Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

"Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." - NIV

In life, we can never be self sufficient on our own. No one knows or is able to do everything alone. Even the geniuses need others to excel. When success comes our way, and we make head way in our endeavors as others get mesmerized at our great achievements, there is a tendency to think we now know it all. Then pride sets in. This happens even in matters of beliefs and faith in God.

Deception comes similarly. The master deceiver, Satan, has driven multitudes in the wrong path and convinced them that they are on the right track, and yet it’s a lie! Their way SEEMS right to them, but it leads to death in the end. Satan is taking them for a ride. How tragic to spend all your years, energy, and other resources on what ultimately turns out to be a hoax, a sham, a lie! Unfortunately, many will realise this at the end of their lives when it’s too late!

The right way is the way of God shown to us through His word. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The human nature,  without God, was corrupted by sin and it’s inclination always tends to evil. With Jesus, we are in the right way that leads to life. Without Him, we are on the way that leads to death, whatever our seeming success now. Come to Jesus the way, the truth and the life and continue to live in Him.

"Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and shun evil." (Proverbs 3:7).

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

Shalom children of God. Peaceful week

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

The author of this letter had just taught about the importance of faith, its accomplishments and those who endured and did great things by faith. They were ahead of us, stood in the faith amidst very severe trials, and are now our witnesses, cheering us on to endure to the end. The Christian journey of faith is compared to a number of life endeavors. In this case, it’s compared to a race.

In a race track, every competitor has a marked out lane or route they are expected to follow. If they cross the lines, they are disqualified. Likewise, our race, in the time and actual assignments to accomplish in our generation have been marked out for us. We are responsible to God for what happens in our lanes for the time we are here. Those who were here before us, or will come after, are responsible for theirs. God made each for his time to accomplish specific purposes. He makes no mistakes and gives grace for the purpose.

The challenges in the race necessitates running with perseverance and focus on Jesus. There are temptations to be diverted or give up, but the great cloud of witnesses who overcame and went ahead are cheering us on, the same way competitors in a physical race are cheered by their funs and supporters. May we all run to the end to win the prize and be recieved by our Master with a ‘welldone good and faithful servant’ grand reception. Nothing in all the world will compare with this joy! And so shall we share in the joy of our Master forever.

Revelation 2:10 "…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 103:1 “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
My soul, my spirit, my very life, it’s your duty to praise the Lord your Maker. His holy name deserves our praise. True praise arises from within, from a thankful heart, manifesting on the outside.

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
As my soul praises the Lord, it will remember and not forget what He has done. Forgetfulness lessens praise and increases complaints and disgrutlement. Praise keeps the great things Godhas done in constant view and focus.

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins  and heals all your diseases,
The Lord forgives all our sins and frees us from guilt and condemnation before Him. He has committed to heal all our diseases. For these promises, we can lay claim as our portion from Him.

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit  and crowns you with love and compassion,
Without God, we are dead in sin. But God redeems us to Himself from death to life. This He does out of His deep love and compassion. I am loved and redeemed of the Lord. His I am! What a joy to know this!

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. I have desires and longings. Some may not glorify His name. God is committed to fulfill my desires, but only with good things. When my desires are satisfied with good, my health is renewed like the eagle’s.

For these and many others, praise the Lord o my soul! He has done, and will continue to do great things. He deserves all the praise.

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:21 ‘"Well done, you good and faithful servant!’ said his master. ‘You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness!’" - GNB

Jesus gave a parable of the stewards who were entrusted by their master with talents. To the faithful ones, the master was happy and rewarded them with more, as they shared in his glory at the end. This parable teaches us about the outcome of faithfully following the Lord in whatever He entrusted us with, to the end.

The journey of faith as we follow God has many mountains and valleys, smooth and tough times, some of which tempt us to give up. But if we remain true and faithful to God, enduring the challenges, serving His purposes to the end, the blessed assurance is that we shall share in His eternal glory as well. The master recieved the faithful servants into His joy. He will wipe away our tears and give us the crown of life.

Let this encourage us to remain faithful. Let our eyes be fixed on Jesus who equally endured so much ridicule but was motivated to continue by the joy that lay ahead. There is so much joy that awaits the faithful servant walking in the footsteps of the Master. Cheer up and hang in there. It will be glorious! Those who suffer for Him will also share in His glory. Paul looked forward to it, and should we.

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

John 4:49-50,53 "The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed… Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed."

A royal official’s son was sick and he came to ask Jesus to go and heal him before he dies. Instead of going with him as He did for others, Jesus told him to go back home, and that his son would live. Taking Jesus at His word, he started his journey back home, arriving the next day. The very time Jesus told him to go, was the time his son got healed. Once He has said, He will do it.

When God gives His word to us concerning whatever we ask of Him, it is a done deal. But our faith is a key factor in bringing about its fulfilment. The man believed Jesus’ word, and his son was healed the same hour. God’s word is not limited by distance and space. Where Hus word is, He is. James warns that those whose who ask God for wisdom (and indeed anything else) should have faith. Otherwise they can’t expect to recieve their requests without believing what God has said.

We pray often over many things. But one of the biggest undoings of our prayers is doubt which makes our minds waver. When you ask for anything in prayer, believe that it is done and it will be given to you, Jesus said. God is able and willing to do more than we ask or dream about. He requires faith on our part. Let’s build our faith strongly against demonic forces of unbelief, and on the God Who never fails.

Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

James 1:6-7 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." - NIV

Jesus was concluding the teaching on the signs of the end. He had mentioned many things that would characterize the end. These include increase in deception, false christs, wars and revolutions, earthquakes, pestilences, famines, fearful signs in the heavens, increase of evil, moral degeneration, persecutions among others. Anyone following world events can testify that these are present day realities around the world. It means we are in those last days.

In the scripture above, Jesus warned His disciples (including us) about the things that could make them miss out on the day of His return. These are; dissipation/carousing (too much fun, wasteful spending for pleasure), drunkenness (out of alcohol or improper behaviour out of excitement or anger over things) and the cares of life (fear or nervousness out of what might happen). These things dull one’s sensitivity, alertness and readiness to the coming of the Lord. That’s why Jesus warned us to be careful not to let them weigh our hearts down, or else the day of the Lord will catch us unexpectedly.

Friends, Jesus is coming soon. Every sign is pointing to it. As we do what is required of us by the demands of life, let’s look beyond to the imminent return of Christ. Be alert, do not allow fear, pleasure, anxieties of life weigh you down and dull your sensitivity to the times we are in. Watch the signs and expectantly look up for His coming. It will be well in the Lord.

Luke 12:40,46 "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."… The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 10:19-20 "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - NIV

The disciples had just returned from the mission Jesus sent them. When exercising the power and authority Jesus gave them to heal the sick, cast out devils and preach the gospel, what excited them most was that demons could obey them in Jesus name. That had never happened to them. But Jesus told them that there was something far greater to rejoice about; that their names are written in heaven.

Many get excited, as did the disciples, when they see God’s power at work to heal the sick, cast out demons, perform miracles or do some supernatural things. Unfortunately, it stops there as they bask in the fame and titles they carry around. But beyond those things God’s power and authority does in and through us, should be the question of whether our names are in the Lamb’s book of life or not. That makes eternal difference! For many who even performed the miracles, preached in His name and cast out devils, will be cast away!

Whose names are written in the book of life? Those who have trusted their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior, and living for Him. Some use His name to gain what they wish, but not living for Him. And they will be cast away on the day they stand before God in judgement. At the end, if all that we pursue and glory in in this life does not lead to eternal life and entering God’s kingdom, it is an eternal lose however powerful you were in this present life! That your name is written in heaven is reason to rejoice more than receiving worldwide fame.

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

Shalom children of God.

Trivializing the eternally important!

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 25:31-34 "Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright."

Esau was a hunter for survival. That day he failed to make a kill. Hungry, he asked his brother Jacob for food. Jacob asked him to first sale his birthright. Esau said his birthright wasn’t of any use to him since he was about to die. He despised and sold it for a meal, ate and went his way. What was to earn him eternal blessings for all generations to come, was exchanged for a meal. Esau despised his birthright, and lost it, forever!

One of Satan’s schemes is to make salvation through Christ and the eternally significant things of God appear trivial in comparison to the immediate joys and pleasures of this world. ‘Indulge yourself, feel free to do what your heart desires, why bother with what you don’t even know whether they exist or not,’ he tells his victims. And so people despise God’s ways and principles and engage in things they delight in: make wealth, have pleasure, ignore God. They eat and drink and enjoy life outside God as it was in the days of Noah until the door was shut!

Dear friend, do not trivialize the call to repentance and living for God. Do not be blinded by the devil, to follow after fleeting pleasures of sin and the world which leave you empty and lost, even if one gained the whole world. In God are true riches into eternity. Seriously consider the state of your relationship with your Creator God. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling. Will you heed His call, to live for Him? You will rejoice for eternity!

Mark 8:36-37 "Do people gain anything if they win the whole world but lose their life? Of course not! There is nothing they can give to regain their life."GNB

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 103:1 "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

My soul, my spirit, my very life, it’s your duty to praise the Lord your Maker. His holy name deserves our praise. True praise arises from within, from a thankful heart, manifesting on the outside.

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

As my soul praises the Lord, it will remember and not forget what He has done. Forgetfulness lessens praise and increases complaints and disgrutlement. Praise keeps the great things Godhas done in constant view and focus.

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins  and heals all your diseases,

The Lord forgives all our sins and frees us from guilt and condemnation before Him. He has committed to heal all our diseases. For these promises, we can lay claim as our portion from Him.

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit  and crowns you with love and compassion,

Without God, we are dead in sin. But God redeems us to Himself from death to life. This He does out of His deep love and compassion. I am loved and redeemed of the Lord. His I am! What a joy to know this!

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I have desires and longings. Some may not glorify His name. God is committed to fulfill my desires, but only with good things. When my desires are satisfied with good, my health is renewed like the eagle’s.

For these and many others, praise the Lord o my soul! He has done, and will continue to do great things. He deserves all the praise.

Shalom children of God.