Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 24:23-25 "At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time." - NIV

The entire chapter was dedicated to answer a question the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of the end times. Among them is the rising of many false Christs, and those who come in His name. They will perform great signs and wonders aimed at deceiving, if possible, God’s elect. Many will be misled by these miraculous signs. Jesus clearly states He had warned us ahead of time!

We live in that point in time where miracles are increasingly being fronted to promote following. Many in ministry, including those with questionable character of life, are competing to catch attention through miracles, some performed in very weird and degrading ways! And people will still follow without further questions! Again, Jesus caution to discern by their fruit, is critical. Look beyond the miracles.

God still does miracles. The devil’s use of signs and wonders is to counter what God does, and to sway people away from God. As you discern, do not believe any miracle at face value. Consider the fruit and manner of life of its performer to see whether they are pointing you to God, to themselves or to Satan. Test them. Miracles are not enough to confirm one being from God.

If all you seek for is miracles, you risk deception! Seek to be taught God’s word out of which a firm foundation is laid and your needs met. Human nature is so susceptible to the supernatural, but watch out that doesn’t lead to falsehoods.

Matthew 24:4 "Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:15,19 "To one he gave five talents, and to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to  his ability. Then he went on his journey…  After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." - NIV

It was one of Jesus’ last parables about accountability. God has endowed each one of us with talents and gifts according to our abilities. We are all gifted differently. Some can do much more than others. Some are more prominent than others. But all are important. Whatever we are or have, was given to us by our Creator. We are expected to use them to serve others and God, that is, to trade with our talents.

The Master is coming back and will demand for accountability on how we used them. We need to live with the reality that we shall account for our lives one day to our Maker. It will be a thorough life audit, how we used what God gave us, either to serve our selfish motives or to glorify Him. Some live as if they are in charge of their lives, talents, skills and abilities and they can use them whichever way they please. Whatever we have was given to us and we shall account for it one day.

Accountability is not usually easy, especially if things are not right. We may manipulate men, or cover up certain things on earthly accountability. But to the God to Whom we shall account, nothing escapes notice. He knows and sees every detail of all we do, including thoughts and hidden intentions. All that will be subject to judgement. Do self examination and if there be any ammends you need to make with your life, it had better be now while there is room to do so. Then turn to God in repentance and live for Him.

Hebrews 4: 13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Remember the day of accountability!

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 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - NIV

As salt of the earth and light of the world, we bring forth the qualities of God into the world. As the Holy Spirit shapes and molds our character, we bear fruit that reflects the nature of God. When this work is fully done, whatever is seen in us is what is seen in God. We shine His light and people enjoy the fruit and glorify God. Let’s live with this awareness.

To represent God is a solemn responsibility not to be taken lightly! Paul said we are Christ’s ambassadors as we appeal to people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:18-20). We speak what God would personally speak. He entrusts us to represent His kingdom on earth as ambassadors represent their countries in another country. Such responsibilities are not given to rebellious individuals, but to loyalists who will not bring shame. How would you assess yourself as God’s representative on earth?

Jesus perfectly did this when He said He did nothing except what the Father told Him to do. As He concluded the mission, He told the Father that He had completed the work assigned to Him and had brought glory to God. He is our perfect example. Let’s allow Him do His work in us so much so that our whole being reflects Him. I pray we speak as He spoke when we finish our work on earth!

John 5:19 "Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."

John 17:4 "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Chronicles 20:13,15,17 "All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord… “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…You will not have to fight this battle….”- NIV

Characteristic of king Jehoshaphat was his commitment to seek God. While with Ahab, he urged him to seek God’s counsel before going to battle (18:4). Now faced with a vast enemy army, he mobilised the entire country, young and old, to assemble and seek God. God stired up prophet Jahaziel to give those words of assurance recorded above.

When we choose to involve God in our challenges, battles and endeavours of life, He takes them over. Our challenges become His. The outcome is directed by Him. Our protection and safety is in His hands. Because Jehoshaphat sought after and trusted God, even when his coalition with wicked Ahab could have risked his life, God saved him. Out of fear and acknowledgement of their limitations, he led the nation to seek God’s intervention against the huge enemy force, and God took on the battle, thoroughly defeated their enemies and gave them huge victory.

May we learn to seek and trust God. There is so much we can’t handle by ourselves in life. Rather than worry and trouble ourselves in futility over things we can’t handle, commit it to the all able God with Whom nothing is impossible. Those who genuinely seek God will not be disappointed.

Psalm 25:3 "No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 16:25 " … “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…" - NIV

The richman lived in luxury, ignored the poor man Lazarus, and didn’t give thought to the afterlife. He died and was in torment in hell. Lazarus too died and was in paradise with Abraham. In attempt to seek relief from the torment of fire, the categorical answer from Abraham was that it wasn’t possible. He was suffering the consequences of ignoring the eternal in his earthly temporary and luxurious life.

Such is the deception of the temporary life. It promises lasting enjoyment but falls far short. While people are at it, they are blindfolded from what lasts beyond this life into the eternal. They maximise the moment, get puffed up with pride, ignore God and are decieved to think the temporary enjoyment is all there is to life.

It was the same deception of the rich young fool. His stores were fool of harvest. Thinking he had got what would sustain him for all years to come, he promised his soul plenty for the rest of his future. God called him a fool, for exalting the temporary and ignoring relationship with his Creator. I pray you understand early in life that these things are fleeting, here today and tomorrow they are gone. Never set your heart on them. And seriously consider your relationship with God.

Luke 12:20-21 "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?’ ” And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight.”

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 10:23-25 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - NIV

We all need each other in the journey of faith. The scripture above gives us reasons for the need to always meet and fellowship with others. It helps us hold unswervingly to the hope we have in Christ. Without encouragement from others, one can easily give up. It also helps us provoke one another into love and good works in the Lord. Fellowship enables us encourage one another so that we remain firm and faithful as we wait for return of the Lord. That day draws close every day.

Why don’t some people like or trivialize fellowship? One reason is they don’t see its value. None of us stands individually. We need others. God knows that and instituted fellowship. We can’t be smarter than God. Pride, despise or disagreement with others makes others reject fellowship. True, we may not be the same and so disagree with others, but let’s learn to live with people as we take what is good and leave what is bad. There is always something to learn and benefit from others. Jesus promised to be among those who meet in His name.

Every success story of individuals has other people around them. However successful you may see yourself now, your future sustenance of progress depends on others. Don’t be one of those in the habit of giving up meeting for fellowship. Your strength grows and is maintained through others. Otherwise you might soon be outwitted by the enemy. Elijah was outwitted because he was alone!

Hebrews 3:12-13 "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

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

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." - NIV

When a conflict arises between any people, it’s the reconciliation process that restores and heals relationships and brings peace. When sin entered into the world, it brought a separation between man and God. Man lost the fellowship with God. Under the influence of Satan, man became an enemy with his Creator. But the God of peace sought to reconcile humanity to Himself, as He originally intended to fellowship with man. He did this through Jesus.

Jesus did this by carrying upon Himself the sins of the whole human race, bore the punishment that was due for everyone who sinned, so that our sins are no longer counted against us! They were all placed on Jesus. Through our faith in Him and the finished work on the cross, we are reconciled with God. The sin barrier was broken, and our peace with God sealed. And so Jesus came and laid down His life, dying an extremely painful and shameful death He didn’t deserve, so that you and me may find peace with God. What a love!

Not only did He do that for us, He also gave us the same ministry, to carry the message of reconciliation on His behalf. We thus preach peace, forgiveness, healing and restoration of relationships between men and God, and between men and fellow men. Be reconciled to God. Nothing should stand in the way anymore because Jesus cleared the sin barrier. It’s only the disobedient who remain in rebellion to God.

Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Chronicles 18:6,13 "But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?”…But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says.” - NIV

Jehoshaphat, being sensitive to God, wasn’t satisfied with the four hundred prophets doing Ahab’s bidding. The question he asked is critical todate: “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?” Ahab reluctantly sent for Micaiah whom he knew wasn’t going to give him a nice answer. Indeed Micaiah refused to speak whatever others had spoken, but only what God said.

Micaiah was a prophet truly at God’s service. He stood alone against the king, was ridiculed, mocked, and even risked his life as he was imprisoned for refusing to speak what other prophets spoke and the king wanted to hear. He was committed to God, His word and nothing else even if it cost his life! The others like him were Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, John the Baptist, etc. They feared none, but God!

When would be servants and prophets of God compromise their stand and fear or divert God’s word, they betray God. Remaining a true prophet of God takes a price. You may be persecuted, rejected, denied certain privileges, misunderstood or ignored. But the outcome of God’s word coming out of you will prove faithful. Choose to be a prophet at God’s service. It will be worth it!

Acts 4:19-20 "But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Shalom children of God.