Category: Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 45:5,7 "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... But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."_ - NIV 

His brothers were jealousy of the love their father had for Joseph. They stripped him of his beautiful coat, attempted to kill him, threw him in a dry pit, sold him to Egypt, he is resold in Egypt to Portphar. Falsely accused, he is dumped in prison. By divine providence, he interprets Pharaoh’s troubling dream and he is made prime minister in Egypt. He is cut off from the love of his father.

Twenty two years later, his brothers come to buy food from him. They bow down in fulfillment of Joseph’s dream that had brought him trouble with them. Joseph has now understood the purpose of the bitter troubles his brothers subjected him to. He understands it was a divine arrangement to safe them. He asks them not to be distressed with themselves or to fear he would revenge on them. Instead, he was sent by God ahead of them, to safe them.

This was written for our learning too. Many bitter troubles and challenges come our way orchestrated by the devil through others. But never do they fail God’s predetermined purposes for us. Instead, it only helps to serve and fulfil them. Our greatest benefit from these circumstances of life is when we come to understand the bigger picture, the greater purpose, the divine hand in all these sometimes very perplexing situations of life.

Whether started by God or the devil, or selfish people, or our own mistakes, all things work together for good to those called according to God’s purpose. Hang in there. It will become clearer with time. God means well. Soon the treasure will emerge out of the rubble of pain and tears. Then you will say, ‘Now I understand!’_

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."_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 14:17-20 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."_ - NIV 

It was a remote place. It was getting late. Multitudes had followed Jesus. The disciples told Jesus to send them away to go and find food for themselves. Jesus felt He couldn’t just send them away like that. He wanted to feed them. But the five loaves of bread and two fish was nothing to suffice, according to human logic. Jesus received it, gave thanks to God and gave it out. It multiplied to feed five thousand men, besides women and children with twelve basketfuls remaining.

King Jehoshaphat was besieged by a vast army. He was unprepared and greatly feared. He turned to God Who gave him a unique strategy to sing and give thanks to the Lord as they went to face the enemy in the battlefield. God intervened and defeated their enemies thoroughly (2 Chronicles 20). Giving thanks allows God to work on our behalf. It is an acknowledgement of our limited abilities, and trust in God to intervene on our behalf.

Sometimes in life, we seem to be hanging on a thread, have so little, pushed to a corner and feel so helpless. When we bring what seems like nothing, and our helpless state to God in thanks, we invite Him to intervene and help us. And God does it so powerfully that it can overwhelm our imaginations. Several stories in the Bible and contemporary human experiences of those who trusted God testify to this. He calls us to bring them to Him with thanksgiving in our hearts. And watch to see what He can do._

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord,   for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated."_

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 26:28 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."_ - NIV

These were the words of Jesus to His disciples as they ate the last supper together before His arrest, torture and death. Symbolically, He gave them to drink from one cup, to represent the blood He was going to shed. The purpose of the blood was forgiveness of sin. Prior to that, the old covenant required that for people’s sins to be forgiven, the blood of animals was used for atonement. But Jesus was now shedding His own blood for the once and for all forgiveness of all people’s sins in covenant for all generations to come.

Blood is life. For it to be poured out, a part or whole life of an animal or human being is lost. When Jesus shed His blood for our sins, He literally laid down His life for us. No such price, of the magnitude of the life of the Son of God, would be paid if God didn’t place so much value in us! He loved and valued us too much to leave us lost in our sins. He gave His best, to redeem His best. We are His best.

The price for forgiveness of sin was fully paid. But God doesn’t impose it on us. He expects us to acknowledge this great gesture of His limitless love and respond by recieving His forgiveness through repentance of sin. He calls us to Himself. How can we fail to respond to such immeasurable love?! To you precious one who has not recieved Jesus, He calls today. Do not harden your heart to His tender mercies. You can recieve Him now wherever you are by faith. His blood washes away sin so that we are justified before God. Blessed be His great name! _

1 Peter:3.18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God..._"

Shalom children of God.  Happy Easter

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."_ - NIV 

When man fell from God’s Glory, he lost eternal life. Sin entered the human race, and with it death. Death was not in God’s original plan. As part of restoring God’s original intention for man, Jesus took the place of man the sinner, died so that man should not die again. This eternally significant transaction was completed on the cross and sealed when Jesus rose again, having defeated and disarmed the devil forever. He took the keys of death and hades (Rev 1:18).

Death is separation. It comes in three forms: spiritual death (for those who have not recieved Jesus and be born again), physical death (when our souls and spirits leave the body) and eternal/second death (forever separated from God in hell). Those who recieve Jesus are saved from spiritual death and the second death. Those who reject Him suffer all the three, now and later into eternity. You can have life by choosing Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Eternal life is the God kind of life. It’s life as God originally intended for man before the fall. It’s the fullness of life(covering every aspect of life) that Jesus said He came to give us (John 10:10). And whosoever believes in Him has crossed from death to life(John 5:24). Eternal life begins at that moment and goes on into eternity in heaven. This life is now available for ALL whosoever believe in Him. I earnestly invite anyone who has not recieved Jesus into their lives to do so now!_

Romans 6:22-23 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."_

Shalom children of God. 

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 1:18 "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."_ - NIV 

Death is the number one cause of fear to humanity regardless of status. Men have done all they can through technological and medical advancement to reduce, slow or avoid it, but they have failed. Jesus here makes a statement that sets Him apart as Lord from any religious, political, social or revolutionary leader in the history of the world. He was dead, but now alive forever and ever, never to die again. He conquered and has power over death. This is what gives credibility to His claims as the Savior, Lord of lords and King of kings like no other.

Everyone wants to follow a leader they believe is authentic, powerful enough to withstand the forces that resist them and to deliver them to where they desire. That gives followers security. Powerful men, promising all sorts of things to their followers, have come and gone. Some of their followers have been left stranded. When Jesus mentioned these to His disciples, He meant to give them assurance that what and Whom they had believed is not shaky. It was real and would stand the test of all time to eternity. It will never be challenged by any other.

Friends, Jesus is alive. He is forever victorious over the devil and his demons and schemes, over death and the fears of the after life. His  victory is victory for those who put their trust in Him. He is not only with us in the journey of life, but lives in us as well. Victory is certain and is ours in His name. Our Lord triumphantly rose and is gloriously alive. Walk with your head high. Hallelujah!_

Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."_

Shalom children of God. 

Happy Easter

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Peter 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..."_ NIV 

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the sole reason for authenticity of the Christian faith. No other political or religious human leader in history made and fulfilled their claims like Jesus did. This sets Him apart as truly God, the Saviour and Lord. It gives us a strong basis for the gospel we have believed and preach. It is not a hoax. Even Satan can’t deny it, but only thrives by deception. Peter says Jesus resurrection gives us a LIVING hope.

Every human being has hope in something or someone. But some hopes fail. Hope in the resurrected Jesus is sure hope. It means whatever else He promised He can do. We are heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ with a promise of an inheritance kept in heaven for us who believe. We can be sure of this hope. It will never fade, spoil or perish. It is a blessed assurance we can rely on, a hope that will not disappoint.

Paul said if there is no resurrection, then our hope of eternal life is shattered. Even the gospel we preach and our faith is useless. We would rather eat and drink because it all ends here in this broken evil world when we die. So the resurrection is the heart of our faith. Praise be to God indeed that we have been born into a living hope. Rejoice exceedingly that you have in you Jesus Who died and rose again, conquered death and gave us life eternal. We too shall rise up with Him. Hallelujah!_

1 Corinthians 15:14-15, 19 "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised... If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."_

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Mark 5:15-17 "When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region."_ - NIV

Revelation 3:20  "Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they will eat with me."_

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Joshua 22:22-23 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the LORD, do not spare us this day. If we have built our own altar to turn away from the LORD and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD himself call us to account."_ - NIV 

Joshua had settled all the tribes in their respective allotments of the land. The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh had their part east of Jordan. But they had been asked to help the rest of their brothers settle. This was accomplished and they were returning home. At a place called Geliloth near Jordan River, they set up a huge altar. Their purpose was that in the years to come, it would remind their brothers that they belong to each other and that they serve the same God.

When the rest heard of it, they thought they had already departed from God and had set up an altar to worship idols so soon. They were angry and set out to go and attack them. On enquiring from them, the scriptures above record part of their answer. It turned out they had such a noble idea, but their brothers mistook it for an evil intention. They were happy to learn that they meant well. And a large scale war nearly broke out!

Such occurrences happen often as we relate with people. We do certain things with a very clear and honest attitude and with best intentions, but those who hear about, or watch us do it, interpret it in the opposite and develop negative thoughts about us. Unless clarity is sought in good faith, these thoughts may graduate into rumours, fights, wrong decisions, destroyed relationships and a build up of many other evils. May God help us avoid judging and concluding before seeking clarity. Its important to always seek to understand why people do things the way they do before drawing conclusions. _

1 Corinthians 4:5 "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."_

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 ask 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

2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - NIV

Apostle Paul, now an old man, a prisoner  in Rome, writes to his son Timothy his last letter. He knew his life was ending, and more pleasantly that he had accomplished his God given task. He was ready to depart from this life. He had lived his later life entirely for the gospel. He went through much suffering and huge risks,  to do what he was called to do. The statement above is one of a satisfied spent out man, who fully released himself, reserving nothing to do his Master’s bidding. What a way to end one’s life! It’s more fulfilling than acquiring all the treasures of this life, and dying empty!

Friends, we have only one life with  plenty of options on how to live it. One could seek fame, wealth, to conquer the world, rewrite history and enter the list of heroes and halls of fame. These ambitions are not bad per se. But the greatest of it all is to do what we were created to do. Each one of us was created with a specific role to play in the world that no one else can fill except YOU. You are the only you in the world. And you have only one life to make your mark in shaping the world, however small or big. Life is too precious and brief to waste gambling in futilities!  And the years are fast fading away… Deeply think about this as you go about your daily routines.

 Nothing can be more  fulfilling than to come to the end of your life, well knowing you did what you were made to do. With such confidence, you can gladly look forward to a grand reception to your heavenly home and a victor’s crown as Paul did. Do not spend your short life on things you were never meant to do, driven by peer pressure, public opinion and to only gain the pleasures of this life. Some will one day wake up to the reality of wasted lives when it’s too late to mend ways and reverse time! I pray you will not be one of them!

Acts 20.24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Shalom children of God.