Daily Devotionals

The dangers of greed! (23/6/2023)

1 Timothy 6:9-10 "But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." - NLT

Greed without self control drives people to seek wealth at all costs. Paul notes that such people fall into temptation, are trapped by foolish and harmful desires which eventually lead to their ruin and destruction. Their craving for money in evil ways makes them derail from the true faith and end up with many sorrows, some with eternal consequences. It leads to wrong doctrines and all sorts of scandals.

Because of the deception of wealth, people driven by greed are not fruitful in their relationship with God. They remain carnal and infants in the faith despite the years in salvation. About those influenced by wealth, Jesus said “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the love of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” (Matthew 13:22).

Greed destroys relationships when its victims cheat, oppress, fight, manipulate, covet and steal from others to make wealth. All they think of is how to enrich themselves, not caring how others are. They are arrogant, don’t give and never have enough. The more they get, the more they want. They become slaves of things and never live to enjoy. It’s a life of bondage to things. They live empty lives when they derive meaning and purpose to life from material things which never satisfy!

Paslm 62:10 "Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the centre of your life."

Proverbs 23:4 "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit."

Shalom children of God

The idolatry of greed! (22/6/2023)

Ephesians 5:5 "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

Paul mentions several things that should not even be associated with those who call on God’s name. With firm certainty, he specifically mentions immorality, impurity and greed as hindrances to God’s kingdom. No one who loves and practices them has a place in God’s kingdom. Paul says we can be sure of that! Let’s not be deceived. It is that clear.

Idolatry is love and worship of anything else apart from God Almighty to Whom all praise, worship, glory and honour is due. Greed is the amassing of things only for oneself. It uses very ungodly methods to achieve this objective, including cheating, stealing, oppression,diversion or even murder to acquire things for oneself. In greed, money and things are loved and worshipped more than God. And that’s why it is described as idolatry.

So many are silently driven by greed in the way they make wealth. Some use their positions and might to displace the weak and vulnerable. Workers cheat their employers because of greed, as do professionals throw ethics away. Some use ministry as a means to financial and material gain. This explains the manipulations and extortions on vulnerable people seeking spiritual help.

Whichever way certain actions may be explained, if greed is the underlying motive, that’s idolatry. Jesus warned against all forms of greed. Let’s heed it.

Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

1 Thessalonians 2:5 "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness."

Shalom children of God.

Selfish ambition: a root of unhealthy relationships! (21/6/2023)

Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Paul in this chapter dwelt on building healthy relationships using the example of Christ. One huge factor behind unhealthy relationships is selfish ambition, where the focus is on self and caring less about others. Selfishness results in greed, pride and lack of compassion. The world revolves around you and no one else. You want everything for yourself. You want to be happy even if others are crying.

In contrast, Paul notes that it takes humility to value others above oneself. And that results in thinking about their interests and wellbeing. This takes love. Jesus demonstrated this in His life. He left the glory in heaven to save us. Creator of all things came and lived a life of a servant and died like a criminal. He did all these for us. That was unprecedented humility, going all the way for others!

Selfish ambition is a major reason behind unhealthy competition, fights, slander, greed, oppression of others, disunity and divisions. It fuels all other evils. It makes one completely insensitive to the needs of others who need your support and help. And behind self centred lives, is the devil. We were created for each other. Life only becomes better if we do nothing out of selfish motives. God loves that.

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Shalom children of God

Dare to believe! (R) (20/6/2023)

Matthew 14:28-31 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" - NIV

Jesus had sent the disciples ahead of Him while He remained on the mountain side to pray into the night. The wind had disturbed them and they didn’t make much progress. And by the fourth watch in the night (between 3-6am) Jesus comes walking on the water. They were too afraid, thinking He was a ghost. When they learnt it was Jesus, Peter asked to join him walking on the water, to which Jesus readily agreed and called him. Briefly though, Peter walked on the water because he believed Jesus’ word.

So much has God given us in His word. Peter says they are “… very great and precious promises…”(2Peter 1:4). These are His commitments to us covering every aspect of our human needs. Nothing was left out of what we will ever need to live the kind of life God meant for us. We only need to believe and claim them. God takes His own word seriously. He is true and faithful to it. Whatever He promised He will fulfill. Whatever He said, He will do. He doesn’t lie.

One day, after Jesus had preached to the people from the seashore using Peter’s boat, He told Peter to launch the net into the water to fish. It was day, and Peter, knowing it was not normal to fish during day, told Him they had fished the whole night and caught nothing.  “Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.“( Luke 5:5). Believing Jesus’ word, they caught so much fish that they were shocked.

Dear child of God, dare to believe His word even if it appears ilogical. Therein awaits your victory and miracle. If we can trust people who may fail, why not a God Whose word is absolutely reliable?

Shalom children of God.

What do you wish done to you? (R)(19/6/2023)

Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - NIV

Everyone wishes good to be done to them, including those who harm others. We want nice things and nice words of compliments and appreciation. We love to live in peace and harmony among family, friends, workmates and in community. Most times we expect others to do this for us. It appears like it’s their responsibility to do so, not us. When they don’t do it, they are on the wrong and we quickly blame them without thinking of what we have done on our part.

But Jesus teaches a very basic, simple principle to achieving what you desire: begin by giving it out. Set the pace by doing it. It may not be fully reciprocated, but certainly it will come back. Instead of hate, why not love. If you want peace, be peaceful. Jesus said we should do this in EVERYTHING. Apostle Paul reiterated the same principle when he said, “Do not be decieved:God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what He sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8). This may not always be easy, but it’s God’s way.

Sow good seed even if the environment pushes you to do bad. Revenge, paying evil for evil, only promotes evil in the world. That is why most problems in the world continue. But individuals, communities and nations who apply this principle reap the benefits of healing, reconciliation and peace. This however doesn’t mean wrong doing shouldn’t be punished. The laws of the land take care of that. Do your part.

We reap what we sow. We get back what we give! Purposefully give what you wish to get back.

Shalom children of God.

WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME! (R)

WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME! (R) (18/6/2023)

Isaiah 55:6-7 "Seek the LORD while you can find him.  Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously." - NLT

Many people tend to trivialize, postpone, ignore or reject certain actions and decisions with a feeling that there is still time. In the end, many opportunities are lost, remorseful regrets experienced later in life, and destinies affected, some of them eternally!

This is true in every aspect of life, our relationship with God inclusive. Many along the way look back with much regret at lost chances. Worse still, will be the eternal regret for those who are now postponing, or ignoring their commitment to God!

God still pleads with us to seek Him while He can be found, to call on Him while He is near. This call will not be so forever. A time comes when it will not be possible to call or seek and find Him any more! Even those in God who keep disobeying or postponing what God tells them to do in His service, should rethink their ways. Hear what David said in Psalm 32:6 “… Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.” NLT

Apostle Paul wrote about the same; “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ÑLT)

And Jesus, about the irresponsible unprepared virgins at His coming, had this to say; “… Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:10)

So, while there is still time and opportunity to give your life to Jesus, be reconciled, and start a relationship with God, and to serve Him, make use of it NOW. One day, it will not be there. It will be too late!

Shalom children of God.

God of another chance! (17/6/2023)

Judges 16:28 "Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

In the course of life, we make thousands of decisions. Some of these land us into serious trouble. Samson was a victim of careless decisions with Delilah which brought him to the hands of his enemies whom he had tormented alot. They gorged out his eyes and imprisoned him. As they celebrated his capture, Samson asked God to remember him once again. And God did. He restored his strength and he killed more philistines than he had done before.

Many other great men in history made huge mistakes. Abraham lied about his wife. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband. Peter denied his Lord. Other contemporary men have made huge and costly decisions. The wars and turmoil in the world is because of some leaders decisions. But the whole difference comes as they acknowledge the mistakes and repent.

We all make wrong decisions one way or another. It is important to acknowledge them in humility, seek restitution and move on. God offers us other opportunities to come back after we make mistakes in our decisions. He is willing and promises to forgive, heal and restore us again. Peter bitterly wept in repentance. David repented. Mistakes shouldn’t be the end. We can bounce back with God’s help.

Matthew 26:75 "Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly."

Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 10:1 "The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother."

The delight of a parent is to bring up a son who will live to bring him joy and peace. That’s a wise son who, through wise decisions, will do things that bless others. A foolish son will make foolish decisions that not only land them in trouble, but also ashame and affect the people who produced them. This is true in real life as Solomon observed.

None of us lives entirely for ourselves. One way or another, we need others whose lives depend on us and ours depends on them. And this goes for the decisions we make in life. They don’t only affect us, but also those who are connected to us in community. We should thus be mindful how the decisions we make will impact others positively or negatively for generations to come before we engage in them, especially those in leadership and policy makers.

Some have brought alot of joy to others because of what they did. Others have brought alot of misery and people wish they were never born into the world. If everyone took time to think how what they do or say will affect others now or later, positively or negatively, and refrain from what is destructive, the world would be a better place to live. Every good decision we make is a seed for better. What legacy are you leaving to the world?

May God help us to be agents of change for others through our decisions. See how through Abraham’s decision to obey God the whole world is blessed!

Genesis 12:2-3 “I will make you into a great nation,  and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Shalom children of

Decisions have consequences! (15/6/2023)

John 3:16,18 "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… Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

Every decision we make has consequences which may affect us in the short or long run, some into eternity. Jesus said God loved the world so much and gave His son to come and save us. People have the liberty to choose to accept or reject Him. Such a decision to accept or reject Christ, may take less than a minute. But the effects are eternal! It leads to eternal life or eternal damnation.

History is full of stories of people who took certain decisions lightly out of anger, fun or peer pressure, thinking they would get over it. But their lives were altered forever! Esau despised his birthright and easily exchanged it for a morsel of food. He lost it forever. Samson played with his divine strength, thinking he would always shake himself and go to fight. He regained it shortly, but lost his life.

Opportunities don’t last forever. Don’t postpone what you should do today especially in your relationship with God because you never know what tomorrow holds. It’s not in our control. We have no guarantees that we may get them again. As you make daily decisions, small or big, short or long term, always think of the consequences. You are free to do what you wish to, but be ready to face the effects of your decisions, now in this life and/or forever!

2 Corinthians 6:2 "For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation."

Isaiah 1:19-20 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Shalom children of God

Knowledge guides decisions (14/6/2023)

Joshua 24:16-18 "Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.”

Joshua challenged the people to decide whether to serve God who brought them out of Egypt or other gods in the land they now occupied. The people answered that they would serve God. They narrated how God had saved them, displaying great signs, protected and provided for them, and eventually settled them in the land of promise. On the basis of that knowledge of Who God is, and what He had done, they decided to serve God.

What you about anything or anyone will guide your decisions about them, including God. There is so much information in the world about anything. Some of these are propaganda and lies, unfounded opinions and some are facts and truth. Make your decisions on the basis of the truth.

It is therefore important to invest in knowledge of the truth about anything you want to make a decision about. Read and study. Inquire from credible sources. Counter lies with truth. If you decide using lies and rumours, you fail and later regret. Satan is a liar and distorts the truth about God. He has misled many. Don’t fall victim of his lies, however nice they sound. God’s word is the truth that stands the test of time. Any decision based on it lasts.

Psalm 119:89-90 "Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations;  you established the earth, and it endures."

Shalom children of God