Category: Daily Devotionals

The dangers of greed! (23/6/2023)

1 Timothy 6:9-10 "But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." - NLT

Greed without self control drives people to seek wealth at all costs. Paul notes that such people fall into temptation, are trapped by foolish and harmful desires which eventually lead to their ruin and destruction. Their craving for money in evil ways makes them derail from the true faith and end up with many sorrows, some with eternal consequences. It leads to wrong doctrines and all sorts of scandals.

Because of the deception of wealth, people driven by greed are not fruitful in their relationship with God. They remain carnal and infants in the faith despite the years in salvation. About those influenced by wealth, Jesus said “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the love of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” (Matthew 13:22).

Greed destroys relationships when its victims cheat, oppress, fight, manipulate, covet and steal from others to make wealth. All they think of is how to enrich themselves, not caring how others are. They are arrogant, don’t give and never have enough. The more they get, the more they want. They become slaves of things and never live to enjoy. It’s a life of bondage to things. They live empty lives when they derive meaning and purpose to life from material things which never satisfy!

Paslm 62:10 "Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the centre of your life."

Proverbs 23:4 "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit."

Shalom children of God

Sin, sickness and faith (9/7/2023)

Matthew 9:2,6 "Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”… But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

The man was sick and paralyzed. Four men carried him. In expression of their faith, they broke through the roof and placed the sick man before Jesus. He saw their faith and pronounced forgiveness of sin first, then healed him. Jesus linked the three; faith, forgiveness of sin and healing.

Some of the sicknesses people suffer are effects of sin. Before they can be healed, sin has to be dealt with. Faith in Christ, the One who forgives sins, brings forgiveness of sin and then the healing. That’s what happened in this scenario. But the Pharisees didn’t understand this and accused him of blasphemy.

James emphasised the same when he linked faith, confession of sins and healing. When the Spirit leads that this order is followed for healing to happen, please do. When one only asks for healing and ignores the need to deal with sin which could be attached to the sickness, healing may delay or not happen.

Jesus told the paralyzed man He healed at the pool to sin no more lest a worse thing happens to him (John 5:14). It means his previous condition was linked to sin, which if he went back to, other worse things would happen to him.

James 5:15-16 "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Shalom children of God.

Develop the Berean spirit (R) (13/7/2023)

Acts:17.11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." - NIV

We live in a period of time characterized by much counterfeit and deception. It’s the time Jesus said evil will abound and the love of many will grow cold. People now call good evil, and evil good. Sin has been so trivialized, and holiness and righteousness, to many, is becoming a thing of the past.

Alternative religious beliefs which suit the interests of the time are fast taking shape, seeking to edge out God. It’s that time when many people’s ears itch to hear what they want, not what they need to hear. And many false teachers are riding on such to win followers to themselves. Amidst all these, serious seekers of God are given a way out to find truth for themselves.

The Bereans are commended in the scripture above for not only eagerly recieving the message, but taking time to examine the scriptures for themselves daily. They did this to prove whether what Paul said was true or not. Neither did Paul object to that. With the great teachings, eloquence of speech accompanied by the miracles performed, they still went back to confirm this truth. The Thessalonians took in whatever Paul said without question. The Bereans went an extra mile to confirm. And they were commended.

Friends, this is what we all ought to be doing daily to be safe from falsehoods so common in our day. Get to the word of God for yourself. Whatever we recieve from anyone, regardless of title, position or whatever credentials they hold, must be examined against the eternal truth of God’s word. Go beyond the miracles or other signs you see. Many have fallen and continue to fall victims of error because they don’t labour to examine what they hear with God’s word! Yet not everyone preaching is from God or teaching the whole truth. You must, of necessity, be a good student and rooted in the word.

2 Corinthians:11.14-15 "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

Shalom children of God.

So what is enough? ( 24/6/2023)Getting out of the trap of greedSo what is enough? ( 24/6/2023)

Getting out of the trap of greed

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners  except to feast their eyes on them?"

The wise man Solomon, who himself was richer than anyone in his time, made the statement in the scripture above. When people are driven by the love of money and wealth per se, there will never be enough. The more you have, the more you want for yourself. This is a paradox of life. It becomes a continuous trap of seeking for money and wealth just to have it. Is seeking for these things evil? Not at all.

Wealth and money should be guided by purpose. What do you want to achieve in your life or community through these things? If they help you meet basic needs of a comfortable life, make other people’s lives better, and make the world a better place to be as God intended, you experience true satisfaction as you generously share what you acquire. Greed only leads to accumulation of things.

So what’s enough, and how can one get out of the trap of greed? By first appreciating what you have, however little, as you seek for more in godly ways. Don’t kill yourself over what can’t afford now, nor compare yourself with others. We can never be the same, nor have everything we want in life. A grateful heart appreciates any addition. Godliness enables you to see the intangible blessings and to be moved to support others.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

Shalom children of God.

Keeping instep with the Spirit (10/7/2023)

Galatians 5:16-18 "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

The teaching in this chapter is about the works of the Spirit and the flesh. The two are opposing each other in a continuous battle going on within everyone. Those in Christ are, and should be led by the Holy Spirit. Those not in Christ are fully controlled by their bodily desires and lusts.

The life that pleases and glorifies God is one that is led by, and is in step with the Spirit. That is a life that has overcome the desires of the sinful nature. To keep in step with the Spirit is a continuous process throughout out our lives. This means learning to listen and obeying Him, seeking to know what the Spirit desires, and choosing to reject what He rejects.

To this life of sonship we are called in Christ. In Christ, we are Sons of God. And Paul declares that it is those who are led by the Spirit of God who are truly sons of God. So sonship is defined by living in continuous flow with the Spirit. Therein lies the glorious life the Father has for His own that those outside have mo idea about!

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Shalom children of God.

When God gives up on men! (28/7/2023)

Romans 1:18-32 "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them…"

Which kind of people does God give up on? Those who knowingly choose to ignore Him, worship idols, as they think of themselves being wiser than their Creator in whatever they do. They celebrate utter foolishness as they sneer at God. They suppress the truth by their wickedness (v.18), know the truth about God and His righteous decrees (19), but refuse to thank or glorify Him (21), as they exchange God’s glory with idolatry(22). Against these intentional sins, the wrath of God is directed.

As a result, God gives them over to sexual perversion like LGBTQI. They believe and live a lie, with depraved minds doing the unthinkable, inventing all forms of evil imaginable. They justify perversion and those who do them. Such can only expect a fearful judgment of God. We live in such a world today were unprecedented levels of wickedness is the norm. And it is not only being celebrated, but some powerful people are forcing others to follow suit.

But God in His unprecedented patience has given men time and chance to repent, turn from their evil, forsake sin and be saved. Many have taken this to be a weakness on God’s part. But make no mistake! His love and patience will run out and He will arise against evil. Flee the wrath to come while there’s still time!

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The forgiveness of sins

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 26:28 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." - NIV

Jesus’ words to His disciples as they ate the last supper before His arrest, torture and death. He gave them to drink from one cup, to represent the blood He was going to shed. The purpose of the blood was forgiveness of sin. Prior to that, the old covenant required that animal blood atoned for people’s sins. But Jesus was now shedding His own blood for the once and for all forgiveness of people’s sins for all generations to come.

Blood is life. When shed, a part or whole life is lost. When Jesus shed His blood for our sins, He literally laid down His life for us. No such price, of the magnitude of the life of the Son of God, would be paid if God didn’t place so much value in us! He loved and valued us too much to leave us lost in our sins. He gave His best, to redeem His best. We are His best.

The price for forgiveness of sin was fully paid. But God doesn’t impose it on us. He expects us to acknowledge this great gesture of limitless love and respond by recieving His forgiveness through repentance of sin. He calls us to Himself. How can we fail to respond to such immeasurable love?! He calls all people to come and recieve forgiveness of sin, even now.

1 Peter:3.18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…"

Shalom children of God.  Happy Easter

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Ephesians 6:15 "…and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace." - GNB

Shoes were an important and integral part of the soldiers armour. Without it, there is no ground stability to engage, and ability to pursue and defeat the enemy in war. Battles are fought in all sorts of places; bushes, thickets, rough, slippery, rocky, flat, hilly terrains. Proper shoes grip and withstand all these to keep the soldier fighting.

The gospel of the saving grace of Jesus Christ that we declare to humanity is a powerful weapon against the enemy who has held them captive. Paul describes it as the power of God to save. So many are in bondage, lost, hopeless and groaning under their task master, Satan. They need to be freed. And the gospel is the only means by which men who hear and believe can be delivered and saved.

Jesus’ mission was to set the captives free, to seek and save the lost. He went everywhere preaching and healing. He gave us the same mission. We accomplish it by preaching the good news of the gospel; that Jesus saves. We should not be ashamed of the gospel. It is a life giving liberation message, and part of our warfare to rescue men from the devil’s grip. Keep preaching it.

Romans 1:16 "I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Acts 10:38 "…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."

Peter in Cornelius house narrates, as a witness, the things Jesus did. The secret to all the good He did was God being with Him. God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power. As a result, He did good wherever He went, delivering all the people He met who were under demonic oppression. He brought life.

Whoever comes in God’s name, full of His Spirit and power, should similarly do good wherever they go. They should be a source of peace, joy, harmony and not confusion, manipulation and fights. God brings salvation, healing and deliverance to the sick and oppressed. The world is full of people who need this, and God desires to meet those needs through people walking with Him.

God is committed to be with those He sends. If those who come and go in His name have similar motives and intentions with God, they will do good wherever they are through the anointing and power of the Spirit. They are a blessing. If not,they promote their own agendas which are harmful to the cause of the gospel. Which one are you?

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Shalom children of God

The author and finisher of our faith! (R) (24/5/2023)Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - KJV

Drawing from the inspiration and example of those gone ahead, including Jesus, we are to recieve encouragement to put off the weights that pull us back, the sin that entangles. Then we can persevere in the race to the end. Many have fallen along the way for failing to persevere. The Jesus we look up to is familiar with suffering and the challenges we encounter on this race, having faced the toughest times Himself and overcame. He encourages us to look to Him.

He is the author and finisher of our faith. What confidence can we have that He will enable us finish what He started? Because He went through it all and overcame and is forever victoriously seated in heaven. Because He is true to His commitments and never lies. He never starts and ends on the way. He completes what He begins.

What’s our part in this? To look up to Him in trust. The circumstances may be tough, the battles so fierce, painful and at times feel uncertain how it will end. We may be tempted to give up. But cheer up child of God. He who began this work in you, by saving you, will bring it to a good end. He promised to be with us even in the fire, the valley and the mountain top, at good and bad times. Hold on in Him. We shall overcome and emerge victorious.

Philippians 1:6 "…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Shalom children of God.