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 ...