ojaysjoel blog

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14 Devotion: My dear Daughter and Son, a t this moment in your life, what you need most is clarity of purpose. When you fix your eyes on your future, you begin to live intentionally. That’s what it means to live a purpose-driven life. School is not just a routine—it’s preparation for a future that is independent, fruitful, and joyful. But this future won’t arrive by accident. It demands diligence today. So I urge you: work hard now, because your purpose is worth it. Let’s explore how knowing your God-given purpose transforms both your physical and spiritual life. Purpose Gives Meaning "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." — Jeremiah 1:5 You are not an accident. God designed you with intention. Like Joseph, whose journey from pit to palace was filled with trials, your path may not be easy—but it is meaning...

  "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." — James 5:14 Reflection:  This verse is a gentle yet powerful reminder that healing—both physical and spiritual—is not meant to be pursued in isolation. God designed the Church not just as a place of worship, but as a living, breathing community of care. When James speaks of calling the elders to pray and anoint with oil, he’s pointing us toward a sacred act of unity, humility, and faith.   The oil symbolizes consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The prayer represents our dependence on God. And the act of calling others in reflects our need for one another. In a world that often tells us to “tough it out” alone, this passage invites us to lean into the grace of shared burdens and collective faith. Application - Don’t suffer in silence. Whether your pain is physical, emotional, or spiritual, reach out. Healing begins ...

 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19  Devotion:  Have you ever paused to consider why the Apostle Paul chose the phrase “my God” so personally and deliberately? It wasn’t a casual reference—it was a declaration of intimacy, trust, and experience. Paul had walked with God through trials, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and moments of divine provision. His relationship with Elohim was not theoretical; it was deeply personal and proven.   When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he wasn’t merely offering encouragement—he was sharing a spiritual principle rooted in his own life. The believers in Philippi had generously supported Paul’s ministry, and in return, he assured them that his God—the One who had sustained him—would also supply their needs.   This echoes the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16). In a time of famine, God sent Elijah to a woman with barely enough flour and o...

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28" Devotion : If worldly people understood the Gospel, they would run for salvation. Worldly people are laboring in sin and are heavily laden by it; they need Jesus Christ to save them.    The yoke of Jesus is easy because we become joint heirs with Jesus Christ when we believe in the Gospel. He then gives us a discerning heart to learn from Him. As we learn in meekness and lowness of heart, we find rest for our souls in Him. His yoke is His righteousness, humility, assignment, and truthfulness which is easy and light to practice.   We, as children of God should let the world know that in Christ is everything; tell the worldly people to seek Him first then all things people run after she'll be given them. We found this promise in  Matthew 6:33 " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We know that He who...

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32" Devotion : Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, was kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. He exhibited these qualities when He started His ministry; even on the cross He forgave all those who were involved in His crucifixion.  The disciples had these qualities, except Judas Iscariot. Steven was kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving; he forgave those who stoned him to death, among whom was the Apostle Paul under the name of Saul.   The ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the church and in the world will be severely limited without the qualities of kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The children of God have these qualities inherent in them; what they need to do is to cultivate them. Let us be open-minded and seize every opportunity to demonstrate our kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiving attitudes. Let u...

“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 Devotion: Trust is the quiet strength that holds us steady when the winds howl and the path disappears beneath our feet. It is not blind optimism, nor is it passive resignation. Trust is active faith—anchored not in what we see, but in who God is. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is a tapestry of trust—woven through the lives of ordinary people who dared to believe in an extraordinary God. Take Abraham, for example. God asked him to leave everything familiar and journey to a land he’d never seen. Later, He asked Abraham to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. Abraham’s trust wasn’t rooted in logic—it was rooted in God’s character. “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice…” (Hebrews 11:17). He believed that even if Isaac died, God could raise him again. That’s trust that defies circumstance. ...

In Mark 2:9, Jesus poses a profound question:   "Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?"   This moment wasn’t just a theological debate—it was a divine unveiling of the heart of God. The scribes questioned Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, but He responded not with argument, but with action. He healed the paralyzed man, proving that He had authority both to heal the body and to cleanse the soul.    Forgiveness First — The Easier Yet Deeper Work:  Jesus’ choice to forgive first reveals a spiritual principle: forgiveness is foundational. In Matthew 9:2, a similar account unfolds, and Jesus again begins with, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Before physical healing, He addresses the deeper need—the healing of the heart. This teaches us that while miracles may dazzle, forgiveness transforms.    Consider Joseph in Genesis 45. Betrayed by h...

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Timothy 2:7" Devotion : In the kingdom of God there are several principles of success. When these principles are followed to the letter, success is inevitable. Our respect for leadership in the church is what the Apostle Paul has brought to light.  When we consider what the leadership of the church says, God gives us understanding in all things. In other words, when we respect our church leaders and diligently follow them in the scriptures, God gives us understanding in all our endeavors.    However, when we rebel against their leadership, we will fail in all our endeavors because of lack of understanding.   Dearly beloved, what is your attitude towards your church leader? Do you gossip about them or go about spreading falsehood about them? Remember, if you want to succeed follow your leaders and learn from them.     Edited by Dr Joel Olanrewaju.  Share your thoughts with me...

"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." — Job 22:21 Devotion:   Friendship has several advantages and blessings in life. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow." — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10.   Friendship can also bring severe disadvantages and misfortunes. "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" — 1 Corinthians 15:33.   The kind of friends you have will determine whether you will enjoy blessings or curses. "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." — Proverbs 13:20.   The opening scripture exhorts us to befriend God and be at peace with Him, and His goodness will become our inheritance. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8.     The closer we are to God, the more glorious we will be. "But we all, with open face beholding as ...

Psalm 42:11 (NIV)   "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." Reflection:  Psalm 42 is a cry from the depths—a soul wrestling with sorrow, longing for the nearness of God. The psalmist’s question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” is not merely rhetorical; it’s a spiritual intervention. He speaks to himself, confronting the despair that threatens to drown his hope.   This internal dialogue reveals a profound truth: our emotions, though real and valid, are not sovereign. We can speak to them, challenge them, and redirect them toward truth. The psalmist doesn’t deny his pain—he acknowledges it—but he also anchors his soul in the unchanging character of God.   When life feels heavy, when prayers seem unanswered, and when joy feels distant, we must remind ourselves: God is still worthy of praise. Our hope is not in fleeting feelings or shifting circumstances, but in the stead...

 Scripture:  Jeremiah 17:7-8  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Discuss:  "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is." - This sets the foundation: trust and hope in God are the keys to blessing. - It’s not just belief—it’s a deep reliance, a surrender of control, and a confident expectation that God is faithful. "For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters..." - The tree symbolizes a person whose life is anchored in divine truth. - Water represents spiritual nourishment—God’s Word, presence, and grace. - Being “planted” implies intentionality and stability, not randomness. This person is rooted in purpose. "...and that spreadeth out her root...

Scripture:   *“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.   Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”*   — James 4:4, 7 (KJV) Devotion:  James doesn’t mince words. He calls out spiritual infidelity with piercing clarity—“adulterers and adulteresses”—not to shame, but to awaken. The language is strong because the stakes are high. When our hearts chase after worldly values—status, pleasure, power—we drift from the intimacy God desires with us. Friendship with the world isn’t just casual compromise; it’s spiritual betrayal.   But James doesn’t leave us in despair. Verse 7 is a lifeline: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” Submission isn’t weakness—it’s surrender to the One who loves us fiercely and fights for our freedom. When we submit, we align ourselves with heaven’s power. And with ...

Nahum 1:7 KJV [7] The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.  Devotion: Nahum’s letter to the people of Judah, in the southern part of Israel, is both a call for repentance and a letter of judgment. The northern tribes had already been exiled to Assyria, and the unfaithfulness of Judah was also leading them into exile. There's a lot happening in Judah at this time. It's an era of national turmoil. The people have been unfaithful. But rather than focusing on the surrounding dangers or the cultural pressures, Nahum points the people back to the character of God—which never changes.  Nahum reminds us that God is good. Even though the world around Israel was changing rapidly, their God remained the same. He is always good. In the midst of every circumstance, we can trust that God will never change but will always desire what is good for us. Nahum continues to remind us that God is a refuge in the midst of difficult times. Because ...

  Scripture: It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). In the sacred bond of marriage, two hearts vow to journey as one. Yet for many, the reality feels far from that divine design. The phrase “married but living single” captures a quiet ache—where emotional distance, spiritual disconnection, and relational isolation replace the intimacy God intended. God’s Blueprint for Marriage From the beginning, God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). He formed woman not merely as a companion, but as a co-laborer in purpose. Marriage was never meant to be a contract—it is a covenant, sealed by God, where “the two become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Jesus affirmed this in Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This oneness is not automatic. It must be nurtured through love, mutual submission, and shared pursuit of God. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 that spouses are to fulfill each other’s needs—not just physic...

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Devotion: The tongue is a paradox. It’s small, yet mighty. Hidden, yet exposed. James calls it a fire—capable of setting the whole course of life ablaze. Proverbs echoes this truth: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). What we say doesn’t just vanish into the air—it plants seeds that grow into consequences, sweet or bitter.   In James 3:4–8, we’re warned that the tongue is like a rudder steering a ship, or a spark igniting a forest. It can bless or curse, heal or wound, build up or tear down. And once words are spoken, they can’t be unsaid. They echo in hearts, shape relationships, and even define reputations.   But Proverbs 18:22 adds a surprising twist: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives fav...

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 Reflection: Family is meant to be a refuge—a place of love, support, and growth. But what happens when that sanctuary becomes a source of pain, confusion, or emotional exhaustion? Many people silently endure broken marriages, strained relationships, and toxic dynamics, believing that suffering is their only option. But the Bible offers a message of hope, healing, and new beginnings.  When Family Fails Even in Scripture, we see examples of families that struggled: - Cain and Abel (Genesis 4): A tragic story of jealousy and violence between brothers. - David’s household (2 Samuel): Marked by betrayal, rebellion, and heartbreak. - Hosea and Gomer (Hosea 1–3): A marriage strained by unfaithfulness, yet used by God to show redemption. These stories remind us that brokenness in families is not new—and not beyond God's reach.  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who a...

Scripture Focus:   "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 1. Jesus as the Way - Direction in a world of confusion: Life presents countless paths—religions, philosophies, ideologies—but Jesus boldly declares that He is the way, not a way. - Access to God: This isn’t just about moral living or spiritual discipline. Jesus is the bridge between humanity and the Father. Without Him, the path to God remains closed. - Practical implication: Following Jesus means aligning your decisions, values, and purpose with His teachings. It’s not just about belief—it’s about movement in His direction. 2. Jesus as the Truth - In a world of relative truths: Today, many claim to have “their truth,” but Jesus claims to be the truth—unchanging, eternal, and absolute. - Revealer of God’s nature: Jesus doesn’t just speak truth; He embodies it. Through Him, we understand who God is, what He desires, and how He loves. - Freedo...

“And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may feel ashamed.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Devotion:   Our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ care deeply about the company we keep. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was often found in fellowship with His disciples—those who shared His mission and heart. On rare occasions, He stepped outside that circle to reach a lost soul, but His core relationships remained rooted in truth and purpose.   Scripture warns us that “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). That’s why Christ calls us to walk in His Word and surround ourselves with those who do the same. When we walk with likeminded believers—those who are committed to living out the gospel—we sharpen one another, grow in grace, and shine as lights in a dark world.   Sometimes, fellow believers may stray from the path of truth. In such moments, we are call...

John 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Devotion: The verse above comes right after one of the most famous verses in the Bible, and it continues to clarify the manner in which Jesus brings us eternal life. The great gift of God through Jesus comes to all who believe in Jesus as the way to salvation.   John tells us that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world because of its sin, but rather to save the world through His life, death, and resurrection.   It can be easy to feel condemned or guilty because we don’t often see ourselves as worthy of God’s love. But this verse tells us something important—regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, you are loved by God.   God is not trying to make your life difficult. He wants the best for you and desires a relationship with you. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to the earth to give us grace and life that we did not...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28" Devotion : The focus of God is that all things work together for the good of His children. Among the children of God are those who love Him; this is seen in their obedience and submission to God. All the children of God are called according to His purpose but there are those who are carrying out His purpose and there are those who are not.  If you carry out his purpose know that his  thoughts are of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  Jeremiah 29:11   affirms God’s intentional goodness toward His children.  Those who are carrying out the purpose of God are those who love Him. Those who love God will have all things working together for their good. All things include the trees, sun, sea, ground, birds, temptation, suffering, riches, health, career, angels, etc.    Temptation works for your good w...

 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2 KJV Devotion: In a world where the pursuit of wealth and pleasure often overshadows eternal purpose, we’re reminded by Paul in Colossians 3:1–3 to lift our eyes heavenward:  Colossians 3:1–3 KJV   “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”   The natural man is consumed with present troubles and temporary gain. We forget that we are mere pilgrims here—passing through toward an eternal home. People chase wealth by any means, forgetting their soul’s destination. But scripture calls us to set our desires not on fleeting riches but on eternal life.   Jesus Christ, who came from heaven and returned there (see John 6:38 — “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, b...

 In today’s world, love is more than just feelings—it's also about wisdom, responsibility, and building a future rooted in understanding. As children of God, we’re called not only to love deeply but also to love wisely. When it comes to choosing a life partner, especially in the face of genetic conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and others, it’s important to think beyond the surface.  Faith and Wisdom Go Hand-in-Hand - God gives us the gift of love, but He also equips us with knowledge. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” - Wisdom means considering how your choices today affect the family you will build tomorrow. Know Your Genetic Status - Before choosing a partner, it’s important to understand your genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS) and encourage your potential partner to do the same. - Genetic disorders like sickle cell and thalassemia are inherited, meaning two carriers (e.g., AS + AS) have a high chance of having children wit...

Scripture Focus:   "You shall not steal." — Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)   "The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a sure reward." — Proverbs 11:18 (ESV) Reflection   Stealing may seem minor in the eyes of the world—sometimes even clever. But in God's eyes, it’s a serious offense against both divine law and the dignity of fellow human beings. From petty theft to grand deception, the act of taking what isn’t ours reveals a heart distanced from righteousness and justice.   God’s judgment is consistent: He condemns theft not merely because of what is taken, but because of what it represents—greed, deceit, and disregard for others.   In Zechariah 5:3, God declares: > “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: every thief shall be expelled.”   This isn’t just about earthly punishment—it’s spiritual exile. The thief sets themselves against God’s covenant, distancing themselves from His favor.  Biblica...