ojaysjoel blog

Scripture Focus:   "Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." — Haggai 1:5   Reflection In Haggai chapter 1, God rebuked the people for prioritizing their paneled houses while His temple lay in ruins. They were busy adorning their own lives with comfort and luxury, yet neglecting what truly mattered — honoring God and caring for His work.     Today, this message speaks directly to how we live in our communities. We often pursue ostentatious living — fine clothes, expensive gadgets, lavish celebrations — while ignoring the plight of the indigent, the elderly poor, the lame, and the marginalized around us. The Lord calls us to pause and consider our ways.   Counsel from the word of God. - Proverbs 19:17 — “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.”     Caring for the poor is not charity; it is worship. God Himself counts it as a loan to Him....

Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 7:14   "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."   Devotion: Confession of sin begins with humility. God’s invitation in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not to the world at large, but to His people. To confess is to acknowledge our failures before a holy God, laying down pride and self-righteousness. As Psalm 51:17 reminds us, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”     Confession is not just admitting wrong; it is turning to God in prayer. When we pray sincerely, we align our hearts with His will. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Prayer opens the door for forgiveness an...

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Defining Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding - Knowledge: This is the accumulation of facts, information, and truths. It’s what you know — the raw data of life. For example, knowing that fire burns is knowledge.   - Understanding: This goes deeper — it is the ability to interpret knowledge correctly, to see the meaning behind the facts. Understanding explains why fire burns and how it works.   - Wisdom: Wisdom is the right application of knowledge and understanding. It is not just knowing or explaining, but living rightly in light of truth. Wisdom says, “Since fire burns, I will not put my hand in it.” The three words are interconnected as follows: - Knowledge is the foundation.   - Understanding is the framework that organizes knowledge.   - Wisdom is the fruit — the practical outworking of both. ...

Scripture focus: "For I am the Lord who heals you." — Exodus 15:26 Devotion: God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer. His healing power is not limited to physical sickness but extends to emotional wounds, broken hearts, and spiritual restoration. When Jesus walked the earth, He healed the blind, raised the dead, and restored the broken — showing us that His compassion and power are limitless. - Psalm 147:3 — “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”   - Isaiah 53:5 — “By His stripes we are healed.”   - Jeremiah 30:17 — “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord.”    When we call upon Him in faith, He brings wholeness. Healing may come instantly, gradually, or through His peace that sustains us in trials. But His promise remains sure: He is our Healer. Songs of Praise Here are some uplifting songs that magnify God as our Healer: - Healer by Hillsong — A declaration of trust in God’s heali...

Scripture Foundation - James 1:2-4 KJV – “James 1:2-3  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV – “1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.    Reflection Trials and temptations are part of the Christian journey. They are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities for growth. Trials test our faith, while temptations test our obedience. Both can refine us if we lean on God’s strength.   - Job’s trials: Job lost everything yet declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). His endurance became a testimony of unwavering faith.   - Jesus’ temptation: In Matthew 4, Satan tempted Jesus with shortcuts to glor...

Scripture Focus: Exodus 15:27 — “And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.”   Elim was a divine oasis in the desert — a place of refreshment, shade, and rest after hardship. It reminds us that God reserves places of comfort for His obedient children. The desert seasons of life are not permanent; obedience leads us to wells of water and palm trees of shade.   The Blessing of Obedience: - Provision: Just as Israel found twelve wells, God provides abundantly for those who walk in His ways.   - Rest: Seventy palm trees symbolize shade and relief. Obedience brings peace even in the midst of trials.   - Guidance: Israel didn’t stumble upon Elim; God led them there. Obedience keeps us aligned with His direction.   Other Promises for the Obedient - Deuteronomy 28:1-14 — Blessings in the city and field, in work and family, for those who obey.   - Is...