ojaysjoel blog

 "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV  Devotion: God’s mercy is the quiet miracle that meets us every morning. Jeremiah, in the midst of grief and devastation, declared in Lamentations 3:22–23 that “because of the Lord’s great mercy we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Even when life feels heavy with yesterday’s burdens, mercy arrives like the dawn—fresh, undeserved, and unwavering.     Paul echoes this truth in Ephesians 2:4–5, reminding us that God, rich in mercy, did not leave us in our sin but made us alive in Christ. Mercy is not simply God’s pity; it is His active love that rescues, restores, and breathes life into what was dead.     The psalmist captures it beautifully: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according...

Read on : Moments That Teach Us to Hold On to Kindness, Even When Life Is Harsh When the world feels harsh and emotionally overwhelming, real-life kindness still breaks through. These 12 inspiring moments show how people chose compassion during tough situations, personal loss, and everyday struggles—reminding us why humanity, empathy, and simple human decency still matter more than ever. 1.) My husband disappeared after I lost our baby, leaving me alone in the aftermath. I couldn’t function or even get out of bed. Bills and letters piled up unopened. My sister-in-law showed up unannounced. She took unpaid time off work to stay with me. She handled calls, cooked meals, and sat with me through panic attacks. She even paid my utilities when I couldn’t. My husband never came back. But her sacrifice kept me alive during the darkest weeks. She carried me when I couldn’t stand. I will never forget it. I was at a school board meeting where a teenager’s parents were being told their son would b...

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Reflection: Running away from God never affects only the individual; it always impacts others. When Jonah fled, a violent storm endangered the lives of innocent sailors (Jonah 1:4–12). One man’s disobedience nearly cost many their lives. Likewise, Adam and Eve attempted to hide from God, but their rebellion introduced sin and suffering into human history (Genesis 3).   Gideon hid in fear, doubting God’s call upon his life, yet God found him and turned a fearful man into a mighty deliverer (Judges 6–7). Saul of Tarsus ran against God by persecuting believers, but his encounter with Christ transformed him into Paul, a vessel of salvation to nations (Acts 9). These stories remind us that God’s pursuit is rooted in love and purpose, not condemnation.   Moses tried to avoid God’s call, and Elijah fled in discouragement, but God restored and reassigned them. Peter return...

"But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD." Jonah 1:3 KJV. Reflection: When God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and proclaim His message, Jonah chose instead to flee in the opposite direction. We read this in the verse above. Jonah thought he could escape God’s command by changing his location, but he soon discovered that no distance could separate him from the reach of the Almighty.     The psalmist echoes this truth: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there” (Psalm 139:7–8). Jonah’s attempt to run away was not only futile but also dangerous, for it brought a storm upon himself and those around him. Running from God always leads to turmoil, b...

Scripture Focus "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." — Philippians 4:6   Devotion: Philippians 4:6 reminds us that worry is not meant to dominate our hearts. Paul’s words, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” invite us to exchange anxiety for trust. To beTitle: Worried? Turn to God.  “careful for nothing” is to refuse to let fear or uncertainty consume us. Instead, we are called to bring every concern—whether small or overwhelming—before God in prayer.     Prayer is our ongoing conversation with God, supplication is the earnest cry of our deepest needs, and thanksgiving is the posture that shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already done. When these three are woven together, they lift our hearts from worry into worship. Gratitude reminds us of His faithful...

Romans 8:28 declares, “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.”  Reflection: This verse is a reminder that even when life feels like a puzzle with missing pieces—when pain, loss, and confusion cloud our vision—God is still at work. Paul assures us that not just the pleasant moments, but even the painful ones, are woven together by God for our ultimate good.      We see this truth in the life of Joseph, who told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” What seemed like betrayal and imprisonment became the very path to saving nations. Likewise, Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of God’s intentions: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”      When anxiety grips the heart and fear threatens to overwhelm, God’s Word offers peace....

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." — Revelation 3:20 The Invitation of Christ:  There is a gentle knock at the door of your heart. It is not the knock of a stranger, nor the demand of a tyrant, but the loving call of Jesus Christ—the One who gave His life for you. He waits patiently, not forcing entry, but inviting you to open the door. His desire is fellowship, intimacy, and eternal life with you.      Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The burdens you carry, the emptiness you feel, the longing for peace—all find their answer in Him.   The Call to Surrender:  Opening the door means surrender. It means laying down pride, fear, and sin, and welcoming the Savior in. He promises, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:...

To celebrate those who have died in Christ is not to mourn as the world mourns, but to rejoice in the victory of life eternal. Scripture reminds us: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them’” (Revelation 14:13).     Death, for the believer, is not an end but a glorious transition. It is the doorway into the presence of the Lord, where sorrow ceases and joy is made complete. Paul declares with confidence: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In Christ, death loses its sting, and the grave its victory (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).     Therefore, we celebrate the saints who have gone before us—not with despair, but with gratitude. Their lives testify to God’s faithfulness, and their rest proclaims the hope we share. As we remember them, we lift our eyes to the promise of resurrection: “For the Lord himself will come down from he...

Reflection:  To serve a living God is to walk daily with the One who is active, present, and powerful in our lives. Unlike idols made by human hands, our God is alive forevermore, hearing our prayers, guiding our steps, and working miracles in our midst. Serving Him is not a burden but a privilege, because His presence brings life, joy, and peace.   Key Scriptures - Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”   - Jeremiah 10:10 – “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide His indignation.”   - Acts 17:28 – “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…”   Encouragement:  Serving the living God means our faith is not in vain. He is not distant or silent—He is near to all who cal...

Scripture focus: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) Walking with the Lord is not just about following rules—it is about living daily in His presence, trusting His guidance, and enjoying fellowship with Him. Scripture reminds us that our journey with God is marked by faith, obedience, and peace. Key Reflections: - Walking in Faith     “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)     To walk with the Lord means trusting Him even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Faith anchors us in His promises. - Walking in Obedience     “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)     True fellowship with God is expressed in humble obedience and a life that reflects His character. - Walking in Light     “If we walk in the light, as He is in the l...

Scripture Anchor: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Prayer works best when it flows from relationship. When you are truly a child of God in reality and in practice, prayer is no longer a struggle; it becomes a conversation. It is not a courtroom where you appear daily to beg for grace and mercy. It is a family space where a father listens to his child. A father does not feed his children by grace; he feeds them by responsibility. When a child says, “Daddy, this is my school fee,” the father does not see it as a favor—he sees it as his duty. In the same way, God’s provision flows from sonship, not desperation. However, when a child becomes consistently disobedient, the father may pause—not because love has ended, but because correction is needed. Scripture reminds us that obedience sustains fellowship (1 Samuel 15:22). This explains why many prayers struggle. It is not that God has stopped loving us, but that intimacy has bee...

What is Prayer? Prayer is simply communion with God—a heartfelt conversation between the Creator and His children. It is not bound by eloquence or ritual; it is the sincere lifting of our hearts to the Father. Jesus Himself defined prayer as intimate and personal: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is: - Relationship: speaking and listening to God as a child to a Father.   - Dependence: acknowledging our need for His guidance, strength, and provision.   - Worship: expressing love, gratitude, and reverence.   Why Pray? Prayer is not about informing God of what He doesn’t know—He already knows our needs (Matthew 6:8). Instead, prayer transforms us. It aligns our hearts with His will, strengthens our faith, and opens the door for His power to work in our lives. 1. Prayer brings strength in weakness - Story: In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed in agony before His arrest: “Father, if you ar...

Key Verse Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” The Reality of Fear:  Fear is one of the most common emotions we face. It creeps in when uncertainty looms, when challenges seem bigger than us, or when the future feels unknown. Fear can paralyze, distort our perspective, and rob us of peace. Yet, the Bible consistently reminds us that fear is not meant to dominate the life of a believer.   God’s Answer to Fear:  Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 are a direct antidote to fear: “Be careful for nothing.” In other words, don’t be anxious, don’t let fear grip your heart. Instead, replace fear with prayer.   - Prayer shifts our focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver.   - Supplication acknowledges our dependence on God.   - Thanksgiving reminds us of His past faithfulness, strengthening our confidence in His future provision. ...

Key Verse “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23   “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8   Reflection Impurity causes spiritual accidents. Just as an eagle is known for its discipline—it mates for life, flies higher than any other bird, and has the sharpest vision—so must believers guard their hearts with diligence. The eagle’s purity and focus allow it to live long and soar above storms. In the same way, purity of heart keeps us aligned with God’s will and protects us from spiritual downfall.     When our hearts are compromised by impurity—whether through sin, distraction, or compromise—we lose clarity of vision and stumble in our walk with God. But when we remain pure, we see God more clearly, hear His voice more distinctly, and live with strength that endures.   Biblical Examples - Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:7–12)     Joseph chos...

Scripture Focus "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 Devotional:  Escapism is the tendency to run away from reality, to hide from life’s pressures in entertainment, fantasies, or distractions. While rest and recreation are good gifts from God, escapism becomes dangerous when it replaces trust in Him. Instead of facing trials with faith, we may seek false refuges that never truly satisfy. 1. Jonah’s Flight Jonah tried to escape God’s call by boarding a ship to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). He thought distance could free him from responsibility. Yet God pursued him with a storm, showing that running away only deepens the struggle. Escapism doesn’t solve problems—it delays obedience. 2. Elijah’s Weariness After his victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness, overwhelmed and wishing to die (1 Kings 19:4). He sought escape from fear and exhaustion. But God met him with gentle care—providing food, rest, and a whisper of H...

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).   Every new year is a fresh page in the story of our lives. With it comes opportunities, challenges, and countless decisions. The choices we make today will echo into tomorrow. Scripture reminds us that wisdom is not found in human strength alone, but in seeking God’s guidance. Reflection:  Joshua once stood before Israel and declared: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). His words remind us that every day is a chance to choose God.     Solomon, when offered anything by God, asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9–12). He understood that smart choices begin with a heart that seeks understanding.     On the other hand, Adam and Eve chose disobedience in Eden (Genesis 3:6), and Lot chose...

Scripture focus: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7) Jealousy has often been called the “green-eyed monster,” and Scripture shows us how destructive it can be. From the beginning of time, envy has stirred hearts to violence, betrayal, and bitterness. Yet God provides wisdom and protection for those who find themselves surrounded by jealous hearts. Below are examples of those who survived jealousy. Joseph’s brothers were consumed with envy when they saw the favor he had with their father and the dreams God gave him (Genesis 37:4–11). Their jealousy led them to sell him into slavery. Yet, what they meant for evil, God turned for good (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s story reminds us that jealousy from others cannot stop God’s plan for our lives.   David also lived among “green-eyed monsters.” King Saul’s jealousy grew when he heard the women sing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul’s envy dro...

“I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.” — Psalm 108:3 Devotion:  Many Christians struggle with timidity when it comes to openly declaring their faith. Some feel embarrassed to carry their Bible in public or hesitant to speak about Christ among friends. Yet, hiding our faith does more harm than good.     The psalmist David was different. He boldly proclaimed the greatness of God wherever he went. He sang praises not only in private but among the people and nations. His confidence in God was unshakable, and his life became a testimony that inspired others to worship. Despite being beaten and chained, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight (Acts 16:25).   Jesus Himself commanded us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our faith is not meant to be hidden; it is meant to shine brightly in our hom...

Scripture focus:  "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2 Reflection Helping those in need is not just an act of kindness; it is a divine calling. Throughout Scripture, God emphasizes compassion, generosity, and service as marks of true discipleship. When we extend a hand to the weary, the poor, or the brokenhearted, we reflect the very heart of Christ. Here are some biblie stories that demonstrate it is good to help:  - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)     A man was beaten and left for dead. Religious leaders passed him by, but a Samaritan stopped, bandaged his wounds, and paid for his care. Jesus used this story to show that true neighbourly love is expressed in practical help, regardless of social or cultural boundaries we have to follow Jesus' example all the time. - Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2–4)     Ruth, a foreign widow, gleaned in the fields to survive. Boaz showed kindness by protectin...

Scripture Foundation - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28   - “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” — Genesis 2:2   --- Reflection:  Life often feels like a cycle of endless tasks, responsibilities, and challenges. At the end of a long day, exhaustion sets in, and the body craves rest. The Bible reminds us that rest is not a luxury—it is a divine principle. He are some examples from the Bible: - God Himself Rested: After six days of creation, God rested (Genesis 2:2). If the Almighty modeled rest, how much more should we, His children, embrace it? Rest is not weakness; it is wisdom.   - Elijah’s Weariness: In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was overwhelmed after confronting the prophets of Baal. He fled into the wilderness, exhausted and discouraged. God did not rebuke him but provided food, water, and sleep. Only a...

Scripture focus: Romans 8:31: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Devotion: The verse above is a powerful reminder that no opposition, no trial, and no enemy can prevail when the Almighty stands on our side. Here are examples of God’s Presence in the Lives of His People:  - David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17): A young shepherd faced a giant warrior with nothing but a sling and faith. The odds were impossible, yet David triumphed because God was with him.   - Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6): Though condemned to death, Daniel’s trust in God shut the mouths of lions. His enemies plotted against him, but God’s favor turned their schemes into defeat.   - Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14): Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the waters, Israel seemed doomed. Yet God parted the sea, proving that no force can stand against His deliverance.    These give believers assurance that w hen God is for us:  ...

Scripture: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” — Psalms 100:4   Devotion: As we step into the very first Sunday of this new year, the psalmist reminds us of the posture with which we are to approach God: thanksgiving, praise, and blessing His name. The start of a year often brings fresh hopes, new goals, and sometimes lingering uncertainties. Yet before we ask for anything, the Word calls us to begin with gratitude.     Thanksgiving shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s goodness. Praise lifts our hearts above our circumstances and centers us on His greatness. Blessing His name acknowledges that He alone is worthy of our devotion, not because of what He gives, but because of who He is.     This year, let your first steps into God’s presence be marked by gratitude for the past, praise for His faithfulness, and blessing for His holy name. As you do...

“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”Mark 2:27 (KJV):   The Sabbath was God’s gift, not a burden. Jesus reminds us that rest is woven into creation for our good. Too often, we treat rest as optional, or we make it into a rigid rule. But God designed the Sabbath to refresh our bodies, renew our spirits, and refocus our hearts on Him.     When Jesus spoke these words, He was correcting those who had turned the Sabbath into a heavy system of regulations. Instead, He pointed back to God’s intention: rest is for man’s benefit. It is a rhythm of grace, reminding us that we are not defined by endless work, but by belonging to God.   Reflection:   - Spiritually, the Sabbath invites us to trust God’s provision. We pause from striving and remember He is our source.   - Physically, it calls us to care for our bodies, to rest and be restored.   - Relationally, it gives space to connect wit...

Scripture Reading:   "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)   "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)   Reflection The first working day of the year is like the laying of a foundation. Just as a builder knows that the strength of a house depends on how well the foundation is set, so our year depends on how earnestly we begin.     Think of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He didn’t wait for perfect conditions; he began with prayer, planning, and hard work. Despite opposition, he worked earnestly from the start, and the walls were completed in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). His diligence at the beginning set the tone for success.     Or consider Jesus’ ministry. At the age of 30, when He began His public work, He started with clarity and purpose: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” (Luke 4:18). From the very beginning, He worked e...

Happy New Year, dear friends! As we step into 2026, I want to share a heartfelt message with you on the theme: A New Year, A New Beginning.   Scripture focus: Isaiah 43:19 KJV Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Reflection: You have completed another year of life, and for that we give glory to God who spared us from dangers and perils. Just as the Psalmist declared, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2), we acknowledge His faithfulness in carrying us through 2025.     Now that we have entered a new year, it is time to briefly reflect on the pitfalls of the past and rise from its ashes. Remember the story of Joseph: though betrayed and imprisoned, he rose to prominence in Egypt because he trusted God’s plan (Genesis 50:20). Likewise, your setbacks in 2025 are not the end—they are stepping stones to greater victories in 2026....