Chinese President Xi Arrives for Africa Visit as US Interest Wanes – Urban Christian News

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Africa on Saturday on a four-nation visit seeking deeper military and economic ties while his rival in a bitter trade war, the Trump administration, shows little interest in the world’s second most populous continent.

This is Xi’s first trip abroad since he was appointed to a second term in March with term limits removed, allowing him to rule for as long as he wants. That rang familiar to some of Africa’s long-entrenched leaders.

China is already Africa’s largest trading partner, and it opened its first military base on the continent last year in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, which this month launched a China-backed free trade zone it calls the largest in Africa. After surpassing the U.S. in arms sales to Africa in recent years, China this month hosted dozens of African military officials for the first China-Africa defense forum.

Xi is stopping in Senegal and then Rwanda ahead of his participation in a summit of the BRICS emerging economies in South Africa that starts on Wednesday.

The summit comes amid the United States’ billion-dollar trade war with China and tough trade negotiations with other key economic partners. Last month the foreign ministers of BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa criticized what they called a “new wave of protectionism,” saying U.S. measures undermine global trade and economic growth.

Xi’s Africa visit also highlights China’s sweeping “Belt and Road” initiative that envisages linking Beijing to Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia via a network of ports,…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Urban Christian News

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 14 July 2018 Devotional — Ask for Help

Topic: Ask for Help [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Saturday July 14, 2018]

…He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. — Philippians 1:6 (AMPC)

Addictions, habits, or negative attitudes can wear you out. If you need deliverance from some wrong behavior, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is your Helper (see John 14:6). Confess your need to God, and ask Him to deliver you.

He may lead you to confess your faults to other believers whom you can trust to pray for you. The Word says that we are to confess our faults to one other so that we may be healed and restored. If you are out of control in some area, be honest about it. Today can be your day of deliverance.

Prayer Starter: Father, right now I ask for Your help to overcome the things that are controlling my life. Help me to approach these things with honesty, and give me the strength to reach out to others who can help me. 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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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Saturday, 14 July 2018 – No Jesus, No Life

TOPIC: No Jesus, No Life (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Saturday, 14 July 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 14: 1-7

MEMORY VERSE: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” – John 15:4

The MESSAGE:

There is no way but Jesus. Jesus is the answer to all human needs. There is no real life without Jesus Christ.

For those plagued with sickness, Jesus was made sick, that we might in Him receive wholeness (Isaiah 53:5). For those battling with poverty, Jesus was made poor, that we might in Him receive wealth and riches (2 Corinthians 9:8). For those battling at the tail region, Jesus is the head of all principality and powers. This headship position is our birthright as children of the kingdom (Colossians 2:10). For those battling with curses, Jesus had been made a curse for us that we might in Him be blessed and remain blessed (Galatians 3: 13-14). For those battling with the forces of the grave, death is swallowed up in victory. Christ has given us life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

The substitutionary role of Jesus in all those areas and many more has qualified believers for ‘life’ here on earth and has secured eternal life for all believers. Now we have every right in Christ Jesus to confront and tear down the strongholds of sickness, poverty, failure, curses, death and remain blessed forevermore. Because of Jesus we now have fellowship with the Father and this is the life God intended when He created man.

A man was living a reckless life and did not take the counsel of his parents on the salvation of his soul very seriously. The parents who were leaders in a church continued in prayer asking God to arrest him. One day, while leaving a pub, a mad man began to chase him, He ran to hide in a bungalow along the street and waited there for a while. Later, he came out and continued his journey home. Suddenly, the mad man appeared from nowhere and began to chase him with greater speed. He ran and could find no place of refuge but a church. He ran into the small neighbourhood church and unknown to him, made his way straight to the altar at the time the man of God was making the altar call. The man of God embraced him and thereafter, he gave his life to Jesus.

What are you waiting for? I am sure you are not waiting for a mad man to chase you to the foot of the cross. Invite Jesus into your life, home, career and live the life that God intended for you when He formed you. Jesus is truly all you need.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
NO JESUS, NO LIFE

PROPHETIC WORD:
Your troubles are in trouble as you call upon the name of the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Lord Jesus, come into my life today to stay, in the name of Jesus.
2. I come out of darkness and move into God’s marvelous light in every department of my life, in Jesus’ name.
3. Let the law of divine substitution, prosper my destiny, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. I break every law working against my divine identity, in the name of Jesus.
5. I refuse to be a shadow of what God created me to be, in the name of Jesus.
6. I reject satanic alternative for my life, in the name of Jesus.
7. Lord Jesus, by Your name called wonderful, appear in every situation of my life, in Jesus’ name.

“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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David Ibiyeomie – Put God First

Topic: Put God First

Eccl.9:11 -I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

The race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong; it is the finger of God that makes the difference in every man’s life. The God-factor is the real factor that creates the future that belongs to you. Today I speak to into your destiny; you will have an encounter that will set your destiny on course and keep you flying when others are still trying to locate where to go in Jesus name! It can take only God to make that happen to you.

Eccl.3:14 -I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

The God-factor is the real factor that guarantees the future. When the God-factor is neglected, the future becomes dicey, bleak, uncertain and vulnerable to all kinds of challenges.

Joshua 1:8 -This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

See the above scripture as the major requirement of the school of success if you want to soar. It should be a part and parcel of your life. There is no future in life without Jesus. Accept full spiritual responsibility for your life.

Rom.8:6 – For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

A carnal minded believer is vulnerable to all kinds of spiritual molestations which lead to death. That is why a carnal-minded believer faces the same tragedy with an unbeliever. The word of God recommends that you should be drunk with spirituality.

Eph.5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

You are supposed to be addicted to the things of the spirit; it is one thing you cannot overdo. Never graduate from the school of the spirit if you don’t want to fall prey to the devil. You shall not suffer death of any kind; your life will shine brighter and brighter in Jesus name!

2 Cor.3:18 -But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

God’s word is the mirror that when you stay on, you change from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Deut.28:1-13 [READ] Graduating with a first class in school is no guarantee for a future; it is God First that guarantees a future.

Matt.6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

When you seek God’s kingdom first; God will give you those other things that others are dying to get as addictions. Many great men have died because they didn’t have the great God as their defense in the day of trouble. Hence, I encourage you to begin to build your spiritual life; place God first in whatever you do and you will never lack amazing stories to tell in the name of Jesus the Christ –Amen.

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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Teens Open Heavens 14 July 2018 – Sin Is No Sport

Topic: Sin Is No Sport [Teens Open Heavens 14, July 2018]

Memorise: It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Proverbs 10:23

Read: Proverbs 26:18-19 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Psalm 13-16, Acts 18

MESSAGE:

Whenever the Holy Spirit leads, it is meant to take you up. Even when he leads you into a wilderness situation like He did to Jesus, your promotion is around the corner. Whenever you follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, you will find yourself on top. His guidance will take you up. On the other hand, whenever the devil or your flesh leads you, it is meant to bring you down.

When your flesh pushes you to steal or lie for instance, it will not tell you that you will be caught. It usually paints the sin as something pleasant, or even an achievement. Some people even compete on the basis of sin. To them sin is sport. Every competition that does not glorify God is not meant for believers, it is a pathway to hell!

Key Point: If you want negative and positive events to continually move you up, remain attached to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Also Read: Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 7:

1. I am Thine 0 Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

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 14 July, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – The Everlasting Sacrifice

Topic: The Everlasting Sacrifice [DCLM Daily Manna Saturday July 14, 2018]

Text: Numbers 15:22-29 (KJV)

Key Verse: “All the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD…” (Numbers 15:24)

MESSAGE:

God’s requirement for His children is that they remain holy in order to praise Him. They are peculiar partakers of indescribable heavenly blessings; therefore, they must walk with Him in holiness, truth and with a clear conscience.

The text opens with an instruction to Moses concerning the children of Israel. He emphasised that this practice was to be a habitual thanksgiving for every blessing of the land. The obvious reason is to acknowledge that it is the Lord that gives the power to get wealth. It is also a pathway for further blessings: “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9,10).

The expectation of God is that we do His will in giving thanks for His favours.

The disposition of a Christian when he falls into sin inadvertently should also be considered. The Lord made a provision for the children of Israel who sinned through ignorance to be forgiven through a set of offerings that should be made by the priest for atonement (Numbers 15:22-26).

Similarly, Jesus has made the sacrifice for our sins and is ever ready to forgive and cleanse us, provided we repent and turn from the sinful lifestyle. However, a true believer does not readily fall into sin with an expectation that forgiveness will always be given at his whims.

To despise God’s grace deliberately is to court the ire of His judgment. Forgiveness is hardly granted to those who sin wilfully and tramples wantonly upon the blood of the everlasting sacrifice.

Thought For The Day: Nothing else, but the blood of Jesus, atones for sins.

Bible Reading In One Year: Micah

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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TREM Devotional 14 July 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – Walk in the Pathway of Integrity

Topic: Walk in the Pathway of Integrity [TREM Devotional Saturday July 14, 2018]

“And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” Genesis 39:12

In the book of Genesis 39:7-9, Potiphar, Joseph’s master was not there but Joseph saw it as wickedness and a sin against God to get involved with Potiphar’s wife. That is a man of integrity! Potiphar’s wife bombarded him and seduced him day by day. She became the first thing Joseph saw in the morning and the last thing he saw in the night. His parents were not there. His brothers had forsaken him. He was alone. All he knew and all he had was the integrity of the word of God. He had every excuse in the world to live anyhow. After all who will know?

Although he had every reason to be bitter, having been rejected by his brothers, he chose to live a life of integrity. She continued to seduce him day in day out and she decided to watch and corner him on a day when no one was in, Joseph decided to run from her. He knew very well that leaving his garment in that place was evidence against him and it was going to put him in a problem, but he decided to go through the pathway of suffering rather than commit a sin against God. He made a choice to let God defend him as there was no way he could defend himself. There was no questioning. No asking him to explain. Potiphar put Joseph in prison. Shall we because we will suffer persecution disobey God?

That is what is happening today. You don’t want to lose your job and so you are ready to commit atrocities. Some talk of situational ethics. What does that mean? Let me do what is convenient now and escape; later I can ask God to forgive me. He left his garment, because he wanted to please God. You are going to suffer; oh yes, I know. But let it be recorded against your name that you pleased God. Those that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Further reading: Genesis 39:1-23

Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 10-12; Evening- Acts 19:1-20

“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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Kenneth & Gloria Copeland Devotional 14 July 2018 – Your Deadly Enemy

Topic: Your Deadly Enemy [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Saturday July 14, 2018]

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again…. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Many of us, even though we’re believers, have seen grief and sorrow as such a natural part of life that we haven’t even questioned them. In fact, if we’re honest, we’d have to admit there are times when we actually want to feel sad and sorry for ourselves.

Why would we choose to feel sorrow? Because sorrow has an emotional kick to it. It offers a surge of feeling that, in the beginning stages, is almost intoxicating.

But grief and sorrow are dangerous things. Several years ago God showed me that they’re not the innocent emotions we’ve thought they were. The forces behind these emotions are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy.

They are a part of the devastating, satanic barrage Jesus took on Himself when He died on the cross (Isaiah 53). He bore grief and sorrow, so we wouldn’t have to. If they come knocking on your door, remember, they are not innocent emotions. They are deadly enemies that Jesus already carried away at Calvary.

Don’t live as those who have no hope. You’re a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. That not only gives you hope where physical death is concerned, it gives you hope in every situation. Sorrow not!

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:11-16

Also Read: Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

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Our Daily Bread Devotional 14 July 2018 – Hiding Our Hurts

Topic: Hiding Our Hurts [Our Daily Bread 14 Saturday July, 2018]

Read: Hebrews 4:12–13, Bible in a Year: Psalms 10–12; Acts 19:1–20

The word of God . . . judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

I was guest-speaking in a local church and my topic was an honest story about presenting our brokenness before God and receiving the healing He wants to give. Before closing in prayer, the pastor stood in the center aisle, looked deeply into the eyes of his gathered congregants, and said, “As your pastor I have the privilege of seeing you midweek and hearing your heart-breaking stories of brokenness. Then in our weekend worship services, I have the pain of watching you hide your hurt away.”

My heart ached at the hidden hurts God came to heal. The writer of Hebrews describes the Word of God as alive and active. Many have understood this “word” to be the Bible, but it’s even more than that. Jesus is the living Word of God. He evaluates our thoughts and attitudes—and loves us still.

Jesus died to give us access to God’s presence, all the time. And while we all know it’s not wise to share everything with everyone, we also know that God intends His church be a place where we can live unapologetically as broken and forgiven followers of Christ. It’s to be a place where we “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

What are you hiding from others today? And how are you trying to hide from God as well? God sees us through Jesus. And He still loves us. Will we let Him?

Who will you prayerfully consider letting help you carry your burdens?

God sees us with the eyes of a Father.

Also Read: Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE

This message was written By Elisa Morgan From Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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Seeds of Destiny 14 July 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Praise and Worship for Open Doors

Topic: Praise and Worship for Open Doors [Seeds of Destiny Saturday July 14, 2018]

Scripture: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:25-26.

Thought For The Day: Living a God-glorifying lifestyle is part of praise and worship.

Doors open in response to the application of the right keys; it is the right key that opens a door.

However, there are keys called master keys that open all applicable doors in their category. That is how praise and worship operate in the spirit. The key that opens every closed door is the key of praise and worship. From our Scripture above, we see that as Paul and Silas worshipped and praised God, there was an earthquake and the foundation of the prison was shaken and everyone’s bands were loosed.

In the course of worship, the door post moved in the vision of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5). So, worship has the power to open every spiritual, marital, financial, career and destiny door. Doors open in the atmosphere of praise and worship.

Now, what Does Worship Entail?
1. Worship entails testimonies and thanksgiving
Your testimonies and thanksgivings are your acts of worship (Psalms 105:1-2). Thanksgiving and testimonies can open closed doors.

2. Worship entails exuberant and elaborate dance
Praising God and dancing exuberantly is a form of worship (Psalm 150:4).

3. Worship entails a God-glorifying lifestyle
Living a God-glorifying lifestyle is part of praise and worship. Nothing brings worship to God like a life that truly represents God both privately or publicly (Isaiah 43:21-22).

When these three things are combined together in the atmosphere of reverential holiness, you can experience an open door; you can begin to operate in a dimension where no devil can prevent your open doors.

My counsel is, do not give room for murmuring, complaining and grumbling in this season of open doors; endeavour to praise God because when you appreciate God, your life will appreciate (increase in worth) on earth.

Remember this: Living a God-glorifying lifestyle is part of praise and worship.

Assignments:
1. Desist from the lifestyle of murmuring, grumbling and complaining.
2. Decide to praise the Lord at all times and in all situations.
3. Live a God-glorifying life by your character.

Prayer: O Lord, I receive help to desist from the lifestyle of murmuring, complaining and grumbling. Give me the grace to praise You always and in all situations, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE DIMENSIONS AND DEMANDS OF OPEN DOORS (PART 1).

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:37 to 18:17, Romans 2:1 to 24, Psalm 10:16 to 18, Proverbs 19:8 to 9

Amazing Fact: The ostrich lays the biggest egg in the world.

Today In History: 14/07/1868 – Alvin J. Fellows patented the tape measure.

Quote: Whenever you go before God to pray or worship in a state of resentment, He sees you wearing a garment of bitterness and a cloak of unforgiveness. Culled from ‘Am I bitter?’ by Dr.(Mrs.) Becky-Paul Enenche.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The six over-flooded Destiny Recovery Services tomorrow by 6 am, 7:20 am, 8:40 am, 10 am 11:20 am & 12:40 pm. Invite someone to church.

“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.

The post Seeds of Destiny 14 July 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Praise and Worship for Open Doors appeared first on Flatimes.