Category: Uncategorized

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

Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."_ - NIV 

Paul vehemently defended the gospel he preached about Christ as true. So firmly true is it that he made such strong statements of curses for anyone who perverted and preached a different gospel. He noted that some people were deliberately doing this to take them back to salvation through the law. Why such strong words? Because such compromises have eternal consequences.

We are to love, respect and even please others in what we do for encouragement, communion, support and to move together. That’s in God’s will. The dividing line, however, comes when our attempt to please others puts us at enemity with God. This includes sinning, compromising doctrinal matters, breaking fellowship with God because you want to impress men. In that case, as it was for Paul in the scripture above, we have to choose to please God and not men.

Such situations always come – in homes, community, work places, in seeking opportunities, etc. We have to decide, commit and settle it in our hearts that we shall choose to please God. The price may be high, leading to lose of opportunities, friends, facing ridicule, rejection or forfeiting other benefits. Anyone who has lived for God amidst the evils of this world, has paid that price to stand for God. You too, guided by a firm foundation of godly values, can stand. If you decide to please men in such cases, you cease to be a servant of Christ. _

1 Thessalonians 2:4 "Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives."_

Shalom children of God.

How we keep in step with the Spirit

Living in obedience (15/7/2023)

Psalm 95:6-9 "… Today, if only you would hear his voice, “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did." - NIV

It is one thing to hear what the Spirit is saying. It another to willingly obey and do what He tells us to do. Israel heard God through their wilderness journey. But they hardened their hearts. So many hear and know what God is speaking. They know His will. But their hearts are hardened, stubborn and rebellious. God calls us to a life of obedience.

Each one of us at some point or another in life knew exactly what God would have us do in particular situations. But we insisted on our ways, went by popular opinion or chose to satisfy our egos rather than obey the known will of God. That’s rebellion. A heart of obedience is at the centre of our walk with God.

We cannot be in step with the Spirit unless we are willing to put our ways and will aside to obey His instructions. God never misleads. Even if what He says doesn’t seem to make sense at that time, He knows where He is leading us. It will be well in the end. We thus need to develop an attitude of complete obedience to Him. In that way, we can be sure we shall continually be led in the footsteps of our Master. Jesus did.

Philippians 2:7-8 "…rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself  by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!"

Challenges are real! (24/3/2023)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 42:5 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,  my Savior and my God."

The psalms are characterized by writings that express fears, excitement, discouragement or contentment in the authors hearts. They pour them out as prayers, worship, praise, criticism, musings or even complains. They reflect what we all go through at different stages in life. One time we are up in victory and excitement. Another time things seem to fall apart and we are gripped with fear and uncertainty, and God seems far away. This creates alot of mental stress.

Challenges and battles of life are real; in our relationships with others, or struggles within ourselves. Even when you are at peace, others can cause you trouble. Some of these are easy to get over. But others break our hearts, take away peace and stress us deeply with no immediate answers. Our souls may get troubled and downcast. The psalmist encouraged his soul as we too should, to still trust in God.

To troubled and worried disciples, Jesus’ encouragement was to trust in God and Him. Jesus anticipated much trouble in this world for us, but promised victory (Jn 16:33). The first approach to relieve from stress in life is to know that troublesome challenges will always be there. Rather than allow it take your peace and drive you into depression and unclear lifestyles as a solution, learn to hope in God. He already made provision for such stresses.

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me."
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 18:32-34 "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;  he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

The psalmist gives a vivid description of how he attacks and defeats the enemy. He acknowledges that it is God Who secures, establishes and enables him to attain victory. It wasn’t the arm of human strength that led to such victory, but the hand of God.

While in this life, we are engaged in battle. The enemy is the devil who stirs up people to execute his demands. All the evils people commit is driven by the devil. Our battles are not directed primarily to people, but to the forces of hell behind them. And the strength to accomplish this comes from God. But people have to answer for allowing themselves be used by Satan.

God gives His people the entire armour for the battle with evil forces. No spiritual war is won by human intellect and wisdom. The spirits are far smarter than any human being on their own. It takes a counter spiritual power from God to defeat them. And thank God, the demonic forces were defeated by Jesus in the once and forever victory on the cross and in His resurrection. And the victory was passed on to us. Praise God!

Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Ephesians 6:17 "…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - NIV

The armour so far described is for protection. But the soldier had to attack as well using the sword, and not just defend himself. In spiritual warfare, the sword of the Spirit is the word of God, a formidable irresistible offensive weapon the enemy cannot withstand. By it we conquer, take new territory and remain more than conquerors.

Jesus defeated the devil by the power of the word. The word of God is alive and powerful in it’s working. As it is declared over situations, the Spirit uses it to bring life, search, discern, assault the enemy and transform specific situations. God said His word sent out can’t come back without effecting what it was sent for (Isaiah 55:11).

Because God is in His word, wherever the word is sent, God watches over it to work (Jer 1:12). And where God is, the devil cannot stand. If all you have over a situation is God’s word for it, you can be sure of victory against all odds.

To be full of the word of God is be equipped with a powerful weapon against Satan. The devil’s biggest advantage and victory over believrs is in their ignorance of the word, unbelief, or failure to apply it. He will do everything to keep you from reading, believing and applying it. And so the child of God is defeated with the sword in their hand! Get into the word. Pray it, speak it, think it, apply it, live it. And victory will be your portion perpetually.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 45:4-5 "Then Joseph said to His brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God  sent me ahead of you." - NIV

Joseph had gone through some of the most bitter moments of his life under the hands of his own brothers: they hated him for being loved, stripped him of his coat of many colours, attempted to kill him, threw him into a dry pit, and finally sold him to Egypt. In Egypt, he is resold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attempted rape and Joseph is dumped into prison. Even his attempt to make his way out through Pharaoh’s cup bearer whose dream he interpreted, were futile.

It took 13 painful years. When all he sought was to get out of prison, the Lord instead raised him to the highest office in Egypt. On the 22nd year after being sold, he met his brothers and his childhood dreams were fulfilled right before his eyes as they bowed down to him. He now understood the bigger picture of his being sold by His brothers. Tough as it had been, the purpose was to save them and the rest of the world from a ravaging famine! What a price for such a noble cause!

Friends, we may not understand some of our life’s circumstances that God allows to come our way, painful as they may be. We may pray against them, do whatever we can to avert them, but they remain!  There is always a greater purpose ahead. As we go through them, we don’t see the good that will come out of the pain.

When God seems quiet, He is working behind the scenes, making all things; good and bad, pleasant and unpleasant, to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes  (Rom 8:28).

Cheer up child of God. Hang in there through the tears and uncertainty. Dont despair nor quit and give up on God. The greater purpose will be revealed and you will some day look back, like Joseph, and say, ‘now I understand’

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 103:1-2 "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—…"

This is a psalm of gratitude. An attitude of praise and thanksgiving makes us look at the good things God has done. Honestly, there is much God has done and continues to do in everyone’s life. This is to all who believe or not. Many are not thankful because they have their own expectations of what they want God to do. When it doesn’t happen as they wish, it appears as if God has failed them.

A thankful attitude should be deliberate. You choose to tell your soul to praise. As you do, you remember what He has done, the benefits of salvation out of His goodness. God expects to praise and worship Him. After healing ten lepers, Jesus was surprised that only one came back to give thanks. Like them, few of us come back to Him to give thanks out of many good things He has done. It is usually easier to focus on what’s not going right than the good.

Thanksgiving glorifies God, makes us not forget what He does, encourages our faith, creates hope, establishes us in the faith and enables us find peace and rest for our souls only in God. It keeps fear, uncertainty and anger away. It gives assurance to our souls, that it is well, despite any present challenges. Purposefully be thankful to God. Bless the Lord O my soul!

Luke 17:17-18 "Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 40:14-15 "But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”" - NIV

Standing for the truth and commitment to what is right in an increasingly evil world is no easy task. Characteristic of much of the world today is promoting, tolerating and even legalising evil as normal. The standards changed. Those who stick God’s truth and do right are not only despised but even persecuted. They may lose opportunities, friends, or their lives. Many want success by whatever means. We live in an evil broken world.

Joseph had not compromised with his stand for God to sleep with portiphar’s wife. Falsely accused, he was dumped in prison. Recalling he didn’t do any wrong to deserve what he faced, he sought Pharaoh’s intervention through the cup bearer. It’s painful to be falsely accused and severely persecuted for what should have been applauded. That’s how evil systems work, but God never forsakes those who stand for Him.

Those who choose the path of integrity in the honor and fear of God can be sure to face challenges because they are fighting against evil systems perpetrated by the god of this world, the devil (Acts 14:22). Jesus said so to His disciples (John 16:33). He urged the church in Ephesus to remain faithful even to the point death to receive the crown of life. Many heroes of faith down the millennia sealed their faith with blood. The ultimate price is high to remain true and faithful to God in a dark world. But it’s worth it. The grace is sufficient. We shall overcome.

Revelation 2:10 "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Deuteronomy 4:1-2 "Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you." - NIV

Israel was about to enter the promised land. But central to inheriting this promise was their commitment to hear and obey God’s word and instructions. The decrees and laws they were given were complete instructions. They were neither to add nor subtract anything from it, but to keep them. But they failed and alot of disastrous effects followed.

When God speaks, He is not guessing. He knows the end from the begining, and knows what exactly He is saying. The absolutnesss, credibility and finality of God’s word is based on His nature and character. God is God alone. He is all wise, all knowing, all powerful and above Him is no other. Even the wisdom that man may want to use to add to, or subtract from God’s word, is from God.

Satan is also in the mission of distorting the credibility of God’s word and to cast doubt in people’s minds about God. But whatever Satan, or man under satan’s influence may want to do to add to or subtract from God’s word, the word of God remains the truth. His word is forever settled. John solemnly warned against the same as he concluded the book of revelation.

Revelation 22:18-19 “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”

Psalm 119:89 "Your word, Lord, is eternal;  it stands firm in the heavens."

Shalom children of God.