Category: Daily Devotionals

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 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 us 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

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

Philippians 2:12-13 "So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." - GNB

The call to work out our salvation with fear and trembling is a tough decision to make. This is more so, given the many trials that come along with it. But lest we are tempted to think this is from our own making and abilities, Paul says it is all about God working in us to will and to obey Him.

God created man with a will and freedom of choice. Even after coming to Christ and submitting our wills to His, we still retain that God given right to make decisions. The natural tendency of fallen human nature is towards disobedience to God and His will. On our own, we cannot obey God. But He helps us to align our wills to obey Him, and to suppress the rebellious nature that wants to disobey. As we work out our salvation, the will and strength to do so, all comes from God our Father.

Our part is the attitude of reverential fear of God and a willing submission to do His will despite the prevailing enemy forces attempting to divert us from the Way. When we make up our minds to stand for God and remain in the faith, then nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Let’s purpose in our hearts to remain firm in the Lord. He will supply the strength to enable us stand to the end.

Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 John 4:20-21 "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."

Apostle John’s main theme of his writings was love, for God and for others. God is love. Our relationship with Him and with others should therefore be defined by love.
It’s only love that proves whether we are truly in Him or not, whatever our other claims. Love is a command, not an option.

We see many today who claim to love God and hate people. It is true there are very difficult people to live with. God too sees His rebellious people, some of whom have expressed their hate, cursing Him and are serving Satan. They are enemies of God, but He still loves them! God’s love is unconditional and can only be practiced with the help of the Holy Spirit. In our human abilities, we cannot love everyone as God wants us to.

In practicing God’s love, we fulfill all His commandments. Let’s humbly submit to Him, and out of the working of the Holy Spirit in us, we shall bear love as a fruit. And we shall be able to love others as God loves them, despite all differences and weaknesses. Then shall we truly be children of God our Father.

Matthew 5:44-45 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." - NIV

Paul was guiding on how to help one caught in an offense, and the need to forgive so that they are not overwhelmed by sorrow. This would open a way for Satan who would take advantage and succeed in his plans against the believers.

Such is the way of the devil. He is a schemer. Jesus defeated him in a decisive once and forever victory on the cross and at His resurrection. He disarmed Satan of the power he had attained by tricking man in the garden of eden. At His ascension, Jesus boldly declared that all power in heaven and earth had been given to Him. He in turn gave back to man what was his from the begining. Now we are victorious over the devil through Christ. Hallelujah!

But why does this still elude us as we see alot of manifestation of satan’s successful manipulations? Because of his scheming which outwits even the believer in battle. Therefore, Paul’s counsel is very important, that we become aware of these schemes of Satan so that we are not defeated in a battle already won by Jesus for us. We shall explore more of these for our own victorious living in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." - NIV

The message of the death of Christ on the cross draws the line of foolishness and salvation. Through Isaiah, God declared that His ways are not our ways, neither His thoughts our thoughts. The difference is as far as heaven is from earth. It is the reason we can’t know God with our limited human minds. It’s like explaining some complicated happenings to a little child begining to learn things. Because we don’t understand doesn’t mean God’s things are illogical.

When we try to put human logic and conceptualization to the things of God, we get lost. God’s knowledge and wisdom is so incomparably vast, that even the most intelligent human mind can’t catch up with the foolishness of God. Because of this, the human mind will take God’s incomprehensible ways as foolishness. And so they reject it, and they perish. They can’t picture how Jesus’ shed blood and death on a cross saves someone thousands of years later.

But what is foolishness to those using human intellect to understand, is life to those who recieve this truth in simple child like faith and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. God reveals to them, by the Holy Spirit, the riches of His grace and mercy. It becomes so precious that it can’t be exchanged with any treasures of this life! Paul tasted both sides, and he had this to say after this truth was revealed to him;

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ Christ…" (Philippians 3:7-8)

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Tim 2:3-4 "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Apostle Paul was encouraging prayer for all people, including those in leadership so that we live peaceful and quiet lives which happened when leaders fear God. He then brings out God’s will and desire for the salvation of all men, and to come to the knowledge of the truth through Jesus Christ.

Whatever we do and live for in this life, God desires that we are all saved from our sins, to know Jesus our Saviour and to live life guided by this knowledge. He created us for Himself to serve His purposes. Our lives can only become worthwhile if we come to the knowledge of this truth. Jesus is the truth.

Let’s also make it a point to pray for all people to come to this knowledge through personal relationship with Jesus, resisting the forces of Satan which hinder people from coming to God. This prayer pleases God our Saviour. He calls all people to come to Him and to abandon their evil ways.

Isaiah 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake their ways  and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Shalom children of God.

Unforgiveness! (29/7/2022)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." - NIV

Paul identified forgiveness as a one of the ways of defeating the devil. Unforgiveness and its related evils like bitterness, resentment and revenge are good avenues the devil takes advantage of to wreck more havoc in us. In his scheme of things, if he can succeed to keep you in bitterness, resentment and not forgiving those who have hurt you, he has succeeded to make inroads into your life. And from there, he can manipulate your thoughts, decisions and actions.

While forgiveness keeps Satan away, it draws God closer and allows Him to work in and through us. This is the reason scriptures advice to forgive and not give room to anger, bitterness or vengeance (Col 3:13-14). The devil will try to justify unforgiveness and make you continue in it for as long as possible because he will keep you under his control while in it. In reality, it is harming you more. You will never be at peace while bitter and unforgiving at the same time.

So many have crushed under the influence this satanic scheme. Purpose to let go and leave certain things and people to God. Let God’s word and love reign in your heart. When you are aflame with Jesus’ love, satan will have no room. He will flee. You then live in perpetual victory over the devil, in peace and joy. In this world, we shall always be hurt by others, intentionally or not. I urge you to forgive and let God avenge for you (Rom 12:19).

Hebrews 12:14-15 "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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."

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.