Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo (30/4/2022)

Psalms 89:14 "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." - NIV

Foundations represent beliefs and values, unshakeable pillars which in turn reflect the character of a person, an organization or nation. A throne is the seat of power and authority from which leadership rule, reflecting those beliefs and values, is provided. Every belief and value is influenced by particular spiritual forces the ruler subscribes to. There is more to the spirituality of thrones and seats of power than one could imagine. This may not be as obvious until one sees it manifest in the behaviour, decisions and actions of the ruler.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Satan is described as the god of this world  (2 Cor 4:4). Each of them use human agents to extend their influence to the world. The beliefs and values held by every leader in their seat of power, their decisions, actions and behaviours, can show which spiritual kingdom they subscribe to and promote. Those extending God’s kingdom will manifest justice, truth and righteousness. Those under the influence of the devil, will promote injustice, lies and every form of evil. This is why leadership is a serious spiritual battle. It’s goes beyond the material benefits, to setting spiritual foundations that could influence things/trends for generations to come in families, clans, communities and nations of the world. Watch which foundations you are laying for posterity!

In our prayers for leaders, and in our own leadership pursuits,  top on the list of prayers is that those entrusted to lead should commit to, and practice justice and righteousness. It’s through such leaders that the Lord’s kind of leadership and His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven, men will rejoice, and God’s light will shine among men. May your leadership at whatever level, be an extension of God’s throne of justice, truth and righteousness amidst the evils of our world. 

Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Jeremiah 7:9-11 “ ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord." - NIV

This was a scathing rebuke by God to Israel. King, priest and the people alike had given themselves to gross evil. They would do all their detestable things: murder, theft, adultery, idolatry robbery, etc, and still come to the temple which bore God’s name and His holiness to worship without remorse. It was utter contempt of God.

Doesn’t this sound familiar in our day? We observe, sometimes in utter shock, how much evil is committed by those who profess the name of God. So much manipulation, theft, immorality, deception, abuse and things that wouldn’t even be mentioned or tolerated by God, are done by people who still boldly speak in His name. Through Jeremiah, God said He was watching. He still watches todate. His heart pains when His name is brought into much shame by those who should be upholding it.

Let God search our hearts. Let’s search them too, mend our ways and purpose to live upto the call we have been given. May all of us who call on the name of the Lord, who live by the principles of His word, truly shun evil and be a reflection of the character of the God we claim to live for. May others see God in us through the light we shine and the good works we bring out that they may glorify Him. Oh brother, sister, can others see Jesus in your words, behavior, transactions, daily life?

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

Mark 8:35-37 "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" - NIV

Jesus had just told His disciples the sufferings and death that awaited Him. Peter, under Satan’s influence, rebuked Jesus, saying such things should not happen to Him. Jesus in turn rebukes Satan who was behind the thoughts. Then Jesus taught the price of discipleship; it costs ones whole life. Among these is choosing between gaining the world to save one’s life or forsaking the evil pleasures of the world and securing your soul before God.

We go through this every day. The devil who is the god of the worldly evil system, is busy luring people into his traps. It is a battle for people’s souls. Whatever he offers is in exchange for your soul. It is more than fun, pleasure, entertainment or whatever one may call it. You can’t have both the evil worldly system and the salvation of your soul. Whatever you may gain from the world; wealth, fame, pleasure or great achievements at the expense of your soul is total lose – into eternity!

Jesus said there is nothing one can exchange for their soul. Your soul is more important than anything you could ever gain in all the world. The best attention and eternal security you can give your soul is to have a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Never exchange your soul for anything the devil, through the evil worldly systems, may offer. Give your life to Jesus and live for Him.

Luke 9:24-25 "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Samuel 17:37 "David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee._"- KJV

David, the shephered boy was young and inexperienced in battle. He was sent to take some supplies for His brothers in the war front line and to take back report to his father on the progress of, so far, a 40 day war. He witnessed how giant Goliath scared the israelites who fled in fear with no one bold enough to face him. As he offered to go and fight him, word reached king Saul who summoned the boy. He doubted his stature and wondered if David could fight such a war experienced giant.

Then David narrated an experience he had with a lion and a bear which came to eat the sheep. He killed them with bare hands. That first-hand  testimony of how God delivered him from those dangerous animals, convinced David beyond doubt that the same God would deliver the Philistine to his hand. It also convinced king Saul to allow David fight Goliath. And the rest is history.

God does things and gives us an experience  everyday one way or another. Lifes’ victories and progress builds on the little things of every day life. These help to build our faith, endurance, courage and boldness as we face other bigger life challenges. Many of us can remember and testify of something in the past that you are totally convinced was the working of God. Like David, let that strengthen your faith and resolve to face current and future life challenges and not run away from them. The God who did it for you yesterday or last year is still the same God who can do it again. He doesn’t change. Do not be intimidated by the huge Goliaths of situations. Face it. Bounce back and pursue. Big or small, He does it. Have faith in God. _

2 Chronicles 20:15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's._

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 139:13 “For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;  all the days ordained for me were written in your book  before one of them came to be.”_ – NIV The psalmist in this chapter pondered on how God knew him from before conception, designed him in his mother’s womb, and even set all the days he would live on earth before his first birthday. In short, nothing about us is hidden before God our Maker from beginning to the end. This means whatever we are, and any inborn qualities we posses were given to us by Him. We are designed and shaped fearfully and wonderfully by God!Because God is the Master designer, perfect in all He does, we cannot and should not see ourselves any differently. We are His best. And best things are appreciated and celebrated. When we see ourselves differently from what God made us to be, we fail to be thankful to God. We fall into the temptation to compare ourselves with others, modify who we are to look like what we think we should be. Satan has successfully deceived millions this way. The don’t appreciate themselves. You can’t be thankful if deep within you underate yourself, feel inferior and doubt who you are. Your nationality, skin colour, ethnicity, body size, shape and make up, potential and abilities, and all that you are and have is God given. You are you and not another. By celebrating you, you honor your Creater and Maker. His opinion of you matters more than public opinion. This, however, doesn’t negate personal responsibility. Walk with your head high. Thank God for you. And do so for the rest of your life. _Ephesians 5:20 “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.”__Jeremiah 1:5 “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.”_Shalom children of God.

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.”_Paul was in prison for the gospel. Some fellow gospel ministers, out of jealousy, were happy that he was imprisoned. Instead of lament in bitterness and seek ways to get out of prison and live a ‘normal’ life like everyone else, Paul instead saw the good side of his imprisonment for which he was thankful. It helped advance the gospel. The whole palace heard the gospel. The other brethren were emboldened to preach the gospel without fear. Nothing happens for nothing. Whatever we go through has a purpose. The only challenge is that we only see the bad, negative unpleasant side of situations. Then we complain, murmur,accuse, counter blame. Hardly do people ask what the good and positive is from any situation of life. This is why we never give thanks for what we consider bad and yet there is so much it is accomplishing in us behind the scenes. What pains, confusion, unpleasant situations are you going through now? Suppose you ask what the good side of these troubles could be? Forget about blaming those who caused you the trouble for a moment. You would be surprised how much value it is adding to your life. What you thought was going to destroy you will actually make you more stronger and better. Like Paul, instead of lament you will rejoice in your chains and pains and truly give thanks in all situations. God never wastes situations. He uses all of them to make us more like Himself. _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.”__Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,   for you are with me; your rod and your staff,  they comfort me.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”_Thankfulness is a choice, a discipline and an attitude anyone can develop. It is a manifestation of appreciation, joy and respect for those to whom, and for what we are thankful. It was a common attitude in Paul to always be thankful despite severe suffering. He urged the Thessalonians to be joyful always, pray and give thanks in all circumstances. Certainly, there were good and terrible moments in the faith walk. Even in them, they were to be grateful to God. Life is not a straight smooth ride. It is characterized by mountains and valleys, bright and dark moments, clear and unclear outcomes. As we trust God Who never fails, and is in control of the affairs we encounter, we know that He is working behind the scenes in all these circumstances. And so whether we understand or not, we remain thankful knowing that He will not disappoint us. We see and know only in part. But God sees the whole picture and knows what He is doing for our good.There will always be a reason and something to be grateful for. If you wait for only the right moments and circumstances, you will hardly give thanks. Even out of the worst situations of life, when everything seems to have fallen apart, and the hope of living has faded, there will still be one more reason to give thanks. And as you do, several things we shall later share, will happen in your life as you give room to God Almighty to work._Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.”_Shalom children of God.