ojaysjoel blog

‭Psalm‬ ‭139:23‭-‬24‬ ‭KJV‬ [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.139.23.KJV Devotion : I led the opening prayers in the Sunday service recently. During the process I asked everyone to seek forgiveness of sin by mentioning the sins by specific names, an example fornication, adultery, stealing etc. the whole place was quiet none was ready to let anyone know what sins he or she committed. With microphone in my hand I listed mine sin and my heart became light.   The palmist wanted us to do exactly what I did, not to hide anything from God but to open up and only after the ask God if there be anything that was forgotten God should search our hearts for it. In actual fact some acts maybe sinful and you don't know or think so. That is why you ask God to search your heart and purge you of the sin. Do not hide anything from God he knows, at...

‭Daniel‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭KJV‬ [3] 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.  https://bible.com/bible/1/dan.12.3.KJV Devotion: Two important points in today's verse - Wisdom and Turn many to righteousness (preach the good news of Christ) The Bible gives enough evidence that Jesus' birth was different from any other before or after him(Luke 1:26-38). We also have evidence that God proclaimed Jesus His son and that we should obey Him (Mathew 3 : 16-17). Now if you believe the Bible and still do not believe in Jesus that is foolishness. If you believe in Jesus then you're wise and will shine like the firmament. We always try to be the best or amongst the best. I pray that you will shine in Jesus name.  Now Jesus gave a command before rising to heaven to preach the gospel all over the world (Matthew 28:19). Now that you have been saved do you carry out the command of Jesus to spread the ...

The letter of Jude is a short letter that covers both warning and encouragement. Jude is writing to a group of believers, and he is warning believers that there are some ungodly people in their midst. Some of these people are teaching false doctrine and leading others astray. Jude warns them to be confident that they are grounded in the truth of God so that they won’t be affected by those who seek to slander or divide them. Part of his encouragement is to remember the words of Jesus (Jude 1:17). His readers need to continually remember what Jesus said as a way of remaining faithful to that message. He also encourages them to remain faithful to the things they believed about their own faith, and to continue praying in the Spirit. Reading Scripture, praying in the Spirit, and remaining faithful to God are all critical elements of living a mature Christian life. That’s why in Jude 1:21, he tells his readers to keep themselves in the love of God as they wait for the day when Jesus will ret...

"With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:16" Devotion : God is in the business of giving long life to His children. When man fell from grace in the Garden of Eden, he began to die. People used to live for nine hundred and sixty-nine years(Methuselah), but this number started to decline. When man began to commit numerous sins, the years of man on earth were cut to one hundred and twenty years, Genesis 6:3 eg (Moses) This is long life in the Old Testament.   In the New Testament, the just shall live by faith, Romans 1:17; this means that the children of God are given the opportunity to live as long as they can to do the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.    One thing can reduce your years is sin. Remember Solomon received the promise of long life 1Ki g 3 vs 14, but he died at 80 because he turned from serving the living God. He worshipped the gods of his numerous wives. I urge you therefore to remain in Christ to the end no matter ...

Have you ever considered your body as a sacred temple? And not just any temple, but a temple of the Holy Spirit of God. Sounds a little far-fetched? Well, it isn’t. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price." Therefore honor God with your bodies. These verses serve as the foundation for our discussion. Seeing our body as temple of God, is an act of worship. It's a way of honoring God, showing gratitude for the life He has given us and acknowledging the Holy Spirit within us. When we eat healthily, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep and avoid harmful behaviors, we are maintaining the temple that God has entrusted to us. We are showing respect for His creation and His sacrifice. We reflect God's Image. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that God Created man in His own image.... This echo resounds in every fi...

‭1 John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭KJV‬ [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.3.1.KJV Devotion: Parents love their children right? No, parents love their children but not all the time and not all parents love their children. If so some will not abandone them by the road side, forget the baby inside the car in the hot sun to the extent the baby died. Some parents do abuse their children beating them and forcing them to earn living at tender age.  There's a father though who loves you and me unconditionally and calls us children, His name is God. All it takes become children of God is confess our sins, accept lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives. No matter who we were, whatever the  past mistakes were, once adopted into the household of God we become children. God does not reject anyone who comes to Him.   To keep this s...

‭John‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭KJV‬ [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.1.12.KJV Devotion: If your are reading this, you probably have given your life to Christ and become a child of God; if you have not praise God and be happy because you'll probably secure the new identity today. The message is apt for all.  By your confession and acceptance of Christ as Lord and Saviour you become a child of God not by birth but by adoption. It is Grace to be adopted into the household of God we cannot work for it or buy it. We get a new identity, new name and old things passed away. At the moment of our adoption, our old identities no longer matter. Every unkind name we were given, every mistake we’ve made, every hurt we’ve experienced (or caused)—it’s all erased. Our identity, security, and future are now rooted in the God who loves us and died for us. The Bible says in  2 Cor. 5:17 "...

‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‭-‬10‬ ‭KJV‬ [9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [10] which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.2.9.KJV Devotion: We all have a past, a past that is distinct from our present status. Most families in my community had family diety, an idol they used to worship. Growing up I lived with my great grandmother who converted to Christianity few months before she died. She lived in same house with 3 other aged women who made sacrifices to idols but she never participated in it. She told me giving food to wooden images amounted to feeding rats.    Many children of God from Africa have similar stories, thank God we were brought up in the ways of God and we had encounter with Jesus. That encounter ha...

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:2-3 KJV Devotion: The Word of God is a Christian's foundation of faith, and it sustains our faith walk when we meditate on God’s Words daily. This gives us assurance and confidence in Christ Jesus. Like healthy trees planted by the river, all aspects of our lives – mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and financial – are established in Him and in His Word. And the fruits we bear are revealed in every season that comes.   Beloved, people will see and notice your life by the fruit you produce, especially during difficult seasons of life. It is vital that you constantly meditate on God’s Word and hope in the promises of God so that no matter what season may come, you are like a tree planted by the river ...

‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭KJV‬ [16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.13.16.KJV Devotion: The hallmark of a child of God is in his charity and not only in obedience; though obedience is paramount but without charity(love and giving) it is not complete. Doing good to everyone we come across shows the Christ in us because Christ when he was on earth did good to all, remember the Samaritan woman, the thief on the right hand.   Secondly doing good attract a great reward for us even here on earth(Luke 6:38) and the little child share his lunch in the wilderness and went home with 12 baskefull of food(Matthew 14:20).   Thirdly doing good and sharing our means with others especially the less privileged pleases God. We should live to please God. If you have the means please share with the less privileged, not only food, even clothings, home and importantly the word of God. Teach people how to take ca...

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3" Devotion : The scriptures have revealed another secret to believers in Christ Jesus about how to live a peaceful life. The opening scripture says the mind is an essential channel through which Christians can live in perfect peace.   If your mind is fixed on Christ Jesus, you shall enjoy perfect peace; in other words, if you fill your mind with the holy scriptures(word of God), there will be perfect peace in your life; because your mind is filled with Jesus (the word of God). It is also a sign that you trust God simply because the mind is the control center of man.    What a man thinks in his heart so is he, Proverbs 23:7. Peace is not just the absence of war; perfect peace is a place in Christ where you are at rest, and do not struggle for anything, you just get everything you need effortlessly. The reason is that God is your provider according to Philipians 4:19....

‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭KJV‬ [18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.3.18.KJV Devotion: Once again we should appreciate the love God has for us in that while we are still sinners God sacrificed his son for us. God made the righteous Jesus sin for the unrighteous man. So our past sin, present sin and future is forgiven.    The only requirement being to recognize Jesus as son of God and accept his lordship over our lives. No dime is spent, no killing of animals to atone for our sins just grace. All we need do is repentance and stop sinning.  Dear reader, I urge you to take advantage of this immense love of God and come to Jesus today. Lay your sins at Jesus' feet and pray for forgiveness. Do not go back to sin and you'll be saved. Once done you will experience the love of God like you never did before. Testimonies are ...

‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬ [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.16.KJV Devotion: In this Lenten season we need to reflect on God's love towards us. It not just love by mouth but sacrificial and all encompassing. No matter who you are - sinner or not God loves you. Either you know or not God loves you and He does not want you to perish but come to repentance.   God's love was so much and your sin, my son was so much that God had to device a means to save you and me from eternal damnation. In 2 Samuel 14:14e ..... "yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him." He gave His son as ransom for our lives, so that we can reconcile with Him and live joyfully, peacefully with Him in eternity. It is the greatest opportunity ever to reconcile with God and it is very simple and free.   The Bible says whoever believes that...

‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‭-‬2‬ ‭KJV‬ [1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [2] and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Devotion: As a child, my third son used to imitate me, he talked as I did, walked as i did, ate what I ate infact everything I did he copied. Till date he loves me and checks on me daily.   This is what we are called to do - imitate Christ–choosing love over indifference, forgiveness over resentment, and selflessness over self-interest as we do this our lives become a fragrant aroma to God and to those around us.   It’s not always easy to mirror Christ's love, if we try daily with Holy Spirit assistance it will become part of us. It will ultimately become a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God that permeates our relationships, workplaces and communities when we practice it, even if we don’t see it or feel it.  Dear reader, where are yo...

‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:21‬ ‭KJV‬ [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.5.21.KJV Devotion: This calls for sober reflection and giving of thanks to God who exchanged your sin, my sin for God's righteousness by making Jesus Christ sin in our place. God thereby was able to reconcile us to himself. We sinners were washed clean in Jesus' blood shed on the Calvary, we are made clean but Jesus carried our sin.  We have to reflect on this, this is grace which we must not misuse. If having confessed our sin and repented we go back to sin, it is shameful. It is called backsliding, nailing Christ to the cross a second time. As disciples of Christ we must make our salvation secure and not go back to sin.  Dear reader this is the gospel that Jesus became a sinner in our place, let's not go back into sin, let's live for Christ in total obedience. Please examine yourself today and ta...

‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43‭-‬44‬ ‭KJV‬ [43]  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] 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;  https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.43.KJV Devotion: Jesus started His earthly ministry with sermon on the mountain (Matthew chapter 5-7) where he reorientated the disciples to godly way of living as against the human way. As human beings we will not love or have anything to do with those who hate us or despitefully use us.  Here Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for them, in other words don't make enemies with anyone. We should just see the "enemies" as ignorant of the word of God and try to bring them into the knowledge of the word of God.    He also says to pray for those who persecute us. This isn’t a prayer for them to stay away, but rather a prayer for their good...

‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭KJV‬ [14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.12.14.KJV Devotion: What does holy living look like?  According to the teachings in the New Testament, it’s living in accordance with God’s Word. Holiness means saying “no” to wrong actions, and seeking forgiveness when we do make mistakes. It looks like putting aside any selfish interests in order to pursue the good plans God has for the world.  The writer of the letter to the Hebrews understood that this wasn’t easy, so he encouraged his readers to “run with perseverance” while stripping off anything that might slow them down or trip them up (Hebrews 12:1-2). The author of Hebrews then encourages his readers to be holy, to live according to God’s commands and His ways. Holiness gives others a window to see God in our lives. It also gives us the opportunity to love others the way Jesus would love them. As we pursue a relationship w...

‭Colossians‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭KJV‬ [13] forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  https://bible.com/bible/1/col.3.13.KJV Devotion: This difficult teaching is the height of Christian maturity because it takes a lot of guts to forgive someone who wronged us. This is most difficult when the person deliberately wrongs you, use you as trash or causes you a life changing (loss of job, accident etc) experience.  To forgive such an one you'll need to put yourself in the person's condition to understand the person's actions. This is why Jesus Christ came to live among humans to have first hand experience as humans. So it was easy for him to forgive our sins on the Cross. It is called empathy.  Let's us remember that we are all sinners by the nature of our birth - human beings, we all did wrong to God, but he forgave us the moment we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. With this in mind it should no...

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter 5:7" Devotion : Some people come to Christ Jesus and still carry their burdens. This is so because they are still ignorant of the scriptures. However, by understanding the opening scripture they will no longer carry their burdens but cast them upon Jesus.     Sometimes we go through unnecessary challenges because we do not know our inheritance in the Word of God. The bible has answers for all the questions we have; the bible also has all the solutions to the challenges that come our way. What we need to do is to search the scriptures for answers and solutions.  As we go on with our daily routines, let us not carry any burden; we have Jesus Christ who is prepared to carry our burdens for us so that we can be free to do His work, Matthew 11:28.   Dearly beloved, are you still carrying any burdens? Cast them on Jesus! Share your comments here! Hallelujah.

‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭KJV‬ [10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.6.10.KJV Devotion: People may forget your good deeds, but God never does. Maybe they never said thank you.  Maybe they never publicly honored your service.  Maybe they never remembered what you did…  God always does. People may forget our good deeds, but God never does. Sometimes, we may wonder if our good deeds matter or will ever be acknowledged. Hebrews 6:10 reassures us that the God who blesses a faithful life will never forget our acts of kindness and service. Think of it this way: God has a perfect memory, and He sees, knows, and remembers every act of obedience done in His name, even if the world labels it a failure and considers you a fool. Your just and faithful God is taking note, and He will reward you. He is the same yesterday, today, a...

‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭KJV‬ [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  https://bible.com/bible/1/2pe.3.9.KJV Devotion: Many times unbelievers ask us questions about the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some may find it difficult to answer because we don't have full knowledge of the word of God. The verse today is the full explanation. Simply tell the unbeliever that God is waiting for him or her to repent. Good wants to save all of human race hence he waits till everyone hears the gospel and there are still billions of people yet to hear the gospel. Here are a three key things to remember about the Gospel: God Loves Everyone  John 3:16 doesn’t say that God loved some of the people in the world. It says He loves the world … that means everyone who inhabits it. God’s heart is for all people. The Gospel is for everyone. God Wants Every...

Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2 NIV) Devotion: Sometimes, in our fast-paced world, admitting vulnerability seems like admitting defeat. But if you've found yourself feeling weary, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself, there's good news to cling to: “Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2 NIV)   For those in Christ, we’re not in this alone; God is our help. God’s Spirit is working in us and through us to accomplish His purposes—even when we don’t see it or feel it. He’s bringing things to mind, putting people along our path, and stirring up our hearts with that which matters to Him.    God’s Word says that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and it’s actually in our weakness that He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).   So the pressure to do everything, have everything, and be everything is off. You have a Helper who meets you in your vulnerability and offers you strength ...

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8 KJV Devotion: When we want to establish and pursue a goal or a plan, it is natural to feel anxious, especially when things don’t seem to be going in our favor. When King David was anxious, he prayed as in the opening scripture: “Lord, you will perfect that which concerns me,” and he declared the Lord’s mercy.   Praying to God and surrendering all your worries and concerns to Him is the best thing that you can do. Beloved, God knows all the things that concern you right this moment. When you commit to the Lord, whatever you do, your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).   Beloved, above all else, know that He will work out HIS plans for your life, and they're going to be the best! Hallelujah!  Please share your testimonies with us here. Shalom. Prayer point: Lord God, thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. You know m...

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3 KJV   Devotion: Have you ever experienced being in a desperate situation, and though you had messaged and reached out to most people you know, everyone seemed distant, quiet, and unresponsive? Didn’t that leave you feeling helpless and anxious? Until someone replied or came to help you, you could not feel enlightened and strengthened in your situation.   Beloved, unlike people, God is always available! Whenever you cry to Him for help, He comes to rescue you. He is never too early or too late! He comes at the right and perfect time! And when He does answer, you will be strengthened with a supernatural strength that comes with peace, joy, and overwhelming praise! There’s none like Him! Prayer point: Abba Father, thank You for answering me every time I cry for help. Thank You, for I can rely on You in times of trouble and for strengthening me with Your Word of promises. Y...

‭Matthew‬ ‭18:12‬ ‭KJV‬ [12] How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?  https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.18.12.KJV Devotion: Good day out there, to properly explain the story I'm going to use a personal experience. My 99+ year old mom had been on bed for 6 months. Each time I visit her, she will ask about each one of us. She will ask about each person's health, family, business etc and then will pray for us one after the other. She's old and weak yet remembers to ask after each person by name equally daily and pray for them.  Our God, the ancient of days knows each of one of the more than 8 billion people on earth by name and asks after each daily. He has each person's name graven on his palm(Isaiah 49:15-16). There's no qualifications for his love(Isaiah 1:18-19). He loves all equally; when you think He does not check it, it...

‭Mark‬ ‭3:25‬ ‭KJV‬ [25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  Devotion: During Jesus' earthly ministry he casted out demons and some people amazed at these miracles said Jesus was using demonic power to cast out demons. Perverted thoughts there. That brought out the verse of today from his teaching.  You and I have been called into ministry but we can be in different denomination and remain united in Christ the head of his church. All the we need to do is to examine our lives to see how we can be agents of unity, but not uniformity. Unity doesn't demand that we all sound and act the same, but it does mean we should strive for harmony amidst diversity.   We can start to foster unity in the spaces and relationships God has placed us in by following steps listed below. (1)It could be overlooking a minor offense (Proverbs 19:11), (2)listening with understanding to someone with differing viewpoints (Philippians 2:3-4), (3)redirecting a conve...