ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: Psalms 91:3  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (read Psalm 91: 1- end) Devotion: Life can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield. Whether it is betrayal from someone we trusted, systemic injustice, or the quiet malice of people looking out only for themselves, the "evil of men" is a heavy, sobering reality. It’s easy to feel vulnerable. But the truth of Scripture is clear: our ultimate safety doesn't come from building higher walls or living in constant suspicion. It comes from the sovereign protection of God. When He covers you, the schemes of people lose their power over your destiny.    The Bible doesn't pretend that evil people don't exist. Instead, it promises that God stands between that evil and those who belong to Him. Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) says  "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my ...

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:  Philippians 1:6 KJV  The number seven in Scripture often symbolizes completion, perfection, and divine fulfillment. As we step into the month of July (the seventh month), it is a reminder that God is the One who brings all things to completion in His perfect timing. Here are some examples from the bible:  - Creation Completed: “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2).     The seventh day marked the completion of creation — a divine pause showing that God’s work is perfect and whole. - Spiritual Fulfillment: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6).     Just as creation was completed, God promises to complete the good...

Scripture Focus:  "For with God nothing shall be impossible."  Luke 1:37 KJV Devotion: We often throw around the word "impossible" when we hit a wall. We look at our bank accounts, medical reports, or broken relationships and think, there is absolutely no way out of this. It’s a natural human response because our view is limited by what we can see, touch, and fix with our own hands. But the moment God steps into the equation, the word "impossible" loses all its power.   When the angel Gabriel spoke these words to Mary, she was a young virgin being told she would give birth to the Savior of the world. Biologically? Impossible. Logically? Unheard of. Yet, Gabriel reminded her that God doesn't operate within the boundaries of human limitations. Let’s look at a few moments in scripture where God took situations that were completely dead, trapped, or finished by human standards, and turned them into displays of His absolute power. 1. When Dead Hopes Come Al...

Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…’"   The Great Commission Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18–20 are not a suggestion but a command. With all authority given to Him, He sends His followers to proclaim the good news. Evangelism is the heartbeat of the gospel — it is how the message of salvation spreads from one generation to the next.   Why Evangelism Matters: - Obedience to Christ: Sharing the gospel is a direct response to Jesus’ command. To ignore it is to neglect His final instructions.   - Love for the lost: Romans 10:14 reminds us, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Without evangelism, many remain in darkness.   - Power of the gospel: Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Evangelism ...

 Scripture focus: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” Matt 7:12 KJV. Devotion: The beauty of the passage above is that it distills the entire moral framework of the Old Testament into one principle: treat others as you wish to be treated. This is often called the Golden Rule.     When we connect this with the law of reciprocity, we see how Jesus not only spoke to spiritual truth but also to a deep psychological and social reality. Reciprocity is hardwired into human relationships: when someone shows kindness, generosity, or respect, we feel compelled to return it. Conversely, when someone shows cruelty or disrespect, we often mirror that back.      By marrying these two ideas, we discover that:   - Golden Rule: Jesus elevates reciprocity beyond mere social obligation. It’s not just about balancing exchanges but about proactively choosing goodnes...

Scripture Focus: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” — James 3:16   Devotion: Strife is like a fire that begins with a spark but quickly consumes peace, unity, and love. It often arises from pride, jealousy, or selfish ambition. The Bible warns us that strife opens the door to confusion and destructive works. When strife rules, relationships break, communities weaken, and hearts grow cold.      Yet, God calls His children to be peacemakers. Proverbs 17:14 reminds us that it is wise to “drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Choosing humility, forgiveness, and gentleness extinguishes strife before it spreads. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).   Reflection:   - Strife thrives where pride lives, but peace flourishes where humility reigns.   - Forgiveness is stronger than resentment, and love is greater than qu...