Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 12:15, 19-20 "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.” … And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’" - NIV

A rich parable it was that Jesus gave. This followed a warning against all kinds of greed for material possessions. The rich man’s yield was good. To store his goods, he would break the small stores and build bigger ones. Then he would tell his soul to relax, make merry and enjoy. He trusted his wealth to solve all his problems. But God called him a fool for trusting his wealth. Jesus concluded that our lives are not defined by material wealth, but by a rich relationship with God.

Wealth is good, but can be deceptive. It creates false security, promises a good comfortable life and anything else one could ever need. With this, a person will think they don’t even need God. Those who are under its control find it hard to enter God’s kingdom. There are things wealth cannot do except God Who remains the only One who can fulfill man’s greatest need for a Savior.

We need wealth for several good reasons. But we are cautioned not to put our trust in it. It has potential to influence people away from trusting their Creator. But rightly acquired and used, wealth is a great blessing in every way. Be alert against all forms of greed, deception of riches and ungodly means of wealth acquisition. Commit to make wealth and enjoy it in ways that honor God.

Matthew 13:22 "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful."

Psalm 62:10 "Do not trust in extortion  or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Corinthians 8:1-2 "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know." - NIV

Knowledge is information, understanding or a skill one acquires through education or experience. As we learn ,we acquire knowledge. This knowledge has an effect in the lives and behaviours of its possessor. Paul compares the behavior of those possessed with knowledge and those driven by love. He notes that knowledge puffs up, while love builds up.

Knowledge is certainly good and very important in guiding life decisions. We need to invest in knowledge acquisition. But it becomes deceptive when those who have it use it to manipulate, trick, despise or abuse others less knowledgeable than themselves. It is destructive when it makes people see themselves as more important than others, become full of themselves, hold others hostage and think everything should revolve around them. That’s pride and arrogance.

We can never know everything in the world. We only know in part, even if you are a genius. This should keep us humble and to always be willing to purposefully learn from others. There is no end to learning. If driven by genuine love for others, we will be humble enough to listen respectfully to them, even if they make little sense. Love and right use of knowledge builds others up.

Proverbs 12:15 "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to the weary  and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - NIV

Man on his own is limited in wisdom, knowledge and strength. Youth is the epitome of human strength. At that stage, so much can be accomplished. But God knows that such strength too, is limited. People who entirely rely on their abilities eventually become weary, tired, stumble and fall, including the youth and the strongest of men. At the peak of their strength, humans can be deceived to think they can do anything, become arrogant and rebellious.

There is so much we go through in this life that drains our strength. As a result, so many are exhausted, broken down, burnt out and even depressed. God calls us to trust Him. He alone can renew our strength when we have come to the end of our abilities. There is a limit to human strength however much people try. Soon, reality catches up.

But with God, we can go on and on, running and not growing weary, walking and not fainting, till we accomplish our goals and come to the end of life’s journey. Are you weary and tired? Never give up. Come to Him. The promise of renewal of strength is to those who acknowledge their limits, and deliberately trust and look up to Him. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 8:1-4 "Does not wisdom call out?  Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind." - NIV

Wisdom is ability to use knowledge in a proper and reasonable manner, thus arriving at good sense of judgement and decisions. Knowledge is information or a mental understanding or awareness of something. It is not enough to just have knowledge without rightly applying it to solve problems and make life better.

The wise man Solomon personifies wisdom, who is calling out to all people. Wisdom is needed where people meet, interact, solve problems and make decisions. Since life is about knowing how to rightly approach situations, make decisions and manage human relationships (some of which are very complicated), it means wisdom is key. All that happens in this world is a result of knowledge and wisdom, or lack of it.

Kings, leaders and lay people, young and old alike, need wisdom. Effective leadership at any level combines wisdom, power and authority. Knowledge without godly wisdom is corrupted and destructive. The world reels in pain and shame at the hands of fools who reject wisdom! Hear the man who had tasted and known the necessity and sweetness of wisdom:

"Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say. Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight." (Proverbs 4:5-7)

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Kings 3:10-12 "The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be." - NIV

King Solomon had just replaced his father David as king. God asked him for his wishes. He asked for wisdom to rule with justice and righteousness. God was pleased. Because he asked for wisdom, along with it came wealth, protection, fame, long life and all other good things. No one superseded his wisdom. Solomon later wrote about wisdom and its supremacy over everything else we may seek for in life.

We spend so much time doing many things in life, and keep failing in the process as we try to meet our goals. If only we learn to first seek God’s wisdom and allow His leading, we would waste far less time and gain much more. We would live better and healthier long lives. It is wisdom that God used to design and make the entire creation. Solomon advised that we shouldn’t be wise in our own eyes, but trust God’s wisdom.

Let’s esteem wisdom and seek it out more than gold or silver, more than the treasures of life. Within wisdom are all the things the nobles and kings of this world seek for, and much more. There is peace beyond measure. There is life. It pleases God and makes our lives much happier and easier.

Proverbs 8:10-11 "Choose my instruction instead of silver,  knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

James 3:14-16 “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – NIV

James compares two kinds of wisdom: godly and worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is characterized by bitter envy selfish motives, pride, leading to disorder and every form of evil practice. He calls it earthly, unspiritual and demonic. It doesn’t come from heaven, but from Satan who inspires all these traits in people. Whenever you see people who claim to be wise, and yet manifest them, they are not wise in God’s sight.

Not all that appears wise and appealing, is from God. There are many intelligent people, shrewd, skilled in deception and manipulation as they commit evil of all kinds. Others may applaud their ‘wisdom’ as heroic. As long as it promotes fights, divisions, hatred and other evils, that’s demonic wisdom, because Satan’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy.

James says no one should boast about such kind of wisdom. It denies the truth and righteousness as it uses lies to promote wicked schemes. It is what characterises much of our world today as people plan evil and work towards bringing others down using their positions, intellect and other advantages. Desist from such.

Proverbs 1:10, 15-16 “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them…my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

James 3:13,17-18 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom… But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." - NIV

James in his comparison of Godly and worldly wisdom, gives characteristics of the God kind of wisdom. It includes living a good life in humility. Wisdom from God is pure, with no hidden ill intentions as drawn from God Whose heart is pure. It is also peace-loving, seeking peace and not chaos in whatever the person does.

This wisdom is considerate, feeling for others. It is also submissive, respecting and appreciating the value in others. In bearing with the failings of others, wisdom makes people show mercy to others. Jesus said the merciful are happy people, and they will be shown mercy too. Wisdom makes a person produce and be filled with good fruit. People will enjoy your company.

God’s wisdom is impartial and sincere in dealing with others. These are becoming rare traits among people. Only God enables us treat others without favouritism and in sincerity of heart without compromising with evil. All who have God’s kind of wisdom, can be identified by these characteristics. Are you wise from God’s or worldly perspective?

Proverbs 3:13-14 "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo.

Colossians 2:2-3 "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - NIV

In Proverbs 8, Solomon states how wisdom was involved at creation, in bringing out all that we now see. John states in John 1:3 that it was through Christ that all things were made. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Eph 1:17) and was involved at creation. So the wisdom personified is Christ. Paul in the scripture above notes that in Christ dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In Him then, is all wisdom.

Several scientific discoveries have been made over the centuries by the knowledge and wisdom that God gives man. Alot of this has immensely benefited man. Some of it has been manipulated by the devil to cause harmful destruction to man and creation. Whatever the case, all this knowledge comes from Christ.

All godly wisdom can only be found in union with Christ. Those who reject Christ and the Holy Spirit reject wisdom and subject themselves to worldly demonic wisdom. We can benefit from this wisdom by dwelling in Him, rooted and established in the faith, walking in love and unity with each other. Unfortunately, the opposite is seen in much of today’s church which, despite having Christ, manifests alot of worldliness because the Spirit has been grieved away!

Colossians 2:10 "…and in Christ you have been brought to fullness…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo.

Proverbs 8:34-36 "Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life  and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” - NIV

There are so many benefits of godly wisdom. They include safety from error, from wicked ways, bringing peace and a clear sense of direction in this life and eternal rest in the life to come. Solomon summarises these benefits in the scripture above. Happy are those who listen and seek for wisdom daily.

Those who find wisdom find life and favour with God. This is the climax of all our endeavors, to find life. And it is in wisdom. Those who don’t seek and don’t find godly wisdom harm themselves. They die and perish eternally for rejecting God. Why die of foolishness when God is more than willing to give you His wisdom liberally?

People will do everything in their means to seek for money and all it offers. But far greater than the nice things money and wealth, fame and pomp gives, are the benefits of wisdom. They truly satisfy beyond this life. In godly wisdom is life. If only men would realise this, they would seek for it and escape many temporary and deceptive traps of the devil. Find wisdom, find life!

Proverbs 8:12,14 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;  I possess knowledge and discretion… Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power."

Shalom children of God