ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).  Devotion: Beloved, fellowship is God’s gracious design for His children. Scripture reminds us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). As new believers, joining the fellowship of the saints is not optional—it is essential for spiritual growth. In fellowship we learn, encourage one another, and deepen our knowledge of God’s Word. The early church understood this well, for “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). From the very beginning, the church was strengthened through fellowship, and so it remains today. Fellowship matters because it nurtures our faith in profound ways. It fosters spiritual growth, as we gain deeper understanding of the Word through shared insights and testimonies. As Hebrews 10:24–25 exhorts us, we are to spur one another on toward love and ...

Scripture focus: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)   There’s a powerful saying: “One with God is a majority.” This truth reminds us that even in seasons of solitude, we are never truly alone when God is with us. Living alone can sometimes feel isolating, but Scripture shows us that God’s presence transforms solitude into strength. God’s Presence in Solitude: - Joseph in Egypt: Though sold into slavery and separated from family, Joseph was never alone. The Bible says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered” (Genesis 39:2). His isolation became the stage for God’s favor. - Elijah at Mount Carmel: Standing against hundreds of prophets of Baal, Elijah seemed alone. Yet he declared, “The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). One man with God outweighed the multitude. - Paul in Prison: Though chained and abandoned by some, Paul wrote, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Timothy 4:17). His confinement became a pulpit for the gospel. Key Ve...

Scripture focus: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3   Devotion:  Selfishness is a subtle enemy of love. It blinds us to the needs of others and keeps us from reflecting Christ’s heart. The Bible warns us:   A Story of Contrast:  Lot and Abraham faced a choice when their herdsmen quarreled over land (Genesis 13:5–11). Abraham, though the elder and rightful leader, gave Lot the first choice of land. Lot chose selfishly, taking the fertile plains, while Abraham humbly trusted God. In the end, God blessed Abraham abundantly, showing that selflessness leads to divine favor.   Reflection:  Selfishness isolates, but love unites. Jesus Himself modeled ultimate selflessness: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).   Prayer:  Lord, remove selfishness from my heart. Teac...

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." — Psalm 91:3 Devotion:   The moment you became born again, you became a child of God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). You became God's responsibility, and as such, He has eyes on you every moment of the day. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). He is doing this to protect you from the snare of the fowler, which is the traps that the enemy and his cohort of darkness plan against you day and night.   God is keeping an eye on you to deliver you from them all. “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul” (Psalm 121:7). Noisome pestilence is an unpleasant, contagious, and infectious disease that causes many people to die. You will not be infected by it, because you are a child of God w...

Scripture focus: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).   Two days ago we reflected on grace—God’s unmerited favor that saves us. Today, let us turn our hearts to the sobering reality of justice, the opposite of grace in Scripture.   The Nature of God’s Justice: God is holy, and His justice demands that sin be punished.   - “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).   - “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20).   Justice means that every wrong deed must face judgment. No one can escape it by effort or good works. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).   Why Grace Is Our Only Hope: If God dealt with us only in justice, none could stand. But in His mercy, He offers grace through Jesus Christ.   - “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).   - “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesian...

Scripture focus:  Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Devotion: Grace is the unmerited favor of God—His free gift of love, forgiveness, and salvation that we cannot earn by our own works. It is God’s kindness extended to humanity despite our shortcomings. Grace is the very foundation of the Christian faith, because it is through grace that we are saved, sustained, and empowered to live for Christ. Grace is revealed in many ways. First, we see grace in salvation. Humanity was lost in sin, but God, in His mercy, sent His Son to die for us. The thief on the cross illustrates this truth vividly. Though he had no time to do good works, Jesus assured him of paradise simply because he believed. His story shows us that salvation is purely by grace, not by human effort (Luke 23:39–43). Grace also meets us in our weakness. It is not only about salvation; it sustains us in...