Category: Uncategorized

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Samuel 15:13-15 "When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”_ - NIV 

God’s message and instructions to Saul were clear; to wipe out the Amelekites and everything they owned. Saul went and selectively destroyed what was unpleasant and spared the best bulls and sheep, purportedly to come and sacrifice to God. They also spared Agag, their king. When he met Samuel to report, he confidently said he carried out the Lord’s instructions. This act of disobedience displeased God so much that He regreted why He made Saul king, and removed him from the kingship.

Disobedience comes in various forms. Outright or partial refusal to heed instructions. When what God requires of us is interpreted and executed as one wishes or finds convenient, that’s disobedience. We are not at liberty to choose what we wish to do and what we don’t like as far as God’s word is concerned. God calls us to simple trust and complete obedience. Jesus commissioned the church to teach obedience to His commands.

How is it that some are living in sin and disobedience in one area of their lives and yet appear very confident, committed and zealous for God in other aspects? Because of self styled godliness which has redefined God’s word and instructions to conveniently suit their ungodly bodily desires. It is double dealing with the world. The Bible says God cannot be mocked by such hypocrisy. We ultimately reap what we sow. Choose to simply trust and obey God. That’s the way of peace._Galatians 6:7 “Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. People will reap exactly what they sow.”__

Matthew 28:20 "...and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”_ 

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

Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – NIV

God created seasons and times in the begining. These are marked by days, weeks, months and years. Every season comes with its own unique issues. Some of these are nice, others nasty. Good or bad, once things have passed, they are gone. God told Israel to forget the former things, and not dwell on the past because He was going to do new things. They had had troubled times because of their rebellion against God.

As we bid farewell to another year, and another season, we are grateful to God for life and every blessing He has bestowed upon us. This season with its former things, good or bad, has gone. We can only learn the lessons to enable us move on. Dwelling on the past hinders progress towards the future. It could have been bad, but its not the end of the story.

God always does new things. Those who are sensitive to discern will see them. Don’t allow the past affect your future. So many are slaves of their past. They have never let go of what is behind them. Allow God heal your past and lead you into new beginnings of the future! Open your eyes and see!

God is able to do it!

Happy blessed and prosperous new year!

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

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.