ojaysjoel blog

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28" Devotion : Sometimes, as God's children, we go through tough situations. These tough situations work together to strengthen our faith. Whatever happens to you, dear reader, it will definitely work for your good. In the Bible, Job went through all the hardships you could think of but in the end they worked together for his good. It is only Christians that have this assurance that the good and bad things they suffer in life work together for their good. This is simply because it is God who is working behind the scenes to enhance the life of His loved ones. Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  Mark 11:24" Devotion : The Christian cannot do without prayer as long as he has desires. Any time we decide to pray, we should believe that God is able to give it to us and we shall have it. If we entertain doubt, we cannot receive what we pray for. The number one enemy of our prayer is doubt; we must not entertain it. Dear reader, do you receive whatever you pray for? Share your story with other readers! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

Daily devotional with John Piper SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 How to Know the Will of God Finding Direction with the Renewed Mind Good Shepherd Community Church | Portland, Oregon Resource by  John Piper   Scripture:  Romans 12:1–2     Topic:  Sanctification & Growth The following is a lightly edited transcript. We are going to look at  Romans 12:1–2  and talk about the will of God, what it means, how to find it, and what it means to have your mind renewed to find it. As you know, chapter 12 follows the first eleven chapters. And it begins with a glorious “therefore” (“I appeal to you therefore”). The wonders that he is calling us into in walking with Christ in a renewed way are built on massive theology in chapters 1–11. It doesn’t get any bigger than Romans 1–11. It doesn’t get any deeper than Romans 1–11. And this is what it was all building towards: new minds discerning the will of God and lives of worship. Pleasing God Romans 12:1 : ...

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31" Devotion : The world would be a better place if we all lived by this standard. Everybody wants to be loved, respected, treated with kindness, etc. We should do likewise to others. Whatever we sow on earth, we will definitely reap; therefore, it is wise to observe the above scripture so that we can reap a good harvest. Be blessed! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6:1" Devotion : It is right for children to obey their parents in the Lord. To make it easy for children to be obedient, they need to be taught from a tender age the norms and values of God and of society. Parents must live an exemplary life for their children to emulate. Many children are becoming wayward because parents are shirking their responsibility. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4  this verse must be added to it, because by our attitude and character our children may decide not to obey us. We must be a perfect example of holiness as much as God helps us to our children. Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Song of Solomon 8:6" Devotion : King Solomon, a man of wisdom, was moved by love to utter such wonderful words. This is true of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, who was sufficiently moved by love to die for the salvation of mankind. His love could not be hidden; therefore, the Father proved his love for Christ by raising Him from the grave. What a wonder! Share your thoughts with us. http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6" Devotion : Moses encouraged the Israelites to be strong and courageous because God was with them and would lead them to the promised land. God reiterated this in Joshua 1:9 to give the Israelites the confidence to move forward. Fear has the tendency to create doubt in our minds to keep us from pursuing our vision. The solution is to have faith in God and in His Word, and move forward. Dear reader, have you ever felt forsaken? Share the story with other learners! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21" Devotion : The only condition given to submission is that it should be done showing reverence to God. Some people submit to status or personality while others do so out of fear of personality. These do not satisfy God's requirements. Submitting to one another in the fear of God promotes respect, peace, joy, love, and unity. Do you have difficulty submitting to someone? Share your reasons with us! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21" Devotion : The moment you become born again, you are born into a heavenly family. The heavenly family has one purpose and that purpose is to please God. The eternal life given to a believer in Christ Jesus is to live for Christ whilst on this earth. Leading people to Christ is the believer's number one purpose and, as the apostle Paul said, to die for the gospel is to gain because you are going to heaven to be with Jesus forever. Share your thoughts with other believers! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3" Devotion : The mind is an intangible part of the human soul: the mind has the ability to control the human spirit and body. Wherever the mind goes, the body follows: our mindset can either free us or keep us in bondage. A mind that stays with God is a mind that meditates on the Word of God day and night. Such a person will enjoy peace and prosperity, Psalms 1:3. Dear reader, what do you meditate on? Share your comments with other readers! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23" Devotion : The world says that seeing is believing but in the kingdom of God the reverse is the case. In the kingdom of God, believing is seeing, meaning you can only receive from God if you believe His Word. His Word says that anything is possible if you believe; the only condition is "believe." Let us therefore believe God for our big dreams. Do you believe you can attain your goals in life? Share your comments with other learners! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Isaiah 50:10" Devotion : The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and they are safe. Proverbs 18:10. The name of the LORD gives light to direct us; it teaches us how to worship God in reverence. Let us never doubt the efficacy of the name of Jesus Christ; let us trust completely in His name and enjoy His fellowship and salvation. Dear reader, do you understand the above scripture? Share your thoughts with us! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mark 10:9" Devotion : The foolishness of God is always wiser than the wisdom of man. Hence, why separate what God has put together? Remember that whoever separates what God has put together has God to contend with. The scripture above speaks of marriage, the institution of God. Marriage is a sacred institution and only God has the ability to join a couple and to put it asunder. Let God be God and man be man. What do you think about this scripture, dear reader? http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7" Devotion : Sometimes, due to the challenges the children of God go through, there is the feeling that nobody cares, not even God. Above is a specific example of scripture proving that God cares as He said we should walk by faith and not by feeling. Feeling can be positive or negative; the devil uses negative feelings against us so we might doubt God's Word. Continue to trust in Christ Jesus that He is able to save you and provide for your daily needs. How do you feel about this scripture? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165" Devotion : Our God is a great God who rewards us for our faithfulness. Offence can be very destructive if not handled maturely. It can influence people to make the wrong choices, or react negatively. Glory to God that there is a solution to it, which is  loving God's Word to the letter. The perfect peace we receive from God keeps us in continual joy in the midst of our offenders. Dear reader, is something stealing your joy? Share your thoughts about the things that offend you with other readers! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? Job 12:9" Devotion : Job was sure about his standing with God in that he did not believe that God could harm him. Hence, he turned the statement above into a question about the integrity of God. He knew he was going through a trial and that God had allowed that to happen. In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for forty days and overcame all the temptations sent by the devil. Dear friend, do you know that you could be tested or tempted? God tests us but the devil tempts us. Note the difference and share your thoughts with us! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9" Devotion : Jesus says if we apply the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking, we will always have answers to our prayers. If you asked and it seems you have not received, apply the second principle by seeking, which means continuous searching. If it seems you have not found what you are seeking, then apply the last principle by knocking. We only knock at a closed door - as you keep knocking, it will surely open. Determination and effectual prayer are needed; therefore, let us not give up too easily. Dear reader, share your thoughts with other readers. http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 1 Timothy 3:12" Devotion : God gave the same guidelines to those who desire to be bishops or pastors in the church. God is keeping a watchful eye on the family, which is the fabric of society; when the family progresses society progresses, and vice versa. Any Christian who is able to put his own house or home in order and at peace does the same for Christ in the church. Dear reader, God is still appointing leaders in His kingdom; make yourself available for His appointments. Share your thoughts on Facebook and other social media! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9" Devotion : Moses is a typical personality in the Bible who failed to follow God's command and could not enter the promised land because of anger. Anger caused Moses to act foolishly and he could not complete God's agenda. Our Father in heaven is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy (Psalms 103:8). He wants us to imitate Him, to be slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. When a person is hasty in spirit to anger, the tendency to sin or go out of control is high. There are many instances where people have acted in anger and regretted it afterwards when they became sober. No wonder the opening scripture says anger rests in the bosom of a fool. In other words, anger produces foolishness and makes you act without thinking clearly. It is sometimes better to control anger by changing the subject matter under discussion than continuing a discussion which is fueling the anger. Dea...

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4" Devotion : The apostle Paul found a key in Christ Jesus in the course of doing the work of Christ; the key is to remain in continuous joy in the Holy Spirit. What spurred him on was to apply this key daily in whatever circumstances he found himself in. When Jesus Christ appointed him He made it clear to Paul that he would suffer many things for His name's sake. The apostle was ready to do the work for Christ no matter what. To overcome every obstacle, Paul chose to rejoice evermore. This key has been committed to every Christian. It is our choice to use it, and failure to use it results in complaints, frowns, murmuring, sadness and even death. The devil's strategy is to take away our joy in Christ and we must not allow him. Any time he shows his wiles we should see it as an occasion to rejoice and we shall overcome. Let us choose to remain in the joy of the Lord which is our strength, amen. Share y...

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2" Devotion : It is very heartwarming and comforting to read a scripture like this, where God has given His pledge to His children to be with them in all circumstances. Water and fire are good servants but bad masters. In the scripture above they symbolize bad masters. God is making it clear to His children that life may not be rosy after all; His children will go through trying times which may look like water and fire. However, He has given us His Word that He will be with us and control the situation: if the trial is like rivers they will not overcome us and if it is like fire it will not burn us. This should give us confidence that whatever difficult times we may be going through, the presence of God is available to deliver us. Let us keep trusting ...

I am lost for words, where do I start my critique of the NDDC and Niger delta in general.  Niger delta is a part of Nigeria in the South South region  it comprises of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo( not in South south but oil producing state) and Rivers states. The bulk of Nigeria oil comes from here so the peoples see themselves as the owners of the oil and therefore feel cheated. They agitate for development, even threatening to secede from the country, resources control or in lieu of that preferential treatment and got it with the establishment if Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). These states get 13% derivation from the federation account apart from their fat monthly  allocations  from federation account.  It's of note that NDDC's budget is more than the budget of several states in other regions of the country put together. The Niger delta attracts fat ecological fund also while the FG is also doing a lot of projects like roads an...

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11" Devotion : The children of God can know the intention of God towards them: the intention is good, one of peace to give them an expected end. The question is what is your expectation as a child of God? Is your expectation in sync with the scriptures? If your expectation is in line with God's Word then God will surely fulfill it. Since our God is a great God, let us have great expectations which are supported by the scriptures; and let us continue to declare these scriptures and see how God brings them to pass. Finally, we should have thoughts of peace toward one another as children of God. Dear beloved, how big are your expectations? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Devotion : If you feel like giving up on prayer because you don't seem to be getting answers to your prayers, the opening scripture is exhorting you to continue, for your miracle is at hand. Prayer is communion with our heavenly Father; it is a time to receive from Him. If it seems we are not receiving it means we are not applying the principle of prayer. Jesus said when we pray we should believe that we have received it and we shall have it; it means at the point of prayer we should receive the answer in our heart and we shall see it physically (Mark 11:24). Also, if you are delighted to pray and enjoy fellowship with your heavenly Father, you will never cease to pray. So be glad to pray. Dear beloved, do you feel like giving up on prayer? Make this month your month of prayer and enjoy praying. Glory to God! Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:16 Devotion : The opening scripture is of the view that God is always looking to approve those of His children who are studying His Word. He approves them for service in His kingdom. Those who continue to study the Word of God will not be ashamed to teach in His kingdom because they can explain the scriptures to their audience. Have you come across a Christian who cannot quote even one scripture? If you find it difficult to study the scriptures, ask Holy Spirit to help you. He is the best teacher. The more you study the scriptures the more you gain understanding and wisdom to live a victorious life. Dear beloved, how well do you know the scriptures? Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:1-2  Devotion : The Psalmist was a shepherd and he knew where to find quality pasture and still water for his sheep. The sheep were in safe hands as long as the shepherd provided for them. David, the Psalmist, saw the LORD as his shepherd from the personal relationship he had with God. As long as the LORD was David's shepherd he experienced supernatural provision, protection, deliverance and salvation. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the good shepherd (John 10:11). If you acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior and have an intimate relationship with Him, you will experience His salvation, deliverance, provision, and protection. You will lack nothing if Jesus Christ is your shepherd because He is good and His mercies endure forever. Dear beloved, in what way do you see Jesus Christ as your good shepherd? Share your comments here! http://p...

  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him", Hebrews 11:6 Devotion : The disciples one day asked Jesus Christ to increase their faith. Jesus told them if they had faith like the mustard seed they would move a sycamine tree into the sea (Luke 17:5-6). Now the Word of God is clear about how to increase our faith: hearing the Word of God increases faith and if we exercise that faith our faith becomes stronger and stronger. Faith without work is dead, therefore, we must put our faith to work no matter how small it is. Dear beloved, how strong is your faith? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

  "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6" Devotion : Jesus indeed is the author and finisher of our faith; He humbled himself unto the father and even unto death on the cross. God witnessed this, resurrected Him, and gave Him a name which is above every name in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. King David humbled himself in service to his father, Jesse, and God chose and anointed him king over Israel. Moses humbled himself and was appointed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The same applies to Joshua, Jephthah, Gideon, Peter, Paul, etc.: all these people humbled themselves and God exalted them in due time. Dear beloved, are you humble in all your ways? If you are then there is a lifting up waiting for you. Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1" Devotion : Jesus Christ opened the eyes of His disciples by telling them what they must always do, which is to pray. Prayer is so important to Jesus Christ that he related a parable to illustrate it. In this parable a widow received justice from a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man: the widow got justice because she never gave up after several rejections by the judge. With this parable Jesus wants us to learn to be patient and wait for our reward when we pray. God wants to develop the virtue of patience and resilience in His children. Dear beloved, do you feel like giving up a particular prayer request because it has not been answered? Be patient, continue to wait and trust God. Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13" Devotion : The Word of God is truth; whosoever called on the name of the Lord was saved. Apostle Paul called upon the name of Jesus Christ and was saved, as did Timothy, Philemon, Luke, Mark, Prisca, Aquila, etc. Jesus Christ will not reject anyone who calls on Him from a sincere heart. Jesus Christ does not discriminate; He gives attention to the poor, rich, sick, healthy, servant, master, president, laborer, man, woman, child, etc. Dear beloved, have you called upon the name of the Lord? Share with others how you felt after calling on Him! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17" Devotion : There are different battles to fight as a child of God, but the good news is that it is not all these battles we should spend our time fighting. The opening scripture throws light on it; King Jehoshaphat was threatened by Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. The LORD gave the king a strategy to raise singers to lead the king and his army to battle. When the singers began to worship God, God confounded the enemies to fight against themselves until they had destroyed themselves. The Christian is encouraged to develop a lifestyle of praise and worship so the Lord can fight for you. Our battles are easy because the battles are the LORD's and not ours. Dear reader, how do you find your battles? Share your thoughts here! http:/...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28" Devotion : God's purpose or the purpose of God is the unique design of God for your life; in other words, the reason for God bringing you to the planet Earth. His purpose varies from person to person, so whatever you are going through is designed to work together for your good as a child of God. God loves every child of His but it is not every child of God who loves God; the one who loves God is prompt to obey God and submits to His authority. These are the ones for whom all things work together for good. The children of God who are disobedient and do not submit to authority will not have all things working together for good. Dear reader, is everything working together for your good? Share your testimonies here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline