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

Psalm 27:13 "[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." KJV

Life’s journey is not straight. It can be tough. One time you are at the mountain top and everything is alright. Another time you are at the valley and things seem to be falling apart. One time there are friends all around. And in another no one seems to care. You seem to be all alone. What keeps one going is hope that things will be better.

God operates in seasons and times. There is day time and night time. That’s how things are. David acknowledged that if he had not believed, in hope, for better times ahead, he would have given up on living. This happens to us many times when the storms of life beat, situations are so tough and unforgiving, and thoughts of quiting or even dying cross one’s mind.  

It’s so encouraging that amidst all the ups and downs and uncertainities of life, God, in Whom we trust and hope, doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6). He is God in the good and bad times. He remains a good God and faithful in the mountain top and in the dark valleys. Our faith and hope should rest in Him. Men may fail. Our businesses, investments, treasures and all the other things we rely on can fail. But God doesn’t.

Hope in God doesn’t disappoint. It will be well at the end. Tomorrow will be better, however bad today is. Do not quit your endeavors. Hold on to faith in an unchanging, faithful God. There is light at the end of dark tunnel, even into eternity.

Psalm 30:5 "For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning."

Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 4:9, 27 "The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)… Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

Jesus picked a conversation with a Samaritan woman as He preached to her. But a deeply seated attitude between the two peoples, Jews and Samaritans pops up. They had nothing to do with other. The woman brought it out in no uncertain terms. Another cultural hitch comes in as observed by the surprised disciples: Jesus is talking with a woman, moreover a Samaritan? But Jesus intended to break a culture and tradition that had held many captive for long.

We all belong to families, societies and communities which have certain traditions and beliefs about other people from certain families, clans, tribes or races. What we are told biases our minds against them. These affects our attitudes and relationships with them. Some are carried forward to matters of the gospel. Jesus in the quoted scenario deliberately broke such man made traditions that created barriers between people.

In Christ, such attitudes based on ethnicity, cultures, gender and others don’t hold. We are one under our Creator. These differences are fueled by the enemy so as to propagate divisions in which he thrives to fight God’s purposes for humanity. Let our cultural and traditional view of others be influenced by what God’s word teaches. He is God of diversity. All people are His.

Galatians 3:26-28 "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Mark 7:8-9 "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 12:15-16 "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son." - NIV

In emphasising living at peace with all men and being holy, the author cautioned the Hebrew brethren against falling short of God’s grace. Among the things that could lead to this are bitterness, sexual immorality and godless living that despises salvation and the things of God (Heb 2:1-4).

Bitterness is unresolved deep anger and unforgiveness. It opens up a person to many other foul spirits leading to more trouble and spiritual defilement. Likewise, whoever is into sexual immorality becomes susceptible many foul spirits. None of those practicing them is at peace with God until they purpose to allow God set them free.

God’s grace works by faith in Christ (Eph 2:5,8) and His finished work on the cross. It teaches us to say no to anything ungodly as we submit to the Lordship of Jesus in holy living. When one is driven by bitterness, sexual immorality and godless living, the place of Christ as Master and Lord is diminished. This still calls for our choices, to submit our will and bodies to serve God or our own pleasures.

Titus 2:11-13 "For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of the whole human race. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will appear."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 8:23-25 "He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." - NIV

This is an interesting story. Jesus healed the blind man. When He asked him what he saw, he said he saw people like trees walking. On a second touch of his eyes, he was fully restored and saw everything clearly.

Most people are like that today. The eyes of their hearts have been opened partially. They see and perceive things partially. And when you see people like things, you value them less. This could be one reason why even those in Christ still treat others in questionable ways without the love of God. They need a second touch in their spiritual sight, so as to see people as God sees them.

When we see as God sees, we interpret and understand as God does. Clarity of sight makes the whole difference in how we live our lives and relate with others. It manifests in a form of religion, but denying the transforming power of God. It leads to deception. If you still hate, segregate, despise and ill treat others and yet claim to be in the Lord, you need a second touch. Ask God to help you see clearly. Don’t settle for partial sight. It’s dangerous and more harmful.

1 John 1:6-7 "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

Ephesians 1:18 "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…"

Shalom children of God.

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

Hebrews 12:2-3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - NIV

The constant battles and challenges we are engaged in eventually drain strength and can wear us out. As a result, fatigue and burn out set in and people give up or surrender to negative situations despite knowing the right things to do. Jesus endured the horribly painful cross, its shame and fierce opposition from evil men because of the joy that lay ahead of Him. We are encouraged to fix our eyes on Him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart.

Jesus was tried and tempted in every way we are, but never gave in. The great heroes of faith too went through very terrifying trials but never lost heart. Let their example and testimony encourage us in our faith. They overcame. We too shall overcome. Sufficient grace was upon them to endure. We too have sufficient grace to go through.
It’s the devil’s intention to bombard us with so much from every side and throw thoughts of quiting. Do not quit!

Looking to Jesus, learning from the examples of those who went ahead of us, focusing on the prize and reward ahead will strength our commitment and perseverance to go on. You are not alone going through it. Victory is promised to us, if we don’t grow weary. As we trust God daily, He renews our strength. We shall overcome because we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Isaiah 40:29 - 31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Shalom.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

James 3:14-16 "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

James was comparing godly and earthly wisdom, their qualities and characteristics. Among the signs of evil wisdom is strife envy, selfish ambition, confusion and every other evil practices. These give room to the devil to promote all kinds of evil. Some practice these things and pride in thinking it is wisdom as they enjoy tearing others down as they go into unhealthy competition.

Jealousy and envy are very poisonous to any attitude. They never allow their victims to see things objectively. Every time you feel hurt about the successes of others, and think it should have been yours, envy, jealousy, strife and all sorts of evil attitudes follow. You will only see the negatives. Destructive criticism follows with intention to pull the other down. Such attitude makes you desire and celebrate the down fall of others.

If we are to maintain a clear attitude towards others, let’s purposefully resist envy and jealousy. Deliberately celebrate those doing better while you may be struggling. Thank God for them as you believe God for your own victories. God’s seasons and times are different for different people. Yours will come, in it’s own way and time. There is enough for each one in God’s kingdom. Don’t be envious. Love others genuinely.

Galatians 5:26 "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Romans 13:13 "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."

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 is 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 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

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.