Three facts explain John McCain’s popularity

Today is John Sidney McCain III’s birthday. The war hero, longtime senator, and presidential candidate would have been eighty-two years old.

His body is lying in state in the Arizona state capitol today. A private service will be held at 10 a.m., then the public can pay their respects beginning at 2 p.m. local time.

Tomorrow, a memorial service will be held at North Phoenix Baptist Church, his home congregation. The event will be livestreamed on McCain’s website.

Friday, McCain’s body will lie in state inside the US Capitol Rotunda. Only thirty other people in US history have been so honored. His Senate colleagues and staff will honor him in an 11:00 a.m. ceremony, then members of the public will pay their respects from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, a televised funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. in the Washington National Cathedral. At McCain’s request, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama will deliver eulogies. On Sunday, McCain’s family will hold a private service at the US Naval Academy before laying his body to rest at the academy’s cemetery.

What explains John McCain’s abiding popularity across our land?

One: He put principles before politics

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called McCain “a great American patriot, a statesman who put his country first and enriched this institution through many years of service.” Such praise from a leader of his own political party is unsurprising.

But Chuck Schumer, a Democrat who serves as Senate Minority Leader, also honored McCain: “John’s dedication to the country and to the men and women who served it was unwavering. His life is a story of American heroism personified.” Other Democrats, from Barack Obama and Joe Biden to his fellow senators and Arizona constituents, have echoed Schumer’s praise.

McCain was a staunch conservative (he had a lifetime 81 percent conservative voting score with the conservative Club for Growth), but he worked with Democrats on…

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Northumberland vicar accused of groping plane passenger

Rev Peter McConnell allegedly touched a man on-board an overnight British Airways flight from Philadelphia to Heathrow last March, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

The 63-year-old vicar of St Helen’s Church in Longhorsley denies one charge of sexual assault.

 

The court heard that Rev McConnell moved to a seat next to the alleged victim and tried to engage in conversation, making “odd” comments which made him feel “very uncomfortable”.

The American student claimed the vicar had been drinking “pretty heavily”.

The court was also told Rev McConnell “apologised profusely” after the alleged incident.

Wikimedia Commons/Altair78

 

Rev McConnell said he neither touched the alleged victim nor engaged in graphic conversation with him.

The trial continues.

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Sir Cliff Richard says new album will reflect ‘bad period’ in his life

The 77-year-old singer, whose album Rise Up will be released on November 23, said its title and lyrics reflect the “bad period” he has been through.

Sir Cliff was recently awarded a substantial amount in damages after a judge ruled in his favour and found that BBC coverage of a police raid on his home in 2014, following a child sex assault allegation, was a “very serious” invasion of his privacy.

 

The music star announced his new 16-track album from London’s Abbey Road Studios, where he recorded his debut single Move It.

Move It was released 60 years ago, on August 29 1958.

Sir Cliff said: “I chose Rise Up as the title track because after the bad period I went through in my life, I’ve managed to Rise Up out of what seemed like a quagmire.”

He said he spent two years of his life where he “couldn’t sleep or think about anything”, and so he feels he has risen up.

Yui Mok/PA Wire

 

“I love the lyric ‘They’re never gonna break me down, they’re never gonna take me down, they know I’m gonna rise up feeling stronger’,” he added.

“It is always great to sing lyrics you can ‘feel’ and I really felt those words! So, I believe that we have the right title for the album and I am so thrilled in the way that it has turned out.”

Sir Cliff said he is excited that the record may be a “revival for me” and by the prospect of a new audience tuning in to listen…

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 29 August 2018 – Come Out Of Spiritual Ignorance

TOPIC: Come Out Of Spiritual Ignorance (Mountain Of Fire And Miracle Ministries Wednesday, 29 August 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-5

MEMORY VERSE: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” – John 3:6

The MESSAGE:

Nicodemus was initially attracted to Jesus because of the miracles he saw. He wanted to know more about Jesus and the doctrines that He taught. Nicodemus himself was a teacher of the Jews (John 3:10) but he lacked spiritual understanding of the kingdom of God and the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. As a Pharisee, he had lived by the strictest possible religious rules, but a day came when he chose to seek answers to the mysteries of the miracles of Jesus. He was a man of high moral character, deep religious hunger, and yet profound spiritual blindness but deeply sincere in his quest for greater knowledge. He confronted his spiritual ignorance in the most sincere way by approaching the One who could help him out. Unlike several of his fellow Pharisees, he opted out of hypocrisy and faced the fact squarely. There are many of us in the church today who are modern day Pharisees living by the strict religious rules and doctrines of our denomination but unfortunately wallowing in deep spiritual ignorance. We observe the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of our denomination but do not have knowledge of the Scriptures backing up such doctrines. We refrain from wearing trousers, jewelry, painted lips and faces, hair attachment, etc but do not have deep spiritual conviction why it should be so. We benefit from the outpouring of the miracles, signs and wonders in the fellowship, but do not have understanding of the most essential thing: the kingdom of God.

There are many of us today who occupy big positions in the church but are yet to encounter Christ. We claim to be born again but are yet to experience the new birth. We are high-ranking teachers, preachers and leaders in the church but are not in any way better than the unbelievers in attitude and conduct. We boast and express the confidence that we are going to heaven but fail to realise that we must experience a spiritual birth from above. We lack the Spirit of God (John 3:5), and the Word of God (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23-25) required imparting the life of God in us. We fail to realise that the evidence of salvation is the witness of the Spirit within (Romans 8:9), and that the Spirit enters our lives when we believe (Acts 10:43-48; Ephesians 1:13-14). When the Spirit enters your life, you become partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and from that time on, you begin to have appetite for the things of God (1 Peter 2:2-3). You will no longer have desire to go back to the foul things of the world that once appealed to you (2 Peter 2:20-22). You will daily feed on the word of God and grow into spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14) so that you can be steadfast in the faith. If these transformations have not taken place in your life, you need to come out of your spiritual ignorance and seek deeper relationship with Jesus today.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
MANY OF US TODAY ARE MODERN DAY PHARISEES LIVING BY STRICT RULES AND DOCTRINES OF OUR DENOMINATION BUT BLIND SPIRITUALLY.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You shall not lack the spiritual understanding of the kingdom of God.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Holy Spirit, reveal to me all the areas of spiritual ignorance in my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. Unteachable spirit, come out of my life and die, in the name of Jesus.
3. Cage of church position, holding my spiritual growth captive, break and release me, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. I shall not give up but my spiritual ignorance shall give up and die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Holy Spirit, open my spiritual eyes, in the name of Jesus.
6. Holy Ghost fire, purge my spiritual ears of every satanic blockage, in the name of Jesus.
7. My spiritual life, get out of the valley of ignorance and move to the mountain top by fire, 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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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 29 August 2018 Devotional — Our Number One Goal in Life

Topic: Our Number One Goal in Life [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Wednesday August 29, 2018]

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. — Colossians 3:2

Our number one goal in life as Christians should be Christlikeness. Jesus is the express image of the Father, and we are to follow in His footsteps. He came as the pioneer of our faith to show us by example how we should live and conduct ourselves. We should seek to behave with people the way Jesus did.

Our goal is not to see how successful we can be in business or how famous we can be. It is not prosperity, popularity, or even building a big ministry, but to be Christ-like.

The world doesn’t only need a sermon preached to them; they also need to see actions backing up what we say we believe as Christians. Our lives should make other people hungry and thirsty for what we have in Christ. The Bible refers to us as salt, which makes people thirsty, and light, which exposes darkness.

Many Christians have bumper stickers on their cars, or they wear some kind of jewelry that indicates they are believers in Jesus Christ. The world is not impressed by our bumper stickers and Christian jewelry; they want to see fruit of godly behavior. They want to see people who claim to be Christians living what they preach, not just preaching to others while it doesn’t seem to be working in their own lives.

Prayer Starter: Lord, help me today to be a good witness for You and truly show people what You are like. 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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Andrew Wommack 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional

Topic: Relieve Each Other’s Burdens [Andrew Wommack 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Luke 19:23 “Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”

The Greek word for “usury” means primarily “a bringing forth, birth, or offsprings.” It is used metaphorically for the profit received by a lender.

The Law of Moses attempted to protect both borrower and lender. In Israel, borrowing and lending was not for big, commercial enterprises but rather to help the poor and needy who lacked everyday necessities. In lending, the lender had the opportunity to help the poor in need. It was an act of love in which the lender actually lifted a burden by helping his fellow Israelite through a crisis, but was forbidden to charge usury. To relieve the burden of the poor, debts were released every seven years and property restored during the year of Jubilee.

In the New Testament, the practice of lending money at interest seemed to be accepted as normal business procedure. Although Jesus never condemned interest directly, in general, He was hard on the improper attitude toward riches and on the oppression of the poor, just as was the Old Testament. The principle of making money from someone else’s hardship is not really a godly way of doing business. It was permitted, and even encouraged in this instance, but Deuteronomy 23:19-20 makes it clear that interest was never to be charged to a fellow Israelite. Today, that would be equivalent to never loaning money with interest to a fellow Christian. Borrowing money is not condemned in scripture unless you interpret Romans 13:8 as speaking of borrowing. However, the scriptures make it clear that borrowing is not God’s best. Deuteronomy 28:12 lists never having to borrow as a blessing, while Deuteronomy 28:44 lists borrowing as a part of the curse of the law. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Also Read: Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

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

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Our Daily Bread 29 August 2018 Devotional – You Love Me?

Topic: You Love Me? [Our Daily Bread 29 August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Malachi 1:1–5, Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33

How have you loved us? Malachi 1:2

As a teenager, I went through the typical season of rebellion against my mother’s authority. My father died before I entered adolescence, so my mom had to navigate these turbulent parenting waters without his help.

I recall thinking that Mom didn’t want me to ever have any fun—and maybe didn’t even love me—because she frequently said no. I see now that she said no to activities that weren’t good for me precisely because she loves me.

The Israelites questioned how much God loved them because of their time in captivity in Babylon. But that captivity was God’s correction for their continued rebellion against Him. So now, God sent the prophet Malachi to them. His opening words from the Lord were, “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). Israel replied skeptically, inquiring as to how God has loved them, as if to say, “Really?” But God, through Malachi, reminded them of the way He had demonstrated that love: He had chosen them over the Edomites.

We all go through difficult seasons in life. We may be tempted to question God’s love for us during those times. Let’s recall the many ways He’s shown us His unfailing love. When we stop to consider His goodness, we find that He is indeed a loving Father.

Prayer: Lord, You have shown tender care for me over the course of my life. You’ve been present with me in difficult seasons. Help me to always remember Your love.

Our heavenly Father corrects us and comforts us.

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

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 29 August 2018 – You Hold the Key

Topic: You Hold the Key [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Matthew 16:19

The Greek text of that scripture would literally read, “I give you the keys of the kingdom. Whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies.”

The heaven Jesus was talking about there isn’t the heaven where God resides. He was talking about the battle zone, about the heaven where Satan’s forces are operating.

He was telling us that God has given us power to bind the wicked spirits in heavenly places and to loose the angelic powers of God to work in our behalf.

Philippians 2:9-10 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Where? In heaven, in earth and under the earth. That covers it all!

As believers, we have total authority over the powers of Satan. We can take authority over the evil spirits that are trying to destroy this nation. We can take authority over them in the Name of Jesus and pull down their strongholds.

It is time we began to realize how important we are to world affairs. Since the day Jesus gave us the Great Commission, the life or death of the world has been in the hands of the Church. We are the ones who have the mighty Name of Jesus and the awesome strength of the gospel to bring life and abundance to every creature. We are the ones whose prayers can change every office of authority in this land.

It’s up to you and me to begin to intercede right now and use the power God has given us. We may come from different lands with different backgrounds, but we all have one thing in common—Jesus Christ is our Lord. And that alone is enough to alter the spiritual complexion of this earth.

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-14

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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TREM 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional – You Reign Over Them All

Topic: You Reign Over Them All [TREM 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

Death is still reigning over those who are not in Christ. But the scripture says much more, everyone that has received grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life.

Child of God, you are righteous. I know your religious antenna has gone up and you are wondering how can I be righteous? By one man you became a sinner and by another man you became righteous! So stop looking at yourself and start looking at the man. And who is the man? JESUS!

I have said severally that whenever God is looking at you, He is not looking at you, He is looking at Jesus. The lamb that was slain, who kept the entire laws completely, without violating any. Jesus is the only lamb who kept the entire law perfectly. No man has ever kept the laws perfectly. That is why I burst the balloon of those who think they can make heaven by their efforts. Some people do say I will pray so that I can be righteous. I will pray so that I can go to heaven. Beloved, you cannot because righteousness is a gift. Jesus has paid the price in full.

The bible says those who have received the gift of righteousness shall reign in life. In Christ, you reign over circumstances. In Christ, you reign over challenges. Not when you get to heaven but here on earth. You reign over disappointment, over poverty, over barrenness, over miscarriage, over sin and over fear. You are a king over the situation that you are faced with. Praise God!

By the reason of the position that God has given to you, you reign over them all, that is why heaven fights your battle. Heaven has no choice but to provide for you. That is why I am sorry for those that are not born again because when you are born again heaven takes over your battles.

Further Reading: Romans 5:17-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 126-128; Evening- 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

“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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Seeds of Destiny 29 August 2018 – Keys to Conceiving Vision for Living

Topic: Keys to Conceiving Vision for Living [Seeds of Destiny 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6

Thought For The Day: A person who lives without a sense of purpose lives without profit.

Previously, we saw what visionless-ness can do in the life of a person; we saw that a life without vision is a life without a future; a person who lives without purpose lives without profit; the lack of vision equals the lack of urgency; a life of no vision is a life of no wisdom; a life of no vision is a life of no action.
It is important to know that knowing these tragedies that befall a visionless person is not enough but living a life of vision is necessary.

Therefore, how can one conceive a vision for life?
i) Ask God in prayer to fill your heart with the reason for your existence
This is a situation where a person asks God, ‘O Lord, why am I alive? What do You want to do with my life? What do You want me to be doing right now? Fill my heart oh! God with the reason for living.’ (Habakkuk 2:1-3).

ii) Live with a sense of purpose daily
Do not wake up and not know what to do until the day is over. Do not let a day, week or month go without achieving anything. Itemize what can be done to move your life forward spiritually and otherwise (Psalms 90:12).

iii) Disconnect from visionless people
There are many people who are going nowhere and they want you to go nowhere with them; disconnect from such visionless people. Love everyone but do not keep the association of anyone going nowhere (1Corinthians 15:33).

My counsel is, live with a sense of purpose; ask God to reveal who you are to you and pursue it. Disconnect from visionless people.

Remember this: A person who lives without a sense of purpose lives without profit.

Assignments:
1. Ask God to fill your heart with what to do.
2. Live with a sense of purpose.
3. Disconnect from visionless people.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You fill my heart with the right vision for living. I receive the grace to live with a sense of purpose and to disconnect from visionless people Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DEADLY ENEMIES OF DESTINY (PART 5).

Daily Bible Reading: Job 31:1 to 33:33, 2 Corinthians 3:1 to 18, Psalm 43:1 to 5, Proverbs 22:8 to 9

Amazing Fact: Shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

Today In History: 29/08/1828 – A patent was issued to Robert Turner for the self-regulating wagon brake.

Quote: Vision is the reason for existence. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche.

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 29 August 2018 – Keys to Conceiving Vision for Living appeared first on Flatimes.