The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

 DAILY SHOWER April 16, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I glorify Your name. I open my eyes that I may know and serve You alone in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

Text: 1 Peter 4: 1- 11(NIV Bible)

"4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4:4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

4:5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

4:6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

*SHOWER:*

Happy Easter celebration! We are celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is tomorrow being Sunday we will remember how He rose from the dead on the third day, met with His disciples before finally leaving to heaven. His sufferness on the cross signifies a lot and should teach us many things. Unfortunately many are celebrating this date without knowing it entails. He defeated death and sin. We, His children should also live in a way to show we have defeated sins and death. From verses 7 to 11 of today's scripture, the type of behaviours expected of us henceforth include forgiving spirit, self controlled (disciplined), love one another, hospitable (charity), faithfulness, fairness and justice, and to be wise and act wisely. Let's incorporate and live by these virtues.

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I thank You for acceptance to die on the cross. Your death and resurrection saved my soul. I hereby tap into the anointing in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. The God's sufferness on the cross has taught me lessons. I have overcome death. Therefore, I will live to testify His goodness through responsible lifestyles.*

*2. Easter celebration will bring me joy, love and elevation above my equals.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare an end to any spirit of delay to my blessings and speedy growth and rising in Jesus name, Amen.*

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Rough roads to the Supreme Price

 DAILY SHOWER April 15, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I have come before You to learn and gain everlasting home at the end. Please help me to know You more in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: Rough roads to the supreme price

Text: John 18: 1-12 (NIV Bible)

"18:1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.

18:2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

18:3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

18:5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

18:6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

18:7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

18:8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

18:9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

18:11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

18:12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus."

*SHOWER:*

Today is Good Friday in Christian cycle all over the world. We celebrate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is the death that changed the world. In today's text, we see how our Lord Jesus Christ accepted to pay the Supreme Price. That is; death unto the cross of Calvary. This is the death that saved and reunited us with God. There were many challenges that confronted Him on his way to pay the Supreme Price. This include betrayal from a best friend (Judas), mistrust that neatly prevented the people from arresting Him, among others. But he was never perturbed. At last, Jesus overcame the temptations and died as planned. You might have faced a replica temptations when you are about executing a similar project. Do not be discouraged. Remain focused. 

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I thank You for acceptance to die on the cross. Your death and resurrection saved my soul. I pray to tap and remain glued to the Grace and Redemption Your death brought to man through this in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. I'm committed to the race to God's Paradise. His death on the cross has changed my situation.*

*2. God has uplifted me through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Therefore, I will not fall again. *

*3. I hereby decree and declare that Easter celebration will open a new chapter in my health, finances and joy in Jesus name, Amen.*

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Displacing the righteous man

 DAILY SHOWER April 14, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I bow before Your throne. I'm sorry for my sin. Guide me that I may know You well and win more souls for Your kingdom in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: Displacing the righteous man

Text: Luke (NIV Bible)

"23:18 With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!'

23:19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

23:20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.

23:21 But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."

23:23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.

23:24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

23:25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will."

*SHOWER:*

This period in Christendom calls for a sober reflection, total repentance and charity. Jesus Christ is a perfect example of what we call leadership by example. He paid the ultimate price. Unfortunately, the world replaced Him with a criminal. This is what we behold in the present generation. Some have rejected him because of mere love of money, new jobs, food, etc. I pray we learn, relearn about Him and become wiser now by disengaging or stopping any act of rejecting Jesus 

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I have learnt not to disappoint You again. Help me to adhere to my new intention to serve You alone in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. I'm for Jesus and Jesus alone. I cannot withdraw from serving Him because He loved me.*

*2. By the reason for His death and resurrection, I won't suffer for the sins I never committed again. I will live to shine forth.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare that perfect and open doors to myself in Jesus name, Amen.*

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Overcoming persecution

 DAILY SHOWER April 13, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I have come before You this day with humility and a remorseful heart. Please help me to know You, learn from You and be Your Ambassador, in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: Overcoming persecution

Text: John 16:1-8 (NIV Bible)

"3:1 All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.

16:2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

16:3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.

16:4 I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.

16:5 "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

16:6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief.

16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

16:8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment."

*SHOWER:*

We are in the period when the faithful are persecuted for knowing Him. Bible says they will chase you away from the synagogue (your house, worship centres, etc). And it is happening all over the world. He, however, sent us a counselor, and assured us that the counselor will surely guide us accordingly. That counselor is here with us; it acts as our conscience directing us on what to do and when to do it and how to do it. Unfortunately, many don't care about that otherwise tell me why people still kill even when they know it is a sin to kill? We must change our attitudes if we truly wish to be in Heaven.  

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I thank You for Your words of wisdom and guidance. I hereby promise to listen and hearken to Your voice in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. I am available Oh Lord. May I be directed by Your wonderful counselor.*

*2. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Therefore temptations and persecution cannot take me away from what God has in stock for me.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare that today is my day to shine whether devil like it or not in Jesus name, Amen.*

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The crooked paths

 DAILY SHOWER April 12, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I bow before Your Holy temple. Open my heart that I may know and worship You alone in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: The crooked paths

Text: Lamentations 3:1- (NIV Bible)

"3:1 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.

3:2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;

3:3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.

3:4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.

3:5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.

3:6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.

3:7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.

3:8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.

3:9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked."

*SHOWER:*

Crooked paths are dishonest ways. One is said be in crooked paths due to sins. Dishonest people do not take things seriously. As a result, they are afflicted. Afflictions or pains that follow sins are too many and come in various ways. We see in today's scripture how it walled people that they cannot escape. What could cause this? Be serious and make an amend before is too late. 

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I don't want to face afflictions. Please forgive me and empower me to stay clean in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. I am a sinner O God. Please, forgive me so that I won't fall into the trap of the enemy.*

*2. God has perfected every thing concerning me. People will surely look at me, my family and around me and testify of God's goodness.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare that all my unaswered prayers shall become answered prayers henceforth in Jesus name, Amen.*

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The way, truth and life

 DAILY SHOWER April 11, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _The eternal rock of ages, I reverence Your name. I pray You to open my eyes, my mind and empower me to do Your will in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: The way and the truth 

Text: John 14:1-7 (NIV Bible)

"14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.14:4 You know the way to the place where I am going."

14:5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

14:7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

*SHOWER:*

Jesus is reminding and presenting us with an open check of salvation, progress, etc. He has shown that he's the way, truth and life. Bible describes Him as a way because it's through Him we can reach God. 

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I thank You n Jesus name, Amen!

*1. My God had shown me His excess capacity. I can now boast of having me.*

*2. God has perfected every plan concerning me. People will surely look at me, my family and around me and testify of God's goodness.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare that all my unaswered prayers shall become answered prayers henceforth in Jesus name, Amen.*

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Great expectations

 DAILY SHOWER April 10, 2022 Devotion and Declarations

Prayer before the Word: 

 _O God, I thank You for the gift of life You gave to me despite my sinfulness. Open my eyes and guide me to follow You in Jesus name, Amen_ 

TODAY’S TOPIC: Great expectations

Text: Matthew 11:1 (NIV Bible)

"11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

11:2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples

11:3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

11:4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

11:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

11:6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

*SHOWER:*

Brethren, expectations are high when we embrace Jesus. Like leaders all over the world, people intend to look various ways to see if there are new things happening around you; especially those worth benefitting from. When they fail to see one they will start asking questions. That is to tell you that the world know that once you're in Christ, you're bound to receive  miracles, open doors, forgiving spirit and others. This is what prompted John to send his disciples to find out if this 'man' is actually Jesus Christ or should he expect another. He believes that if is Jesus he should have set him free from the prison.

*PRAYER/DECLARATIONS*

O God, I thank You for new life and open doors. Draw me closer and empower me to be a shining star in Jesus name, Amen!

*1. I'm in Christ Jesus. I will be a shining star to give light to people.*

*2. God has perfected every plan concerning me. People will surely look at me, my family and around me and testify of God's goodness.*

*3. I hereby decree and declare that all my unaswered prayers shall become answered prayers henceforth in Jesus name, Amen.*

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