ojaysjoel blog

Scripture Focus:   “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”   John 14:27  KJV  The Challenge we face: We live in a time when Nigeria faces serious security challenges — kidnapping, banditry, robbery, and terrorism. Alongside this, the economic hardship has pushed many into poverty, leaving hearts heavy and anxious. In such times, the promise of Christ in John 14:27 becomes more than words; it is a lifeline.   The Peace of Christ: Jesus distinguishes His peace from the world’s peace. The world offers temporary relief — money, possessions, or human assurances — but these can be stolen, lost, or fail. Christ’s peace is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in His victory over sin and death.   - Philippians 4:7 reminds us: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ...

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 KJV  Understanding Different Types of Love: - Agape Love: This is the highest form of love — selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It reflects God’s love for humanity. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Agape love seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return.   - Sensual Love: This is based on physical attraction and pleasure. While it can be part of marriage, outside of God’s design it can lead to selfishness and misuse.   - Lustful Love: Lust is a distorted desire that focuses only on satisfying personal cravings. “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16).   - Infatuation: This is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration...

Below is a write up on people and societies who did not give up and their hustle rewarded them at last. If you keep on hustling and praying you will get there.  Read on.  https://substack.com/@ebunoluwasonofman/note/p-198935310?r=4x0ug5

Scripture focus:  “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27) KJV. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.James 4:14 KJV. Devotion: Loss is one of the most certain realities of life. Every human being, no matter how powerful, wealthy, or influential, will one day face the ultimate loss — death. Scripture reminds us that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This truth is sobering, yet it is meant to awaken us to prepare for eternity. The Reality of Loss - Earthly possessions: No matter how much we accumulate, we cannot take them beyond the grave. Jesus asked, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). - Human life: James describes life as “a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Loss is ine...

Adieu, Gani Olupitan   We met as young men, in college halls,   Through another’s hand, fate made the calls.   From Nigeria’s soil to Russia’s snow,   Side by side, through years we’d grow.   Five and a half years, each day we shared,   Meals and laughter, burdens bared.   I drank, you abstained; I smoked, you refrained,   Yet never once was our bond constrained.   Confidants true, in joy and in pain,   Across the seas, our hearts remained.   Though distance widened, the love held fast,   Till cruel death struck, and silence cast.   Brother of mine, though not by birth,   Your goodness enriched my days on earth.   Now heaven claims you, beyond the night,   At Christ’s own feet, in eternal light.   Sleep well, dear friend, till we meet again,   Where sorrow ends, and peace shall reign.   Forever in my...

Scripture Reading “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18   “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” — Acts 16:25   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 Reflection:  It is natural to thank God for what He has given us — blessings, opportunities, and open doors. Yet the deeper mystery of faith is learning to thank Him for what He did not give, for the doors that remained closed, and for the opportunities that slipped away.     When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they did not lament their chains; instead, they sang praises to God. What looked like tragedy became the stage for a miracle. Likewise, when you lose a job, miss a connection, or face rejection, gratitude may seem irrational to the world. But thanks...