Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." - NIV

To discern is to recognize what is not obvious and is hidden. In spiritual matters, it is the ability to sense what is presented as good and from God, and what is evil and from the devil, but disguised as good and harmless. Paul was battling with false apostles who came in the name of Christ, but purely under satanic influence. He notes that Satan too, pretends to be an angel of light, and so do his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.

This is the heart of deception. Not all that comes in the name of the Lord is from God. Because they are carefully packaged and designed to decieve the unsuspecting naive minds, many consume it without question like a bait. They may carry the same Bible, appear to teach from it, possess the same titles, and do many related things to the true servants of God. But within and behind them is Satan himself. Jesus too warned of false teachers and prophets who come in sheep skins, but are dangerous wolves.

As the we draw closer to the end of time, deception will increase. Any good and discerning bible student can see this all around us. There has never been a time we need the gift of discernment more than now, if we are to be safe and secure in the faith and our walk with God. Unfortunately, many have, and will still fall victims. And yet we have been given all that we need to discern and be safe. We look into this in the next days.

Matthew 7:15-16 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Timothy 4:2-4 "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - NIV

Paul, an old man and prisoner for the gospel, is soon dying. These words are among his last to his son Timothy. He charged him to preach the WORD in all seasons, using it to correct, rebuke and encourage. He prophetically sees a time in which men will not endure sound doctrine of the word, but will gather for themselves teachers who will tell them what their itching ears want to hear and not what they need to hear. Such is the way out of the truth into error. All such actions are driven by their own desires, no longer seeking the will of God even though they use His name.

How true this is in our day! To many professing God’s name, the issue is no longer about what the truth of God’s word is, but what they can get out of it to suit their desires. The gathering of teachers follows what they want to hear. And the teachers also know what their listeners want to hear, and will give it, to their gain. This has led to gross misappropriation of God’s word to portray what it was never meant to mean. Unfortunately, Scripture is used to justify anything ill intentioned false gospel ministers want to give their eager listeners!

The purpose of sound doctrine is to keep us on track in God, transforming us into Christ’s image. It will rebuke and correct, directing us to the narrow, sometimes long path of God’s will. This will antagonize our pleasure seeking and easy life of the flesh. And Satan can’t fail to give those shortcuts to easy life, but at a cost to ones soul! It is incumbent upon each one who truly wants to live God’s way, to sieve what they hear, rightly preach and live by the word, sharp as it can be. Therein is our safety in these perilous times.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

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

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - KJV

Everyone is a product of parenting, whether from a stable or broken family, single or double parenting. From birth, through the formative stages of child development upto one’s adulthood, alot is invested into a person. Whatever each one of us is; the way we behave, the values we hold, the attitudes we possess, are a reflection of parenting and family background. Train a child to be whatever he ahould be. And that’s what they will be. If you don’t, some how someone somewhere will. And thats what they will be. This places immense undelegetable responsibility to parents for which they will account to God.

Training is teaching and modeling. A child’s mind is open from birth. It only takes in what the environment around feeds them with, the most important of which is family. That’s what informs their world view and eventually shapes their character, the way they see and do things. Children need more than material things like food, clothing, shelter, toys, education etc. For holistic development, social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual needs which eventually shape children’s character, have to be met too.

It’s sad that the importance attached to parenting is reducing, with the family institution under immense demonic attack. Many take it lightly, absent themselves, leave children to the media and whosoever, but blame them when they act weird. If you really care to secure the future of your children, you must, of necessity, spend quality time instilling and demonstrating right/godly values to them. You will one day be happy you did when the fruit of responsible godly citizens manifests.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 10:3-4 "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." - NIV

Jesus taught about being a good Shepherd. We are symbolically the sheep. Key among the qualities that make Him a good Shepherd to the sheep, is the sheep’s ability to listen to His voice and leading. The Shepherd calls each sheep by name and leads them out in safety and to find pasture. The sheep should follow, having listened to Him.

This figure of speech contains deep lessons for us. God speaks. He wants to speak to each one of us. He does this in several ways; through the written word, the ordinary life situations, or through other people. The challenge is that most people either don’t recognize His voice, ignore or outrightly disobey it. This explains why they mess up, follow the stranger and don’t benefit from the cousel and safety of the good Shepherd.

Hearing God requires a listening and obedient attitude. It also needs a willingness to follow wherever He may lead, trusting that He never misleads. In following His is safety, solid counsel, meeting of all our needs, and an assurance of walking in His will. Let’s train ourselves to listen to God speaking to us all the time. Anyone of us can hear Him. You too can hear Him. And He speaks peace.

Psalm 23:2-3 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 John 4:1 "My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere." - GNB

Apostle John clearly warns the believers about the deception already in the world. It is masterminded by the devil who is a liar from the begining. As previously seen, he masquerades as an angel of light to decieve those who don’t discern. John gives the solution as testing all, including those who claim to have the Holy Spirit in them. It therefore goes, that if you don’t test, you will fall victim of deception.

Deception primarily thrives on ignorance. If one is equipped with the truth and awareness of deceit, it becomes very easy to counter deception. But whatever one receives requires testing against the standard of truth. God’s word rightly read, interpreted and applied is the standard. Paul mentions another reason for deception; when people who already know the truth choose to ignore it and opt for ways contrary to God and sound teachings and defend them as their rights.

When men deliberately refuse or rationalize the truth and live in their evil ways, there is no more remedy. God gives them to strong delusion. Then right becomes wrong and vice versa. They live in lies by choice. This explains some odd practices around the world today which are promoted and defended as human rights even when their own conscience testifies against such. Until we embrace and allow the truth of God’s word to guide our ways, deception will continue to prevail. The choice is for each one of us.

Romans 1:25 "They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised for ever! Amen." - GNB

Shalom

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 12:19-20 "And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy;  eat,  drink and be merry." But God said to him, you fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" - NIV.

Jesus was responding to a man who wanted Him to use His influence to force his brother to share family wealth. Genuine issue it was, but Jesus looked at the real matter in his heart and taught powerful truths using the parable of the rich fool. One of these truths being comparison between the temporary and eternal. There are things which last temporarily only in this life, and there are those that last beyond the present life into eternity.

Many of the things we crave for, struggle for and fight to get, last but for a while. Soon or later they are gone or we are gone and leave them as the rich fool was reminded! And yet they are the things which occupy most of our lives. They include seeking material wealth, power and authority, fame, etc. But things of etetnal significance elude many people most times. These last beyond this life into time without end.

If we understood that there is an eternity, and that this life is but a preparation for it, we would live our lives and do things differently with that in mind. Even if one lived to be 100years, that’s nothing compared to eternity. By the end of those few years, the things we craved for have either faded off and gone or cease to mean much anymore. These things come and go. They are temporary. Let’s live this temporary life with the eternal in mind.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"

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

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 Philippians had obeyed and believed the gospel Paul preached. He was now in prison and wrote to encourage them to continue in obedience even in his absence. He sought to let them know they had recieved salvation by grace. But they had a role to play in order to continue in the same salvation to the end. There was more work to do.

No one can do anything to earn salvation except to believe in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. It is entirely by God’s grace and mercy. But to remain in salvation requires our commitment and perseverance. Daily devotion which enables us to remain in God is a decision. Salvation is recieved instantly when we give our lives to Christ. But growth and sustainability in it is hard work which happens over time with much labour.

To persistent endurance and commitment, we are called. Paul said he died daily, implying daily choice to remain in the faith despite the various fierce challenges that would make him fall out. The early church faced it. We face the same daily. And we do so with fear and trembling before God, knowing how much Christ paid to redeem us! That’s what energises us to keep going, knowing that those who endure to the end will be saved (Matt 24:13).

Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Judges 16:28 "Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” - NIV

Samson had been arrested in humiliation, his eyes gorged out. And now as a prisoner in the hands of his enemies, he was called to entertain them as they made fun and praised their gods. Samson’s uncontrolled lusts had driven him to painful shame. In that state, he asks the gracious Lord to remember him one more time and to strengthen him again. The Lord heard his cry and strengthened him. He had left Samson, but was gracious to him again.

What do you do when you have made mistakes and messed yourself up? The best is to come back to God just as you are. He promises to forgive, restore, heal and bind up the wounds. He does not cease to be compassionate to us. He longs to bring us back to Himself. He is God of another chance, except that some don’t use those chances to return. David sinned and returned in repentance. Peter betrayed his Lord and he was restored.

If you are in that messed up state, call on God as Samson did. Come to Him with a humble broken and repentant heart. His blood is sufficient to wash away any filth. His heart longs for you again as the heart of the prodigal son’s father longed for his lost son. His anger doesn’t last forever, but His mercies do. Come as you are before your loving Father. Once more He will recieve and heal you. Do not write yourself off. There is still room in His heart for you.

Psalms 51:17 "My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart." - GNB