Category: Uncategorized

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Galatians 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” – NIV

Yesterday we discussed about deception that goes with flattery.There is a deception that makes people think they can live their lives the way they wish in the pleasures of the flesh, and somehow impress God with some good deeds. To God, one reaps what they sow. That is justice and righteousness on which His throne is founded. He cannot be mocked and arm twisted to go contrary to His principles. Those who flatter Him with their lips but with hearts far away can only expect what they rightfully deserve from the just Judge of the universe.

This self reflection should be guided by the questions; ‘why am I doing what I am doing’? Am I responding to please my selfish desires or to please God? The Holy Spirit is always guiding us into paths of righteousness that glorify God. But at times, many disobey His instructions and do what appeals to their senses or public opinion. They live in disobedience to God and yet expect His full blessings.

The fruit of our lives is a reflection of who we have chosen to yield to in our hearts, the flesh or to the Spirit. Each has its consequences; destruction for following after the flesh, and eternal life for obedience to the Spirit. The choice is yours. But God cannot be mocked. We reap from Him only what we have sown. How and what are you presently sowing?

Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – NIV

Faith has to do with what is not yet felt, seen or touched but believed to be existing and true. It goes beyond the five senses of the body. Some have described it as the sixth sense. In comparison, feelings are based on what is seen, felt, or thought about. Feelings mainly derived from the body senses can be false or misleading.
Likewise, faith based on anything or anyone else apart from God may fail.

We are called to live by faith in God. Jesus told His disciples to have faith in God. The just are to live by faith, not feelings. When faith is focused on God and His word, it never fails, because God never fails those who hope in Him. Not all feelings are bad, but only when they destroy instead of strengthen faith. Believe what God says despite the feelings. So much goes on in our environment that affects and influences our faith and feelings. We respond according to what is in us.

Its important that we feed on God’s word so much so that faith is strengthened. When faith is stronger than feelings, one is able to persevere in God despite external happenings. When one is full of God’s word, every feeling is weighed against what the word says and actions are accordingly influenced by what the word says, not the feelings. Feelings are susceptible to manipulation by the enemy the devil, but faith is a shield against him. Live and walk by faith.

Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.”
Hebrews 10:38 “And, “But my righteous one will live by faith.  And I take no pleasure  in the one who shrinks back.”

Shalom. Have a blessed Sunday.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – NIV

To a rebellious nation of Israel, God promised restoration after defiling themselves with idolatry and facing punishment. God longed to show them compassion and love and mercy. But they insisted on their evil ways. He kept promising them healing and restoration. He committed to guide them in the right way. That’s how God graciously deals with us. Despite our hardness of heart and insisting on our own ways, He remains compassionate and loving.

God longs to guide us in paths of righteousness for His names’ sake. At the cross roads of life where we need to make decisions between right and wrong, good and best, He wants to always guide us. The Holy Spirit is ever present to speak and guide us into the truth and the right way to walk so that we bring Him glory and remain in the right path of faith. God never misleads, neither is He on trial and error.

The Lord’s guiding voice is always speaking. But many either don’t listen, or simply disobey even after knowing the right things to do. Earlier, prophet Isaiah had told Israel that if they listened and obeyed, they eat the fruit of the land (Isaiah 1:19-20). God on His part gives us everything we will need for guidance in life, including the most complicated matters. He expects us to listen and go by His guidance. But He doesn’t force Himself on us. Shall we corporate with Him?

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

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Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” – NIV

Happy new year!

Its amazing that little creatures in nature can teach us huge lessons in life. Man is the highest creation of God, the only one made in the image and likeness of God. The rest of the animals were not. And it was to man that the task of managing creation was given – todate. This required planning and foresight. God created all things and allowed man to discover hidden treasures and benefit from creation.

The scriptures above and others following, were written to address laziness and its effects in people. The example of ants working so hard to make their food, knowing which season to look for it and to store it for a tough time ahead, teaches about planning ahead of time. Unfortunately, man even with all the knowledge and intellect God gave, with the opportunities available, knowing seasons, still goes hungry and remains poor! Many reasons could be given for this, but its shameful for little creatures without much reason to do better than man in planning!

This is a call to hard work, strategic planning, and a commitment to achieve. There are things God can do, but there are things He expects as to do. Do not expect God to do what you should be doing. Plan, anticipate, think ahead, make commitments, persevere and work hard. Sustained success is never accidental. It takes deliberate effort. And God blesses such endeavours, not idleness and laziness.

May 2022 be a fruitful year for you!

Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

Happy new year to you and your loved ones.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Nehemiah 1:3-4 “They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven…” – NIV

Nehemiah was one of the exiles privileged to serve the king as the cup bearer. But when his brother Hananiah came from Israel and informed him about the terrible state of affairs in Jerusalem; the broken walls and suffering people, he broke down and wept. He lost peace despite a comfortable position and life he held. He fasted and prayed for several days seeking God how to remedy the situation back home. The king eventually noticed and asked him what he would do to help him go back home and help his people.

Thus began Nehemiah’s journey to restoring the walls of Jerusalem and reorganizing his people. An intense burden to make right what is going wrong is one indicator of a call in one’s life. While everyone else sees it and life goes on, the one called to rectify it can’t rest until a solution is found. They are willing to lay down their lives to see something done. To Moses, God expressed the burden in His heart to rescue His people from Egyptian bondage.

Anyone who has greatly been used by God to achieve much is driven by a burden. A burden is one indicator of purpose, God showing you what He wants you to do to rectify what is going wrong. Paul stated how he had unquenchable burden to preach the gospel and to see churches established at all costs. Others are driven by burdens to liberate the oppressed, alleviate suffering and see people become their best. What burdens can’t you get out of your mind? That could be a pointer to God’s purpose for you. Pursue it.

Romans 9:1-4 “I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel…”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 4:31-34 “Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” – NIV

Jesus was going to Galilee from Judea and had to pass through Samaria. He was now hungry and thirsty. While at the well, a Samaritan woman comes and He asked her for water to drink. When the disciples came back from buying food, they urged Him to eat but He couldn’t, atleast at that time. Something was burdening Him more than ordinary food; the need to preach to people the woman had rushed to call.

The will of His Father, the souls who would be ministered to, so filled His heart that food had to wait. That’s passion. It made Him do what He was doing wholeheartedly without reservation and out of a willing heart. Although not all zeal and passion is indication of ones purpose, when one is operating in the things they were created for, it flows seamlessly and is done with passion. The combination of a burden and passion are sure to push a person to excellence and perseverance despite the odds to fulfill their purpose.

A natural love and drive to do something without coercion and persistently is an indicator of purpose and calling in that area. Such passion is inspired by the Holy Spirit to enable one serve their purpose. Think of anyone truly fulfilling their purpose in life. They certainly enjoy and are fully immersed into what they do. The passion has consumed them and their lives resonate with it. They are even willing to forsake anything that stands in the way, including laying down their lives. Find out what you are so naturally passionate about. It could point to your purpose. Hear Paul express his passion in preaching;

Acts 20:23-24 “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Corinthians 12:4 -7 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – NIV

Paul dedicated this chapter and others to spiritual gifts. Notice the different kinds of gifts, service and working, but by the same Spirit, Lord and God. All these giftings manifest differently but serve the common good to those being ministered to. The beneficiaries are members of the church and community. The giver is the Holy Spirit, to enable us to serve God and fulfill our purposes in His work.

As these gifts manifest through the believer, and as others partake of it and enjoy the service, it will come out clearly what one’s gift is. And this is when others become witnesses and attest to the work going on in you through your gifting. Such witness helps those still in doubt to confirm and concretise what they have been called to do. It was what people saw Jesus do that they called Him teacher, prophet… He didn’t announce it to them.

Some of what we passionately engage in eventually turns out it was our gifting. As it becomes clear, every endeavor should be made to grow in it and to make your calling and election sure. Everyone has a gift and talent from God through which we serve God and others. The mistake is to be like others and yet your gift is different as Paul noted. Graciously accept being different as you serve others by the Spirit for the common good. That’s the ultimate purpose of God in every person: the common good.

1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Exodus 3:10-11 “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”” – NIV

Sometimes we have no idea what our purpose in life is. Some keep trying one thing after another, copy others or are just going about their ordinary lives as Moses did. He had settled down as a shepherd of the sheep of his father in law as a career. But God had to speak to him in a dramatic way to show him that there was more He had for Moses to do. God speaks to make plain His purpose which could easily be overshadowed by other life commitments. It’s easy to miss this with so much around us.

To Moses, the call was clear to go and rescue Israel. Saul who became Paul was very settled in what he was doing. But Jesus appeared to show him what He had called and purposed him to do (Acts 9:15-16). That was a turning point for Saul. Even with a driving burden, a passion for what one is doing, and others attesting to what they see in us, God still speaks to clarify purpose. He speaks to say ‘this is what I created you to do.’ After all, we exist for Him, and all we do is to glorify His name.

God speaks through various people, ways and circumstances to everyone. And yet not everything people say they heard is from God. Some have covered up hidden motives and evil demonic ways in the name of God having spoken! Whatever God speaks about your purpose must be in line with His word which acts as the basis of testing to eliminate counterfeit. And when you are sure God has truly spoken, showing your purpose in life, be obedient and do just that. Follow Him.

Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 5:27-28 “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.” – NIV

These words were very common from Jesus to whoever He first encountered in His ministry. They were not just calls to join the crowd as they moved along. It was a call to commitment, service and willingness to go all the way with Him. To Levi (Matthew) who was a tax collector, the call meant abandoning his job and going after Jesus for another responsibility. The same happened to the other disciples who left what they were doing to follow Jesus.

We are called to follow. This means accepting His leading, following His example, footsteps and mentorship, and going wherever He goes, facing the challenges He faces, enjoying the things He enjoys. In following Him is safety and life. We trust that He is not misleading us. He asks us to learn from Him. This can only happen with keen following.

One is called to first consider what it takes to follow; denying oneself, taking up the cross and a daily walk (Luke 9:23). But the promise is clear, that He will be with us all the way through the valley of the shadows of death, and the mountain top experience of joy, peace, provision and comfort. His voice still comes to each one of us saying, ‘Follow me.’ And when you decide to follow, do not look back. He has no pleasure in those who turn back.

John 10:3-4 “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out. When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

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.” – NIV

A little child attempting to hide his mischievous act before an adult, is so convinced in himself that he concealed it. But to the adult, it’s plainly open. This is what human nature tries to do before God. They hide sin in the cover of darkness, secret chambers, lies, artificial smiles, excuses, acted innocence, acted holiness and righteousness, etc. This may temporary succeed sometimes before men whom one may easily deceive.

But to God, what is whispered and hatched in secrecy, between two people, is as open as what’s done in broad day light in public. God knows our thoughts even before we think them, and our words before they are spoken. He knows unspoken secrets in mens hearts. No place can hide us from His all seeing eye and omnipresence. Many unfortunately live their lives in hiding from God. They say and convince themselves as they plan and execute evil against others, ‘Does God know or see?’(Psalm 73:11).

It’s to this God, Who created and knows all things, before Whom NOTHING in all His creation is hidden, and to Wom we shall give account. As He searches our motives and intentions, whatever He tells us to do, let’s do it. It was not that He didn’t know where Adam was hiding when He called out, but He was giving him chance to repentantly acknowledge his mistake in response. But Adam, in futility, hid from God! Lets heed the wise man’s counsel,“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”(Proverbs 28:13).

Psalms 139:11-12 “If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Shalom children of God.