ojaysjoel blog

 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ‭Matthew 28:6 KJV‬ Devotion: Mary and the other women rushed to the tomb to see the body of Christ but the angel told them "come and see He is not here because he is risen, as he said." Halleluyah, Jesus rose from the tomb, he is victorious over death and the tomb. This is amazing and unprecedented only the son of God achieved it.  The women had come to probe if Jesus was there, you too may have been thinking about it. Is it  that Jesus is risen from the death, you have doubted it in your mind but I assure you this morning that it is true. The women went into the tomb and did not find Jesus there.  Jesus' resurrection is the reason for our faith. I have evidence that Jesus is alive in that each time I call his name in prayers I receive answers to my prayers only a living God does that. It is a practical evidence. I pray that the power that took away the stone from the tomb entr...

"He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. Proverbs 12:11" Devotion : The kingdom of God is filled with countless principles for living a healthy and prosperous life. The opening scripture wants every child of God to concentrate on whatever gift or talent the Holy One has given to him/her. In other words, our Father has endowed His children with several gifts/talents to prosper therewith.    What He wants us to do is to search within us and find them, develop them and prosper with them. Anyone who does not concentrate on his/her gift/talent but associates with people who have no aim in life lacks understanding, and in no time will be a loser in life. Aside from the natural gifts/talents, our Lord Jesus Christ also gave spiritual gifts to every born again Christian to prosper withal, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.   As a child of God, your number one goal is to find your natural gifts and spiritual gifts; a...

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ‭Hebrews 4:16 KJV‬ Devotion: It is good Friday today. We celebrate in remembrance of Jesus Christ, the son of God who though did not sin yet was nailed to the cross by sinners. He's the only one who came from God and returned to God, He bears our sins in His body so that we can be reconciled with God. Yet Jesus was not annoyed He is happy to welcome all who believe to himself. The Bible calls on you and me to boldly  come to the throne of grace though you and me are not worthy to approach Jesus. He had paid the full price for mine, for your iniquity and therefore calls us to be Bold and not be shy before the throne.  What do I have to do, what do you have to do to enjoy this grace? Accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, repent and be converted and approach the throne of grace. Jesus Christ will do the rest. He will wash you and I clean and present us to God ...

 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. ‭John 13:14 KJV‬ Devotion: The fifth day of the holy week. Jesus was with the twelve teaching and instructing them to live together as one, to love and honor one another. He physically demonstrated this by the washing of feet of His disciples. This is a lesson in Humility.  It is uncommon among today's Christian leadership to serve the followers. But it's the height of humility expected of us. It may not be washing of feet, but we should actively participate in working for God all the time, everywhere and in every situation.  Leaders must lead by example for example in setting up camps, church planting and building etc. Leaders ought to lead from the front and not just directing from afar.  Dear reader, are you ready to be a leader? Serve your followers, lead by example and conduct. Please share your comments with us here. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju. Reach me on gbemide09@gmai...

‭Matthew 26:24 KJV‬ [24] The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.  https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.26.24.KJV Devotion: It is another holy week day, Jesus and His disciples were preparing for passover and this topic of betrayal came up. Betrayal is a terrible sin to commit, unless Holy Spirit guides, it is difficult to forgive a betrayer. Jesus new someone very close, one of the twelve would betray him hence that verse perhaps the person will have a change of mind. Alas Judas Iscariot did not have a change of mind and bore the consequences.   Today you, yes you who confessed Christ as Lord and Saviour is in the position of the twelve. You're your one of them. Each time you stumbled (deliberately) and failed to seek forgiveness you betray Jesus. You nail Him to the Cross.  If you had the good news of Christ yet do not accept Christ it is a different thing, you...

‭Mark 11:24 KJV‬ [24] Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.11.24.KJV Devotion: Success in life depends on believe. In anything one does one must first have self believe that one can attain it, then one should go out and carry it out. When there's doubt in the heart do not waste your time.  In spiritual matters one must have faith in the ability of God to answer prayers especially when the motive is not selfish or for sinful activity. The Bible says God does not hear the prayers of sinners (John 9:31) so whenever you come to God in prayers make sure you are living in obedience.  With this in mind, I urge to come to God with your prayer points this morning for Jesus says come to me(Matthew 11:28). Remember there's nothing God cannot do unless He dies not want to do it(Matthew 19:26). The Bible says with God all things are possible. God will answer all your prayers...

‭John 12:8 KJV‬ [8] For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.12.8.KJV Devotion: It is Holy week, Jesus just restored Lazarus back to life and a party was thrown to celebrate the king of kings for this miracle. Mary in act of worship brought out an expensive perfume to annoint Jesus. Then someone with ulterior motive rebuked her for wasting the perfume. Jesus knew his time was near so he permitted Mary to annoint him while telling Judas that you can always help the poor later. That's priority.  Dearly beloved Jesus performs miracles in your lives daily. Waking up is miracle because someone did not, travelling on bad roads in scrap metal called vehicles in our nation and returning home safely is miracle. For this how do you celebrate Jesus, do you see it as normal? It is exceptional, a miracle.   You should think of how to celebrate Jesus and celebrate him rather than thinking of how much wealth you want to accumulate. L...

"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Psalms 103:3" Devotion : Forgiveness and good health are directly proportional; in other words, forgiveness leads to healing or forgiveness brings about healing. God cannot heal you until He has forgiven you.  This was demonstrated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He forgave the man sick of the palsy before ministering healing to the same, Matthew 9:2-7. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ also exhorted us that when we do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us our trespasses, Matthew 6:15. He said this in line with prayer, meaning that unforgiveness is a serious hindrance to prayer.   A Christian who lives a lifestyle of forgiving others their sins and wrongs is a Christian whose prayers are always answered, and who lives in abundance of heavenly blessings.   In practical terms both the sinner and the person who forgive receive healing. I have noted ...

‭1 Peter 3:15 KJV‬ [15] but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.3.15.KJV Devotion: There are probably two types of hope - external hope, you hope to get married one day, to visit one country or become CEO of a big conglomerate etc. The other hope is internal when you hope to make heaven and live with Jesus. This topic is about the second hope.   This hope is lived daily, it cannot be hid. If not seen in you then you need to check yourself if you're still living in Christ. You must live like Jesus lives, a life of love, humility, obedience. A life of selfless service to humanity. People must see these in you and ask how it was possible to live like Jesus.   When people ask you then you must be able to explain to them with meekness. This means you must have the word of God readily available to tell the good news of C...

‭Luke 1:49 KJV‬ [49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.1.49.KJV Life's trials can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see past our present struggles. Mary's declaration in Luke isn't solely about her blessings; it's a testament to the unchanging character of God. Despite her uncertainties and forthcoming challenges, she found the strength to proclaim the greatness of God and the holiness of His name: "For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name." Luke 1:49 NIV Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can declare, "Holy is his name." Even when we’re faced with hardships threatening to steal our praise, we can declare, "Holy is his name." Even when the weight of fear presses down on us, we can declare, "Holy is his name." Our declaration, like Mary's, is rooted in the belief that God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. The bel...

‭Isaiah 25:1 KJV‬ [1] O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.  https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.25.1.KJV Devotion: A Yoruba adage says "if you know how to reflect, think about your life and surroundings you will know how to praise God." I believe this saying because in my life there's always reason to worship God.   Prophet Isaiah worshipped God despite the troubles Israel went through. Isaiah saw the goodness of God, the wonderful things God did, God delivered Israel from their enemies and from captivity despite their sinful life.  I urge you to sit down for a moment today and reflect on your life, the good, the ugly past and the present station of your life and start to worship God. If you think deep enough you will understand that God sustains you and your family. In the present economic meltdown in the world you are still able to fuel your car. You are ab...

"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10" Devotion : Nehemiah gathered the Israelites and asked Ezra, the scribe, to read the book of the Law to the children of Israel. Whilst Ezra was reading the Law to the Israelites, the Word of God touched their conscience and they began to weep.   After Ezra had finished reading the book of the Law, Nehemiah consoled the people and said that day was holy unto the LORD, so they should not weep nor mourn. Instead they should go their way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to the needy for the joy of the LORD was their strength.  Beloved God does not want you to mourn or weep at hearing the Word; He wants you to celebrate the Word so that His strength can be imparted to you. All that He wants you to do when you fall foul of ...

‭Hebrews 5:7 KJV‬ [7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.5.7.KJV Devotion: In the book of Hebrews, the writer paints a vivid portrait of Jesus' humanity: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence” (Hebrews 5:7-8 ESV).  “In the days of His flesh …” Picture it: Jesus, fully God and fully human in the flesh, intimately connected with human emotion and experience. Jesus wasn’t a distant deity untouched by the struggles of human existence while on earth. He lived it. He experienced the deepest joys and sorrows of life.  Maybe today, you find yourself in the depths of sadness or in the middle of a difficult trial. Remember, Jesus has been there, too. The wri...

‭Matthew 20:28 KJV‬ [28] even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.  https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.20.28.KJV Devotion: This verse could be properly comprehended by reading from verse 25, where the teaching on servant leadership started. Jesus says in vs 25 "Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them." This is what happens in politics, some people will pretend to be Leaders ready to serve the people but once in power they become lords, rulers and start to oppress the people. They suppress opposition and the press.    But Jesus  says "it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:" because this is the right thing to do.   As servants in God's vineyard we should lead by example. We should be humble, lov...

"If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14" Devotion : Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is God; the express image of the Godhead bodily, Hebrews 1:3. Why did Jesus Christ ask His disciples to use His name? He asked them to use His name because He will depart from them to heaven and using His name will be similar to having His physical presence with them. He will also be the power behind the name to do whatever they asked. The Holy Spirit will also be present to respond to the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Believers in Christ Jesus should love using the name of Jesus Christ, because it is the only name exalted above all other names to get things done, Philippians 2:9.   Dearly beloved, do you love using the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth? If yes, why; or If no, why not? Share your thoughts with other readers!

‭Matthew 6:3 KJV‬ [3] But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.6.3.KJV Devotion:  As Jesus was teaching people, there was a group of leaders who were not always the best role models. When these people helped others, they would boast about it and tell everybody the good deeds they did. They made sure to flaunt their good works publicly for everyone to notice them. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:3 is directly related to what these leaders were doing. Jesus says that when we give to those in need, we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. Essentially, our goal in giving to others should not be recognition.  Jesus’ teaching is about the condition of our heart. If we’re giving to others for the sake of being recognized for doing good, then we’re not helping people with the right motives. This should not stop us from giving to others, but it should guide our motives for doing so. When we...

 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ‭John 14:6 KJV‬ Devotion: It’s common in today’s culture for people to believe that all roads lead to God. Many believe that all different sorts of religions and belief systems will ultimately lead us to God.   While this sort of belief is widely accepted, it does not agree with what Jesus says in John 14:6. Jesus says that He is the only way to God. No one can come to the Father unless they come through Jesus.  I believe this because of all religious leaders only Jesus was declared from heaven as Son of God (Matthew 3:16-17). Further only Jesus died and resurrected (Luke 24: 6-7 ).  His exemplary life and teaching is unparalleled. Most importantly when I pray to God in Jesus' name I receive answers to my prayers.  Jesus also says that He is the Truth, which means that all other truths must be measured against Him. He is objective truth. In other words: Jesus ...

‭Romans 1:16 KJV‬ [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  Devotion: Now that you have been saved by Grace it is now your turn to rise up for the salvation of others in your circle of friends, family and colleagues. Do you remember how you were preached to? Maybe it was awkward or you felt somewhat uncomfortable but nevertheless you listened to the word and received Christ. You are saved from certain death to eternal life in Christ. Today you're a new person, joyous, successful, more loving and progressing in Christ.  You need to share this experience with others and lead them to Christ. Do not panic just tell your story to others  how you as part of humanity was enslaved to sin, Jesus the son of God (John 3 vs 16) came and lived a perfect human life, and died on the cross in our place. He took on the punishment that we, all humanity deserved, and pai...

‭Mark 16:15 KJV‬ [15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.16.15.KJV Devotion: We have been prepared and trained by Jesus for his future plan. Ephesians 2:10. In continuation of yesterday's devotional we are to do the preordained job of Christ which is to spread the good news to all creatures (humans) on earth.   What's the good news? This good news is that Jesus brought the arrival of the Kingdom of God to earth, and that through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for all people to have a new life in Him.  Telling others about what Jesus has done for you is one of the most important things that you can do with your time. We have been given the greatest gift of all—eternal life with God. But that free gift is freely available to the rest of the world as well. This is what you have to let others know.   To evangelise successfully you need to have the word of God in your hear...

‭Ephesians 2:10 KJV‬ [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.2.10.KJV Devotion: Read this interpretation from the amplified Bible:  ‭‭Ephesians 2:10 AMP‬‬ [10] For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].   The followers of Christ are the works of his hand ie they are the saved by Grace not by good works so that none will boast that he or she worked for his salvation. Salvation is not of good works but of grace, an undeserved gift from God through Jesus his son to reconcile us with God.  Now why are we saved? We are saved to do the good works which God has pre...

‭Psalm‬ ‭145:18‬ ‭KJV‬ [18] The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth. https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.145.18.KJV Devotion: This Psalm is a worship song and extols God for his goodness, kindness and love. The psalmist told us how good God is especially to those who give their lives to him and fear Him. He went on to say in  verses 8-9 that "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."  In several other verses the great God was described as God who cares for all. Verses 14-16   said "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing."  But while the Lord will do all of above for those who fear him and stay nearby them that call upon him ...

‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭KJV‬ [9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. https://bible.com/bible/1/jos.1.9.KJV Devotion: Joshua had the leadership of Israel entrusted upon him after the death of Moses. He was overwhelmed by the magnitude of work before him. He had to fight wars and lead unwilling people. Somehow Joshua was reluctant but God encouraged him to rise up to the occasion.  Everyone at certain moments in life goes through such low moments. When things are down, business is low, financial crisis, no progress in carrier and one feels discouraged. As God commanded and encouraged Joshua so God is speaking to you and me this morning.   Jesus also has to encourage the disciples in Matthew 28 vs 18 -20. He tells us to observe all things He has taught us and to go out and preach the good news to all peoples. You and I have to have Christ as Lord and Saviour a...

‭Beluga whale is just one type of several types.  Revelation‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭KJV‬ [11] 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. https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.4.11.KJV Devotion: The Creator of heavens and earth is truly worthy of our praises. When you lie on your back outside in the night with clear sky and see the stars you'll appreciate that God is worthy of our praises. Trillions upon trillions of starts there and not one collision each in its place takes God to set in place.  Flying over the Arabian desert you'll appreciate God for the beautiful scenery of hills upon hills and the gullies between them. Try to imagine the engineering marvel that pumps water from the ground up the Iroko trees. No human mind can do that except God. The Whales are majestic and very big and live long, it takes God to create them . Imagine yourself how beautifully or handsomely you are ma...

‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭KJV‬ [2] looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.12.2.KJV Devotion: The writer of Hebrews used this verse as a example for us to stay focused on our journey of life. In life there's are many things that can distract us eg Problems, Pain and our Past.   If we count the economic situation in our countries these days one will certainly lose focus and do unnecessary things that will make one to lose heaven. It is very easy to join bad company and cook books too earn some illegal money. We must not allow our financial situation to make us lose focus and join bad companies, rather we should focus on Jesus and work harder.   The pain we experience when we lose members of our families or job is more than enough to make some lose focus and start blaming Jesus for their woe...

"And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. [10] And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:9-10 KJV Devotion:  After God provided water for our sustenance, He made dry ground to come up for us to stand on—a wonderful gift for man. God made dry ground appear for man's secure habitation. He did not leave us in a disordered state to live in. Thus, He made the land emerge and kept the waters at bay, even up to the present. God gathering the waters and revealing dry land is a demonstration of His intention and purpose.   He created the boundaries of the bodies of water throughout the earth. We are to be thankful for the order that God created between land and water. He constantly watches over us, or else the seas would have swallowed the land and drowned us.   Beloved, we are to trust in God's order o...

‭Romans‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭KJV‬ [1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.5.1.KJV Devotion: I used to have a friend who lived upright, he obeyed all laws and he was very kind and gentle. He cannot hurt a fly. He believed in his heart that this will earn him eternity with Christ. No matter how you persuade him he would not agree he felt he must work for his salvation.   Then one day he was led of the holy Spirit to read the letter of Paul to the Romans and he understood that salvation cannot be earned but can be received only by Grace. It's is a free gift.   Do you still believe you can earn salvation through good works? Are you struggling to obey the laws of God? It is a good thing you're doing but it cannot earn you righteousness with God, only your faith in Jesus Christ as the son of God who laid down his life for your sin, my sin and everybody's sin will make you right with Him.  ...

‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭KJV‬ [32] and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Devotion: Scripture has a lot to say about the way we treat people. If we have been saved by God, and have been shown the mercy and goodness of God, then we ought to show mercy and goodness to other people. Essentially…  …what we believe should determine how we act.     All of us who have received grace freely from God ought to also give grace freely to others. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he encourages them to be kind and compassionate to others. This idea is spread across all of God’s Word…  “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  1 John 4:11 NIV  “…All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”  1 Peter 3:8 NIV.  “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”  Luke 6:36 NLT...

‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭KJV‬ [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.1.9.KJV Devotion: Yesterday we talked about honesty prayer in which we were admonished to honestly confess our sins to God. Today's verse reinforces that teaching by making it clear to us that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Though we’ve been forgiven our sins, it doesn’t always feel that way. We frequently carry around the guilt and shame from our sinful actions even though we’ve been forgiven by Christ.   That’s why 1 John 1:9 is a great reminder: when we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us. Our forgiveness is not based on our own faithfulness— it’s based on God’s faithfulness. Since we know God is faithful and cannot lie, we can trust that He will forgive us and purify us from everything that keeps ...