DAILY SHOWER February 28, 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: Stick to your ministry
Text: Galatians 2:1-10 (NIV):
"2:1. Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.
2:2. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.
2:3. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
2:4. This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.
2:5. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
2:6. As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance--those men added nothing to my message.
2:7. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.
2:8. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.
2:9. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
2:10. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."
SHOWER (Reflection):
Ministry is a divine call, purpose or reason one was called on earth. It could also means career, profession or lifestyle. But in this context, Paul was referring to his calling or purpose of existence as an apostle. When others were preaching circumcision or insisting that every born again must be circumcised, Paul was doing contrary. He preached Christ, laid hands on people to receive the Holy ghost, and gave to the poor. He refused to be compromised. God wants us by this, to remain focus on the ministry we are called upon. Don't be like local medicine sellers, who usually claim that one medicine is antidote to many diseases. It is unfortunate that some Christian pastors called to the ministry of preaching the gospel have dabbled into other things. That is too bad. We must remain focus to attend a definite result. Let your yes always be yes, and no always no. History shows that those who practised their respective professions, callings or ministry diligently, ended up becoming great. When Joseph refused to be distracted or coerced by his master's wife, he was made a governor. What of Daniel, Mesheck and Abedenego who rejected king's rich food and were crowned.
PRAYER/DECLARATIONS
1. My father, my maker, crown my efforts in life... in Jesus name, Amen.
2. Because I am serving a living and just God, every judgement of the world against me will be turned to my favour today ...in Jesus name, Amen.
3. By the power in the blood of Jesus Christ, I must be remembered for good...in Jesus name, Amen.