Daily Devotionals

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

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Jeremiah 1:4-5 “The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nation’s.” – NIV

Among some of the most important questions in life every human being should ask is, ‘why was I created?’ Why do I exist?’ It’s noteworthy that we are no accidents in this world. We have a Creator God, Who must have had a definite reason for creating us. God told Jeremiah he was made for a specific role even before he came to existence. And so is each of us.

We can only understand the purpose of anything from the mind of its maker. That’s why we have operating manuals for any new item to guide on its best way to use and maximize its benefits. Looking elsewhere for alternative opinions is misleading. Likewise, for anyone of us to find our purpose of existence so as to live meaningfully, we must, of necessity, get back to our Creator.

Life outside God its Maker is a gamble. We may try to fill it up with the needs and wants of life, but these can never define us. The more we acquire, the more we want and the more empty we feel. The earlier we go beyond these things to understand our Creator’s purpose for our lives, the quicker the life puzzle fits in. And that’s of paramount importance to know.

Whatever else we acquire in this life are simply to enable us become what we were made for. They are not an end in themselves. If our only focus is on these things, we miss the mark and we lose out on our God given purpose. There is much more to our lives than what this world and other sources may tell us. Seek God’s purpose for your life. Consult the manual He gave us, His word. Therein is truth for real, meaningful and maximum living.

Psalms 139:16 “… All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 103:7: “He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.”

The psalmist praises God for Who He is and what He does. It’s one thing to see things happen, the miraculous acts of God, or the things people do. It’s yet another thing to know the reason behind these acts. Whatever is done is for a purpose, driven by a motive or intention.

To Moses, God made known His ways. Ways go beyond the acts. It’s the reason for the acts. Ways have to do with purpose, motives, values, character, the bigger plan or the heart matters. It’s the ‘why.’ So Moses  knew God deeper than what he saw Him do. Acts on the other hand is the display of His power, manifesting in miracles, signs and wonders. Acts catch the eye, brings excitement and wows the observers. But don’t establish a person in the faith.

These two represent levels of our walk with God.  Those who only know Him by the acts are continually looking for ‘new’ miracles, signs. They are excited to see them. When God is silent and not doing them, they interpret that to mean something gone wrong. Their faith is shaky. The Isrealites were like that. Even after watching all the miracles in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea and walking on dry ground, afew days in the desert without meat made them complain bitterly to Moses as they wished to go back to slavery in Egypt. By knowing God’s ways, whether there is a sign or not, provision or not, pleasant or tough times, your faith is firm in the God you have come to know as ever faithful, loving, good regardless of current circumstances.

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

Psalm 25:4 “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”

Psalm 46:1-3: “God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  [Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Timothy 4:8 “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – NIV

Paul was coming to the end of his earthly life and ministry. Having fought the good fight, run the race with much perseverance, endured so much and gave himself wholly to the service of his Lord, he now prepared for his departure. Whereas this would be sad for others, to Paul it was a glorious time, as he looked forward to his crown and award by none other than the Lord he faithfully served. It was not only to him, but to all who similarly serve God and await His appearance.

Such is the glorious hope every believer has beyond the pains, distress, trials and sufferings of this life. It’s the expectation and joy ahead that sustained Jesus despite much suffering. It’s what enabled the apostles go through unimaginable sufferings but remained faithful and hopeful. Whatever it is we may have to endure in the present life, the weight of glory that awaits us is incomprehensible and incomparable.

Child of God, never lose heart. Press on alittle more, God supplying the strength and grace. Resist the attempts of the enemy to fall off the race. In a little while, our Lord will appear. Great is the reward for our labours for Him in this life. It will be joy and peace unspeakable. Fix your eyes on what lies ahead. Remain true and faithful to Him. Do not be swayed by the temporary and fading quick fixes and relief which leads astray from God.

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

“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.” Isaiah 55:6-7 (NLT)

There is a tendency for many people to take easy or postpone certain actions and decisions with a feeling that there is still time. Because of this, 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. There are many people who look back with much regrets 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, call while He is near. This call will not be so forever. A time comes when it’s not 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; “… Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.” Psalm 32:5-6 (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 (NLT)

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.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Psalm 3:1-3 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” – NIV

The psalms are free and honest expressions of the heart to God. God encourages us to be free as we pour out what’s within to Him. Here, David acknowledges before God how many were against him, speaking ill of him and downplaying his trust in God. That’s what others said. But David reaffirmed who God was to him despite what others said; a shield around him, his glory and the lifter of his head.

People will always say what they think and wish about us. Some are out of good motives, and others out of evil intentions. But what we know and believe about the faithfulness of God to us matters most. It should be settled in us that God is our shield of protection all around, our glory and lifter of our heads. A bowed head depicts shame, defeat, hopelessness and lack of confidence. When God lifts our heads, He is giving us assurance of His protection, glory and presence.

The opinions and comments of others can drain confidence and strength out of us. Many have been crushed and given up on life because of what they heard. As we acknowledge God, He takes away shame, brightens our face and we face life confidently despite those who hate and don’t wish us well. He makes us walk with our heads high and enjoy life under His unfailing care and love as we trust Him. May He lift your bowed head and cheer you up!

Psalm 27:1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes  who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” – NIV

Every believer in Christ has the blessed assurance that beyond this life, we shall see our Lord face to face in glory. Jesus said he will return in great glory and power. Those not in him will mourn in terror. To those in him, it will be joy unimaginable. We experience bits of this glory in this life. But in that time it will be in its fullness. Nothing will compare with it. It will be far greater than all the splendor of the world combined. How I look forward to that day!

While we look forward to this glorious union with the Lord, we press on. Many are the forces on the way to derail and dissuade us from the narrow path. But let’s have our minds made up not to turn back till we see him face to face, as we recieve that glorious welcome into our heavenly heritage. We will be glad we held on to the faith, going through pains and tears, sowing seed of his word, standing for him, defending the faith, enduring ridicule, serving the Lord.

Let’s look unto Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith who endured much for the joy that lay ahead of him. Let’s forget the past, and strain toward what lies ahead. That glory will make us faithfully go all the way till we see him. Cheer up child of God! It won’t be long before he comes. And so shall we ever be with the Lord! Look up, for your salvation draws nearer than ever.

Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Shalom children of God.