Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 3:10-11 "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."

Jesus categorically told His disciples that they would face tribulation in this world(John 16:33). This emanates from the spiritual forces between the kingdom of God and the devil’s resistance to the gospel and attempt to sway people away from God. As one goes through these battles, they face human agents of the devil. Paul didn’t look at sufferings for Christ as something to be shunned or merely endured, but rejoiced in them.

If one is suffering for standing for truth, righteousness and justice, and for seeking to glorify God through the gospel, they can count it as sharing in the sufferings of Christ. That’s what Paul calls fellowship with Christ through suffering. To this we have been called. But Peter says no one should suffer for doing wrong and claim to suffer for God.

This kind of fellowship carries along the promise of participating in His resurrection, partaking of God’s kingdom and receiving the crown of life(Rev 2:10). It is the way to maturity in the faith, to glory and exceeding joy with God forever. He gives us grace to go through it all with Him as did the early church rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Lord. Hear Jesus’ words;

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matthew 5:10-12)

Shalom children of God

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

Hebrews 7:25-26 "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." - NIV

The passage is comparing the human priesthood under Aaron and the one that came through Jesus. A priest was required to represent people and their needs before God, make atonement and animal sacrifices for sins so that people would be declared righteous before God. Being human, they had to make sacrifices for their sins first, being sinners themselves. This practice was repeated regularly, year in year out.

But Jesus came as the perfect high priest and made atonement for sin once and for all in His own blood. We never have to make any sacrifices again for sin. Jesus’ blood is forever enough. He is able to save completely those who come to God THROUGH him, whatever the magnitude of sin. In Him we have assurance of forgiveness of sin and full restoration to God, however low and lost one could have sunk in sin. Wonderful Savior He is!

This is the good news of the gospel that no other human beliefs, teachings or practices can give. It only happens when one comes to God through Jesus Christ, submitting to His Lordship. He continues to intercede for us, helping us in our weaknesses so that we remain in Him, escaping the deception of Satan. Great is the love of God our Father! He saves even the chief of sinners, the vilest offender who truly believes! He only calls men to come to Him in repentant humility. Will you?

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 2:3-4, 19-20 "You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first… I know what you do. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first. But…" - GNB

The Ephesus church had lost the first love. The Thyatira church were doing more now than before. To all these churches, there were good things they were commended for and what they were not doing well. They were fluctuating in their faith. The reason Jesus was pointing out all these, the good side and the areas to correct, was so that they may be consistent and balanced in their salvation.

At any one point in our lives, there are areas we are doing well and those we need to improve. As God corrects us, He wants to instill in us the quality of consistency as it is Him. He is God Who does not change like shifting shadows, and always true to His character. An inconsistent life is inbalanced, and susceptible to manipulations of enemy deceptions. Great men and women have been brought down by little things they didn’t attend to.

The churches were doing well in some areas while others were badly off and would lead to their downfall. Our areas of excellence should not overshadow the weak ones. Let’s cooperate with the Spirit as He helps us in our weaknesses, so that we can be focused, straight and consistent in our walk with God.

Hebrews 12:12-13 "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 13:23 "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." - NIV

In the whole chapter of Mark 13, Jesus was teaching about the end times and its signs. These things were yet to come. Their appearance was to indicate to those watchful enough that the end is close. In His grace and mercy, God doesn’t want to take us unawares. But many people don’t listen. Although no one knows the day or hour, we can see the seasons in comparison with Bible prophecies and tell how close we are. And we are right in those days!

To discern the times requires that we are on guard, watching and waiting. As we notice in our world today, the so much happening are the very signs Jesus warned us about. One of the warnings to guard against is deception from false Christs and false prophets performing signs and miracles to decieve. They come in Jesus’ name, but driving people away from Him. Others are increase of evil, pestilences, wars, and falling away from the faith.

It is unfortunate to be warned ahead of time and to fall victim of the very thing you were warned against. And yet this is happening to us upon whom the fulfillment of the signs and the end of time has come. Many are blinded by the cares of this life and pleasure seeking, and are trivialising or ignoring the glaring warning signs. They will only have themselves to blame for failing to heed the obvious warning signs Jesus clearly gave ahead of time.

Luke 21:34-36 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Shalom children of God.

Behold I am coming!

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 3:11 "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." - NIV

Jesus didn’t have much against the church in Philadelphia. They had kept the faith, endured so much for God and Jesus promised to sustain them in the hour of trial. What was important for them was to hold on to what they already had. They also needed to know that their Lord was coming back to reward the faithful who hold on the faith to the end despite so much trials.

Tbe soon return of Jesus is according to God’s calendar. This is why no one knows the day or hour, but only the Father. But we can read the signs of the times and tell how close. When His coming appears to delay according to human understanding, some will be tempted to give in to the challenges they face. But His seeming delay is for our good because He is not willing that any should perish (2Peter 3:9). And He gives the grace to stand firm in Him.

We live in unprecedentedly evil times. Some believer’s faith has grown cold (Matt 24:12). The hope of Jesus’ coming back should build perseverance and keep our faith alive so as to keep moving. Jesus warned that by holding on to the faith we possess in Him, we shall receive our crowns. If not, we lose it to others. Cheer up child of God. Our Lord is coming back! Let’s hold on patiently till we see Him.

Matthew 24:12-13 "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Revelation 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 4:37-40 "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - NIV

Jesus was crossing over the lake in a boat with His disciples. As they rowed, a furious storm that threatened not only the boat, but its people as well, broke over them. The disciples who were themselves experienced sea users, did what they could, but knew that this wasn’t a manageable challenge. They wondered why Jesus was sleeping when death was so close. They woke Him up.

Jesus was sleeping amidst a furious storm. So confident and peaceful He was. He woke up and calmed the storm. He expected them to have faith enough to calm the storm. The storms represent the challenges of life we go through. And they are many. Sometimes they are too strong and appear to threaten our lives. And God seems quiet. But He always comes through.

We cannot drown in the storms of life with Jesus in us. He expects us by faith to speak to our situations; the mountains and storms. And yet we most times do what the disciples did; cry out in fear about what’s facing us rather than address it by the authority given to us. Jesus asked them why they still had no faith, meaning by now they should have and use it. But thank God even if we fail, He helps our weaknesses and calms the storm for us. We are save with Jesus in the storms.

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way  and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam  and the mountains quake with their surging."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:15,19 "To one he gave five talents, and to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to  his ability. Then he went on his journey…  After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." - NIV

It was one of Jesus’ last parables about accountability. God has endowed each one of us with talents and gifts according to our abolities. We are all gifted differently. Some of us can do much more than others. Some are more prominent than others. But all are important. Whatever we are or have, was given to us by our Creator. We are expected to use them to serve others and God, that is, to trade with our talents.

The Master is coming back and will demand for accountability on how we used them. We need to live with the reality that we shall account for our lives one day to our Maker. It will be a thorough life audit, how we used what God endowed us with, either to serve our selfish motives or to glorify Him. Some live as if they are in charge of their lives, talents, skills and abilities and they can use them whichever way they please. Whatever we have was given to us and we shall account for it one day.

Accountability is not usually easy, especially if things are not right. We may manipulate men, or cover up certain things on earthly accountability. But to the God to Whom we shall account, nothing escapes notice. He knows and sees every detail of all we do, including thoughts and hidden intentions. All that will be subject to judgement. Do self examination and if there be any ammends you need to make with your life, it had better be now while there is room to do so. Then turn to God in repentance and live for Him.

Hebrews 4: 13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Remember the day of accountability!

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 5:18-20 "Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” - NIV

Jesus was in a house in Capernaum. There was a huge crowd in and around the house. The four men brought a bedridden paralyzed man for healing, but couldn’t access Jesus. As an act of faith, they dug through the roof and lowered their man right in front of Jesus. When Jesus their faith, He declared the man’s sins forgiven.

Can faith be seen? Yes, by its actions. The actions of the four men was enough to demonstrate it. James said faith without actions is dead. Jesus declared the man’s sins forgiven first because most of the challenges people go through are an effect of sin which broke our relationship with God. Forgiveness therefore is our primary need from God even before the physical healing or meeting of other needs we bring to Him.

The four men demonstrated faith in Jesus both for the forgiveness of sin and healing of the paralytic. We don’t read about their verbal confession of sin, but Jesus saw it and granted it publicly. Even when not spoken out, faith in God can be seen by our attitude and actions towards Him. Many claim to have faith, but their actions speak otherwise. Faith is primarily towards God, not men. Does God see your faith in Him?

Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered."
James 2:17 "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Shalom children of God.