US migrant detained and 9 church members arrested trying to stop it

Samuel Oliver-Bruno had been living in a guest room at the City Well United Methodist Church for almost a year. 

He is originally from Mexico and came to America in 1994, got married and had a son,  but doesn’t yet have the correct documents to stay in the US. He’d been living at the church to avoid staff from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The advocacy group Alerta Migratoria NC said Oliver-Bruno went to have fingerprints taken so he could apply to stay in North Carolina with his wife and son.

On Friday, he was asked to report to a federal office in Morrisville, North Carolina for that appointment to provide a biometrics scan that is required to process his application to remain the US.

Although he went to the office with several of his church family, he was arrested in the building and dragged outside. His son Daniel was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an ICE officer. 

In the church’s account of what happened, they explain how this arrest is a violation of ICE policy as he was surrounded by his church and churches are deemed ‘sensitive locations’.

Sensitive locations are defined as places where children are and: 

  • Places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples;
  • Religious or civil ceremonies or observances, such as funerals and weddings; and
  • During a public demonstration, such as a march, rally, or parade.

Mr Oliver-Bruno was then taken to a detention centre as supporters tried to crowd the vehicle…

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Taiwan rejects same-sex marriage in advisory votes

This is despite the fact that a court ruling last year on same sex unions ordered for legislation to be made within the next two years to allow gay marriage as well. 

Many LGBT couples were hoping their island would be the first place in Asia to let same-sex couples share child custody and insurance benefits.

There was a series of votes on Saturday, including local elections with caused the President of Taiwan to quit. 

Several votes were proposed, each by different groups: one (Case 10) that marriage should stay defined in the civil code as being between a man and a woman (which received 7.6 million votes), one (Case 12) saying same-sex unions should be protected under a different law (6 million) and another (Case 14) asking if same-sex couples should have equal marriage rights (3 million). 

Although the ballot initiative is advisory only and politicians face the court deadline next year.

“The legislature has lots of choices on how to make this court order take effect,” said referendum proponent Chen Ke, a Catholic pastor in Taiwan and an opponent of same-sex marriage.

Opposition to same-sex marriage rose after the court ruling in 2017, as opponents held rallies and mobilised votes online.

Courts will still consider local marriage licensing offices in violation of the law by…

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Police map area where American missionary was killed by tribesman

John Allen Chau was apparently shot with arrows by islanders who then buried his body on a beach on North Sentinel Island, officers said.

Authorities will have to learn “nuances of the group’s conduct and behaviour” before attempting to recover the body of the 26-year-old, said Dependra Pathak, the director-general of police of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where North Sentinel Island is located.

During their visit to the island’s surroundings on Friday, investigators spotted four or five North Sentinel islanders moving in the area from a distance of about 500 metres from a boat and studied their behaviour for several hours, said Mr Pathak.

“We have more or less identified the site and the area in general,” he said.

Friday’s visit was the second boat expedition of the week by a team of police and officials from the forest department, tribal welfare department and coast guard, Mr Pathak said.

The officials took two of the seven people arrested for helping Mr Chau get close to the island in an effort to determine his route and the circumstances of his death.

Officials typically do not travel to the North Sentinel area, where people live as their ancestors did thousands of years ago.

The only contacts, occasional “gift giving” visits in which bananas and coconuts were passed by small teams of officials and scholars who remained in the surf, were years ago.

Indian ships…

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Protesters against Asia Bibi’s release arrested

She had been detained for eight years, away from her family, accused of blaspheming against the Muslim prophet Muhammad and insulting Islam. 

Asia Bibi was acquitted last month but, being a high profile religious freedom case around the world, her release attracted focused attention from those who want to kill her – either because they still believe she insulted Islam or because she has come to represent Christianity in a majority Muslim nation. 

Many of the protests after her acquittal were led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party and their leader Khadim Hussain Rizv. 

At one point they managed to strike a deal with the government that they would stop protesting if Asia Bibi was considered to be put on an exit control list which would mean she would be banned from leaving the country. 

1,100 people have now been arrested, according to Associated Press, after Prime Minister Imran Khan had asked them to stop the protests. 

However, Fawad Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting, wrote on twitter: “Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been taken into protective custody by police and shifted to a guest house.

“They insisted to come to Rwp (Rawalpindi – a city in Punjab) refusing Governments [sic] proposal for alternative arrangements. It’s to safeguard public life, property and order and has to do nothing with Asia Bibi case”

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 25 November 2018 — A Doubtful Mind

Topic: A Doubtful Mind [Joyce Meyer Devotional 25 November 2018]

Like many people, I assumed that doubt and unbelief were the same, because we usually put them in the same context. In recent years, however, I’ve learned that there is a difference. Obviously, doubt and unbelief do not honor God, but I want to show you how they function in different ways.

The story of the prophet Elijah is an excellent picture of doubt at work. King Ahab was the most evil leader the people had known. Elijah declared that because of Ahab’s wickedness, no rain would fall until he, the prophet, said so. For the next three-and-a-half years, drought scourged the land.

Now, that’s a pretty clear picture. There had been sufficient rain before Elijah’s declaration—but after he spoke, the skies quit yielding water. That is pretty obvious. Who would question God or His prophet? But apparently, the people’s fear of Ahab—as well as the lack of rainfall—caused their minds to be filled with questions.

Elijah finally called all the people together, along with the king and the false prophets, and asked them why they doubted. Why were they caught between two possible answers? That’s what doubt really is. Doubt isn’t simply unbelief—it’s more of an attitude that says, “I believe, but . . .” or, “I want to believe, but . . .”

Doubt often comes to reside where faith once lived. Doubt is active opposition to faith, and it tries to push faith aside. The people had believed the prophet, but as time wore on—three-and-a-half years—apparently questions arose, and uncertainty crept in.

If Elijah really did this, he ought to stop it right now. Maybe it just happened. Or, How do we really know that was the word of God? As soon as they seriously asked themselves these questions, they opened the door for Satan to bring doubt into their minds.

Doubt never comes from God—it is always in opposition to His will.

In writing to the Romans, Paul pointed out that the Lord gives each of us a measure of faith (see Romans 12:3). When we cling to that faith, we push away doubts. But when we allow questions to enter in—any kind of uncertainty that takes our minds away from God’s wonderful work in our lives—that’s doubt.

It is also a subtle, sneaky entry point for our enemy. He plants doubt in our minds, hoping it will cause us to oppose God. We probably don’t think of doubt as something that strong, but it is—it’s the first step of opposition to what God declares. That’s why we need to know God’s Word. If we know the Word, we can recognize it when the devil lies to us and causes us to question.

Elijah wouldn’t allow the people of his day to move back and forth from doubt to belief. He made the options clear: Believe the true God or believe a false idol. Don’t fall into the trap of saying you believe in God when your heart is filled with doubts and questions. Choose true faith and say, “Lord, I believe. I may not always understand, but I trust You.”

Prayer Starter: True and faithful God, in the past, I’ve been weak, allowing Satan to make me question You, Your love, and Your plans for my life. Not only do I ask You to forgive me, but I also ask You to teach me Your Word and strengthen me so that Satan can never trick me again. Thank You for hearing my prayer. 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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Be A Life Long Learner By David Ibiyeomie

Be A Life Long Learner By David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Be A Life Long Learner

Prov.24:5 –A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

A wise man said that destiny is like stock exchange – it changes per day based on the value attached to it. Don’t be deceived that you will still be in the same level with your classmates or peers in the future because twenty children don’t play together for twenty years. By destiny, you are not rated the same with your peers. To raise your class in destiny, you must do something that others are not doing though you sit in the same class. You need to go the extra mile to enhance your result if you must boost your destiny level.

There is nothing like destiny mates because when you don’t make investment others are making in their lives, you will not get their kind of results. The clothes you buy provide coverings for the body but the knowledge you acquire provide covering for your destiny.

Also Read: Knowing God Personally by David Ibiyeomie

Go for knowledge rather than majoring on material things that will not last. The knowledge you acquire can buy clothes cars and houses for you in the future but you have to prioritize your needs. Learners are open hearted; ever sensitive to research and know new things.

Prov.4:5-6 –Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

When a man’s quest for learning stops, his relevance ceases. Never stop seeking for new ideas and knowledge. Learning should be a lifestyle to you. Always go for self-improvement studies; that is the only way you can add value to your destiny.

Change your priority today; go for more information instead of wears so you can secure your colorful destination. Your value system matters a lot in determining the destiny of your life. It is not the clothes you wear that matters; it is the value you wear that matters most.

Prov.18:15 – An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Learning is designed to be a life-long program. A wise man said: Formal education will make you a living but self-education will make a fortune for you. Find out who have excelled in the area of your interest and study to know how they began, the challenges they faced and the secret of their success; then equip yourself with the knowledge and improve on them so you can excel as well.

Have a value-driven lifestyle by tirelessly investing in learning. Develop a culture of constant learning that will create your future. You have a great future but you need to make a great investment into your destiny for that glorious future to emerge.

God bless you

Also 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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TREM Devotional 25 November 2018 – God Will Sustain You Under Any Situation

Topic: God Will Sustain You Under Any Situation [TREM Devotional 25 November 2018]

“And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.” 1 Kings 17:6 KJV

When there was famine in the days of Prophet Elijah, he was not affected. God sustained him. That is why I can assure you that the negative economic situation will not affect you. God knows how to make a distinction between His own and the world. Famine came to Egypt but in Goshen there was no famine. When there was problem all over Egypt, Goshen was separated. God will always make a distinction between those who serve Him and those who don’t. Expect it to happen! It just must happen!

Now consider how God sustained His servant. Look at the miracle there! If you understand very well, the raven is a carnivorous bird that eats flesh. And don’t forget the birds were also in recession because the animal kingdom was affected. The natural thing for the raven to do was to get the meat and eat. But there was a commandment already issued by the Most High God.

Understand beloved, that there is a commandment by God to sustain you under any situation. The commandment has already gone forth and the Word of God can never be violated. So, in every challenge and in every shaking, there is always a commandment from the lips of the Almighty to ensure that His people are not part of it. Don’t ever allow the enemy to limit you. We are serving a limitless God. What time is best for God to bless His people than now.! When is the best time for God to give you that house you want to build? It is now that the global economy is on a somersault. God is set to shine through you and you will astound your world. Lift your eyes and see His supernatural provisions.

Further Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-6, Philippians 4:19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 24-26; Evening- 1 Peter 2

“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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MFM Daily Devotional 25 November 2018 – Divine Power That Changes Rules

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 25 November 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Divine Power That Changes Rules

TOPIC: Divine Power That Changes Rules (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 25 November 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10:11-14

MEMORY VERSE: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:14

The MESSAGE:

Rules are principles or regulations governing conduct, action, procedure and arrangement, etc., of a group of people. There are also rules (sometimes called laws) of nature, which are original, fundamental, native and at times customary. The laws of nature are fixed. For example, whatever goes up must come down; this is called the law of gravity. It is also natural law that the sun and the moon must be up at different times to carry out their natural activities. Ordinarily, you do not disobey or change the laws or rules on your own will and go scot-free. The devil himself has a “legal” backing to attack you at such times. Therefore, to change the rules is to break the law. It is acting against constituted authority. It amounts to bending the laid down rule. The question now is, can an ordinary man break or reverse natural law?

The answer is No. But when a man is backed by the power of God, he can break any law. Satan breaks laws and rules and the consequence of this, of course, is eternal destruction. There are, however situations that a man will find himself, and God, the Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, the creator of everything can decide to suspend the rules. From the Fire Scripture, Joshua was in circumstances that needed the sun and the moon to stand still and the Lord suspended the laws guiding the sun and the moon. They stood still until the people had avenged themselves of their enemies. Therefore, only God has the supernatural power to change or suspend rules. By the resurrection power of God, the rule of death was suspended at the tomb of Lazarus.

Beloved, many rules are restricting the people of God from moving forward. Instead of complaining, we only need to call on God that has the power to change rules to arise on our behalf. We have prayer of “whether I deserve it or not” as one of the prayers that change laws or rules. There are positions one cannot attain by the standards and laws of man, but with God, a person considered not qualified can get there. There are levels a man may seem not to be able to attain due to his family foundation and background, but with God, the foundation will be corrected and the person gets to the level.

For rules to be changed or suspended for your sake, so as to break all hurdles of life, you must be prayerful, be available for God’s use like Joshua and render quality service and praise to God. Is there any law working against you? Are you being limited or relegated or declared unqualified in the place of your heart’s desire? The good news is that the rules can be changed. Ask for the power. Have you been told that after the age of menopause, no conception, or is there any other medical law limiting you? This morning stand up and pray for God to change every law hindering the manifestation of your miracles.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
EVERYTHING GOD DOES IS ACCORDING TO A PATTERN AND BASED ON A PRINCIPLE OF HIS KINGDOM.

PROPHETIC WORD:
For you to manifest and shine, the sun and the moon shall stand still for your sake.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Every power relying on any law or rules to enforce affliction upon my life, I nullify you, in Jesus’ name.
2. Every plan and evil imagination against my advancement, die, in the name of Jesus.
3. Resurrection of affliction and repeated problems in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Every law of hindrance assigned against my moving forward, break by fire, in Jesus’ name.
5. Every rule of stagnancy assigned against my promotion, break by fire, in Jesus’ name.
6. Every man made constitution that is saying ‘No’ to my bright future, be reversed, in the name of Jesus.
7. O Lord my Father, change whatever needs to be changed for my life to move forward, 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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Teens Open Heavens 25 November 2018 – Mistakes in Your Favour

Topic: Mistakes in Your Favour [Teens Open Heavens 25 November 2018]

Memorise: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? James 2:4

Read: Galatians 1:23-24 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 34-35, 1 Peter 2

MESSAGE:

The mistakes of your past can play a part in God’s plan for your life if you let Him handle them. Some of us are good Christians today because of certain errors we made in the past. The reason I cling to God persistently is because I know there is no real alternative to Him, so even when I make a mistake I immediately return to God, ask for His mercy, learn from that mistake and resolve never to make such mistake again; it is when you have this attitude to mistakes that your mistakes will eventually be in your favour.

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

When you make mistakes, what do you do? Do you accept your mistakes or try to explain it away? Some even shift the blame and allow other people to take the consequences of their mistakes. You can’t genuinely go to God and ask for His mercy if you do not accept that you have made a mistake. Do you learn from your mistakes? In every mistakes there is a lesson to be learnt, and if you don’t learn that lesson, you will surely make that mistake again. Making mistakes isn’t usually the problem, what you do after the mistake is made is the real issue. What do you do when you make mistakes? Be wise.

Key Point: When you make a mistake, consciously and carefully list out the decisions you made that led to that mistake. Make sure the mistake isn’t repeated.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 12:

1. Let us with a gladsome mind
Praise the Lord for He is kind:

Chorus
For His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.

2. God, with all-commanding might,
Filled the new-made world with light:

3. All things living He doth feed;
His full hand supplies their need:

4. Let us then with gladsome mind
Praise the Lord, for He is kind:

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 25 November 2018 – Consecrated For Life

Topic: Consecrated For Life [DCLM Daily Manna 25 November 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Numbers 6:1-12 (KJV)

Key Verse: “All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD“ (Numbers 6:8).

MESSAGE:

It is amazing how God demonstrates His love and affinity for fellowship with an earthen vessel like man. Encouraging also is how God would like to pour His Spirit, power and presence into His chosen human vessel. A typical example of this kind of choice and affection is found in Samson, the military judge of Israel. He was consecrated for life as a Nazarite right from the womb by the Almighty God to fight His enemies and deliver Israel from Philistine bondage.

Every consecrated man or woman in Israel observed some strict rules according to the Mosaic Law. Such individuals must not indulge their appetite in any alcoholic beverages (Numbers 1:34). They were required not to shave their hair – a unique look that distinguished them from others and they were not to touch or come close to any dead body no matter how close such might be to them. These rules are visible signs of the Nazarene’s separation and willingness to bear the burden for Jehovah.

Today, we have a perfect example of a truly consecrated life in Jesus, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:26). God calls His children to total consecration in this new dispensation. Attaining the spiritual heights is now possible through the all-sufficient grace of Christ, which we obtain when we accept Him as Lord and Saviour, believe His word and remain connected to Him for a lifetime.

Living a truly consecrated life is the standard experience that God calls every believer into now and always. We cannot afford to fall short of it. We must maintain our consecration in Christ to the uttermost.

Thought For The Day: To be fit for heaven, you must consecrate all to Christ today.

Bible Reading In One Year: Galatians 4-6

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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