ojaysjoel blog

"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Psalm 101:2" Devotion : The psalmist made a personal commitment to the Lord. What was this personal commitment? He said he would be wise in his behavior and conduct himself in a perfect way. He also went further to say that he would work on his heart and make sure that his heart was perfect. He was doing all these so that God would find him to be a useful vessel to fellowship with.   Dear beloved, make this month your month of personal commitment to the Lord. During this month and beyond, you are going to prepare your heart by ridding your heart and thoughts of all sins and wickedness. Think about the good of humanity and the welfare of your nation. When your heart and thoughts are good, your conduct will be good because what you think about is what you are compelled to do.   God hates sin, and you must also hate it so that God can fellowship with yo...

Scripture focus: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Room. 5:8 KJV. Devotion: Valentine’s Day often stirs questions among Christians: is it merely a secular celebration of romance, or can it be embraced as a reminder of God’s love? While its historical roots are debated—some link it to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr, while others see it as a rebranded pagan festival—the essence of the day can be reframed through Scripture.     The Bible teaches that love is not limited to romantic affection but is the very foundation of Christian living. Paul writes: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). This verse reminds us that love is central to our faith, surpassing even hope and faith in importance.     Jesus Himself commanded: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Valentine’s Day, th...

Scripture focus: Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: KJV  Criticism can wound, but when offered in love it becomes a gift. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Jesus showed this balance when He rebuked Peter for resisting God’s plan (Matthew 16:23), yet later restored him tenderly (John 21:15–17). Paul also corrected Peter’s hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11–14), but always reminded believers that his words came from a father’s heart (1 Corinthians 4:14).      Nathan’s confrontation of David (2 Samuel 12) shows how loving correction leads to repentance and restoration. Criticism without love tears down, but with love it builds up. As Ephesians 4:15 urges, we must “speak the truth in love.”     To criticize with love is to guard our tone, intent, and timing, seeking not condemnation but growth. Colossians 4:6 reminds us: “Let your speech always b...

Scripture focus: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." — Joshua 1:9 Devotion: Joshua faced the daunting task of leading Israel after Moses’ death. Fear and discouragement weighed heavily on him, but God reminded him that His presence was enough.   "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." — Isaiah 41:10     Beloved, God has not given up on you. He is not tired of your struggles, your prayers, or your journey. Just as He strengthened Joshua, He will strengthen you.   "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6     Joshua eventually embraced God’s encouragement, acted on His W...

Scripture focus:  .... the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Matthew 26:41b KJV. Often, the heart desires to do what is noble and right, yet the body resists. Jesus Himself warned, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Many times, we resolve in our hearts to follow Christ, but temptation and distraction pull us away.   For example, someone may hear the gospel and decide to surrender to Christ. Yet before they can pray, sin presents itself—lust, pride, or worldly pleasure—and the moment passes. Paul described this inner conflict clearly: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). The Battle of the Flesh:  When I served as chapter president of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, I saw this struggle firsthand. Friends would attend outreach meetings, joyfully accept Christ, and even commit to fellowship. But after a few visits, they drifted away. Why? Because...

"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 KJV. "that even in seasons of pain, uncertainty, or silence, God’s goodness is not absent—it is revealed to those who patiently trust Him." bible.art+1  Devotion: Waiting on God’s Timing Waiting is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 40:31 echoes this promise:   "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."     When we wait, we acknowledge that God’s timing is perfect. Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac, and though his faith wavered at times, God’s goodness was revealed in the fulfillment of His word (Genesis 21:1-2).   Seeking God in the Midst of Trials The verse also emphasizes seeking God. Psa...