ojaysjoel blog

For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 KJV Devotion: In job 19:25, job said that "I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall at the latter day upon the earth" this is a message from a person who has deep Faith in the living God. Two days ago we talked of holding fast to our faith. In continuation we  examine the story of Job who was tested of God. Though he suffered a lot of hardship he did not deny God.    Sometimes it becomes difficult to distinguish between trial and problem. Problems that are caused not by you but sometimes by the devil is difficult to differentiate from trial which is from God. Only the spirit of God can assist us to distinguish between these two because the difference between the two is just a thin line. Problems can be self-inflicted especially when we do not live in obedience to the word of God. But God himself may want to know how much faith we have in him and therefore permit...

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalmu 32:8 KJV Devotion: Two days ago we said we must hold fast to our believe in God through His son Jesus Christ. "Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith(hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" Hebrews 10:23 KJV.   Add we boldly march into the new 2023 year there is a promise from good that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye". Psalmu 32:8 KJV. We also know that He who promised can fulfil the promise because His words will not return to Him void,(Isaiah 55:11) especially when we keep our own end of the deal.    Our own end is to live for Christ in total obedience, no half measure. We must also not ask amiss (James 4:3) but according to the promise of God for our lives. Therefore dearly beloved as we go into the new year let us bring our plans to God and seek fo...

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11 KJV Devotion: Our God is a great God and He knows the heart of man and speaks to it regularly. Yesterday we wrote about holding fast to our faith and trusting God in all situation.   My car had been having one problem or the other in the past two weeks and had eroded deeply into my savings. It was repaired yesterday morning but when I was about coming home it developed another maybe more serious issue. Honestly I was not happy and thought of it over the night.  I praise God, He spoke to me with the passage above. I am assured that God is in control and that I should not feel sad but rather praise God. My season of joy and happiness comes and there will not be any issues to bother my mind. Praise God.   Dearly beloved, I don't know what you are going through but God says relax, rejoice beca...

Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith(hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23 KJV Devotion: You have given your life to Christ, Hallelujah and you put your faith in him which is very good. What happens when trouble comes? Do you still have faith? Do you ask God why me? Is God faithful? These are the common questions people ask when in trouble. Some people, when in trouble will consult occult media and lose faith. Is that you?  It is human to think deeply about our situation but we must not waver in faith. We must believe, be steadfast and pray till something happens. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed"(James 1:6).  Dearly beloved, are you going through situation, is your expectation delaying? Hold fast to your faith, you will soon give testimony in Jesus name. Please share your thoughts with us.  Prepared by Joel Olanrewaju, visit ...

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV Devotion: As we probably have known God is a trinity - in old testament we see Him as God, few days ago we learnt in one of our daily devotionals that God came in form of Jesus Christ and when Jesus completed his earthly journey he sent Holy Spirit to us. (John 14:16).  The unbeliever is under bondage of the law, (Galatians 3:10) we know that nobody can be saved by law because it is only by grace that we are reconciled with God (Ephesians 2:5,8). The Bible passage above teach us about the power, boldness, and freedom we have in Christ to grow in Christ-likeness.   When you understand who you are in Christ, you will grow in Christ-likeness. Growth is all by God’s grace just as salvation is. When you meet Jesus Christ, He  dramatically alters your life from the inside out. His grace and power are too great for you not to be transformed.  This transformation of you...

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV. Devotion: Paul was aware of the weakness of the Corinthian church so as evengelist he decided to forgo his rights to receive from the church, instead he earned his living. He used this as example of self sacrifice. (1 Cor 9: 1-15).   In the second letter to Corinthians, Paul exhorted the Corinthians to donate for the church in Israel. God will reward us for giving to others as he has commanded. Paul states that God is “able” and not “will” because we first have a responsibility to give, if we do so, then God will reward us.   It is Boxing day today, a day to share gifts to the needy and others. We should give willingly and joyfully to others because God gave us so that we we can give to others. He able and will reward us for giving to others.    Remember God loves a cheerful giver, and He will reward y...

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV Devotion: A day of Joy, happiness and deliverance from the guilt of sin. We bless God for grace to be alive again this year to celebrate Christmas. What are the lessons of Christmas.    God does not count your position - Jesus came like an ordinary man to a previously unknown family. This means no matter your beginning in life with hard work, consistency and most importantly GOD  you can become great.   God offers forgiveness to all - There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1-2). All who believe in Jesus are forgiven.  Christ will be our shepherd "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the high...

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 KJV Devotion: Joy to the world for God visited the earth in human body. In gospel according to Saint John 1:1we know that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" and in vs 14 this same WORD was made flesh to dwell amongst us.   Why is there joy to the world with the birth of Christ? In the world today there are all forms of vice, imaginable and unimaginable such as human slaughter like ram, mass poisoning, wickedness etc. Nations rise against another, great exploitation of weaker states by stronger states and all forms of deceit. If human race should continue this way everyone will perish physically and spiritually.  But with Jesus there is hope that human race will be purged of sinful nature and Jesus being our redeemer will redeem us to Himself. He will save us from amargedon. Jesus' birth gives us hope ...

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 Devotion: A vehicle cannot move when the engine is bad with low compression in the cylinders. When the vehicle is repaired by the automechanic it regains strength. It's energy is renewed and it will work for many more years. The time spent at the mechanic workshop is the waiting period.   Children of God, I don't know what you may be going through right now, but I'm sure if you can wait on the Lord in prayers and fasting, singing praise and worship songs there will be solution. Your strength will be renewed and you will not be weary. God is waiting for you, He wants to break and recouple you, to fix you and your life will not remain the same again.  Dearly beloved, what is your thought on this? Share your testimony with us at ojaysjoel.blogspot.com. Remain blessed in Jesus name. Halleluj...

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.]  John 1:14 AMPC Devotion: In this passage I understand that God became human and lived among human. His glory was seen by only those who put their trust in Him. This glory is so majestic like the one only begotten son receives from His father (God).  Here the word only begotten can be interpreted as equivalent to father, thus confirming that the word was God who come as son (Jesus) to redeem us from sinful adamic nature. Therefore when we believe in Jesus we believe in God and we are honoured to behold the glory of God as manifested in Jesus. In Isaiah 40:5a we know that "the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" this was fulfilled in the mani...

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 KJV Devotion: The world asks for identity cards to show who you are. This ID can be in form of cards, traveling passport or even digital where an electronic devise identifies you by fingerprint or your eyes.  But there's a better ID card that God and people of God use to identify you if you belong to God. The identity card is LOVE, not the emotional, selfish or man to woman but the selfless agape love.  Do you have this Love in you? Do you love one another? To have this Love you must be born again and become a disciple of Christ. Do people see Christ in you? Do people who don't know you before meet you and refer to you as pastor from your conduct? Does your speech portray you as a disciple of Christ, what does your selflessness say of you.   If people have not called you pastor, a Christian or definitely one of them (Matt 26:73) as they said of Peter then watch it, your salvati...

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14 KJV Devotion: The catch phrase city on an hill literally means important, visible place to the world. It means beacon of hope. When you give your life to Christ the people around you will notice a change in you. You become visible, very important to two sets of people - one those who expects your downfall, they want you to backslide, you will not backslide in Jesus name. The second set are the ones who encourage you to grow in Christ, you become a shining light for Christ.  Once you give your life to Christ and you are living in Christ you become a beacon of hope to the hopeless particularly to those who desire to be in Christ but cannot due to reasons beyond them. Such people see you as shining example and you must not disappoint them. You cannot hide the Christ in you unless you're fake believer.   Dearly beloved, as you read this do ask yourself is Christ in me hidden or do I project Ch...

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined. [Isa. 42:6; Matt. 4:15, 16.] Isaiah 9:2 AMPC Devotion: The dark world or darkness denotes evil world, sinful world, a world where children use parents for money ritual, where people kill another thinking they defend God. This is the world in which we are today, a world where Nations rise against nation, greediness reigns supreme and covetousness is the other of the day. The prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ and particularly when he preached to the world. This prophecy of Isaiah that light will shine upon the dark world was fulfilled in Matt 4:15-16.  But the people have since gone back to their evil ways therefore the mandate is upon you and me to go ye (Matt 28:19) into the world and preach the Gospel of Christ. This we must do because "I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thi...

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7 KJV Devotion: In the last days many people claim they are children of God, they know God! But there is nothing to show that they know God, not in character, not in words of their mouth and they are full of hatred.  Therefore we have need to discern what is the truth from the error. How do we know the truth - for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. We are talking of agape love, love that is ready to die for others, love for those who despised you. Unconditional love that prays for those who are against you. If you have these qualities then you are of God and lives in God and God lives in you.  Any love different from this is not of God and speaks of the world, thinks worldly, seeks worldly; it is only a deceit, works for the stomach.  Dearly beloved, in this Yuletide season let's love others with godly love if we...

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11" Devotion : Meekness is a special form of humility where one is very patient and prompt to obey irrespective of the circumstances within which he or she finds himself or herself.  Moses was said to be the meekest person in his time (Numbers 12:3). Jesus Christ was also said to be meek and even humbled Himself unto death on the cross. In His life on earth, He reinforced the opening scripture and said blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).  Not only will they inherit the earth but they will also enjoy an abundance of peace. These are the bigger blessings for the meek in Christ Jesus, which is why every believer should desire and pursue meekness to enjoy these bigger blessings.  Dear beloved, are you still struggling to become meek? Do you want to inherit the Earth and enjoy an abundance of peace in addition to heaven? Learn from Jesus Chri...

and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 KJV Devotion: On several occasions I have heard people say "No, over my dead body, I will not forgive ...." Such people keep malice even with their spouse, colleague in the office or neighbourhood. Yet they keep attending church and praying but they get no response to the prayers not knowing why the prayers are not answered.   But you and me have been thought by Lord Jesus Christ himself to forgive them that trespass against us so that our prayers will be answered (Matt 6:14-15). Therefore we are not to be found in such situations, in fact we should pray (Matt 5:44) for those who trespass against us that they have a change of heart and live a life of obedience. Let us forgive because God Himself forgave us because of His son Jesus Christ, for for Christ's sake.   Therefore dearly beloved, next time a person offends you, forgive and forge...

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3 KJV Devotion: In the past two days we have discussed Joy in different ways, we have opportunity to discuss it again this morning. We talk of eternal joy unlike the joy of sportsmen that lasts five minutes.   In the vision of Daniel we know that the wise "shall shine as the brightness of the firmament", who is the wise? Again the answer is not farfetched, the wise is he who does the will of God. The one who has given his life to Christ and lives in total obedience.    To illustrate how joyful one can be let me use this example. On the school price giving day, if you or your child had worked very hard, you will shine like stars when called to receive price, even a scholarship. That day your joy will be boundless, your laughter may even be loud and you may buy gifts for the child. Such will it be, when you finish this eart...

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV Devotion: Is it possible to suddenly start rejoicing without any visible reason? Will the person not be counted insane? In Yoruba there is a proverb that says "the flying dragon that dances on the surface of water has his drummer inside the water".  It literally means there's a hidden reason or power behind every action. As children of God we are called to rejoice in the Lord, why because we belong to God. Yeah it is that simple, to have joy all you need to do is belong to God.   If you have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, listen to Him in John 14:27 Jesus says "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". When you have Jesus' peace,  it is more than enough reason to rejoice. So next time you see me rejoicing know that it is because I belong to Jesus, I have His peace.   Dear reader...

Those who cry as they plant their crops will sing with joy when they gather them in. Psalm 126:5 NIRV Devotion: The expression above is a proverbial saying, that aptly describe what children of God face in life in the physical and spiritual realms. The word sow can be likened to Labour. A good student studies both day and night to get high grades and when the results come in, he is full of joy. A farmer tills the land especially the peasant farmer with crude instrument; sometimes he is wounded, he endured bites, and sweats but when harvest starts coming out he smiles. He enjoys the fruits of his labour.   In the spiritual realms an evangelist goes to remote villages on bad roads, poor rainy or chilly weather. Sometimes it will be in very hot sun. In these places he meets with resistance from the people, some are even killed as in some parts of Africa; yet the evangelist persists in the work. When he gets a few converted souls he rejoices. The joy may not even be here but in the her...

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 AMPC Devotion: In Isaiah 55 God spoke to the apostate, sinful and spiritually adultrous Israel to return to him because His Word will not return to Him void of fulfillment. He calls them to come freely to the great table of blessing He prepared for them. He urges them to come and drink from the cup, brimming with heavenly favour. He wants them to eat of the good things He has prepared, and to let their souls delight in the abundance of His grace. If only they would hearken to His voice and listen to His Word, they would have all they needed for life and godliness.   The same way God speaks to you today to come over to him. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you re...

Psalms 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Devotion: The Lord Almighty (of Host) is with me. Who is with you? This question must be answered personally because relationship with God is a personal matter. Anyone willing to make heaven has to be sure of his relationship with God and be able to say "the Lord of hosts is with me"   To establish a secure and lovely relationship with God is very easy - accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and repent of your sins. You can then claim the god of Jacob is your refuge because the God of Jacob is the God of all Israel. You're now a spiritual Israel and God of Israel becomes your refuge, a hiding place, a protector and deliverer.   I urge you to come to God today and or renew your relationship with Him. He readily gives second opportunity to live right with Him.  Dear reader, what is your thought on this topic? Share your testimony with us. Prepared by Joel Olanrewaju visit us at ojaysjo...

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35" Devotion : Love works like a magnet since everyone wants to be loved. Jesus shared a big secret with His disciples-the secret to winning more souls for Him. When Christians love one another, anyone who sees them will want to join them because everyone is looking for love. When they find it, they will want to stay there.  This is the very thing the enemy hates. The devil and his cohorts of darkness will do everything possible to put confusion in the midst of those who love one another. This is why the church should be on the lookout to identify the strategies of the devil when members who once loved begin to do otherwise.  The devil will want to use talebearers, backbiters, and critics to cause the love in the church to fade away. These groups must be identified and prayed for as well as counseled so that the love in the church can remain active.  Charity within the church mus...

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7 KJV Devotion: In the sermon on the mount Jesus taught his followers including you and me how to live a Holy life and be rewarded. He says in Matt 7:7 Ask .... . Unfortunately many ask and do not receive they pray day and night yet nothing happened. Many of such person turn out to make Jesus a liar and start blaming God (Jesus). Some even stopped going to church, some became atheist or join other religions to seek succour.   The person who did not receive most of the time do not ask themselves why. Why do some pray same prayer and received and you did not. The Bible says if you ask amiss you will not receive (James 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts). If you live in sin you may not receive because God is not obliged to answer prayers of sinners ( John 9:32, 1 Peter 3:21).  Other reasons God will not answer...

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Devotion: The word of God through King Solomon in Proverbs 23:7 says  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he":  Modern science recognises this fact and applies it to treat mental health patients by trying to change the patient's thought process. It is used to manage depression, drug abuse etc.  Let's come to normal person - your thought process determines who you eventually become in life, it is why we must teach our children the way of God early in life.  Paul in Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have ...

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV Devotion: The natural man needs only food, shelter, clothing and security all of which was provided for the first man in the garden of Eden (Gen: 15-16; Gen 3:21). Till date no matter what, these four needs are provided by God, (Philippians 4:19) through parents, governments, NGOs etc but the natural man have wants after getting their needs.  The wants range from one extra motor car to multiple houses, yacht, private jets (some have more than one) to electronic gadgets etc etc. This is not the plan of God for man it's lust lust and covetousness which are the cause of corruption in high places, stealing, killing and all types of vices in the society.  But if you seek first the kingdom of God then all that the natural man acquire through fraudulent means will be added to you (Matt 6:33).  Dearly beloved what do you seek? Please share your thoughts with...

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 KJV Devotion: In the life of a person there probably are several times when one was or will be in the valley of life. It's a time when you don't want to do anything, you just want to be left alone. The valley time is when the whole world seem against you, it is just impossible to continue because you're overwhelmed. The mantle of leadership fell on Joshua when he least expected, left to him the conquest of Cannanland should be abandoned. Joshua was in the valley of life immediately before and after the death of Moses that he had to be reassured several times, initially by Moses in Deut 31:6 above and by God (Joshua 1:9) before he proceeded forward to conquer the promised land.  I don't know your station in life now, you maybe on the mountain top, congratulations but if you are in the valley I a...

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 (KJV) Devotion: Meditating on the Word of God leads to revelation knowledge. The church is the body of Christ and all Christians across the world are a part of this body. As a child of God, you must know that Jesus Christ is building His body in general and you in particular (1 Peter 2:5). He is building you up to stand the test of time so that the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. In the course of being built to be strong, you will go through times of comfort and discomfort. Beloved, in the period of discomfort, make sure you do not complain or murmur; endure it and you will come out refined as gold. The enemy will throw many things at you, but if you submit to the Word of God, you will always prevail against him (James 4:7). Cheer up, brethren! God bless you! Prayer Point: My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I praise and worsh...

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 KJV Devotion: In the gospel according to St John, the light team was extensively used. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). This light is Jesus as John the Baptist testified to him: “He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light” (John 1:8). Even though he had “his light” (John 5:35), Jesus is only true light that came into the world (John 1:9). However, up until John 8:12, the author only indirectly says that Jesus is the light. But, in John 8:12 Jesus proclaims himself to the people including Pharisees (John 8:13) and the Jews (John 8:22) as the light of the world in public for the first time: “I am the light of the world.” If Jesus is the light, what does the world mean here? In John’s gospel, the world is the realm where the darkness dominates, because “...

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 KJV.  Devotion: Grace, is an unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration, sanctification or simply put deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God. The natural man does not deserve grace because of his sinful nature.  There's nothing we can do to buy it, because our good is just like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6a). God is magnanimous to you and me because He loves us and we are His creation. God does not want us to perish therefore He made a way of escape for us (2Samuel 14:14). God therefore gave us Jesus, His begotten son of God, that if we believe in Jesus we shall be saved (John 3:16)   There's no point deceiving ourselves, we cannot escape judgement without Christ. Now that we know this why are some still drawing back from the free gift of God? Lust of the flesh and eye will not permi...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 KJV Devotion: Peter shows us an appropriate response to God's great mercy to us: praise. Specifically, he blesses God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is one being, in three persons. In this case, he praises the Father while acknowledging Christ as our Lord.   It is important to get it right - we, human race are all sinners but because of God's Mercy we have grace to become sinnless because Jesus paid for our sins on the mountain of Calvary. Christ gave us hope by His ressurection that if we believe in Him we will live. This He demonstrated by appearing to the disciples. Another reason to believe is that He fulfilled His promise to send to us Holy spirit. In John 14:16, Jesus says  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide ...

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Psalm 103:15" Devotion : The psalmist came to a point in his life where he began to understand that life is short. He compared the human life to the grass and flowers of the field. In essence, when you are aware that life on Earth is short, you put forth your very best to live a fulfilled life-a life of knowing God and the Lord Jesus Christ and living to please them.  Finding God's purpose for your life should be your priority. Once you have found it, live it to the fullest, knowing that you will have to give an account for your stewardship of it.    There is a way to prolong your days: to fear God and depart from evil (Proverbs 10:27). Let's cheer up and live a fulfilled life unto the Lord. Hallelujah! Share your thoughts here. http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kjvstudybible.bible.kjv.bibleverses.bibleoffline

Genesis 13:10-11  And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Devotion: In this life we all have had to make a choice, in fact several choices on seemingly innocuous matter. We often don't think deep on the consequences of our choices. A simple matter such as choosing  a car, school or church can  have generational impact that can either be positive or negative.  Looking at the story of Lot from the passage above he chose the fertile land in the plain of Jordan. A right choice one would think, but there was Sodom and Gomorrah towns filled with sinful persons marked for destruction by God. Lot even made his tent near Sodom and later moved with him family into the to...

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 KJV Devotion: Isiah is one of the major prophets of God, he is a word of God and he prophesied about the future coming of Christ. He warned the nation Israel to prepare to receive Christ, though it was many centuries before Christ the Messiah came. But the prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist.    John, the son of Zechariah the priest, was that lone voice crying in the wilderness, urging his countrymen to repent of their sin and to, "prepare ye the way of the Lord." John the Baptist was the person ordained by God to make His paths straight and declare the arrival of the King of Israel to a nation that needed to repent from centuries of idolatry and sin.   Today Jesus is calling on you and me to go ye (Matt 28 vs 19) to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to every part of the world. Are you ready, I'm I ready? The time i...

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 KJV Devotion: This teaching is very important for any disciple of Jesus Christ especially new converts like the Galatians. You have been saved solely to safe others (Matt 28 vs 19). One way to do this is doing good to others thereby unbelievers will see your good and ask to join you therefore you will have opportunity to win them for Christ.   Solomon in his godly wisdom said in Proverb 3:27 "Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act" this is a very true teaching to follow. In the physical or secular jobs as you have opportunity you need to assist those deserving and be a good example for others to follow. On your street be a good Christian by reaching out to the less privilege. The still good clothes that you no longer use can keep some people warm, give it out. The indigent child will benefit from a scholarsh...

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts of Apostles 1:8 Devotion : There is a very good reason why every Christians need the power of the Holy Spirit. When Apostle Peter received the power of the Holy Spirit, he could not deny Jesus Christ any longer. Instead, he was emboldened to preach for Jesus Christ and was prepared to die for Him. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer in Christ Jesus to witness for Christ and be bold to live for Christ. When you are born again, ask for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit is already in you, you can ask Him to empower you to minister for Him, and He will do it. The initial sign is prophesying and speaking in tongues. After you have been filled, go out and witness for Jesus Christ, starting with your family or neighbors. As you do that, He will give you mo...

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6 KJV Devotion: Among Nigerian Christian it is common to recite this verse after prayers either corporate or individual prayers. People just recite it mindlessly, I say mindlessly because many recite it and go straight to sinful life.    People who are very corrupt in office, play church politics and therefore close their eyes on the sinful nature of church members still recite the verse. Many people one can describe as tenants in the house of devil will say "And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever".    The house of God is a place of purity, you have to be blameless, live a life of total obedience before you're admitted there. Some will say that God lives in us but then good will not in the body of a sinful person; so it's the same purity must prevail either way.   Dear reader, where do you want to live? House of God? Then co...

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. Psalm 119:2 KJV Devotional: In this long psalm we are thought many things that will improve our lives in the physical and spiritual. The psalmist tells us the four different ways to find happiness: obey God’s decrees, search for Him with all your heart, do not compromise with evil, and walk only in His paths. We are to do these with diligence, no half measure, not at our convenience but always and totally.  Man always seek pleasure through other means that the world offers but the happiness found in the world is so fleeting and unsatisfactory and the end result is life of sorrow, sadness and trouble. There is only one way to truly be happy, and that is found in the Lord. The devil does not give anything free he must take something in return. What he takes is always more than what he gave initially.    Dear reader, obeying God is not an option; it’s a necessity if you really want to be happ...

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15 KJV Devotion: The passage above is the single most important command of Jesus Christ to all believers all over the world to preach the Gospel and save human kind from eternal damnation. The message is clear, precise and it is meant to save human being.   It is not to be preached to animals for they have no knowledge of good and bad, not for angels because they are denied the privilege. The message says "to every creature" here the word creature means the one in the likeness of God. The human is the only creature all others things God commanded to be and they exist. The Bible in Genesis 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.   We as image of God need to be saved from eternal damnation because we sinned through Adam and Eve, but God sent His son Jesus Christ to save us John 3:16. If we are truly Jesus' ...

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4 KJV Devotion:  Yesterday's title "Praise God Always" is rightly followed by today's " "Enter His gates with Thanksgiving". In our culture it is expected that when someone does good to you, you appreciate the good by giving the benefactor a gift.    God is our benefactor, protector, Deliverer, helper, healer, Lover and giver of life. God is not a man, He does not eat human food that we will give Him chocolate or cards or other gifts. God does not demand money from us, all He wants is our Thanksgiving.  We don't have any other duty to God than to thank Him in total reverence, obedience and He will do more for us here and gift us with eternity in the hereafter.   Dearly beloved, go to God this morning with Thanksgiving and Praise. Bless His Holy name. Testimony awaits you but don't forget to thank in Him. Hallelujah!  By Jo...

Devotion: That you and I are alive again this morning is enough to praise God. That you're healed of your sickness, your financial situation or delivered from forces of darkness are some of the reasons to Praise God.   Dear reader, find a reason to praise God this morning. Sing along with me, if you don't know the song just read the words of it loudly. Testimony awaits you as you do. Hallelujah.  By Joel Olanrewaju, visit us at ojaysjoel.blogspot.com. for more devotionals. Hymn 069 - How sweet the name of Jesus sounds L.M. The Lord's name is to be praised. Ps. 113:3 1 f How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, Blessed be the name of the Lord; It soothes my sorrows heals my wounds, Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name, blessed be the name, Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name, blessed be the name, Blessed be the name of the Lord. 2 It makes the wounded spirit whole, Blessed be the name of the Lord; 'Tis manna to the hung...

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 KJV Devotion: Our heavenly father created everything on earth for us His regent to use for our good. God made everything perfect and blameless. He created the great lights - sun to rule by day, to give perfect light and warmness, Moon by night for a cool light at time of refreshing and the stars.  All God's creation are perfect and everlasting, His creations do not change (vary) they fulfill the purpose of their creation. But man fell out with God because of sin yet God made a way of escape for us because with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He gave His son Jesus Christ as propitiation for our sins.   He is the immutable God Who is eternally unchanging, never altering in His character, never failing in His promises, and never ceasing in His goodness and love towards us - for every good gift...

bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28 KJV Devotion: This is one of the early teaching of Jesus to his disciples, humanly speaking it is hard to practice and even comprehend but not impossible. The material below is from the internet and it explains the topic adequately.   "It is one thing to bless or pray for someone who is doing good to you, but to bless or pray for those who curse you is very different. To curse ( kataromenous ) is to cause harm or to persecute (as in  Matthew 5:44 ). Jesus is telling His listeners that the way to respond to one who seeks to harm us is to pray for his good.   Obviously, if we are motivated by self-interest, we would never pursue the good of our enemies. But Jesus is challenging His listeners to work from truly selfless love and concern for  the other . When we are acting for the benefit of someone else—even when it is undeserved—an incredible side benefit is that we ourselves are bl...

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21 KJV Devotion: "Having Christ’s commandments and keeping them: they must both concur to make a true indication of our love to Christ. It is possible that men may have Christ’s commandments in their ears, in their notion, in their mouths, and yet not keep them; they may hear them, they may know and remember them, they may talk of them, yet they may not keep them; for keeping them denotes universal, diligent and industrious, steady and constant obedience to them; and this alone will speak our love to Christ.   And if any man thus declareth his love to Christ, Christ declareth, that both he and his Father will take a pleasure and delight in him to do him good; and he shall not live only under the real benefits of his love to him, but under the sensible manifestations of it." Matthew Poole.   Th...

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. [Isa. 2:2, 3; Jer. 3:17.]  Isaiah 60:3 AMPC Devotion: In the Bible there were three significant prophecy to Jerusalem (read the passages above) on its future. All has been fulfilled.  Let's examine the importance of Jerusalem: "There is no city on earth that can compare in value to Jerusalem. While believers revere Jerusalem’s significance as the city  where Jesus walked , was crucified and rose from the dead, it was valuable to the Lord long before the time of Jesus. With over 800 references to Jerusalem in the Bible, one can learn a lot about it. There is only reason that this city has seen such spiritual and physical conflict since the beginning of time; God Himself has chosen this earthly city to dwell in and to establish His name among men". (Doug Hershey) Jerusalem is the controversial capital of today's Israel and spiritual capital of both Judaism and Christianity. Millions visit ...

"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Luke 6:48" Devotion : Jesus Christ compared those who do what He says to a wise builder who built his house on the rock. In other words, the foundation of the building determines both the strength and lifespan of the building.   Jesus Christ is the rock of ages on which we ought to build our lives. He said if we do His Word, we are wise builders. The wise builder is ready to face the floods and storms of life - which represent the challenges, trials, and difficulties of life - without being shaken by them. He is certain that life is not all rosy, and therefore His disciples must come to terms with this and prepare themselves to face life; He is expecting nothing but success from them.    Dear beloved, what foundation are you building your life on? ...

Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Devotion: I just watched the Dallas airshow in which multiple aircrashes occured. In the background some filthy words were utterred by the amateur video clip maker. She said "oh my f..king God". It is common place to hear "oh my gosh", I don't know what this means but certainly it is not edifying to hear such from children of God.   I begin to wonder where these filthy words come from. It definitely shows lack of knowledge of the biblical injunction not to use filthy words - Ephesians 5:4 "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving". People think these words are jokes but it is not.  Proverb 4:24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you, why because it shows who you are from the inside no matter how much you pretend. This is what Jesus says in Matt ...

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 KJV Devotion:Paul echoed the same message in Col 3:2 above. Remember Paul and other passengers in the merchant ship lost everything to storm thus he had first hand experience of how material things can just perish in a single moment. The more things we have, the more our things seem to have us. We start to organize our lives around them and spend money to maintain them.  Reason to keep our things in heaven: First, Jesus tells us to do it, and what God’s Son says goes. It’s a matter of obedience.  Second, treasures in heaven are clearly treasures that last. We live in a passing world with passing fancies. Recently there was heavy flodding in Nigeria and many other places; lots of people lost billions of dollars worth of property. Treasures in heaven are treasures that no one can take from your car, bank account, wallet or house and storm cannot destroy.   Third, the right kind of treasure-seekin...

https://youtu.be/1pDaaNAhJNk Matthew 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, Devotion: When the day off the Lord shall come where will you meet yourself. Will you be able to tell your family and friends that we shall meet on the shore again?  I want you to consider this questions because once the Bell tolls you cannot make any amends again. The time maybe long in coming, it maybe short as well because it says in 2 Cor 6:2 "now is the appointed time"   May good give us grace to live long and return to Him and Live for Him in Jesus name.  Dearly beloved let's have your thoughts on this matter. Cheers. Shalom   By Joel Olanrewaju visit us at ojaysjoel.blogspot.com city more devotionals.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: And their faces were not ashamed. Psalm 34:4‭-‬5 KJV Devotion: I want to discuss 1 Samuel 30:1-6, we are to consider a period in David’s life when he was plunged into great distress and trouble, and we shall see what he did in his time of trouble and how wonderfully the Lord undertook for him. Trouble is no respecter of persons (Job 5:7; 14:1). Maybe you are passing through a time of trouble now? If so, there is help in this study for you; and if you are not in the midst of trouble today, here is ministry in advance which will prepare you for some future day, for trouble comes to us all, and it is a good thing when we know what to do in a time of trouble. Notice, from 1 Samuel 30:1-6, that David's trouble was real.   Does yours have to do with some great loss in your life (verse 1); is it connected with your loved ones (verse 3); is it so great that you have wept until ...

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 KJV Devotion: The Bible has a great deal to say about love. In fact, the Bible says that “love is of God” and “God is love” ( 1 John 4:7–8 ); in other words, love is a fundamental characteristic of who God is. Everything God does is impelled and influenced by His love.   The Bible uses several different words for “love” in the Hebrew and Greek, interchanging them depending on context. Some of these words mean “affectionate love”; others indicate “friendship”; and still others, “erotic, sexual love.” There is also a distinct word for the type of love that God displays. In the Greek, this word is  agape , and it refers to a benevolent and charitable love that seeks the best for the loved one.   It is this agape love that God has for you and me, therefore God does not want us to perish. He, thus looked away from your sins, my sins and makes a way of escape f...

1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Devotion: There's a saying that winners do not quit but losers quit. Such is the story of David which is well known to you and me. He was anoited king over Israel at age between 16-19 years, according to the passage above but Saul was reigning at that time.  David was a warrior even from his shepherd boy days and he became immensely popular when he killed Goliath. King Saul was afraid and jealous of David and he wanted to kill David who became a fugitive and lived in caves. David twice had opportunities to kill Saul but because he feared God he did not lay his hand on God's anoited. If it was you what would you do?   David's time came when Saul and son Jonathan (David's friend) was killed in a war but he chose to reign in Hebron as king of Judah because Ishboseth son of Sau...

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 KJV Devotion: We live in orderly society governed by laws and regulations which must be obeyed. If you failed to obey one of the laws you're sanctioned but if you obey the law you have no fear and these are human laws. These set of laws can vary from place to place and time to time and you may not be aware. Thus you're panicky and if perchance you break the law you look foolish.  But the law of God are perfect and do not change from place to place or time to time. By giving your life to Christ and reading the Bible you become conversant with the law; the Holy Spirit guides you too live a life of total obedience and gives you joy. The joy comes because you have reward for obedience to the perfect law of God both here and hereafter.  Dearly beloved, be wise obey the perfect law of God and have joy. Do you have any thoughts or concerns please let's know. H...

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV Devotion: A Yoruba saying says "If you do one good and it is not profitable to you, then it definitely has wicked motif" The believe is that whatever good done will yield some form of good return.    So as a disciple of God, you're encouraged to continue doing good to others this morning, there is no room to be weary. Your reward comes very soon. In living for Christ there's no room to look back, no matter the situation. Life of total obedience must continue in ministry of giving, teaching, counseling etc no slacking. At the right time which only God knows your harvest will be ripe.   If you're not doing well yet I admonish you to have a change of heart today and start doing well because if perchance you you remain in the awkward status of evil doing your reward will also catch up with you. Revelation 22:12.  Dearly beloved, how are you doing? Time is not on ...

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 KJV Devotion: A prayer is a communication with God that demonstrate our faith in God. It shows our believe that He can do whatever we ask of Him and often time God does whatever we ask Him to do.   A very simple and important prayer is to ask God for our daily bread because that's is all that matters, once provided other things like shelter and clothing will follow. Health is assured if we eat good food and then we will have strength. If we have strength we can work and be blessed thus God would have fulfilled his promise to bless the labours of our hands. Read Deuteronomy 28:12  The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, " and to bless all the work of thine hand": and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.   Any other things(wants) especially luxury things out of food, shelter and clothing are wants, God is at liberty to provide it or not ...

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV Devotion: The words of wisdom aptly describe what happens to a person living alone and what will happen if he has a partner or two.  Nigerians were shocked at the story of a man who lived alone in a big compound. This man died on his bed and was not discovered untill four years later when reptiles from his overgrown compound started invading the neighborhood.   I urge everyone living alone this morning to make arrangement to get a partner or house help. God does not support living alone, He gave Adam help meet in Eve, He established the institute of Marriage. Further God said through the words of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 I quote "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie toget...

Colossians 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Devotion: Paul heard of the love and faith of the Colossians from Epaphras and decided to pray for them to continue in faith and grow in it. It is a good thing to believe Christ but as young believer you need prayer support to grow and become matured Christian.   This is important when we evangelize to look back and visit the young converts regularly, pray for and with them. It is also important to hand them over to a mature Christian leader who will guide them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If these steps are not taken most the people will backslide. May we not labour in vain.   Even in our secular jobs we need to teach and nurture future leaders otherwise the business may collapse.   Dearly beloved, have you been evangelizing, make sure to follow up with the new converts, nurture them to maturity. Share your experience w...

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV. Devotion: One electronic company named their products LG, which I found out that it means Life is Good. Truly this life is good especially for the wealthy and secured. Most are so rich that they forget the hereafter aka eternity. Whatever material things or property we amass on earth will definitely become outdated, consumed by fire, destroyed by storm.   In the gospel according to Saint John 14:2  Jesus says "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you". If we truly believe in Christ Jesus then then we should aspire to live with Him in this Mansion where fire or storm have no effect. No matter how long a person lives the hereafter is longer.   The coming Glory is just incomparable with this life. So while we enjoy this life we should be mindful of our eterni...

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 KJV Devotion: The bible defines Faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (HEB.11:1). A practical example of faith is this - A farmer prepares the ground ready and buy seeds to plant when the rain falls, though he does not have weather forecast. He has faith that rains will fall soon and truly the rain falls.   As a young doctor I made a diagnosis of perforated Duodenal Ulcer. I wanted to refer the old man to a bigger hospital but the patient declined. He said "my son I trust you, please perform the surgery on me and I will survive". This is a surgery I had never witnessed before but I summoned courage and the surgery successfully. The man went home in good health. When I asked why he wanted me to do the surgery he said "I have faith in you because I hear...

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17 KJV Devotion: In the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians, particularly chapter 3 Paul admonished the young christian population on living for Christ. Some of us are young Christians though we maybe born into Christianity but were we living right for Christ?     We have to realize that we are Jesus' disciples we have a duty to represent him well. We are the living ambassador of Christ, everything we do or say we do in Jesus name. He is the only one who has account with God and we can only go to God through him ( John 14: 13-14). You cannot just go to the president of your country without going through his personal secretary or assistant. Jesus is the Lord over all who believes (Philippians 2:11; Acts 10:36).   Again we must not claim anything done by God through us, we must recognize that God only used us. Some 'Christian leaders' claim...

The good news shows God’s power to make people right with himself. God’s power to be made right with him is given to the person who has faith. It happens by faith from beginning to end. It is written, “The one who is right with God will live by faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Romans 1:17 NIRV Devotion: I decided to ask this question because there's need to be explicit on it. A natural man lives by sight ie seeing is believing and that is scientific. Science does recognize or believe any occurrence that cannot be replicated using same method elsewhere.    We also know that many things happen to or around us that defies human reasoning or cannot be explained. An example is a woman well into menopause and who did not visit doctors for treatment yet after a prayer concieves and gives birth to a normal baby. In a totalled car accident the passenger was saved without an injury.   A believer lives by Faith which the bible says "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of ...

Love, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV Devotion: The amplified bible translates the verse above thus.... "It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail". 1 Corinthians 13:6 AMPC.    Real or truthful love does not tolerate sin or evil act, it will condemn sin unequivocally. Love is made happy where righteousness prevail. But unfortunately it is not so in the society again, people tend to celebrate people of questionable character, persons whose source of wealth is not known are the ones praised in the society. The reason is not far fetched - love of money.   A family prefers to give their daughter in marriage to the highest bidder without asking how such an one made his money. But we children of God must not join the worldly standard, we must maintain God's standard. We must abhor evil and love righteousness.  In your place of work or home don't cover up evil because y...

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27" Devotion : There are two kinds of peace: the worldly kind of peace and the Jesus Christ kind of peace.  The worldly kind of peace does not solve the troubled heart of a child of God. This is so because the child of God has been born into a different family, that is, the family of heaven, and worldly peace cannot appease heaven. Another reason is that worldly peace is limited, temporary and outward but they a heavenly peace/Jesus kind of peace is limitless and works from within before showing on the outside. Worldly peace can be taken by the devil who gave it in the first instance. It is the only solution to overcome fear, which fights us from the external forces of darkness while worldly peace is born out of fear.  An example of worldly peace is the "juju" man uses his voodoo to solve a problem for you but...