Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - NIV

We all wish to live stress free lives, with everything we desire available and moving as expected. Yet the reality is not so. It’s difficult sometimes to see the good out of life’s challenging moments, some of which go on for terribly long with more questions than answers, as one challenge follows another. Even after prayer with faith and doing our best, these challenges go on. Some teach that certain occurrences indicate low faith, or a sign we aren’t living right with God. Not necessarily so.

Paul had a fair share of such dilemmas(2 Corinthians 12). He pleaded with God to take away a troubling thorn in his flesh (whatever it was). But God just assured him of sufficient grace while the thorn persisted. All the great men and women of God, tremendously used of God, had (and still have) tough challenging times. But pray and seek God as they may, these challenges allowed by God for His purpose persist. These things are part of the making of great servants of God worth the name. 

Paul out of such experiences wrote in the scripture above, about suffering, that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. All things include the nice and nasty, the straight and unclear, what’s going right or when things seem to fall apart, in joy and pain. When we pray that He removes those ugly situations, He instead gives the grace to go through them as He works behind the scenes, using these experiences, to mold and shape us into what He purposed us to be. This requires patient endurance. The situations will not crush, but make us better. We shouldn’t therefore be perplexed. Let’s not give up.

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Shalom children of God. 

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 12:42-44 "But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” - NIV

Jesus was sitting at the temple watching people give their offertory. Out of all who gave, His attention was drawn to the widow’s offering. She gave all she had to live on. It was the smallest amount, but Jesus said she gave more than all. How could the least amount given be the biggest gift? Jesus explained that the others gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her poverty. This is not to denounce giving out of abundance, but the attitude with which they gave.

Giving of time and substance is part of worship. The things people give and the attitude with which they give are all important in worship. The widow, out of gratitude to God, gave all she had. It was from a willing, grateful, worshipping heart. And that is what caught Jesus heart. Beyond the amounts that people give, is the attitude of the giver. That’s what God considers.

Whether we give little or much, out of abundance or poverty, the key to worshiping God with our substance that catches His attention is the attitude with which we give. Some give to show off, to win favor with God and people. Others give out of manipulation. But our giving should primarily be to worship with grateful hearts, the God who gave us life and all these things. In that way, what we give from the heart will please God regardless of the amounts.

Matthew 6:2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - NIV

God never asks us to do what He doesn’t do. He asks us to give because He Himself is a giver. The greatest gift He gave humanity is His Son Jesus out of great love for man. Jesus in turn gave His life, laying it down for us all. He said there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Having fully paid the price for our eternal redemption and salvation, anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Every giving in whichever form should be motivated by love. By responding in love and compassion to give, we become an extension of God to those we give; to the poor and needy, towards just causes and with our time to those who need comfort and strength. By so doing, your hands become God’s giving hand, your resources become His and your life becomes a true reflection of a compassionate generous God towards others.

To become a giver like God, we should have His kind of heart, driven by His principles and passions, and see things as He sees them. He is just, righteous, generous and loving. Those are some of the qualities we should reflect as we give. It is then that our giving will align with His will and glorify His name. This brings untold joy and pleasure to God’s heart as His resources entrusted to us are used to promote His kingdom. Will you be an extension of His heart?

Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." - NIV

Prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to replace king Saul whom God had rejected. At Jesse’s home, Samuel’s attention was taken by Eliab, a tall and well built man with a good appearance. But God stopped Samuel from anointing him, because he was taken by his physique. The rejection went on for all the sons of Jesse present to the surprise of Samuel. Then he asked Jesse if these were all. David the last born, who was out looking after the sheep, was quickly sent for and accepted by God. Later God described David as a man after His heart.

Such are the mistakes we humans make. We are often taken by the outward appearance of things. Men may hide their true identity, pretend and appear to others as what they really are not. This explains why, contrary to what we know about people and things, God’s view and report may be totally different. His ways are not our ways, nor our thoughts His thoughts.

God looks beyond the physical into the heart of people because that is where their true character, which stands the test of time, lies. God is not taken up outward excitement. He cannot be mocked nor hoodwinked. All people He chose and trusted for His purposes, were chosen because of their heart inclination. Some of these didn’t even believe in themselves when God called and assigned them, because they judged themselves from human point of view. A heart after God counts to Him more than anything else.

Jeremiah 17:10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Timothy 1:15-16 "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."- NIV

Paul did much havoc to the cause of the gospel with a mind to destroy it. But on the day of encounter with the risen glorified Jesus on the Damascus road, his story completely changed. He saw how sinful he was. He now describes himself as the worst of sinners saved by God’s grace. He became a perfect example of the display of God’s mercy and unlimited patience to sinners. He preached the same gospel, sealing it with his life!

Everyone has a story. Some seem straight with few bad incidents in life. Some are miracles and testimonies of hopeless cases come alive. They can’t believe they are where they are today. Whatever your story is, good or ugly, nice or nasty, God purposes it for His glory and your good. He never wastes any experience we go through, whether through our mistakes, or the enemy’s creation to destabilize us. Unfortunately, some people’s stories end terribly before they see the good that can come out of it! Even out of the worst situations of life, something good can come out. God can turn it around for good.

The God Who turned a Saul into a Paul preaching the very gospel he once sought to destroy can turn your story around. He changed Joseph’s and Job’s stories. It doesn’t need to end in misery and hopeless resignation to fate. God gives everyone a chance to turn to Him and have their story change. And you will one day look back, like everyone else whose story changed, and appreciate the mercies of a God who brings beauty out of gloom, ashes and heaps of rubble – as Joseph confessed.

Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Shalom children of God.

WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME! (R)

WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME! (R) (18/6/2023)

Isaiah 55:6-7 "Seek the LORD while you can find him.  Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously." - NLT

Many people tend to trivialize, postpone, ignore or reject certain actions and decisions with a feeling that there is still time. In the end, many opportunities are lost, remorseful regrets experienced later in life, and destinies affected, some of them eternally!

This is true in every aspect of life, our relationship with God inclusive. Many along the way look back with much regret at lost chances. Worse still, will be the eternal regret for those who are now postponing, or ignoring their commitment to God!

God still pleads with us to seek Him while He can be found, to call on Him while He is near. This call will not be so forever. A time comes when it will not be possible to call or seek and find Him any more! Even those in God who keep disobeying or postponing what God tells them to do in His service, should rethink their ways. Hear what David said in Psalm 32:6 “… Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.” NLT

Apostle Paul wrote about the same; “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ÑLT)

And Jesus, about the irresponsible unprepared virgins at His coming, had this to say; “… Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:10)

So, while there is still time and opportunity to give your life to Jesus, be reconciled, and start a relationship with God, and to serve Him, make use of it NOW. One day, it will not be there. It will be too late!

Shalom children of God.

What do you wish done to you? (R)(19/6/2023)

Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - NIV

Everyone wishes good to be done to them, including those who harm others. We want nice things and nice words of compliments and appreciation. We love to live in peace and harmony among family, friends, workmates and in community. Most times we expect others to do this for us. It appears like it’s their responsibility to do so, not us. When they don’t do it, they are on the wrong and we quickly blame them without thinking of what we have done on our part.

But Jesus teaches a very basic, simple principle to achieving what you desire: begin by giving it out. Set the pace by doing it. It may not be fully reciprocated, but certainly it will come back. Instead of hate, why not love. If you want peace, be peaceful. Jesus said we should do this in EVERYTHING. Apostle Paul reiterated the same principle when he said, “Do not be decieved:God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what He sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8). This may not always be easy, but it’s God’s way.

Sow good seed even if the environment pushes you to do bad. Revenge, paying evil for evil, only promotes evil in the world. That is why most problems in the world continue. But individuals, communities and nations who apply this principle reap the benefits of healing, reconciliation and peace. This however doesn’t mean wrong doing shouldn’t be punished. The laws of the land take care of that. Do your part.

We reap what we sow. We get back what we give! Purposefully give what you wish to get back.

Shalom children of God.

Dare to believe! (R) (20/6/2023)

Matthew 14:28-31 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" - NIV

Jesus had sent the disciples ahead of Him while He remained on the mountain side to pray into the night. The wind had disturbed them and they didn’t make much progress. And by the fourth watch in the night (between 3-6am) Jesus comes walking on the water. They were too afraid, thinking He was a ghost. When they learnt it was Jesus, Peter asked to join him walking on the water, to which Jesus readily agreed and called him. Briefly though, Peter walked on the water because he believed Jesus’ word.

So much has God given us in His word. Peter says they are “… very great and precious promises…”(2Peter 1:4). These are His commitments to us covering every aspect of our human needs. Nothing was left out of what we will ever need to live the kind of life God meant for us. We only need to believe and claim them. God takes His own word seriously. He is true and faithful to it. Whatever He promised He will fulfill. Whatever He said, He will do. He doesn’t lie.

One day, after Jesus had preached to the people from the seashore using Peter’s boat, He told Peter to launch the net into the water to fish. It was day, and Peter, knowing it was not normal to fish during day, told Him they had fished the whole night and caught nothing.  “Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.“( Luke 5:5). Believing Jesus’ word, they caught so much fish that they were shocked.

Dear child of God, dare to believe His word even if it appears ilogical. Therein awaits your victory and miracle. If we can trust people who may fail, why not a God Whose word is absolutely reliable?

Shalom children of God.

Selfish ambition: a root of unhealthy relationships! (21/6/2023)

Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Paul in this chapter dwelt on building healthy relationships using the example of Christ. One huge factor behind unhealthy relationships is selfish ambition, where the focus is on self and caring less about others. Selfishness results in greed, pride and lack of compassion. The world revolves around you and no one else. You want everything for yourself. You want to be happy even if others are crying.

In contrast, Paul notes that it takes humility to value others above oneself. And that results in thinking about their interests and wellbeing. This takes love. Jesus demonstrated this in His life. He left the glory in heaven to save us. Creator of all things came and lived a life of a servant and died like a criminal. He did all these for us. That was unprecedented humility, going all the way for others!

Selfish ambition is a major reason behind unhealthy competition, fights, slander, greed, oppression of others, disunity and divisions. It fuels all other evils. It makes one completely insensitive to the needs of others who need your support and help. And behind self centred lives, is the devil. We were created for each other. Life only becomes better if we do nothing out of selfish motives. God loves that.

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Shalom children of God

The idolatry of greed! (22/6/2023)

Ephesians 5:5 "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

Paul mentions several things that should not even be associated with those who call on God’s name. With firm certainty, he specifically mentions immorality, impurity and greed as hindrances to God’s kingdom. No one who loves and practices them has a place in God’s kingdom. Paul says we can be sure of that! Let’s not be deceived. It is that clear.

Idolatry is love and worship of anything else apart from God Almighty to Whom all praise, worship, glory and honour is due. Greed is the amassing of things only for oneself. It uses very ungodly methods to achieve this objective, including cheating, stealing, oppression,diversion or even murder to acquire things for oneself. In greed, money and things are loved and worshipped more than God. And that’s why it is described as idolatry.

So many are silently driven by greed in the way they make wealth. Some use their positions and might to displace the weak and vulnerable. Workers cheat their employers because of greed, as do professionals throw ethics away. Some use ministry as a means to financial and material gain. This explains the manipulations and extortions on vulnerable people seeking spiritual help.

Whichever way certain actions may be explained, if greed is the underlying motive, that’s idolatry. Jesus warned against all forms of greed. Let’s heed it.

Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

1 Thessalonians 2:5 "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness."

Shalom children of God.