Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Colossians 3:10-11 "… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

Paul names the different categories people are placed such as race/tribe, language, gender, economic status and a host of others. God made us different for various reasons and for His good purposes. Such categorization, when applied negatively, determines how one considers and treats others, as superior or inferior, favourably or not. This is how evil is hatched and orchestrated in the world, when our differences become weapons and reasons to propagate evil against those different from ourselves. This has unfortunately affected those within Christ.

It wasn’t God’s will from the beginning that our differences divide us. Apostle Paul said as the believer’s  new nature in Christ is renewed in knowledge in the image (or likeness) of its Creator, God, we overcome these humanly made boundaries and we see people as God would see them. In Christ, no one should be discriminated against, from ethnic,  gender, economic or other view point. As long as they are in Christ, they are your brother or sister. Even if they are not in Christ, they are God’s people, created in His image and precious to Him. Love as God unconditionally loves.

How wonderful the world would be, if we all saw each other from God’s point of view, expressing His love and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, Satan has capitalised on our differences to promote hatred and wars, and many have fallen victims. I pray we focus on the more that unites us than the little that divides us.

Acts 17.26 "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."

Shawwlom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 12:26 "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

As Jesus moved about in His ministry, the first call He would make to His would be disciples was to follow Him. Following is a mark of discipleship. John records how Jesus made it a condition for whoever wanted to serve Him to first be willing to follow. In following, you express the willingness to go wherever He goes. A service offered to God from a point of submission honors God through and through.

When Jesus calls us to follow Him, he knows where he is taking us. He is not guessing. In Him is direction, purpose, protection and provision for life. Following requires humility, a willingness to let go your own ways and embrace what He tells you, even if it may not be pleasant all the time. After all, He is our Creator and knows it all. This does negate the rightful use of our God given intellect and abilities, but channeling them to His glory.

So many are in His service, but are not willing to follow His way. They want to serve their own way, fulfilling their desires alongside God’s. But God, Whom we serve, has prescribed how we do it. Ours is to obediently respond and follow, knowing that He never misleads, knows it all, and always has our best interests in mind. His footsteps are clear and straight. They lead to absolute fulfilment and to life eternal. To this path, He calls us all. Will you follow?

John 10:27-28 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 2:3-5 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…" - NIV

In following in the footsteps of Jesus our Lord and Savior, developing the same mindset He had is key. Apostle Paul advices that this attitude should manifest in our relationships with others. Attitude is the reason we see, interprete, say or do things the way we do them. It is the underlying motive beyond the superficial cover ups and hypocritic pretenses. And it is what God looks at, because it is the true reflection of the heart. Attitude determines everything else, good or bad.

Anyone can claim to be godly or good. This may be covered up for a while. But the true character of a person can’t be hidden. It soon somehow somewhere shows up especially in times of adversity. But when the attitude of Christ reigns in those called by His name, they will manifest it at all times. The fruit of their lives never lies, in all seasons and times. People’s mindsets are influenced by several factors; cultural backgrounds, education, religious systems, values, etc. Best of all should be a mindset the God, Who created us, intended for for us. That’s what we should pursue.

We should thus see people and things from His perspective. Developing this attitude is enhanced by the Holy Spirit working in each of our lives. None of us in our own human abilities can do so, given the influence of the sinful nature. It was the reason the Holy Spirit came, to help us become Christ-like including in our attitudes towards others. But the Holy Spirit requires our obedient corporation. Will you allow Him transform your attitude?

Colossians 3:9-10 "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo.

Philippians 2:5-8 "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,  did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature of a servant,  being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" - NIV

This was the unprecedented humility of Jesus. He was and is God, but didn’t seek to show Himself as God. He humbled Himself to the lowest position, put on human appearance, went through all the sufferings men go through and suffered silently in the hands of the very men He created. He obeyed His Father to the most shameful death – on a cross meant for worst case criminals! He did this voluntarily, for our sake!

Paul calls us to have the same humility of Christ demonstrated in our relationships with others. This means not fronting and exalting positions, but purpose to serve others. Humility values others, seeks the best for them. Jesus used His position to display servant leadership to the utter shock of His disciples. It was contrary to how leadership was/is viewed. He calls us to follow His example.

In the scheme of things in our world, rights, positions, privileges, titles and other outward show of power and authority are encouraged and celebrated. Ministers of Christ have not escaped this trap! People will do anything to show they are powerful, at the top in control and above others. Would Jesus do this if He was around today? Power is given to order things right, and not for pride. Jesus asks us to learn from Him.

"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." Matthew 11:29

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 12:3-4 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - NIV

Considering the heroes of faith of the past, most of whom went through untold sufferings for their faith, the writer to the Hebrews sought to encourage the believers in Christ not to lose heart. And the best example to encourage us is Jesus Himself who endured extreme challenges and suffering culminating in death on the cross. He was vehemently opposed, rejected and insulted by the people He created and had come to save.

Trials will certainly come. Discouragement and thoughts of quiting will come too. But the examples of those who went through the same and overcame encourages us to keep going, standing firm on what we have believed. Our eyes on Jesus, who is still interceeding for us to stand also strengthens our faith and resolve to keep going even if against all odds set by the enemy the devil to deter our progress in the faith.

The journey of faith is full of great and low moments. When down, in the valley or in the darkest moments of life, do not yield to suggestions of giving up. Soldier on. There will be a dawn of new day. You will rise to the mountain top again. And later, you will join with the heroes who endured to the end and are saved. Cheer up child of God. The storms will not last forever. Neither will the water and fire. Alittle more endurance, one day at a time and you will be more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. Follow Jesus who endured.

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."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 9:35-36 "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." - NIV

As Jesus moved around meeting and preaching to people, He was moved by deep love and compassion. He saw their hopeless and helpless state without God. This moved Him to heal the sick, cast out demons and set the captives free. The same love made Him leave heaven, come to earth, lived and died for salvation of man.

He called us to do the same ministry to others, driven by the same love and compassion. When love is the foundation of whatever we do, our hearts will go out for others, sincerely desiring to see them experience God’s love , be healed, delivered and walk in God’s blessings. But where envy, hatred, fights and ungodly behaviours and competition exists, it clearly shows we are not walking in His footsteps of love.

The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with this love, and we see and treat people as God sees and treats them. A ministry driven by love and compassion deeply touches because everyone wants to be loved and valued. Allow God use you to touch others with love, bringing healing, hope, encouragement and life to hopeless situations. Become an extension of God’s heart to people. The world is so hungry for this love!

1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 5:19,30 "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…By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." - NIV

Jesus was responding to the Jews in a heated arguement. He makes a profound statement of His dependence, loyalty and submission to the Father. Much as He told His disciples to follow and learn from Him(Matt 11:29), He in turn followed and obeyed the Father. Even through the suffering and cross, He yielded to the will of God. He became obedient to death on the cross!

To the same obedience and commitment to God are we called. So many are the desires, plans and wishes we have in life. And God too has His plans and purposes for our lives. He asks us to voluntarily choose to submit to Him as we follow. This is more so when we recognize our inadequacies, and that we can do nothing meaningful and of eternal value without God, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Let us not follow with divided hearts. Obedience goes with humility and love. I pray we set our hearts to respond when He calls, follow wherever He leads and to do whatever asks us to do. That is the example Jesus set for us, the footsteps He calls us to follow. It is the way to greatness in the kingdom of God.

John 13:15 "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Shalom children of God.

Living life on purpose

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” - NIV

Jesus was just starting His public ministry. Given the scroll to read, the portion he read came from the book of Isaiah. It wasn’t coincidental reading. It was the description of His mission on earth. And immediately after the reading, He declared it was being fulfilled right before their eyes. And so began the mission of Christ on earth for three years. And when it was done, He told His Father that He had accomplished the work and was ready for the glory (John 17:4-5).

Everyone of us is on a divine mission given by our Creator. We are not accidents in this world, according to God. We can only find true meaning and purpose to our lives from God our Maker. Unfortunately, many look everywhere else apart from God in search of purpose to life. That’s futile. Jesus got His from God when He stated He was only doing what He was sent to do by God (John 5:19). In the text above, He got His mission from the scriptures. We can’t do less.

I pray you don’t go through life without getting your purpose of existence, your mission in life. Don’t live aimlessly. The devil through deception of worldly pleasure, fame and temporary wealth has diverted so many from their God ordained mission in life. At the end of it all, anything we do outside God’s plan for our lives leaves us empty, unfulfilled and lost, whatever we may gain in this world! You are here for a purpose! Find it and live it!

Jeremiah 1:4-5 "The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 6:12 "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."

Prayer was part of Jesus’ lifestyle. He spent the night seeking God before He appointed the twelve apostles. He prayed into the nights and rose up early in the mornings to pray. He usually had very busy days but didn’t compromise communion time with His Father. When He said He did only what He saw the Father do(John 5:19), the secret was in constant moment by moment communication with God.

The early church picked up this secret from Jesus and made prayer as one of the non-negotioable practices in their devotion. They prayed daily, about everything and in all situations (Acts 2:42). And so have all who were/are devoted to God and mightily serve Him. We cannot bear fruit to God, nor make any lasting impact unless we are people connected to God through prayer.

Experience, good leadership and management skills, fame and connections cannot replace prayer. When they do, God’s servants cease to have that cutting edge ministry that goes to the hearts of men. They rely on human wisdom which is limited. May God help us to be people of unceasing prayer, drawing from the treasures of His heart from which we minister to others.

Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up…"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 6:60-61,66 "On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?… From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." - NIV

Jesus had taught hard things to understand and many of His disciples began to leave Him. Unmoved by those who were deserting, He asked the twelve whether they also wanted to leave. But Peter said they wouldn’t leave because they had learnt that Jesus alone had words of eternal life. Many of those who followed had eaten the miraculous food and were expecting such a life of ease being with Jesus day.

If Jesus was seeking fame and popularity, He would have left out those hard teachings and do everything possible to keep the crowd around. He didn’t compromise His teachings of the truth for cheap popularity. Such is the big lesson every gospel minister needs to learn from Him. We have been entrusted with the eternal truths from God and we should be faithful stewards.

But many, in attempt to build their names, ministries, grow their following for other ulterior motives, have compromised their teachings for what their hearers want to hear! I pray you stand your ground like Jesus and teach nothing but the whole truth from God. Paul said he didn’t hesitate to speak the whole counsel of God to the people he preached to. We are accountable to God for what we preach! As Jesus did, let’s teach truth in love and wisdom, whether people like it or not.

Acts 20:27 "For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."

1 Timothy 4:16 "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Shalom children of God.