ojaysjoel blog

Key Verse:   "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." -  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) Reflection:  There are moments in life when our strength fails, our plans unravel, and our hearts feel overwhelmed. In those moments, we often cry out for relief, for change, for answers. The Apostle Paul knew this intimately. He pleaded with God to remove a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent struggle. But instead of removing it, God responded with a promise: “My grace is sufficient for you.”    This is not a dismissal of our pain—it’s a divine assurance. God’s grace doesn’t always eliminate the struggle, but it empowers us to endure it. It’s the kind of grace that meets us in our weakness and transforms it into a platform for His strength.  What Is Sufficient Grace? - It’s sustaining grace.     God’s...

 “He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.” — Proverbs 12:11  Devotion:  The kingdom of God is built upon divine principles that guide us toward a life of purpose, fruitfulness, and eternal impact. One such principle is the call to focus on what God has entrusted to us—our gifts, talents, and spiritual endowments.   From the beginning, God has always equipped His people with what they need to thrive. Consider Moses: when he doubted his ability to lead, God asked, “What is that in thine hand?” (Exodus 4:2). It was a simple staff, yet through it, God performed mighty miracles. The lesson? What you have is enough when surrendered to God.   Similarly, the widow in 2 Kings 4 had only a jar of oil, but when she obeyed the prophet Elisha and poured it out, it multiplied until every vessel was filled. Her breakthrough came not from chasing after others’ resources, but from using what she already...

John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Devotion: We all seek meaning, purpose, and fulfillment—but the world often points us toward fame, wealth, and success. These things promise happiness but never truly satisfy.   Jesus offers something better: a life that’s full, rich, and eternal. He is the Good Shepherd who leads us into lasting peace, joy, and purpose. True abundance isn’t found in possessions—it’s found in Him.   Today, pause and reflect: Are you chasing the world’s version of the good life, or are you following Jesus into the life He promises? Edited by Dr Joel Olanrewaju.

Scriptural Foundation:  “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalms 90:12 This verse isn’t just poetic—it’s profoundly practical. It reminds us that life is fleeting, and each day is a gift. To “number our days” is to live with awareness, gratitude, and purpose.  Why Celebrate Birthdays? 1. Acknowledge the Gift of Life - Every birthday marks another year of life—a miracle in itself. - It’s a moment to pause and thank God for sustaining us through joys, trials, and growth. 2. Reflect and Recalibrate - Birthdays offer a natural checkpoint to reflect on the past year. - What lessons have we learned? What wisdom have we gained? - Psalms 90:12 calls us to apply our hearts to wisdom—birthdays are perfect for this introspection. 3. Celebrate Purpose and Progress - You’re not just older—you’re wiser, stronger, and hopefully closer to your divine calling. - Celebrating a birthday is celebrating the journey of becoming who God designed you to be....

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33" Devotion : In the kingdom of God, first things are first and second things are done second, and so on. When the order is changed when God has not said so, things become jammed and do not yield the expected result.  The opening scripture is a good example, in which Jesus Christ admonished His disciples and admirers to seek the kingdom of God and God's righteousness, and that all other needs would be supplied by God. In other words, find God's utmost interest and receive our Lord Jesus Christ, and all other needs will be met.     When you change the order, you will struggle without finding rest for your life. Even as Christians, we should make Jesus Christ our utmost priority, before anything else, because we are crucified with Christ and the life we live, we live for Christ and not for our own selves, Galatians 2:20.   Dearly beloved, whom are...

Scripture Focus: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?’” — Numbers 14:11 (NLT)  The Weight of Mistrust:  Mistrust is a slow poison. It corrodes relationships, stifles progress, and blinds us to the goodness of God. In the wilderness, the Israelites had seen the Red Sea part, manna fall from heaven, and water spring from a rock. Yet, when they stood at the edge of the Promised Land, they chose fear over faith. They believed the report of ten spies who saw giants, rather than trusting the God who had already conquered Egypt for them.   Their mistrust wasn’t just a lack of confidence in Moses—it was a rejection of God’s character. Despite His faithfulness, they doubted His intentions. They questioned His power. And they forgot His promises.  A Closer Look: Peter on the Water:  Fast forward to the New Testament. Peter walks on water tow...

 “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” — Psalm 103:3 Devotion:   Forgiveness and healing are deeply intertwined. Scripture reveals that divine healing often follows divine forgiveness. In Matthew 9:2–7, Jesus first forgave the sins of the man with palsy before healing his body—showing us that spiritual restoration precedes physical renewal. Likewise, in Matthew 6:15, Jesus warns that if we refuse to forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us. This truth is especially vital in prayer, where unforgiveness can block divine intervention. Unforgiveness doesn’t just affect your spirit—it impacts your body. Holding onto offense breeds anger, sadness, and isolation. These emotions can elevate blood pressure and disturb your peace, while the person who hurt you may continue life unaffected. In essence, unforgiveness harms you more than anyone else. Choosing forgiveness is choosing health. A believer who walks in forgiveness enjoys answere...

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1" Devotion : Faith is a vital ingredient in our walk with our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6. Faith is a substance: faith can be apprehended by our heart/soul. Faith is evidence: the basis of faith is the Word of God/Holy Scriptures.    Therefore, whatever you are believing should have the scriptures to support it; if it has no scripture to support it, then your faith is baseless and cannot be fulfilled by God and our Lord Jesus Christ. This should encourage the children of God to be students and teachers of the Holy Scriptures so that their hope in whatever they are believing can be done without any shadow of doubt or struggle.  Dear believer in Christ, do you have scriptural evidence for what you are praying about/believing? If you have, then wait patiently for the answer. If you do not, then start searching the Hol...

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27" Devotion : A rich young man came to Jesus Christ to ask what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus startemmh bk on hp md by telling him to obey the commandments. The rich young ruler replied that hmoe had been obeying the commandments since his youth. Jesus Christ ended by saying that he should go and sell all that he had and give to the poor, and he would have treasure in heaven; thereafter he should come and follow him.  The rich young ruler went home sorrowful - he could not let go of his possession to follow Jesus. Jesus said to His disciples that it is hard for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God. Furthermore, He added that it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.   The audience were shocked and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus then quoted the opening scripture to them. Jesus explained to ...

It is Nigeria's independence Day today, I will like to examine and reflect on what it means to be truly independent in the spiritual and physical realms.  Spiritual Independence: True Freedom John 8:36 says,   > “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” This verse speaks of a freedom that transcends chains, borders, and governments. It’s the liberation of the soul from sin, guilt, and eternal separation from God. Spiritual independence is not merely the absence of oppression—it is the presence of righteousness, peace, and purpose through Christ. - Freedom from Sin: Christ breaks the bondage of sin, offering grace and transformation (Romans 6:22). - Freedom to Serve: We are freed not to live selfishly, but to serve God and others in love (Galatians 5:13). - Freedom with Identity: In Christ, we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God (Galatians 4:7).   Physical Independence: A Gift and Responsibility: Nigeria’s independence in ...