ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."  Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV) Reflection: We have all had those mornings where the bed feels a little too comfortable, the alarm clock feels like a personal attack, and the motivation to get things done is nowhere to be found. A little rest is healthy, but there is a fine line between resting and slipping into a habit of laziness. When God wanted to give us a masterclass on work ethic, He didn’t point us to the CEOs, the influencers, or the high-achievers of ancient times. He pointed us to a tiny, easily overlooked insect: 'the ant'. Ants uses initiative rather than supervision.  Ants don’t need a boss standing over them with a clipboard. They don’t wait for a performance review or a threat of being fired to get to work. They see what needs to be done, and they do it. Laziness often wa...

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3" Devotion : The God we serve has laid down a chain of command that exists in His kingdom. This implies that the Father is the first in command, followed by Christ Jesus, followed by the man, and finally the woman.  If this chain of command is adhered to there will be peace in the fellowship we have with one another.  Dear reader, are you happy with where God has placed you in the chain of command? Share your thoughts here! KJV study bible. 

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:   "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. ...