ojaysjoel blog

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. Psalm 119:2 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.119.2.KJV Devotion: The foundation of joy, true joy on earth is God because one cannot actually enjoy any form of happiness in life without Christ.(Psalm 119 : 2) God is the creator of the universe He certainly knows what is best for each one of us and will readily give us when we ask Him for it.    Following God's guidance and direction for our lives will lead to fulfilled life, which is why the writer of psalms in 119:2-3 says "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways." The word keep his testimonies here means explore, find knowledge, read the word of God. If you read the word of God you will understand the precepts of God and not go against it. Therefore you will live a fulfilled life.   To read the word of God and benefit from it you must have a relat...

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1" Devotion : The Psalmist through a personal relationship with the LORD saw Him as his Light, Salvation, and Strength. The LORD as Light to direct him; the LORD as Salvation to rescue him; the LORD as Strength to give him divine health and fight for him.  In the New Testament Jesus Christ is our Light (John 1:4), Salvation when we confess(1John1:9) that Jesus is Christ who died on the cross so that we might be saved, and Strength. Jesus Christ as Light to make us the light of the world; Jesus Christ as Salvation to die on the cross to redeem us from the bondage of sin; Jesus Christ as Strength to send the Holy Spirit to edify us for ministry. We can experience Jesus Christ as Light, Salvation, and Strength only if we want to go the extra mile to have a very intimate relationship with Him. Are you prepared to go the extra mile?  Dear beloved, do...

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:12" Devotion : In the Old Testament, God covered their sins with the blood of goats, sheep, and bulls (Psalms 32:1). This means that God could remember their sins by just taking the cover off. However, in the New Testament Jesus Christ died, atoning the sin of mankind with His blood; in other words, the blood of Jesus is superior to the blood of animals because it cleanses all sins and even our conscience is cleansed.  For this reason, when God forgives our sins when we ask Him, He forgives them and remembers them no more. This is what Christians are encouraged to learn from God. Due to human nature, forgetting the sins of those who have wronged us takes time, but conscious effort should be made to forget them. This where the Holy Spirit comes in - when we allow Him to help us to forgive and forget, which will be to our own advantage.  Dear beloved, how do you feel when people ...

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.4.10.KJV Devotion: The seven to eight billion people on earth are all unique and each has unique gift bestowed upon him or her. In the passage above Apostle Peter admonishes us to use these unique gifts to help each other especially in the body of Christ.   Some of us have gift of kindness, love, giving, helping, teaching, counseling etc. We should use such gifts to assist others, to rouse them up, to lift them and bless them. Now some may not clearly know the gift they are endowed with, if you are in such situation ask God to show you. You can also know because you're naturally good at the gift your are endowed with.  Some other gifts come with life experience which is almost always unique to a person. Such life experiences can be used to teach, counsel or help others.   We receive these gif...

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31" Devotion : The Apostle Paul asked the above questions after touching on many subjects. Some of the subjects he touched on were the intercession of the Holy Spirit for us, predestination, justification, and glorification. All the things he spoke about are in our favour as believers in Christ Jesus.  He taught these subjects to encourage the believers in his era not to give up their faith even though they might be going through a lot of challenges. He said the destiny of Christians has been planned by God, we have been declared not guilty by God, and we will be glorified in the end.   Sometimes we are deceived to think that God does not care or that God hates us, because of the challenges or sufferings that come our way when we became born again. These trials are just passing for us to be glorified in the end. He who stands to the end will be saved, there is no looking back in the...

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/num.6.24-26.KJV Devotion: Today's priestly blessing for you and me is like an insurance cover. It covers all areas of our lives but it will not just come to you unless you have a relationship with God through the highest priest Jesus Christ. As we all know insurance covers only those who subscribed otherwise you'll be on your own. To receive the blessings of the prayer give your life to Christ then you will begin to enjoy the protection of God which is in the first part of the prayer. The second part says God's face will shine upon you, that is favour, meaning God will favour you everywhere and in all your undertaking again provided you relate with God regularly in His word and prayers.  The third part says will search you out to favour you especially when you a...

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/col.3.16.KJV Devotion: Paul counseled the Colossians to who he introduced Jesus Christ, to study the word of Jesus, why? There were many unbelievers around just like today who would like to shame a Christian who does not know the word of Christ. We are to read the Bible regularly, understand it and be able to quote several verses from it; especially when we want to pray or are faced with unbelievers who would want to test us. Note the Jesus' example when devil tested him, he replied with the word of God (Luke 4: 1-13). This is achievable when we fellowship with other children of God and study the word together.  Singing spiritual songs, hymns and psalms lifts our souls and gives joy to our God. It makes God happy with us and when we make our petitions known...

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 107:1 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.107.1.KJV Devotion: Faithful children off God always give thanks to God in all situations no matter what was happening in their lives.  Paul and Silas were kept in stocks in  the prison yet they sang songs of praise (Act 16:25-26). The foundation of the prison shakes and their stocks were loosened.  When you're in the valley, going through severe trials give thanks to God because other did not have opportunity to go through the trial before death took them. Thank God for His steadfast love endures forever.  In your success also give thanks to God because His steadfast love endures forever. In all situations always thank God, in prayers, songs of praise and even in your heart. Thanking God always rouse God to do more, to act on your behalf, to protect and to bless you.  Remember it is because of His steadfast love that you are alive again to...

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.16-18.KJV Devotion: Our Bible passage this morning is simple. It tells us what to do as children of God in all circumstances : to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks to God because that's what God demands of us.  We are to emulate Job who despite his loss was happy, did not blame God and blessed God. When the going is in the valley we must not blame God, we must not curse the day of our birth as some will do in hardship, we must not find excuse or stop attending church services. Instead we must be joyful because the hardship of today is but for a short time. As sure as the sun will shine another good and glorious day will come especially to those who believe in Christ.  Therefore let's rejoice in Christ, He is our source of happiness. We must also not relax in prayers because devil our adve...

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 https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.23.6.KJV Devotion: When we walk with the Lord we are sure(certain) that God shall do what he promises. In the verse of today God promises that goodness and mercy(love) shall(of a truth, compulsorily) follow (be with you and me) every day of our lives.  Now it does not mean we will not Walk through dark alleys, suffer afflictions just like every human beings but such afflictions will not overcome us. We need not be afraid because God's goodness and mercy will be there for us always. It is enough reason to live a victorious life in Christ. This confidence will take us to the next level where we aspire to live in God's Manson all the days of our lives in eternity. We start this here on earth by having Christ and His Holy Spirit duel in our heart to guide and guard us to eternity. This we can achieve by meditating in God...

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/gal.5.25.KJV Devotion: Good day to you, the Bible verse of today simple says demonstrate your spirituality by walking in spirit. The reason is not far fetched, there are many "born again Christian" out there whose lives do not portray their Christianity.  The confessed Christ but their mind is elsewhere because they are either too shallow or they are fake. They are shallow because they do not read the words of God and so live in disobedience.  Some are fake because they do not want to forgo the pecuniary gains of the world. Their stomach rules them, they live in the lust of the flesh and eyes which they must satisfy by doing things which do not glorify God. In the heart of such people Holy Spirit has no place. In 2 Timothy 4:10a Paul wrote "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;" This shows that Demas loved t...

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jos.1.8.KJV Devotion: There are God given guidelines for every aspect of life including success. All one needs to do is follow the guidelines. To succeed in life God through Joshua gave the Israelites the guidelines in the verse of today.  In the verse we understand that we must constantly read the words of God and meditate on it, because in doing so we will understand the rules of life, we will live a life of obedience and hence will not waste our resources on things that will not bring glory to God. In the Bible is written how to give and be blessed, payment of tithe and offering. In the Bible we also learn that we must work because God promises to bless the labours of our hands. In o...

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mic.7.7.KJV Devotion: Waiting for a person can be futile, it can end up in vein. But waiting on the Lord is rewarding.  The time of prophet Micah was a time when Israel was desolate and each person did what he or she liked. Idol worship was rampant, there was misery, there were killings and wars and people lost faith in God. Prophet Micah stood his ground and waited on the God of his salvation because he believed that the Messiah will come.   The Messiah Jesus Christ came and delivered you and me from our sinful life and gave us hope of glory on earth and in eternity. He gave us Holy Spirit to guide us unto life in Christ so it is left for you and me to grab this opportunity to live and not die.  The world today is not different from the time Micah lived, the powerful oppress the weak, there's no love, idolatry is everywhere, self...

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.2.9.KJV Devotion: Good day to you my readers. One might need Holy Spirit to understand this topic needs, because it can have two interpretations. If taken in isolation one will believe Paul was talking about heaven and it's will be correct since nobody has been there and come back to tell his or experience. None living had seen, heard our perceive what's in heaven only the Holy Spirit can tell. The second option is to read 1 Corinthians 2:7-8  "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." It is evident that Paul refers to earthly things but that which is unfathomable to...

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5" Devotion : The good news was derived from the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Jesus, who knew no sin, was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our wickedness, and the punishment we deserved was laid on Him; He gave us healing by His stripes.  This is the good news Christ Jesus brought to mankind. He did all the work for us to receive the reward; all we need to do is to just believe and be a partaker of the blessings. Those who do not believe the good news will have themselves to blame in hell since they want to pay for their own sins in hell.    If man could pay for his own sins, Jesus would not have come. Dear reader, the choice is now yours; either you believe in the gospel and partake of the blessings or reject it and suffer the consequences. Share your comments here! https...

He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.147.3.KJV Devotion: Broken heart is a thing that no one will like to go through, it is better imagined than go through the agony of it. In any case at one time or the other it will happen to someone and the way one handles it, is what makes the difference. Many will try to handle it by themselves while some will succumb and perish, yet some others will give it to Jesus and come out victorious. I don't know what you maybe going through right now, it could be deep brokenness that you think you may not be able to overcome; do you want to fling up your hands and surrender? Please don't, you have a friend like no other who is ever ready to assist you. He says come to me all ye.... . (Matt 11 : 28)   This friend and Master Jesus healed the man who was by the lake for 38 years, (John 5: 5-8) healed the one born blind (John 9: 1-6), the leper etc (Matt 11:5). He is anxiously waiti...

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; 1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV Devotion: Every believer can have the gift of prophecy and may prophesy, but not all believers are prophets just because they prophesy. For instance, when Saul was with the prophets, there was a strong anointing of God so that he, too, prophesied with them. Yet, he was not anointed by God as a prophet but as a king (1 Samuel 10:11).    Beloved, the gift of prophecy is that one speaks concerning the future as they are led to by the Holy Spirit! When the father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied the kind of life and future his son would have (Luke 1:67-79). God can show you events in your future and someone else’s future! He may also cause you to prophesy and declare life into situations and people even if that seems hopeless and helpless. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, and life came forth (Ezekiel 37:1-10)!   Beloved, allow the Holy Spirit to f...

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.25.5.KJV Devotion: This psalm 25, is a prayer for guidance and protection which means the writer had faith in God. To have faith in someone you have to know the person very well and be close to the person to know his or her capabilities.  David walked with the Lord and knew God's capacity to guide and teach him. David therefore used this knowledge about God to pray the right prayer, not for selfish reason but for more knowledge. In verse four he wrote "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths." This is evidence that David wants to know more of God which is the right path to take before asking for guidance. David also pleaded for mercy in verses 6 and 7 because he knew himself as sinner who needed mercy, guidance and knowledge to succeed in life.   Dearly beloved, today is the first working day of this week in western wor...

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.3.17.KJV Devotion: The Spirit of God is God and he who gives his life to Christ has the spirit of God ín him. This Spirit liberates or sets free from encumbrances we involve ourselves in when we do not have Christ.   In Africa people believe in fetich objects, spiritism, wizards or witches and get involved. The unbeliever fear these occultists because they present themselves as persons with power of life and death.   Last night I watched a skit in which a witch threatened to kill a woman, an ex witch who had given her life to Christ and renounced witchcraftry. At the name of Jesus in the skit the witch collapsed and died. Such is it when you have God living in you, the spirit of God liberates, releases you from bondage and you're able to face your fear.    Dearly beloved, is the spirit of God living in you? Yeah, congratul...

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.3.18.KJV Devotion: The Bible verse of today tells us that "action speaks louder than Words" and that's the truth Jesus wants you and me to understand. Most people confess their Christianity in words but people do not see it in their actions.   An example is this, a young born again Christian was sitting comfortably in the bus and an elderly weak lady came in, the young Christian refused to give up his seat for the elderly lady. We can clearly see here that the Christian told us of his believe in Christ but failed to translate the believe into action.    As followers of Christ we are called to follow both in words (preach the good news of Christ) and action ( help everyone young and old who needs our assistance). That is what Jesus did while on earth, He told us of kingdom of God and helped the weak, sick and poor.   Dearly ...

"He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:23" Devotion : Jesus Christ of Nazareth made that profound statement in Luke 11:23. It is clear that no one can be on the fence in this world; you are either for Jesus or against Him. Either you are winning souls for Him or you are turning souls away from Him; there is no middle ground.    Those who are in the world or those who are not born again are against Jesus Christ; no one can dispute it. However, those who are born again must ask themselves whether they are for or against Jesus. The reason is not far fetched, you're a born again Christian but you do not work to safe others from eternal damnation. What born again is that? You must carry out the great commission. When your speech or life style put question mark on your Christianity, check it you might be working against Christ. Stop working against Christ, do not be antichrist within.  This is the truth from our Lord and Sav...

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 https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.4.16.KJV Devotion: Hello there, please try to answer this question in your mind: As a child, were you able to approach your dad when in need? Yeah, that is good of both of you, a good child and a good parent. A disobedient child will be afraid to approach the parents for fear of punishment. A wicked dad is a fear to the children.  But we have a high priest, Jesus Christ who came to rescue us from guilt, He lived Holy life yet he died miserable death on the cross because of you and me. He took away our sin, glory to God, Jesus overcame death and become the assurance of our salvation when we believe in Him.  As a result our sin is taken away from us, we are now able to boldly come to his throne and table our petitions. Jesus' arms are wide open to welcome us to receive mercy and grace. I assure you no other god do...

 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.4.7.KJV Devotion: The four letters word LOVE, is a miracle word that has the power to change the world. Wherever Love is there is Peace. Its absence leads to strife, mistrust, unhappiness and all forms of stress.  It is the absence of love that causes war between Nations, one people hates the other and covets the resources of the weaker country. The stronger country oppresses the weaker because there is no love.  Where love is absent God is not there because God is Love (1John 4:8). Therefore one can safely say Nations without love are ungodly and always at war with someone. Its people kill themselves daily. The same can be extrapolated to family level.  A loving family is peaceful, lives together, no divorce, enjoys goodness of God, always assisting the weak amongst them. There's no strife, no envy, none covets the others' p...

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.33.KJV Devotion: Jesus told his followers bluntly what will happen imminently to himself.  He reassured them that though similar situation will happen to them but they should take heart because He will be with them. Jesus was blunt, he did not hide the fact from them.   Neither did Jesus hide it from you and me today in this world there will be time when one will be in the valley of life. When it happens we must keep our Faith in Jesus that He is there with us and that He will assist us through and bring us out better. Let's not forget that God tells us in the Bible that when we go through fire it will not burn us nor will the flame kindle us because He God will not leave us nor forsake us. (Isaiah 43 vs 2 and chapter 41 vs 10) Dear reader, just have this in mind 4 that Jesu...

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 https://bible.com/bible/1/col.4.6.KJV Devotion: Top of the day to you out there. Our verse of the day admonishes us to talk like Christ would to anyone we had to talk to. The first part says our speech should always be with grace. Grace is a free undeserved gift, this means we should interact with someone undeserved of our conversation eg someone who despitefully use us, known criminals, non-believers etc.  The second part says our speech should be well seasoned with salt, this means we should preserve the good news of Christ as it is and tell it in a good and likeable manner not condemning sinners but driving home the truth of the word. It should be presented in a way to make sinners see reason to give their lives to Christ who loves them and wants to save them from eternal damnation.   The third part says we should answer everyman yes everyone is wor...

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.14.KJV Devotion: When you give your life to Christ and live a righteous life you're called Christian which means small Christ. Jesus Christ himself is a super star if I can use the word. There's no where He goes that multitudes in thousands will not follow him. Jesus cannot hide Himself from the people. He is a bright star, a light unto the world.   You a small Christ also cannot hide, it is impossible to deny your Christianity unless you were deceiving yourself before. If truly your are a Christian it will manifest in your character, speech, dressing and humility. As ordinary layman people who do not know me had met me and called me pastor, I just say amen that I'm not yet a pastor but God will make me His servant in that wise one day since it is your prayer for me. You cannot hide just as you cannot light a lamp and cover it, so as a genuine Christi...

For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/job.19.25.KJV Devotion: The story of Job is about hope and trust in God the end result was that Job was rewarded for his steadfast hope in God. Job suffered a great loss of property and lives off his children and boils all over his body. He was criticized by his friends and wife yet he did not forsake God, his hope remained to the last. Job understood that even if his loss was not replaced God will still be God at the end of life.  I really don't know what you maybe going through right now but what is constant is God. He was before you, He is now and knows what you're going through and will be even at the end of it all. He is the Redeemer and Hope of those who trust Him.    We anchor our Hope on Him because we know that He, God will restore us at the end of time either here on earth or in eternity. There's no room for hopelessness when we k...

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 KJV Devotion: Isn’t it a great relief to have a reliable spouse, friend, co-worker, or family member who reminds you of important things you have forgotten about? God knows that our limited brain capacity may cause us to forget some of the things He has written in the Scriptures. Sometimes, He even instructs us in a still voice, and later on, we forget about it!   Beloved, praise be to God, for the Holy Spirit is always there persistently, consistently, and passionately reminding us of the Word of God! When you are experiencing troubles and sorrows, He causes you to remember the promises of the Father and empowers your inner man. Whenever you are tempted, He reminds you of what Jesus Christ said. So, do not delay to obey whenever you hear His voice and promptings! Hallelujah!   Pra...

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.55.22.KJV Devotion: Good day to you wherever you may be on earth. We all know the story of David, how much trouble he encountered from home, in the bush he was attacked by lion, Bear and King Saul wanted to kill him. He overcame them all. As King of Israel he fought so many wars and even war against sin of adultery he won because he trusted God and casted his burden upon the Holy God. In all these God sustained him. Therefore David is bold to write that you and me should cast our burden upon the Lord.  I don't know what you are going through today but I assure you that if you trust God and cast your burden upon him he will sustain you. God has the capacity to provide for your needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4 vs 19)  Jesus confirmed what David said when He says in Matthew 11:28  "Come unto me, all ye ...

The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.11.25.KJV Devotion: Giving is inborn but we can learn to give. When you give there's always a certain joy in the heart, I have told this story before let me repeat it: my clinic is small and tottering, I once made just 2500 naira a whole day and then went to church service. I shared all out and came home. I was joyful somehow but I did not know why. Shortly after a friend outside the country called and ask for my account number. He sent 100000 naira to me. So I got 40 fold in return, such is God.  When the Bible says give it shall be given ... it is better to believe and with Holy Spirit guidance give to appropriate persons. Do not give with motive otherwise there will be no reward. The Bible says cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return unto you (Ecclesiastes 11:1), it means give to him who cannot repay you; remember Jesus Christ is th...