ojaysjoel blog

Covetousness is a subtle but destructive sin that creeps into the heart when we desire what belongs to others instead of being content with what God has given us. The Bible warns us repeatedly about this danger.   🕊️ Scripture Insights - Exodus 20:17 — “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”     - Covetousness is not just about possessions; it’s about misplaced desire that dishonors God.   - Luke 12:15 — Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”     - True life is found in Christ, not in material gain.   - Hebrews 13:5 — “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”     - Con...

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3" KJV  Devotion : Jesus Christ has made a profound statement worthy of meditation. Except every person who calls himself/herself a Christian is converted and become as little child he/she will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. What could Jesus mean? Let us look at the qualities of little children. They are dependent on their parents, honest, forgiving and forgetful, trust their parents, accept whatever their parents give them, teachable, and obedient.  Likewise Christians who are truly converted are dependent on Jesus Christ, honest, forgiving and forgetful, trust God, accept what God gives them, run to God for answers, teachable, and obedient.   Dear beloved, are you truly converted as a little child?  Share your comments here! Share this with your contacts. 

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20" Devotion : In some parts of the world teaching is relegated to the background and teachers are despised and not given the place they deserve. The kingdom of God on the other hand holds in high esteem teachers of God's Word. Teaching God's Word is elevated above all things; this has been highlighted by the opening scripture.   In fact Jesus Christ commanded new converts be taught God's Word so they would grow to maturity in Christ's doctrine. Without teachers the Word of God cannot be passed from one generation to the next and this could pose a great danger to the spread of the gospel of Christ Jesus. He further exhorted the teachers that He was with them even to the end of the world. It is a privilege to be called to teach the Word of God and those called to do it should do it with passion and love.  Dear belo...

Scripture focus: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”  Proverbs 6:6–8  KJV  Devotion: The ant is a small creature, often overlooked, yet it embodies diligence, foresight, and discipline. It does not wait for instructions or external motivation; it works consistently, preparing for the future while the opportunity is present. In contrast, the sluggard delays, procrastinates, and wastes precious time, only to face scarcity when the season of harvest arrives. Lessons from the Ant:- - Diligence: The ant teaches us that steady, faithful effort brings fruit. Laziness may feel comfortable in the moment, but it leads to emptiness.   - Foresight: Ants prepare in advance. They remind us that wisdom looks beyond today, storing up strength for tomorrow.   - Self-motivation: Without a ruler, the ant still works. True discipline...

Scripture Foundation Jeremiah 32:27 – “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Reflection Life often brings seasons of uncertainty, pain, and waiting. You may be walking through a rough patch right now, wondering how God will bring you out. The truth is, you don’t need to know how He will do it. What matters is that He will. Our Father is a miracle-working God, and His wonders are not limited by human understanding. The song you heard echoes this truth: “My Father will do wonders. How He will do it, I don’t know.” Faith is not about knowing the details—it’s about trusting the One who holds the details. Biblical Examples of Miracles The Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22): Israel stood trapped between Pharaoh’s arm...

Scripture focus:  ​ "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18. KJV  Devotion: Feeling empty is not a failure of faith—it is a deeply human condition that even the greatest heroes of Scripture endured. Elijah, David, and Job each walked through seasons of profound emptiness, yet in their weakness, they discovered the strength and restoration of God. Their stories remind us that emptiness is not the end; it is the place where God begins His deepest work. Elijah: The Emptiness of Burnout Elijah, fresh from a mighty victory, collapsed under the weight of fear and exhaustion. He prayed, “I have had enough, Lord… Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Yet God did not rebuke him. Instead, He sent food, water, rest, and finally spoke in a gentle whisper.   Lesson: When emptiness comes from burnout, God restores first through rest and quiet. Listen for His still, small voice. David: The Emptiness of Loss David returned to Ziklag to...