ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”James 3:14,16 KJV  Devotion: These words cut deep. Envying and strife are not merely external conflicts—they begin as bitter roots in the heart. When we harbour .jealousy over another’s gifts, success, or position, and allow rivalry to grow, we open the door to disorder. Scripture is clear: where these thrive, confusion follows, and every kind of evil work finds fertile ground.    This is not a new warning. Paul lists envy and strife among the works of the flesh that war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:19–21). He also urges the church at Philippi, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). And James himself goes on to describe the better way: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure...

Scripture focus: And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. Matthew 20:6-7  KJV. (Read Matthew 20: 1 - 16) Reflection:  In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus tells of a landowner who hired workers throughout the day. Some began early in the morning. Others came at the third hour, the sixth, and the ninth. Then, almost at the end of the day, he found still more standing idle.    “About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’” (Matthew 20:6–7, ESV)   When evening came, every worker received the same wage—the full day’s pay. Those who had labored on...

“Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.”  Hebrews 13:4 KJV  Reflection:  Faithfulness in marriage is not simply the absence of betrayal; it is the daily decision to honour the covenant you have made. It involves honesty, loyalty, transparency, and intentionally nurturing the trust that binds a husband and wife together.   Often, unfaithfulness begins with seemingly harmless actions that gradually create emotional distance from one's spouse. Excessive personal communication with someone of the opposite sex, sharing intimate family matters with them, or engaging in exchanges that foster emotional dependency can open doors to misunderstanding, temptation, or inappropriate attachment. Likewise, giving or receiving gifts in ways that create exclusive affection or emotional closeness should be approached with wisdom and caution. As believers, we are called to guard our hearts and protect the sanctity of our marriages.    ...

Anchor Scriptures: "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." — James 1:26 (NKJV) "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity... it defiles the whole body... But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." — James 3:5-8 (NKJV) Reflection:  Apostle James perfectly captures the power of the tongue — he compares it to a small matchstick that can set an entire forest ablaze. Though it is one of the smallest members of the body, the words it speaks carry serious, lasting consequences. There is a Yorùbá proverb that says, "Ohùn jẹ́ ẹyin, bí ó bá jàbó, kì í ṣeé kójọ" — voice is like an egg; once it falls and breaks on the ground, it can never be gathered again. So it is with our words. Once a careless, hurtful, or evil word lea...

Scripture focus: Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Proverbs 3:13, 15-16  KJV  Reflection: Wisdom is one of God's greatest gifts to mankind. According to Scripture, true happiness, lasting success, honour, and long life are all connected to wisdom. A person who walks in wisdom avoids many pitfalls, makes sound decisions, builds healthy relationships, and enjoys the blessings that come from living according to God's will. Do you desire a happy home? Get wisdom. Do you want success in your career, business, or ministry? Get wisdom. Do you want to enjoy healthy relationships and make choices that lead to peace and fulfilment? Get wisdom. The Bible declares that wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels, and nothing we desire can compare with it. However, tr...

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."  Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV) Chastening is one of the clearest expressions of love. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child to help him grow into a responsible and successful adult, our Heavenly Father corrects His children to mould them into the image of Christ. God's discipline is never meant to harm us but to guide us in the path of righteousness and holiness. I am grateful for the godly discipline and training my parents gave us while we were growing up. They taught us the ways of the Lord, corrected us when we went astray, and consistently pointed us to Christ. Today, I am happy to testify that all of us remain in the faith. Some have become elders in the church, while others serve as pastors. The values and character instilled in us through loving discipline have so shaped our lives that peopl...