Bishop suspended following rap sermons

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Bishop suspended following rap sermons

Fr Paul Ogalo – known also as ‘Sweet Paul’, has become a mini-celebrity after rapping many of his sermons at churches across the African nation.

However his unconventional way of spreading the gospel displeased some Catholic Church leaders in western Kenya.

 

The judicial vicar of the inter-diocesan tribunal of Kisumu, confirmed the priest’s suspension to local media and said they have stopped him from preaching for a year to enable him to “meditate” and “reconsider his manner of preaching”.

Fr Ogalo, 45, said in a recent interview with the BBC that he enjoyed swapping his priestly attire for regular clothes but his message to the congregation remained the same.

 

“I use the rap music to bring…youths to the church. Thereafter, I bring them to Christ,” he explained.

He added that he uses his performances to persuade young people to stop using drugs and instead turn their attention towards environmental and social justice issues.

The priest will be permitted to attend church services while he is suspended.

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 25 June 2018 Devotional — Run Your Race

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 25 June 2018 Devotional — Run Your Race

Topic: Run Your Race [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Monday June 25, 2018]

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)

If we are going to run our race in life, if we want to fulfill our destiny and do God’s will, it is important that we lay aside every weight and sin and run the race with patience.

In the days this verse was written, runners conditioned their bodies for a race just as we do today. But at the time of the race, they stripped off their clothing except for a loincloth, so that when they ran there would be nothing to hinder them. They also oiled their bodies with fine oils.

In our Christian life, we are called to remove anything that hinders us from running the race that God has set before us. It is essential to be well oiled, or anointed, with the Holy Spirit (often symbolized by oil) if we are going to win our race.

Our enemy, Satan, has many ways to entangle us and prevent us from living in obedience to God’s Word, developing an intimate relationship with Him. There are many distractions and requirements on our time. But with God’s guidance, we can strip away the things that will hinder us. Keep your eyes on your goal and learn to say “no” to things that distract you and keep you from fulfilling your full potential.

Be determined that nothing is going to hinder you from fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for your life.

Prayer Starter: Father, I want to run my race and fulfill the plan You have for my life. Help me not to be distracted by anything that will take my focus away from You. 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 25 June 2018 Devotional — Run Your Race appeared first on Flatimes.

How and Why I Could Fall

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Over eight years ago I read Crash Course: The American Automobile Industry’s Road from Glory to Disaster by Paul Ingrassia. The book is a fascinating account of the rise and fall of the “Big Three” automakers: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Only Ford avoided the ultimate fall of bankruptcy.

I wrote a blog post on the book, much of which is repeated here. It is an amazing reminder of both the pressures and temptations of leadership

My initial desire was to learn from the lessons of the automobile industry, both the good and the bad. Though most of the book does focus on the enormous missteps of many in the automobile industry, it is fair to give credit where credit is due. For example, in 2006, Bill Ford, holding the multiple titles of Chairman, President, and CEO of Ford, understood that his leadership was not getting the job done. So he, in essence, fired himself as President and CEO and brought new leadership to Ford. That move likely was the decisive moment that led the company to avoid bankruptcy.  “I have a lot of myself invested in this company,” Ford explained, “but not my ego.”

Unfortunately, Bill Ford’s actions were the exception and not the rule. Those in management of the Big Three and those in leadership of the union at times demonstrated such lack of leadership that we, in hindsight, wonder how leaders can head down such destructive paths.

The Essence of It All

James B. Stewart’s words on the front jacket of the book, tell the essence of the story well:…

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Priest who slapped baby during baptism service announces retirement

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Priest who slapped baby during baptism service announces retirement

Video footage capturing the moment Fr Jacques Lacroix struck a two-year-old boy across the face with the palm of his hand went viral on the internet last week.

During an interview with France Info radio, the 89-year-old said: “I am finishing my ministry now, it was my last baptism, there is an end to everything.”

 

“It was somewhere between a caress and a slap, I hoped to calm him down, I didn’t know what to do.”

The Bishop of Meaux – east of Paris – said Fr Jacques had been suspended from all baptism and marriage ceremonies, adding that the baby’s family had accepted the apology.

Jean-Yves Nahmias said the priest had been guilty of a “loss of coolness that can be explained but not excused”.

You made find the following video distressing.

 

He added: “This gesture is all the more regrettable because the baptism is meant to be a happy moment, but tiredness and great age clearly played a part.”

Fr Jacques prompted gasps from the congregation when he slapped the baby – the exact location and date of the incident are unclear.

Footage showed his mother urging the priest to let her son go, before the father was able to wrestle the infant away.

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Erdogan Claims Victory in Turkish Presidential Election – Urban Christian News

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Erdogan Claims Victory in Turkish Presidential Election – Urban Christian News

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared victory after unofficial election returns Sunday showed him with enough votes to serve another term that carries new executive powers.

“The nation has entrusted to me the responsibility of the presidency and the executive duty,” Erdogan said in televised remarks from Istanbul after a near-complete count carried by the state-run news agency gave him the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

The presidential election and a parliamentary election also held Sunday, both more than a year early, complete NATO-member Turkey’s transition from a parliamentary system of government to a strong presidential system. Voters approved the change in a referendum last year.

Erdogan, 64, insisted before the election that the expanded powers — which include the authority to impose states of emergency and to issue decrees — would bring prosperity and stability to Turkey, especially after a failed military coup attempt in 2016. A state of emergency has been in place since the coup.

The president’s critics, however, warned that Erdogan’s re-election would cement the grip on power of a leader who they accuse of showing increasingly autocratic tendencies.

Official results were to be declared by the country’s electoral board.

Results carried by the state-run Anadolu news agency with more than 96 percent of ballot boxes counted showed Erdogan winning an outright majority of 52.6 percent, far ahead of the 30.75 percent for his main contender, the secular Muharrem Ince.

Kurdish candidate Selahattin Demirtas, who ran his campaign from prison where…

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Monday, 25 June 2018 – When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

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TOPIC: When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Monday, 25 June 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17

MEMORY VERSE: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:15

The MESSAGE:

In the days of horses and wagons, a certain man visited a local general store with his 4-year-old son. The man packed the horse and wagon outside the store and went inside, leaving the 4-year-old son in the wagon all alone. Suddenly, something startled the horses and they started to move through the main streets of the town with the wagon in tow. Needless to say, the little boy was extremely frightened. A man happened to be walking down the street, and saw the whole event taking place. He quickly cut through an alley and arrived just in time to jump onto the wagon, take the control and stopped the horses. The action of the man saved the life of the young boy. And both the father and the boy were extremely grateful to the man.

About 25 years later, when the 4-year-old boy was expected to be about 29 years of age, he could not attract the same favour he got on a platter of gold in his formative years. For the past 25 years, he had lived a life of crime and wickedness. Finally, one day he was arraigned in the court. As he stood before the judge, he looked up and noticed that the judge was the same man that saved his life 25 years ago. The man asked the judge if he recalled the incident. The judge did remember, and then expressed his regret that the young man had not be more of a model citizen. However, as he peered over his bench to look into the face of the young man, he said, “Young man, 25 years ago I was your saviour. Today I’m your judge.”

One day, at the White Throne Judgment seat, every lost person, from the beginning of time to the end, will stand before God. Today, He could be your saviour, that day, He would be your judge.

One Sunday School teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; James M. Black, who was also a musician, was calling the roll one day for a youth meeting. Young Bassie, daughter of a drunkard, did not show up, and he was disappointed at her failure to appear. Black made a comment to this effect, “Well, I trust when the roll is called up yonder, she will be there.” He tried hard to respond with an appropriate song, but could not find one in his song book. And he declared: “This lack of a fitting song caused me both sorrow and disappointment.” An inner voice seemed to say, “Why don’t you write one and put away the thought.” As I opened the gate on my way home, the same thought came again, so strongly that tears filled my eyes. I entered the house and sat down at the piano. The words came to me effortlessly (the tune came the same way), I dare not change a single note or word. The song was sung in the Academy award winning movie. Sergeant York (1941).

Above all, the good news is that, if you repent of your sins and trust Jesus, you will be made a new creature. The old man of sin in you will be made a slave to righteousness and the spirit in you will transform you into an image of Christ. You will be raptured into heaven alive or raised from the dead, if you die before then, given a glorious body and taken to the place Jesus is preparing for us. “When the roll is called from the Lamb’s Book of Life, you will be there! I will be there!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
If the Lord should bring a wicked man to heaven, heaven would be hell for him, for he who does not love upon earth will never love it in heaven.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You shall make heaven.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. O God my Father, thank You for the salvation of my soul, in the name of Jesus.
2. O God my Father, if my name has been removed from the book of life, please rewrite it, in the name of Jesus.
3. Any power assigned against my salvation, die, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Powers of my father’s house contending with my salvation, die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Anything in my life that wants me to go to hell fire, come out and die, in the name of Jesus.
6. Hell fire, I am not your candidate, in the name of Jesus.
7. My Father and my God, my life is before You, I want to reign with You, 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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Relishing Marital Harmony (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Relishing Marital Harmony (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Relishing Marital Harmony (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

For the past three weeks now, we have been examining what it takes to enjoy marital harmony in the home. Today, we shall be looking at: The Benefits of Marital Harmony.

The Benefits of Marital Harmony

God believes in profiting. God’s Word is meant to profit us. It is very important to understand that when you live in harmony in your family life, you are the one primarily to benefit. Below are some of the benefits of marital harmony.

Personal and Career Success

When you live in harmony with your spouse, you will be able to plan with him and you will move forward in your family; you will enjoy personal and career success. A harmonious family life is a good place for you to enjoy personal and career success. God created the family to enjoy fruitfulness in all area. So, living in harmony with your spouse and family members is a sure foundation for career success in life.

Marriage is designed to help you maximize your life, because God does not take His people backwards, He takes them forward. So, God has designed marriage, among other things, to enable you grow to your maximum. Thus, when you live in harmony in your family, you are the primary beneficiary.

How does this work? In Genesis we see how wonderful it is to live in harmony. “ And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do” (Genesis 11:6).

When a man and a woman agree to build a home, both of them are dedicated to each other. They love each other, support each other, encourage each other; and because of that, they enhance each other’s performance.

There are even some jobs that when you apply for they want to know whether you are married or not? This is because some level of responsibility is attached to marriage. For instance, you must have noticed that if a man leaves home with trouble and concerns in his heart and goes to work, he carries those problems to his work place. He may not even have to discuss those problems with his colleagues, but you will find out that those problems automatically affect his performance. That is why if there is harmony in the home, it becomes a foundation on which to enjoy personal and career successes.

Church Building

We are all aware that the church of Jesus Christ is made up of families. Every member of the church represents a specific family here on earth. Individual families make up the church. When I talk about the church, I am talking about the body of Christ at large. So, when families enjoy harmony in the home, automatically, there will be unity and harmony in the church.

Nation Building

Automatically, when families enjoy unity, it will affect the nation. There is so much of negativism going on across the nations of the earth today. Every nation experiences a great deal of this negativism and the root cause of it all is disharmony in the home. So, when the families or homes begin to enjoy harmony, it will affect the nations.

I read sometimes ago the story about a man called John Owen, a British Anthropologist. He conducted some studies over eight different civilizations that have come and gone. Then, he found out something outstanding that runs through all these eight civilizations; the fall of families resulted in the fall of the nation. Therefore, if our nation must be built, the responsibility is on us as a church and as individuals. I curse every spirit of disharmony and disagreement in your home today in Jesus name!

You need wisdom to build your home and God is the source of that wisdom. If, peradventure, you are not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then say this prayer in faith: 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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EU Covers Differences on Migration With Veneer of Common Purpose After Talks – Urban Christian News

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EU Covers Differences on Migration With Veneer of Common Purpose After Talks – Urban Christian News

The leaders of 16 countries survived the “frank talk” of an emergency meeting on immigration and emerged with a veneer of common purpose Sunday as the European Union enters a potentially vital week for its unity.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the meeting produced “a lot of goodwill” to resolve differences over how to manage the refugees and economic migrants who are willing to risk their lives to reach Europe.

The leaders of several more countries joined Italy and France in endorsing the idea of setting up centers in Africa to screen potential asylum-seekers for eligibility before they set out for another continent.

The talks were “frank and open,” but “we don’t have any concrete consequences or conclusions,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

The prevailing honesty and benevolence on display Sunday barely lower the stakes for a full EU summit opening Thursday. Four member countries in eastern Europe refused to take part in the meeting because of demands that they take in more asylum-seekers to ease the burden elsewhere.

New Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte presented a plan that argues existing EU asylum rules are obsolete and “paradoxical.” The current rules effectively mean migrants only can apply for asylum in the country where they first arrive, usually Italy or Greece.

Conte said his 10-point proposal would be a “paradigm shift” in how Europe approaches migration and that he was “decidedly satisfied” with the outcome of Sunday’s meeting.

“We have given the right direction for the debate underway. We’ll see each other…

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DCLM Daily Manna 25 June, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Bitter Addictions

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DCLM Daily Manna 25 June, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Bitter Addictions

 

Topic: Bitter Addictions [DCLM Daily Manna Monday June 25, 2018]

Text: Proverbs 23:29-35 (KJV)

Key Verse: “They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again” (Proverbs 23:35).

MESSAGE:

A bitter story was told of a young man who would have become an Army officer, but was rejected and later became a garage tout because of addictions to hard drugs. One day, while trying to chant for passengers to fill a vehicle, the young man came across a well-dressed Army officer of high rank who happened to stop by the motor park to ask for directions. To his utter amazement, the high-ranking officer had been his very classmate while in military college. What a shame!

Every day, people make decisions and take actions that will either increase their importance or decrease their worth in life and in eternity. Sorrows, contentions, confusions, wounds and injuries to human organs are all consequences of the use of strong drinks and hard drugs.

The way of sinners is often laden with consumption of life-destroying substances that would not only harm body parts, but also damn the soul. Medical sciences have come to the conclusion that most of the life-threatening illnesses today are triggered by the lifestyle of the sufferers. People still engage in such ill behaviours despite knowing the attendant consequences. “They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.”

We are counselled to be filled with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:18), instead of being filled with wine. The base nature in man would always want to subject him to eat, drink or engage in self-damning addictions. But a saved man must possess the power, through the Spirit of God, to get addicted to profitable, life-changing ventures that can add value to life and society.

Thought For The Day: Be filled with the Holy Ghost and not with new wine or strong drink.

Bible Reading In One Year: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16

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 25 June, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Bitter Addictions appeared first on Flatimes.

Teens Open Heavens 25 June 2018 – Profane Like Esau?

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Teens Open Heavens 25 June 2018 – Profane Like Esau?

Topic: Profane Like Esau? [Teens Open Heavens 25, June 2018]

Memorise: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. – Hebrews 12:16

Read: Hebrews 12:16-17 (KJV)

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Bible In One Year: Job 4-6, Acts 7:20-43

MESSAGE:

Esau was described as a profane person who despised or looked down on holy or sacred things. In his ignorance, he rated material things such as food of more value than spiritual things. He was blinded to the potentials that awaited him with a first born blessing. If only he realised that the nation of Israel would bear the name of his younger brother because of that thoughtless act, he would have preferred to starve.

Genesis also made this terrible mistake. He was spiritually blind, if his eyes were open, he would not have taken the gift that would transfer the sickness of Naaman on him and his generation. Are your priorities right? Are you focused on the right things? How important are the things of the Spirit to you? Ask God to open your eyes today.

Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, change my mindset regarding the material things that I have exalted above spiritual things.

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

Hymn 1:

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire !

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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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