ojaysjoel blog

Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” Genesis 37:5 (KJV)  Devotional: Dreams are just one of the ways God reveals His secrets to us. A dream takes place in our subconscious mind when we are asleep (1 Kings 3:5–15). When you sleep and you have a dream, don’t take it for granted.    Joseph did not take his dreams for granted; he narrated them to his brothers and parents. Instead of his brothers assisting him to bring his dream to reality, they resented him and decided to kill him and his dream (Genesis 37:5). They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, who brought him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh.   Beloved, the turn of events in Joseph’s life led to the fulfillment of his dream. He later became the prime minister in Egypt and saved his entire family from famine (Genesis 41:37–46).    Dear beloved, take every dream of yours into fervent prayer so that your good dreams can come to pass and y...

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. John 15:13 AMPC. Devotion: In my practice I have seen so many people on sick bed if you ask the relatives to donate they'll simply tell you we don't want two persons to die, we prefer to buy. This just shows the extent of love for the person.   Meanwhile we Africans express our emotions physically some by crying, jumping or outright collapsing and turning on the ground when we lose someone we loved. The wives and children are mostly uncontrollable especially when they lived together and loved each other.  While the burial right was on at the grave side we pretend as if we will jump into the grave with the dead person alas, few minutes after the grave is covered with sand, the dead person is forgotten. We move on to eating, drinking and dancing. The love for the person ends there.   From the passage quoted above we know the extent of Jesus' love for you an...

Luke 23:18-19  And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Devotion: My Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted and prosecuted for sins he did not commit. The ruler Pilate wanted him released but by some legal technicality of the time he must ask who to release from the people. Unfortunately for the people, they want Barabbas who really committed a sin released but the sinless Jesus was cast into the prison. As Nigeria prepares for the 2023 general elections, from the regular press and social media the outlook is the same. The people because of the pecuniary gain they will get have started queing behind Barabbas instead of Jesus.    Most of the contestants are people who had stolen government monies or had been alleged to steal monies. They all have baggages full of evil deals. If any has not, his father or God father had stolen. I just read of a for...

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19" Devotion : Our Lord Jesus Christ prioritized teaching over the fivefold ministry in Ephesians 4:11. When Jesus Christ trained His disciples He did not train them to be prophets even though prophets are also good, but He trained them to be teachers of His Word.  This should inform us that teachers are more important and elevated above the other four offices - that is, the office of the apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastors. It takes teaching of the Holy Scriptures to create understanding in new converts and even existing members of the body of Christ.  Teaching informs, guides, directs, counsels, comforts, multiplies, and retains the membership of the church.  Let the world learn from the church and elevate teachers in society into their rightly place.  Dear beloved, can you teach the Word of God? Share your thoughts here! Edit...

"Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Proverbs 12:20" Devotion : There are two categories of people on earth: those who imagine evil and those who imagine good. As we approach 2023 general elections in Nigeria, politicians have started their trade, I ask you dear reader, Which of these do you identify with or belong to?   A heart that imagines evil only has plans to deceive to have its way; it cannot offer anything good. When such people find their way in a high position, especially in government, what is predominant is corruption and embezzlement of funds.    However, there is hope because there are counselors of peace who produce joy in the lives of people. They are those who imagine good in their heart; when they are in a place of authority, they create an atmosphere of peace, joy and prosperity for all.  We the electorate should carefully listen to political campaigns and reflect on the acts of the politicians ...

"The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Psalms 103:6" Devotion : God Has positioned the saints at every point in time to assist the oppressed in society. The Lord Jesus Christ in His ministry on earth concentrated on the oppressed in society (Acts 10:38).  Likewise, Christians are encouraged to minister to the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. This is because the poor, needy, and oppressed are marginalized in society; they don't have a voice that speaks for them.   It is only God, according to the opening scripture, who executes  righteousness and judgment for all the oppressed.  Christians are the children of God through whom God will execute His righteousness and judgment on earth.    The man of God ministered to Deborah's parents recently as an example of what God expects from His children. Even though you and I may not be able able to gift someone a house or car, let us do what we can. A dollar is a lot to some ...

Jesus said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don’t, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who takes the humble position of this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3‭-‬4 NIRV. Devotion: Little children are mostly beautiful beings in and out. They are innocent and often very friendly especially amongst other children. They are playful, they easily fight over toys but almost IMMEDIATELY FORGIVE and play together again. This attribute differentiates children from adults. Children don't keep malice, gossip, covet, tell lies or do some of the evil things adults do. This is why Jesus says to enter the kingdom of heaven one must become as little Children in character in addition to accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour. Any one who will make heaven must be able to live a simple life, have a forgiving spirit and live a life of total obedience as a child does. Let's examine our lives ...

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 KJV Devotion: Paul counsels (bible is a living book) us to let our speech be gracious all the time. In other words we should make speeches that shows love, good counsel laced with salt so that Christ in us is manifested.  In Prov 25:11 ,  Solomon in  his wisdom says "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" while uncomely word is repugnant and leads to strife.    Dear reader, do your words show Christ in you? Do your words bring hope to the hopeless or make them look for hope elsewhere away from Christ. Let Holy Spirit guide you to make gracious and loving speeches that bring Hope to the hopeless.   Share your testimonies with us. Hallelujah.        -JO.

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (Read 1 John 4 8-12) Devotion: In human relations, when a person loves another,he does everything to please the person he loves. This is not only in romantic relationship but also in platonic relationship. The persons involved most of the time try to avoid hurting each other, they assist each other, keep secrets and share interests.  But unfortunately humans turn the love of God through His son Jesus Christ to one way traffic. The love flows from God to us even while we were yet sinners God sent his son to die for us, thereby reconciled us to God. He did not ask or take anything from us all he demanded is to love him in return by giving our lives to him.  We find out that this becomes a very serious issue to human race because of the love of self, lust of the flesh. This is why there is evil on earth today. We watch tv and read stories online of wars, bomb blast, robbery, gun shots, racism and like all because th...

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalms 103:1-2   Devotion: David came to this conclusion to Bless the Lord because he knew what God did for him and human race. This Sunday morning let all living Soul who knows what God has done, doing and shall do bless His Holy Name. I will therefore urge you, dear readers to sing along with me this beautiful song from the Christ Apostolic Church, Gospel Hymn Book 79: Title: Praise my soul the King of Heaven Lyrics 8.7.8.7.4.7. Based on - Ps.103:1. Bless the lord, O my soul.  1. Praise my soul the King of Heaven   To His feet thy tribute bring,   Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,   Who like Thee His praise should sing   Praise Him! Praise Him!   Praise the everlasting King! 2. Praise Him for His grace and favour   To Our father in distress;   Praise Him still the same for ever,   Slow to ch...

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 KJV Devotion: The writer of Hebrews tells us this morning to come to the throne of Grace because that is the only place we can obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need. As living persons we have lots of needs both physical and spiritual but we can only get free help from only one source. The source is sitting at the throne of Mercy and is Jesus Christ.   A child goes boldly to his or her parents when he/she lives right with them. An obedient child, the one with good grades in school and the morally upright has no fear asking for anything from the parents.    The morally corrupt child will be afraid to approach the parents, the same principle applys to you and me this morning. We have to examine and re-examine our relationship with God. Are we living right and hence bold enough to approach Christ for help?  Dear reader, let us ret...

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV Devotion: Paul an apostle of God by Christ Jesus boldly declare... "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". Let's examine the sentence; the first and very important word 'my' is possessive, this tells us that Paul belongs to God, a child of God, he had come to that level in his relationship with God that he could say 'my God'. Paul's relationship with God was deep and very good. The second is 'shall' a word that denotes a must or guaranteed expectation. The assurance is sure, will not fail. This is a measure of trust that Paul had in God. Paul's God cannot fail. The third is 'all' meaning God will provide all, everything not a part of it. This tells us that Paul's God is very rich, He has everything in abundance and can and indeed provides for the nearly 8 billions humans on ea...

“You are worthy, our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You are worthy because you created all things. They were created and they exist. This is the way you planned it.” Revelation 4:11 NIRV Devotion: We sing praises of someone when such an one does something wonderful or impressive. It could be in sports, medicine, entertainment or something personal so people go on to worship the performer by making him/her their hero or heroine. Our Lord and God is such a Worthy God that we should worship him daily in our speech, dressing and action. We must honour Him and praise Him daily by reading our Bible, evangelising and total obedience to His words. Dear reader, how do you worship him? Please share your experience with us.        -JO

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Matthew 6:19" Devotion : Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is so good to point out to us two places where treasures are kept: on Earth and in heaven. These two places have certain attributes which are worthy of note. Earth as a place on which treasures are kept is limited: moth and rust on Earth could destroy the treasures, and even thieves could get access to the treasures and steal them. On the other hand, heaven as a place in which treasures are kept is not limited: moth and rust cannot destroy them, nor can thieves break through and steal.   What one person may regard as a treasure may not be regarded as a treasure by another person. Therefore, whatever our heart yearns for and takes our maximum attention and quality of time may be regarded as treasure. God regards the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as His utmost treasure. Therefore, those whose he...

The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God. [Deut 10: 12,13], Micah 6:8 NIRV. https://bible.com/bible/110/mic.6.8.NIRV Devotion: In Yoruba language, the word interpreted as human being (ENIYAN) means humans chose. I think the word aptly describe humans because of all creatures we humans are the only specie given the ability to chose between good and bad, between evil and no evil, between devil and God.  To a person who has not heard of God and his son to do evil is right, even some have gone to slaughter humans on the streets in defense of their gods or to appease it. This is because they have not heard of God and his son Jesus Christ.   It becomes easy to chose what God requires especially to the born again Christian because he/she has known the devil and now in Christ Jesus. He/She has a new nature, new name and have made...

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 KJV. (Please read the whole chapter prayerfully and let the Holy Spirit interpret it to you. Hallelujah). Devotion: Since the fall of man in the Garden of Aden all were judged guilty. The laws of Moses condemned all who live by the flesh therefore all must atone regularly by shedding the blood of animals. In actual fact the sin only get transferred to next generation. But the merciful God saw this and knew it was not good so He sent His begotten Son - Jesu Christ, John 3:16, as propitiation for our sin.   Therefore if you believe in Christ and live for Christ not after the flesh as before, then the Holy Spirit will dwell in you. When the Holy Spirit lives in you and with you, He the Holy Spirit will guide you right. You will be living not after or for the flesh again but according to the dictates of the Spirit (John 3:18). Therefore there's n...

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalms 34:19" Devotion : Reading the opening scripture should encourage believers in Christ Jesus to keep pressing on in the midst of challenges or afflictions. The Holy Spirit wants us to focus on Jesus Christ, the Deliverer, because there is a sure Word that He will deliver us from all our afflictions or difficulties. When we focus on the Deliverer, He gives us more grace to overcome our obstacles.  However, when we focus on the afflictions or challenges, doubt, fear, and anxiety are created in us which robs our faith and our ability to receive grace to overcome. Hence, we complain, murmur, and feel self-pity, which prolong the afflictions and draw us back in the faith; they may even rob us of our joy in Christ, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  Dear beloved, are you going through any afflictions or challenges? What do you think you must do to overcome them? Share your comments he...

The Lord is good. When people are in trouble, they can go to him for safety. He takes good care of those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NIRV  Devotion: The world is in turmoil today due to war in Ukraine, many parts of Africa, Asia and South America. In some other places there's financial crisis and let's I forget COVID-19 is still much around and still killing lots of people.   All over the place people take different types of measures to survive depending on human reasoning, their financial capability and state apparatus. The end result is only temporary and it always comes with collateral damages. In war attempt to protect self leads to death of some others. As nations try to prevent COVID-19, the industries stop producing, farmers stop going to farm leading to shortage of foodstuffs. But we have a good God who is waiting patiently for us to call on him and He is ready to deliver us. If the world believe in God there will not be any need to fight wars, people will be cont...

"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Timothy 2:4" Devotion : God is good. He is good because He does not want anybody to go to hell. Even though He does not want anyone to go to hell, He has left everyone to his own will; in other words, He has allowed mankind to make their own choices.  The almighty God, through His saving plan, gave Jesus Christ to mankind that through Jesus all men can be saved. For this reason, the gospel is still being preached today; this is the saving knowledge God is conveying to the people of the world through His ministers of the gospel.    The desire and expectation of the Father of creation is that sinners, evildoers, and the wicked will take advantage of the knowledge of Christ and be saved. If they don't choose the path of salvation, then they have chosen the path of eternal damnation.   Dear beloved, what path have you chosen? Share your thoughts here! http://play.google.com/store/apps/detail...

He cuts off every branch joined to me that does not bear fruit. He trims every branch that does bear fruit. Then it will bear even more fruit. John 15:2 NIRV. Devotion: The grapes usually were on terminal branches, ditto for oranges. Once harvested the terminal branches either die of or withers to the extent it cannot bear fruit. Such branches are removed buy good Gardners because if left it will not allow the tree to sprout new branches that will bear fruit. The old dry branches will eventually kill the orchard or grape. What's that barren fellow in your life? You have to trim it off before you die spiritually. It maybe that hobby of yours that you so much like that stopped you from bearing fruits for Christ, please trim it off. Reduce the number of times you go to that club or the amount of time spent in front of the screen. Sorry the branches could be old friends who refused to give their lives even after much effort on them. Try once more by cutting off the fruitless branches -...

 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14  Devotion: We children of God have reason to rejoice and to be blessed because our father God has provisions in stock for us. All we need to do is to ask for it. In Matt 7:7 Jesus says "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" but many of us keeps complaining because they lack. The reason for that is many fold - some keep asking but not in the name of Jesus. Such can be compared to someone going to withdraw money from the bank where he/she does not have an account. Only Jesus has account with God so when you ask in His name John 14:14, ( use His check book) you receive. Some of us keeps asking without taking the right step. It is like praying for job when you don't have the requirements for the job. It's not possible in that wise. Some others present their request to God in an unbecoming manner. Paul says in Philippians 4:6  "Be careful for not...

Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words. Proverbs 18:21 NIRV Devotion: The tongue is a very small part of the body. In adult female it weighs in average 60g and 70g in males. There's a Yoruba song that says the tongue is the sweetest animal flesh. It is the bitterest part. It can be compared to the rudder of a ship, though small it is used to direct the ship to desired destination. It has the power of life and death either to the user or to who it is used. The tongue can be used to edify or to bring down, to uplift, to invocate curse (to  call   forth  by incantation, to conjure) to curse war. It's use cannot be counted.  The question this morning is "How do you, do I use your/my tongue? As children of God we have duty to use our tongues positively in praises, edifying, in correction of others constructively with love. We must not harshly critizise others especially the unbeliever or children. Ou...

So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in my hands. I always do what is right. Isaiah 41:10 NIRV https://bible.com/bible/110/isa.41.10.NIRV Devotion: A working week begins this morning and some have to travel on bad and dangerous roads. Yesterday a story of kidnapping was told in the church, it was chilling but thank God the person remains alive after hefty ransoms was paid. This is enough reason to be afraid before embarking on that journey on Nigerian roads, but you have a living God. He says do not be afraid or terrified because He's with you. Have you given your life to Christ? Are you living in total obedience? If your answer to both questions is yes Congratulations. Just pray and embark on your trip.  If your answer is No, take the steps now: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ your son, I accept Him as my Lord and Saviour, I give my life to him.  Please forgive me and keep me awa...

It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NIRV Devotion: There is true Love which is AGAPE love and there's infatuation which some people call love; but it is not more than the love for a chicken - kill and eat it. Agape love is described in 1 Cor 13 1-13, it is the type of Love that is ready to lay down His/Her life for a friend. Its attributes are well described in the verse of the day above. It is the type of love Jesus has for you and me if we give our lives to him as Lord and Saviour.  But infatuation only takes from you and it is not ready to give you. It is selfish, not trustworthy, cheats, easily gives up, gossips, not deep and it is driven by lust of the flesh and eyes. In other words it is sinful. Dear reader, what type of love do you have for your spouse - Agape or Lust? Are you single, looking for a life partner? Let the word of God guide you. If the attributes of true Love are not present it's fake, lust of the fle...

Scripture says, “Honor your father and mother.” That is the first commandment that has a promise. “Then things will go well with you. You will live a long time on the earth.” (Deuteronomy 5:16) Eph 6:2‭-‬3 NIRV Devotion: To live a beautiful, healthy long life and be blessed of God, you need to fulfill this obligation which is well spelt out in the scriptures Deut 5:16, Eph. 6:2-3. The commandment says Honour your parents and did not qualify the type of parent either believer or not. Therefore do not hide under any concerns to deny them honour and care. This commandment is the only commandment with a promise - that you will live long. To honour them means - take care of them especially in their old age when they cannot care for themselves again. Each time you do they will bless you.  Dear reader if you have given your life then do the needful - honour your parents and care for them. The blessings that follows will be yours. Do you have concerns about this? Please share it with us. H...

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)   The key to unlocking your breakthrough starts with prayer. Apostle Paul walked with God and discovered a key to unlocking every breakthrough he desired. The key is prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.   As a child of God, let prayer be so important to you that if you don’t offer it, you feel something is missing in your life. Prayer time is the time for receiving breakthroughs or answers from God (Mark 11:23–24). Pray humbly with determination and have faith in God that He will do it.   Beloved, continuously thanking God is a sign of faith that you have received the answer spiritually; whatever you have received spiritually will manifest physically for your enjoyment (1 Thessalonians 5:18). May prayer sections be your best moments in your relationship with God and you will always walk in breakthroughs. Hallelujah! B...

God has chosen to make known to them the glorious riches of that mystery. He has made it known among the Gentiles. And here is what it is. Christ is in you. He is your hope of glory. Christ is the one we preach about. With all the wisdom we have, we warn and teach everyone. When we bring them to God, we want them to be like Christ. We want them to be grown up as people who belong to Christ. Colossians 1:27‭-‬28 NIRV https://bible.com/bible/110/col.1.27-28.NIRV Devotion: We followers of Christ have only one assignment given us by Christ Himself and that is preach Christ to all nations Matt 28:20. In other words make disciples of all nations.  Gentiles cannot preach Christ unless "God has chosen to make known to them the glorious riches of that mystery". This is possible when we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour. When Christ lives in us and we become children of God, coheirs with Christ, our Hope of Glory is assured.   We must guard this hope jealously because our adversary...

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Timothy 3:17" Devotion : The opening scripture has enlightened us about God's goal to train his children by His Word. His goal or objective is to bring His children, especially leaders, to a place of maturity and perfection for good works.   God is not happy when his leaders fail; therefore, He trains them thoroughly and expects them to be good examples to their followers. Our goal as children of God is to submit to the training of God no matter how tough it may seem.  Also, we should aim to thoroughly go through all the training planned for us so that we can mature and be ready for good works; otherwise one may fail when under pressure. We must be well grounded in the word and its application to real life needs and we must allow Holy Spirit to guide us always.  Dear beloved, how ready are you for good works? Share the word. Pressing towards the cross till perfect like Jesus Chr...

no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ESV Devotion: Heritage is something or attribute acquired from ancestors or through natural birth. Now God has described His own type of Heritage for you and me if we are qualified.  The question is am I qualified? Are you qualified? To qualify we must be children of God labouring in His Vineyard. So are you a child of God? In other words are you born again (accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour)? Is the Holy Spirit in you, because without it you cannot be effective servant of God. If you are not born again or you slipped back now is time to come to Jesus, 2 Cor 6:2, it might be too late tomorrow. The train is ready to move get on it quickly and begin to enjoy the benefits attached, Isaiah 54:17 as children and servants of God. The Lord bl...

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 ESV Devotion: The psalmist described God as above, he saw God from many angles and compared Him with Rock because large mountains are insurmountable. We read history of the wars of Israel and other races where they hide inside caves in the rocks and were saved from invaders. Thus, the rock was a place of refuge and a stronghold from to which you escape after striking your enemy. In fact God is everything to the psalmist. To me God is my ALL - the reason I am alive, my joy, my strength, my saviour, my power and in fact God is the source of my life. I cannot just find enough words to describe my God. Dear reader, how would you describe God. Share your comments with me. Hallelujah!