Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - NIV

These were Jesus’ last words to His disciples before physical departure. They contain the commission for the assignment of the church to go and make disciples of all nations, baptize and to teach obedience to all He taught and commanded. All the church is mandated to do is contained in this statement, although it may take different forms, approaches and gifting.

As we engage in this service to God, the promise is that He will be with us all the way to the end. There will be different challenges, battles, trials and temptations. We will need guidance, protection and provision. In this journey, there are valleys and mountains to cross, tears of joy and pain, nice and nasty things, and temptations to quit as the God we serve appears too far or not caring.

But the assurance we have is that He will be with us all the way till the end of the age. We are never alone in this journey. Don’t be tempted to seek for help outside God. Satan’s deception is to make us think God has abandoned us sometimes when we are in the middle of trying challenges. Even then, Jesus is with us to accomplish what He has purposed in and through us. We shall emerge victorious. Blessed be His name!

Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - NIV

The thought about sustainability of life beyond today is a fear deeply seated in many people. It includes what to eat, put on, state of one’s health, security, and shelter beyond today’s youthful vigour and regular earning, to unclear income and old age. Questions like, ‘What will happen in future when I no longer have what I have today?’ afflict many minds.

As a result, people do many things (some evil) so as to secure their future. To those who see a bleak future, worry is real. Jesus observed this among His disciples (and indeed all humanity) and spent time allaying their fears by encouraging them to trust in God who truly cares enough to meet their needs today and into their future. This will take good planning and hard work, and trusting God to guide the future we don’t know. He knows it.

Worry about the future has pushed some too far to not even enjoy today. Jesus’ counsel is that you don’t spend too much time and energy worrying about tomorrow and forget to live today. As you plan, work and trust God for what lies ahead, ensure you enjoy today. Do not allow tomorrow’s envisaged troubles eat up today’s peace and joy. We live our lives one day at a time, until we finish our years in their fulness, God being our helper.

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

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

The apostles not only experienced severe trials of their faith, but also encouraged others to stand firm through the same. James brings out one of the key reasons why God allows suffering. They test our faith and lead to a much needed quality of perseverance, maturity and being complete in Him, not wanting in any way. This only happens if we don’t give up along the way amidst the trials and sufferings.

Suffering is a good teacher, refiner and establisher of our faith. Growth through hardships yields the quality of resilience. People who grow in soft life are easily shaken off when tried and tested. That’s like the seed that fell on the rock with little soil. Their roots are shallow, their patience limited and their stand is brief. But those who have been through the fire and all sorts of trials will laugh at challenges, not be intimidated and will stand against all odds.

God is not a sadist who enjoys seeing us suffer. As He allows these sufferings our way, His aim is to develop in us a character that reflects Himself. The refiners fire ultimately brings out the pure gold everyone admires, but it doesn’t come easy. May we gladly go through trials as we yield to the molding and shaping hand of God to make us grow into the fulness of the stature of Christ and so truly glorify God. Paul understood it and had this to say;

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

What would you say of this story?

 “I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly– my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.

I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well– the delights of the heart of man.

I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:3-11(NIV)

He had got it all – wealth, wisdom, women, fame, power, leasure – whatever any mortal human would desire to enjoy life to its maximum. But king Solomon concluded that life was meaningless, a chassing after the wind! How could this be? Without God at the centre of it all, whatever we do or acquire can never truly satisfy. Only God gives true meaning and purpose to our lives.

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 24:25 "See, I have told you ahead of time." - NIV

The Bible is full of warnings that God gave to the people then, and to us too, about consequences of certain decisions and actions people take, and of things that would happen to those who reject God and those who follow Him. After narrating what would befall the world in the last days and as signs of the end of the age, Jesus told His disciples, “See, I have told you ahead of time.” Then He told them what to watch out for and how to respond.

Fore warned is fore armed only if warnings are taken seriously. When one is alerted before time, they plan and prepare themselves to face the challenges, watch out for those signs, or escape by taking necessary precautions so that they don’t fall victims. They also excitedly look forward to the promises made to the faithful. God gives these warnings and alerts for similar reasons. He never wants to take people by surprise. He will do nothing until He has first revealed it to His prophets. And the prophets spoke.

Much of what we see in the world today is biblical prophecy in fulfillment. But few pay attention and seek to know how to respond God’s way. What is yet to happen in the present world, and into eternity, both good and bad, has been revealed to us. We can get this information in His word. Unfortunately, many seek answers to world challenges from everywhere else except the Bible. We only get surprised at these occurrences because we are ignorant of the Word. We reap what we sow. Take God’s warnings seriously!

Amos 3:6-7 "When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 2:6-14 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Three things about the birth of Jesus:

1. It’s good news of great joy to all people of all nations. He is Savior and Lord of all.
2. His coming to earth brought peace to men on whom God’s favor rests. Men can now be reconciled with, and be at peace with God. Those in Christ have peace with God.
3. It is for the glory of God and worth celebrating. Jesus’ mission on earth brought glory to God. Some only celebrate the day, but don’t have Jesus, the reason for the celebration. The greatest joy of all is to have Jesus in your life as Saviour and Lord. You can receive Him now if you haven’t.

Shalom children of God. Merry Christmas

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 32:11 "Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children." - NIV

The fear of pain, harm and at worst death was a major reason behind Jacob’s dreadful fear. His brother was coming with 400 men to fight. He knew Esau would overpower him, inflict pain, harm his family, destroy his possessions and probably kill them. Thus the kind of prayer he made to God. Moses feared for his life and fled Egypt. Elijah feared and ran from Jezebel. Most people’s fear still centres around the same issues.

All those who compromise their stand, abandon their visions, or yield to trials feared the shame, rejection, bodily harm or even death that would happen to them. The desire to avoid them influenced their decisions otherwise. It’s the reason Satan stirs and uses persecution to shake some from the faith. But if we are completely convinced about what we believe to be true, we shall not be deterred, whatever the consequences. And God will protect us.

Paul named extreme situations that could come our way, but quickly said we are more than conquerors through Christ(Rom 8:35-39). We are called upon to stand on what we believe regardless of the consequences, but we still act in wisdom. Jesus warned that following Him will bring much tribulation. The apostles knew and went through much pain, but stood. Jesus urged His disciples not to fear those who would even kill the body, but to fear God who can cast one to hell.

Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 21:3-4 "I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God's home is with human beings! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.”- GNB

What a beautiful world it will be! At that time, God will establish a new heaven and earth. The current messed up world will have passed away. Sin will be no more. Satan, the cause of all evil which brought death, grief, sorrow, pain, crying and mourning, will be no more. Suffering will be gone, and only peace and joy reigns forever. This will be only for those in Christ. Those who rejected Him will instead be torment forever!

This may sound like a far fetched day dream given the state of our world today where every effort to bring peace has fallen short. But it will be so one day. To those in Christ who long for the coming of their Lord to save us from this corrupt violence ridden society, to those who are continually troubled by the increasing evil in the world, to those suffering for standing for the truth, this is great news of a glorious hope. One day, all forms of suffering will be over!

It was the joy of what lay ahead that made Jesus endure extreme pain. It was the glorious hope in Christ that made the apostles happily go through severe pain. Let this glorious hope of that coming blissful day, when our tears will be wiped away, with no more sorrow or pain or crying that we still experience in this life, encourage us to hold on to faith. In a little while, we shall be there. Then shall we ever be with our Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Hebrews 12:1-2 "… And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:3-6)

Jesus was despised and rejected, suffered intensely and with much sorrow, pierced and crushed, and afflicted with deep physical and emotional wounds!

He went through all these to carry our infirmities and sorrows, to bear our sins, pay for our peace and healing and to restore us back to God. He went all the way for you and me! What a love!

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Peter 3:11-12,14 "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat…So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." - NIV

A day is coming when the world in its present form, corrupted by evil, will be destroyed. This is at the coming of the Lord. There will be a totally new order of things. A new heaven and earth will be ushered in for eternity. Peter, in light of what will happen, then urges on what manner of life we ought to live as we speed the Day of Jesus’ coming.

We ought to live holy and godly lives amidst the corruption in the world. We also ought to “…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” We have a role to play in the way we choose to live our lives; in holiness, spotless, blameless and being at peace with God. This is the right preparation to be found ready and worthy when He comes.

The Lord has done everything that needed to be done to save us by His grace, and to enable holy living. We have to respond and allow the Holy Spirit to do this work in us. Some rebel and insist on their own ways. But to all who, by willing submission, allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, holy living, without spot or wrinkle and being at peace with God is very possible. I pray you corporate with Him to be ready at Jesus coming.

Revelation 21:1 "Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea."

Shalom children of God.