Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." - NIV

Genesis 39:9 "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”- NIV

There are two kind of fear. One is dreadful fear which arises from fear of punishment for a wrong done. The other is reverential fear which arises out of deep love, respect and loyalty. It is a fear not to disappoint or do harm to one you truly love and wouldn’t want to hurt. Solomon describes the fear of God as hating evil which manifests in pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and speech. Joseph’s continual resistance of the attempts of Portiphar’s wife to sleep with him was rooted in his fear of God.

Most people fear to do wrong just because of the fear of embarrassment of being caught, shamed publicly or punished by the law. Yet deep within them, they are burning to do it. This is not sustainable. It is the reason it surprises what some people do given the impression they had portrayed outwardly. But if truly committed to the fear of God, whether anyone sees or not, we are aware that God sees even upto our thoughts and hidden intentions.

Not only do we refrain from evil because God sees, but because we truly love Him and want to honor and please Him in all we do. We are not driven by fear of punishment, but love for God and commitment to what is right. That’s what motivated Joseph to stand. It wasn’t about whether anyone saw or not, whether Portiphar would get to know or not, but because of his love for God. That’s what made him run out and was ready to face the consequences that followed – because of his love for God. That, dear friend, is the fear of God. Do you fear God?

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - NIV

Jesus was sending out the twelve to go and preach. As He instructed them on how to go about with the mission, He meant to let them know it was not going to be rosy all through. They would be resisted, ridiculed and even be killed. This would bring fear and scare some out of the mission. But Jesus encouraged them not to compromise their mission, faith and values in God for fear of man.

The reason for resistance to the gospel is Satan, whose mission is to keep people from believing the gospel and be saved. Others resist to defend their interests which are threatened by the gospel. This leads to persecution. By telling the disciples not to fear those who kill the body and not the soul, Jesus implied that in the process, some may actually die for the gospel. But suffering and death of the body, caused by men, is not to be feared. It ends there.

Rather, God, Who can kill the body (physical death) and cast the soul to hell (eternal/second death), is to be reverentialy feared. This is because there is no remedy thereafter into eternity. One can die physically (as it is appointed for all) but be safe with God. But to be lost eternally in hell is reason enough to be afraid! So many have feared men and compromised their faith in God. Jesus and all heroes of faith endured great suffering but stood firm for what they believed. Never allow the temporary challenges of men cause you to be lost eternally!

Luke 12:4-5 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 13:38-40 "The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age…" - NIV

Jesus taught so many principles of God’s kingdom through parables which related to things people associated with in every day life. The parable of the weeds and the wheat is one of the people of the kingdom of God and of the evil one living together. As some weeds are very much like the wheat in looks and character, while attempting to remove them, one can remove the wheat. It is best separated and differentiated by the fruit at harvest.

So many claim to belong to God. They live and act like people of the kingdom. They attempt to wear sheep skins, and even speak the language of the kingdom sometimes. But within, they are weeds and wolves. Because of their look alike, we cannot properly identify them until the fruit reveals who they really were. And only God, Who knows and searches mens hearts, know those who are His own.

The Holy Spirit gives witness in the hearts of those who are truly converted and belong to God. Some are in the company of believers for various reasons, live and act like believers and yet not. Deep within, they know it. I pray they put their lives right with God and make Him the Saviour and Lord instead of live in pretense. Such hiding will not last forever. Forsake the lies of the enemy and mend your ways before it’s too late.

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

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." - NIV

Paul was in prison because of the gospel of Jesus Christ he so zealously preached. While there, he just continued undeterred by prison limitations to preach the gospel. In the text above, he joyfully highlights a great achievement from his sufferings: the advancement of the gospel through his chains, and the boldness others had got to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Challenges and painful sufferings make some people forget their mission in life, lament and pity themselves. Others give up whatever good they were doing, blame, or fight those they associate with their suffering. In the end, they are angry and bitter, their lives are messed up and lose direction. Paul didn’t even look at those who put him in prison. He steadfastly focused on his life mission in freedom and in chains.

Challenges are sure to come our way in life. No one is exempted. The greatest achievement is to look beyond the pains to how the challenges and sufferings are helping further your mission in life. The devil’s desire is to divert you from your God given purpose and mission, to fighting people. In that way you lose the battle. However terrible a challenge is, there is always something good that will come out of it. With such attitude towards challenges, you will always see good and rejoice even in bitter moments.

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."

Genesis 45:5 "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 6:37 "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." - NIV

Jesus was engaged in a long discussion with the Jews as He challenged their religious beliefs and their doubts about Him. This is one of the statements He made. In it, we learn that none of us comes to God on our own, although we make the decision to do so. It is God Who draws us to Himself through Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul said no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).

Those who genuinely come to Christ, trusting Him as Saviour and Lord, have the assurance that they will never be cast away. This gives eternal security to all in Christ that they will not be lost. As Jesus prayed before His departure from earth, He told the Father that He had lost none of those the Father had given Him except the son of perdition (Judas Iscariot) as foretold (John 17:12). He protected and presented them to the Father. He is the good Shepherd of His sheep. Praise God.

God is committed to keep those in Christ safe and firm, not to cast any away and never to be lost as long as they remain in Him. It is His joy to do so, because they are His treasured possession, the reason He came to seek and save the lost. We can thus reject any lies of the devil that God might change His mind and throw us away. Only purpose to abide in Him.

Hebrews 7:25 "And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives for ever to plead with God for them." - GNB

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo 3/7/2022

John 15:4-6 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." - NIV

Jesus repeated the word ‘remain’ in these three verses six times. That shows the level of emphasis on the action of remaining in Him. He was teaching about bearing fruit and used the analogy of a branch on a vine of a tree that cannot bear fruit unless it is attached to the vine. He is the vine and we are the branches.

None of us should think we can bear fruit while detached from God. No one can do good outside of a living relationship with God. A branch detached from the vine dies. So do we, if we don’t purposefully remain in communion with God. In Christ, we draw nourishment that not only keeps us healthy and alive in fellowship with Him, but also to bear fruit. Without Him, we can do nothing. We are only alive and fruitful while in Him.

To remain in Him is by choice and voluntary. One can choose to remain or disconnect from Jesus, but He himself will never cast those who come to Him away. We are called to bear fruit for God’s glory. Just as the worth of a tree is in it’s bearing much fruit, so are we in Christ. The more fruit a tree bears, the more useful it is. A branch in Him that bears no fruit is cut off and burnt (v.2). It’s useless. Remain in Jesus and bear fruit or detach yourself and die.

Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

Shalom children of God. Blessed Sunday

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 25:15,19 "To one he gave five talents, and to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to  his ability. Then he went on his journey…  After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." - NIV

It was one of Jesus’ last parables about accountability. God has endowed each one of us with talents and gifts according to our abolities. We are all gifted differently. Some of us can do much more than others. Some are more prominent than others. But all are important. Whatever we are or have, was given to us by our Creator. We are expected to use them to serve others and God, that is, to trade with our talents.

The Master is coming back and will demand for accountability on how we used them. We need to live with the reality that we shall account for our lives one day to our Maker. It will be a thorough life audit, how we used what God endowed us with, either to serve our selfish motives or to glorify Him. Some live as if they are in charge of their lives, talents, skills and abilities and they can use them whichever way they please. Whatever we have was given to us and we shall account for it one day.

Accountability is not usually easy, especially if things are not right. We may manipulate men, or cover up certain things on earthly accountability. But to the God to Whom we shall account, nothing escapes notice. He knows and sees every detail of all we do, including thoughts and hidden intentions. All that will be subject to judgement. Do self examination and if there be any ammends you need to make with your life, it had better be now while there is room to do so. Then turn to God in repentance and live for Him.

Hebrews 4: 13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Remember the day of accountability!

Shalom children of God.

Behold I am coming!

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 3:11 "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." - NIV

Jesus didn’t have much against the church in Philadelphia. They had kept the faith, endured so much for God and Jesus promised to sustain them in the hour of trial. What was important for them was to hold on to what they already had. They also needed to know that their Lord was coming back to reward the faithful who hold on the faith to the end despite so much trials.

Tbe soon return of Jesus is according to God’s calendar. This is why no one knows the day or hour, but only the Father. But we can read the signs of the times and tell how close. When His coming appears to delay according to human understanding, some will be tempted to give in to the challenges they face. But His seeming delay is for our good because He is not willing that any should perish (2Peter 3:9). And He gives the grace to stand firm in Him.

We live in unprecedentedly evil times. Some believer’s faith has grown cold (Matt 24:12). The hope of Jesus’ coming back should build perseverance and keep our faith alive so as to keep moving. Jesus warned that by holding on to the faith we possess in Him, we shall receive our crowns. If not, we lose it to others. Cheer up child of God. Our Lord is coming back! Let’s hold on patiently till we see Him.

Matthew 24:12-13 "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Revelation 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 2:3-4, 19-20 "You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first… I know what you do. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first. But…" - GNB

The Ephesus church had lost the first love. The Thyatira church were doing more now than before. To all these churches, there were good things they were commended for and what they were not doing well. They were fluctuating in their faith. The reason Jesus was pointing out all these, the good side and the areas to correct, was so that they may be consistent and balanced in their salvation.

At any one point in our lives, there are areas we are doing well and those we need to improve. As God corrects us, He wants to instill in us the quality of consistency as it is Him. He is God Who does not change like shifting shadows, and always true to His character. An inconsistent life is inbalanced, and susceptible to manipulations of enemy deceptions. Great men and women have been brought down by little things they didn’t attend to.

The churches were doing well in some areas while others were badly off and would lead to their downfall. Our areas of excellence should not overshadow the weak ones. Let’s cooperate with the Spirit as He helps us in our weaknesses, so that we can be focused, straight and consistent in our walk with God.

Hebrews 12:12-13 "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Shalom children of God

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Revelation 2:14-15 "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans." - NIV

Jesus chastised the Pergamum church for tolerating doctrines of Balaam which encouraged idolatry and sexual immorality Likewise, the Thyatira church tolerated the teachings of Jezebel which enticed even servants of God into sexual immorality (2:20). The warning strongly came to these churches for repentance. We live in an era where such twisted and compromised doctrines of God not only sugarcoat sin, but don’t take a clear stand on holiness among believers. The pulpit and pew have been defiled!

But God calls us to both doctrinal and moral integrity as His children. There are no short cuts to this even with the increase of evil in our time. God has not adjusted His standard of holiness and righteousness. Those who twist His word to suit their evil desires and encourage doctrinal compromise are strongly warned as the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira were warned.

Paul told Timothy to watch his life and doctrine. A life driven by other motives than to solely glorify God is very susceptible to doctrinal compromises. There are those who start right and derail along the way. It requires diligence and perseverance in what the word of God teaches, sometimes at a high price. Those who teach others God’s ways are encouraged to remain morally and doctrinal upright. May God help us to do so!

1 Timothy 4:16 "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Shalom children of God