John Adams thought today would be Independence Day

John Adams attended the Second Continental Congress, which began meeting in Philadelphia on July 1, 1776. The next day, the delegates voted in favor of America’s independence.

On July 3, Adams wrote to his beloved wife, Abigail: “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.”

He added: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

He was off by two days.

John Adams was a Harvard-educated lawyer who led our nation’s negotiations for peace with Great Britain. From 1785 to 1788, he was minister to the Court of St. James’s in London. He returned to become our nation’s first vice president and later was elected our second president.

He was one of the most brilliant and accomplished men in American history. How could he have gotten the birthday of our nation wrong?

On July 4, the delegates in Philadelphia adopted Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. History would celebrate their decision as the birthday of the new nation, even though they only formalized what they actually decided two days earlier.

(By the way, the delegates did not actually sign the Declaration for another month, but that’s another story.)

We cannot see the future in the present

The significance of the moment can seldom be seen in the moment.

When Noah began building his ark, no one outside his family believed it would be used to save humanity. When Moses demanded that the most powerful man on earth let his slaves go free, few thought it would happen.

Joseph in his dungeon, Joshua marching around Jericho, David facing Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den,…

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Christian pro-life campaigner loses High Court bid to challenge prayer vigil ban

Ealing Council was the first in the country to create a 100-metre protest-free “buffer zone” outside a Marie Stopes clinic in the west London borough following protests.

Christian mother Alina Dulgheriu, of the Be Here For Me campaign argued the ban was an unlawful interference with the protesters’ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights – including the right to freedom of expression.

But the case was dismissed on Monday by Mr Justice Turner, who found the ban does interfere with activists’ rights but said the council was “entitled” to conclude it was a “necessary step in a democratic society”.

 

The judge added: “There was substantial evidence that a very considerable number of users of the clinic reasonably felt that their privacy was being very seriously invaded at a time and place when they were most vulnerable and sensitive to uninvited attention.

“It also follows that, in this regard, I am also satisfied that the defendant (council) was entitled to conclude that the effect of the activities of the protesters was likely to make such activities unreasonable and justified the restrictions imposed.”

The public spaces protection order (PSPO) came into force in April after reports of “intimidation, harassment and distress” for women using the facility on Mattock Lane.

Clinical operations manager John Hansen-Brevetti said women had been told that the ghost…

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Protesters fight Trump’s immigration policy that is ‘not the way of God’

Rev Julie Hoplamazian – an Episcopal priest marching in Brooklyn – said: “It’s important for this administration to know that these policies that rip apart families – that treat people as less than human, like they’re vermin – are not the way of God, they are not the law of love.”

It was the latest act of mass resistance against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

 

There were more than 700 marches, from immigrant-friendly cities like New York and Los Angeles to conservative Appalachia and Wyoming.

They gathered on the front lawn of a Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas, near a detention centre where migrant children were being held in cages, and on a street corner near Trump’s golf resort at Bedminster, New Jersey, where the president is spending the weekend.

Trump has backed away from family separations amid bipartisan and international uproar.

His “zero tolerance policy” led officials to take more than 2,000 children from their parents as they tried to enter the country illegally, most of them fleeing violence, persecution or economic collapse in their home countries.

Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP

 

Those marching Saturday demanded the government quickly reunite the families that were already divided.

A Brazilian mother separated from her 10-year-old son more than a month ago approached the microphone at the Boston rally.

“We came to…

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Three Ways Churches Think They Are Known in Their Communities

Usually when I ask a question on social media, I expect a decent number of responses. Church leaders and members are typically gracious to me and share their opinions readily.

But when I asked a question about the reputation of their churches in the community, I was inundated with responses. Many wanted to share the good and the bad. Perhaps the most intriguing facet of the study was the three distinct groups in which the responses fell.

The question was simple: “What is your church known for in its community?”

Within a few minutes of my post, many responses came forth. After I read and added all of them, I saw three patterns emerge.

  1. About one-half of the churches are known for ministries that require the community to come to the church itself. Great preaching. Incredible worship services. A friendly church. Great events at the church. How our members care for one another. You get the picture. These are all great responses, but they require the community to come to the church. If community members do not set foot on the church’s campus, they will never know about the ministries of the church. For the majority of the churches, the idea of community ministry is “you come to us.”
  2. About one-fourth of the churches cited great ministries in and to the community. Partnering with schools in the community. Serving the community with food and clothes. Medical and dental ministries. Ministries to families, parents, and children in the community. The list goes on and on. It was exciting to read…

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 2 July 2018 Devotional — Keep Your Promises

Topic: Keep Your Promises [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Monday July 2, 2018]

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]. — Philippians 2:14 (AMPC)

There are times when I make a commitment to do something that later I regret. Then I try to figure out some way to get out of doing what I said I would do. I argue, “God, surely You don’t want me to do this thing and miss this other great opportunity.”

The only thing the Lord ever says to me is, “You gave your word, Joyce. Be a woman of integrity, and I will bless you.” If we are people of integrity, God will bring other good opportunities around another time with even more blessings.

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to always be a person of integrity. Help me to honor You by keeping my word and doing what I say I’ll do. 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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Is the Body of Christ Being Too Hard on Mark Driscoll?

Mark Driscoll made an appearance at the Hillsong Conference via a pre-recorded interview.
Mark Driscoll made an appearance at the Hillsong Conference via a pre-recorded interview. (File)

 

Join us on our new podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.Mark Driscoll made an appearance at the Hillsong Conference, but not the way it had initially been planned. Appearing in a pre-recorded interview with Hillsong’s Brian Houston, the ousted pastor told his peer some of the hardships he’s experienced since the fall of Mars Hill.”I made a lot of mistakes… and one of them was going too fast,” Driscoll told Houston. “There’s the Lord’s calling, but also the Lord’s timing. I should have waited longer. I should have been under godly, spiritual authority, under a senior pastor. My character was not caught up with my gifting. I did start too young. I wouldn’t look at any 25 year old now and say, yes, do what I did.”Driscoll was initially scheduled to be a speaker at the conference, but his appearance was cancelled after a change.org petition circulated demanding the Hillsong staff disinvite him.”By inviting Mark Driscoll to speak on the Hillsong platform, Hillsong are both endorsing and legitimizing Mark’s messages about women and ignoring the concerns being repeated by many across the US and UK about his abusive behavior, which has been corroborated by ex-members and ex-leaders of Mars Hill Church,” the petition read.”There is no way for me to say that I have always acted with grace or with appropriateness,” Driscoll responded in his interview. “There has been anger. I don’t believe that every day I was a combative, maybe a loud-mouthed person, but certainly, sadly, that was part of my ministry, and I think that can be confusing for people.”Driscoll stepped down from leadership at Mars Hill church last year following reports that he had become overbearing, domineering and confrontational. The church later dissolved and fetched millions when sold on an open market. After his tenure as pastor, Driscoll returned to the spotlight with his ministry website. The Charisma Podcast Network is now live. Featuring a variety of programs including news, leadership, inspiring stories, women’s topics, sports, and even more.

Source : Charisma News

David Ibiyeomie: Provoking Divine Favour

Topic: Provoking Divine Favour

This is your time to be favoured but you can only access the favour of God if you believe it, see it, receive it, declare it so you can have it. What you don’t say, you can’t get. Anything you are too careful to proclaim, don’t expect to have it.

2 Cor. 4:13 -We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

If you don’t speak it, it will not happen. If God never said ‘Let there be light’, there wouldn’t have been light. There cannot be a creative force until your mouth says something. So, if you believe that it is time to favour you, then you have to open your mouth and say it out. Every time you keep your mouth closed, you have closed your creative miracle.

Psalm 5:12 -For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

This means you are going to be clothed with favour morning, afternoon and night in the name of Jesus! When God favours a man, labour stops; labour continues where favour is absent. Labour cannot be equated with success. Israel labored for 430 years; so hard work does not equal success.

Psalm 127:1 -Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

That you are working hard does not mean that you must be successful. It is hard work plus favour that eliminates hard life. I came to announce to you that that long labour will end today in Jesus name!

When God’s favour is at work in a man’s life, he cannot be killed; favour preserves from death and destruction.

Gen. 37:20 -Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Joseph’s brothers tried to kill him but they could not because he was a man with a dream and favour of God upon his life. I announce to you that from today, no force in hell will be able to kill you after now! God’s purpose for your life shall be fulfilled in Jesus name!

Isaiah 54:17 -No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

Everyone that has spoken against you is condemned today! All their plans will are frustrated! No man can bury your destiny! God’s favour will distinguish you in the name of Jesus!

Isaiah 41:10-11 -Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

From today by the favour of God, nobody fights against you and succeed! Everyone ganging up against you is already on the floor is the name of Jesus! They shall come in one way and shall flee in 7ways! From this day, anyone pursuing you, my God will pursue them in 7ways in Jesus name!

When God’s favour is at work in your life, you will be blessed even in foreign lands. In Gen 39, Joseph was so blessed in a foreign land though he was a slave in a foreign land. That is why I know that you will manage the company and economy of nation! People you never knew will send for you in the name of Jesus!

In Dan. 1, Daniel became a governor in a strange land. That is why after this day, the wealth of the state and nation you are residing will be delivered to you!

In Gen. 26, Isaac prospered where the Philistines were dying of hunger; I prophesy to you, in the midst of economic crisis, you will be going up! You will be favoured above every other person! Favour will make you prosper in that strange land! By the supernatural favour of God, things will turn around for your sake! When God’s favour comes, laws are suspended; that is why I know that today’s favour will change your story! Natural laws will be suspended for your sake in the name of Jesus –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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David Oyedepo: Unveiling Vital Keys to Unlocking the Supernatural!

Topic: Unveiling vital keys to unlocking the supernatural!

Welcome to July! I have no doubt that everyone must have been successfully launched into the realms of financial dominion by a fresh understanding of covenant terms as unveiled all through the month of June, 2018. This month, we shall be focusing on the supernatural and how every child of God can operate therein. However, this week, we shall examine the topic: Unveiling Vital Keys to Unlocking the Supernatural!

From scriptures, we discover that every believer is redeemed to be a commander of the supernatural and thus loaded with supernatural virtues (Mark 16:20). Therefore, we must understand the supernatural content of our redemption before we can effectively unlock it. Remember, the supernatural was the trade mark of Christ’s activities on the earth and that should also be our heritage. This simply implies that whatever others find difficult to achieve or conquer should be effortless to us because we are to operate in the supernatural as Christ did. Jesus speaking said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12; see also John 10:38).

Moreover, it is important to know that every manifestation of the supernatural is a confirmation of the Word of God we have put to work. So, the Word we know and put to work is the force that commands the supernatural (Proverbs 18:21). In addition, it is written: And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs (Exodus 4:17). And Jesus is the rod that came forth from the stem of Jesse and He is the living Word of God (Isaiah 11:1). Also, because we are operating in the realm of the supernatural; we are to be wondered at since we have been repositioned as a wonder to our world and the Bible says the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21; Colossians 1:27).

However, it is important to know that we live in a Kingdom that operates principally on keys. Hence, ‘key’ here simply connotes revelation and it means having access to what has already been provided for by God at redemption (Matthew 16:19; Luke 11:52).

Having established the fact that redemption has made the supernatural our natural realm and also that the Kingdom of God operates principally on keys, let’s ponder on some required vital keys to unlocking the supernatural.

What then, are the Vital Keys to Unlocking the Supernatural?

Commitment to Spiritual Growth and Development: Spiritual growth is a non-negotiable requirement (key) in unlocking the supernatural. Thus, it’s not about how long we have been born again but the depth of our knowledge in the Word of God, which makes the difference. Remember, maturity is not a function of age but of depth. For instance, at the age of twelve, the Pharisees were astonished at the understanding Christ possessed (Luke 2:46-47). Likewise, at the age of 17, David, who knew what God can do, brought down the head of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37/49-51). However, to experience spiritual growth and development, we must be ready to learn by being under tutors as seen in this scripture: Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father (Galatians 4:1-2).

Commitment to Engaging Biblical Mentality in our Approach to the Issues of Life: At redemption, we became spirit beings. That means our dominion has been restored and we now possess a God given authority over the things that harass others. For it is written: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6). As a result of this dominion, we need biblical mentality to sustain our command of the supernatural. Also, we must possess the mentality of the supernatural in our approach to the issues of life because that is where we belong to in Christ. Furthermore, until our mind is renewed; our lives cannot be transformed. We must see ourselves the way God sees us from the pages of scriptures before we can function effectively in the realm of the supernatural. The Bible records: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Proverbs 23:7; see also Ephesians 4:23; Luke 17:21).

Be Committed to Serving God and the Interest of His Kingdom: When we are genuinely committed to serving God and the interest of His Kingdom, what consumes others cannot consume us because serving God can turn anyone to a wonder. For example, we saw in the story of Daniel, how God made him a wonder to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:17-18/24-28). Thus, this helps us to understand that serving God unlocks the supernatural without sweat. No doubt, making God our priority for living turns us to a living wonder among men; thereby adding to us all things that others are dying to get (Matthew 6:33). Also, there are blessings that accrue to those committed to serving God and the interest of His Kingdom. The Bible says: And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee (Exodus 23:25-26; see also Job 36:11; John 14:21, 15:16; Genesis 12:3).

In conclusion, to operate in the supernatural, we must have a proven new birth experience not mere spiritual activity as others do (John 3:8). Thus, we must understand that God is no respecter of persons; if we are too big to be saved; then, we are too big to operate in the supernatural. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural, Commanding the Supernatural and All you need to have all your needs met.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

Please click HERE to read other inspiring MESSAGES by Bishop David Oyedepo 

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Mexicans Weary of Spiraling Violence and Corruption Vote in Historic Election – Urban Christian News

Mexicans weary of spiraling violence and corruption voted Sunday in an election pitting a leftist populist promising to oust the ruling elite against rivals who warn that he would lead the country to economic disaster.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO, has said he will transform Mexico if he wins this his third bid for the presidency, vowing to oust the “mafia of power” he says has looted the country and rule for the poor.

“There is a lot of inequality, a lot of violence in this country,” said Lopez Obrador voter Hugo Carlos, 73. “This situation has to be changed.”

While Lopez Obrador, 64, held a commanding lead in polls, he worried many who fear he could set the country back decades with an interventionist economic policy.

“I am concerned that some candidates are making proposals that are impossible, because they’re very expensive to carry out,” said Juan Carlos Limas, 26, who lined up at a Mexico City precinct to vote for Ricardo Anaya, who is running second in polls for a right-left coalition.

Lopez Obrador, who cast his ballot early Sunday, has pledged to give scholarships or paid apprenticeships to youth, and increase support payments for the elderly.

All the candidates are lambasting President Donald Trump’s policies against migrants and Mexico, but voters were wondering who could best deal with Trump.

Sunday’s elections for posts at every level of government are Mexico’s largest ever and have become a referendum on corruption, graft and other tricks used to divert taxpayer money to officials’ pockets and empty those of the…

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TREM Devotional 2 July 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – Faith Comes By Hearing

Topic: Faith Comes By Hearing [TREM Devotional Monday July 2, 2018]

“So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

The Bible doesn’t say faith comes by having heard. The bible doesn’t say faith comes by reading. No! Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The faith that will enable you take what grace has supplied comes by hearing. It comes by hearing. The two ears are given to us to hear something. There is something about hearing. There is something that takes place in your spirit man by hearing the word of God. That is why, any church where the word is not taught and the people are not hearing the word, you can mesmerize them. You can stomp on them! You can molest them! You can abuse them whichever way you want because they don’t know anything.

The book of Romans 10:14 says: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Also 1 Corinthians 1:21 says: “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

It pleased God, that through the foolishness of preaching the Word, those who believe will be saved. Remember that they cannot believe in Him of Whom they have not heard. And they cannot hear without a preacher? Then he says, God used foolishness, the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe; because as the word is being preached, Rhema goes forth. The Rhema is what makes you act. The Rhema is what makes you move. You just know that something moved you. You took a step and then the power is released.

Further reading: Romans 10: 10-17, 1 Corinthians 1: 18-21,

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Job 22-24; Evening- Acts 11

“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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