Quakers bike 360 miles for equality

The group began its journey from Cumbria and ended the journey on Friday at 10 Downing Street.

The riders carried postcards of stories of those affected by welfare cuts, which will be presented to MPs.

 

The “Ride for Equality and the Common Good” has appealed to the government to “end the the suffering of those who are victims of recent welfare changes”.

Quakers

 

One of the riders, Sally Ingham, said: “The Welfare State grew out of a vision 75 years ago to reduce poverty, disease and lack of education and provide care for each of us when ill or unemployed or old. Our welfare system protects all of us against life’s contingencies. 

“Despite the debts after World War II we chose to afford it. We believe we can choose to afford it now and we must: the social cost of not affording it is incalculable.

“We should not stand by and watch the most vulnerable suffering, and our most valuable social asset, our welfare system, admired throughout the world, being dismantled. We have a moral responsibility to uphold it.”

In April, the Quakers urged the government to rethink its two-child limit policy for child tax credits.

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I had my bottom pinched at a funeral while wearing full robes

The ex-Gogglebox star told The Naked Podcast that the incident happened a few years ago.

“I asked him not to do it and he said he thought I would find it funny,” said the 43-year-old.

 

“Even in full robes at a funeral someone can come on to you. If you’re a woman there will be someone, usually a bloke, who will find something to sexualise you for.”

The BBC Radio 2 presenter was interviewed on The Naked Podcast, in which the guest and hosts Kat Harbourne and Jenny Eells, strip off.

The Church of England priest said: “I don’t think I have ever been naked in front of someone who wasn’t a member of my family since I was about two.”

And she said she did not know why “Christians and people of faith are seen as such prudes” about sex.

She told the podcast, for Radio Sheffield: “Sex is one of the most beautiful things you can do in a loving couple. “

She added that she was fed up with people commenting about her changing weight over the years.

“I do a lot of funerals and never in a eulogy have I mentioned what size someone is.

“I’ve talked about how much fun they’ve been and what they’ve achieved in their life and who they loved.

“People on their deathbed never talk about dusting, they never talk about diets, they talk about the people who they’ve loved,” she said.

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 4 August 2018 Devotional — Finishing Well

Topic: Finishing Well [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Saturday August 4, 2018]

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7

It seems to me that I can sense the satisfaction Paul felt in knowing he had finished what he had set out to do. I know that feeling, and I enjoy it very much. I doubt that any of us feel good about ourselves when we give up on something and don’t finish what we begin. I encourage you today to stand strong in faith, knowing that God is with you and that He wants you to go all the way to the finish line.

Even when we are weary and think of giving up, let’s remember the joy we will have when we complete what we have started. God’s grace and power are with us to help us keep going when it is difficult. Paul said it didn’t matter how hard it was or what it cost him, if only he could finish his course with joy (see Acts 20:24). It requires determination, but with God’s help we can do it!

Prayer Starter: Father, help me finish what I have started no matter how challenging it is. 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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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 4 August 2018

TOPIC: Conviction before Commitment (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Saturday, 4 August 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 6:66-71

MEMORY VERSE: “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Genesis 39:9

The MESSAGE:

Salvation is the beginning of the journey to eternal life. When it is genuine and the new convert holds unto Jesus without looking back, he grows daily and becomes more and more convinced that his new life is better than the old one. It is this conviction that makes the saved soul forsake his old sinner friends, old lifestyle, old behaviour, etc. and hook unto Jesus. Growing in the faith daily, he truly becomes a new creature and the old things will surely pass away, while all things will become new. Conviction made possible with the help of the Holy Spirit is what every believer requires to remain steadfast in the faith and enjoy the new life in Christ. Without conviction, there can be no commitment. Jesus lamented over inadequacy of labourers but not workers. Labourers work with the Master to achieve the Master’s vision, but workers work for the Master to earn agreed wages. This is what we fail to realise in church administration today. At a point in time during the earthly ministry of Jesus, many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. They had no conviction about Jesus’ mission and therefore were not committed to Him. Jesus immediately requested the regular twelve disciples to declare their stand and they responded positively that they were already bonded with Jesus. Peter expressed their conviction and commitment to Jesus and stated that there was no going back. You cannot build a stable ministry without achieving conviction and commitment among your followers.

Joseph, while in Portiphar’s house, demonstrated conviction and commitment. He was convinced that his master had put every other thing in his charge, except his wife. That was a no-go area as far as administration of Portiphar’s house was concerned. He knew his limits and kept himself in check within his limits. He also demonstrated conviction and commitment to God. He was convinced that going beyond his limits would make him sin against God and also constitute an act of wickedness against his master. This conviction kept him away from sin and wickedness and reinforced his commitment to God and his master, Portiphar.

We seek committed church members today without helping them spiritually grow to the point of conviction that Jesus is their Lord, Saviour, and Master. We do not direct their attention to Jesus and make them fully accountable to Him for all their actions. After their salvation experience, we fail to nurture them to the point of having a closer relationship with Jesus like the Apostles. “Lord, to whom shall we go” is a statement of conviction and commitment, which should be engraved in the hearts of the members and workers in the vineyard. Then shall we be able to confidently say that we have co-labourers in the vineyard. For the church member, it is important to examine whether you are imbibing the sound doctrines of Christ or the charismatic sayings of your leader. If you are still floating, yet to be firmly rooted in Christ, it points to the fact that you are not yet convinced concerning the faith. You need deeper works of the Holy Spirit in your life to move higher and get closer to Jesus with deep sense of commitment. May the good Lord create deep hunger and thirst for Him in us, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
BE CO-LABOURERS WITH CHRIST NOT JUST WORKERS.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Let the hunger for conviction and commitment to God mark your walk with Jesus.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Spirit of Demas, I bind and cast you out of my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. O Lord, create in me, a deep hunger and thirst for You, in the name of Jesus.
3. O Lord, increase my faith and trust in You, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. O Lord, let me be on fire for You, in the name of Jesus.
5. Holy Spirit, baptise me with the spirit of commitment to Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
6. Distractions assigned against my spiritual life, catch fire and burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.
7. I mount up wings as eagles in my spiritual life, 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.

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TREM 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional

Topic: Place a Demand on Heaven [TREM 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” 1 Samuel 1:10

There comes a time when you have got to say to yourself that I will not rest until I have resolved this issue. Be determined that you are going to take this to God in prayers and get an answer to that lingering issue. Hannah had always gone to Shiloh but that particular year, Hannah said this Shiloh must be different. She said I have been coming to Shiloh but this one I won’t go back empty-handed. She didn’t mind that Eli was there, she said I am tired of taking a double portion. Stop giving me a double plate. I have come for a more serious purpose because there is more to life than a double portion. And God stepped in for her!

This is the time to push the table aside and let the devil know that you are not going to take a ‘no’ for an answer. The devil is a liar! He never gives up easily, but you have all that it takes to bring him to submission.

Beloved poverty is not your lot. Childlessness is not your lot. Sickness and disease are not your lots. You can break free from them today! You need to get fed up with the devil robbing you of what rightly belongs to you and rise in anger in the spirit.

Heaven is waiting to hear your voice. You know that whatever you ask your Father in Heaven will be granted. You may not see the manifestation right away but you know you have it already. So, you are not intimidated. I encourage you to wake up every morning and declare the word of God and pretty soon you will see all of His blessings gravitating towards you. Don’t allow the devil rob you of your joy. But rather be rest assured that the land where you dwell has no choice than to yield her goodness to you.

Further Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-17

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 66-67; Evening- Romans 7

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

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

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Teens Open Heavens 4 August 2018 – Listen

Topic: Listen [Teens Open Heavens 4, August 2018]

Memorise: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

Read: Proverbs 17:28 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Psalm 73-74, Romans 5

MESSAGE:

Have you ever wondered why you have two ears and one mouth? The truth is; our God knows which one we need more than the other. It is better to listen and digest a message before you speak. If you see a man that is quiet, and you see another man that is lousy, you automatically respect the quiet man more than the lousy man, this is because it is obvious that the quiet man thinks things through before he speaks, while the lousy man speaks before he thinks. Those who listen before they speak have less tendencies of making mistakes, so if you want to reduce your rate of making mistakes, make it a habit to listen more than you speak.

Speaking before thinking has put a lot of people in trouble, as they easily divulge sensitive information to their enemies before they realise it. Whereas, listening gives you the ability to get as much information as possible with which you can make better decisions. Listen more and speak less.

Key Point: The ability to listen more than you speak will make you wise. Wise people hear much and say little!

Also Read: Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 2:

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

Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there¡¯s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

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

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

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

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

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

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DCLM Daily Manna 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional – Our Unflagging Deliverer

Topic: Our Unflagging Deliverer [DCLM Daily Manna 4th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: Esther 9:20-28 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed” (Esther 9:28).

MESSAGE:

The term “Anti-Semitism” is commonly used to refer to hatred or prejudice against the Jews. Despite God’s promise to Abraham which was transferred to Jacob (Genesis 12:3; 27:29), the Jews continued to be the target of unrivaled and mysterious hatred.

One occasion of Anti-Semitism was when Haman plotted to eliminate the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. Supposedly, he was reacting to the “insubordination” of Mordecai, a Jew that refused to bow to him. By providence, Haman’s plot failed and he was hanged on the same gallow he erected for Mordecai. The Jews were also empowered by a counter decree to defend themselves against their enemies.

What followed was the birth of an annual commemorative festival called “Purim”, celebrated on 14th and 15th of March (Hebrew month of Adar). Purim, meaning “lot”, is an ironic reference to Haman’s resort to casting of lot to determine the month and date appropriate for the massacre of the Jews. The lot casting, which started on the first month, favoured the 13th day of the last month. This long intervening period enabled the Jews to seek divine and royal redress and had the wicked decree reversed.

Being delivered from eternal damnation is enough reason for the believer to have constant “Purim”. But even in everyday life, God still delivers His people from every evil plot. Never lose sight of the gracious interventions of God, “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10).

Thought For The Day: To be in constant celebration, constantly think of God’s goodness.

Bible Reading In One Year: Nahum

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.

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Seeds of Destiny 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional

Topic: Maintaining the Right Influence Over Your Life [Seeds of Destiny 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Thought For The Day: The human (or people) environment of your life affects your atmosphere and attainment in life.

Maintaining the right influence over your life is one of the most important things to do in life. Your life could be influenced directly or indirectly by the kind of friends you keep. Those who speak into your life also influence your life positively or negatively. The influence around your life determines the impact of your life. You cannot have a level of impact on earth higher than the degree of influence around you. Your friendship determines your reach in life. That is why maintaining the right influence is one of the most important things to do in life.

Someone once said that if you can point out the seven closest persons to your life, you can see your future. If a drunkard, smoker or borrower is your closest friend, then you are face to face with an unpleasant future. Environment determines attainment. The human (or people) environment of your life affects your atmosphere and attainments. The atmosphere of your life determines the achievements of your life.

Beloved, if you are not yet married, be selective in your choice of marriage partner. If you want to get married and you discover that the character of your fiancé or fiancée is not compatible with yours, you need to reconsider your choice and ask God for direction. If what excites you depresses him/her or your passion is his/her pressure, I counsel you to quit that relationship even though you think you have heard God clearly.

My counsel is, select the influence around your life; select the things you listen to, the things you watch on television, the books you read, the people you call friends and the people who speak into your life. Connect with the kind of people who push out your potentials, bring out your best, assist you to fulfil your life’s assignments, and help your relationship with God.

Remember this: The human (or people) environment of your life affects your atmosphere and attainments in life.

Assignments:
1. Carefully select those who influence your life; select what you hear, watch or who speaks into your life.
2. Ask God to bring the right people your way.
3. Avoid the wrong company; company with people who can and are willing to assist in bringing out the best in you.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that you surround me with the right influence. Deliver me from wrong influences so I can maximize destiny, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:1 to 36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 17, Psalm 27:1 to 6, Proverbs 20:20 to 21

Amazing Fact: Koalas have finger prints like humans; they are the only animals except the primates (apes and humans) who have finger prints.

Today In History: 04/08/1934 – Mel Ott became the first major league baseball player to score six runs in a single game.

Quote: Who you associate with is a confirmation of who you are. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The six over flooded Destiny Recovery Services tomorrow by 6 am, 7:20 am, 8:40 am, 10 am 11:20 am & 12:40 pm. Invite someone to church.

Also 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.

The post Seeds of Destiny 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional appeared first on Flatimes.

Family Heirloom Miraculously Survives California Wildfire

Family Heirloom Miraculously Survives California Wildfire



After a terrible wildfire ravaged Northern California, Jerry Ogle’s family home burned to the ground. But thanks to some help from above, he made a miraculous discovery amidst all the wreckage. A prized family heirloom survived the Carr Fire!


The Carr Fire all began with a “mechanical failure of a vehicle.” High winds quickly carried the flames, setting the hot, drought-riddled Northern California landscape ablaze. As the devastating wildfire raged on, mandatory evacuations followed.


The evacuations forced Jerry Ogle and his family out of their home and neighborhood. And when he finally returned, the neighborhood and home where he grew up was nothing but ash and rubble.


But Jerry hadn’t come back to survey the damage. He came to look for something.


Looking at the wreckage, it was hard to imagine anything could have survived. Still, Jerry came filled with hope.


He set out to find a treasured family heirloom passed on to him from his late grandfather. As he turned over piles of ash and debris, he was looking for a small box he kept in his room containing his grandmother’s wedding ring.


“My only real hope was that I would miraculously find the diamond in the ash,” Jerry said.


Jerry rifled through the wreckage for about 30 minutes but to no avail. Heartsick over the possibility of not finding the ring, he decided to ask his grandfather for help.


“I looked up,…

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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 4 August 2018 Daily Devotional – Receive His Mercy

Topic: Receive His Mercy [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 4th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. – Psalm 136:1

God’s mercy endures forever! His willingness to act on man’s behalf is still operating in the earth. His mercy never runs out. Neither has it abated or weakened.

“Praise the Lord! His mercy endureth forever!” Mighty and powerful things happened when Israel said these words. They are words of praise and adoration to God.

When Solomon finished building the house of the Lord, the trumpeters and singers lifted their voices as one, and with trumpets, cymbals and instruments of music, they praised the Lord saying, “For he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Jehoshaphat appointed singers unto the Lord to go before the army and say, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.”

It has been thousands of years since the Lord said His mercy extended to a thousand generations, and His mercy continues to reach you day after day. He is still plenteous in mercy unto them that call upon Him. With your spirit, dare to stretch your faith to take in the boundless mercy of God. And say with your mouth, “The Lord, He is good and His mercy endureth forever. His mercy surrounds me even today!”

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

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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