ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: Hebrews 13:5 .... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me”  People who were with you sometimes ago left without telling, no reason they just moved on but God is constant He never leaves. So attach your heart to Him. (Ayatollah Kameinei paraphrased) Devotion: When people walk away from our lives—sometimes without explanation, sometimes without warning—it can leave us feeling abandoned and uncertain. Yet Scripture reminds us that while human relationships may falter, God remains constant. He is the one presence that never shifts, never fades, and never leaves.     The writer of Hebrews assures us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). This is not just a promise—it is the very character of God. He is faithful even when others are not. Deuteronomy 31:8 echoes this truth: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he ...

Scripture focus: Romans 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Devotion: The verse above is both clear and sobering. It reveals that anyone living according to the flesh—that is, under the control of sinful desires and human nature apart from God—cannot bring delight to Him. To understand who truly can please God, we must consider the contrast Paul presents in Romans 8 between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit.     Those who remain in the flesh are bound by the sinful nature inherited from Adam. Their lives are marked by self-centeredness, rebellion, and desires that run contrary to God’s will. Even if such individuals appear moral or religious outwardly, their hearts remain estranged from God, and thus they cannot please Him.     On the other hand, those who live in the Spirit are able to please God. Romans 8:9 explains, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” T...

Relationships are a gift from God, but they require wisdom and grace to flourish. The Bible offers timeless counsel on how to avoid arguments and maintain peace with those we love.   Choose Gentle Words   Proverbs 15:1 teaches: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Arguments often begin with words spoken in haste. A gentle response, even when provoked, can calm tension and prevent quarrels.     Philippians 2:3–4 says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Pride fuels conflict, but humility disarms it. When we put our partner’s needs before our own, arguments lose their power.     Colossians 3:13 reminds us: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Holding grudges breeds resent...

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:7   “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Devotion:  In the complex world we live in, trouble seems to surround us on every side. Many strive to live in peace, yet because of the interconnectedness of society, our peace is often disrupted. Financial struggles, health challenges, strained family relationships, difficulties with children, and pressures at work can weigh heavily on us. Even if one achieves peace in these personal areas, external issues such as community unrest, terrorism, or wars between nations can still disturb the heart.     The truth is, no human effort or possession can guarantee lasting peace. Wealth may buy pleasure but not peace. A stable job may provide financial security but not health. Accidents happen, disasters occur, and circumstances change. Only God can give true and enduring peace.   Jesus Himself declared: ...

Scripture focus:  “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24). Devotion: Walking with God is a timeless call, seen in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a life of faith, obedience, and intimacy with Him.   These patriarchs walked with God in obedience, faith, charity, loving kindness and service.  - Enoch –  His walk led to eternal fellowship.   - Noah – “Noah was a righteous man… and he walked faithfully with God.” (Genesis 6:9). His obedience preserved humanity.   - Abraham – Called “the friend of God” (James 2:23), his faith made him the father of nations.     - Jesus Christ – The perfect example of walking with God. He said, “I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29). His obedience brought salvation to the world.   - Paul the Apostle – He declared, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). His walk with God transformed ...

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit” (John 15:5). This simple yet profound picture reminds us that our spiritual life flows only from Him. Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, we cannot thrive apart from Christ. To abide is to remain, to dwell, to stay rooted in His presence and nourished by His Word. When we disconnect from Christ, the result is inevitable: spiritual dryness, fruitlessness, and ultimately destruction. “If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers” (John 15:6). Life without Christ may appear busy or full, but it lacks eternal purpose and true joy. So how do we stay connected? We abide in His Word, letting Scripture shape our thoughts and actions. We commune with Him in prayer, drawing strength from His Spirit. We walk in obedience, keeping His commandments, and we remain in fellowship with His people. These practices are not burdens but lifelin...