ojaysjoel blog

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33" Devotion : Jesus Christ touched on many subjects before talking about peace and tribulation. Some of the subjects He touched on are His departure to heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the persecutions awaiting His disciples. He then went on to say that everything He had said was to give the disciples peace in Him. The Word of God provides peace; He also told them the plain truth of what awaited them so that when they went through it, they would be comforted. The children of God will go through tribulation because sin has overturned creation to oppose anything that is godly. This is the severity of Adam and Eve's sin. You will face even greater tribulation when you talk worldly talk, but when you talk faith you will enjoy peace. Dearly beloved, how do you relate this article to your life? Share yo...

"With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:16" Devotion : God is in the business of giving long life to His children. When man fell from grace in the Garden of Eden, he began to die. People used to live for nine hundred and sixty-nine years, but this number started to decline. When man began to commit numerous sins, the years of man on earth were cut to one hundred and twenty years, Genesis 6:3. This is long life in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the just shall live by faith, Romans 1:17; this means that the children of God are given the opportunity to live as long as they can to do the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dearly beloved, how long do you want to live? Live by faith! Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline I will live for 125 years by God's grace.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12" Devotion : Jesus Christ gave a format of prayer in which He says, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil", Luke 11:4. Christ Jesus was led into temptation (Matthew 4:1) but does not wish the same for us because the devil has nothing good in him and is crafty with temptation to make us fall from grace. However, sometimes God allows the devil to tempt us so that we can be blessed. These blessings are that endurance/patience is created in us, and subsequently we receive the crown of glory. Jesus Christ received His crown of glory when He overcame all the temptations of the devil, Matthew 4:1. Dearly beloved, have you ever been tempted? How did you overcome the temptation? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31" Devotion : The unique thing about God's creation is that God created heaven and earth in six days, and rested on the seventh day. In these six days of creation, the phrase, "And God saw that it was good" appears in the first five days. However, on the sixth day a unique phrase, "it was very good" appears. The difference between these two phrases is the intensifier "very"; this is because man was created on the sixth day. Man - male and female - is the crown of God's creation. This explains why God committed the whole earth and everything therein to man, to have dominion over the earth and everything that is on the earth. Man was created in the image of God, which means man is a spirit being with several attributes of God inherent in him. Dearly beloved, do you believe that you are the crown of God...

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9" Devotion : The Apostle Paul prayed thrice that a thorn in his flesh be taken away. The reply from the Lord Jesus was that His grace was sufficient for Paul to endure the thorn in his flesh; He went further to say that this thorn was put there to check Paul so that he would not be exalted above measure. Dear believer in Christ Jesus, there is enough grace to deal with any kind of difficulty in your life. There is enough grace also to accomplish whatever assignment you have. Praise the LORD! Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2" Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. 3 John 1:2 AMPC https://bible.com/bible/8/3jn.1.2.  Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/3jn.1.2.ESV Devotion : (I have published three versions of 3 John 1:2 to bring out the meaning, so that we know God's wish for us. God wants us to prosper both in the physical and spiritual. He wants His devoted children to be rich in the knowledge of His word and to be rich financially and in health.  It's left for you and me to grasp the opportunity which is within our reach. All we need to do is to be faithful, obedient, diligent in our work and pay our tithe. We must also be a source of blessing to the needy ...

"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalms 104:24" Devotion : The Psalmist considered the diversity of God's works in creation and His works in his own personal life, and came to the conclusion that God is wonderful. His wisdom is unique and supernatural, such that no words on earth are enough to explain it. The earth is full of the riches of God; there is plenty for everyone. In God's economy, there is no scarcity; everything is in abundance. Dearly beloved, do not rely on the economy of the world or the economy of your country. Live in the economy of God, where there is enough for you. Hallelujah! Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline This means total obedience to God's law, prudent living, hard work and being prayerful. His promise is - Psalms 128:2 - For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou...

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7" Devotion : God's answers to all our prayers are illustrated in the opening scripture. His answers are always sure and they are always "yes". He says that what we ask, He will give to us; when we seek, He will lead us to find it; and when we knock He will open unto us. The duty of God is to answer our prayers. On the other hand, our duty is to ask, seek, and knock. The levels of our prayers are ask, seek, and knock. When you ask and you are not satisfied, you seek; when you ask and seek, and you are not satisfied, you knock and you will be satisfied. Dearly beloved, do you apply these levels of prayer in your prayer life? Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline  If you apply the three and still did not get what you desire, check yourself. Are you living in total obedience? Li...

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3" Devotion : The scriptures have revealed another secret to believers in Christ Jesus about how to live a peaceful life. The opening scripture says the mind is an essential channel through which Christians can live in perfect peace. If your mind is fixed on Christ Jesus, you shall enjoy perfect peace; in other words, if you fill your mind with the holy scriptures, there will be perfect peace in your life. It is also a sign that you trust God simply because the mind is the control center of man. What a man thinks in his heart so is he, Proverbs 23:7. Peace is not just the absence of war; perfect peace is a place in Christ where you are at rest, and do not struggle for anything. Dearly beloved, do you want to cease from struggle? What do you think you must do? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleo...

"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalms 127:1" Devotion : The scripture above is not discouraging the children of God from engaging the services of laborers, building contractors, watchmen, and security men. It is good to engage them but the acknowledgement that God oversees their work is vital, because their technical knowledge is limited. It is only God who has the perfect knowledge to build strong houses, and has the intelligence to secure the city. The work of laborers and watchmen becomes effective and efficient if both the laborers/watchmen and their employers seek God's blessings. Dearly beloved, do not think you can do it all by yourself, or you might work in vain. Talk to the Holy Spirit about it. Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline I believe we must invite God to lead/guide us in a...

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16" Devotion : There are two kinds of blessings for the children of God: conditional blessings and unconditional blessings. Examples of unconditional blessings are salvation and grace; these are enjoyed by every Christian. The conditional blessings are those gotten by carrying out the desires and commandments of God. A typical example is in the opening scripture; Jesus Christ said we did not choose Him but He has chosen us to bear fruit. He further explained that if the fruit we have borne remain, the Father will give us whatsoever we ask. The fruit He is talking about is winning souls for Him. When you win a soul, use that soul as the basis for your request and God will grant you the request. Dearly beloved, you have been ordained by Christ Jesus to win s...

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: James 5:14" Devotion : The opening scripture acknowledges that sickness does not come from God. It also exhorts believers in Christ Jesus to cultivate the habit of alerting church leaders to their difficulties, especially to attacks by the enemy so that the leaders can intercede on their behalf. We see that in the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; He healed the sick, delivered those who were possessed by demons, and gave power to His disciples to do the same. Dearly beloved, if you are facing any attack from the enemy, pray but do not forget to seek pastoral assistance. Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19" Devotion : Have you ever wondered why the Apostle Paul used the phrase "my God"? The Apostle Paul had an intimate relation with the true God, Elohim, such that he knew what God could do. Indeed, God had been his supplier and had made him a channel through whom anyone could be blessed. He also gave the people of Philippi the secret of attracting God's blessings: ministering to the needs of the conveyers of the Gospel of Christ. Lastly, he gave them the full assurance that their needs would be supplied by God; God is in the business of supplying needs so that He can supply our wants. Dearly beloved, do you know the difference between needs and wants? Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18" Devotion : The opening scripture uses the term "as much as lieth in you" because peace is inherent in the believer in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit who comes to live in the believer in Christ Jesus comes with the virtue of peace. The Holy Spirit is a peaceful spirit, if you permit it to live in you, you will automatically become a peaceful disciple of Christ.  Christ gave you peace the day you accept Him as Lord and Saviour over your life. He took away your troubles and replaced it with peace not as the world gives. This peace you must radiate to others as you live a life of obedience to God.  Since it is already inherent in you, what is needed is to cultivate it. The more you cultivate it, the more capable you become of always living at peace with all men.  Always ask the Holy Spirit to develop patience in you because peace walks with patience.  Dearly beloved, are you a peace-l...

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28" Devotion : If worldly people understood the Gospel, they would run for salvation. Worldly people are laboring in sin and are heavily laden by it; they need Jesus Christ to save them. The yoke of Jesus is easy because we become joint heirs with Jesus Christ when we believe in the Gospel. He then gives us a discerning heart to learn from Him. As we learn in meekness and lowness of heart, we find rest for our souls in Him. His yoke is His righteousness, humility, assignment, and truthfulness which is easy and light to practice. Dearly beloved, why do you think worldly people do not want to receive Christ? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline Worldly people reject Christ because of their sinful nature which they think gives them edge over obedient children of God. But it was a mistake because they labour...

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32" Devotion : Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, was kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. He exhibited these qualities when He started His ministry; even on the cross He forgave all those who were involved in His crucifixion. The eleven disciples had these qualities, except Judas Iscariot. Steven was kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving; he forgave those who stoned him to death, among whom was the Apostle Paul under the name of Saul. The ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the church and in the world will be severely limited without the qualities of kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The children of God have these qualities inherent in them; what they need to do is to cultivate them. Let us be open-minded and seize every opportunity to demonstrate our kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiving attitudes. D...

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10" Devotion : Scripture has acknowledged that there is a day of adversity: it is a day of highest opposition from the kingdom of darkness; a day when God allows the kingdom of darkness to tempt man. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had His day of adversity, when the kingdom of darkness was allowed to crucify Him. Nonetheless, the strength of Christ grew even stronger, to overturn death by bringing resurrection, and totally defeat the devil and his cohorts of darkness. Job had his day of adversity; his wife even asked him to curse God and die, but Job kept his integrity towards God. Finally, Job overcame his trial and was restored twice over. Every Christian will face their day of adversity and God expects His children to always triumph over adversity. The scriptures, the Holy Spirit, the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, holiness, grace, prayer, etc are some of the tools or weapons to overcome advers...

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8" Devotion : Mankind and other creations are affected by time: as day and night go by, mankind and other creations change. Mankind and other living things grow old and pass away. Other creations that are not living things are affected by wear and tear or the passage of time. But Jesus Christ is not affected by time: in fact, He created time and can alter it. The opening scripture is simply explaining that Jesus Christ is God, because it is only God who remains the same and is not affected by time. Indeed, Jesus Christ is eternal. As believers in Christ Jesus, if time is going against us, we have someone to call to alter time in our favor; that person is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He can also cause certain events to repeat themselves, which is why it is sometimes said that history repeats itself. Dearly beloved, do you want time to favor you? You know who to call! Share your comments here! http://play.googl...

"Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? Mark 2:9" Devotion : Jesus Christ asked the scribes a question when they reasoned in their heart that Jesus could not forgive sins. But Jesus Christ demonstrated that He could forgive sins by healing the sick of the palsy. Jesus demonstrated that it was easier to forgive sins than to perform miracles. He is therefore teaching us that we should find it easy to forgive people who wrong us; if we harbor unforgiveness in us, it will hinder our blessings. He is also teaching us to do the easier things first before thinking about the difficult ones. Dearly beloved, do you find it easy to forgive those who offend you? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter 5:7" Devotion : Some people come to Christ Jesus and still carry their burdens. This is so because they are still ignorant of the scriptures. However, by knowing of the opening scripture they will no longer carry their burdens but cast them upon Jesus. Sometimes we go through unnecessary challenges because we do not know our inheritance in the Word of God. The bible has answers for all the questions we have; the bible also has all the solutions to the challenges that come our way. What we need to do is to search the scriptures for answers and solutions. As we go on with our daily routines, let us not carry any burden; we have Jesus Christ who is prepared to carry our burdens for us so that we can be free to do His work, Matthew 11:28. Dearly beloved, are you still carrying any burdens? Cast them on Jesus! Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibl...

"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Job 22:21" Devotion : Friendship has several advantages and blessings in life. Friendship can also bring severe disadvantages and misfortunes. The kind of friends you have will determine whether you will enjoy blessings or curses. The opening scripture exhorts us to befriend God and be at peace with Him, and His goodness will become our inheritance. The closer we are to God, the more glorious we will be. As children of God, let us choose friends who will bring us closer to God and godliness so that we can always enjoy the goodness of God. Dearly beloved, how do you choose your friends? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. Chronicles 1:7" Devotion : King Solomon attracted God's attention when he offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the altar of God. God told Solomon to ask for whatever he pleased and Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people of God. God fulfilled Solomon's request and added riches, wealth, and honor. Solomon knew what to ask for because his father, King David, had educated him to make the right request from God, Proverbs 4:3-5. Dearly beloved, let us give God the best of what we have and we will attract His attention and blessings, hallelujah. Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. Luke 6:19" Devotion : The power of the Holy Spirit is transferable; the Holy Spirit can move from one place to another. Jesus was full of the power of the Holy Spirit in such a way that every part of His body could heal the sick; even His clothes could heal the sick, Mark 6:56. The Holy Spirit worked in the life of His disciples with the same power, so Paul prayed over handkerchiefs and aprons and the sick were healed by these handkerchiefs and aprons; even demons fled upon coming into contact with these handkerchiefs and aprons. The Apostle Peter was so filled with the Holy Spirit that even his shadow healed the sick, Acts 5:15. The Holy Spirit is still using people mightily today; He could even use you if you allow Him so to do. Dearly beloved, have you ever demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit in you? Share your experience here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/detail...

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44" Devotion : Jesus Christ asked His disciples to love their enemies. Have you asked yourself what enemies Jesus Christ is asking His disciples to love? Of course, Jesus is not asking His disciples to love the devil and his children. There are people who seem to oppose us or hate us but when we love them, they will have a change of heart and receive the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we have been blessed to be a blessing so we cannot curse; we need to show the world that we are of a different spirit. Lastly, pray for those who have been deceived into despitefully using and persecuting us; when we pray for them, the evil power behind their actions is dealt with and they are converted unto the LORD. Christians have a duty to pray for discernment to know the enemies they are to love, bless, an...

"And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. Luke 8:54" Devotion : The ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, had a daughter who was very sick. He pleaded with Jesus Christ to come and heal his daughter. Whilst Jesus was on the way, the daughter was reported dead but Jesus told Jairus to believe that all things are possible to he who believes. When Jesus Christ and Jairus got home, all the people were wailing but Jesus comforted them, saying that the child was not dead but sleeping. The people stopped wailing and laughed at Jesus Christ's words of faith. Jesus turned all of them out of the house except Peter, James, John, and Jairus. He turned them out to maintain his faith in God, and called the little girl to life. As believers in Christ Jesus, try as much as possible to maintain your faith by moving only with those who have the same faith as you; get rid of all the people in your life who are bent on creating doubt in you, so that you c...

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Peter 1:4" Devotion : Yahweh has made many promises aimed at making us partakers of his divine nature. Some elements of Yahweh's divine nature are that He is eternal, holy, righteous, immortal, etc. God uses promises to make us more like Him. Some of the promises are that we will receive eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ, receive His righteousness, become sons of God, live in divine health, etc. As children of God, if we want to enjoy more of His divine nature, we need to make a conscious effort to overcome lust. There are three kinds of lust: lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life, 1 John 2:16. Dearly beloved, have you overcome lust? Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27" Devotion : Male and female are the complement image of God. This means both males and females were created to think, speak, act, and be like God. It also means that mankind was created as a spirit being to live in a human body. When mankind fell through sin in the Garden of Eden, the image of God in man became polluted. Mankind could no longer think, speak, act, and be like God. The Father sent Jesus Christ to die for mankind to redeem them from their fallen nature so that they can think, speak, act, and be like God. Mankind is the crown of God's creation, intended to have dominion over all God's creation. Dearly beloved, do you know you are the image of God? Do you know your role as the image of God? Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13" Devotion : I cannot do this or that is definitely a language used by those in the world. It is not a language of the children of God: Jesus Christ has given the children of God the power to succeed in all things. The "can-do spirit" is the doctrine every Christian must be taught; the utterance of every Christian is transformed upon coming into contact with the doctrine of the "can-do spirit". When you declare to yourself that you can do it, the Holy Spirit takes your words and gives you the inner strength to accomplish whatever you have purposed to accomplish. Dearly beloved, what do you seek to achieve? The grace of God is available to you in Christ Jesus to accomplish that task. Hallelujah! Share your comments here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

This is new year : GROW UP, CHANGE YOUR WAYS.  "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11" Devotion : The Bible has clearly told us the difference between a child and an adult or mature person. Children speak first of all, before trying to understand what they have said, then think through what they have uttered. Adults/mature people, on the other hand, will think through what they are about to say, understand it, and then finally speak their thoughts. This explains why children make a lot of mistakes and like making unnecessary noise. The scripture says that sin is not absent in a multitude of words but that he who restrains his lips is wise, Proverbs 10:19. Maturity lies in the ability to control one's thoughts and choose carefully before acting on them. A man or woman who has not put away childish things cannot go far in life, cannot achieve much, and w...

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26" Devotion : The promise in the opening scripture was fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. On the cross he declared, "It is finished", John 19:30. When a person receives Jesus as his Lord and Saviour, he is given a new heart and a new spirit. His stony heart is replaced with a heart of flesh. This is a total transformation called being born again: the spirit of the person is reborn and this gives a person an obedient heart to understand and obey the Word of God. The Holy Spirit who is the seal of salvation is also given to the person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. What the Christian should aim at is to always appreciate God and strive to please Him. He also has the best chance to succeed in life, since he has God as his Father, who will direct him along the path of s...