Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Timothy 1:12-14 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”_ – NIV

Paul was a great apostle who served God with unprecedented zeal and commitment. He was a man of one mission, sold out to the gospel even under extreme circumstances bordering on life and death. But he was not deterred. He was unashamed of what he believed, sought to preach Christ at all occasions in all situations, abandoned the treasures he once boasted about. Others thought he was out of his mind, the same accusation labelled against Jesus. What explains such unrelenting energy and focus?

Paul knew how far he had come. He once blasphemed the name of Jesus, persecuted the believers violently. But now he is considered worthy and appointed to preach the same Jesus he blasphemed. Such grace and mercy blew his mind. How could God be gracious and merciful to such a wreck like me? And in addition, trusts me with His service!? Out of this understanding welled up a heart of gratitude, zeal and commitment to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. How could he let down such unspeakable love!

Some may recall where the Lord picked us from and showed us a love we least deserved and all He has done for us. In response and out of deep gratitude, we throw ourselves fully into serving God. When we truly understand God’s grace, what Jesus did to save us, the natural response is deep gratitude and undeterred commitment to live for Him and bring others to share in the same grace of God. Your mission and focus in life shifts. You live for that one thing. I pray you experience this in your life in Christ the Lord._

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”__Philippians 3:7 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 5:19-20 "Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed."_ - NIV 

The man was possessed by thousands of demons. He was uncontrollable. No chains could tie him. He was violent. He lived in the tombs alone. No one could dare go near. He cried out and cut himself with stones. Wonder what he ate, how he slept on rocks. He was definitely miserable. Jesus crossed the lake and landed near where he was. He was delivered and he came to his normal mind. He asked to go with Jesus but Jesus told him to go home and tell what great things the Lord did for him.

The man went to his people and to the ten cities, giving his testimony of what God did. Such is the meaning of being a witness to others. Jesus said we shall be His witnesses throughout the world. The Samaritan woman just told others to come and see a man who told her all she ever did. It is what God asks us to do; to go and tell others what He has done to us since we met Him.

When you encounter Jesus, He changes your life, breaks chains of bondage, forgives your sins, gives you peace, joy, meaning and purpose in life. He restores your hope, heals, provides, sustains and does all He does for you. That’s the testimony He wants you to simply tell others as you invite them to meet Jesus for themselves. So many more are bound, broken, oppressed, hopeless and would love to meet the Saviour Who equally longs to touch and transform them.

1 John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."_

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 5:30-31 "At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’”_ - NIV 

Jesus is going to Jairus house to save a dying girl. A woman who has bled for twelve years, seen every doctor, spent all she had on treatment but instead only got worse, interrupts His journey. In faith though physically weak, she pushed way through the crowd, touched Jesus garment and got healed. Jesus immediately knew some power went out of His body. It was no ordinary touch. It was a touch of faith.

So many touched Jesus as part of the crowd. But their touch meant nothing to Him. The woman resolved in her heart, believed that she would be healed upon touching Jesus cloth, and that drew power from Jesus to heal her. So many are around Jesus today, follow and associate with Him, throng places of worship, occasionally mention His name, but are just part of the crowd. This teaches the importance of faith in our relationship with God more than just be around Him.

Anyone can have this faith and recieve from God. Faith is the key to the breakthroughs we desire from God. Sympathy is not enough. The soothing words of Jesus to the fearful, now healed woman, are very encouraging to us all. “He said to her, _“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”_ (Mark 5:34). Simple childlike faith, even without recognition or too much noise and manipulations of different sorts is what God looks for. He asks us to only believe!_

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."_

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 5:35-36 "While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”_ - NIV 

Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. But the bleeding woman had interrupted His journey. And people from Jairus’ home came to tell him that his daughter was dead. He didn’t need to bother the Master anymore. It was too late. Let Jesus attend to others, the living. But Jesus ignored their seemingly wise advice and continued to accomplish the mission He had set out to do at Jairus’ house. The rest is history.

When we pray and trust God’s intervention in life’s circumstances, we may not recieve answers as we think or expect. At times it appears He has failed, not bothered, or come in too late to save the situation. And voices like that from Jairus house speak to us not to bother God any more. It’s too late. The door is shut. Your fate is determined and you can’t change it. Such were the voices of Mary and Martha after Lazarus death. And the four men who carried the paralytic to Jesus for healing and failed to access Him.

But God in His omniscience answers and intervenes in ways we may not know. What appears like failure to us is not so with God. His ways are not our ways, neither His thoughts our thoughts. Let’s press on, trusting that in the end He will make good what seems out of hand now, resisting the discouraging voices of the enemy telling us not to bother trusting God anymore. It will be well in Him, however dark it may be now._

John 11:40 "Jesus said to her, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?”_

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." - NIV

These were Moses’ parting instructions to Israel. He sought to let them know that the commands of God were not too difficult to obey. Nor were they too far in heaven or over the seas so that an excuse comes for failure to get there and to obey. Instead, it was right there with them, in their mouth and in their hearts. All they needed to do was respond.

In decisions to obey and serve God, some find it very difficult and imagine it to be a huge impossible task. God never makes anything very complicated for us. It is instead our hardness and stubbornness of heart, and when torn between conflicting issues that makes obedience to God difficult. Some of the things we go so far to achieve, do too much to impress, and perform many rituals to win God’s favour and get His attention and answers, are right with us. But many miss it!

The simple message is to just trust and obey. Many of us know what God’s word says and expects of us in the different situations and conditions that we are in. But instead of simply do what He tells us to do and speak forth His word in faith, we engage in all sorts of complicated maneuvers. The word is near you. Read, listen and study it. Believe it in your heart, speak it out of your mouth and watch what God can do in response.

Jeremiah 1:12 "The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 1:37-38 "The two disciples heard him say this and went with Jesus. Jesus turned, saw them following him, and asked, “What are you looking for?”They answered, “Where do you live, Rabbi?” (This word means “Teacher”.)…"

John the Baptist was with his disciples as they saw Jesus passing by. He told them to see the Lamb of God and the two disciples followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, He asked what they were looking for. He wanted to be sure why they were following Him. For Jesus who would be asking people to follow Him, but this time around He is asking these two why they were following, teaches us some lessons.

Many today follow or claim to be followers of Jesus for various reasons. Some because they have been promised relief from problems, others because their parents, friends or peers do. In Jesus’ days, they followed because of the miracles, and the food He gave them. When Jesus challenged them with tough teachings, many turned away. The most critical reason to come to Jesus and follow Him is because He is the Savior and Lord, our Creator who longs for fellowship with us as His people. Other reasons are secondary.

It is important to ask why you are in Christ. When one follows for the wrong reasons, they easily give up when their expectations are not met or in tough times. But if we follow because we realise our need for a Saviour and helpless state to save ourselves, whether those expectations are met or not, in good or bad times, alone or with others, we shall still follow. We shall count the cost and be willing to pay it as we follow Him.

Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Deuteronomy 30:15,19-20 "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction… This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him…" - NIV

These were Moses’ last instructions to Israel before he died. They were about to enter the land of promise, Canaan. He envisaged a time when the people would settle in the land, enjoy themselves and forget the God who rescued them. The last instruction was about the call to obedience and its benefits, disobedience and its consequences. Whatever would happen to them resulted from this.

The choice to obey or disobey was at their disposal. The choice between life and death, success and failure, blessings and curses, was determined by their obedience or disobedience. That remains God’s principle. He calls us to decide to go by His ways or disobey and go our own ways. Moses said death and life was before Israel. But they had to choose. He urged them to choose life. Much later, they disobeyed and were destroyed.

Whatever God wants His people to have is available and accessible through obedience. The Holy Spirit is present to help us live in obedience. But He requires our deliberate humility, submission and commitment to His leading. Whaterver and wherever we shall be for all eternity is determined by our decisions. The choice is in our hands.

Isaiah 1:19-20 "If you are willing and obedient,  you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Meditative reflection of Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
(I acknowledge the LORD God Almighty, as my Shepherd and purposefully take refuge in Him. The love, care, protection, provision and presence of my Shepherd God, is enough for me. I need nothing more, for in Him dwells all the riches to meet my every need as His sheep)

Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
(He meets my every need, as a sheep would have its fill of lush green pastures and cool fresh waters. He settles my mind, as He leads me in quiet peace, helmed around from every side in His protective presence, free from harm)

Psalm 23:3
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(Even if I stray from His ways, and waves of trouble destabilize my soul, He restores me to peaceful rest in Himself and then guides me in paths of righteousness to follow. He does this for His name’s sake. He has my best interests in mind)

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(There may be times of extreme life trials in which hope of living seems to fade and death is so close. Even in that point I shall not fear. Your assured presence will not fail and leave me to die in the hand of the enemy. The shepherd’s rod and staff in your hand, for correction, protection and safety, gives me confidence of your unfailing protection)

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(As if to confound my enemies and those who seek my demise more, in their full sight, you set a feast of celebration and victory for me. The enemy only helplessly watches my victory celebration, completely defeated. My head is anointed, in preparation for your service, and your bountiful blessings I can’t fully contain as they flow over)

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(Is this victory, favor, love and goodness of God for me temporary? No. But for as long as I live in Him. For this reason, I purpose to dwell in His secure comforting presence, out of the reach of the enemy, from where I was hewn and truly belong, forever).

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

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." - NIV

The pursuit of one’s endeavors in life’s journey always faces the temptation to get frustrated, discouraged, get tired, change direction or give up altogether. This is true for ones relationship with God as well when the battles rage, enemy schemes seem to prevail and our hope becomes dim and the promises of God look unattainable. Every well meaning child of God gets to such low moments one point or another in an evil day in this journey and thoughts of retreating become real.

To such a scenario among His people, God addressed Himself. When we are weak and weary, He increases our strength. Youth represents the peak of human strength. But God says a time comes when even that fails as well. Only those who hope in the Lord, who have learnt to depend on the unfailing unlimited strength from God, will still be going strong, long after those who trusted their own strength have failed.

Commit your ways to Him. God will strengthen you as you serve Him and do His will. The rains will come, the floods will rise, the winds will blow, ridicules will be thrown at you, and at times loneliness will set in as zeal to go on gives way. As an eagle in its strength soars against, and enjoys the storm, so will the Lord make you ride against the odds to victory. He renews our strength day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalms 33:16-19 "A king does not win because of his powerful army; a soldier does not triumph because of his strength. War horses are useless for victory; their great strength cannot save. The Lord watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love. He saves them from death; he keeps them alive in times of famine." - GNB

David was a very experienced soldier who won many battles and national wars. He was definitely skilled and knew everything about warfare, what was required to win or the pitfalls that bring lose. But in the scripture above, he makes a profound statement that seems to attribute all his victories not to skill, experience and tact, (important as these are), but to God. He came to understand that ultimately all victories come from God.

One who doesn’t believe in God could easily laugh off these guidance. But Scripture teaches that unless God has allowed or is in something, all our human efforts are useless. Is God involved or blesses the evils people commit and succeed? No. But such happen because people reject His righteous ways and choose evil on the exercise of their wills. We can offer our wills and bodies as instruments of righteousness or evil.

We are counseled not to trust in human strength, skills, experiences or abilities and ignore God. All these things people trust, including our very existence comes from Him. There is a limit to it. But trust in God has no limits. We can do nothing without Him. What’s done without God may appear successful initially, but comes nothing. Jesus is the solid Rock on Whom we can stand and be certain not to fail.

Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house,  the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,  the guards stand watch in vain."
Psalm 146:3-5 "Do not put your trust in princes,  in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,  whose hope is in the Lord their God."

Shalom children of God.