ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus:  "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."   Proverbs 19:17 KJV  Devotion: To serve God faithfully often means confronting the reality of poverty—whether in our own lives or in the lives of those around us. Scripture reminds us that poverty is not a curse but an opportunity to experience God’s provision, humility, and compassion. God’s Heart for the Poor The Bible consistently reveals God’s concern for the poor. In Proverbs 19:17, it says: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Serving God is inseparable from serving those in need. When we extend our hands to the poor, we are extending them to God Himself.   Jesus embodied this truth. He was born in a manger, lived without wealth, and declared in Matthew 8:20: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” His life shows us that p...

Scripture focus: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16).  Envy is not a small matter—it is a dangerous seed that, if allowed to grow, can destroy lives, relationships, and even destinies.      We see this truth played out vividly in Scripture. Cain looked at his brother Abel with envy because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice and not his own. That envy consumed him until he rose up and murdered his brother (Genesis 4:3–8). Saul, once chosen by God as king, allowed envy to take root when he heard the people praising David’s victories. Instead of rejoicing in David’s success, Saul’s heart turned bitter, and he sought to kill him (1 Samuel 18:7–11). The Pharisees and Sadducees, filled with envy at Jesus’ authority and influence, conspired to crucify Him (Matthew 27:18).     Even literature echoes this warning. In Shakespeare’s Othello, envy and jealousy drive men to betray and kill their closest fri...

Scripture Focus:   "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." — Ecclesiastes 11:1 (ESV)   Devotion: Generosity often feels risky. When we give—whether it’s our time, resources, or kindness—we don’t always see immediate results. Yet Scripture reminds us that sowing into others’ lives is never wasted. Just as bread cast upon the waters eventually returns, so too will our acts of generosity bring fruit in God’s timing.      Jesus Himself taught this principle: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). The promise is clear—our giving multiplies, not because of human effort, but because of God’s faithfulness.      Paul echoes this truth in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Generous living requires patience and trust. The harvest ma...

Scripture focus: And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:  1 Samuel 1:26-27 KJV  A testimony is more than just a story — it is a declaration of God’s faithfulness, a witness to His power, and a reminder that He is still at work in our lives today. When we share testimonies, we strengthen our faith and encourage others to trust God for their own breakthroughs.     A testimony is a statement of facts about what God has done. It could be an answer to prayer, a healing, provision, or deliverance. The Bible says:  “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).   - Testimonies are weapons of victory — they silence the enemy and magnify God’s glory.   Biblical Examples of Testimonies:  - Hannah: She prayed for a child, an...

Scripture focus: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV  Prayer is the lifeline of the believer — it is how we commune with God, draw strength, and align our hearts with His will. James 5:16 reminds us: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This means prayer is not just a ritual, but a powerful force that brings divine intervention. When to Pray:  - Always: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer should be woven into every moment of our lives — in joy, sorrow, work, and rest.   - In times of trouble: Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”   - In thanksgiving: Philippians 4:6 teaches us to bring our requests with thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s goodness.   - Morning and night: David declared, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17). ...

1. Does God Answer Prayers? Yes, God answers prayers. Scripture is filled with promises that God hears and responds to His children:   - Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”   - Matthew 7:7 — Jesus assures us: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”   - 1 John 5:14-15 — We are told that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.      God’s answers may come as “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait,” but His response is always rooted in His wisdom and love. Prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours, but aligning our hearts with His perfect plan. 2. Is There Any Need to Pray? Absolutely. Prayer is essential for a believer’s life.   - Philippians 4:6 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”   -...