ojaysjoel blog

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Defining Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding - Knowledge: This is the accumulation of facts, information, and truths. It’s what you know — the raw data of life. For example, knowing that fire burns is knowledge.   - Understanding: This goes deeper — it is the ability to interpret knowledge correctly, to see the meaning behind the facts. Understanding explains why fire burns and how it works.   - Wisdom: Wisdom is the right application of knowledge and understanding. It is not just knowing or explaining, but living rightly in light of truth. Wisdom says, “Since fire burns, I will not put my hand in it.” The three words are interconnected as follows: - Knowledge is the foundation.   - Understanding is the framework that organizes knowledge.   - Wisdom is the fruit — the practical outworking of both. ...

Scripture focus: "For I am the Lord who heals you." — Exodus 15:26 Devotion: God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer. His healing power is not limited to physical sickness but extends to emotional wounds, broken hearts, and spiritual restoration. When Jesus walked the earth, He healed the blind, raised the dead, and restored the broken — showing us that His compassion and power are limitless. - Psalm 147:3 — “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”   - Isaiah 53:5 — “By His stripes we are healed.”   - Jeremiah 30:17 — “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord.”    When we call upon Him in faith, He brings wholeness. Healing may come instantly, gradually, or through His peace that sustains us in trials. But His promise remains sure: He is our Healer. Songs of Praise Here are some uplifting songs that magnify God as our Healer: - Healer by Hillsong — A declaration of trust in God’s heali...

Scripture Foundation - James 1:2-4 KJV – “James 1:2-3  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV – “1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.    Reflection Trials and temptations are part of the Christian journey. They are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities for growth. Trials test our faith, while temptations test our obedience. Both can refine us if we lean on God’s strength.   - Job’s trials: Job lost everything yet declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). His endurance became a testimony of unwavering faith.   - Jesus’ temptation: In Matthew 4, Satan tempted Jesus with shortcuts to glor...

Scripture Focus: Exodus 15:27 — “And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.”   Elim was a divine oasis in the desert — a place of refreshment, shade, and rest after hardship. It reminds us that God reserves places of comfort for His obedient children. The desert seasons of life are not permanent; obedience leads us to wells of water and palm trees of shade.   The Blessing of Obedience: - Provision: Just as Israel found twelve wells, God provides abundantly for those who walk in His ways.   - Rest: Seventy palm trees symbolize shade and relief. Obedience brings peace even in the midst of trials.   - Guidance: Israel didn’t stumble upon Elim; God led them there. Obedience keeps us aligned with His direction.   Other Promises for the Obedient - Deuteronomy 28:1-14 — Blessings in the city and field, in work and family, for those who obey.   - Is...

Scripture focus:  "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   Devotion:  The children of God have a unique way of being revitalized: waiting on the Lord. This is not passive idleness but an active posture of trust, prayer, and surrender. When we wait, we acknowledge that our strength is insufficient and invite God to take full control.   - Prayer: Spending time in communion with God renews our spirit.   - Word of God: Meditating on Scripture fills us with divine wisdom and direction.   - Fasting: A purposeful fast sharpens our focus and dependence on Him.      In waiting, God pours fresh strength, new vision, and renewed energy into our lives.   Elijah’s Experience: After Elijah’s mighty victory on Mount Carmel, where he killed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40...

(This question was asked in our Sunday school class this morning. Here's what bible scholars think about it) David was both a sinner and a man after God’s own heart. He committed grave sins—adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband Uriah—but God forgave him because of his genuine repentance, expressed in Psalm 51, where he pleaded for mercy and a clean heart. Forgiveness came not because David was flawless, but because he humbled himself, confessed, and sought God’s grace.   David’s Dual Identity: Righteous Yet Flawed - Man after God’s heart: Acts 13:22 describes David this way because of his deep faith, worship, and trust in God. - Grave sins: His adultery and orchestration of Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11) were serious moral failures. - Repentance: Unlike Saul, David did not justify his actions but confessed immediately when confronted by Nathan the prophet. Why God Forgave David: - Genuine confession: David admitted, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam...