ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.  1 Timothy 4:8 KJV Paul, in his letter to Timothy, draws a striking contrast between physical exercise and spiritual discipline. He acknowledges that bodily exercise has some value, but he emphasizes that godliness holds far greater worth because it benefits every aspect of life—both now and in eternity. While caring for our physical bodies is important as they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), it pales in comparison to the eternal rewards of pursuing godliness.     Godliness strengthens the soul, shapes our character, and prepares us for eternal fellowship with Christ. It is not limited to rituals or outward appearances but is a life rooted in obedience to God’s Word and lived out in love and righteousness. Jesus Himself taught that when we seek first the kingdom of God and His...

Scripture: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36   Devotion: Freedom is one of humanity’s deepest desires. Nations fight for it, people long for it, and hearts ache when it is absent. Yet the freedom Jesus offers is unlike any other—it is not political, social, or even physical. It is spiritual, eternal, and complete.     Sin binds us with chains of guilt, shame, and fear. No amount of effort or good works can break those chains. But when Jesus, the Son of God, steps into our lives, He doesn’t just loosen the bonds—He shatters them. His death and resurrection guarantee that anyone who believes in Him is no longer a slave to sin but a child of God.    This freedom means:   - Freedom from condemnation — our past no longer defines us.   - Freedom to live in truth — we walk in light, not deception.   - Freedom to serve in love — we are empowered to live for God and others.     ...

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13   Devotion: Salt was one of the most valuable commodities in the ancient world. It was not only used to season food but also to preserve it from decay. Without salt, meat, fish, and vegetables would quickly spoil. Jesus chose this everyday image to describe the calling of His disciples. By calling them “the salt of the earth,” He was saying that their presence in the world was vital to its preservation. Just as salt keeps food from corruption, believers are called to keep the world from moral and spiritual decay through the Word of God and the testimony of their lives.     Throughout Scripture, salt carries rich symbolism. It represents preservation, flavor, and covenant. Salt prevents decay, reminding us that the Word of God preserves lives from spiritual death. Th...

Scripture:   "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." — Luke 1:35   Devotion:  The Holy Spirit is the key to true success in every good endeavor. Being good or engaging in a noble cause does not automatically guarantee fruitful results. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that brings every righteous effort to completion.     Mary was not the only virgin in Nazareth, yet it was the Holy Spirit who chose her, overshadowed her, and gave her the divine ability to conceive and bring forth Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. This shows us that human qualification alone is not enough; it is the Spirit of God that makes the difference (Zechariah 4:6).     The Holy Spirit specializes in making the impossible possible. When you are born again, He comes to dwell...

Theme: The High Points and the Pitfalls Scripture Foundation "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31   "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2   The High Points  Social media, like any tool, can be used for God’s glory when handled wisely.   - Spreading the Gospel: Just as Paul used letters to reach churches far away, today we can share the good news instantly across nations. A simple post of encouragement or a testimony can touch lives we may never meet.   - Building Community: Acts 2:42 describes believers devoted to fellowship. Online platforms allow Christians to connect, pray together, and encourage one another even across distances.   - Access to Resources: Sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies are now more accessible than ever. Like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 who needed guidance to unders...

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) Reflection Our mindset is the lens through which we see life. It shapes our decisions, influences our actions, and ultimately determines our destiny. The Bible reminds us that what we believe in our hearts defines who we are. Whether rich or poor, victorious or defeated, it begins with the way we think. Biblical Examples - The Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 13–14)     When Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan, ten returned with a mindset of fear, saying, “We are like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” Their negative mindset kept an entire generation from entering the Promised Land. But Joshua and Caleb, with a mindset of faith, declared, “We can certainly do it!” Their perspective led them into God’s inheritance. - David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17)     The Israelite army saw Goliath as an unbeatable giant. David, however, saw him as a mortal man defying the living God. His mindset of f...