Category: Daily Devotionals

To seek and save the lost (R)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 19:7, 9-10 "All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”…Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - NIV

It was a huge surprise to Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector for Jesus to choose to visit him. Jesus was passing Jericho with the huge crowds. Zacchaeus wanted to see him, but being short, he could not. He ran and climbed a tree where Jesus stopped, called him by name and offered to go to his house. Everyone knew him to be a sinner and were surprised that Jesus would choose to be a guest to a ‘sinner.’ That’s when Jesus mentioned that His mission was to seek and save the lost.

Zacchaeus was rich and wealthy but lost without God. Jesus, despite the multitudes around Him, sought out this one lost sinner and gave him full attention. He came to seek, find and save the lost in sin. He still does it today.

So many hopeless helpless people feel just part of the crowd where no one even knows or notices them. But to God, you are not just part of the crowd. He knows you by name and identifies you. He doesn’t generalize people. Every individual human being, regardless of status, position or possessions, is special to Him and He gives full attention as He did for Bartimaues a blind beggar. Salvation came to Zacchaeus home that day when he welcomed the Lord. You too can welcome Him into your life and recieve salvation.

Luke 15:7 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

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

Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." - NIV

Apostle Paul, in his zeal and unwavering commitment to serve the God he once persecuted, suffered greatly for the gospel. He describes his challenges in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. Severe as these sufferings were, Paul looked beyond them, into a glory that awaits the faithful in Christ who endure them. Jesus too, looked beyond the present pain into the joy that lay ahead of Him. And He endured the cross, despising its shame.

This is one main factor for perseverance. Without a clear vision of what lies ahead, what benefits there are, together with a clear conviction of what one stands for, it is easy to give up. Many have done so. The easy way of the world tempted them to abandon the faith in suffering, exchanging the eternal blessing for temporary ease.

There will be a grand reception into the heavenly glory by the Master. There are rewards for overcomers in the good fight and winners in the race marked out for us. There are crowns awaiting faithful servants, who through thick and thin, stood for God. There are mansions prepared by the Lord Himself. There is a joy and peace that will never end for those who went out sowing in tears, rejected. It will be like no other, forever! Hold the faith to the end, precious one of God! The glory ahead far outweighs the present sufferings!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

James 4:1-2 "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God."

We live in a conflict filled world at all levels of human interaction. Because we are different in thought, perception, desires and decisions, no people are always thinking exactly the same way all the time. When such differences are not harmonised, it creates tension which may lead to quarrels and fights. But the Bible teaches, and its God’s will, that people live in harmony in their diversity, but upheld by God’s kingdom principles.

James attributes quarrels and fights among us to unmet desires battling within. When people fail to properly manage them and seek, on their own, to meet these needs and fail, they become angry, jealousy, covet, steal and attempt to grab from those who have. Then they quarrel and fight. They blame others for their predicaments.

The scripture says we do not have because we do not ask God. God is willing to meet our needs, but wants us to ask Him. And when we ask, we should use them according to His will, not according to our pleasures. Likewise, when we don’t have them yet, we should be thankful for what we have or expecting. This reduces the negative feelings which fuel quarrels and fights. Then we shall live peacefully and avoid conflicts.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:14,19 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them… “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." - NIV

Whatever Jesus taught towards the end of His earthly ministry was in relation to preparedness for His return. He is surely coming back. But He has entrusted us with talents, gifts, and responsibilities that we are to continue to execute until we die or be found serving when He returns.

The key message in the parable of the talents is that there is a trust given to all of us, and we to serve as we wait for the Master to Whom we shall be accountable. We are to keep serving, occupying till He comes. This means faithfulness and dedication without distraction. Some get derailed along the way and turn to other things they were never called to do in this life.

What will keep one on track is a constant awareness that the One Who entrusted us with life, talents and gifts, is coming back. He expects us to be working for Him. Happy is he who will be found faithfully doing what was entrusted to him when the Master returns. A great reward awaits!

Matthew 24:45-47 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Chronicles 33:10-13 "The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God." - NIV

This story teaches us some lessons. King Manasseh did much evil and rebelled against God, completely obsessed with with his own ways. It took suffering to bring him to submission to God. When God calls us turn to Him in better times, we had better not harden our hearts.

We also learn that God is gracious even to most rebellious when they turn to Him wholeheartedly. He pardons the vilest offender who truly believes. However far one has fallen from the Lord, they can be restored. He is a merciful God.

Some in their hardness of heart turn to God and are restored. Others die in their rebellion and perish eternally! May our hearts be soft and tender to God’s call to Himself and to His service!

Hebrews 3:15 "As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice,  do not harden your hearts  as you did in the rebellion.”

Shalom children of God. Happy new year!

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

Deuteronomy 30:15,19-20 "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction… This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him…" - NIV

These were Moses’ last instructions to Israel before he died. They were about to enter the land of promise, Canaan. He envisaged a time when the people would settle in the land, enjoy themselves and forget the God who rescued them. The last instruction was about the call to obedience and its benefits, disobedience and its consequences. Whatever would happen to them resulted from this.

The choice to obey or disobey was at their disposal. The choice between life and death, success and failure, blessings and curses, was determined by their obedience or disobedience. That remains God’s principle. He calls us to decide to go by His ways or disobey and go our own ways. Moses said death and life was before Israel. But they had to choose. He urged them to choose life. Much later, they disobeyed and faced dire consequences.

Whatever God wants His people to have is available and accessible through obedience. The Holy Spirit is present to help us live in obedience. But He requires our deliberate humility, submission and commitment to His leading. Whaterver and wherever we shall be for all eternity is determined by our decisions. The choice is in our hands!

Isaiah 1:19-20 "If you are willing and obedient,  you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalms103:1-5 "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." - NIV

Life is not a straight clear line where  everything is certain,  predictable and working as expeted. It moves in waves. One time it is up, another time it’s down. At some point everything is working out well, at another things seem to fall apart. To David it was the same. He had some of the worst experiences in life under king Saul. He also had high pleasant moments of victory upon victory. But he sums it by praising the Lord.

 A key to praising the Lord at all times, regardless of the state of situations, is to remember what He has done for you. When one considers what great things He has done or He can do, all the ‘little’ present challenges cannot stand in comparison. It’s why Paul called his trials light, compared to the glory that lay ahead. Jesus too, in looking at the joy ahead, endured the extreme trials He underwent in the hands of His tormentors. It’s the devil’s intention to make us focus only on the intensity of the present, forgetting the many great things God has done before.

Remembering and thanking God for what he has done, counting your blessings and naming them, will surprise you what God has done before. It will encourage you to know He can do it again. The God Who forgave all your sins, heals all your diseases, redeemed your life, has compassion on you and renews you,  will surely do anything else. Such understanding makes you face and climb any mountain praising God, knowing the challenge will not last.

Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:1-4 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps…" - NIV

Jesus had given a lengthy talk on the signs of the end, and the need to be ready. He now relates the state of those waiting for His return to ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. All were virgins pure enough to meet the groom, they were aware of His coming but didn’t know the time, they all slept as they waited. At midnight, an unexpected hour, the bridegroom came and took in only the ready ones.

The Lord’s coming was expected since His ascension. When it seems to have delayed and the mockers doubt it, His pure ones keep waiting. The only sustenance and assurance for those waiting to be found ready to go in with the bridegroom, is the oil keeping the lamp burning. The oil made the difference between the wise and the foolish, those who were ready and went in, and those who were left out!

To the believer, having both the lamp (the word of God) and the oil (the Holy Spirit) as we wait for the Lord’s coming is fundamentally key. The Holy Spirit will keep us on truck, and our lamps burning bright till He comes however long it takes. Some believers will not be found ready just because they lost communion with, not walking instep with, or have grieved away the Holy Spirit from their lives.

We are to be filled with the Spirit always and the lamps of our testimony ever burning. This requires our willing submission and obedience to the Spirit, not living self styled Christian lives our way, puffed up by knowledge in the word and self confidence in our works. Be filled with the Spirit, not the many things of this life.

Luke 12:35-36 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him."

Galatians 5:16 "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Shalom children of God.