Don't conform yourself to the world

 DAILY SHOWER February 20, 2023 Devotion and Declarations


Prayer before the Word: 

 _ O God, I thank You for yet another day. I magnify Your name because You are my God and all I have. Please, use me according to Your will and prosper me in Jesus name, Amen_ 



TODAY’S TOPIC: Don't conform yourself to the world 

Text: John 7:3-12 (NIV):


"7:3. Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do.

7:4. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."

7:5. For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

7:6. Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right.

7:7. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.

7:8. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come."

7:9. Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.

7:10. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.

7:11. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"

7:12. Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people."



SHOWER (Reflection):

The book of Romans 12: 2 urges us not to  conform to the world and their patterns of doing things. But to always seek the face or minds of God so that we can only do according to His will. Today, Jesus Christ was confronted by His brothers to join a feast to show Himself to the world publicly as others are doing. But He declined although He later went secretly (as approved by God at that particular time). We are always victims of pressure and pleasure by the world. God may be telling you to kneel, stand or seat down and pray, or go to Church... but works, people around you, music, party, other situations are calling your attention elsewhere. No one is saying you should not enjoy or participate in social life. But we are saying that you should have time for all things (Ecc. 3:1). Be careful else you fall into danger. The Igbo say that a rat which fells into water because it sees the lizard swimming will end up drown. Don't do things because others are doing it or the way others are doing it. Be original! Be creative! Be innovative! Your name or works of hand will find you because God promised to bless the works of our hands (Deuteronomy 16:15; 28:12). 



PRAYER/DECLARATIONS

1. O God, my father, please bless the works of my hand today...in Jesus name, Amen.


2. This is my week for greatness. Today is my day for excellence. I will not submit to the enemy. God's hand is upon me ...in Jesus name, Amen.


3. My father, my maker, put celebrations into the mouth of Nigerians this week ...in Jesus name, Amen.