ojaysjoel blog

Scripture Focus:   "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33 (KJV) Devotion: Life often tempts us to chase after wealth, possessions, and fleeting pleasures. Yet Jesus reminds us that the first thing to do is not to pursue the world, but to pursue God. The kingdom of God is eternal, while riches and fame fade like morning dew.      When we put God first, everything else falls into its rightful place. Seeking His righteousness means aligning our lives with His will, walking in holiness, and trusting His provision.   We seek God first because of following reasons: - God’s Kingdom is everlasting (Daniel 2:44). Unlike earthly kingdoms, it cannot be shaken.   - Righteousness is the foundation of His throne (Psalm 97:2). To seek righteousness is to desire His purity and truth.   - Worldly wealth fades away (Proverbs 23:5). Riches sprout wings and fly off, bu...

Scripture Focus: “For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him…” (1 Corinthians 2:14) KJV. Devotion: The “natural man” represents our fallen nature — the part of us that is drawn to sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God. Left unchecked, it leads us deeper into darkness, away from the life Jesus offers. To “rescue yourself” from this state means recognizing that the natural man cannot save itself. It must be surrendered.      Evil often disguises itself as pleasure, convenience, or freedom. Yet its end is destruction. Scripture urges us to “flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22) and “resist the devil” (James 4:7). Running away from evil is not cowardice — it is wisdom. It is choosing life over death, light over darkness.      Rescue is not found in our strength but in Christ. Jesus is the only one who can transform the natural man into a spiritual man. He invites us: “Come unto me, all ye...

Scripture focus: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  Habakkuk 3:17-18  KJV. Devotion: Life today feels heavy — insecurity grips nations, financial struggles weigh families down, unbelief spreads like wildfire, love grows cold, divorce rises, and betrayal seems common. Yet, in a time like this, the call of Scripture is clear: PRAISE GOD! Praise in the Midst of Trouble: The psalmist declares: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1–2). Even when the earth shakes and society crumbles, our response must be worship. Praise is not denial of reality; it is defiance against despair. It is choosing to magnify God above the chaos. When Darkness Increases: J...

Reflection There are moments in life when people dismiss us, underestimate us, or even declare that we will amount to nothing. Yet, human verdicts are not God’s verdicts. When you surrender your life to Christ, remain steadfast in prayer, and diligently work, God Himself will lift you up. Being “written off” by men often sets the stage for God’s breakthrough in your life. Key Scriptures - Psalm 118:22 — “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”     Just as Jesus was rejected yet exalted, God can turn rejection into your foundation for greatness.   - Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”     Even when others see no future in you, God has already written a glorious destiny.   - Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”...

Scripture Focus: Exodus 18:21   "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, HATING COVETOUSNESS; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."   Reflection:  Covetousness, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions, or for what belongs to another. The Bible warns us repeatedly against this destructive spirit. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).     Sadly, in many churches today, prosperity teaching has overshadowed the message of holiness and heaven. Some preach that once you have given your life to Christ, you can live however you please because your sins are forgiven. This is contrary to Scripture, which calls us to “be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).     Many leaders...

Scripture Reading - “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18   - “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” — James 4:6   - “When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid… so he consulted a medium for guidance.” — 1 Samuel 28:5–7   Reflection:  Pride is one of the most subtle yet dangerous sins. It creeps into the heart when achievements, blessings, or spiritual victories are mistakenly attributed to human effort rather than God’s grace. The Bible makes it clear that God detests pride because it shifts glory away from Him and places it on fragile human beings.     King Saul is a sobering example. Once chosen and anointed by God, his disobedience and pride led him to lose favor. Instead of repenting, he sought strength in forbidden places, consulting occult powers when the Spirit of God had departed. His downfall was not sudden—it was a gradual erosion of humility, prayer, an...