US Report Says Colombia Coca Production Has Risen to Record High – Urban Christian News

The amount of land where peasants and drug traffickers harvest the plant used to make cocaine has surged to a record high in Colombia, a White House report said Monday, a boom that could further test historically close relations with the United States.

Annual data for 2017 says coca cultivation rose 11 percent to 209,000 hectares (516,450 acres), a level unseen in more than two decades of record keeping and $10 billion in U.S. counter-narcotics work. Estimated cocaine production increased 19 percent to 921 metric tons.

“President Trump’s message to Colombia is clear: The record growth in cocaine production must be reversed,” said Jim Carroll, deputy director for the drug policy office.

Coca production in Colombia has been steadily increasing since 2013, when negotiations with the now demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia got underway. The FARC had been one of Colombia’s biggest drug trafficking organizations, and many had hoped after the signing of the peace accord in 2016 that the country would put an end to the scourge for good.

Instead, new illegal armed groups have moved into the desolate jungle previously controlled by the rebel band and taken control of drug trafficking routes. Parts of the peace accord dedicated to eradicating coca and providing poor Colombians who make a living growing coca with a viable alternative also have struggled to get off the ground.

Combined with Colombia’s decision to end aerial spraying of herbicides on illicit crops in 2015 over health concerns, the amount of coca in the countryside continues to grow.

President-elect Ivan…

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The Family: God’s Delightful Place (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic — The Family: God’s Delightful Place (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

Welcome once again to this column. It has been indeed a great time of refreshing. This week, I shall be looking at: Satan’s Loopholes in the Family.

Every successful home is a threat to satan’s kingdom, which is why he would do anything to destroy it. Unfortunately, he gains entrance to many homes often through the woman. Remember, he gained access into the first home through Eve, and history always repeats itself.God’s Word says:But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

For this reason, men should protect their wives spiritually, to ensure that they do not engage in private discussions with hell, which can send them out of their “garden”. Once the woman is effectively shielded from satan, he will have difficulty in trying to penetrate the home.

Women are more susceptible to the attacks of satan, because of their roles in the home. She is usually more at home than the man, so she is more available to satan. He creeps in on her and tells her, “What makes you different from the man? Are you a slave? Have you forgotten that you are also educated as he (husband) is? Have you forgotten your placement in your office? There is no Jew nor Greek, male or female; the same Lord is rich over all.” If unguarded, the woman would be tempted to agree with him.

Somehow, satan is able to easily secure the attention of women, particularly when they are idle. He barrages them with all sorts of negative information, which in turn makes them unhappy. He often arrests them by painting a deadly picture of calamity and woe, which they readily accept. But unfortunately, some women claim that it was God that revealed such information to them, not recognizing that it came through “the prince of the power of the air.”

Woman, please learn to prove the source of the information that comes to you. Find things out for yourself from the Word of God, because nothing anybody says can make the Word of no effect. The destruction many families have experienced today came from information that had satanic sources.

Man, it is time to awake and chase satan out of your garden! Until you say, “Get thee behind this family, satan”, he will keep hanging around. As man’s eternal enemy, satan has vowed to pull down the family unit. God’s Word says: How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? (Deuteronomy 32:30). He wants to stop you from destroying his kingdom.

In the covenant, one can deal with 1,000, two, especially in marriage, are empowered to put 10,000 to flight! Satan knows this and wants to keep his kingdom, so he launches attacks on the family, to prevent them from destroying his kingdom. Since one family can destroy 1,000 demons, satan aims at destroying the 10,000 capacity destroyers. If he succeeds, he has preserved more demons to run errands for him.

Another reason the devil wants to gain entrance into families is found in I Peter 3:7; Likewise, ye husband, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

When a man and his wife are at variance with each other, their prayers are hindered, and they are disconnected from God. They may pray all the time, but there will be no response from heaven. Heaven will be shut, making it impossible for them to enjoy the harvest of whatever seed they may have sown.

The man, who opens up his home to malice or discord, has blocked his access to God’s blessing. Satan knows this, so he does all he can to see that there is rancour and strife between a man and his wife. Anytime you sense any animosity rising within you against your spouse, know that satan is seeking an inroad. Therefore, resist him steadfastly in the faith. Tell yourself that since you have no intention of having another home, you will not give satan a foothold in your family!

If you want to overcome satanic loopholes in your family this year, don’t miss this golden opportunity for salvation. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

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Omaha Zoo Finds Escaped Parrot Scared by Goodyear Blimp – Urban Christian News

A macaw that flew away from Omaha’s zoo after apparently being spooked by the Goodyear blimp has been found in a nearby neighborhood.

The Omaha World-Herald reports the macaw, named Cayenne, was out during the zoo’s Birds of Flight show Sunday morning when it was startled by the blimp drifting past. The bird flew out of an amphitheater and past the zoo’s boundaries.

Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium staff sought the public’s help, and on Monday morning a nearby resident tipped them off about the bird’s whereabouts.

Staffers spotted the bird, and after flying to another tree it came down when called.

The red, green and blue bird, which is a member of the parrot family, was returned to the zoo and quickly joined her sister in eating treats.

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Information from: Omaha World-Herald, http://www.omaha.com

Source: Associated Press

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DCLM Daily Manna 26 June, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Generational Blessings

Topic: Generational Blessings [DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday June 26, 2018]

Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-5 (KJV)

Key Verse: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

MESSAGE:

In the Pentecostal circles, people have come to use such words as ‘generational curse’ to mean repeated cases of ill-fated situations that might have been running through the family lines from an older generation to another. While Christians need to be wary of such sweeping generalisations, we must also be aware that one can indeed inherit or pass on generational blessing, rather than a curse.

Timothy, a young man whose father was Grecian and considered a Gentile by the Jews, was blessed with a Jewish grandmother Lois, who took her time to pass her faith to her daughter, Eunice who in turn, extended the blessing of knowing God to her son, Timothy, who later became a bishop to the entire city of Ephesus. What a legacy!

Many parents labour to leave behind a worthy heritage of houses, cars or a fat bank account to their children. But someone said whatever we live for our children as inheritance can never be equal to what we leave in them. From the patriarch Abraham to others who came after him, the knowledge of the true God had been preserved by passing the blessings from one generation to another. Although Isaac got much blessings from Abraham, he became richer than his father. He sent his son, Jacob, away with nothing to a faraway land, Padanaram, with nothing but “the blessings of Abraham”. Mind you, Jacob succeeded with much affluence to account for.

Whatever blessings we have and hope to bequeath to our children after us would not be complete until we leave with them the legacy of the faith in Jesus Christ. Every other property can be plundered or taken away; but no one can take away the faith, virtues, values, knowledge or godliness we leave within them.

Thought For The Day: Legacy inculcated within offspring are greater than properties left behind.

Bible Reading In One Year: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17

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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Teens Open Heavens 26 June 2018 – Mint Packages

Topic: Mint Packages [Teens Open Heavens 26, June 2018]

Memorise: He dissapointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. Job 5:12

Read: Job 5:12-16 (KJV)

12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

14 They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

15 But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

16 So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

Bible In One Year: Job 7-9, Acts 7:44-60

MESSAGE:

Jesus is the Alpha. This means He is the Beginning. Being the Beginning, He has control over every new thing. He watches the heart and discussions of men and spirits to know if there is any plan against His children. Whenever the wicked is gathered, He is present. He knows their thought and plans and frustrates them on behalf of His children.

Knowing the Beginning insures you against new disappointments, attacks, diseases, failures and death. Why? The Beginning will make sure that they do not start. New things can only start when the Beginning allows them to. Just walk in obedience to Him. Love Him with all your heart and worship Him. Your mint package is on the way.

Prayer Point: Father, dissapointed every fresh plans of the enemies against my life, family and destiny.

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

Hymn 10:

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Ev’rything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Ev’rything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a Friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer!

3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield You;
You wilt find a solace there.

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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TREM Devotional 26 June 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – Night Comes Before Day

Topic: Night Comes Before Day [TREM Devotional Tuesday June 26, 2018]

“And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:5

Many times, we get frustrated because things are not going as planned. Many believers turn around, look at the situation and abort their miracles by their words. They sit back and say the Word is not working; not because the Word lacks the power to accomplish, but because the people have not understood the process of God.

In our scripture today, we see God turn the order of things around. Normally morning comes before evening. So, you would have expected God to say “morning and evening were the ….” But not God. God knows the end from the beginning, and without making errors said: “evening and morning were the first day” and repeated Himself all through the 6 days of creation to show that it was not in error.

Beloved, what appears like a night season today is just before the break of dawn. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Don’t let the devil have the last laugh. Hold on to your profession. Say it over and over to yourself. Refuse to look at the negatives. Tell yourself that God will come through.

The truth is that the darkest part of the night is just before the break of dawn. What situation are you going through today? How dark does the night look? Don’t give up; like Jesus who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, you also should focus on the dream that you have. Focus on the testimony ahead. Be convinced that it will come to pass. Don’t waiver, stand firm and see God come through for you.

He has done it before. Remind yourself of the several times God has come through for you and then tell yourself that the God that did it before will do it again. If you don’t have a testimony of your own, take one from the Word, personalize it and it will come to pass.

Further Reading: Genesis 1: 5-31

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Job 5-7; Evening- Acts 8:1-25

“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 26 June 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche

Topic: What To Account For On The Judgement Day [Seeds of Destiny Tuesday June 26, 2018]

Scripture: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthian 5:10

Thought For The Day: Everyone will stand before God to account for his life on earth.

Our anchor Scripture makes it clear that everyone will stand before God one day to give account of his life and work on earth. A day is coming where we shall all be judged according to what we did on earth. It is an inescapable judgement.

Now it is important to know what we shall account for in order to order our lives correctly. What will you account for on the last day?

1. Your relationship with your Maker
You will account for the quality or bankruptcy of your relationship with your Creator on that day.

2. What you did with your time and resources
What you did with your time and your resources shall be accounted for.

3. Your relationship with your fellow human beings
The quality or bankruptcy of your relationship with people shall be accounted for.

4. Your life’s assignment and public service
How you carried out your life’s assignment and your disposition in public service would be accounted for.

5. How you lived your life generally
Both the things you know about yourself and the things no one knows about you will come under judgment when you appear before God.

Beloved, there are many people who have wasted their lives on earth and are already in eternity in hell. They are wishing to be given a second chance to amend their ways but it is already too late. You may claim not to have time for God yet you have time for night club and disco parties; God is watching you.

Beloved, God will bring your success under judgement; did you falsify receipt to make money or trampled on someone to go up in life? Are you fraudulent or corrupt? Can you justify every penny that you earned?

My counsel is, adjust your life today in order not to regret tomorrow. Everyone will stand before God to account for his life on earth.

Remember this: Everyone will stand before God to for account his life on earth.

Assignments:
1. Always live in the consciousness of eternity.
2. Ensure to live the best of life in order to please God

Prayer: Help me Lord, to live the best of my life on earth. Help to exist in the consciousness of serving You with fear and reverence Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE INEVITABLE APPOINTMENT AND THE INESCAPABLE JUDGEMENT.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9:14 to 10:31, Acts 17:1 to 34, Psalm 144:1 to 15, Proverbs 17:27 to 28

Amazing Fact: Bats always turn left when leaving a cave.

Today In History: 26/06/1819 – The bicycle was patented by W.K. Clarkson, Jr.

Quote: How you live on earth determines where you will end in eternity. Culled from 15 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL by Dr Paul Enenche.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to 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.

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Our Daily Bread Devotional 26 June 2018 – Set Free

Topic: Set Free [Our Daily Bread 26 Tuesday June, 2018]

Read: Romans 8:1–2, 15–17, Bible in a Year: Job 5–7; Acts 8:1–25

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

When I was a boy in the village, something about chickens fascinated me. Whenever I caught one, I held it down for a few moments and then gently released it. Thinking I was still holding it, the chicken remained down; even though it was free to dash away, it felt trapped.

When we put our faith in Jesus, He graciously delivers us from sin and the hold that Satan had on us. However, because it may take time to change our sinful habits and behavior, Satan can make us feel trapped. But God’s Spirit has set us free; He doesn’t enslave us. Paul told the Romans, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1–2).

Through our Bible reading, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit, God works in us to cleanse us and to help us live for Him. The Bible encourages us to be confident in our walk with Jesus without feeling as if we are not set free.

Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). May the freedom we have in Christ spur us on to love Him and serve Him.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for sometimes revisiting my past and forgetting that You have washed away my sins. Thank You for taking my burden and setting me free to enjoy living for You.

My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. Charles Wesley

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

This message was written By Lawrence Darmani [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Andrew Wommack Devotional 26 June 2018 – Jesus Found Him

Topic: Jesus Found Him [Andrew Wommack Tuesday June 26, 2018]

John 9:35 “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?”

It is one thing to seek God; it is quite another thing to have God seek you. Jesus sought this man out when others had forsaken him. The acceptance of Jesus is worth more than everything this world has to offer This is what enables the believer to endure and even leap for joy amidst persecution.

When our sufferings in Christ abound, then the consolation of Christ abounds much more. Notice that this man’s parents, who knew the truth, but refused to share it for fear of persecution, did not have Jesus seeking them out (Jn. 9:22). They chose the company of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees, which is exactly what they got.

Even though the believer is redeemed and delivered from many afflictions that were a result of sin and its power, we are still called to partake in what the scriptures call the “sufferings or afflictions of Christ” (2 Cor. 1:5; Col. 1:24). However, these afflictions are not sickness and poverty as some religious teachings suggest. These afflictions are described as the “fellowship of sufferings” that the believer will encounter for doing the will of God, or the sufferings brought on by one’s allegiance to Christ.

Persecution for righteousness’ sake is not something that we can rebuke (2 Tim. 3:12). We must remember that as we live godly lives, suffering will follow. The Apostle Peter reminds us that these trials of our faith will result in praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7). Jesus’ comfort, strength, help, and love are ready to “overflow” into every “trial” that we face if we will only look to Him (Heb. 12:2).

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack’s Daily Devotional HERE

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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Billy Graham Devotional 26 June 2018 – Energy Under Control

Topic: Energy Under Control [Billy Graham’s Devotional Tuesday June 26, 2018]

You are controlled by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living in you . . . — Romans 8:9 (TLB)

A harnessed horse contributes much more to life than a wild donkey. Energy out of control is dangerous; energy under control is powerful. God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. In His wisdom He knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the “paths of righteousness.” That is what God seeks to do with us; to tame us, to bring us under proper control, to redirect our energies. He does in the spiritual realm what science does in the physical realm. Science takes a Niagara River with its violent turbulence and transforms it into electrical energy to illuminate a million homes and to turn the productive wheels of industry.

Prayer for the day: Direct all my energy, Father, so that I may be a blessing to others.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

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