ojaysjoel blog

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jas.1.19.KJV Devotion: The Yoruba has a saying that cautious (gentle, measured) reaction brings peace but harsh response brings harm. Grossly translated it means don't respond too quickly and harshly to situations.  We live in a world full of aggression partly due to economic situations and fast paced life; there's tendency to make knee jerk response without proper evaluation of the situation. Most of the time such response is not properly thought out and it leads to further aggressive response from the opponent.  As children of God we are to follow the example of God who despite our sinful nature did not destroy us but instead sent His son Jesus Christ to redeem us to Himself. This is why sinners live long because God is slow to anger (Nehemiah 9 vs 17, psalm 103 vs 8) so that the sinner can come to his senses and repent.   Are you o...

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/php.4.9.KJV Devotion: Paul an Apostle of Christ followed the footsteps of Christ and God of peace was with him, hence he preached same to the Philippians. When a child has godly parents and followes in their footsteps the future is always bright because God of peace will guide them.    Dear reader, congratulations if you have given your life to Christ or you will imminently because you become a child of God immediately. Once a child of God, follow in His footsteps and the peace of God that surpasses human understanding will be yours.  Dearly beloved, take the bold step this day and enjoy God's peace in fullness. Please share your testimonies with us here. Hallelujah. Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach me on gbemide09@gmail.com for questions, suggestions, counseling and prayer requests. Devotionals ar...

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.30.5.KJV Devotion: The Bible is full of promises for the children of God who endured, in the past few days we studied the beatitudes which are promises of blessing for perseverance, obedience and service to God and humanity.  Today's passage is a re-assurance that though we may be going through situations beyond our capacity but we must keep standing in faith because joys comes soon. The soon may not be tomorrow morning but surely it will come. Remember the story of Job, he endured and was rewarded with double portion. I am not praying for what happened to Job but we are humans.    A woman went into shock but fortunately she recovered and gave testimony that her broken leg was restored and she was running towards heaven in white cloth during the period of shock. This is what will happen if we endure to the ...

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.10.KJV Devotion: In the world today are still several places where Jesus cannot be preached because the law forbids it. In others, people have been slaughtered like ram by people who believe they are fighting for God yet they kill preachers of the word of God.  Here Jesus says there's a great reward for those who seek righteousness and live it. When you struggle against inequality, against stealing in work places, when you dress modestly, when you refuse to join in gossiping etc people will call you names, your boss will post you to the library or village as punishment because you're against stealing.  Don't you worry, Jesus suffered same treatment Matt 5 :11-12, the disciples of yore suffered same treatment, most of them were put to gruesome death. But they are rewarded for doing right. You may not be killed for doing...

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.9.KJV Devotion: In continuation of the study of the beatitudes, today ask yourself - do I want blessings from God? If yes then be a peacemaker.  Who is a peace maker or how do I become a peacemaker? The first step is reconciliation with God by accepting Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Two is repentance from sin and staying in Christ. Three have Holy Spirit dwell in your heart. Then you have peace with God.  Then allow Holy Spirit to guide your relationship with your family members, neighbours and colleagues whenever peace is lacking. Your personal conduct should bring peace to troubled minds, the happiness in your marriage should also broadcast peace to your friends.  Dearly beloved, make effort to be a peacemaker today. Share your testimonies with the people around you and call them to Christ. Hallelujah.  Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach m...

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.8.KJV Devotion: The beatitudes continue with discussing on purity of heart. What does purity means? It means spotless, crystal clear, free of germs etc. Purity of heart however means a heart that received grace, because no man is perfect or can be perfect except Jesus.  But when you truly confess and repent of your sins, Jesus will make you perfect and present you to his father God. Therefore if you want to see God you have to go through Jesus and receive grace. Going through Jesus means accepting him as Lord and Saviour over your life.  Dearly beloved, do you really want to see God?  Take the chance today it maybe the last chance before the train moves 2 Cor 6:2. Share your opinion with us here. Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach me on gbemide09@gmail.com for questions, suggestions, counseling and prayer requests. Devotionals available on ojaysjoel.blogspot.com. Full ...

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.7.KJV Devotion: The series continue today, Jesus says "blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy", we have a saying in Yoruba that says "I was merciful to someone but did not receive mercy in return, show hidden wickedness in you." Let us s examine Jesus' statement above ... Shall ... it means a must ie if you are merciful, you must receive mercy. Unless there was wickedness or hidden agenda in the mercy you gave. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:4-5  "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"   Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness yet fervent about grace and mercy that is why though we are sinners who deserve punishment, Jesus gave grace to reconcile us with God and mercy to live when he rose fro...

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.6.KJV Devotion: Every living soul is born a sinner because of our great ancestor Adam and Eve, but bedside that there's great sin ongoing on earth. The powerful oppress the weak, strong Nations oppress weaker Nations, husband wife, parents oppress children and some children oppress their parents when they become strong etc. Everywhere is filled with different level of unrighteousness and there's need to make it right with God.   In the passage above is a promise that you and I will be filled, satisfied, blessed etc if we seek righteousness and stay in it. How do we do that? Jesus is righteousness, the only sinless person to tread on earth so when we seek Jesus and accept him as Lord and Saviour over our lives we become filled, satisfied and blessed.    It is only when we live right we can fight injustice around us because we know ...

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.5.KJV Devotion: In the spiritual, meekness is power submitted to God's control, it is different from weakness, lack of power or lack of support or influence. In actual fact it is reliance on God's power when you decide not to judge, when you decide to let go and instead praise God. Then God will act on your behalf and do the needful.  Is anyone lording it over you and seemingly you cannot overcome him by your power? Simply submit to God in prayers and wait for God's judgement. The Israelites could not overcome Pharaoh by the strength of arms God did for them. The walls of Jericho was a big issue on the way, but it went down when Israelites submitted to God's order.  Dearly beloved, all you need is submit to God having done your humanly part, God will do the rest. Hallelujah! Don't forget to share your testimony with us. Written by me Dr Joel Olanrewaju, I can be r...

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.4.KJV Devotion: The second promise in the beatitudes is our case study today. In this Jesus promises to comfort those who mourn. The question here is mourn what? A loss, grieve or sickness or a mourn over ones' sin.  You'll definitely be comforted whichever of these you mourn over. But I'll like to dwell on sin. As it is modern these days people just say they have repented of their sin and given their lives to Christ but you check their lives there's no difference. In the days gone by people actually mourn, grieve or feel sorrowful and remorseful over their sinful life. Then God sees genuine repentance and forgives them and they are comforted.  I was convicted of my sin once while listening to a Sunday service sermon. I felt so remorseful that I openly cried and I went into the vestry to kneel down confess the sin. I got immediate relieve and I was comforted of the ...

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.3.KJV Devotion: The amplified Bible classic edition interpretes this verse fully to bring out the meaning: "Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"    These are the words of Jesus Christ in sermon on the mountain in which he taught the Apostles before sending them out into the world. The teaching, (Matt chapters 5 to 7) serves as foundation of the ministry of Christ. Many of us followers of Christ will have to learn these words of Christ so that our foundation can be very solid and unshakeable. When we do that we'll not easily fall into the trap of sin, therefore we have to study the bible daily.  The lesson from the verse i...

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9" Devotion : The apostle Paul prayed onto the Lord three times and His response was, "my grace is sufficient for you". Dear reader, if you are born again, you have received grace in your life. This grace is a special ability to accomplish what natural ability cannot achieve. Whatever your challenge, there is enough grace to overcome it. If you are going through a tough time, remember that the grace which you have received is sufficient to overcome it. Therefore take the problem to God in prayers and just believe, God will solve it for you in Jesus name.  God bless you as you share your testimonies.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.26.KJV Devotion: Sometimes, you kneel down to pray and the words to say just refuse to come yet you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit of God. Do not despair or be weary, the spirit prays for you. Jesus is our advocate constantly praying for us, the Holy Spirit is also praying for us so we have 2/3 of the trinity praying for us before God in other words the trinity works for us constantly. Praise God, nothing can be better than this.    When you have a situation and it seems no way out suddenly things start to fall in place for you(psalm 16:6) it is the Spirit that prayed for you.   Dear reader, God is putting people on your path to make sure your destiny is fulfilled, he arranges you to meet the necessary persons who will assist...

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.22.4.KJV Devotion: I've never seen whales before but its picture that I saw showed how awesome it is and I am humbled because as small as I am compared to whales (if trained) I can control it. So who am I not to humble myself before God who created the mighty oceans, the mountains, big animals etc.  Even Solomon in all his wisdom and splendour understood that humility and fear of the Lord brings riches and greatness but the opposite beings down kings, queens and nobles. Solomon said in Proverbs 16:18 that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Do you remember queen Vashti?(Esther 1: 12 &19)She was replaced with a slave woman Esther, King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and made to eat grass for 7 years before coming to his senses. (Daniel 4 : 25-35) I am sure non of us will like to suffer that, even if not up to that.  ...

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1" Devotion : A refuge is a shelter or protection from danger and a fortress is a fortified place; therefore, the Psalmist says God is our shelter and fortified place. Although most of us live in physical shelters and sometimes these shelters are fortified, having God as shelter and fortification is greater than all else.    His Word is our secret place of comfort and we must trust the Word of God as the scriptures are still potent and relevant to our generation. Let us trust the Word and use it as the solution to our challenges. Dear reader, who is your refuge and fortress? Share your comments here!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.5.24.KJV Devotion: Jesus evangelises to you this morning through me that if you believe in Jesus Christ who sent me (Mark 16:15) you will be saved.  If you want to see the person speaking out of the radio set or television set you will destroy it because you cannot see the speaker there. You have to visit the studio, the one who sent me is inside of me and you can not see Him unless you believe that He exists.    All you need is believe He (Jesus) who sent me and make Him Lord over your Life. This is why it is called Faith and it is the most important INGREDIENT OF CHRISTIANITY, Faith in the unseen God through Jesus Christ his son.   Once you have Faith in God through Jesus Christ, then you're home and dry. All you need do is remain in Fa...

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. Romans 12:2 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.12.2.KJV Devotion: We lived in this world and did things the people of the world do, we used to drink, womanize, curse, misbehave outrightly etc etc. But thank God for Jesus we gave our lives to Christ Jesus and nailed our sins to the cross of Christ. When were baptized we were buried because we died to sin but when we got out of the water we rose with Christ and became a new being.   We still live in the world so we are not perfect yet so we need to continuously renew our mind so as not to revert back to the worldly behaviour. What do we need to do? 1) read the word(Bible) daily and get new knowledge of God. There will be no alibi on the day of judgement. 2) Communicate with God daily this means pray to God daily, it will keep us focused on God and strengthen your Fa...

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 KJV Devotion: When Jesus says to love your enemies, does that mean allowing them to continually abuse you, maltreat you, or claim access to your life? Jesus Christ specifically gave us healthy tips on how to show God’s agape love to our enemies: to speak blessing upon them when they curse us, to pray for them that use us and persecute us, and to do a good thing for them when they are in need, even if they hate us.   Beloved, you can powerfully show God’s love with healthy boundaries toward your enemies. Loving them doesn’t mean allowing them to step all over you or abuse you.   But when your enemy is in need, don’t hesitate to offer help. When your enemy is troubled, offer a prayer and sympathize with their pain. And continue to speak good things about them even if they curse you and say all kinds of nega...

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13 KJV Devotion: Good morning and welcome to a new week. In the Bible verse of today God says Do not Fear , this is a re-assurance from God to His children that, no matter what we should not be afraid for He will help us. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This statement is a reinforcement of the earlier passage by God Himself. I therefore urge you to come to Jesus this morning, no matter who you are sinner or not, for God says in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." God will forgive you and make you pure and Holy.   Then no matter what you my reader is going through maybe financial crisis, ill health, marriage problem, troubled child etc, t...

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 Devotion: Paul was in prison waiting for judgement that may lead to death(he was executed like other apostles) but instead of worrying, he gave thanks and worshipped God. It is unimaginable that somebody incarcerated can praise and worship God.   It was possible because Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit which made it easy for him not to worry in such a serious situation. He was not worried because he Paul did not operate in the flesh like most of us do. Worry is an indicator that one works in the flesh, it a distrust in the living God. Those who worry engage in self help by seeking out socerers, marabuts etc.   Instead of worrying about anything go on your knees in prayers, praise and worship God in the believe that God has answered your prayers and God will do. Dearly beloved, are you in any situation that's beyond ...

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.4.11.KJV Devotion: The Almighty God created the universe and all in it both the visible and invisible. He created you and me for a special purpose and to be able to achieve this God places us in the midst of the universe.    This is what Apostle John saw in the revelation and narrated to us so that we know our duty on earth. Our duty is to praise and worship our Creator in our being, in our relationship, work, speech and in fulfilling the Great Mission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.(Matt 28:19)   We are created at God's pleasure and we must work to please Him not to please  ourselves as some do. Such ones accumulate wealth for themselves instead of using such to bless the less privileged, they take even from the poor and refuse to even pray for the poor. I'm not a jud...

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 KJV Devotion: Sin is inevitable in our human nature (1 John 1:8). And even as new creations in Christ, we are required to continually renew our mind with God’s Word so that we are constantly washed by it and realigned according to God’s will and purposes! And, as the opening scripture says, constant meditation and application of God’s Word in our lives will keep us from sinning!   Beloved, we praise the Lord for both the written word and the Living Word! Any time we feel lost and struggling to get up on our feet, His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105)! And His amazing grace, love, and mercy are far greater than any sin and shame! Beloved, keep the Word burning in your heart and bask in the Father’s love every day!  Prayer point: Abba Father, as I meditate on Your Word day and night, thank You for keeping my heart from sinning against You. As I focus on Who You...

There is none holy as the LORD: For there is none beside thee: Neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.2.2.KJV Devotion: Hannah waited so long before she had Samuel, she was derided, abused and made to cry. But God answered her prayers at the appropriate time (God's time is always appropriate) and Hannah sang the song saying "There is none holy as the LORD: For there is none beside thee: Neither is there any rock like our God."  I don't know what you have be waiting for since all these years but I know that your time to sing a new song is here. All that is required of you is steadfastness in Faith and prayers. Just as Hannah prayed in Shiloh yearly until God answered her.    Let's remember that God is the only one who sees our past yet continues to love us, He is the only one who continues to be compassionate with us, God only cares for and about us and sees our tomorrow. He only is the one who can solve our problems ...

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Romans 15:5 KJV Devotion: Living a life that please Christ is one difficult thing that only He can make possible for us. We know that with God all things are possible because there's nothing God cannot do.(Matt 19:26)  Most times in life we are fed up and want to quit because of the attitude of others or some other difficult to handle situations. Here God always come in for His children, He gives you power to endure till the storm be over. When in a relationship you are discouraged God encourages you to keep trugging on till you find solution to the problem at hand, solution that will bring Unity in the body of Christ so that the great commission can be carried on as directed by Christ Jesus (Matt 28:19).  God gives us ability to Endure, He Encourages and Unites us His children either in daily life or Spiritual Life. Dearly beloved, what are you going through in tha...

but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.1.7.KJV Devotion: Psalm 119 vs 105 says God's word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, meaning the Bible is light; we also know that God is word and His son Jesus is the light of the world. When we give our lives to Christ we walk in Jesus' light because He is light.     When we choose to walk in His light we embrace love, truthfulness and faith, it also means we surrender our lives to God. This light guides us as lamp unto our feet to see other disciples of Christ and we fellowship with them. As a result we are able to learn from other disciples and they too from us thus we grow together in God's love, righteousness and faith.     The blood of Jesus purges us of our sins so that we can reflect this light of God to unbelievers around us. We thus bec...

"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8" Devotion : It is our decision and an honor to put the LORD first in our life; when we put Him first, we set ourselves up for continual victory. We know we are saved by grace through faith and as a result we get to do things.  We get to love God, we get to love ourselves, and we get to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. He will not allow us to be moved, let alone be defeated. Have you put Him first? Tell us how!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.100.4.KJV Devotion: The Lord God inhabits our praises and He, God created us to praise Him and thank Him for creating us, for his goodness, love and kindness. In Hebrews 13:15 the Bible says "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."  Let us emulate the disciples of Christ (and we are His disciples) as we read in Luke 19:37  "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;"   It is very good to start our days with thankfulness for the past day, to show appreciation for the expected future and to thank God for Jesus Christ our Saviour and Hope for tomorro...

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 KJV Devotion: This verse taken from the book of prophet Zephaniah is a prophecy about the future of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It paints the an amazing picture of a people dwelling securely and safely, prospering in intimate, loving community and joy with one another.   This is only realizable when Jesus returns and reigns among those who gave their lives to Christ as their Lord and Saviour. There will be unlimited joy and happiness because the people are secured from their enemy the devil. The Lord will rest because devil will be tamed and has no power over the children of God.  I wish and hope to be there and I pray that the Holy Spirit assist me to be there. Dearly beloved, what is your plan? There's still ample chance to make it by giving your life to Christ even now(2 Cor 6:2) and repent of...

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 KJV Devotion: Welcome to the first day of September 2023. I pray that God keep you alive safe and sound through the month and beyond in Jesus name.   The message this morning is a call to duty without distraction. It is a good thing to focus on one thing or the other eg building a business empire, raising godly children, carrier etc but in caring out the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19) we must not allow any distraction.   That exactly is what Apostle Paul describes above, he had to forgo the enjoyment of life, friends, personal business etc for Christ even to the point of death. You may not be able to go the extent to which Paul went but you have to keep trying as the Holy Spirit guides you to do the work daily. We nee...