ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus:  .... the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Matthew 26:41b KJV. Often, the heart desires to do what is noble and right, yet the body resists. Jesus Himself warned, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Many times, we resolve in our hearts to follow Christ, but temptation and distraction pull us away.   For example, someone may hear the gospel and decide to surrender to Christ. Yet before they can pray, sin presents itself—lust, pride, or worldly pleasure—and the moment passes. Paul described this inner conflict clearly: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). The Battle of the Flesh:  When I served as chapter president of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, I saw this struggle firsthand. Friends would attend outreach meetings, joyfully accept Christ, and even commit to fellowship. But after a few visits, they drifted away. Why? Because...

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 KJV. "that even in seasons of pain, uncertainty, or silence, God’s goodness is not absent—it is revealed to those who patiently trust Him." bible.art+1  Devotion: Waiting on God’s Timing Waiting is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 40:31 echoes this promise:   "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."     When we wait, we acknowledge that God’s timing is perfect. Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac, and though his faith wavered at times, God’s goodness was revealed in the fulfillment of His word (Genesis 21:1-2).   Seeking God in the Midst of Trials The verse also emphasizes seeking God. Psa...

Scripture Focus: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” — Proverbs 6:6   The Danger of Delay Procrastination is more than just postponing tasks—it is a silent thief that robs us of opportunities, blessings, and success. The Bible warns against laziness and delay, reminding us that time wasted cannot be regained. Success requires diligence, discipline, and timely obedience to God’s instructions. Bible Stories on Procrastination - The Israelites at the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14):     When God commanded Israel to enter Canaan, fear and hesitation led them to procrastinate. Their delay cost them forty years in the wilderness. Procrastination turned a short journey into decades of wandering. - The Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13):     Five virgins delayed in preparing oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, they were unready and shut out of the wedding feast. Their procrastination cost them eternal joy. - Felix the ...

Psalm 94:19 KJV [19] In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul. Devotion: Have you ever looked around you and wondered, “Why is there so much evil, wickedness, and pain in the world?”    In Psalm 94, King David is extremely upset about the state of humanity. People are blaming God for the world’s rampant wickedness as though God did not see it and did not care (see verses 1-7). So David reminds his audience that the Lord is Creator, and He knows, sees, and hears all that goes on (verses 8-11).    Because of God, David could say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Verse 19)   King David’s “cares of the heart” were because of the wickedness and evil he saw—and our world is not much different. But David’s consolation in all the evil he witnessed was his Creator and Savior.    That’s why He could close his psalm by writing, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my ...

Scripture focus: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.  1 Timothy 4:8 KJV Paul, in his letter to Timothy, draws a striking contrast between physical exercise and spiritual discipline. He acknowledges that bodily exercise has some value, but he emphasizes that godliness holds far greater worth because it benefits every aspect of life—both now and in eternity. While caring for our physical bodies is important as they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), it pales in comparison to the eternal rewards of pursuing godliness.     Godliness strengthens the soul, shapes our character, and prepares us for eternal fellowship with Christ. It is not limited to rituals or outward appearances but is a life rooted in obedience to God’s Word and lived out in love and righteousness. Jesus Himself taught that when we seek first the kingdom of God and His...

Scripture: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36   Devotion: Freedom is one of humanity’s deepest desires. Nations fight for it, people long for it, and hearts ache when it is absent. Yet the freedom Jesus offers is unlike any other—it is not political, social, or even physical. It is spiritual, eternal, and complete.     Sin binds us with chains of guilt, shame, and fear. No amount of effort or good works can break those chains. But when Jesus, the Son of God, steps into our lives, He doesn’t just loosen the bonds—He shatters them. His death and resurrection guarantee that anyone who believes in Him is no longer a slave to sin but a child of God.    This freedom means:   - Freedom from condemnation — our past no longer defines us.   - Freedom to live in truth — we walk in light, not deception.   - Freedom to serve in love — we are empowered to live for God and others.     ...