ojaysjoel blog

 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...

Scripture focus: Flee fornication(sexual immorality). Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Cor 6:18 KJV  Devotion: Culture says “follow your heart” and treats sexual immorality as a harmless personal choice. God’s word gives a protective, loving counter-view: your body and soul are sacred.   Paul told Corinth to “Flee sexual immorality..., because sexual sin is not only against oneself but against God. Since "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. You were bought at a price. Honor God with your body” 1 Cor 6:18-20 and not use the body as we want. He says 'flee', because sexual immorality is enticing/tempting, that was why Joseph fled Genesis 39:12 (ran out from Potiphar's wife) he did not negotiate. Because sex bonds souls, not just bodies and can derail God's plan for the man or woman. Sex outside marriage’s covenant, scatters pieces of ourselves and carry regret God never intended fo...

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...