ojaysjoel blog

Philippians 2:3 AMPC   "Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]."  Devotion:  In a world that constantly encourages “looking out for number one,” the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians stand as a radical call to live differently. He reminds us that life isn't about self-promotion, power plays, or personal gain—but about humility and service.   Selfishness isolates. It divides. It creates strife and breeds conceit. But selflessness, as modeled by Jesus, invites unity, harmony, and love. When we value others above ourselves—not in a way that belittles our worth, but elevates theirs—we step into the true heart of Christ.   This verse isn't asking us to become invisibl...

  “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” — Matthew 15:8 Devotion: Hypocrisy is a subtle yet destructive force that erodes the trust and integrity within our faith communities. It is the act of presenting oneself as righteous while inwardly indulging in sin or failing to live by the very truths we proclaim.   Jesus spoke firmly against hypocrisy, especially among religious leaders who honored God with their lips but whose hearts were far from Him.   “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” — Matthew 15:8   The danger of hypocrisy is not just in its deception, but in how it stifles spiritual growth and hinders the work of the Holy Spirit. It causes others to stumble, and worse, it blinds the hypocrite to their need for repentance.    “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:4   God desire...

Think back to Genesis 1—when God created the world. One of the first things He said was “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Just like God created light to shine upon the earth, Jesus came as a light to all mankind.   Jesus says that He is the light of the world. He also points out that light is necessary for finding our way in this world. Jesus is the light that guides men and women into true life.   Jesus is not only the light that illuminates our path in life, but He is also the one who illuminates everything we see. It is by Jesus’ light that we can look at the rest of the world and make judgments on what is right and good.   Light in the Old Testament is often a symbol of judgment, because it is light that exposes the darkness and evil in the hearts of people. Jesus is the true Judge who comes with the authority of God the Father to judge the hearts of men and women (John 8:13-17).   While Jesus is the true Judge of all humanity, those who follow Him and believe ...

Scripture Focus   "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." — 1 Timothy 5:8 "The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to bless all the work of your hands." — Deuteronomy 28:12 Reflection   Faith is powerful. Prayer moves mountains. But Scripture teaches that faith is meant to work hand in hand with action. The Apostle Paul’s admonition in 1 Timothy is sobering—it reminds us that neglecting responsibility, especially to family, is not just unwise but spiritually dangerous.   In contrast, God's promise in Deuteronomy is full of hope: our hands, when put to honest labor, are the very vessels God chooses to bless.   There’s a growing belief among some today that prayer alone guarantees wealth. Yet even Jesus, who performed miracles, worked as a carpenter. David shepherded. Ruth gleaned. Lydia traded in purple cloth. Faith-filled living ne...

   “For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” — Proverbs 23:18 (ESV)  Theme Reflection   To live with great expectation is to keep our hearts tuned to the melodies of heaven, even when the winds of life grow fierce. It’s choosing hope over despair, even when all we see seems contrary. The power of expectation isn’t just in what we look forward to—it’s in who we’re trusting to bring it to pass.   When we expect God to move, we build spiritual stamina. We walk like Abraham, who “hoped against hope” (Romans 4:18), believing in the promise of a son even when nature said otherwise. Our expectation anchors us—it reminds us that no matter how long the night, morning always comes.   Devotion   Lord, today I choose to live with great expectation—not in fleeting things or human guarantees, but in Your faithfulness. Your Word says I have a future, and You will not let my hope be dashed. So I’ll trust even when answers delay, I’ll...

"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Matthew 8:8" Devotion : The centurion wanted help from Jesus Christ. Apparently he had heard of Jesus Christ and knew He had the solution he was looking for but had never set his eyes on Jesus. When he set his eyes on Jesus Christ, he realized he had come into contact with the Holy Son of God and so felt unworthy. He said to Jesus, "Just speak your Word and my servant will be healed."    Jesus Christ marveled and said that He had never seen such a great faith in Israel. Jesus spoke the Word and the centurion's servant was healed instantly. Jesus Christ illustrated here faith and the spoken Word; if we have faith and speak the Word of God to every situation that needs a change, there will surely be a change.   Dear beloved, do you need a change in any area of your life? What do you think you must do? Share your t...

Matthew 2:10 (KJV)   “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Devotion: The wise men followed the Star not out of curiosity, but because they were seeking the One whose birth would change the course of history. That Star led them to Jesus, and when they found Him, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Jesus is still that guiding light today. He said in John 8:12,   “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”   If you've never truly seen Jesus—never invited Him into your heart—now is the time to seek Him. Let Him guide your life and fill it with His joy.  The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:13,   “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”   God isn’t hiding. He invites you to come boldly and receive grace, forgiveness, and a fresh start.  It is time to give Jesus your heart. He gave His life f...

 "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." — Mark 14:38  Reflection In the twilight hours before His crucifixion, Jesus stepped into the Garden of Gethsemane carrying the weight of the world. Though accompanied by Peter, James, and John—His closest companions—He bore the burden of sorrow and submission alone. He asked them to keep watch, to remain alert in prayer. But sleep overtook them... three times. Not because they didn’t love Him, but because, like us, they were human. Weak. Vulnerable to the pull of the flesh.   This moment, recorded in Mark 14, isn’t just history—it’s instruction. Jesus didn’t shame them, but He warned them: “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”   Why this specific command?  Because prayer is not only communion with God—it’s armor. And watching is not merely seeing—it’s spiritual awareness. Together, they are divine strategies to overcome temptation.  Biblical Ex...

Scripture: "Like the partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay, so is the one who gains wealth unjustly; in the midst of his days it will leave him, and in the end he will be a fool." — Jeremiah 17:11 (ESV)    Reflection:   The pursuit of wealth is not in itself wrong—many figures in the Bible were blessed with riches and influence. But the means of acquiring it matter deeply to God. Jeremiah paints a vivid picture: someone who amasses wealth dishonestly is like a bird brooding over stolen eggs—eventually, it’s all lost, and shame takes its place.   Unjust gain is a fragile foundation. Whether it’s cheating in business, manipulating people, or living off exploitation, it comes with a cost: lost peace, broken integrity, and eventual ruin. Wealth gained without righteousness might sparkle on the outside, but it corrodes the soul from within.  Takeaway:   True prosperity is built not just on effort, but on ethics. God honors diligence, creativi...

“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: In our journey of faith, three priceless keys are laid before us: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. These aren't abstract concepts or scattered paths—they are found wholly and completely in Jesus Christ. The Way   Many seek God through traditions, philosophies, or rituals, but Scripture makes it clear—Jesus is the only path to the Father.    “Enter ye in at the strait gate... because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” — Matthew 7:13–14   Choosing Jesus means walking the narrow but true path, marked by grace, mercy, and eternal purpose. The Truth   In a world saturated with opinions and distorted doctrines, Jesus stands as the unwavering truth.   “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17   And ye shall kn...

Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:11 – "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."  Reflective Thought:  There are seasons when our spirits feel like they’ve drifted far from the warmth of God’s presence—like heading south from a place of spiritual strength to a place of dryness and weariness. These are moments of questions, silence, and even sorrow. Maybe life threw you off course. Maybe prayer feels empty. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of disappointment.   But being "spiritually down south" doesn’t mean you’re forsaken—it means you’re being invited to lean in deeper. God isn’t absent; He’s present in the stillness, waiting to revive your soul. - What to Do in Your Spiritual South - Pause and Acknowledge: Admit your weariness to God. He listens, even when words falter. Tell Him you're tired. - Rest in His Word: Return to Scripture—not as an obligation, but as a lifeline. Let v...

Exodus 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Devotion: To grow old is a sacred gift—a privilege bestowed by God. Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Longevity itself is divine favor, but even more so is the blessing of having children who love, respect, and care for their parents in the sunset years of life.   Yet, not all who age experience this comfort. Some find themselves isolated, overlooked, and forgotten. This is not merely a social failing—it is a spiritual one. Scripture speaks repeatedly about the importance of honoring elders, especially our parents, regardless of their shortcomings.   Ephesians 6:2–3 says, “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Notice it does not qualify the command—it doesn’t say “only if th...

Are you carrying an impossibly heavy burden? Are you trying to manage a massive load all by yourself? Are there wounds and worries that are weighing down your soul? It doesn’t have to be this way … “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬ Devotion: Jesus wasn’t saying to come to Him and do nothing. He’s not saying to quit your job and abandon your life and move to a deserted island. This isn’t a call to be idle, but an invitation to rest—and to work from rest.   A yoke is a device used for joining two animals together for a purpose like farm work—for plowing a field or pulling a heavy load. As always, two are stronger than one.   Jesus’ mention of the yoke implies there is still work to be done, ...

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” — Revelation 12:11 (KJV) Devotional: The blood of Jesus Christ remains one of the most potent spiritual weapons given to us as believers. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we are empowered to resist, rebuke, and overcome every force of darkness. Scripture reminds us in Hebrews 9:14 that “...how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience...?” This blood speaks better things than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24), and each time we invoke its power in faith, the enemy becomes powerless.   Even in the heavenly realms, Archangel Michael and his angels relied on the authority of Christ’s victory — symbolized by His blood — to cast out the accuser. As believers on Earth, we too must continually plead the blood over our lives, homes, and battles, knowing we are covered and v...

Hebrews 13:5 — “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”   Devotion: Loneliness doesn’t always announce itself with tears. Sometimes it’s quiet — a subtle ache in the soul, a room filled with silence, a crowd that feels hollow. Yet in that stillness, God draws near.  Scripture shows us that even the mightiest figures walked through valleys of solitude. David fled to caves with nothing but his prayers Psalm 142:4 “No one cares for my soul.”  Elijah collapsed beneath a broom tree, tired of life itself(1 Kings 19:4 “I have had enough, Lord… take my life.” )   Job wrestled with sorrow in ashes.(Job 7:16 “Leave me alone; my days have no meaning.”) And Jesus — abandoned, betrayed, and crucified — felt the weight of divine silence.(Matthew 27:46 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)   Loneliness isn’t a punishment. It’s a pause. And in that sacred space, we’re reminded that God is intimately present. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,” whisp...

  Greetings beloved, I trust you are doing well and flourishing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the past few years, I've been honored to share devotionals with you through messages. It has been my joy and commitment to offer words of spiritual nourishment and encouragement. Today, I humbly reach out to you with a request. I would love to hear from you regarding the impact these devotionals have had on your life or the lives of those you’ve shared them with. Have they inspired reflection? Stirred growth in your walk with God? Brought any testimonies to light? Your feedback will guide me in refining this ministry so it may continue bearing fruit. “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Hebrews 10:24   “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17   “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9 (NLT) I deeply value your insights, suggestions...

"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?" Matthew 18:12 (KJV) Devotional Reflection: Our Lord Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)—once again demonstrates His boundless compassion and relentless pursuit of redemption. This parable isn’t just about sheep; it’s about you. It’s about every believer who dares to refuse defeat in the face of loss.   Jesus poses a powerful question: Wouldn’t a shepherd risk the wilderness to recover one lost sheep? The answer reflects the very heart of God—a refusal to accept loss without pursuit, a determination to reclaim what is His.   What have you lost? Is it time, relationships, purpose, hope? Whatever it is, Christ assures that recovery is possible—if you are willing to seek, He is ready to strengthen you. He offers grace not only to restore what’s missing but also to equip you...

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?” Matthew 7:9 (KJV) Devotion: The LORD God Almighty possesses infinite wisdom—far beyond what any human being can fathom. His responses to our prayers are shaped not only by His perfect understanding but also by His boundless love. Just as a loving earthly father would never hand his child something harmful when asked for something good, so our Heavenly Father gives us what is best—even when we don’t understand His ways.   Sometimes, we may feel unheard in prayer or begin to question whether God is listening. Yet Scripture reassures us:   “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”Isaiah 65:24.   God is not indifferent to your cries. He hears you, knows what you need before you even speak, and more importantly, He knows what would harm you. His wisdom doesn’t always grant what we ask, especially when our requests conflict with His loving will.  ...

Anchor Scripture:“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) Devotional: True success—both in the physical and spiritual realms—ultimately comes from God. While human effort, intelligence, and connections may play a role, it is the Lord who determines the outcome of our lives. “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong... but time and chance happen to them all.”Ecclesiastes 9:11   God has promised to bless the work of our hands (Deuteronomy 28:12), but not all who work hard experience success. Why? Because success is not just about effort—it’s about alignment with God’s purpose, timing, and placement. Doing the right work, in the right place, at the right time is key. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1   You may choose where to live or what career to pursue, but if it’s not in line with your divine assignment, frustration may f...

 Read the whole of Psalm 31.  Key Points: 1. Run to God: Surrender your fears and struggles to Him (Psalm 31:1-5). 2. God sees your pain: He knows your struggles and sees every tear (Psalm 31:6-10). 3. God's presence is steadfast: Even in betrayal and rejection, He remains your defender (Psalm 31:11-13). 4. Speak faith: Declare trust in God despite fear and uncertainty (Psalm 31:14-18). 5. God's goodness is reserved for those who trust Him: Praise Him in advance, knowing He has stored up goodness for you (Psalm 31:19-22). Reflection: - Where do you turn when troubles feel overwhelming? - Remember, God sees your pain and is your steadfast defender. - Choose to speak faith and trust in Him, even in fear. Prayer: Lord, help me trust You completely in every season. Strengthen my heart when I'm weak. Teach me to speak faith and wait with confidence for Your goodness. Amen. When you're tired, afraid, or uncertain—this is your verse: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthe...

Love your wives even as Christ also Loved the Church and gave himself for it(Ephesians 5:25). Discussion: Women are a uniquely precious gift from God, essential to life and purpose on earth. They hold such profound significance in a man’s life that they can truly be called indispensable. Yet, their depth and complexity are such that fully understanding them remains a mystery—much like the wonders of creation. As someone once said, 'If you can comprehend how the stars hold their place in the sky, only then might you begin to understand a woman.'    From a biblical standpoint, God has given us timeless principles for relating to women with wisdom, love, and honor. By following His Word, we can build strong, harmonious relationships that reflect His divine design. Understanding women and preventing quarrels in marriage from a biblical perspective involves applying God’s wisdom on love, communication, and mutual respect.  Here are key biblical principles to foster a harm...

The Bible paints a rich and multifaceted picture of women—celebrating their strength, wisdom, compassion, and spiritual depth. It doesn’t offer a single definition of womanhood, but instead showcases a tapestry of characters whose lives reflect godly virtues and human complexity.  Key Traits of Women in the Bible - Wisdom & Kindness     “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26     Women are often portrayed as wise counselors, nurturing leaders, and sources of spiritual insight. - Strength & Dignity     “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25     This verse highlights inner resilience and confidence rooted in faith. - Faithfulness & Loyalty     Ruth’s devotion to Naomi is a powerful example:     “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be...

Scripture Focus:   "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)  Devotional:  In life’s stormiest seasons, we often find ourselves searching for something—or someone—to lean on. The truth is, God never intended for us to carry burdens alone. He designed us to lean on Him.   Consider Moses, weary from leading the Israelites through the wilderness. In Exodus 17, as the Israelites battled Amalek, Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God. But when his arms grew tired, he began to lower them, and the Israelites started to lose. So Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his hands. Through this act of support, God gave them victory.   This picture echoes the divine invitation: “Lean on Me.” Whether it’s through His Spirit, His Word, or His people, God provides strength in our weakness.   Or take David, who poured out his hea...

Scripture Focus:   “Lo, I see four men loose… and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” — Daniel 3:25 Reflection Life often demands that we choose between comfort and conviction. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we may be pressured to bow to things that go against God’s commands—be it compromise, fear, or idolatry. These three men stood firm in their faith, even when faced with a literal death sentence.      They didn’t know if God would rescue them—but they knew He could. That’s the kind of faith that moves heaven. And in the furnace, where no one else dared to go, God met them. Not before the fire, not after—but in it.    What’s incredible isn’t just that they survived the flames, but that they did so without even smelling of smoke. When you walk through trials with God at your side, you won’t be defined by your fire—you’ll be refined by it.   Key Scriptures - Daniel 3:17–18 – “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… But...

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Philippians 2:14" Devotion : The Christian can be blameless and harmless as the light of the world. The way to become blameless and harmless is to do away with murmurings and disputing. Murmuring and disputing are signs of lack of faith and trust in the God we serve.     Complaining does not get anything done. Instead of murmuring, disputing, and complaining, we should worship and praise God, and make melodies in our heart; afterwards ask God for His way and go ahead to do what He has destined for us to do.     We are the lights in our world so we have to show the world the way to go; the way to go is to shine goodness, hope and inspire confidence in people to trust our Lord Jesus Christ.   Dear beloved, do you murmur, dispute, and complain? What would you do to overcome them? Share your comments here!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” — Mark 9:23 (KJV) Devotion: Heaven honors faith. The moment a child of God believes, Heaven moves. Jesus affirmed this when He declared that all things are possible to the one who believes. This isn't merely a motivational statement—it's a divine truth.   The critical question remains: Do you believe?   Because if you do, then your prayer has already gained access to Heaven’s "Yes." Faith doesn’t make things easy, but it makes them possible.   “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” — Mark 11:24   When doubt creeps in, rebuke it. Speak in faith: "I believe I have received what I have prayed for."   Faith has a voice—use it.   Avoid environments and conversations that feed unbelief. Just as faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), doubt also comes by exp...

Devotional for July 1, 2025   John 1:4 — “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”  Reflecting on the Journey As we welcome the month of July, we mark the beginning of the second half of the year. Six months have flown by—what have they meant for you? - Have your goals been met? - Have you grown spiritually? - Are you thriving, or merely surviving? If your answer leaves you disheartened, you're not alone. Many strive in their own strength and end up weary. But today’s Word reminds us: Life—true life—is only found in Jesus. What Might Be Holding You Back? - Are you trying but failing in your own effort? - Have you experienced delays, disappointments, or shut doors? - Do you feel spiritually dry or distant from God? Then hear this: Come to Jesus. He is Life itself.   Devotional Exhortation Jesus doesn’t simply give life—He IS Life. Everything you're seeking—peace, purpose, breakthrough—is wrapped in a relationship with Him. Without Him, it’s like drawing wa...