ojaysjoel blog

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." — 1 John 4:18 Devotion:   This powerful scripture sets a divine standard for measuring true love. It teaches us that perfect love drives out fear, and wherever fear, doubt, or anxiety exists, love has not yet reached its fullness. Therefore, when you feel uneasy or fearful about expressing love toward someone, pause and reflect. Your heart may be warning you that something is amiss—perhaps the person is not trustworthy or is seeking to exploit your kindness.   Remember, the enemy also knows scripture and can use people to derail your blessings. But when your heart is at peace and free from fear, go ahead and show love confidently, knowing that God is with you and will bless your obedience.   As children of God, we must first judge in our hearts before we act in love. This principle also applies to relationships.    The Apost...

"Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Psalms 103:20" Devotion : Our opening Scripture is a command to the elect angels of the LORD of Hosts. God's angels that excel in strength, do His commandments, and hearken unto the voice of the LORD, are commanded to bless the LORD. This is awesome, because God only accepts praise and worship from godly creation. He doesn't accept praise and worship from devils and demons.     In Mark 5:8.Jesus rejected praise from demons, " For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."   Apostle Paul did not accept praise from demons, Acts 16:16-18. In verse 18. Paul commanded the unclean spirit to come out of her saying , "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."   Mankind, who are created in the image of God, can offer blessings, praise/worship, and hear the voice of the...

Morning Devotional: Delivered and Preserved by Grzace "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."   — Romans 12:17–18, 21 (NIV) Reflection:  In a world that often rewards retaliation and celebrates revenge, Paul’s words in Romans 12 are radically countercultural. He urges us not to mirror the evil done to us, but to rise above it — to respond with integrity, peace, and goodness.   Living at peace with others doesn’t mean compromising truth or ignoring injustice. It means choosing the path of reconciliation over retaliation, humility over pride, and grace over bitterness. It’s not always easy — and Paul acknowledges that — saying “if it is possible.” But he also reminds us that peace begins with us: “as far as it depends on you.”   Verse 21 is the heartbeat of this passage. Evil wa...

Key Verse:   "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." — Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) Introduction Living alone can be a season of deep growth, reflection, and intimacy with God. Whether by choice or circumstance, solitude offers a unique opportunity to cultivate responsibility, discipline, and spiritual maturity. But it also comes with challenges—loneliness, distraction, and the temptation to neglect stewardship. Scripture offers wisdom and examples to guide us in living alone with purpose and integrity. Biblical Examples of Responsible Solitude 1. Elijah in the Wilderness — 1 Kings 19:3–18 After a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled into the wilderness, overwhelmed and alone. In his solitude, God met him—not with thunder, but in a gentle whisper. Elijah’s time alone became a turning point for renewal and red...

Scripture: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." — Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) Reflection:  Waywardness is the tendency to drift from God’s path—whether through rebellion, distraction, or deception. It’s not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s a quiet turning of the heart, a slow fade from intimacy with God.   The Bible is filled with stories of waywardness—and more importantly, of a God who relentlessly pursues the lost. Biblical Examples - The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32):     A young man demands his inheritance and leaves home to live recklessly. When he hits rock bottom, he returns, expecting rejection—but instead, his father runs to embrace him. This parable shows that no matter how far we wander, God’s arms remain open.   - King David (2 Samuel 11):     David, a man after God’s heart, strayed through lust and murder. Yet when confronted by the prop...

 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 Reflection: A birthday is more than cake, candles, and celebration—it's a sacred checkpoint in the journey of life. Psalm 90:12 invites us to pause and reflect: “Teach us to number our days…” Not to count them with dread or anxiety, but with reverence and purpose.   Each year added to our lives is a gift, not a guarantee. The psalmist reminds us that wisdom begins when we recognize the brevity of life and the beauty of each moment. Birthdays become opportunities to recalibrate our hearts—not just to celebrate how far we've come, but to consider where we're going.   What does it mean to number our days?   It means living intentionally. It means asking:   - Am I growing in love, grace, and truth?   - Am I investing in things that matter eternally?   - Am I seeking God's wisdom in my choices, relationships, and dreams?    A birthday pra...

Scripture:   “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” — Ecclesiastes 12:14 Reflection:   This verse is a solemn reminder that nothing escapes the gaze of God. Every action, every word, and even the thoughts we conceal in the deepest corners of our hearts will one day be brought into the light. It’s not just the public deeds that matter, but also the private ones—the ones done in secret, whether noble or sinful.   God’s judgment is not arbitrary; it is righteous and thorough. He sees beyond appearances and weighs the intentions behind every deed. This truth should not instill fear, but reverence. It calls us to live with integrity, knowing that our lives are not hidden from the One who created us. Challenge:   Are there areas of your life you’ve kept hidden, thinking they don’t matter or won’t be noticed? Today, let this verse stir your heart toward transparency before God. Confe...

Scripture Focus > “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9   > “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Romans 8:31 Reflection In life and in family, we often lean on the strength of numbers — a spouse, a sibling, a friend. And rightly so. God designed us for relationship. Ecclesiastes reminds us that two people working together can lift each other up, share burdens, and accomplish more than one alone.   But what happens when you're the only one standing in faith? What if your spouse is distant, your children are wandering, or you're the lone believer in your household?   This is where the second truth shines:   One with God is a majority.  When you walk with God, you are never truly alone. His presence multiplies your strength, His wisdom guides your decisions, and His Spirit empowers your prayers. You may be the only one praying in your family — but your prayers can shift atmosph...

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. John 4:4" Devotion : Apostle John by the revelation of God has given the saints a valuable insight into who they are on the inside. You are a spirit living in a body; therefore, when you become born again, the Holy Spirit recreates your spirit to conform to the nature of God so that He can live in your spirit. You become a child of God and hence G, John 10:34.   You carry God inside you in the person of the Holy Spirit; therefore, you are greater on the inside than anything in the world. You are big on the inside, so give cooperation to the Holy Spirit to teach you how to beat the world and those in the world. You cannot fail because the Holy Spirit on the inside of you is above all and cannot fail.    Keep saying to yourself, "I am big on the inside for greater is He who lives in me than anything in the world"; as you say this, boldness will ...

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Matthew 3:13" Devotion : Jesus Christ made a profound statement when the centurion came to Him for help. Apparently, he needed healing for his servant. Jesus Christ said, "as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee". In other words, if you come to God with a need, you must believe that He will do it and what you receive will be commensurate your faith. In other words, you will receive little things if your faith is little, and you will receive great things if your faith is great. Some people want great things but their belief or faith is too little to receive them. What they need to do is to grow their faith; they should practice the belief or faith in getting the little things, then move from that level to strong/great faith to receive great things from God. For example, it is better to believe God for a better job than to believe God for a spouse when you have no job. Dearly beloved, d...

This is a deeply personal and culturally nuanced question, and the answer depends on several factors—emotional, spiritual, social, and practical. Let’s explore both options in light of the scenario you described. The Man’s Situation - Elderly, living alone in a large house - Wife has left to live with their children abroad, possibly permanently - Self-sufficient but likely experiencing loneliness and a lack of companionship - Cultural context: African societies often have more flexible views on polygamy, especially in traditional settings Monogamy: A Case for Continuity Pros: - Respects the original marital covenant, especially if the wife is still legally married to him - Aligns with Christian teachings that emphasize lifelong monogamous unions (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6) - Avoids potential family conflict or inheritance disputes Cons: - May leave the man emotionally and physically isolated - If the wife has effectively abandoned the marriage, he may feel neglected or betrayed Polyga...

The debate between monogamy and polygamy often straddles the lines of culture and religion, and the Bible offers a rich tapestry of examples that reflect both influences. 🕊️ Biblical Foundations: God's Original Design - Monogamy as the Ideal: Genesis 2:24 presents God's original intent for marriage: “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse is often cited to support monogamy as the divine blueprint. - Jesus' Affirmation: In Matthew 19:4–6, Jesus reaffirms this model, emphasizing the union of one man and one woman as sacred and indivisible. 👑 Old Testament Realities: Polygamy in Practice Despite the monogamous ideal, many prominent biblical figures practiced polygamy: | Biblical Figure | Wives | Notes | |------------------------|-----------|------------| | Lamech (Genesis 4:19) | 2 | First recorded polygamist in the Bible | | Abraham | Sarah, Hagar (concubine) | Hagar bore Ishmael; Sarah bore Isaac | | ...

Scripture:   “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) Reflection:  Life is full of questions. What is my purpose? What legacy will I leave? What truly matters in the end?   Solomon, having tasted the heights of wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and power, arrives at a profound conclusion. After exploring every avenue of human experience, he distills life’s meaning into one simple truth: Fear God and keep His commandments.   This is not a suggestion—it’s the essence of our existence. To fear God is to live in reverent awe of Him, to recognize His holiness, justice, and mercy. It’s not fear that drives us away, but fear that draws us near in humility and surrender.   To keep His commandments is to walk in His ways, to love as He loves, to serve as He served. It’s not about rigid rule-following, but about relationship—living in harmony with the One who made us. ...

My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you. Proverbs 6: 20-22 Illustration: In a quiet village nestled between rolling hills and whispering trees lived a boy named Tobi. Bright-eyed and curious, Tobi was known for his quick wit and boundless energy. His parents, devout and loving, raised him with care, teaching him the ways of the Lord and the wisdom of obedience. “Honor your father and your mother,” his mother would often remind him, quoting from Exodus 20:12, “so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” But as Tobi grew older, his curiosity began to outpace his obedience. One day, his father warned him not to wander into the dense forest beyond the village. “It is not safe,” he said firmly. “There are wild animals, and the paths are easy to lose.” Tobi nodded, but his heart burned with the thrill of the unknown. The very next afternoon, while...

Scripture Focus: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” — Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) When Expectations Crumble: Disappointment is a familiar companion in life. You prayed for healing, but the diagnosis worsened. You worked hard, but the promotion went to someone else. You trusted someone, only to be let down again. The sting of unmet expectations can leave us questioning, “Where is God in all this?”   Even faithful believers face seasons where hope seems elusive. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this reality. In fact, it gives us stories of people who were disappointed again and again—yet still clung to God. Biblical Example: Joseph Joseph’s life was a rollercoaster of disappointment. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned—each chapter of his story seemed to scream “Disappointed again!” But Genesis 39:2 reminds us, “The Lord was with Joseph…” Through every setback, God was working behind the scenes. Eventually...

Key Verse: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” — Psalm 41:9 The Pain of Betrayal:  Betrayal cuts deep. It’s not just the act—it’s the shattering of something sacred: trust. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or someone we’ve confided in, betrayal leaves us questioning not only the relationship but often ourselves. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this pain. In fact, it gives voice to it, showing us that even the faithful have walked this road.  Biblical Examples of Betrayal: - Judas Iscariot and Jesus:  Perhaps the most well-known betrayal in Scripture is Judas handing Jesus over to His enemies for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). Jesus, fully aware of Judas’s intentions, still washed his feet and shared a meal with him. This shows us that betrayal is not a sign of weakness in the betrayed—it’s a reflection of brokenness in the betrayer. - David and Ahithophel:  David laments in Psalm 55:12–14 abou...

"For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 2 Corinthians 2:9" Devotion : Apostle Paul is one of the greatest leaders ever to have existed in the kingdom of God. He was concerned about the conduct of his converts in Corinth. He wanted to know whether hitherto they had been walking in obedience; not just one time obedience or obedience in some things, but obedience in all things.  Apostle Paul came to a point of maturity that he could discern that the Holy Scriptures were true; therefore, they must be obeyed entirely. This should also be our attitude towards the Holy Bible; we should not choose what scripture to obey and what not to obey.   Let us also be wise enough to judge the words/conducts we hear/see from our church leaders with the Holy Scriptures so that we are not deceived. This is only possible if we read and allow the Holy spirit to interpret the word of God for us. Therefore we must read it regularly ...

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 ...