are in the hands of the One who created the world. Many times, a lack of knowledge or understanding of these mysteries not only brings trouble to an individual, but also spells doom for his or her destiny. This is why some people desperately and foolishly go after fortune tellers, stargazers and magicians who claim to have a “third eye”. However, if you are a genuine child of God, I congratulate you, because our Father in heaven is the custodian of all the mysteries and secrets of life.

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV)

It is pleasant to read the words of the above scripture. However, you must not lose sight of the great responsibility contained in it. God reveals secrets and mysteries to us so that we can be in advantage position to do His will. In Matthew 13:10, the disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, “Why are you speaking to people in parables?” Jesus answered them in Matthew 13:11, saying:

“…Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”(KJV)

This truth accounts for the type of life the early disciples lived. They were able to turn their world over to God by preaching the mysteries of the gospel. Daniel and his colleagues also had access to the mysteries of heaven, so much so that they could reveal and interpret a dream that was forgotten by a king. None of the best astrologers of their time could unfold these mysteries, even though they tried. Take note of the declaration made by these children of God in Daniel 2:28a:

“But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.”(KJV)

Beloved, if you want to have access to the secrets and mysteries of life, you must be ready to live by the commandments of God. God will always conceal His secrets and the mysteries of life from those who will make mockery or merchandise of them. However, He reveals these secrets to those who are genuine in their relationship with Him, like He did with Abraham (Genesis 18:17).

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday Prayer Point:

Father, please count me worthy to have access to the secrets of life, and the mysteries thereof, so that I may no longer grope in darkness.

Also Read: Open Heaven 25 November 2018 – Mercy versus Judgement

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday 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. Open Heaven 26 November 2018 Monday Daily Devotional.

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 Open Heaven 26 November 2018 – The Secrets of Life appeared first on Flatimes.