Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Samuel 7:28 "O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant." - NIV

David was responding to God’s favorable word through prophet Nathan to him, his family and generations to come. It followed his concern and desire to build a temple for God. In that word, God made several promises to David. In response, with deep gratitude, David acknowledged God as Sovereign, His words to be trustworthy and His promises reliable. He was then sure that whatever God had spoken to him would come true.

We live in a fallen world where lying is commonplace, from individuals, groups to nations. Many don’t tell the truth, or don’t commit themselves to their own promises. They may say one thing and yet do another, or take their commitments lightly. This has caused many problems in the world. People and even nations hardly trust each other, each suspicious of another. Because of this, some tend to think and believe God acts similarly like men, by not being true to His words sometimes. And so they take God’s word lightly or don’t trust it at all.

Friends, God is never a liar. We have the blessed assurance that He is faithful to every word and promise He made or makes. As long as He uttered it, so shall it be in it’s time. His word is full of promises, exhortations and commitments which speak to our various needs and situations of life and we can claim for ourselves. Although they were not made directly to us, it’s principles apply to us. You can stand on His promises that never fail. Hallelujah!

Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"

Isaiah 55:11 "So also will be the word that I speak —     it will not fail to do what I plan for it;     it will do everything I send it to do."

Shalom

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 32:6-7 "When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well…" - NIV

He had taken the birthright from Esau. Esau wanted to kill him. He fled to his uncle Laban. After twenty years, he was returning home. God also told him to go back home. The problem with Laban was over. Now facing Esau, coming with 400 men presumably ready to attack, created untold fear and distress to Jacob. There was no other way out, but to face what he feared most!

Jacob’s approach to fear was twofold: divide his animals and prepare a gift to appease his brother. The other was to bring his fear to God in prayer. One was a human solution as he thought best. The other was seeking divine intervention, acknowledging his human limitations and expressing his fears to God as it was. The later prevailed and God supernaturally took over the matter. It was an unbelievable victory!

Friends, fear can be so real and paralyzing. We all fear in life. But how we handle fear makes the whole difference. One challenge upon another will come. Sometimes we do not know what to do or where to start in addressing our fears. Out of panic, we try one thing upon another in reaction. Some of these make things worse. If only we could learn to always first bring our fears as they are to God and seek His intervention, He would guide our further actions to victory. It’s alright to say, ‘God, I am scared. Help me.’

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."
Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." - NLT

Three kings had ganged up to attack Judah. It was such a vast army and they were already marching to fight. King Jehoshaphat was not aware and thus ill prepared. This news caused alot of fear upon him and he mobilised the whole nation into prayer and fasting to call upon their God. In his prayer, he acknowledges the greatness of God, what He has done and what He could do. He expresses their human helplessness to handle this situation which had caused alot of fear. A great victory was won by king Jehoshaphat.

History confirms that even the most brave and courageous people on earth have their weakest points and limitations. This creates fear. Human beings are endowed with alot of potential. But we are still limited in certain things where we need help from others who are stronger or divine intervention in matters beyond human abilities. We all get to points in life where we are stuck not knowing what to do next, and fear becomes so real.

Acknowledging our fears before God at such a time is not weakness. Jehoshaphat did, but expressed his faith in the God is able. It is part of our humanity. It allows God to intervene. It also enables us to seek and get help. None of us is able on our own to do everything we wish to do in life. We need others. Accepting our human limitations in the face of fear is a step in the right direction. And God is more than willing to help us.

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."

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

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

Exodus 3:10-12 "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you…” - NIV

When time came for God to rescue Israel from Egyptian slavery, He appeared to Moses in Mt Horeb as he took care of sheep. God expressed the burden in His heart about the bitter suffering of His people and how He wanted to rescue them. He needed a person to do it, and Moses was the man. Instead of excitement since this was his burden too while in Egypt, Moses reacted in fear. He couldn’t imagine going back to the same Pharaoh who wanted to kill him and he ran away. God answered: “I will be with you”

The Lord’s answer that He would be with Moses was more than any weapon of war. David said even if he went through the shadow of the valley of death, he would fear no evil to befall him because God was with him. God assured Israel that He would be with them and uphold them with His mighty hand. Jesus assured His disciples that He would be with them till the end of the age. Such assurances were meant to remove any fears. It includes us today.

The assurance of God’s presence to protect, preserve, comfort and strengthen us is a strong weapon against fear. Loneliness and human limitations create alot of fear and uncertainty. That’s why we want to be with others to feel safe and secure. But God Almighty, all powerful, all knowing, all wise took care of our fears by giving us His word of assurance, that He is with us. He is a very present help in trouble, and is faithful to His commitments. He says, ‘Fear not, I am with you.’ Hallelujah!

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

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."

Matthew 28:20 "… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1Samuel 17:37 "David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee."- KJV

David, the shephered boy was young and inexperienced in battle. He was sent to take some supplies for His brothers in the war front line and to take back report to his father on the progress of, so far, a 40 day war. He witnessed how giant Goliath scared the israelites who fled in fear with no one bold enough to face him. As he offered to go and fight him, word reached king Saul who summoned the boy. He doubted his stature and wondered if David could fight such a war experienced giant.

Then David narrated an experience he had with a lion and a bear which came to eat the sheep. He killed them with bare hands. That first-hand  testimony of how God delivered him from those dangerous animals, convinced David beyond doubt that the same God would deliver the Philistine to his hand. It also convinced king Saul to allow David fight Goliath. And the rest is history.

God does things and gives us an experience  everyday one way or another. Lifes’ victories and progress builds on the little things of every day life. These help to build our faith, endurance, courage and boldness as we face other bigger life fearful challenges. Many can remember and testify of something past that you are totally convinced was the working of God.

Like David, let that strengthen your faith and resolve to face current and future life challenges and not run away from them. The God who did it for you in the past is still the same God who can do it again. He doesn’t change. Do not be intimidated by the huge Goliaths of situations. Face it. Bounce back and pursue. Big or small, He does it. Have faith in God.

2 Chronicles 20:15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 41:10, 13-14 "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… For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." - NIV

To Israel, God showed Himself as God Almighty, their protector. Through Isaiah, He repeatedly gave this assurance. Every time we hear words, we want to know who spoke them; the credibility and authority of the speaker. It’s then that we can rely on them if the speaker holds power and authority. If weak and powerless, whatever they say, however sounding, doesn’t mean much.

The strong words in the scriptures above were spoken by none other than God Almighty, above Whom is no other, the Alpha and Omega, Creator of all things, Whose word is final and sustains all things. His word then was to Israel, and to those who believe in Him today, and going through fear and uncertainty. He takes us by the hand, and says, ‘Fear not, I myself will strengthen and help you.’ Wow!

How refreshing are His words! Whatever brings us fear is subject to the God who helps us. No one will override His word. He has the final say. And you to whom He directs His word, is His beloved child, the apple of His eye, the delight of His heart. Your safety and protection is His responsibility. No wonder, David was so confident in God’s protection that he said God sets a celebration for him in the presence of his enemies. That’s our portion too! Walk with your head high, for God Almighty is with you!

Psalms 23:5 "You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honoured guest     and fill my cup to the brim." - GNB

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…"

These are words of absolute victory, power and authority like no other. No one in this world can speak like that. Jesus, the King of kings, and Lord of lords had totally defeated Satan, disarmed him and all his demonic powers, making a public display of the victory at the cross and resurrection as He triumphantly rose from death. He then commissions His disciples to go with the same power and authority to the world and preach the gospel.

One of the reasons for fear is the uncertainty of victory over the demonic forces that creat all the havoc and evils we see. The Lord Jesus, Whose we are, the Commander of the heavenly army, forever defeated the devil. No one should fear confronting the devil with all his schemes. Victory is forever ours in Christ Jesus.

Satan is now a schemer, and wins by trickery and manipulation. He instills fear, makes people fall into his traps from where he gets a loophole to drive them to do whatever he likes. But if in faith we live by God’s sure word, resist the devil through God’s armour, trust in God, allow Jesus to truly be Lord in our lives, and boldly exercise the authority given us, there should be no room for fear. For you child of God, the victory was sealed. Hear Jesus repeat the same in the revelation to John:

Revelation 1:17-18 "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Colossians 2:15 "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Exodus 5:22-23 "Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

Moses returned to Egypt to execute the great mission of rescuing his people from slavery. He went with Aaron, met the elders and broke the news with signs. They were excited that God had remembered them. No sooner had the rescue process began than things got worse. Pharaoh made work much harder. The elders realised there was trouble, and it was Moses who brought it! Moses went back to God to complain in the anove recorded prayer.

Sometimes things get worse before they get better. The temptation will be to think that God is failing, has list control or that was lying, because the opposite of what He promised is happening in reality. To the Israelites, Moses appeared like a conman and their deliverance like a hoax. In Moses’ mind too, God wasn’t rescuing His people as He promised. This hightened fears and created doubts in their minds. But as we know, a mighty and memorable deliverance truly happened.

It is noteworthy, that God is ever true to His commitments even if it takes thousands of years. He is never too late. In our human minds, we want to see things done immediately. But God has His perfect process and due time when all He promised is fulfilled to the dot. Moses thought it would be instant rescue. The devil takes advantage of delays to sow fear and doubt. Many fall victims as they take matters in their own hands to their detriment. May God help us to fall into them! Faithful is He Who promised. He will do it!

Numbers 23:19 "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"
1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
1 Thessalonians 5:24 "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."

Shalom children of God.