DAILY SHOWER January 04, 2023 Devotion and Declarations
Prayer before the Word:
_ O God, I thank You for yet another year. I magnify Your name for crossing me over to the year 2023. Because You made it possible, I will forever praise and worship You in Jesus name, Amen_
TODAY’S TOPIC: New Year Survival Strategy
Text: 1st Corinthians 4:9-13 (NIV):
"4:9. For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.
4:10. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
4:11. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.
4:12. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
4:13. when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world."
SHOWER (Reflection):
Brethren, I am sure you know that the year has started in earnest. One week is almost gone. As you keep celebrating, kindly activate the action button now the year is still young. The central message of Paul in this his letter to Corinthians could be described as survival strategy for 2023 or new year. It is what is expected of us, the God's children. It has come to a point we must become true apostles. As apostles, we are to become good examples to others. Like signposts, our lives must display or prove to others that Jesus lives or works wonders in us. We have to deny ourselves of worldly things by looking like fools before men. It dies not mean that you should not live in good houses or buy cars or so, if you genuinely acquired the money. Far from it. This was further explained by the next verse which talked about going hungry and thirsty for Christ. It entails studying the word more, fasting and praying more, preaching the gospel, charity or giving, and so on. Every expectant mother gives out her meagre resources to acquire what will be needed during delivery and the child. Therefore, this is not time to barter words with people. Be friendly but wise, cautious and accommodating. Remember that a pregnant woman who goes about abusing, fighting or over tasking self for what Christ can do for her, ends up loosing the baby and/or even herself!
PRAYER/DECLARATIONS
1. By the power in the blood of Jesus Christ, I surrender, denounce and reject totally, whatever in me or around me that wants to quench the light God rekindled in me to shine, In Jesus name, Amen.
2. Every plans of the wicked men or women, occultic world or evil foundation to pull me down or disgrace me, be nullify by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ, Amen.
3. O God arise by Your power and mighty, restore and empower me to do exploit in Jesus name, Amen!!!