Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 8:35-37 "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" - NIV

Jesus had just told His disciples the sufferings and death that awaited Him. Peter, under Satan’s influence, rebuked Jesus, saying such things should not happen to Him. Jesus in turn rebukes Satan who was behind the thoughts. Then Jesus taught the price of discipleship; it costs ones whole life. Among these is choosing between gaining the world to save one’s life or forsaking the evil pleasures of the world and securing your soul before God.

We go through this every day. The devil who is the god of the worldly evil system, is busy luring people into his traps. It is a battle for people’s souls. Whatever he offers is in exchange for your soul. It is more than fun, pleasure, entertainment or whatever one may call it. You can’t have both the evil worldly system and the salvation of your soul. Whatever you may gain from the world; wealth, fame, pleasure or great achievements at the expense of your soul is total lose – into eternity!

Jesus said there is nothing one can exchange for their soul. Your soul is more important than anything you could ever gain in all the world. The best attention and eternal security you can give your soul is to have a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Never exchange your soul for anything the devil, through the evil worldly systems, may offer. Give your life to Jesus and live for Him.

Luke 9:24-25 "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Jeremiah 7:9-11 “ ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord." - NIV

This was a scathing rebuke by God to Israel. King, priest and the people alike had given themselves to gross evil. They would do all their detestable things: murder, theft, adultery, idolatry robbery, etc, and still come to the temple which bore God’s name and His holiness to worship without remorse. It was utter contempt of God.

Doesn’t this sound familiar in our day? We observe, sometimes in utter shock, how much evil is committed by those who profess the name of God. So much manipulation, theft, immorality, deception, abuse and things that wouldn’t even be mentioned or tolerated by God, are done by people who still boldly speak in His name. Through Jeremiah, God said He was watching. He still watches todate. His heart pains when His name is brought into much shame by those who should be upholding it.

Let God search our hearts. Let’s search them too, mend our ways and purpose to live upto the call we have been given. May all of us who call on the name of the Lord, who live by the principles of His word, truly shun evil and be a reflection of the character of the God we claim to live for. May others see God in us through the light we shine and the good works we bring out that they may glorify Him. Oh brother, sister, can others see Jesus in your words, behavior, transactions, daily life?

2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo (30/4/2022)

Psalms 89:14 "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." - NIV

Foundations represent beliefs and values, unshakeable pillars which in turn reflect the character of a person, an organization or nation. A throne is the seat of power and authority from which leadership rule, reflecting those beliefs and values, is provided. Every belief and value is influenced by particular spiritual forces the ruler subscribes to. There is more to the spirituality of thrones and seats of power than one could imagine. This may not be as obvious until one sees it manifest in the behaviour, decisions and actions of the ruler.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Satan is described as the god of this world  (2 Cor 4:4). Each of them use human agents to extend their influence to the world. The beliefs and values held by every leader in their seat of power, their decisions, actions and behaviours, can show which spiritual kingdom they subscribe to and promote. Those extending God’s kingdom will manifest justice, truth and righteousness. Those under the influence of the devil, will promote injustice, lies and every form of evil. This is why leadership is a serious spiritual battle. It’s goes beyond the material benefits, to setting spiritual foundations that could influence things/trends for generations to come in families, clans, communities and nations of the world. Watch which foundations you are laying for posterity!

In our prayers for leaders, and in our own leadership pursuits,  top on the list of prayers is that those entrusted to lead should commit to, and practice justice and righteousness. It’s through such leaders that the Lord’s kind of leadership and His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven, men will rejoice, and God’s light will shine among men. May your leadership at whatever level, be an extension of God’s throne of justice, truth and righteousness amidst the evils of our world. 

Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 18:3-4 "And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - NIV

The disciples were arguing about rank, position and greatness in God’s kingdom. Contrary to their views and the worldly system of assessing greatness, Jesus brings a little child before them and teaches greatness through change, by becoming like a little child. He made an emphatic statement, that one will never enter the kingdom of God unless they change – in attitude and conduct.

Change is inevitable in life. It recognises imperfection, that we don’t know nor have it all. There is alot we have to learn, unlearn and relearn if we are to make progress in life. To enter God’s kingdom, we first acknowledge that we are sinners, fallen short of God’s holy and righteous standards and can’t save ourselves. While in the journey of faith throughout life, we maintain a posture of continuous learning. And this is true for every endeavour in life we get into. Learning never ends because there is always something new. When we stop learning, we stagnate and die.

Change is best facilitated by an attitude of humility, respect for others and acknowledgement of our limited abilities. No one succeeds and excels in isolation. Jesus said we should take a lowly position of a child: simple, willing, flexible and excited to learn and change. Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by such childlike humility. Jesus Himself taught and demonstrated it. Shall we?

Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

John 5:19 "Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - NIV

Paul’s approach to transformation of the believer who has been part of a worldly evil system, into knowing the good, pleasing and perfect will of God, lies in mindset change. All challenges we have are based on the beliefs inculcated into our minds by the cultures and communities we live in. Any meaningful change must begin by changing the thought patterns.

God and the devil targets our minds through teachings and doctrines. There is tremendous power in a belief system. There is nothing that can stop a person from achieving what they belief and are totally convinced of – however weird! They go against popular opinion, persevere through thick and thin, and are willing to die for it, because they believe it. No progress in life can be made without the right mindset change. Change your mind, change everything.

It is therefore important what you feed your mind with. What do you believe? Some have believed lies and have patterned their lives on deception. The devil knows how the truth of God can liberate us from his lies. That’s why he vehemently resists God’s truth, and diverts people to his lies. The transformation and progress we make in our relationship with God and in life, is determined by how much we have embraced the truth and live it.

2 Timothy 1:12 “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”

John 8:31-32 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 43:18 “Forget the former things;  do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." - NIV

Israel was to go to exile following their rebellion. But God promised to bring them back. In the new season of restoration, they were to forget the former things and watch out for the new. The wilderness would team with life again. Those whose minds stuck to the past, the former things, would not perceive, nor respond to the changes. This speaks of so many today stuck in the past and have resigned to fate.

God created and operates in seasons and times. He expects us to discern and respond to them for our benefit. Under the sun, He set times and seasons for every activity. When Israelites were coming from Egypt, they were to be guided by the cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex 13:21-22). Whenever it shifted, they were to shift and move along. When it stopped they were to stop. If we could learn to move along with God in all we do, our lives would be wonderfully productive all the time.

When we move according to the seasons set by God, we move by His will and benefit maximally. In His seasons, everything has been set. But this requires that we accept to forsake the status quo, our comfort zone and sometimes move to unfamiliar ground. Many miss God’s blessings and opportunities because they fear to change, take risks and move along with God. Trust the Lord leading you. He is in charge and never misleads.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under the heavens…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 3:7-9 "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things…." - NIV

Paul lived a life he considered very successful from human point of view. But when he met Christ in His glory, whatever he thought was great became like rubbish. From then on, he wanted nothing else but Christ. He discovered there was something far greater, a better treasure and more glorious experience in Christ than what he thought was the best until then. He was a zealous religious scholar. His aim now was to know, live for and even die for Him.

Every change has an objective; to leave the less or none useful, what doesn’t work any more, and embrace what is beneficial. We always want to profit from whatever we do. Sticking to a tradition or custom which isn’t beneficial to one’s life, development and progress is counterproductive. People resist change because they think what they have now is good. But there is always something better which we can only benefit from if we are willing and open to change.

One trigger to change is to ask whether this is all there or the best to what you aim for. God always has something better. In Him, there is moving from infancy to adulthood, glory to glory, faith to faith. Every next level is better. The Israelites settled too long in Horeb until God told them to break camp and move. Horeb may be good, but Canaan is better. Horeb isn’t the destination. Canaan is. And God’s aim is to take you to Canaan.

Deuteronomy 1:6-8 "The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites…See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalms 46:1-3,6-7 "God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken  and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence…Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken; God thunders, and the earth dissolves. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."-GNB

Tbe psalmist observed that there are moments of trouble, when the foundations of our hope and strength are shaken, and the storms of life rage against us. God initiates and allows some of these shakings as punishment for men’s wickedness and rebellion against Him. Whether initiated by God or Satan, God provides refuge, a shelter of protection and safety, for those who trust in Him.

Life is full of perplexing situations which bring fear, lose of hope and uncertainty. We always want to be sure of what we trust, whether it can sustain us in such times or not. God intervens in our situations by protecting us within the storms. Even when nations and kingdoms are shaken, we have a place of safety to hide in God. We are safe and secure in Him.

This calls for clarification and establishment of our foundations, of hope and trust in God. Some profess God’s name, claim to trust in Him, but times of trials reveal a shallow foundation, on the sand and not on the Rock Christ. God gives peaceful rest to those whose minds are stayed on Him. Tough troublesome times are with us, and will continue. It’s a choice to truly make God one’s refuge.

Psalm 91:1-2 "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,  my God, in whom I trust.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 44:6 "This is what the LORD says---- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." - NIV

Every time we hear words, we want to know who spoke them. This is important because behind the words is authority of the speaker, and thus the power and authenticity of the word. A word spoken by an ordinary person carries very little or no weight. Few will bother about them. He has no capacity or power to effect them. But a similar word spoken by one in authority, like a head of state, is not taken lightly because of the authority and power they hold and the ability to effect them.  

Whenever we read the Bible, we are recieving words from the Almighty, all powerful, all knowing God. There is no other god or world authority greater or more powerful than Him, including the most powerful armies in the world today. He is the first and last, the Most High. He created everything we see or don’t see. In a moment He can snap out the most powerful forces of human might. Ask the powerful king Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh or Herod.

And He declares that He is our God, our Redeemer, Savior, Protector, an ever present help in times of trouble,  and a loving Father! He is far stronger than all our enemies combined, greater than all our challenges and problems put together. All He asks of us is to simply trust Him. This is too wonderful to be true, and yet it is! Think about it for a moment. And trust Him with all your problems, dilemmas or impossibilities. He alone is God and there is no other!

Isaiah 40:25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 16:10-12 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?" - NIV

We live in a world in which faithfulness is becoming so scarce, even among professing Christian believers on whom such a virtue is expected to be the norm!  One of God’s key characteristics is faithfulness. God is faithfully true to His promises. He never falls short of what He commited to do. He is moulding us into His character and expects us to be like Him. But He starts by entrusting us with little.

Life and all that we have is a trust. God gave it to us so that we use it to bless others. We don’t only live for ourselves. One way or another, some people’s lives depend on ours and we too depend on them. That means whatever we have is NOT entirely our own. We hold it in trust for others by God’s design. But because of corrupted mindsets, people selfishly focus more on themselves.

Jesus taught that our faithfulness is tested by the little things of life. How we handle that determines whether we can be trusted with bigger things. Some think, ‘it’s just a small amount I diverted, just alittle this or that I misused.’ They even laugh it off as a minor thing. God’s principle is that if you were unfaithful in that little, you can as well be unfaithful in much. No one steals colossal sums of money, for example, from nowhere. It began with little ‘stealings’ here and there. This applies to all aspects of lifes’ trust. Learn to be faithful even in the little and you will be trusted with much. It takes a deliberate effort to do so.  God is willing to help us all be faithful.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

Shalom children of God.