ojaysjoel blog

Scripture Focus: “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26) Devotion: This verse reveals a profound truth: God’s protection and healing are conditional upon obedience. Health, both spiritual and physical, is tied to our relationship with Him. When we walk in disobedience, we step outside the covering of His promises and expose ourselves to the consequences of sin.   Obedience to God is directly linked to health and life. In Deuteronomy 7:15, God promises to take away sickness from His people, while Proverbs 3:7-8 reminds us that fearing the Lord and departing from evil brings health to our flesh and strength to our bones. Sin, on the other hand, is not only a spiritual disease but often manifests in brokenness, unrest, and even physical consequences. God m...

Scripture focus: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Devotion: Sin is wrongdoing—whether against God’s law or against a fellow human being. Scripture declares: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But God, in His mercy, calls us to repentance.    Repentance means turning away from sin after confession and beginning to live rightly. It is like saying, “I acknowledge my wrong, and I pledge not to do it again.” The Bible assures us: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).    God promises restoration to those who forsake sin: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Through repentance, we are made whole before God, and we receive the assurance of eternal life with Christ Jesus.    Jesus Himself said: “In My Father’s house ar...

Key Verse:   "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." — Proverbs 18:22 Devotion:  Marriage is not merely a social contract; it is a divine covenant instituted by God. The Scripture makes it clear that the man who finds a wife receives favor from the Lord. Notice it says wife, not just woman. This distinction reminds us that not every woman is prepared or called to be a wife, and not every man is prepared to be a husband. The responsibility lies with the man to seek God’s guidance in choosing, for only God knows the heart. 1. Favor in Marriage Marriage is a gift of favor. When God brought Eve to Adam, Adam exclaimed:   "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." — Genesis 2:23     Here, Adam did not search blindly; God Himself orchestrated the union. This shows that true favor in marriage comes when God is the matchmaker. Such unions are ma...

Scripture Foundation: Luke 12:18–20 – The parable of the rich fool. Proverbs 21:20 – The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go. Matthew 7:24 – Build your house on the rock. 2 Corinthians 5:10 – We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Devotion: Living without a clear plan for the future is much like gambling with your life. A gambler risks everything on the whims of chance, and similarly, many people live solely for the present moment—spending all they earn without saving, neglecting the discipline of their children, and ignoring the reality of eternity. The Scriptures offer a stern warning against this shortsightedness. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reminds us that accumulating earthly wealth without preparing for the soul’s destination is ultimately a hollow pursuit. True wisdom is not found in the hoarding of possessions, but in the foresight to store up treasures in heaven...

Gambling with Life Scripture Reading Luke 12:18–20 – The parable of the rich fool. Proverbs 21:20 – The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go. Matthew 7:24 – Build your house on the rock. 2 Corinthians 5:10 – We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Meditation Living without a plan for the future is like gambling with one’s life. Just as a gambler risks everything on chance, many people spend all they earn without saving, neglect their children’s training, and ignore eternity. Jesus warns us through the parable of the rich fool that earthly abundance without eternal preparation is vanity. True wisdom is found in planning with foresight, storing up treasures in heaven, and building life on Christ, the solid Rock. Application Financial Stewardship: Avoid wasteful living. Save and invest wisely for your family’s future. Parenting: Train your children in the fear of the Lord (Prover...

Scripture Reading:   "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." — Proverbs 19:17   Devotion: Charity, in its truest sense, is the act of giving generously to those in need. It is not merely about offering material possessions, but about extending love, compassion, and kindness to the indigent. The Bible reminds us that our generosity is never wasted; when we give to the poor, we are lending to God Himself.      Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 25:40: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Every act of benevolence is a reflection of Christ’s love working through us. Charity is not optional for believers; it is a calling to embody God’s heart for the vulnerable.      Paul also encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheer...

Scripture focus: Genesis 37:4  And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Devotion Characteristics of a Hater:  A hater is someone whose heart is filled with bitterness and envy. The Bible describes such people as those who “walk in darkness” (1 John 2:11). Common traits include: - Jealousy – resenting the success of others (Genesis 37:4, Joseph’s brothers). - Bitterness – holding grudges and refusing forgiveness. - Malice – desiring harm or downfall for others. - Unforgiveness – refusing to let go of past wrongs (Ephesians 4:31). Causes of Hatred:  Hatred often springs from: - Pride – Cain hated Abel because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not his (Genesis 4:5–8). - Fear and insecurity – King Saul hated David because he feared losing his throne (1 Samuel 18:8–9). - Unresolved anger – when anger is not dealt with, it grows into hatred (Ephesians 4:26–27). - Lack of love –...

Scripture focus: And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as  thyself.  Matthew 22:39 KJV Devotion: Jesus summarized the law and the prophets with two great commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).      To love one’s neighbour is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in their best interest. Paul echoes this truth when he writes: “Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). A person who truly loves others will not steal from them, lie against them, or commit violence against them. Instead, he will protect them, seek their good, and live peaceably with all (Hebrews 12:14).      Yet Scripture makes clear that good deeds alone are not sufficient for salvat...

Scripture focus: “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength” (Psalm 90:10) KJV.  Devotion: The Word of God reminds us that “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Indeed, every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). Life itself, health, family, and material blessings are not earned by human effort alone but are graciously given by the Lord. To live to the age of seventy in today’s world is no small achievement—it is a testimony of God’s sustaining grace and mercy. The psalmist declares, “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength” (Psalm 90:10). Reaching this milestone is therefore a reason for profound thanksgiving.   This week, my elder brother and a dear friend both attained seventy years of age, just three days apart. Today, I join my brother in a thanksgiving service, lifting our voices to the One who alone is worthy of our praise. Thanksgiving is not merely a ritual; ...

Scripture Foundation  • Jeremiah 32:27 – "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" • Matthew 19:26 – "What is impossible for man is possible with God." • John 14:13-14 – "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Ask, and you shall receive." Reflection:  Life often brings seasons filled with uncertainty, pain, and waiting. You might be facing a difficult time now, wondering how God will deliver you. The truth is, you don’t need to understand the "how." What truly matters is that He will. Our Father is a God of miracles, and His wonders surpass human understanding. I heard a song which captures this perfectly: "My Father will do wonders. How He will do it, I don’t know." Faith isn’t about knowing every detail—it’s about trusting the One who holds all the details. Biblical Examples of Miracles: • The Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22): Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and t...

Scripture focus: Psalms 13:1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? Matthew 27:46  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Devotion: There are seasons in life when heaven seems quiet, prayers feel unanswered, and God’s presence appears hidden. These moments can be unsettling, but Scripture shows us that silence is not absence—it is often preparation, testing, or deep work in the unseen. The Silence of God in Scripture:  - Job’s Trial: Job cried out in his suffering, yet God seemed silent. Still, Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). God’s silence was not abandonment but a stage for Job’s faith to be refined and for God’s ultimate restoration.    - David’s Lament: In Psalm 13:1, David asks, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?” His honesty shows that even a man after ...

Scripture focus: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”  Devotion: He was offering something far deeper than the temporary calm or fragile security the world provides. His peace is not dependent on circumstances, wealth, or human assurances. It is a divine gift, rooted in His presence and sustained by His Spirit.     The peace of Christ is transformative. It takes a heart weighed down by anxiety and lifts it into joy. It takes fear — that paralyzing uncertainty about tomorrow — and replaces it with faith, a confident trust in God’s promises. Unlike worldly peace, which can be disrupted by conflict, loss, or disappointment, the peace of Jesus remains steady even in storms. It is the assurance that no matter what happens externally, the soul is anchored in Him.     Choosing Jesus is choosing this kind of peace. It is not earned, boug...

Proverbs 18:24: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  Devotion: Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures, but it is also one of its greatest tests. Many people will walk with you when the road is smooth, but only a few will remain when the path grows rough. I experienced this firsthand—when I left my workplace, only one person reached out. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the one I considered closest, but her call revealed the purity of her heart. That is the mark of a true friend. The Nature of True Friendship:  The Bible reminds us that not all who surround us are genuine companions. The scripture focus above says it all. True friendship is not measured by convenience or gain, but by loyalty and love.   David understood this deeply. He was betrayed by those he trusted—Ahithophel, his counselor, turned against him and joined Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:31). The sting of betrayal was so sharp that David lam...

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Devotion: Each morning is a gift from God. The very fact that you wake up is a testimony of His mercy, for many lay down to sleep but do not rise again. Sleep itself is a mystery—when you are deeply asleep, you are unaware of what happens around you, almost as though you were temporarily absent from this world. Yet, by God’s grace, you awaken with full consciousness, restored to life.   In sleep, we dream. Dreams are another wonder of God’s creation. Sometimes they reveal hidden truths, sometimes they reflect the past, and at other times they foreshadow the future. “For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night…” (Job 33:14–15). These mysteries remind us that man is not merely flesh, but a being of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The flesh we can see and touch, the soul we perceive through emotions and thoughts, but the spirit is uns...

Scripture focus: John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Devotion: Confidence, as Merriam-Webster defines it, is “faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way.” In everyday life, we see this kind of confidence expressed in remarkable ways. For instance, when people go to the hospital, they entrust their lives to doctors and nurses. They willingly submit to anesthesia and surgery, fully believing that the process will be successful. That is confidence in human ability.   Yet, when it comes to faith in Christ Jesus, many struggle to believe. They find it difficult to trust Him to deliver them from a sinful lifestyle or to prepare a place for them in heaven. Jesus Himself said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1–2). Sadly, many doubt this promise.   Some people think that their good works alone...

Scripture focus:    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). KJV  Devotion: Every relationship thrives on trust—whether in business, family, friendship, or love. Trust is the foundation upon which all human interactions rest. When you take your car to a mechanic, you place confidence in his skill and honesty. When you sit in the dentist’s chair, you trust in their ability to care for you. Even in online trading, trust is essential: you pay in advance believing the seller will deliver, or you hand money to the delivery agent trusting it will reach the rightful company.     We live daily by trust, often with people we have never met. Yet, many struggle to place their trust in Jesus Christ—the One who is perfectly faithful. Scripture reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways ...

Scripture focus:  “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11) KJV  Devotion: Christianity began in biblical Israel, yet many of the people of Israel did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Scriptures testify that “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11). The rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of His time led to His crucifixion (Matthew 27:22–25). Even today, many in Israel do not embrace Him as Lord and Savior.     Yet, across Africa and the West, countless believers call upon the name of Jesus and experience the fulfillment of His promise: “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). Personally, whenever I pray sincerely in His name, God answers, and His teachings bring comfort, guidance, and strength to live righteously. This is the essence of a glorious life in Christ. The Power of Belief in Christ:  If Israel had accepted Jesus as the Messiah, peace might have reigned among its...

Scripture focus:  And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. ( Mark 16:6 KJV) Devotion: Jesus Christ came into the world, lived among men, and gave His life on the cross. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). But death could not hold Him, for “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). His resurrection became the turning point of history, for without it the gospel would have remained confined to Nazareth. Instead, after His ascension, the disciples were scattered, and “they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).     Jesus Himself explained this mystery: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 1...

Scripture focus:    “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) Devotion: On Good Friday, Christians all over the world remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He willingly endured suffering and death on the cross so that those who believe in Him might be saved from eternal damnation. His sacrifice was not partial, but total—an act of complete obedience to the will of God.     The Bible calls us to follow this example by becoming “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). This means living in total obedience to God’s Word, setting aside the desires of the flesh, and choosing to do only what pleases Him. Unfortunately, many Christians today are reluctant to embrace this call. Instead of surren...

Scripture focus:   “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” — Matthew 5:45 (NIV)   “He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside.” — Job 5:10 (NIV) Devotion: When the rains arrive, they remind us of the boundless love of God. Scripture tells us that “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). Rain is not selective; it falls on all people, replenishing the earth, nourishing crops, refreshing animals, and bringing comfort to humanity. This is a picture of God’s unusual goodness — He blesses even those who do not acknowledge Him, because His mercy is greater than our failings.   The rain teaches us a lesson about how we should treat others. If God can extend kindness to both the good and the evil, then we too must learn to be considerate in our dealings with people, regardless of who they are. Judgment ...