ojaysjoel blog

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 ...