Canterbury Cathedral pins visitor slump on terrorism

Approximately 875,000 paying guests passed through the tenth century landmark last year, compared to nearly 1,070,000 in 2007.

Bosses believe the slump has been particularly stark since the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015 when two brothers forced their way into the Paris office of a satirical newspaper and killed twelve people.

 

Director of visits and marketing at the cathedral, Therese Heslop told Kent Online: “Visitor numbers have gone down ever since Charlie Hebdo, and terrorism continues to affect the tourism industry, and especially major tourist attractions.”

Canterbury Cathedral was ranked at the 19th-most visited attraction in the UK ten years ago. By last year, it had slipped to 43rd.

Therese Heslop went on to say: “In terms of money, we are talking [about a loss of] between £200,000 and £250,000 a year.”

 

Visiting school children from continental Europe have traditionally been a major source of revenue for the World Heritage Site, comprising of a quarter of all paying guests.

Yet, 30,000 fewer youngsters in groups visited Canterbury Cathedral last year compared with 2014.

Voicing some optimism around growth in adult group visitors, Heslop added: “The American market is strong and our status as Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and part of Canterbury’s World Heritage Site continues to…

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Passages of Bible’s Deuteronomy Found Hidden Behind 8th Century Islamic Quran

Fragments of the Bible have been discovered for the first time ever hidden behind an eighth century Quran, or Islamic holy text, a French scholar has revealed.

Eléonore Cellard of the College de France told The Guardian in an article posted on Wednesday that she was looking through London auction house Christie’s latest catalog when she came about the ancient Quran, which is from the second century of Islam’s existence.

When she looked closer at the Arabic manuscript, she noticed that there were actually Coptic letters faintly appearing behind the writing. A follow-up analysis found that the Coptic text was part of the Old Testament’s book of Deuteronomy, though the exact verses have not yet been made known.

“This is a very important discovery for the history of the Quran and early Islam. We have here a witness of cultural interactions between different religious communities,” said Cellard, who has an expertise in textual criticism.

Christie’s specialist Romain Pingannaud, who helped identify the biblical text, called the find “extraordinary.”

“Once you know it’s there, you can only see it, it becomes so obvious. We missed it at the beginning. It’s fascinating, particularly because it’s the only example where you have an Arabic text on top of a non-Arabic text,” Pingannaud added.

“And what’s even more fascinating is it’s on top of passages from the Old Testament. … It shows the contact between communities in the first centuries of Islam; it’s very relevant.”

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Source: Christian Post

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 27 April 2018 Devotional — Be Confident in Christ

Topic: Be Confident in Christ [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Friday April 27, 2018]

But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone?…” — Luke 10:40

You were created by a great God to do great things. But without confidence you will never fulfill your destiny. It is important, however, to remember you are to be confident not in yourself but in Christ who dwells in you.

Satan tries to steal your confidence, but you must resist him at all times. If he has tormented you with fears about your worth and abilities, boldly remind him God is with you and you are equal to anything.

It is encouraging to know God is able even when you are not. He has His eye on you and is waiting for you to show confidence in Him. Faith opens the door for God’s greatness to be seen through your life, so trust Him and enjoy the peace and power of a confident life.

Prayer Starter: Father, please strengthen my faith and help me to believe I can do anything You put in my heart to do. Allow me to live with confidence, knowing You are with me every moment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer’s Daily 27 April 2018 Devotional — Be Confident in Christ appeared first on Flatimes.

Mystery of the Biggest Child Sacrifice in History: Archaeologists Probe Peru Site Where More Than 140 Children Were Ritually Killed and Their Hearts Ripped Out in a Single Event 550 Years Ago

Archaeologists have unearthed the grisly evidence of what could be the largest mass child sacrifice event ever recorded.

After locals alerted experts in 2011 to human remains found on a low bluff on the northern coast of Peru, an emergency dig at the site revealed dozens of ancient bodies belonging to human children and juvenile llamas.

Over the course of the next five years, archaeologists discovered hundreds more.

All in all, the excavations at Huanchaquito-Las Llamas uncovered more than 140 sets of child remains and 200 young llamas by 2016, according to an exclusive report from National Geographic – and, markings on their sternums and ribs suggest their chests were cut open and their hearts pulled out.

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Source: Daily Mail

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Teens Open Heavens 27 April 2018 – Mentored

Topic: Mentored [Teens Open Heavens 27, April 2018]

Memorise: A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 1:5

Read: Hebrews 13:7 (KJV)

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Bible In One Year: 2 Samuel 17-18, Luke 21:1-19

MESSAGE:

As a young adult, you need to have someone to talk about your fears, challenges, hopes and aspirations. It is very important to have someone who is older, wiser and can be able to correctly advise you when it comes to important decisions of your life. There are times in the life of a young adult when there is an overwhelming urge to talk to someone who can relate to what you are going through and will understand without judging you, while also proffering a solution that will just be right for you. At times like this, it is advisable to prayerfully seek out a responsible adult who is wise and mature enough to mentor you, to listen to you and to also advise you.

When choosing someone to talk to, you need to be careful. You must choose someone who has sound Christian values, someone who will not derail you spiritually and take you away from God’s word. Whoever you choose should be able to sharpen you up and make you wiser. He/she should help you make the right decisions and not the wrong ones.

Key Point: Talking to the right people will help you get farther in life faster. But talking to the wrong people will slow you down or even derail or destroy your future. Choose wisely!

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 27 April 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – Pass The Money Test

Topic: Pass The Money Test [TREM’s Devotional Friday April 27, 2018]

“And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.” (Exodus 10.24 KJV)

Pharaoh said, “I agree, go far, go with your children but leave your money”. Are there no Christians who come to church without their money? Beloved, until you pass the money test, there are certain blessings that cannot be committed into your hands. If you don’t pass the money test, your Christianity is still shaky. The bible says “the love of money is the root of all evil”. (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV). Note that the bible didn’t say “money”, rather it says “the love of money”. Some of us come to church without our money. You already decided to say, “This month I am going to give X amount in offerings, and it is definite.” Such that even when you hear the Holy Spirit speak to you to increase that predetermined amount, you refuse, and ultimately miss the moment, because you say, “I didn’t budget for this”. Now, there’s a place for budgeting, don’t get me wrong, but as a believer, we must never forget that all we have. is as received from God. Let me share this truth with you, it will help you pass the money test: the devil will never ask you to give to God. Settle it in your heart, so that you don’t miss your moment.

Beloved, firstly, you must deal with the stronghold of poverty in your mind. Many believers today are stingy, even towards God. When it concerns giving, most times we “tip” God, as if we are doing Him a favour by giving to Him. Wrong! God owns it all. Your giving to Him or refusal to, does not change His status as God. Realise that you cannot worship God effectively without your resources. That was why Moses insisted on going with all their cattle. In other words, we will serve God with our money because we don’t know what He will ask of us. This is the attitude of a child of God who has overcome money. I don’t know what God will ask of me. I am ready; whatever He asks me, that is what I will do.

I love what David said in 1 Chronicles 29:14 (KJV), “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”

Further Reading: Luke 6: 38, 16:8-13, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Kings 1-2; Evening- Luke 19:28-48

If you missed yesterday devotional click 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 27 April 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche: The Benefits Of Living To Impact Lives

Topic: The Benefits Of Living To Impact Lives [Seeds of Destiny Friday April 27, 2018]

Scripture: I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.

Thought For The Day: The best of life answers to the best of man.

The Scriptures make it clear that there are benefits or rewards of working for God. No one can be stranded who faithfully works for God in life. This means, when you live to impact the lives of others, God does not leave you empty-handed in life.

Now, what are the benefits of living to impact lives? How does living to impact the lives of others affect your health and vitality in particular?

1. Giving is Living
Quality giving equals quality living. When Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city as if he had died, the people he had impacted surrounded him and he stood up (Acts 14:20). The people whose lives he had touched flooded life back to him. The best of life answers to the best of man. The seed of a person creates a way for him to survive when he is meant to be forgotten. The people you impact in times of progress are those who will impact you in times of problem.

2. Love is key to Health and Life
The proof of genuine love is sacrifice and giving. (John 3:16). You touch lives not just for show but because you love them. And love is key to health and life. (1 John3:14).

So, the love-life is the real life. Living to love is loving to live. When a person lives to love, the love he shows makes him to live. You cannot receive love and receive death. The release of love is the reception of life. Love changes life.

Beloved, make up your mind to apply these secrets of living.

Remember this: The best of life answers to the best of man.

Assignments:
1. Decide to live a lifestyle of giving always.
2. Decide to love your neighbour as commanded by the Master.

Prayer: O Lord, thank You for the privilege of knowing Your Mind concerning the life of impact. Give me Lord, the grace to be a doer of Your Word continually, Lord in Jesus Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE (PART 3).

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 7:1 to 8:17, Luke 23:13 to 43, Psalm 97:1 to 98:9, Proverbs 14:7-8

Amazing Fact: Men burn fat faster than women by a rate of about 50 calories a day.

Today In History: 27/04/2005 – The A380, the world’s largest jetliner, completed its maiden flight. The passenger capability was 840

Quote: Nothing works where love is not at work. Culled from REASON FOR LIVING by Dr Paul Enenche.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church Tomorrow by 6pm.

“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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Open Heavens 27 April 2018 Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Belated Cries For Mercy

Topic: Belated Cries For Mercy [Open Heavens 27 April 2018, Friday]

Memorise: “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2

Read: Luke 16:19-26 (KJV)

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Bible in One Year: Ruth 3-4, Hebrews 4:8-5:10

MESSAGE:

Whether you believe it or not, the verdict of God is irrevocable: all men have sinned and come short of His glory (Romans 3:23). To escape the everlasting punishment that is the consequence of this verdict, there is the need to cry to God for mercy, obtain forgiveness and live a life of righteousness. Some may say, “I want to enjoy my life the way I deem fit; don’t upset me with your message of doom.” May I further announce to you that there is a limited amount of time for you to cry to God for mercy on account of your sins and be heard. The Bible speaks of this limitation in Hebrews 9:27:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

Your cry for mercy can only be heard while you are still alive on earth. You can only die once, and immediately after you die you will come face to face with God’s judgment. At this point you can no longer cry for mercy, and there will be no second chances. For this reason, the Lord is warning you today against crying for mercy belatedly.

The rich man in today’s Bible text is an example of someone who belatedly cried for mercy. His cries came after he had closed his eyes in death. Hear his plea to Abraham in Luke 16:23-24:

“23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

Alas, it was too late. The rich man’s cries could have been heard if they had been expressed while he was still alive, but he ignored the warnings of God sent through His messengers. On the other hand, the publican in Luke 18:9-14 is a good example of one cried for mercy while he could be heard. The cry for mercy of the thief at Jesus’ side on the cross also came in the nick of time, before he gave up the ghost. Beloved, today’s memory verse is food for thought that I want you to consider. If you have never asked God to forgive your sins, do it now for the salvation of your soul. I can assure you that it is either you cry for mercy here and obtain salvation, which is timely, or you will cry for mercy in the hereafter, which will be too late.

Prayer Point: Father, have mercy on me; please forgive me and help me never to do again those things that will send me to eternal torment.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Open Heavens 26 April 2018 Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Stiller of Storms

Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins?

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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 Open Heavens 27 April 2018 Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Belated Cries For Mercy appeared first on Flatimes.

DCLM Daily Manna 27 April, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Christ Triumphant

Topic: Christ Triumphant [DCLM Daily Manna Friday April 27, 2018]

Text: Revelation 19:11-16 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:11).

MESSAGE:

What is the significance of the white horse? When Julius Caesar returned triumphantly, he entered Rome riding in a chariot pulled by white horses. From then on, white horses became a standard symbol of military victory when a general returned triumphantly from battle. Julius Caesar is credited with turning the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

Our text reveals One far greater than all the Caesars combined. The passage starts with the heavens opening to reveal a white horse with a Rider Who is called Faithful and True. This Rider justly judges and makes war. All battles are fought in righteousness. This Rider has eyes like blazing fire and on His head are many crowns. He is clothed with a garment dipped in blood and He is called The Word of God.

All the descriptions point to Jesus, the conqueror coming with the saints to defeat the Antichrist and take over the kingdom of the earth for a thousand years. In a final attempt to prevent Christ from taking the reins of his government, the beast allies with the armies of the world to make war against the Lord and His army; but the battle is a useless attempt.

When Jesus comes, He will be accompanied by the armies which no doubts are made-up of the saints of God and the holy angels of heaven. We need to notice here that they are not required to fight. Jesus will defeat His enemies by Himself. Those who support the Antichrist, either by religion or practice, should expect defeat at last. The future belongs to Christ and His Church. You are either in with Christ or out with the devil and the beast. Your choices now will determine your destiny in the future.

Thought For The Day: In Christ’s kingdom, there are no victims, only victors.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 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.

The post DCLM Daily Manna 27 April, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Christ Triumphant appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread (ODB) Devotional 27 April 2018 – Wisdom’s Call

Topic: Wisdom’s Call [Our Daily Bread 27 Friday April, 2018]

Read: Proverbs 8:10–21, Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1–2; Luke 19:28–48

Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:11

Malcolm Muggeridge, the noted British journalist and social critic, came to faith in Christ at the age of sixty. On his seventy-fifth birthday he offered twenty-five insightful observations about life. One said, “I never met a rich man who was happy, but I have only very occasionally met a poor man who did not want to become a rich man.”

Most of us would agree that money can’t make us happy, but we might like to have more so we can be sure.

King Solomon’s net worth has been estimated at more than two trillion US dollars. Although he was very wealthy, he knew that money had great limitations. Proverbs 8 is based on his experience and offers “Wisdom’s Call” to all people. “I raise my voice to all mankind. . . . My mouth speaks what is true” (vv. 4–7). “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (vv. 10–11).

Wisdom says, “My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full” (vv. 19–21).

These are true riches indeed!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the riches of Your wisdom that guide our steps today.

God offers the true riches of wisdom to all who seek and follow Him.

Insight:

In the Old Testament the word most often translated “wisdom” (hokmah) refers to persons having an exceptional degree of “skill” in a given area—a speaker’s use of words or a composer’s skill in putting notes together to make music, for example. In Exodus 31:6 the skill of a craftsman is the focus.

In Proverbs the dominant word for wisdom is also hokmah. Wisdom in Proverbs is not simply one who possesses a masterful mind. It’s also a matter of the heart; it’s a moral quality. Wise persons are those who fear the Lord and subsequently make choices that honor God, oneself, and others. The wise person is one who is skilled in godly living. Wisdom (a feminine noun) is personified as a woman (see Proverbs 9). Her virtues are many and she pursues and rewards those who pursue her (3:13–18).

How attentive to the riches of wisdom are you in this season of your life? Arthur Jackson

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

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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