Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Acts 13:36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed." - NIV

Every human being is born into a specific generation by God’s design and purpose. No one is an accident in this world. You are alive for a specific God ordained purpose. David, the great king in Israel, recognised the will of God and served it in his generation. After completing it well, he died a satisfied man.

It’s fundamental, dear friends, that we ask ourselves, and God our creator, what we are here for. And when we know it, to serve with our whole being. It’s all that matters.
Sadly, many have no idea what they live for in this world. Many live by the forces in their environment, without a clear unmistakable sense of purpose and assignment from their creator God.

The realisation and pursuit of our divine purpose will guarantee a fully satisfying end to this brief life, and will continue into a blissful eternity. Many will look back at the end of this life at the lost opportunities to do what they were actually created to do, which is what really matters. But it will unfortunately be too late to recover!

They were probably ignorant of it, or were taken by popular opinion, pleasure, or blatant disobedience to God’s will for them. I pray you will not be one of them! Seek your purpose. What your Creator made you for is all that matters at the end.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Shalom children of God.

We need wisdom for living (17/5/2023)

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

One of the prayers of Moses, the man of God. He had pondered over life, its lows and highs. He had first hand experience with God. He also witnessed God’s wrath on the Egyptians and Israelites in their journey. As he thought about life and living, the prayer for wisdom for living became paramount

For meaningful and purposeful living, everyone needs to pray similarly. Until we realise how brief this life is, and the fact that we are created for specific purposes, we shall live without a clear sense of direction. This wisdom can only come from God. And He is willing to guide us.

Life without God its giver is a gamble. Many, unfortunately, live like they have their lives in their own hand. This isn’t true. The earlier we wake up to our indispensable need for God and His wisdom for living, the better our lives will be. May He teach you to number your days, knowing they will one day end and you return to your Maker for accountability.

Genesis 3:19 "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground,  since from it you were taken; for dust you are   and to dust you will return.”

Shalom children of God

(17/5/2023)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Extreme situations of life described here! Paul built his relationship with God to levels that absolutely nothing could separate him from it. The great love of God demonstrated in Christ was the basis of this relationship. He was completely persuaded and fully yielded to it that nothing could sway him away.

There will be tough challenges and temptations orchestrated by the devil with the aim of disuadding us from the love of God in Christ. The secret to standing is to know this love, experience and be so immersed in it that no force in the world can be powerful enough to pluck us out of it. We are deeply loved and greatly favoured by Father God!

It is one thing to know Jesus overcame. But to know He went all the way for us sets us on the trajectory of victory like no other. Paul prayed that we may be so rooted and established in this love that nothing can shake us. It is revolutionary love, beyond human knowledge like no other! Let this be our prayer too, to grasp the immensity of this love. Then shall we walk in constant victory in Christ.

Ephesians 3:17-19 "…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Shalom children of God

Be an extension of God’s love and hand (20/5/2023)

Matthew 25:40, 44-45 "Then the King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'… "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing cloths or sick or in prison, and did not help you? ' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of these, you did not do for me.'" - NIV

Jesus was about to go. He spoke  parables relating to the future. This was one of them about how God will judge us when we appear before Him. The emphasis was on service to humanity as service to God. Every opportunity to do good to people, meet a need of those around us, minister to the sick, helpless, imprisoned or marginalized, touches God’s heart. Jesus calls them His brothers. Those are all ministry opportunities. Some think of ministry only to mean the big activities. Here Jesus shows another line of ministry, small but significant before God.

We will always have needy people among us. Let our hearts be tender to them as we support and help whenever there is need. Serve them using your resources as though you are serving God from whom you shall recieve reward. Some of those acts of love and kindness will make someone’s life count and worth living.

Such service is so significant to God that Jesus noted they will be the basis of judgment and determine eternal destiny. The good acts are not the basis of our salvation, for no man is saved by them, but by grace. They should be a reflection of our relationship with the God Who loves and cares for all His people. When we do these, we become an extension of the hand and love of God to the world. 

Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me! – Jesus

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Shalom children of God.

Love: Everyone needs it! (R)(20/5/2023)

1John 3:1 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."- NIV

Every human being has an inherent longing for love. This goes for all creation as well. This is because the God who created us is love. He put His nature of love in  us. Our lives are fulfilled only in the context of love. The greatest achievements of men were/are spured on by the force of love. The vilest offenders/criminals are most likely products of love deprivation. Love always comes to the equation, making the whole difference in relationships.

Imagine a world were everyone loved each other regardless of status, possessions, race or any differences. We are all human and deserve love before we think of race, tribe, status, religious or political affiliations. We wouldn’t have wars and all these destructive tendencies in the world today. We would genuinely seek peaceful ways of solving our problems. We would not desire to hurt others so as to make ourselves happy, rejoicing in their pain.

God’s kind of love; unconditional, everlasting, holy and pure, has been lavished on us. The world has unfortunately redefined love to mean what it is not. It’s counterfeit, impure, conditional love.  That’s why it does not have the effect God’s love has.

God put His kind of love in us and He expects us to replicate it to others. If we do so, we will flavor our world with God's wonderful love, truly be its light and salt (Matt 5:13, 14). Life is worth living only with true love!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)

Shalom children of God.

The LORD, my Shepherd (R) (21/5/2023)Meditative reflection of Psalm 23The LORD, my Shepherd (R) (21/5/2023)

Meditative reflection of Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
(I acknowledge the LORD God Almighty, as my Shepherd and purposefully take refuge in Him. The love, care, protection, provision and presence of my Shepherd God, is enough for me. I need nothing more, for in Him dwells all the riches to meet my every need as His sheep)

Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
(He meets my every need, as a sheep would have its fill of lush green pastures and cool fresh waters. He settles my mind, as He leads me in quiet peace, helmed around from every side in His protective presence, free from harm)

Psalm 23:3
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(Even if I stray from His ways, and waves of trouble destabilize my soul, He restores me to peaceful rest in Himself as He guides me in paths of righteousness to follow. He does this for His name’s sake. He has my best interests in mind)

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(There may be times of extreme life trials in which hope of living seems to fade and death is so close. Even in that point I shall not fear. Your assured presence will not fail and leave me to die in the hand of the enemy. The shepherd’s rod and staff in your hand, for correction, protection and safety, gives me confidence of your unfailing protection)

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(As if to confound my enemies and those who seek my demise more, in their full sight, you set a feast of celebration and victory for me. The enemy only helplessly watches my victory celebration, completely defeated. My head is anointed, in preparation for your service, and your bountiful blessings I can’t fully contain as they flow over)

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(Is this victory, favor, love and goodness of God for me temporary? No. But for as long as I live in Him. For this reason, I purpose to dwell in His secure comforting presence, out of the reach of the enemy, from where I was hewn and truly belong, forever). Blessed be His name!

Shalom children of God.

Save with Jesus in the storm! (R) (22/5/2023)

Mark 4:37-40 "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - NIV

Jesus was crossing over the lake in a boat with His disciples. As they rowed, a furious storm that threatened not only the boat, but its people as well, broke over them. The disciples who were themselves experienced sea users, did what they could, but knew that this wasn’t a manageable challenge. They wondered why Jesus was sleeping when death was so close. They woke Him up, asking, ‘don’t you care if we drown.’

Jesus was sleeping amidst a furious storm. So confident and peaceful He was. He woke up and calmed the storm. He expected them to have faith enough to calm the storm. The storms represent the challenges of life we go through. And they are many. Sometimes they are too strong and appear to threaten our lives. And God seems quiet. But He always comes through.

We cannot drown in the storms of life with Jesus in us and with us. He expects us by faith to speak to our situations; the mountains and storms. And yet we most times do what the disciples did; cry out in helpless fear about what’s facing us rather than address it by the authority given to us.

Jesus asked them why they still had no faith, meaning by now they should have and use it. But thank God even if we fail, He helps our weaknesses and calms the storm for us. We are save with Jesus in the storms. Face them in His name!

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way  and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam  and the mountains quake with their surging."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 10:19-20 "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - NIV

The disciples had just returned from the mission Jesus sent them. When exercising the power and authority Jesus gave them to heal the sick, cast out devils and preach the gospel, what excited them most was that demons could obey them in Jesus name. That had never happened to them. But Jesus told them that there was something far greater to rejoice about; that their names are written in heaven.

Many get excited, as did the disciples, when they see God’s power at work to heal the sick, cast out demons, perform miracles or do some supernatural things. Unfortunately, it stops there as they bask in the fame and titles they carry around. But beyond those things God’s power and authority does in and through us, should be the question of whether our names are in the Lamb’s book of life or not. That makes eternal difference! For many who even performed the miracles, preached in His name and cast out devils, will be cast away!

Whose names are written in the book of life? Those who have trusted their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior, and living for Him. Some use His name to gain what they wish, but not living for Him. And they will be cast away on the day they stand before God in judgement. At the end, if all that we pursue and glory in in this life does not lead to eternal life and entering God’s kingdom, it is an eternal lose however powerful you were in this present life! That your name is written in heaven is reason to rejoice more than receiving worldwide fame.

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 27:13 "[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."- KJV

Life’s journey is not straight. One time you are at the mountain top and everything is alright. Another time you are at the valley and things seem to be falling apart. One time there are friends all around. And in another no one seems to care. You seem to be all alone. This fluctuations go beyond the individual to families, communities and nations.

God operates in seasons and times. That’s how things are. David acknowledged that if he had not believed in hope for better times ahead, he would have given up on living, given what he was going through. This happens to us many times when the storms of life beat, situations so tough and stressful come our way, and thoughts of quiting endeavours or even dying, cross one’s mind. Thank God, these situations are not the end of the story, however dire they may be. In God, blossoming life can be rebuilt out of the rubble and ashes.

It’s so encouraging that amidst all the ups and downs and uncertainities of life, God, in Whom we trust and hope, doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6). He is God in the good and bad times. He remains a good and faithful God in the mountain top and in the dark lonely valleys. Our faith and hope should rest in Him. Men in their abilities may fail. Our businesses, investments, treasures and all we may rely on can fail.

But God doesn’t. And this hope in God doesn’t disappoint. It will be well at the end. There is hope for a better tomorrow, however bad today is. Do not quit your endeavors. Hold on to faith in an unchanging, faithful God. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Psalms 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Shalom children of God.