Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 1:12-14 "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear." - NIV

Paul was in prison because of the gospel of Jesus Christ he so zealously preached. While there, he just continued undeterred by prison limitations to preach the gospel. In the text above, he joyfully highlights a great achievement from his sufferings: the advancement of the gospel through his chains, and the boldness others had got to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Challenges and painful sufferings make some people forget their mission in life, lament and pity themselves. Others give up whatever good they were doing, blame, or fight those they associate with their suffering. In the end, they are angry and bitter, their lives are messed up and lose direction. Paul didn’t even look at those who put him in prison. He steadfastly focused on his life mission in freedom and in chains.

Challenges are sure to come our way in life. No one is exempted. The greatest achievement is to look beyond the pains to how the challenges and sufferings are helping further your mission in life. The devil’s desire is to divert you from your God given purpose and mission, to fighting people. In that way you lose the battle. However terrible a challenge is, there is always something good that will come out of it. With such attitude towards challenges, you will always see good and rejoice even in bitter moments.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Genesis 45:5 "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 55:12-14 "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me,  I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about  among the worshipers." - NIV

David raised a very disturbing matter in human relationships. This is about betrayal that arises from hypocrisy of those we think are close friends, confidants, companions, fellow worshippers and people we trust. He further says it is easier to know your enemy is fighting you. That doesn’t surprise because you already know it and will gladly endure. But it surprises and hurts for the close one you worship with, eat with, enjoy ‘sweet’ fellowship with, and trust – to turn against you.

One reason this happens is when people harbour evil intentions and do not walk in the light. When we have honest attitudes towards others and if we mean well, we will not keep evil intentions against them. We will not say one thing and do another. We will not smile and at the same time planning to harm. We will love them as ourselves and do to them what we wish done to us. We will genuinely seek to help others and not stab their backs. This is God’s principle.

Stories abound of those cheated, abused, harmed and betrayed by those they trusted. This shouldn’t be so, especially among those called by God’s name. This is why we are told to do whatever we do to God and others from the heart. Anything short of this is hypocrisy. May God help us not be agents of the devil in betraying those who have sought solace under our care! May we be like God Who never betrays those Who come to Him.

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

1 John 1:6-7 "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

Shalom children of God.

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 13:38-40 "The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age…" - NIV

Jesus taught so many principles of God’s kingdom through parables which related to things people associated with in every day life. The parable of the weeds and the wheat is one of the people of the kingdom of God and of the evil one living together. As some weeds are very much like the wheat in looks and character, while attempting to remove them, one can remove the wheat. It is best separated and differentiated by the fruit at harvest.

So many claim to belong to God. They live and act like people of the kingdom. They attempt to wear sheep skins, and even speak the language of the kingdom sometimes. But within, they are weeds and wolves. Because of their look alike, we cannot properly identify them until the fruit reveals who they really were. And only God, Who knows and searches mens hearts, know those who are His own.

The Holy Spirit gives witness in the hearts of those who are truly converted and belong to God. Some are in the company of believers for various reasons, live and act like believers and yet not. Deep within, they know it. I pray they put their lives right with God and make Him the Saviour and Lord instead of live in pretense. Such hiding will not last forever. Forsake the lies of the enemy and mend your ways before it’s too late.

2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – NIV

Jesus spent time to encourage His disciples on how important they are to God. He uses two examples to drive the point home. The sparrow is a little almost insignificant bird. Two of these birds cost almost nothing, but God cares about them so much that when one dies and falls down in the thick forests, God takes note!  None of us ever bothers to know how many hairs we have in our heads, but God cares enough to not only know their number, but also takes note when one of them falls down.

We all need this encouragement one time or another in life as we go through situations that attempt to make us feel less than who we really are. Despite the life upheavals, God wants us to know we are so precious to Him. If He can care for things that don’t bother us, little things in His creation, how much more His most treasured creation, man? He who did not spare His Son, but gave Him up for us, how can He fail to supply our need (Romans 8:32)? If He did whatever it could take to save us, can He abandon us? Never!

He even committed Himself to never leave nor forsake us(Heb 13:5). Cheer up child of God. You are more valuable than you can imagine. You need to have this awareness and consciously live with it. Walk with your head up,  in confidence. He loves and cares for you more than you. We are His treasured possession. Don’t allow your environmental circumstances define you. They may make you feel inferior and unworthy. Take your Father’s report. You are valuable and precious! You are His own!

Psalms 100:3 “Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 2:7 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches! …" NIV

To every message to particular churches, Jesus added the phrase above. Whatever He said to one church in a one location, He said to all the others through the church age. There were seven churches addressed. The number seven speaks of completion. There were different categories of messages; warnings, rebukes, corrections and encouragements. All of them were/are geared towards building a complete church as Jesus had said He was building His church.

The challenges to our faith have been the same through the years. It is the same enemy orchestrating them with with similar strategies, and the same human nature. What happened to churches in Asia minor in the first century happens to the church in the twenty first century. And so Jesus’ message to them is applicable to us too. The Spirit spoke to them then, but was speaking to all churches too.

What God says should be taken seriously. On using the lessons of the past to teach us today, Paul said, "Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did…These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come." (1 Cor 10:6,11).

And Jesus, not to limit what He said to only that time, but to be emphasized for all generations to come, said, "What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mark 13:37).

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - NIV

Jesus was sending out the twelve to go and preach. As He instructed them on how to go about with the mission, He meant to let them know it was not going to be rosy all through. They would be resisted, ridiculed and even be killed. This would bring fear and scare some out of the mission. But Jesus encouraged them not to compromise their mission, faith and values in God for fear of man.

The reason for resistance to the gospel is Satan, whose mission is to keep people from believing the gospel and be saved. Others resist to defend their interests which are threatened by the gospel. This leads to persecution. By telling the disciples not to fear those who kill the body and not the soul, Jesus implied that in the process, some may actually die for the gospel. But suffering and death of the body, caused by men, is not to be feared. It ends there.

Rather, God, Who can kill the body (physical death) and cast the soul to hell (eternal/second death), is to be reverentialy feared. This is because there is no remedy thereafter into eternity. One can die physically (as it is appointed for all) but be safe with God. But to be lost eternally in hell is reason enough to be afraid! So many have feared men and compromised their faith in God. Jesus and all heroes of faith endured great suffering but stood firm for what they believed. Never allow the temporary challenges of men cause you to be lost eternally!

Luke 12:4-5 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 2:19, 51 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart…Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” – NIV

Alot had happened and was spoken surrounding baby Jesus. The angel had told Mary and Joseph about the His conception and birth. When He was born, God breaks the news to the shepherds taking care of sheep in the night through a large multitude of angels. At the temple while dedicating the child to God, the old man Simeon spoke very prophetically about Him. Prophet Anna too spoke out. The parents saw the young boy reason very maturely at the temple.

In all these situations, the Bible says Mary treasured up these things and pondered over them in her heart. She couldn’t humanly comprehend them all, and the best was to treasure them in her heart. There are things that God, in His wisdom and knowledge, does or allows in our lives. They are part of His bigger plan for us. As they unfold, we may not yet understand what is happening and what the outcome may be. As Mary did, it is best to be still and keep them in your heart as you watch what God is doing.

As this happens, remember whatever promises and prophecies God made to you. Allow God manifest them as He fulfills what He purposed for you. They may appear strange and unique, out of the norm as it happened to Moses in the burning bush, the angel to Samson’s parents, to the apostles in the miraculous fish catch or some divine encounter several people experienced. Don’t be quick to reject what is uncommon and appearing strange unless you clearly discern it is demonic. It is well. God is in charge. He will bring it to pass for His glory.

Genesis 24:21 “Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 2:7 "…To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." - NIV

Jesus’ common message to the seven churches has promises of rewards to those who overcome. These promises include access to the tree of life(2:7), not to be hurt by the second death (2:11), partaking of the hidden manna (2:17), authority over the nations(2:26), their names never to be removed from the book of life and acknowledgement before the Father(3:5), a pillar in God’s temple and their names written on it (3:11), and to sit on the throne with Christ (3:21). Hallelujah!

These are eternally significant promises from the One Who never lies. As we engage in the fierce battles of life orchestrated by the devil and his human agents and worldly systems, as we go through mountains and valleys, and run the race, let’s persevere and not give up. Overcoming implies going against forces that are fighting and resisting our progress. It means enduring even at points when the easiest thing to do as others are doing, is to give up.

There are many who fall along the way. They yield to trials and temptations. Some are lured by the glittering deceptions of the enemy. To others, the journey seems so long and tough and they lose hope. But cheer up child of God. Jesus we believe in also overcame. The heroes of faith who went ahead of us overcame and are cheering us on. We too shall overcome. Let the joy of victory and the rewards ahead encourage us to go on. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first began. Let’s stick there till we see Him face to face!

Hebrews 12:2-3 "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God's throne. Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." - NIV

Genesis 39:9 "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”- NIV

There are two kind of fear. One is dreadful fear which arises from fear of punishment for a wrong done. The other is reverential fear which arises out of deep love, respect and loyalty. It is a fear not to disappoint or do harm to one you truly love and wouldn’t want to hurt. Solomon describes the fear of God as hating evil which manifests in pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and speech. Joseph’s continual resistance of the attempts of Portiphar’s wife to sleep with him was rooted in his fear of God.

Most people fear to do wrong just because of the fear of embarrassment of being caught, shamed publicly or punished by the law. Yet deep within them, they are burning to do it. This is not sustainable. It is the reason it surprises what some people do given the impression they had portrayed outwardly. But if truly committed to the fear of God, whether anyone sees or not, we are aware that God sees even upto our thoughts and hidden intentions.

Not only do we refrain from evil because God sees, but because we truly love Him and want to honor and please Him in all we do. We are not driven by fear of punishment, but love for God and commitment to what is right. That’s what motivated Joseph to stand. It wasn’t about whether anyone saw or not, whether Portiphar would get to know or not, but because of his love for God. That’s what made him run out and was ready to face the consequences that followed – because of his love for God. That, dear friend, is the fear of God. Do you fear God?

Shalom children of God.