ojaysjoel blog

Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Every morning we wake up is a gift from God. While we sleep, He watches over us and sustains our lives. Many went to bed last night but did not wake up today. By His mercy and compassion, we have been given another day. God preserves us for a purpose: to worship Him, serve Him, and be a light to others. As long as we have breath, there is work to do in His kingdom. "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Let us begin each day with gratitude, remembering that every new morning is proof of God's faithfulness and another opportunity to live for His glory. Prayer : Father, thank You for the gift of this new day. Help me to live for Your glory, serve You faithfully, and fulfil Your purpose for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. Thought for...

Scripture focus: Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Ecclesiastes 3:22  KJV  Reflection In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next milestone, it is easy to view our daily work as merely a stepping stone toward a distant future. We tell ourselves, "I’ll be happy when I get that promotion," or "I’ll relax once this season passes." Yet, Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes offers a gentle and sobering wake-up call: today is the portion God has given you. The Scripture reminds us that we cannot peek into the future, nor can we control what happens after our time on earth is done. God has intentionally veiled tomorrow to teach us how to live fully today. Your current labor—whether it is building a business, caring for your family, studying, or serving in your community—is not an accident or a delay. It is your God-given as...

Scripture focus : "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'" (Matthew 3:3) Reflection: In every generation, God looks for men and women who will stand for truth, even when the world chooses compromise. Today, we live in a time when dishonesty, injustice, immorality, and selfishness are often celebrated. Yet, as Christians, we are called to be the voice of righteousness in a crooked and corrupt world. John the Baptist was not afraid to speak God's truth. Though his message was unpopular, he faithfully called people to repentance and prepared the way for Christ. Likewise, Noah stood for righteousness in a generation filled with wickedness. While the people around him mocked God's warning, Noah remained faithful and obedient (Genesis 6:9). God has not called us to blend in with the world but to shine as lights in it. The Apostle Paul reminds believers to be "blameless and innocent, children of G...

On my birthday this is my prayer and testimony. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" Psalm 103:1 Devotional Praise Heavenly Father, With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I lift my voice in praise to You. Like the psalmist, I declare: "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name." You are the King of Heaven, the Almighty God, worthy of all honour, glory, and praise. Lord, You have been faithful to me all the days of my life. Despite my weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings, Your love has never failed. Your Word assures me that You will never leave me nor forsake me ( Hebrews 13:5 ), and I have experienced this truth time and time again. Through every season, You have remained my refuge, strength, and ever-present help. When I was weak and almost fell, Your mighty hand upheld me. Just as Your Word says, "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you, Do not fear; I will h...

Scripture focus : 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."* Reflection:  In the days of old, Israel derailed from the precepts and laws of God. They forsook the true God and sought after other gods. They became wicked and committed grievous sins before the Lord.  As it is written: "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2 Because of this, God turned His face from them and allowed them to be taken captive. He allowed neighbouring nations to conquer and oppress them.  Yet, God still loved them because of His everlasting covenant with Abraham. In His mercy, He did not destroy them completely, but called them to repentance. The Bible says: "The Lord is not slack concerning his ...

Scripture Reflection Throughout the Bible, God honored those who trusted Him even when circumstances seemed impossible. Sarah was barren and advanced in age, yet she held on to God's promise. In due time, God gave her Isaac, the child of promise. "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." (Genesis 18:14) God fulfilled His promise "And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken."(Genesis 21:1) Elizabeth endured years of barrenness, but God remembered her and gave her John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. "For with God nothing will be impossible."(Luke 1:37) Elizabeth rejoiced and said "The Lord has dealt with me... to take away my reproach among people."(Luke 1:25) Hannah wept before the Lord and refused to give up. God answered her prayer and gave her Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets...