Category: Daily Devotionals

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

_2 Chronicles 19:5-7 "He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” - NIV

Characteristic of the godly reign of king Jehoshaphat was the manner in which he appointed and instructed judges in the land. He asked them to carefully consider how they judge, not for man but for God. They were to make just decisions, not involve in partiality and bribery. These are known perverters of justice. Woe to a society whose judges and dispensers of justice practice partiality, take bribes and don’t fear God!

One of the key indictators of a righteous, just and fair society is the way it’s law and order, justice and judicial system works, and whether everyone equally benefits from it. But if one must be connected to another to access justice, something is wrong. Judges weld immense power to make decisions which are far reaching in effect. This is why they should have their own value systems founded on the fear of God. Without that, partiality, bribery, delay and perversion of justice will be evident.

God is just and fair to all regardless of their status. He loves and values all people. But Satan is behind the hardness of heart in the arrogant who oppress, marginalize and deny justice to others using their God given positions. May God help help us in our various placements, as we take decisions to execute truth, justice and righteousness to all. Then we will be an extension of God’s heart.

Psalm 89:14 "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Chronicles 21:19-20 "In the course of time, at the end of the second year, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain. His people made no funeral fire in his honor, as they had for his predecessors… He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." - NIV

Johoram succeeded his father, Jehoshaphat, as king. He was described as doing evil in the eyes of God, going in the footsteps of Ahab king of Israel. He killed all his own brothers and other officials. God was not happy. He sent Elijah who wrote a letter (probably it wasnt safe to physically meet him) condemning his evil activities and ensuing punishment. He suffered a long painful illness and died.

No honour was given to him in death. No one felt pity nor missed him. While some people, for the positive impact they make in other people’s lives, are greatly mourned and honoured in death, some pass on to no regret as good riddance. This was the case with Jehoram. He had been a disaster and his death brought joy and peace.

In the journey of life, we all leave foot marks behind that inspire or make others regret our existence. This is brought about by what we do to others, and how we treat them. Jesus said, do to others what you want them do to you. If everyone lived with this consciousness and committed to loving others, life would be praceful and joyous. That’s God’s will. Such is a life that lives on in people’s hearts long after you are gone.

One day we shall be out of the scene. Will others miss you or it will be good riddance? How will your script be read?

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo.

Luke 10:22-23 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see." - NIV

As Jesus celebrated the successful mission of the seventy two He sent out, He stated that knowledge of God only comes through revelation. By revelation, we see things differently and better, from God’s perspective. What had been revealed to the disciples had not been seen even by the prophets and kings before, much as they longed to see the coming of the Messiah. But even with the Messiah around, many still couldn’t see! They were blind.

Some of the things we get to understand as revealed are not obvious to those not in Christ. They are revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who have submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. They are spiritual things, discerned by the spiritually alive and sensitive. How beautiful it is to see things from God’s view point. It makes the whole world of difference and gives much clarity to life. I pray you never get contended until you get there!

Some are still blind in their minds by the god of this world, the devil. They have eyes but dont see what God is doing, and the signs of the times. Some of those in Christ are still blind to the deeper things God is doing, one reason for their superficial relationship with God. To those who have eyes that see, blessed are you! To those who lack spiritual sight, you can ask God, like blind Bartimaues cried to Jesus to see, and as Paul prayed for the Ephesians to have the eyes of their hearts opened. There is a vast world of great spiritual riches and treasures only known to those who can see!

Mark 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

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

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

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.

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

Luke 2:6-14 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Three things about the birth of Jesus:

1. It’s good news of great joy to all people of all nations. He is Savior and Lord of all.
2. His coming to earth brought peace to men on whom God’s favor rests. Men can now be reconciled with, and be at peace with God. Those in Christ have peace with God.
3. It is for the glory of God and worth celebrating. Jesus’ mission on earth brought glory to God. Some only celebrate the day, but don’t have Jesus, the reason for the celebration. The greatest joy of all is to have Jesus in your life as Saviour and Lord. You can receive Him now if you haven’t.

Shalom children of God. Merry Christmas

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

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!