ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: KJV  Criticism can wound, but when offered in love it becomes a gift. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Jesus showed this balance when He rebuked Peter for resisting God’s plan (Matthew 16:23), yet later restored him tenderly (John 21:15–17). Paul also corrected Peter’s hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11–14), but always reminded believers that his words came from a father’s heart (1 Corinthians 4:14).      Nathan’s confrontation of David (2 Samuel 12) shows how loving correction leads to repentance and restoration. Criticism without love tears down, but with love it builds up. As Ephesians 4:15 urges, we must “speak the truth in love.”     To criticize with love is to guard our tone, intent, and timing, seeking not condemnation but growth. Colossians 4:6 reminds us: “Let your speech always b...

Scripture focus: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." — Joshua 1:9 Devotion: Joshua faced the daunting task of leading Israel after Moses’ death. Fear and discouragement weighed heavily on him, but God reminded him that His presence was enough.   "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." — Isaiah 41:10     Beloved, God has not given up on you. He is not tired of your struggles, your prayers, or your journey. Just as He strengthened Joshua, He will strengthen you.   "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6     Joshua eventually embraced God’s encouragement, acted on His W...

Scripture focus:  .... the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Matthew 26:41b KJV. Often, the heart desires to do what is noble and right, yet the body resists. Jesus Himself warned, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Many times, we resolve in our hearts to follow Christ, but temptation and distraction pull us away.   For example, someone may hear the gospel and decide to surrender to Christ. Yet before they can pray, sin presents itself—lust, pride, or worldly pleasure—and the moment passes. Paul described this inner conflict clearly: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). The Battle of the Flesh:  When I served as chapter president of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, I saw this struggle firsthand. Friends would attend outreach meetings, joyfully accept Christ, and even commit to fellowship. But after a few visits, they drifted away. Why? Because...

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 KJV. "that even in seasons of pain, uncertainty, or silence, God’s goodness is not absent—it is revealed to those who patiently trust Him." bible.art+1  Devotion: Waiting on God’s Timing Waiting is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 40:31 echoes this promise:   "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."     When we wait, we acknowledge that God’s timing is perfect. Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac, and though his faith wavered at times, God’s goodness was revealed in the fulfillment of His word (Genesis 21:1-2).   Seeking God in the Midst of Trials The verse also emphasizes seeking God. Psa...

Scripture Focus: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” — Proverbs 6:6   The Danger of Delay Procrastination is more than just postponing tasks—it is a silent thief that robs us of opportunities, blessings, and success. The Bible warns against laziness and delay, reminding us that time wasted cannot be regained. Success requires diligence, discipline, and timely obedience to God’s instructions. Bible Stories on Procrastination - The Israelites at the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14):     When God commanded Israel to enter Canaan, fear and hesitation led them to procrastinate. Their delay cost them forty years in the wilderness. Procrastination turned a short journey into decades of wandering. - The Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13):     Five virgins delayed in preparing oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, they were unready and shut out of the wedding feast. Their procrastination cost them eternal joy. - Felix the ...

Psalm 94:19 KJV [19] In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul. Devotion: Have you ever looked around you and wondered, “Why is there so much evil, wickedness, and pain in the world?”    In Psalm 94, King David is extremely upset about the state of humanity. People are blaming God for the world’s rampant wickedness as though God did not see it and did not care (see verses 1-7). So David reminds his audience that the Lord is Creator, and He knows, sees, and hears all that goes on (verses 8-11).    Because of God, David could say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Verse 19)   King David’s “cares of the heart” were because of the wickedness and evil he saw—and our world is not much different. But David’s consolation in all the evil he witnessed was his Creator and Savior.    That’s why He could close his psalm by writing, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my ...