Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." - NIV

The message of the death of Christ on the cross draws the line of foolishness and salvation. Through Isaiah, God declared that His ways are not our ways, neither His thoughts our thoughts. The difference is as far as heaven is from earth. It is the reason we can’t know God with our limited human minds. It’s like explaining some complicated happenings to a little child begining to learn things. Because we don’t understand doesn’t mean God’s things are illogical.

When we try to put human logic and conceptualization to the things of God, we get lost. God’s knowledge and wisdom is so incomparably vast, that even the most intelligent human mind can’t catch up with the foolishness of God. Because of this, the human mind will take God’s incomprehensible ways as foolishness. And so they reject it, and they perish. They can’t picture how Jesus’ shed blood and death on a cross saves someone thousands of years later.

But what is foolishness to those using human intellect to understand, is life to those who recieve this truth in simple child like faith and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. God reveals to them, by the Holy Spirit, the riches of His grace and mercy. It becomes so precious that it can’t be exchanged with any treasures of this life! Paul tasted both sides, and he had this to say after this truth was revealed to him;

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ Christ…" (Philippians 3:7-8)

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 2:12-13 "So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." - GNB

The call to work out our salvation with fear and trembling is a tough decision to make. This is more so, given the many trials that come along with it. But lest we are tempted to think this is from our own making and abilities, Paul says it is all about God working in us to will and to obey Him.

God created man with a will and freedom of choice. Even after coming to Christ and submitting our wills to His, we still retain that God given right to make decisions. The natural tendency of fallen human nature is towards disobedience to God and His will. On our own, we cannot obey God. But He helps us to align our wills to obey Him, and to suppress the rebellious nature that wants to disobey. As we work out our salvation, the will and strength to do so, all comes from God our Father.

Our part is the attitude of reverential fear of God and a willing submission to do His will despite the prevailing enemy forces attempting to divert us from the Way. When we make up our minds to stand for God and remain in the faith, then nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Let’s purpose in our hearts to remain firm in the Lord. He will supply the strength to enable us stand to the end.

Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 2:12-13 "So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." - GNB

The Philippians had obeyed and believed the gospel Paul preached. He was now in prison and wrote to encourage them to continue in obedience even in his absence. He sought to let them know they had recieved salvation by grace. But they had a role to play in order to continue in the same salvation to the end. There was more work to do.

No one can do anything to earn salvation except to believe in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. It is entirely by God’s grace and mercy. But to remain in salvation requires our commitment and perseverance. Daily devotion which enables us to remain in God is a decision. Salvation is recieved instantly when we give our lives to Christ. But growth and sustainability in it is hard work which happens over time with much labour.

To persistent endurance and commitment, we are called. Paul said he died daily, implying daily choice to remain in the faith despite the various fierce challenges that would make him fall out. The early church faced it. We face the same daily. And we do so with fear and trembling before God, knowing how much Christ paid to redeem us! That’s what energises us to keep going, knowing that those who endure to the end will be saved (Matt 24:13).

Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - KJV

Everyone is a product of parenting, whether from a stable or broken family, single or double parenting. From birth, through the formative stages of child development upto one’s adulthood, alot is invested into a person. Whatever each one of us is; the way we behave, the values we hold, the attitudes we possess, are a reflection of parenting and family background. Train a child to be whatever he ahould be. And that’s what they will be. If you don’t, some how someone somewhere will. And thats what they will be. This places immense undelegetable responsibility to parents for which they will account to God.

Training is teaching and modeling. A child’s mind is open from birth. It only takes in what the environment around feeds them with, the most important of which is family. That’s what informs their world view and eventually shapes their character, the way they see and do things. Children need more than material things like food, clothing, shelter, toys, education etc. For holistic development, social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual needs which eventually shape children’s character, have to be met too.

It’s sad that the importance attached to parenting is reducing, with the family institution under immense demonic attack. Many take it lightly, absent themselves, leave children to the media and whosoever, but blame them when they act weird. If you really care to secure the future of your children, you must, of necessity, spend quality time instilling and demonstrating right/godly values to them. You will one day be happy you did when the fruit of responsible godly citizens manifests.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 26:24-26 "A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,  but in his heart he habours deceit. Though his speech is charming,  do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception,  but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." - NIV

There is a lot of deception in this world. People speak one thing, so sweet, charming, and convincing, and yet they mean a different thing in their hearts. They flatter each other to get what they want. Nations, communities, organizations, groups, friends, families, individuals –  decieve and betray each other. This is one reason people never do what they commit themselves to, because they really didn’t mean what they said.

God who sees the actual intentions and motives in the hearts of men, knows all such hypocrisy concealed in men’s hearts.
He is a God of justice and righteousness. He tells us to make our yes, to truly be yes, and no to be no(Matt 5:37). That is what the bible calls walking in the light as He is in the light. Claiming to walk in the truth, and yet harbour malice, anger, unforgiveness or other forms of evil in the heart against others, is to live a lie. 

What we conceal  eventually comes out. Soon or later, and truth will be seen. May God help us to live honest lives, with no dark or grey hidden areas concealing sin against others. May what we say rhyme with what is in our hearts. Let our yes be yes, and no be no. In that way, we live by the truth and have nothing to worry about in the day of reckoning when things are laid bare including motives behind what we said or did.

"If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth." (1 John 1:6)

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Ephesians 5:4 "…Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God." - GNB

Paul was giving instruction on the conduct and manner of life befitting the Christian as they are transformed into Christ likeness. Among these is discouragement from use of a language that doesn’t reflect the nature of God, and therefore shouldn’t characterize His children. Obscenity, profanity, cursing, or vulgar language are not for the believer in Christ.

Language is one key sign of the character of a person. It brings out who they really are, and what manner of spirit is in them. It is a reflection of the spiritual kingdom one belongs to, of God or the devil. When God transforms a person, their behaviour and language as well changes. Even under provocation, the Holy Spirit gives self control to avoid ungodly speech.

Instead, the believer’s speech is to be graceful, thankful and seasoned with salt. It brings love, peace, hope and life to its hearers. Listen to a person’s speech, and you can tell what is in them, and who controls them. May you be so full of good inside that it overflows through your mouth. Then you become a blessing to others.

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

It had been a long sermon on the mountain. Having heard all He told the crowd, Jesus nailed it with what would create the difference between the wise and foolish, those who will stand and those who wouldn’t. The word of God comes to all who hear it. But what the hearers do with His word, determines the outcome and state of their lives in the storm. The house is our faith, the rock or sand represents the foundations of our faith.

Jesus here taught that everyone has faith in someone or something, and the challenges of life come to all, those in Him and not in Him. Jesus is the Rock. Anyone who puts his trust in Him lays the foundation of his faith in the rock. The challenges will never make him fall. Anything and anyone else we trust in apart from Jesus Christ is a foundation of sand which can’t stand the trials that come.

However beautiful the external appearance of your house, the true test of the strength of the foundation is in the time of the storm. The storms will surely come. The shaking is coming. Will yours stand? Many claim to trust God. But challenges reveal a different story. Make the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, the foundation of your faith in word and deed. You will not be disappointed.

Psalm 125:1 "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - NIV

Needs of life are real. No food or hope of the next meal, a failing health condition of a loved one, pending bills, no proper shelter, threat to our safety and security, are needs that concern anyone. Neither is God blind to these things. He is a practical God and knows we have those needs. His word is full of promises for normal day to day practical concerns of life. He expects us to ask Him for them.

God knows and He cares that we have these needs met. Paul adviced the Philipians that instead of being anxious about these needs, bring them as requests to God in prayer and petition with a thankful heart. In response, God will first give His peace to settle our hearts and minds from the anxiety caused by the needs. A state of anxiety, if not well managed, can lead to inappropriate reactions and worse state of life, affecting our relationship with God and others.

Apart from peacefully settling our minds, God promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil 4:19). He does this in various ways; by blessing the diligent work of our hands, giving ideas, providing links to right people, and sometimes (for immediate urgent needs) through supernatural means. God is a strategic planner. For sustainability in the long run, He inspires long term plans and ideas as we trust Him. But we should be ready to work.

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Daniel 2:26-28 "The king asked Daniel  (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…" - NIV

The powerful king Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream and he was restless. He asked his wise men to tell the dream and interpret it for him. They all failed. In desperation, he wanted to execute them all, being the absolute monarch he was. Then word came to him that there was one of the Hebrew men who had ability to interpret dreams and unveil mysteries. Thus was Daniel sent for and he appeared before the king.

Perfect time to busk in the limelight and take pride for his exceptional gifting and recognition by the king? Not Daniel! In reply to the king’s question, he quickly made a disclaimer that no man (including himself) could interpret the mystery and referred him to a God in heaven who could do it. In essence, he was telling the king that except for this God working through him, he was as helpless as any other. And therefore for whatever Daniel would do, all glory goes back to God.

How often gospel ministers fall into this trap! When God does His works through us, glorious as they may be, let’s always be  quick to give back the glory to Whom it belongs. Any delays to enjoy that glory may soon graduate to expectation, and soon demand for praise of men. And before you know it, you have created focus on yourself, not the God using you, and soon you create a personality cult of yourself and even fight for it. Therein is your downfall! Remember how king Herod was struck and died instantly for not being quick to return glory to God(Acts 12:23). 

We are but vessels in God’s hand that He uses to do His works. People may appreciate the ministry, some may almost worship you, but it’s upto us to direct them to God and return all the glory to the One we serve and deserves it. Watch out for subtle pride in successful ministry! Again learn from Joseph.

WGenesis 41:15-16 "Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 103:1 "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

My soul, my spirit, my very life, it’s your duty to praise the Lord your Maker. His holy name deserves our praise. True praise arises from within, from a thankful heart, manifesting on the outside.

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

As my soul praises the Lord, it will remember and not forget what He has done. Forgetfulness lessens praise and increases complaints and disgrutlement. Praise keeps the great things Godhas done in constant view and focus.

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins  and heals all your diseases,

The Lord forgives all our sins and frees us from guilt and condemnation before Him. He has committed to heal all our diseases. For these promises, we can lay claim as our portion from Him.

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit  and crowns you with love and compassion,

Without God, we are dead in sin. But God redeems us to Himself from death to life. This He does out of His deep love and compassion. I am loved and redeemed of the Lord. His I am! What a joy to know this!

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I have desires and longings. Some may not glorify His name. God is committed to fulfill my desires, but only with good things. When my desires are satisfied with good, my health is renewed like the eagle’s.

For these and many others, praise the Lord o my soul! He has done, and will continue to do great things. He deserves all the praise.

Shalom children of God.