Extra funding to protect places of worship from hate crime

The scheme will fund security measures including CCTV, alarms and improved locks at places of worship vulnerable to attack.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “We are a country of many faiths, and as I said following last year’s appalling terror attack in Finsbury Park, an attack on one community is an attack on all of us.

 

“Freedom of worship, respect and tolerance for those of different faiths is fundamental to our values and I am determined to stamp out extremism and hate crime wherever it occurs.”

Successful applicants in England and Wales will receive up to £56,000 towards improved security to counter the threat at their premises.

Previous funding has been awarded when places of worship have been subjected to offensive graffiti, the defacing of religious symbols or attacks on worshippers.

Bidders will need to provide evidence they are vulnerable to hate crime or have been subject to a hate crime in the last two years.

The Places of Worship Security Funding scheme, which launched in 2016 and is worth £2.4 million in total, has helped 89 churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras to install protective measures to deter attackers.

Synagogues are covered under a separate scheme administered by the Community Security Trust.

Baroness Williams, the minister for countering extremism, said: “Communities being able to worship their religion free from intimidation, violence or…

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Seven Tips for Pastors on Facebook

Podcast Episode #439

SUBSCRIBE: iTunesRSSStitcherTuneIn RadioGoogle Play • iHeart Radio

Social media can be tricky for pastors and church staff. Who to connect with? Who to ignore? It’s not easy, so today we provide seven tips for navigating Facebook.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Facebook can be dangerous territory for pastors if they aren’t careful.
  • It’s not wise for pastors to get into online quarrels with church members on Facebook.
  • Remember, the world is watching how we interact online.
  • Social media has almost gotten to the point where we expect critics about almost everything posted.

The seven Facebook tips we discuss today are:

  1. One perspective: keep it limited

  2. Another perspective: say yes to as many church members as possible

  3. The person not on Facebook may seem irrelevant

  4. The risk of posting

  5. The risk of others posting on your personal page

  6. Consider the fan page

  7. Show your humanity without showing too much


Episode Sponsors

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

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Enjoying Uncommon Favour – By David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Enjoying Uncommon Favour

The favour of God can be described as tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord. It is the special affection of God toward you that releases an influence on you, so that others are inclined to like you, or to cooperate with you.

The favour of God is what determines the limits of every man’s destiny. Once you are favoured, you are made. Favour is the mother of destiny. Favour is what converts labour into fortune. It enhances the value of your labour. The limit of your destiny is defined by the level of favour operating in your life.

When God’s favour is at work in your life, it makes you prosper wherever you are; even in strange lands. Favour made Daniel to prosper in Babylon, it distinguished Isaac in Philistine and made Joseph to prosper in Potiphar’s house. Even pharaoh handed the whole Egypt to Joseph just by the favour of God. That is why I know that the favour of God will distinguish you today in the name of Jesus!

When supernatural comes, natural laws are suspended. By the supernatural favour of God, things will turn for your sake! Today’s favour will change your story! Natural laws will be suspended for your sake in the name of Jesus!

When God’s favour is at work in your life, your promotion is certain. Joseph was kept in prison and he prospered even inside the prison. The bottler forgot Joseph when he went back to the palace but God did not forget him. You may be delayed but your blessing must surely come to pass.

Psalm 75:6-7 – For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

God supernaturally arranged Joseph’s lifting and he was remembered supernaturally. Today, things might be looking as if God has forgotten about you, I came to announce to you that God will remember you now! The same God that remembered Joseph at the appointed time is remembering you now! This is your appointed time to be remembered for favour! There will be no more delay! Begin to enjoy supernatural promotion from now on in the name of Jesus the Christ –Amen!

God bless you

Click HERE to read other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 8 June 2018 Devotional — Start Your Day Right

Topic: Start Your Day Right [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Friday June 8, 2018]

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Some people seem to start their day on the “wrong foot.” They feel all right when they wake up, but as soon as something goes wrong they lose their footing and walk with a “loser’s limp” the rest of the day. Once they are off to a bad start, it seems they never catch up.

If someone offends us early in the morning, our anger can keep us defensive all day. If we start the day rushing, it seems we never slow down. But today our feet can be firmly planted in God’s Word. There will be no “bad day” when God’s Word supports, strengthens, and directs us.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I lift my day up to You and ask for Your help to get off on the right foot. Help me to go forward with a clean heart and a positive mindset focused on You. 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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Queen to open new galleries at Westminster Abbey

The head of state, joined by the Prince of Wales, will formally launch the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries set more than 16 metres above the Abbey’s floor.

It is home to 300 treasures from the Abbey’s collection, many on display for the first time, reflecting the building’s thousand-year history.

 

The galleries tell the story of the place of worship in four themes: building Westminster Abbey; worship and daily life; Westminster Abbey and the monarchy; and the Abbey and national memory.

The Queen and prince will be given a guided tour of the area and be shown historical artefacts including an original 13th-century altarpiece from King Henry III’s church.

John Stillwell/PA Wire

Replicas of (left to right) St Edwards Crown, Orb with Cross and Imperial State Crown during the preview for the opening of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey

 

The centre piece of the exhibition is the life-like funeral effigy of King Henry VII which was modelled from the monarch’s death mask.

The Queen and the prince will also attend a brief reception for construction workers, supporters and Abbey staff involved in the project.

John Stillwell/PA Wire

A full size effigy of Viscount Horatio Nelson during the preview for the opening of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey,…

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Billy Graham Devotional 8 June 2018 – Courage to Stand

Topic: Courage to Stand [Billy Graham’s Devotional Friday June 8, 2018]

It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ’s family and being called by his wonderful name! —1 Peter 4:16 (TLB)

A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer for the day: I realize how spineless and pampered my Christian walk is. Give me Your courage, Lord Jesus, to follow You more devotedly.

“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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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland Devotional 8 June 2018 – Addicted to the Word

Topic: Addicted to the Word [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Friday June 8, 2018]

Ye know the house of Stephanas…and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. – 1 Corinthians 16:15

I want you to begin to develop an addiction today—an addiction to the Word of God. That may sound odd to you, especially if you don’t have much of an interest in the Word right now. But, believe me, it’s possible. I’ve done it myself and I’ve seen others do it, time and again.

All you have to do is make a decision to give yourself to it. To focus your time and attention on it. The more you give yourself to it, the more your desire for it will grow. Eventually, it will consume your thinking.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. That happens with anything you totally give yourself to. It happens, for example, with people who give themselves to pornography. As they focus their attention on it, the spirit behind it moves in on their consciousness and eventually draws them from mental activity into physical activity. Finally, they come to a place where they can’t be satisfied. They can’t get enough.

That same principle works on the positive side when you begin to give yourself to God’s Word. You can give yourself to it to the point where it totally consumes your mental and physical life. The more of it you get, the more you want. The Spirit behind the Word, the Holy Spirit, will draw you and lead you closer to Jesus than you ever imagined possible.

I’ve never yet met anyone walking in faith and power who at some time hadn’t developed that kind of addiction by giving themselves totally to the Word for an extended time. I don’t mean just a few minutes here and there either. I’m talking about some serious time.

So determine to do that. Determine to become a “Word addict.” Once you do, you’ll never be willing to live without it again.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:1-12

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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TREM Devotional 8 June 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – Do Not Listen Or Consent

Topic: Do Not Listen Or Consent [TREM Devotional Friday June 8, 2018]

“And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.” 1 Kings 20:8 (NKJV)

There are three gates into a man’s life, the eye, the ear and the mouth, and one must be very careful who/what they give access to. These are not the days to walk about carelessly, or to handle yourself anyhow. Ephesians 5:15 (KJV) says “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.“ This means that, you must be careful what you pay attention to, because whatever you give your attention to, has the ability to affect your life either positively or negatively.

If you read from verse one of 1Kings 20, you will see that the King of Syria literally decided to start a war with the King of Israel. He started sending him threatening messages demanding the goods of the land, and the King of Israel agreed to these terms. And of course, Ben-Hadad even requested for more than what he asked for initially. At this point, Ahab cried out to the elders of the land about what was happening. Verse 8, which is our text of the day, tells us what the elders’ response was. They said to him “Do not listen or consent”, because whatever you consent to, has the power to influence you.

I particularly like the order of their statement, which is listen first, then consent, because you must listen first, to give consent. These elders said, don’t even listen, not to mention giving consent, and I believe that, that was the turning point for Ahab. The Bible tells us that they went on to defeat the Syrians.

Child of God, what are you listening to, and what are you consenting to? You can change the course of situations, you can turn it around, you have the power and authority to do that. Therefore, don’t just accept any thought that comes into your head, you have the right to choose what you pay attention to, and what you consent to. Make the right decision today.

Further Reading: 1 Kings 20:1-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 2 Chronicles 30-31; Evening- John 18:1-18

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM’s 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 8 June 2018 – Dream: A Motivator

Topic — Dream: A Motivator Name [Teens Open Heavens 8, June 2018]

Memorise: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Read: Genesis 37:23-24 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 26-28, John 17

MESSAGE:

If you study the story of Joseph, you will observe that he was greatly motivated by his childhood dream. And he stuck with it throughout his travails until it came to pass. Never allow anyone or anything to separate you from your Heaven-sent dream. Do you already see yourself as a minister of God? Do you see yourself as a renowned doctor? Do you see yourself as a blessed, upright man/woman of the community? As long as you are sure it is from the Lord, hold on tightly to that dream.

Once you give up the dream, you may have nothing else to live for. When Joseph was thrown into a pit, he knew he would not die, hence he had the will power and drive to press on. He went through several problems and formidable hindrances, yet he held on fast to what the Lord had shown him. Has God give you a dream? Hold fast to it and work hard, it will come to pass.

Key Point: Your life’s dream is a powerful weapon against death, discouragement and the devil: use it well.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye’’

Hymn 1
1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire !

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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 8 June, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – USE IT WISELY

Topic: Use It Wisely [DCLM Daily Manna Friday June 8, 2018]

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV)

Key Verse: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

MESSAGE:

Though there are different functions of spiritual gifts, they all originate from the same Spirit. Since there is only one Spirit, then the one Spirit works in union through the gifts. Spiritual gifts are not given for the purpose of self-exaltation as the Corinthians exhibited, but for the purpose of serving the needs of others and edification of the Body.

The oneness of the work of the gifts is accomplished in the fact that they all originate from the work of the Holy Spirit. The administration of spiritual gifts is not the work of the particular individuals who possess them but the Spirit. Therefore, the Spirit does not contrast Himself. For these reasons, the prophets spoke the same thing and prayed the same thing. So, anyone who claims to have the gift of the Spirit and speaks contrary to the revelation of the Spirit through the word of God could not have possessed a gift of the Holy Spirit of God.

So-called believers who claim that the word of God is not the final authority in spiritual matters speak against the Spirit and His affirmation of the finality of the word of God. Such individuals do not have the Spirit of God. None could speak in a manner to make the Spirit of God contradict Himself or deny what has already been revealed through the inspired Scriptures.

The positive impact we make with our God-given gifts will bring fulfilment in life, bless other people and create more opportunities to maximise such gifts. Those with gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, etc., should use them to edify God’s people. God and humanity would be grateful if you profitably utilise the gift He has invested in your life.

Thought For The Day: It is greatness to be a channel of blessing to others.

Bible Reading In One Year: Proverbs 16-18

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.

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