ojaysjoel blog

"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...

Theme Verse:   "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." — James 1:2–3 (NIV) Introduction:  Life is a journey marked by seasons of joy and seasons of hardship. Trials and tests are not interruptions to our faith—they are invitations to deepen it. God never wastes a trial. Each one is a divine classroom where our character is refined, our trust is stretched, and our hearts are drawn closer to Him. Biblical Examples: 1. Abraham — The Test of Obedience   In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. It was a test of obedience and trust. Abraham passed the test, and God provided a ram in place of Isaac.   "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." — Genesis 22:12 2. Joseph — The Trial of Injustice   Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and impris...

  "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." — John 14:14  Devotion:  Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God—He is God incarnate, the visible image of the invisible God. As Hebrews 1:3 declares, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” When Jesus instructed His disciples to pray in His name, He was preparing them for His departure to heaven. Though physically absent, His name would carry His presence, authority, and power.   Praying in Jesus’ name is not a ritual—it’s a relationship. It’s like accessing a divine account in heaven. Just as you cannot withdraw money from a bank without an account, you cannot receive from God without Jesus. He is our access point, our spiritual account, and our divine mediator. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” — 1 Timothy 2:5.   When we surrender our lives to Christ, He becomes our spiritual banker—our source and supply. “And my Go...

Daniel 12:3 (KJV)   “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Devotion: In today’s world, there are countless ways to gain knowledge—through education, books, media, and experience. Yet Scripture reminds us that wisdom is far more valuable than mere information. In Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) we understand that  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”   True wisdom begins with reverence for God. While many may be intelligent, wisdom in God’s eyes flows from knowing Him and walking in His truth. God, who is perfect in knowledge, is the source of all wisdom.   A Life That Reflects God -  Those who walk in wisdom become lights in a world that often feels dark. Our words and actions matter. Though we are imperfect, we are called to reflect God’s character in how we live. Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)  t...

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." — Deuteronomy 6:5 Devotion:   Love has dimensions. The scripture above outlines the kind of love God desires from us—a love that encompasses our entire being: spirit, soul, and body. These three dimensions reflect the depth of love God expects: - Heart/Spirit — to worship Him sincerely. - Soul/Mind — to meditate on and memorize His Word. - Body/Might — to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto Him. Furthermore, the Bible instructs us to love our neighbours as ourselves. If you truly love yourself, you will not harm yourself. Likewise, if you love your neighbour, you will not do anything to hurt them. You will not covet their possessions, including their spouse—you will not commit adultery. In essence, love is the key to living a holy and acceptable life, one that prepares us to inherit the Kingdom of God. Dearly beloved, do you love God with your...

Scripture:   "For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow."   Philippians 2:27 (KJV)  Devotional: Epaphroditus, a faithful companion of Paul, fell gravely ill—so much so that death seemed imminent. Yet, Paul turned to the Lord in prayer, and God, in His mercy, healed him. This moment reminds us of the boundless power of God to heal and restore, even when all hope seems lost. Jesus Himself affirmed this truth:   "For with God nothing shall be impossible." — Luke 1:37 (KJV)   And again, He said:  "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." — Luke 18:27 (KJV)   These verses underscore that divine healing is not limited by human understanding or medical prognosis. It is rooted in God's sovereign will and mercy. Understanding Sickness: Many Christians believe that sickness is always a direct attack from the devil. While ...

Scripture:   "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." — 1 Peter 3:15 Devotion:   There is a hope that believers in Christ Jesus have committed to. That hope is that the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ's second coming is sure, even though He may tarry. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:13   For He who died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended to heaven—Jesus Christ of Nazareth—cannot tell lies about His second coming. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” — Hebrews 10:23   We are exhorted by the Apostle Peter to be ready always to give an answer to every man who questions our hope. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering an...

Scripture:   Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?   Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?   — Isaiah 58:6-7  Reflection:  In Isaiah 58, God confronts a people who are outwardly religious—fasting, praying, and seeking Him daily—but inwardly disconnected from His heart. They perform rituals, yet ignore justice. They bow their heads in humility, yet fail to lift the burdens of others. Through the prophet, God redefines what true fasting looks like.   The fast God demands is not merely abstaining from food. It is a lifestyle of compassion, justice, and mercy. It is a holy rebellion against oppression, a divine call to action that breaks chains and heals wo...

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Devotion:  After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days preparing His disciples for life without Him. Before ascending to heaven, He gave them a mission—The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).  This mission begins with going out to share the good news of Jesus. You don’t need to travel far; people in your neighborhood and workplace need hope too.  The goal is to make followers of Jesus by sharing how He’s changed your life and inviting others to discover Him. Jesus also emphasized baptizing new believers—a public symbol of their faith and welcome into God’s family.  Making disciples isn’t just for pastors; it’s a calling for every believer. Reflect on who helped you grow spiritually, and ask God to show you someone you can guide. Then, step out in faith and share the hope of Jesus.   It’s the weekend again—a fresh chance to shar...

Ecclesiastes 3:14  "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." Devotion: This verse reveals the eternal nature of God's actions. Unlike human efforts, which are often temporary or flawed, God's works are perfect, complete, and enduring. His sovereignty ensures that nothing can improve or diminish what He has done. The phrase "that men should fear before him" points to reverence—a call to humility and awe in the face of divine perfection.  Key points in the Devotion 1. God’s Perfection and Permanence - God is described as living, beautiful, and perfect—a reminder that His nature is not static or distant but active and glorious. - His works are intentional and eternal. Whether it's creation, salvation, or blessings, they are designed to last. 2. Human Responsibility:  - While God's works are eternal in design, their manifestation in ...

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15" Devotion : When mankind fell in the Garden of Eden they became sinners; in fact, their nature became polluted with sin and they began to bear the nature of sin. They, therefore, needed deliverance from sin.   Jesus Christ was sent to die on the cross to deliver mankind from sin. All mankind has been delivered from sin but to honor Jesus Christ and become a personal beneficiary of this inheritance, you must first accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life.    After you have received Christ Jesus, eternal life becomes your present inheritance; you then qualify to enjoy all the promises of God in the Holy Scriptures. It is important to state here that you only enjoy above as long as you remain in Christ and live in obedience. A backslider has no inheritance with Christ.    This is the message of the Gospel, or good news. Dearly beloved, do you preach the ...

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Divine Protection Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. This is echoed in other verses: - Psalm 91:10–11: “No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” - Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The lord fought for the Israelites when they were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, God parted the waters (Exodus 14). That miraculous deliverance is part of our spiritual heritage—God makes a way where there is none.  Identity and Inheritance Being a child of God m...

   Introduction: What Is Sustainable Health? Sustainable health refers to a lifestyle that maintains physical, mental, and spiritual well-being over time. For the Nigerian Christian, this means living in a way that honors God, nurtures the body, and uplifts the community—despite economic, environmental, or social challenges. > “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” — 3 John 1:2 1. Spiritual Health: The Foundation of Wholeness  Faith and Obedience Spiritual health begins with a relationship with God. In Nigeria, where faith is deeply woven into daily life, spiritual discipline is key. - Proverbs 3:7-8 — “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” - Daniel’s Example: Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8). His obedience led to better health than those who indulged in luxury (Dani...

"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." — Exodus 33:14 Devotion:   Under the old covenant, God’s presence came upon His prophets—He dwelled with them, walked with them, and empowered them. But in the new covenant, something extraordinary happens: the children of God are born into His presence. His Spirit doesn’t just visit—they become His dwelling place.   Those who have surrendered their lives to Christ and remain in Him by turning away from sin are the true children of God. The Holy Spirit lives within them, guiding them into righteousness. But when one falls into sin, the Spirit withdraws—because He does not inhabit a life stained by sin.    The presence of God is the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gave to the Church after His ascension. When the Spirit is in you and with you, He brings rest—not just physical rest, but spiritual peace, freedom from struggle, and a life overflowing with divine abundance.  A Loving Call: ...

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8" Devotion : An adversary is someone who always takes the opposing position, in other words, an opponent or an enemy. The devil is described as an opposition, opponent, and an enemy. He has nothing good in him and will never do good. He seeks people who are vulnerable to destroy them through hypocrisy and deception.   The only way a believer in Christ Jesus can outwit him is to be sober and vigilant. Soberness and vigilance must go together to identify the operations of the devil and his cohorts of darkness. Christians must therefore shun sleepiness, dull-mindedness, drunkenness, ignorance, and prayerlessness to overcome the adversary. In other words children of God must practise watch and pray(Luke 21:36, 1Peter 4:7) must pray without creasing(1Thessalonians 5:17). Dearly beloved, what did you learn from the article? When last did you wake up at ...

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." — 1 Peter 2:24. Interpretation of the verse above: This verse is a powerful summary of the Gospel. It speaks of: - Christ’s personal sacrifice: “Who his own self bare our sins…” — Jesus didn’t delegate our redemption. He took it upon Himself, carrying the full weight of our sins in His own body. - The cross as the tree: A vivid reminder of the crucifixion, where Jesus bore our punishment, fulfilling prophecy and offering Himself as the Lamb of God. - Transformation through death: “Being dead to sins…” — His death wasn’t just substitutionary; it was transformational. We are called to die to our old selves and live anew. - Healing through suffering: “By whose stripes ye were healed…” — Every lash He endured was for our restoration—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.   Devotional Thought: This morning, pause and re...

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33" Devotion : Jesus Christ touched on many subjects before talking about peace and tribulation. Some of the subjects He touched on are His departure to heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the persecutions awaiting His disciples.    He then went on to say that everything He had said was to give the disciples peace in Him. The Word of God provides peace; He also told them the plain truth of what awaited them so that when they went through it, they would be comforted. The children of God will go through tribulation because sin has overturned creation to oppose anything that is godly. This is the severity of Adam and Eve's sin. You will face even greater tribulation when you talk worldly talk, but when you talk faith you will enjoy God's peace that surpassed human understanding.    Dearly beloved, h...

Scripture Focus:   "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)  Reflection Children are like seeds—full of potential, waiting to be nurtured. As parents, guardians, and mentors, we are entrusted with the sacred task of shaping their hearts and habits. Teaching a child to live righteously isn’t just about enforcing rules; it’s about modeling a life of integrity, compassion, and faith. Likewise, instilling a strong work ethic prepares them not just for success, but for service—to God and to others.   Righteousness begins with reverence for God. When children learn to honor Him in their thoughts, words, and actions, they grow into adults who walk in wisdom and truth. Hard work, on the other hand, is the soil in which their talents and character flourish. A child who learns to persevere, to take responsibility, and to give their best effort will stand out in a world that often seeks shortcuts. Life App...

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In a follow up to yesterday's devotional, read the story below of a person (Shavarsh Karapetyan) who gave even at the detriment to his own life.  41 years ago, a Soviet athlete walked away from professional sports forever. At first glance, it might seem like just another forgotten story — one of thousands in the sporting world. But this one is different.   We’re talking about an 11-time world record holder, 17-time world champion, 13-time European champion, and 7-time USSR champion. Athletes with such a record are counted on the fingers of one hand. And yet, at the peak of his fame, he suddenly left it all behind. Why? Because of a single day that changed everything.   September 16, 1976 — Yerevan, Armenia. A trolleybus fell from the dam into the lake, sinking with 92 passengers trapped inside. Their fate seemed seal...

Scripture:   _"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.   Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."_   — Proverbs 3:27–28 (KJV)  Reflection:   This passage is a gentle but firm call to action. It reminds us that benevolence is not just a virtue—it’s a responsibility. When we have the means to help, we must not delay. The poor, the elderly, the weak, and the struggling students in our communities are not just statistics or distant concerns. They are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in humanity.   God doesn’t measure generosity by the size of the gift, but by the sincerity of the heart and the timeliness of the act. A bowl of rice given today may save a life. A school fee paid now may unlock a future. A visit to an elderly person may restore dignity and joy.   We often wait for the “right time” to give, or for our ...

Scripture Focus:   “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” — James 5:16b (NLT)  Reflection   There’s something extraordinary about a prayer that comes from the depths of a sincere heart. Not rehearsed. Not routine. But raw, real, and reverent. Earnest prayer isn’t about eloquence—it’s about engagement. It’s the soul reaching out to God with full trust, full surrender, and full expectation.   In Scripture, we see Elijah, a man like us, pray earnestly and the heavens responded—first with drought, then with rain (James 5:17–18). Hannah poured out her soul in anguish before the Lord, and her silent, tearful prayer birthed a prophet (1 Samuel 1). Jesus Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed with such intensity that His sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). These weren’t casual conversations. They were moments of divine collision—where heaven met earth through the power of heartfelt prayer.   ...

 “The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” — Deuteronomy 28:12 (KJV) God’s promises are rich, but they are not without condition. Deuteronomy 28 outlines a covenant of blessing tied directly to obedience. Verse 12 is often quoted with excitement—rain in due season, abundance, and financial overflow. Yet, many overlook a key phrase: “the work of thine hand.” God blesses what you do, not what you merely wish for.   Too often, people substitute action with prolonged prayer and fasting, hoping for divine intervention without engaging in labor. While prayer is powerful and fasting is sacred, they are not replacements for diligence. Scripture is clear: “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (KJV). Work is not just a necessity; it is obedience.   Paul also exhorts in 1 Timothy ...