Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Kings 19:13-14 "When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” - NIV

Elijah had walked forty days on the strength of one meal upto Mt Horeb. Twice God appeared and asked him why he was there and he gave the reply above. The tone of his words seems to be a wonder why he is being persecuted for his zeal and defense of God’s name. He even wrongly assumes he is the only one of God’s servants left and they were trying to kill him too. He is complaining and blaming.

It is common for stressed and exhausted people to find who to blame for their predicaments. Some blame themselves, other people or even God for not doing enough to help them out. Thoughts of whether all the endeavors were worth it after all cross their minds. And the enemy will be quick to fan the blame game, leading to further discouragement and frustration. Some abandon the faith. Elijah had sank too low and couldn’t be revived. So God replaced him.

Instead of blame, it’s better to find out what good may come out of this. A short rest to settle and relax among people of good encouragement could make the whole difference to restore stability of mind and objective thinking. Such tough and ugly scenarios are not the end of the road, however bad. There is always something good out of them. Blaming and asking the wrong questions just makes it worse. You are still His precious child. It will be well. Hang in there.

Romans 8:28 "We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose."

Shalom children of God.

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

God was responding to complains by Israel about His might which is incomparable to that of idols people trusted in. People rely on several things for their safety and strength. This includes physical energy, intellectual abilities, or socioeconomic privileges. All these have their limitations. At one point or another, they fail. Youth is symbolic of the peak of human energy. But it can fail.

The storms and quakes of life will come. They can drive us to points of tiredness and weariness that only God can renew. God Himself never gets tired or weary. He understands that we get tired and is committed to renew our strength when we are weak. But this only happens as we put our trust and hope in Him. Elijah walked a 40 day journey in the strength of one meal. That had to be God, not human strength.

If we are to to walk this journey of life without falling out along the way, or being derailed and giving up, we should deliberately learn to trust God in all things at all times. Human strength fails despite all our best attempts and abilities. Only by waiting on God can we withstand the relentless arrows the enemy shoots at us all the time. And we shall go on to the end and finish strong. Wait on the Lord!

Psalm 27:13-14 "[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Galatians 6:9-10 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."- NIV

One of the biggest temptations when worn out and weary is to give up. With the constant battles, the enemy’s aim is to wear us out so as to give up out faith and give in to his manipulations. In delays, the temptation is to yield to short cuts which compromise your values and stand. Sometimes the good you have always done seems to have gone unnoticed and the feeling is that it was useless to have done good and yet the wicked seem to be thriving.

Paul was teaching about helping carry one another’s burdens and doing good to others. When we ourselves are worn out, feeling low or struggling in some way or another, it is easy to ignore what challenges others are going through. The focus comes to us, yet we have a responsibility to be our brothers keepers too. Paul reminds us that there is a reward to our doing good to others and not to give up doing good.

At the point of exhaustion, the future appears dark, like not much will work out again. Thats how many people give up. And yet alittle perseverance will keep us going. Even if you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, rest and pick up again. But keep moving. Victory is certain to those who don’t give up on their God given course. God assures us of His presence and to renew our strength. Jesus never gave up amidst so much that wore Him out. Let’s learn from Him, as we fix our eyes on Him so that we don’t grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 "… And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

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

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.

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

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Judges 16:20 "Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him." - NIV

Samson was a very strong powerful man, mightily used by God to deliver Israel out of the hands of their enemies. He did extraordinary things out of this super human, God given strength. But he had a weakness in his character. He couldn’t control his sexual drives. On this fateful day, he got himself a prostitute called Delilah in whose laps the powerful Samson was shamefully defeated! 

We all have strong and weak areas. God in His grace and mercy still calls and uses us to serve His purposes even with those weaknesses. But God still using us despite our weaknesses, is no license to continue in sin. Samson thought it was alright to continue in his sexual escapades, after all God was still using him to do great exploits. He had slept with many women and still had his strength. He took it for granted until God left him. Many great men have been brought to their knees by temper, greed, gluttony, sexual immorality, pride, materialism, etc. Many are secretely struggling with hidden sins despite nice public reputation. Don’t join the list!

It’s important that we seek help in our weaknesses. God gives us time and sufficient grace to do so. If they are not dealt with, they can bring our downfall. Women failed Samson. The love of money and material wealth brought down Gehazi and Judas Iscariot. Pride destroyed king Herod. Food made Esau eternally lose his birth right. Identify your weak areas and seek help before the enemy uses it to bring your downfall. Against sin and satanic manoeuvres, none of us in our human abilities can withstand. But God is able to save us and keep us strong. Our victory is in Him.

1 Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 4:9 "Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." - NIV

He had just taught in a parable of the sower. Naturally, every person has ears. And what else are ears meant for, but to hear. While giving specific messages to the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus repeated the same statement to each church. Why would Jesus state what is obvious since everyone has ears to hear? It’s because He intended to draw attention to the importance and discernment of what He was saying.

Alot of things are being said by everyone, everywhere, every time. But not everything we hear is important. God too, is speaking all the time. From what is heard, people choose what to take seriously as important and discern deeper meaning, or laugh off, ignore and forget. Some of what we ignore or forget turns out to be the most important things we should have heeded to. That’s how some treat God’s word and their relationship with God.

Whatever God says to us is important, however simply it has been spoken. But because of the sturbon rebellious nature of man, and other competing priorities and voices they consider more valuable, they ignore God to their detriment. Hearing is more than words and sounds coming to our ears, but carefully considering, prioritizing and obeying what is heard. God is speaking to us all the time, but do you have ears to hear? I pray you do. You will be glad you did.

Joshua 1:7-8 "… Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Shalom children of God. A peaceful Sunday

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

(20/6/2022)

Revelation 2:2-3 "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary…" NIV

The Revelation is a series of messages Jesus revealed to John in the Island of Patmos. Jesus’ messages to each of the seven churches located in Asia minor had this note, that He knew them and their deeds. The messages depict the state of the church through the years todate. To the church in Ephesus, He added information He knew about them as stated above.

God knows each one of us in specific details. This includes what we think, say and do. This is both encouraging and challenging. Encouraging because none of the things we do for His glory will be ignored. He will reward us faithfully and justly. Challenging for those who think they can manoeuvre and escape God in their evil schemes and mischievous ways.

If everyone went about life with the knowledge that whatever we think or do, in secret or in the open is glaringly open to God, and that we shall accordingly be held responsible for all these, perhaps we would rethink everything. We would focus our energy and time on things that are praiseworthy and not the things we would be ashamed about on the day of accountability. God cannot be mocked. Whatever we sow, that shall we reap. He knows our deeds!

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."

Shalom children of God.