Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." - KJV

Paul, an old man, would soon be gone. Much of this letter to his son Timothy are final pastoral instructions. He was passing on the mantle to an upcoming minister as he phased out. For the work of ministry to continue beyond Paul to Timothy and beyond, certain teachings had to be committed to next generations. It was not to end with Timothy. He was duty bound to commit the same to faithful men who would pass them to others and so on.

We are not here forever. Neither are we strong forever. We get tired, grow old and naturally phase out. And one day, we shall be gone. But we must ensure continuity of the work entrusted to us by passing it on to those coming after us. Abraham passed it on to Isaac. Moses passed it on to Joshua. Jesus passed it on to the apostles, and that’s how the gospel has progressed todate. This principle is true for all aspects of societal leadership and management at all levels whatever your role or placement maybe now.

Every leader would do well to think about the question of succession early enough if they truly care about what happens after they are gone. The button shouldn’t end with us. We have a role in setting the stage for the next generation. We owe them a firm foundation on which they can continue building and improving. Don’t let them start from scratch as if we did nothing, or to rebuild from our wastes and destructions. Pass on values, teachings, positive examples and developments, etc to make their lives easier.

1Cor 11:23 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you…"

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

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - NIV

Suffering is pain from physical, mental or emotional loss, injury or illness. Many things in this world cause suffering. Some think once in Christ there should be no more suffering. Jesus stated that in this world we shall have trouble, but added that in Him we can have peace despite the challenges. True, there are sufferings for sin and its effects that Jesus bore and we should not suffer for them again. But there are pains we can’t escape because of our relationship with God.

Jesus said His followers would be persecuted for His sake. However much good one does, not everyone will like it. Even Jesus, with all the good He did, was crucified like a criminal. The Bible encourages that one would rather suffer for doing good than bad. Peter wrote, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:13-14).

Let’s walk this journey, knowing that moments of suffering will be there, but most important is to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing to God. This carries a promised reward and should be faced with joy. The world under the devil’s influence, is hostile to God and His agenda. But a time will come when Satan will be out of the picture and there will be no more suffering. We eagerly look forward to that day!

1 Peter 3:17-18 "For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus." - GNB

The encouragement to be joyful always, pray at all times, and be thankful in all circumstances doesn’t mean everything is alright all the time. It is a recognition that even in the worst of situations, God is greater and has good plans that transcend the evil and tough situations. He turns them around for good. No circumstance, however horrible, should kill our spirit.

The attitude with which we approach life’s challenges makes the whole difference. A thankful heart will make us see the good out of the worst, enabling us bounce back, and use the situation as a step to greater things. A negative attitude will sink us further down, destroying even the little left of devastating occurrences. We have to choose how to respond to all life’s circumstances. It will determine how we move on thereafter, whether we are destroyed or rise up again and move with our heads high and a smile on our faces.

Paul suffered greatly. He wrote from experience. By rejoicing in severe trials, he looked beyond the present pain into the glory ahead, to a God Who works all things for good. If we faced life with this attitude, no mountain would be to high to climb, nor any valley too low to cross. Our minds would be set on victory whatever the present situation. This is the winning attitude. Choose it today with God’s help as Paul wrote from prison to the church at Philipi:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm139:14-16  "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - NIV

While pondering over the things God can do beyond our wildest, yet limited human imagination, David acknowledged that God made him fearfully and wonderfully. This means meticulous detail and attention in our creation process. He saw the entire process through, not leaving anything to chance. God is fully responsible for what He made us to be. And it’s beautiful in His eyes.

Comparison is a big tragedy in life. God made each one of us so special that we are like no other. What and who we are, is by His special design. Some look at others as better, or superior. Certain  adverts seem to insinuate that some body shapes, colours and presentations are better than others. All these make many people despise what God made them to be and spend their precious time and other resources trying to be like others!

You are the only you in the world,  made like no other. You have a special place in the universe and God’s designated purpose that no one else can fill. But to despise that and strife to be like others displeases your Maker and makes you fail in your God given assignment on earth.

God made no mistake to make you what you are. Just discover and take your place. Don’t live an acted life by trying to be like others.  Thank God,  like David, that He fearfully and wonderfully made you that way. Celebrate you and walk with your head high. You are special, unique and a blessing to the world – by being YOU! You are God’s best.

1 Peter 1:18-19 "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."

Shalom children of God

That they may have life! (R)

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - NIV

Mission is important. It determines and defines what one does. It sets boundaries, avoids distractions and leaves out what is unnecessary, focusing only on what is useful for the mission. Jesus, while teaching on His good Shepherd role, touched on His mission on earth while comparing it with the thief’s mission. He came to give life eternal and in its fullness to those who believe in Him.

Sin had created a barrier between man and God. As a result of sin, death came to the human race (Gen 2:16-17). Spiritual death is separation of fellowship between man and God. Physical death is separation of soul from the body. Eternal death is eternal separation of the human soul from God for eternity in hell. Because God’s original intention for man was not to die, He brought a remedy of death as a result of sin. Thus Jesus came to bring life to a lost dead humanity.

Whatever was needed to deal with sin and death was accomplished in Jesus’ coming, death and resurrection. All He asks us to do is to believe in Him and we recieve eternal life. To all in Him, you have crossed from death to life. Those who have not yet believed are still dead in their sins. Would you heed His soft and tender call to come to Him? You can do so right now through a prayer asking Him forgive and save you. You too can be a partaker of eternal life Jesus brought.

Romans 6:22-23 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

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.