ojaysjoel blog

Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Devotion: Have you ever asked God for something, only to receive far more than you expected? I recall dreaming of a local scholarship, but God surprised me with a full scholarship to study abroad from an unexpected benefactor! This is the God we serve - One who exceeds our requests and deserves our praise. Paul's words in Ephesians 3:20-21 encourage us to glorify God for His abundant blessings. To receive more of His immeasurable gifts, we must surrender our lives to Him through Jesus Christ and serve Him with all our abilities. However, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. Let's commit our lives to Christ and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance. As we serve God, may He bless us abundantly. Written by Dr. Joe...

"Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; Psalm 91:9" Devotion : The New International Version translates the opening scripture as "If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." As a child of God, you need to be conscious of what you have and where you are. You bear the name of Jesus Christ to use to bring blessings and victories to yourself.  You are in Christ Jesus, and Jesus Christ is in the Father; therefore, before the enemy can reach you, he must first go through the Father and secondly through our Lord Jesus Christ. This makes you secure in God, and He becomes a refuge and your dwelling place. Is this not wonderful? This makes you sickness free because God and Jesus Christ will protect you from diseases and all manner of evil; even if you are attacked by any illness, they will heal you and keep you in good ...

Acts 20:24 KJV 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.  Devotion: Our lives are instruments for a greater purpose. While building a family, career, and accumulating possessions are not inherently wrong, they can divert our attention from our ultimate goal. In the book of Acts, we witness Paul's transformation after encountering Jesus. Empowered by God's grace, Paul dedicates his life to spreading the good news of Jesus, recognizing that nothing surpasses the significance of God's work.   Paul's singular focus is to complete the mission of God, testifying to His grace: "I consider my life worth nothing unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others about the goodness of God's grace" (Acts 20:24 NIV).   The mission of God is not at ...

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26" Devotion : Apostle Paul was educating the Galatian church on the law and faith. He made them aware that because they have believed in Jesus Christ, they have thus become the children of God by faith and not according to the law. Dear beloved, when you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and confessed Him with your mouth as Lord over your life, you became a born-again child of God.   From this day you start a journey of Faith and this is Paul's counsel to you as written in 1 Timothy 6:12 KJV "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." The race may not be easy because 1) it is a fight against self will, you have to drop the earthly things you enjoy that does not give glory to God. 2) it is a fight against enemies of God who will not want you to leave them behind yet are not ready to g...

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9" Devotion : It pays to do good. We have been called into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ to be fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:10). The opening scripture reveals a secret about showing kindness to others; it says when begin to feel weary or tired of doing good, we should be alert because that is the very point when our harvest or reward is due.   If we press on just a little more, our harvest will be waiting for us to reap it. Therefore, my fellow brethren, the sign for the reward or harvest is the point at which you feel like giving up; it is the enemy's trick to attempt to get you to react negatively to your feelings and lose the reward. Let kindness or doing good be your lifestyle just like it was for Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 10:38). Share your comments here.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Devotion: In a crowded marketplace like Oshodi in Lagos, it's easy to blend in and go unnoticed. Similarly, many Christians live their lives without making a significant impact. But Jesus calls us to stand out and shine our light for all to see. A disciple's story illustrates this point. When asked about his experience living among lumberjacks, he admitted that they didn't even know he was a Christian. He had failed to let his light shine. Jesus urges us to live an exemplary life that showcases Christ's attributes: kindness, love, selflessness, generosity, and forgiveness. When we do, people will take notice and ask about our God. Examine yourself today: Does your life radiate Christ to others? Let your good deeds be a testament to His presence in your life. Stand out among the crowd by living a life that honors God. May...

Psalm 42:1 (KJV) says, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God." Devotion: Have you ever desired something so intensely that you'd do anything to attain it? Observe how animals, like monkeys and deer, risk their lives to quench their thirst at the brook, despite lurking predators. Similarly, our desire for God's presence should be all-consuming, taking priority in our lives.  When God occupies the prime position, all else falls into place. He knows our desires and responds readily. In His presence, we'll have no time for sin, and the Holy Spirit will guide us.  Let's make time daily to be in God's presence, and we'll be transformed. His presence brings profit, safety, joy, fulfillment, and breakthroughs.  May the Lord bless you as you seek His presence today.    For questions or suggestions, reach out to Dr. Joel Olanrewaju at gbemide09@gmail.com. Share this devotional with your contacts and be blessed in Jesus...

1 John 4:19 KJV [19] We love him, because he first loved us.  Devotion: There is always a reason for loving someone humanly speaking. If you are asked why do you love your spouse definitely you have a reason, it may be her beauty, wealth, forthrightness, education or athletes or that she showed interest or love in you.  Now why do you love God? I ask because you have never met him but you have felt him, read about him, heard of him through preachers or probably because God did something significantly for you. For me and I guess for most the reason we love God is because He did something out of the ordinary for us - he saved us from sin by sending his only begotten son to die in our place. This is called salvation, it is the reason for my Loving God.  If we accept this free gift of salvation and thus become children of God we must imitate our father God and love other people even the unlovable. By loving other people through our kindness, giving, selflessness, Meekness we ...

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Proverbs 6:10" Devotion : The Holy Scriptures have revealed to us how poverty can be identified so that we can either choose to avoid it or befriend it. Poverty is an attitude: When you begin to love sleep, slumber, and idleness, you have befriended poverty, and in no time, you will begin to experience lack and poverty.     Poverty is dangerous; it can cause you to sell all your assets, and it can even influence you to commit a crime. Avoid too much sleep and idleness; instead, be industrious, enjoy working, and you will have enough to spare.   In my region, farming is a lucrative career path that can provide financial stability, even with limited formal education. The returns on farming are remarkable, as a single grain of corn can yield at least 280 new grains. Additionally, acquiring a trade or skill and practicing it can also lead to financial prosperity. In today's digital age, y...

Matthew 18:20 (KJV) says, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Devotion: Just as multiple cords are stronger than one, two or more united individuals can achieve far more than a single person. This is especially true in prayer. While individual prayer is powerful, congregational prayer is even more effective when done in unity. In Acts 2:1-3, the disciples prayed together in the upper room, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Jesus emphasizes the importance of agreement and unity in Matthew 19:19, saying, "If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." The key is unity of purpose, being of one mind, and free from animosity. When we come together in Jesus' name, united in love and seeking God's purpose, He is present and answers our prayers(Matthew 18:20). I recall our Full Gospel Business Men International Fellowship, where our united prayers ...

"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Psalm 145:17" Devotion : How do you feel when you read a scripture like the opening scripture? God Almighty is a living example to His children; no wonder Apostle Paul, by the inspiration of God, said we should be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). The Lord is righteous in all His ways.   Every formula, method, procedure, and path of God are without deception; they are all geared toward the good of humanity. He is holy and gracious in all His works, and since His ways are blameless, the final product is full of the ability to provide satisfaction and He does His works with joy.  Every human does one job or another, some people work conscientiously while some others work willy nilly. Both have results but the end product will definitely be different, one will have top quality while the other will not. This will manifest in the income generated.  As a child of God, you ought to always fi...

‭Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV‬  Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  Devotion: Ecclesiastes 4:8-11 reminds us that solo endeavors can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. In contrast, having a support system brings rewards and benefits. Our ancestors understood the value of community, living and working together with extended family members. They shared responsibilities, protected one another, and rallied support when needed.  Today, we may be physically distant from our families, but thanks to Jesus, we have a new family in the body of Christ. Our churches provide a community where we can connect, support, and serve together. Let's nurture these relationships and maximize their help in times of need.   I encourage you to join a Bible-teaching church, attend regularly, and develop a network of disciples who can work and live together. We must cultivate and cherish such communities so that we can maximize their help in times of need and ...

‭Luke 6:38 KJV‬ [38] give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Devotion: What's your most prized possession? The value we assign to our belongings is tied to our emotions. How we use our cherished possessions reveals our true priorities.  Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate example of generosity. God gave His greatest treasure, His only Son, for us. This selfless act demonstrates generosity: giving something precious for the sake of others, motivated by love.  Generosity goes beyond financial giving. It's about acknowledging God's ability to work through the gifts He's given you. You can give time, serve, or host others. The possibilities are endless, and the results are consistent: honoring God with your giving draws you closer to Him and brings Him glory.  Generosity flows from a thank...

‭Proverbs 31:30 KJV‬  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Devotion. In my university days, I was surrounded by beautiful and charming ladies, desirable to any handsome man. However, at a recent reunion, I struggled to recognize some of them due to the effects of aging. Time had taken its toll, and the beauty and charm of their youth were gone. This reminded me of Proverbs 31:30, which says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Aging affects us all, regardless of gender. Men develop pot bellies, wrinkles, and eventually walk with sticks. We become bent and fragile. This is a truth we all know but often pretend not to know. Physical beauty and charm are temporary, but inner beauty, rooted in the fear of God, is eternal. My counsel to young women and men is to revere God and prioritize what pleases Him. Don't rely on physical beauty, charm, or charisma, but...

Psalm 125:1 says, "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." Devotion: In a world where confidence is often placed in fleeting things like idols, personalities, knowledge, and wealth, we need to remember that these will all pass away. They lack the power to save our souls. On the other hand, trusting in God and believing in His words brings a sense of stability and permanence, like Mount Zion. As the dwelling place of God, those who trust in Him will experience His eternal presence. If you've placed your trust in the Holy Scriptures and things seem challenging, remember that God may be molding and building you up to trust Him even more. Romans 10:13 (KJV) assures us, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." When we call on Him, and the response seems delayed, wait patiently - God will answer. The opening scripture encourages us to move forward, knowing God is with us and will n...

Psalm 40:1-2 (KJV) - "I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Devotion: In this Psalm, the writer beautifully illustrates the power of waiting patiently on God in our darkest moments. By waiting, we allow God to work in our lives, molding us into better versions of ourselves. Just as fine wine improves with age, our faith and character are refined through patient waiting. God's ways are personal and unique to each of us. Instead of comparing or complaining, let's embrace His sovereignty and timing. He desires to shape us, test our faithfulness, and ultimately bring us out of our struggles into a place of strength and stability. If you're currently waiting on God, take heart! Keep waiting, and trust that the outcome will be worth it. You'll emerge stronger, wiser, and more grateful. Share this encouragi...

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Psalms 127:2 KJV Devotion: Are you overwhelmed and tired but have a lot to do? Do you compromise your health and time with your spouse and children, as well as your time with God, for the things that need to be done? We are all guilty of this, especially when we have a family to feed and take care of!   Beloved, we must walk in the truth that God values rest as well. He gives rest to His beloved, but it is up to us to receive it! Entrust the day to Him and take your leave. Let Him strengthen you and refresh you as you spend quality time with Him, your loved ones, and yourself! He’s got you covered under His wings of love, safety, and provision!   Prayer point: Abba Father, thank You for granting me rest on a day that is truly hectic. I surrender everything into Your hand as I take my leave and rest to spend quality time with You and my family. Bless this day, a...

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonians 5:23" Devotion : The opening scripture is a confirmation that mankind is a triune being. He is a spirit made up of the soul and the body, so man consists of spirit, soul, and body. Sometimes the Holy Scriptures interchange the spirit and the soul because both form the inward man.  The body and its senses form the outward man. The spirit of man is the image of God; the soul consists of the mind, will, and emotions; and the body consists of the cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and five senses.   The Most High wants the spirit, soul, and body to be balanced, and it is the Christian's duty to ensure that his spirit, soul, and body are balanced, sanctified, and preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.   The nourishment of the spirit and soul is the Holy Scriptures, ...

1 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) - "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;" Devotion: As we continue to explore the essence of love, we learn that it doesn't behave rudely or seek to elevate itself above others. Instead, love humbles itself, honors others, and seeks equality. Love isn't easily angered and quickly forgives, overlooking faults and seeking peace. Love doesn't keep a record of past wrongs, choosing to forgive and show mercy. Jesus embodied these attributes of love, and as His disciples, we're called to emulate Him. Take a moment to reflect: Are you still struggling with rudeness, revenge, anger, or unforgiveness? If so, come to Jesus, seek forgiveness, and ask for a new heart filled with love, forgiveness, peace, and kindness. Don't wait, for tomorrow may be too late (2 Corinthians 6:2). Let love reign in your life, home, office, and neighborhood. Emulate Jesus and experience the transformative ...

1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) - "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Devotion: In my college days, our favorite passage was 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, often used to express romantic love. However, today's devotion focuses on agape love, the unconditional love Christ showed by sacrificing Himself for our redemption (John 15:13). Jesus embodies love, and His love never fails. Agape love is patient, kind, and selfless, loving without expectation of return. It's not self-centered, envious, or proud. Unfortunately, the lack of agape love in the world leads to conflict, greed, and wickedness. The solution lies in Jesus' redemption, available through faith in Him and the Holy Spirit's work within us. As we look to Jesus, trust in Him, and follow His lead, we can love others unconditionally. If you're ready to experience this transformative love, start by surrendering your life to Christ as your Lord and...

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Devotion: Love is a conscious decision and choice we make, not just a feeling. In a world where love is often distorted by lust and self-interest, it's essential to understand the true nature of love. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4, genuine love is patient, kind, and promotes others without seeking to boast or elevate oneself. If our actions towards others lack these qualities, we risk being hypocrites. When we show love to the brethren, our motivation should not be to receive something in return but to glorify God and trust in His reward. Ultimately, our love should be selfless, not transactional. As we reflect on our actions, let's ask ourselves: Do they meet the requirements of love? Do we show love because it's good to love, or are we motivated by ulterior motives? May we strive to love unconditionally, just as Christ loved us. Feel ...

‭2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV‬ Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. Devotion: In today's verse we are encouraged to be strong and not give up, in the verse God promises that our work will be rewarded. As humans, we often feel limited and tempted to quit when faced with challenging tasks.     However, God's unlimited resources and strength are available to us. When King Asah felt overwhelmed in his efforts to restore Judah to God, God sent prophet Azariah to encourage him to persevere, promising that his work would be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV).   As followers of Christ, we have access to unlimited resources and strength that goes beyond our own abilities. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Whatever challenges you face today - financial struggles, car troubles, admission or job difficulties - take them to God in prayer and press on. God will see you through and...

‭1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV‬  and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;  Devotion: In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (KJV), Paul encourages believers to lead a quiet life, focused on their own affairs and diligent in their work. Paul's teachings emphasize the importance of living a godly life, free from lust and setting a good example for unbelievers. He stresses the value of self-sufficiency, earned through hard work, to avoid relying on others for support. Some Christians misinterpret God's provision, thinking it means they don't need to work. However, Paul, an apostle of Christ, worked with his hands to earn a living (1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 11:9). His example shows that faith and work go hand-in-hand. While God provides for our needs, He also blesses the labor of our hands. As believers, let's embrace the principle of work and prayer, not relying solely on prayer. When we're self-sustaining, ...

‭1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV‬  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Devotion: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) encourages us to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abundant in our work for the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. To understand the significance of this verse, let's consider the broader context of the chapter. Paul shares the message of Christ's death and resurrection, which gives us hope for our own resurrection and eternal life.  To attain this, we must remain committed to our faith in Christ, avoiding backsliding and diligently doing the Lord's work. Let's approach our spiritual responsibilities with the same dedication we would give to our secular jobs, recognizing that our eternal joy and well-being depend on it. If we fail to persevere, we risk missing out on heaven and facing eternal regret.  Instead, let's secure our ...

‭2 Timothy 1:7 KJV‬ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Devotiona: When we put our faith in Christ, God not only saves us but also equips us with the power to live according to His plan. The Holy Spirit within us enables us to overcome old habits and thought patterns, replacing them with confidence, love, and self-discipline. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us that God's Spirit doesn't instill fear or cowardice; instead, it empowers us with boldness, love, and self-control. We can rely on God's strength to face challenges, love others, and grow in our faith. As we journey with God, we'll experience a transformation that takes time, effort, and dedication. But God promises to guide and empower us every step of the way. Take a moment to pray, asking God to fill you with His Spirit, leading you towards a life of power, love, and self-discipline. Trust that God's presence will give you the courage and confidence ...

"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8" Devotion : The Lord is God, and by His very nature, He wants first place in our lives. Whatever continually occupies your mind is your "god." The psalmist placed the Lord first in his life, and his mind was always occupied with God. As a result, the Lord was also close to him and established him.   The psalmist became unmovable and unshakable. The same thing will happen to us as believers if we also continually place our Lord Jesus Christ first in our lives. It all starts by thinking of our Lord always, studying the Bible daily and fellowship with children of God. As we do this, the power of the Holy Spirit will work on our hearts to establish us in the world, both within us and on the outside.  Just like the psalmist, we can make the Lord Jesus our best friend-a friend who will always be at our right hand. Dear beloved, how close is Jesus Christ to you, and how ...

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 KJV‬ Devotion: Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) reminds us that our words have the power to bring life or death. I've experienced the impact of spoken words in my own life. As a child, I dreamed of receiving a university scholarship and vocalized it. God granted me a full scholarship to a foreign university, covering all expenses.    Later, I landed a job abroad and received generous benefits, including free accommodation. I've learned to be mindful of my words, as they can become reality.   Just as the police caution us to watch what we say, I urge you to use your words wisely, edifying God and spreading the Gospel. Let our tongues be instruments of praise, preaching the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your day be blessed! Hallelujah! Further reading James 3 verses 5-8. Feel free to share this devotional with others, and please reach out to me at gbemide09@gmail.c...

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:11 KJV Devotion: Romans 6:11 (KJV) reminds us to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ. When we forget our identity in Him, we may slip back into old patterns and struggle with recurring sin. This cycle of guilt, repentance, and repeat can end when we understand our true nature: dead to self and alive in the Holy Spirit. Examples include Christians who occasionally drink alcohol, justifying it as not being drunkenness, or those who engage in fornication and later seek forgiveness. These actions reveal a lack of understanding about their position in God's kingdom.  The key to overcoming habitual sin is recognizing the indwelling Holy Spirit's empowerment. As we focus on His presence and guidance, we'll become less consumed by our old selves and more victorious in our walk with God. Remember, beloved, you are overcomers through the blood of Je...