Category: Daily Devotionals

 By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo 

Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." - NIV

Paul adds the importance of Spirit led prayer in spiritual warfare. There are various kinds of prayers and requests suiting various situations of life we go through. Prayer in the Spirit helps to offer suitable prayer relevant for all occasions. Some will be with words known, others in words unknown as He leads. Why is Spirit led prayer important in spiritual conflict?

The Spirit knows the mind of God and the dynamics of the spirit world. He connects us with God, enables us pray according to His will, gives battle strategy to address exactly what we should address in the spirit. He uses the sword of the word to assault the forces of darkness.

We are so limited as humans in understanding the spirit world, and yet that’s where battles are fought and won, and decisions are determined. Those who understand the spirit world operation always win. What appears physically is a manifestation of what is happening in the spirit.

Whoever is in charge in the spirit determines what happens in the physical world. The forces we fight against, in their rankings and territorial control of world affairs, are spiritual(Eph 6:12). With the help of the Holy Spirit through perpetual different prayer directions, our victory is sealed over these powers. The Holy Spirit empowers and leads us to exercise authority over situations. That’s how we reign with Christ, and the reason for the call to pray without ceasing.

Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up…"

Romans 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Ephesians 6:18 "… With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

One cannot talk about battle without talking about vigilance. The enemy you are fighting is always looking for the slightest opportunity to strike. It is the careless, who are not keenly watching out on the new tactics of the enemy who will be defeated. It is the reason good armies spend colossal sums of money on information and intelligence gathering. In that way, you are ahead of your enemy.

It is no different in spiritual warfare. Many, being naive and careless, have fallen victims of enemy traps and attacks. There are obvious and clear demonic attacks. But there also very subtle maneuvers that requires a keen eye. It is by being alert, sensitive and discerning that you can identify his tricks and baits and avoid them. That’s why one has to be sober minded. Watch out always! Not all that glitters is gold.

Vigilance takes watching carefully what you see and hear. Test the spirits behind everything you see or hear, whether from God or not. The basis of testing is God’s word. So be full of the word. Pray for a discerning mind. Satan is a master schemer. Build a close relationship with God so that you can easily discern His voice from the devil’s. Resist the devil and he will flee.

Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation…”

2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Galatians 5:16-17 "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." - NIV

Within every human being is a struggle between right and wrong,  good and bad. This struggle is between the sinful nature influenced by the devil, and the godly nature of the Holy Spirit seeking to lead us to the God to serve and worship Him. It’s a struggle between godly and demonic forces. Whatever we outwardly do or say in response to this internal struggle shows which side has taken the day.

Paul says we can overcome the influence of the sinful nature which shows in the desires and works of the flesh (5:19-21), by living in the Spirit. This means allowing the leading and enabling of the Holy Spirit, Whose result shows up in the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23). Those who live to please the sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

Somehow, we will always get to know the right or wrong things to do or avoid in this struggle. The flesh is weak and susceptible to fail even with such knowledge. The Holy Spirit was given to help us overcome these weaknesses.

We can all overcome in this battle because Jesus in us already overcame. God already provided for whatever is needed to overcome. Our part is to obediently yield and corporate with the Holy Spirit and surely victory will be ours to God’s glory.

John 16.33 "…But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Ephesians 1:19-21 "… That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." - NIV

What a status! Paul describes the resurection power that gave life to Jesus’ body, rose him, lifted and seated Him in heaven. That position is FAR above all power and authority in the universe, now and forever. He is the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords. He is the highest authority there is or will ever be!

Paul adds that those who believe in Him have been raised and seated with Jesus in those heavenly realms. The same power that raised Jesus and placed Him above all power and authority there is, also works in us who believe. And that’s where spiritually we are! You do nothing to attain that position, except to just believe. Can you imagine that?

In such a position, and with such immense power to reign with Christ at our disposal, why do so many in Him still feel so susceptible, helpless and hopeless? Because of lack of revelation of who they really are in Christ. Friends, if this truth and revelation gets to you, you will never know defeat from the forces of darkness whichever form they manifest. You will perpetually triumph. May Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians be your earnest prayer too;

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…"(Ephesians 1:18-19)

Ephesians 2:6 "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…"

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Jeremiah 1:9-10 ” Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” – NIV

God appointed Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations. As He commissioned him to this work, the Lord reached out His hand, touched and put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth. And then He followed this with how Jeremiah was to execute his work through the words in his mouth. By the words (of God) in his mouth, Jeremiah would uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow, buod and plant as he reigns over nations and kingdoms.

There is tremendous power in God’s word spoken over situations. By His word, God created the vast universe. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords reigns by the sharp double edged sword from His mouth. The centurion told Jesus to simply speak the word and his servant at a distance would be healed. Jesus told His surprised disciples that they could not only speak to a tree and it dries, but even mountains can move by their word.

And we have been given this same word of God. Our position with Christ in heavenly realms above all power and authority we discussed yesterday, is implemented by the word of God we speak. A word of God quickened in your spirit over particular situation is a powerful dynamite. It can do anything it was sent for. By it, we reign with Christ over all forces of the devil. Speak the word by faith and see what God can do. Glory to God!

Mark 11:22-23 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

Isaiah 55:11 “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

As Jesus commissioned the apostles for the work He called them to, one of the greatest privileges was to use the power of His name. Everything they did was in His name. Jesus has been glorified above all power and authority there is. He completely defeated Satan and his demons. At His name, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. That’s the power in that name.

As we go in that name, we are granted permission to carry the power and authority in Jesus name. Jesus mentioned the situations that would respond in the scripture above: demons cast out, speaking new tongues, no poison or snakes can harm, healing the sick. God does this to make people’s lives better and glorify Himself, not for our prestige. And it only works through faith, for those who believe.

Friends, this is such a privilege and trust! As we address situations and demons in Jesus name, it is not just a ritual. We are invoking the power of the highest authority in the universe. We are to do with maximum honour to Him. Some, unfortunately, misuse His name for things and agendas that don’t glorify God! Have in Him and go ahead to speak and do everything in His name. You will reign in life! Hallelujah!

Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,  to the glory of God the Father."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 12:10-11 "… For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

This was a picture of war in heaven which defeated the devil and he was thrown down. In revenge, he came to attack men. He is described as the accuser of the brethren as his way of fighting. Satan has no kindness. He entices people to sin, condemns and then constantly accuses them before God. He uses that loophole to wreck more havoc.

The way out of a guilty conscience is the blood of the Lamb that washes our sins. Satan enjoys reminding people of their past faults, condemns and makes them hopeless. Many are in his trap in that way. Once condemned, they are disempowred and susceptible to demonic manipulation. The saints overcome him by the blood which gives a clear conscience over forgiven sin, and sets us at liberty.

A guilty conscience is a bondage itself. Satan takes advantage of it to hold people captive. But a free spirit is liberated, bold and victorious. When we repent of sin, we are forgiven and freed from the reach of satanic condemnation and influence. Bring it all to Jesus as it is and invoke His blood. There is no more condemnation to those in Christ. Reign by His blood!

Hebrews 9:14 "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…"

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

The powerful testimony of a young war inexperienced David as he prepared to faced the giant, Goliath. All Israel had fled from him. King Saul helplessly and desperately sought anyone who could fight Goliath, promising many things. But still no one came until David, a shepherd boy despised by his brothers, showed up. When king Saul doubted him, he gave his testimony of killing the lion and bear, and rescuing the sheep, God helping him.

God does many things to us. Those testimonies build and strengthen our faith to face even bigger challenges, knowing that the God Who did it last time will do it again. With that, we boldly match forth against the giants, the mountains, the roaring seas and the forces of hell. And surely we overcome with that faith.

Testimonies never lie. The Sanhedrin couldn’t deny the miracle the apostles had performed on the cripple. Satan can’t cover it up. The man born blind stood his ground against the accusers of Jesus because he was blind but could now see. Friends, our testimonies are powerful weapons to overcome. It defies even death! Apart from the blood, we overcome and reign over the devil and situations through our testimony.

Revelation 12:11 "They triumphed over him  by the blood of the Lamb  and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

John 9:25 "He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Acts 4:14 "But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 32:28,31 "Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” … The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip." - NIV

Jacob was in such a fix. He was to face his brother Esau, whose birthright he had taken by fraud. The rift between them was deep. It was now over 20 years since. Yet he had no choice, but to go and face him. He sent all his animals and family ahead.

That night, he was alone, to sort himself out with God. A man wrestled the whole night with him, but couldn’t prevail. Later, he blessed him by changing his name from Jacob (the cheat, fraudster) to Israel (the one who prevails with God and men). That changed his story forever!

In the course of the fight, his hip was wrenched. As he crossed over to meet his Esau, he limped. But he had prevailed with God, before going to face the greatest fear of his life. Esau, who came ready to fight in revenge with 400 men, was completely dealt with by God. Instead of fight Jacob, they hugged and reunited in love. It was unbelievable to Jacob, but true!

If only we could learn to sort things with God in prayer as we face the challenges of our lives, before facing men! When we prevail with God, He deals with our situations. By the time we face them, everything has been streamlined. Turning to God establishes our faith in Him alone and gives Him lee way to fully step into our situations. Our bodies may be ‘limping’, weakened, subjected, but victory is settled in the spirit. And that’s what matters.

Joshua 23:10 "One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 139:16 "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

In this Psalm, we learn that God was involved in our creation. He molded us to be what we are and knows every thought and word before we even think and speak. There is no where to hide from him, and He has our best interests. He created us fearfully and wonderfully. The best we can do is to submit to Him to benefit from all his blessings.

God set all the days we would live, and controls them. People live like they have all the time in their hands. Whereas God gives us liberty to enjoy our lives and exercise our will and decision making abilities, He is still God in charge of our lives. Situations are temporary. What He established will stand forever, whatever men choose to do with their lives.

To those who want to run away from God and live to satisfy every pleasure of sin, this knowledge of our lives and times being in God’s hand is unpleasant. They want to be independent. But to those who hope and trust in God, it is a source of great encouragement. You know you are safe. He knows you by name, and is committed to what He created you to accomplish in this life.

Acts 17:26,28 "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands…‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’"

Shalom children of God