Victim of freak shark attack was ‘devoting his life to God’

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Victim of freak shark attack was ‘devoting his life to God’

Arthur Medici died in hospital at the weekend after being bitten while boogie boarding off the peninsula – which is a popular tourist destination in the US state of Massachusetts.

Posting on a webpage raising funds for the 26-year-old’s family, one person wrote: “Arthur was a very happy young man.

 

“He loved life, he was an active member of a Christian church, devoting his life to the Lord…

“He was always joyful and willing to help others, even going as far as feeding the homeless.

“Our lives are never going to be the same without him.

“His laughter filled our home and he will be greatly missed by us all.”

Steve Heaslip/The Cape Cod Times via AP

 

Mr Medici had lived in Revere, Massachusetts. He had been studying engineering part-time at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston.

He moved from Brazil to the United States two years ago and had been engaged to be married.

The incident is the second shark attack in Cape Cod this year. Last month, a 61-year-old man suffered serious injuries fighting off a shark in nearby Truro.

A spokesman for a restaurant near Boston where Mr Medici worked described news of his death as “terrible”.

Merrily Cassidy/The Cape Cod Times via AP

 

Rich Jeffers from The Capital Grille in Burlington also said: “Just like everybody else, we’re shocked and saddened.”

There have been three fatal shark attacks around the world so far this year, according to the Florida Programme for…

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Emmy Awards ridicule Christians – Denison Forum

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Emmy Awards ridicule Christians – Denison Forum

The Emmy Awards began last night with a monologue from co-hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che. The Saturday Night Live cast members recited a typical litany of political jabs and sarcastic digs.

Then Che told the audience that his mother would not be watching the show. The reason: “She says she doesn’t like watching white award shows because you guys don’t thank Jesus enough.”

Che continued: “That’s true. The only white people that thank Jesus are Republicans and ex-crackheads.”

It’s hard to imagine such a joke aimed at Muslims, Jews, or Buddhists. But ridiculing Christians is fair game in Hollywood these days.

The latest on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination

As you know, college professor Christine Blasey Ford is alleging that Judge Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her at a party when they were high school students. Judge Kavanaugh calls her accusation “completely false.”

Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh both stated yesterday that they are willing to testify before Congress about this issue. The Senate Judiciary Committee has now scheduled a hearing for next Monday to hear from both.

Republicans are severely criticizing Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, for the timing of the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh. Last July, Dr. Ford sent a letter alleging sexual abuse against Judge Kavanaugh to her local congresswoman, Rep. Anna Eshoo, requesting confidentiality.

She forwarded the information to Sen. Feinstein on July 30, who provided the letter to the FBI only last week. The senator states that she wanted to protect Dr. Ford’s identity and forwarded the letter only after a news report surfaced about it. She said nothing about the letter during the weeks-long process of interviews with the judge and the Senate’s confirmation process.

What could happen next

If Dr. Ford’s allegation prevents Judge Kavanaugh from being confirmed to the Supreme Court, it will be difficult for the Senate to confirm…

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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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12 die in chapel, sheltering from Typhoon Mangkhut

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12 die in chapel, sheltering from Typhoon Mangkhut

Many miners and their families took shelter in the chapel – a former workers’ dormitory which had been refurbished, when the landslide hit and a second one trapped them inside the building.

Authorities have said it is unlikely anyone survived but rescuers are digging through the mud and carrying bodies out on a stretcher. At least 35 people are thought to have died from the mudslide, with around 40 considered missing.

Soil, mud and rocks swallowed up two buildings and the chapel.

The typhoon ran through the tip of the Philippines with over 120mph winds resulting in 150,000 people being forced to leave their homes.

Itogon in Benguet province is a mining town in the north of the country and many surviving miners have volunteered to help clear up debris.

Local politician, Arnel Bahingawan, said most of those pronounced missing were those who decided to stay.

Four were killed in southern China – where it’s weakened to a tropical storm.

Itogon:

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 to your inbox every morning.

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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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Kirk Franklin forgives dying father who had him adopted

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Kirk Franklin forgives dying father who had him adopted

In an Instagram post, the Grammy-award winning performer posted a picture of himself and his biological father, who he has never met.

Explaining why he was finally able to forgive his father, he said: “Two days ago, I received an anonymous call that my biological father, who I never knew, has three-six months to live.

 

“I’ve lived my entire life hating this man.

“He and my biological mother gave me up for adoption, and it left me never feeling good enough….to this very day.

“I took my hate for him and used it as fuel to be the best father I could be for my own.

“But what I did wrong, is I never took that fuel, and turn it into forgiveness….and that is wrong. Wrong for him, me, and the God I proclaim to represent. How can I preach what I don’t practice?”

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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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Five Key Reasons Churches Become More Unified

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Podcast Episode #468

SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio

Church unity is an issue in many churches. Fighting, gossip, and bullying can really play havoc on unity. Today, we discuss why and how churches can become more unified.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Jesus wanted churches to be unified (John 17), but not many churches want unity.
  • The more outward-focused a church is, the less self-centered they will be.
  • The most important factor in church unity is having an outward focus.
  • One of the primary roles of deacons is to keep unity in the church.

The reasons for church unity which we discuss are:

  1. They have a community outward focus.
  2. They come through a crisis.
  3. They have leadership that keeps them on track.
  4. They have a low tolerance for gossiping and bullying.
  5. They have a clear and actionable vision statement.

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 Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At…

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

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Christian singer Carrie Underwood reveals miscarriages, how she ‘got mad’ at God

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Christian singer Carrie Underwood reveals miscarriages, how she ‘got mad’ at God

The country star, known for tracks including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before he Cheats”, said it was the first moment when she was honest with God about her feelings.

Underwood, who has a three-year-old son with her husband, told CBS News’ broadcaster Tracy Smith: “I had always been afraid to be angry. Because we are so blessed.

 

“And, my son, Isaiah, is the sweetest thing. And, he’s the best thing in the world.

“And I’m like, ‘If we can never have any other kids, that’s okay, because he’s amazing.’ And I have this amazing life. Like, really, what can I complain about? I can’t.

“I have an incredible husband, incredible friends, an incredible job, an incredible kid. Can I be mad? No.”

Underwood married her husband, NHL hockey player Mike Fisher in 2010, six years after she swept to victory in the American Idol talent contest.

Since then, the 35-year-old has sold 64 million records and been awarded seven Grammy awards.

Explaining how she wrestled with questions about her miscarriages, Carrie said: “In the beginning it was like, ‘Okay, God, we know this is, just wasn’t Your timing. And that is all right. We will bounce back and figure our way through it.’

“And got pregnant again in the spring [2017], and it didn’t work out.

“Got pregnant again, early 2018. Didn’t work out. So, at that point, it was just kind of like, ‘Okay, like, what’s the deal? What is all of…

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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’s Daily 18 September 2018 Devotional — Only God Can Truly Satisfy

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 18 September 2018 Devotional — Only God Can Truly Satisfy

Topic: Only God Can Truly Satisfy [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Tuesday September 18, 2018]

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true [they are accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy].” — Revelation 21:5 (AMP)

Nothing can satisfy your longing for God except communion and fellowship with Him. The apostle John wrote, And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever (1 John 2:17 AMPC).

The world makes it easy for you to fill your ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far into the background of your life. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away; when it does, God will still be there. Seek God earnestly today, and He will abide in you.

Prayer Starter: Father, I desire a deeper, closer relationship with You. Help me to make You a priority today and every day. 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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Teens Open Heaven 18 September 2018 – Success Strategy Required

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Teens Open Heaven 18 September 2018 – Success Strategy Required

Topic: Success Strategy Required [Teens Open Heaven 18 September 2018]

Memorise: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you. – John 15:16

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Ecclesiastes 4-6, 2 Corinthians 10

MESSAGE:

Apart from being loyal, courageous and ready to endure any level of hardship for the Kingdom, the one who would satisfy God’s thirst must be very careful and strategic in approach to kingdom assignments.

John 15:16 says you are not only to bear fruit, but your fruits must remain for you to satisfy the thirst of the King of kings. That means that it is not enough to win souls to the Lord, if they backslide or never make it to Heaven, your efforts will be futile. This is why you must be strategic and very careful in planning how you will satisfy the thirst of the King of kings.

Key Point: If you have no plan as to how to become great in Heaven, you may never attain heavenly greatness.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 15:

1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, 0 won’t you believe It?
Wonderful story of love.

Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, Wonderful story of love.

2. Wonderful story of love,
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.

3. Wonderful story of love:
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of Love.

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 Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 18 September 2018 – You Can Be Your Own Greatest Enemy

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TOPIC: You Can Be Your Own Greatest Enemy (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries Tuesday, 18 September 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 11:1-9

MEMORY VERSE: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27

The MESSAGE:

Beloved, many times we fail to put our bodies under strict control. You need to tell yourself the hard and bitter truth and deal with yourself more than you deal with the devil. The devil is not a greater enemy than you because God had already bruised his head over 2,000 years ago. Isaiah 54:17 says “No weapon fashioned against thee shall prosper and any tongue that rise against thee in judgement, thou shall condemn.” Note daily that your greatest enemy is yourself, your emotions, your flesh, your appetite and your lust. King Solomon hindered his glory because he refused to acknowledge and deal with the enemy within himself (1 Kings 11:1) when he went against the instructions of God and lived with strange women. Child of God, you can hinder your prayers, breakthrough and deliverance with your own hands. For example, lust, envy and bitterness can nullify all your prayer efforts.

Non payment of tithe slows down your progress. Dishonesty to your spouse makes you go round the cycles of life in pains and affliction. Murmuring and backbiting spiritual authority dry you up. Laziness in prayer and Bible study can ruin you forever. Your eating and sleeping habits are the enemies you need to deal with. Do you know that most of the problems of man are caused by his thoughts because the walls you built for yourself only confine you? Don’t forget that some people create their own storms and lament when it rains. That is why you must learn to see the hidden enemy of your life, which is you, and never blame others.

Remember that you can also be your best friend and supporter if you choose to. Your enemies know that they can put you in a form of pity party, depression, discouragement, self-hate and self-rejection, then, you have thoroughly settled to being a life-long enemy of yourself. Therefore, never hate yourself, tell yourself it is okay to fall and rise again, to make mistakes and learn from them, to cry today and laugh tomorrow. By doing this, you will leave your comfort zone, forge ahead and stop being your own worst enemy.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
REFUSING THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING THE FRIEND OF GOD.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The grace of God is sufficient for you to overcome that hidden enemy.

PRAYER POINTS:
MORNING
1. O Lord my Father, empower me to overcome my greatest enemy, in Jesus’ name.
2. O Lord, arise and subdue the flesh in my life, in the name of Jesus.
3. My Father, my Father, my Father, deliver me from the programmes and agenda of darkness, in Jesus’ name.

EVENING
4. O Lord, give me wisdom from above, in the name of Jesus.
5. O Lord my Father, deliver me from the cruel hands of the enemy within me, in Jesus’ name.
6. My Father and my Lord, let my life please You daily, in Jesus’ name.
7. My Father, arise and make me an instrument for the kingdom of God, 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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Our Daily Bread 18 September 2018 Devotional – Engraved on His Hands

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Our Daily Bread 18 September 2018 Devotional – Engraved on His Hands

Topic: Engraved on His Hands [Our Daily Bread 18 September 2018 Devotional]

Read: Isaiah 49:14–18, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30–31; 2 Corinthians 11:1–15

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16

In Charles Spurgeon’s many years at his London church during the 1800s, he loved to preach on the riches of Isaiah 49:16, which says that God engraves us on the palms of His hands. He said, “Such a text as this is to be preached hundreds of times!” This thought is so precious that we can run over it in our minds again and again.

Spurgeon makes the wonderful connection between this promise of the Lord to His people, the Israelites, and God’s Son, Jesus, on the cross as He died for us. Spurgeon asked, “What are these wounds in Your hands? . . . The engraver’s tool was the nail, backed by the hammer. He must be fastened to the Cross, that His people might be truly engraved on the palms of His hands.” As the Lord promised to engrave His people on His palms, so Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross, receiving the nails in His hands so we could be free of our sins.

If and when we’re tempted to think that God has forgotten us, we only need to look at our palms and remember God’s promise. He has put indelible marks on His hands for us; He loves us that much.

Prayer: Lord God, how vast is Your love for me! You keep me ever before You. I know You’ll never leave me, and I’m grateful.

The Lord engraves us on the palms of His hands.

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

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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