Category: Daily Devotionals

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

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

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

Jonah 1:1-3 "One day the Lord spoke to Jonah son of Amittai. He said, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and speak out against it; I am aware how wicked its people are.” Jonah, however, set out in the opposite direction in order to get away from the Lord. He went to Joppa, where he found a ship about to go to Spain. He paid his fare and went aboard with the crew to sail to Spain, where he would be away from the Lord." - GNB

Jonah’s story is interesting. He heard God clearly tell him to go to Nineveh and proclaim His message of repentance. But he deliberately went the opposite direction, to run away from God’s assignment. Alot happened in the ship until he was thrown out, swallowed by a huge fish, and three days later vomited out on the shore. A miracle indeed! The next time God called him and he went to Nineveh.

We cannot run away from God. Neither can even hide where God is not present in the entire universe. In the futility of his very limited human understanding, Jonah thought (as many today think) he would escape. Adam and Eve too tried to run and hide from God, but it was pointless to run from God Who is Omnipresent and all seeing. Such is the deception the devil has put in the human mind.

Many are running away from God’s call, and His known will. Nice sounding excuses may be given for disobeying God’s known will and ways. Whatever is done in disobedience may appear very normal outwardly. But deep within, you and God know that you are living in disobedience as Jonah did. Come back in repentance and do the things He called you to do. You cannot succeed to run away from God. It is a matter of time and you will know He alone is God and cannot be mocked. Jonah learnt the hard way.

Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Jonah 4:1-2 "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." - NIV

After Jonah preached to the city of Nineveh, the king and the residents quickly repented of their sins before God. And God, out of His love and compassion forgave them and didn’t bring the threatened judgment. But this angered Jonah to an extent that he wanted to die. He now gives this as a reason he was fleeing from God, knowing Him as a compassionate God Who would forgive. In summary, his desire was that the city is destroyed, and not saved.

Jonah was a prophet and preacher who didn’t really have the heart of God for the people he preached to. Whatever had prejudiced his mind against Nineveh, had sunk so deep in his heart. Hecwished the city destroyed! Even the miracles God performed couldn’t stop him from angrily arguing with God, his Creator!

This explains the danger of ministry, not with God’s heart, but influenced by other interests and biases. Some minister with evil intentions, wishing to see God punish their enemies. They express jealousy, envy, manipulation, tribalism, racism, etc in their service. Let God first heal your wounded prejudiced heart so that your ministry will be in love and compassion to truly heal, and not destroy.

Philippians 1:15 "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Jonah 3:10 "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened." - NIV

Jonah’s mission was to deliver a message to Nineveh, a city whose evil had reached levels in which God’s judgement was inevitable(Jonah1:2). Instead of straight away bring judgement on them, God in His justice gave them a chance to repent of their evil. Upon Jonah’s preaching, they repented and God relented from bringing the calamity He had threatened.

Such is the heart of God: loving, compassionate, just and righteous. He doesn’t wish anyone to perish. He gives opportunities over and over again to those who need to repent and turn from their wicked ways. He warned Israel severally over many years before He finally allowed destruction. He still warns humanity.

Todate, He gives people chance to mend their ways. This call comes through the preaching of His word. Some despise it and continue in their wicked ways. Others acknowledge their sins, repent and are redeemed. Even in His most fierce punishment, God is just, loving and compassionate. Let no man think God is weak when He patiently bears with those who reject and despise His ways. He is a patient compassionate and forgiving God!

2 Chronicles 36:15-16 "The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy."

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 21:28 "So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!" - NLT

Watch the signs. Jesus said these signs will come, pointing us to His coming and the end of the age. In the verse above, He expects us to take a step when we see these things begin to happen: and that’s to look up, because our salvation is near. The more of these things people see around, the more afraid, uncertain and fearful they become. Their hopes fail and the future seems more bleak.

The nature of these signs have to do with bad news, things going against normal life, natural disasters which take many lives and creating uncertainty for the future. Those who don’t know God and His plans, and unsure of their destiny beyond this life, whose only hope is in this life, have cause to worry. Instead, the believer should rejoice because these signs indicate our glorious hope is nearer than ever. We have the blessed assurance that what is about to come is not to harm, but to usher in the good news of the coming Great King!

When you only look around, you feel troubled, scared and lose hope and peace. But when you look up to God, there is peace, joy, hope and excitement amidst the mess. Look up to God. It’s well with your soul. Your tears will soon be wiped away forever. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen. To those not in Christ Jesus yet, this is the time to come to Him before it’s late.

Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (KJV)

Satan has inflicted unimaginable suffering to humanity from the time of the fall of man. This was never God’s original intention for man. Jesus’ mission was to destroy the devil’s works and restore man to His original design. And thus the words He read out in the temple as He began His mission and indeed executed throughout His earthly ministry to date.

Many hearts are broken, restless and heavy laden with deep wounds. This results from broken relationships, hurt inflicted by others, shattered dreams, lost opportunities, sickness and disease, failing families, betrayed trust and love, wider societal challenges like crime, terrorism, natural disasters, economic and political issues, all taking their toll on individuals. The effects of these manifest in restlessness, bitterness, unforgiveness, bruised, hopeless and miserable lives, all of which Jesus’ ministry addresses.

Jesus invites us to come to Him with such heavy hearts. He heals broken hearts whatever the cause may be. Pick up the broken pieces in your life and bring them to Him in prayer. Allow Him carry them for you. He will mend your heart and give you peaceful rest amidst the turmoils of life. He already took all our sins and burdens upon Himself on the cross  to set us free. We need not carry them any more. He calls us to come just as we are. He cares.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - NIV

What a soothing all time call from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to weary, wounded and burdened souls of men! He had just denounced the cities which refused to repent, despite seeing His miracles. So many were struggling to do good and please God but failed on their own. Jesus invited them to find rest by trusting in Him and ceasing from their futile attempts. And this true today.

There is so much not going right in this broken world. There is hurt and pain everywhere, caused by the selfishness, greed and oppression of men. The evils of men against fellow men has never been this bad! There is violence, oppression, injustice and uncertainty everywhere. The wars, natural disasters, hunger, poverty and disease are taking their toll on millions of people. All these challenges wear and burden our hearts, taking away peace as we wonder what could happen next.

These things are a result of men rejecting God and following their evil ways. The Lord’s call to us to come to Him, casting our worries and burdens, remains. He promises to carry them for us and give peaceful rest that nothing and no one can give to our troubled hearts. Let’s bring our cares, fears and burdens us to Him. He sees our tears, feels our pain and wants to carry them for us. He cares.

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 3:18-19 "And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief."

The writer to the Hebrews labored to explain why the Israelites to whom God had promised a peaceful land, flowing with milk and honey, did not enter that rest. They disibeyed and didn’t have faith in God and His promises. The rest God has promised us is attached to our faith and obedience to Him. This makes us cease from our own limited abilities to have peaceful settlement in our endeavors.

As pointed out yesterday, this life has so much it throws at us. But once we have come to fully trust and obey God, He settles our hearts and minds in Himself. He takes care of the things that would make us restless. He guides our ways in activities that are fruitful. This is why the psalmist said he would not worry if an army besieged him or war broke out against him, or if all else he trusted gave way (psalm 27:3, 46:1-3).

Unbelief, doubt and disobedience will certainly drive you out of God and His protection. This leaves you openly vulnerable to all attacks of the evil one. But in simple trust and obedience in God is peaceful rest of our souls, regardless of the turmoils and fears of the external environment. That’s like a little child resting in the protective arms of a loving mum, whatever is happening around. Let’s purposefully do so. So beautifully did the song writer put it:

Trust and obey
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey

Hebrews 4:1-2 "Now, God has offered us the promise that we may receive that rest he spoke about. Let us take care, then, that none of you will be found to have failed to receive that promised rest. For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith."

Shalom children of God