ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  Philippians 2:14 KJV  Devotion: Paul’s words in Philippians 2:14 — “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” — are a gentle but firm reminder that the Christian life is meant to be lived with joy, gratitude, and trust. Complaining and murmuring may seem like small habits, but they reveal a deeper struggle of the heart: dissatisfaction, pride, or even unbelief. When we murmur, we are essentially saying that God’s way or His provision is not enough.     The Israelites in the wilderness are a vivid example. In Exodus 16:2–3, they murmured against Moses and Aaron because they feared hunger, forgetting that the God who delivered them from Egypt was also able to feed them. Their complaints showed a lack of trust. In contrast, Paul urges believers to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, because gratitude silences murmuring and strengthens faith.     This principle applies not only ...

Scripture focus:  “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21) Devotion:  Life often brings seasons of hardship—moments when fear, loss, or uncertainty seem overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that praise is most powerful in adversity. Praising God in the storm is not denial of pain, but a declaration of faith that He is greater than our circumstances.   When we lift our voices in praise during adversity, we shift our focus from the problem to the faithfulness of God. Praise breaks chains, strengthens faith, and invites God’s presence into our struggles. It is a weapon of victory and a testimony to others that our hope is anchored in Christ. Biblical examples: - Paul and Silas in prison: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Their worship in chains led to a miraculous deliverance. - Habakkuk’s declaration: “Though the fig tree does not ...

Scripture focus:  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."Isaiah 12:2 (KJV) Devotion: The Shift from Fear to Fortitude- Life often feels like a series of "what ifs." We spend so much energy bracing for impact—waiting for the other shoe to drop or the storm to break. But Isaiah 12:2 offers a radical pivot. It doesn’t just say God "brings' salvation; it says God "is" our salvation. When your security is tied to your circumstances, your peace will always be fragile. But when your security is tied to the character of JEHOVAH, your perspective shifts from the problem to the Provider of s trength for the struggle Notice the progression in this verse:  - Trust over Fear:- Trust isn't the absence of a scary situation; it’s the presence of a superior Focus.  - Strength for the Now:- He is the fuel that keeps you going when your own tank is empty.  - ...

Scripture focus: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  Proverbs 18:10 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14    Devotion:  The Almighty God has revealed Himself through numerous names, each carrying profound authority and strength. In the Old Testament, these names weren't just titles; they were manifestations of His character that provided the Israelites with every form of salvation and deliverance.  Elohim: The Supreme Creator who spoke the universe into existence.  El-Shaddai: God Almighty, the all-sufficient source of every blessing.  Yahweh / Jehovah: The eternal "I AM," the covenant-keeping God who is ever-present. As it is written in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." The Name Above All Names:  In the New Testament, the fullness of God’s authority was revealed in a single, matchless name: Jesus Christ. This ...

Scripture Focus:   “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” — Philippians 4:11   Devotion:  Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. As the Yoruba wisely say, “life is not straight like the barrel of a gun.” Sometimes things flow smoothly, and progress comes quickly; at other times, challenges slow us down. In those moments, the temptation is strong to look at others and compare ourselves. Yet Scripture warns us against envy and covetousness: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).     Many youths today desire quick wealth—luxury cars, designer clothes, and fine dining—without considering the source of others’ success. In pursuit of these desires, some cut corners, engaging in internet fraud, kidnapping, ritual practices, and other destructive p...

Scripture Foundation - Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”   - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”   - James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”    Devotion: Thanksgiving is not just a polite response to blessings—it is a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God as the source of all good things.    Acknowledgement means recognizing God’s presence and power in every aspect of life. When we acknowledge Him, we humble ourselves, admitting that our strength, wisdom, and provision come from Him.   The stories below are examples of people who acknowledged God and gave thanks. - Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11–19): Out of ten healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. His gratitude was not just acknowledgment of ...