ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:38-39 KJV). Devotion: It is easy to praise God when the sun is shining, the bills are paid, and life feels predictable. But when a storm hits—whether it’s a sudden health crisis, a fractured relationship, or the slow, exhausting grind of financial worry—our spiritual vision can get blurry. In the middle of a trial, pain tends to monopolize our attention. It screams for our focus, making God look small and our problems look microscopic and overwhelming. But the truth of Scripture is that God doesn't stand on the shoreline watching us drown; He is right there in the boat. The Blueprint for Blind Trust: In Mark 4, we find the disciples caught in a furious squall. Waves are breaking over the boat, and...

Scripture focus:  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” Psalm 18:2 KJV. Foundation in Christ-  Throughout Scripture, Jesus is described as the Rock — firm, unshakable, and eternal. David declared, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). Unlike shifting sands of human wisdom or worldly security, Christ is the immovable foundation upon which our faith stands.   The Cornerstone of Faith: The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). He is the cornerstone, holding together the structure of our salvation. Without Him, life collapses under the weight of sin and condemnation.   Assurance of Salvation: Peter boldly proclaimed, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Christ alone is the rock of salvation — the one who bore our sins, conquere...

 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 KJV  Devotion:  Choosing to let go of a hurt is rarely easy. When someone wrongs us, our natural instinct isn’t usually to extend grace—it’s to protect ourselves, build a wall, or even wish a little misfortune their way. But the Bible calls us to a completely different standard of living. It invites us to breathe out the bitterness and breathe in a peace that only comes through letting go. Our focal verse provides both the command and the ultimate reason for it. Notice that the Apostle Paul doesn't say to forgive "if"  the other person apologizes, or "if" they deserve it. The benchmark for our forgiveness isn't the behavior of the person who hurt us; it is the behavior of the God who saved us.   We forgive because we have been forgiven. When we realize the staggering depth of the debt God wiped away for us—for Christ’s sak...

Scripture focus: "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 KJV  Devotion:   Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12) and when He comes into your life, He transforms you into light for the world. No wonder He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14). It is the responsibility of the Christian to show forth all the good virtues that Christ has planted in him or her. I read the story of a born-again Christian lumberjack many years ago. As we probably know, lumberjack men do all sorts of things that are not worthy to be heard from a Christian. This man lived with them for days in the bush, and these other men drank, took drugs, and used abusive words. The Christian returned home from one of the trips. When asked how he coped with the lumberjack lifestyle, he said, “They don’t even know that I am a Christian.” In other words...

Scripture Focus:   “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.”   John 14:27  KJV  The Challenge we face: We live in a time when Nigeria faces serious security challenges — kidnapping, banditry, robbery, and terrorism. Alongside this, the economic hardship has pushed many into poverty, leaving hearts heavy and anxious. In such times, the promise of Christ in John 14:27 becomes more than words; it is a lifeline.   The Peace of Christ: Jesus distinguishes His peace from the world’s peace. The world offers temporary relief — money, possessions, or human assurances — but these can be stolen, lost, or fail. Christ’s peace is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in His victory over sin and death.   - Philippians 4:7 reminds us: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ...

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 KJV  Understanding Different Types of Love: - Agape Love: This is the highest form of love — selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It reflects God’s love for humanity. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Agape love seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return.   - Sensual Love: This is based on physical attraction and pleasure. While it can be part of marriage, outside of God’s design it can lead to selfishness and misuse.   - Lustful Love: Lust is a distorted desire that focuses only on satisfying personal cravings. “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16).   - Infatuation: This is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration...

Below is a write up on people and societies who did not give up and their hustle rewarded them at last. If you keep on hustling and praying you will get there.  Read on.  https://substack.com/@ebunoluwasonofman/note/p-198935310?r=4x0ug5

Scripture focus:  “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27) KJV. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.James 4:14 KJV. Devotion: Loss is one of the most certain realities of life. Every human being, no matter how powerful, wealthy, or influential, will one day face the ultimate loss — death. Scripture reminds us that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This truth is sobering, yet it is meant to awaken us to prepare for eternity. The Reality of Loss - Earthly possessions: No matter how much we accumulate, we cannot take them beyond the grave. Jesus asked, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). - Human life: James describes life as “a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Loss is ine...

Adieu, Gani Olupitan   We met as young men, in college halls,   Through another’s hand, fate made the calls.   From Nigeria’s soil to Russia’s snow,   Side by side, through years we’d grow.   Five and a half years, each day we shared,   Meals and laughter, burdens bared.   I drank, you abstained; I smoked, you refrained,   Yet never once was our bond constrained.   Confidants true, in joy and in pain,   Across the seas, our hearts remained.   Though distance widened, the love held fast,   Till cruel death struck, and silence cast.   Brother of mine, though not by birth,   Your goodness enriched my days on earth.   Now heaven claims you, beyond the night,   At Christ’s own feet, in eternal light.   Sleep well, dear friend, till we meet again,   Where sorrow ends, and peace shall reign.   Forever in my...

Scripture Reading “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18   “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” — Acts 16:25   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 Reflection:  It is natural to thank God for what He has given us — blessings, opportunities, and open doors. Yet the deeper mystery of faith is learning to thank Him for what He did not give, for the doors that remained closed, and for the opportunities that slipped away.     When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they did not lament their chains; instead, they sang praises to God. What looked like tragedy became the stage for a miracle. Likewise, when you lose a job, miss a connection, or face rejection, gratitude may seem irrational to the world. But thanks...

Scripture focus: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).   Devotion: My journey has been marked by grace. I was blessed to excel academically, graduating with some of the best grades in school and university. By God’s favor, I received the Vice Chancellor’s Best Student Award in Part 4, 5, and 6.     When I returned home, there was nobody to mentor me, so I chose to serve my country the best way I knew—working in rural communities. There, I saved countless lives, performed complex surgeries, and treated difficult cases. Yet, because the population I served was poor, there was little material reward. Still, I remembered the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).      After 21 years of graduation, my younger brother encouraged me to pursue residency. By God’s mercy, I sat for the foundation examination and passed at first sitting. I completed residency even before some fresh...

Scripture: Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord." (KJV) Psalm 41:3: "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness." (NIV) Devotion: Ill health is one of the mysteries of life that often leaves us asking, “Lord, why?” Yet Scripture gives us insight into the causes, purposes, and hope we can hold onto in times of sickness. The Reality of Ill Health: From the fall of man in Genesis 3, sickness entered the world as part of the brokenness of creation. Paul reminds us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and with death comes decay, weakness, and disease. Even faithful servants of God like Job endured severe affliction, not because of sin, but as part of God’s sovereign plan to reveal His glory (Job 2:7–10). Biblical Examples: - Job’s affliction: Job’s health was attacked, yet his faith remained. His story shows that illness can be a test of endurance and t...

Scripture focus: Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  Philippians 2:14 KJV  Devotion: Paul’s words in Philippians 2:14 — “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” — are a gentle but firm reminder that the Christian life is meant to be lived with joy, gratitude, and trust. Complaining and murmuring may seem like small habits, but they reveal a deeper struggle of the heart: dissatisfaction, pride, or even unbelief. When we murmur, we are essentially saying that God’s way or His provision is not enough.     The Israelites in the wilderness are a vivid example. In Exodus 16:2–3, they murmured against Moses and Aaron because they feared hunger, forgetting that the God who delivered them from Egypt was also able to feed them. Their complaints showed a lack of trust. In contrast, Paul urges believers to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, because gratitude silences murmuring and strengthens faith.     This principle applies not only ...

Scripture focus:  “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21) Devotion:  Life often brings seasons of hardship—moments when fear, loss, or uncertainty seem overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that praise is most powerful in adversity. Praising God in the storm is not denial of pain, but a declaration of faith that He is greater than our circumstances.   When we lift our voices in praise during adversity, we shift our focus from the problem to the faithfulness of God. Praise breaks chains, strengthens faith, and invites God’s presence into our struggles. It is a weapon of victory and a testimony to others that our hope is anchored in Christ. Biblical examples: - Paul and Silas in prison: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Their worship in chains led to a miraculous deliverance. - Habakkuk’s declaration: “Though the fig tree does not ...

Scripture focus:  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."Isaiah 12:2 (KJV) Devotion: The Shift from Fear to Fortitude- Life often feels like a series of "what ifs." We spend so much energy bracing for impact—waiting for the other shoe to drop or the storm to break. But Isaiah 12:2 offers a radical pivot. It doesn’t just say God "brings' salvation; it says God "is" our salvation. When your security is tied to your circumstances, your peace will always be fragile. But when your security is tied to the character of JEHOVAH, your perspective shifts from the problem to the Provider of s trength for the struggle Notice the progression in this verse:  - Trust over Fear:- Trust isn't the absence of a scary situation; it’s the presence of a superior Focus.  - Strength for the Now:- He is the fuel that keeps you going when your own tank is empty.  - ...

Scripture focus: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  Proverbs 18:10 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14    Devotion:  The Almighty God has revealed Himself through numerous names, each carrying profound authority and strength. In the Old Testament, these names weren't just titles; they were manifestations of His character that provided the Israelites with every form of salvation and deliverance.  Elohim: The Supreme Creator who spoke the universe into existence.  El-Shaddai: God Almighty, the all-sufficient source of every blessing.  Yahweh / Jehovah: The eternal "I AM," the covenant-keeping God who is ever-present. As it is written in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." The Name Above All Names:  In the New Testament, the fullness of God’s authority was revealed in a single, matchless name: Jesus Christ. This ...

Scripture Focus:   “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” — Philippians 4:11   Devotion:  Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. As the Yoruba wisely say, “life is not straight like the barrel of a gun.” Sometimes things flow smoothly, and progress comes quickly; at other times, challenges slow us down. In those moments, the temptation is strong to look at others and compare ourselves. Yet Scripture warns us against envy and covetousness: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).     Many youths today desire quick wealth—luxury cars, designer clothes, and fine dining—without considering the source of others’ success. In pursuit of these desires, some cut corners, engaging in internet fraud, kidnapping, ritual practices, and other destructive p...

Scripture Foundation - Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”   - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”   - James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”    Devotion: Thanksgiving is not just a polite response to blessings—it is a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God as the source of all good things.    Acknowledgement means recognizing God’s presence and power in every aspect of life. When we acknowledge Him, we humble ourselves, admitting that our strength, wisdom, and provision come from Him.   The stories below are examples of people who acknowledged God and gave thanks. - Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11–19): Out of ten healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. His gratitude was not just acknowledgment of ...

Scripture focus: Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”   Reflection:  Suffering is part of the Christian journey, but the question is: should we endure it quietly, without sharing our burdens? The Bible gives us wisdom here.   - Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”     This verse reminds us that silence is not always strength. God designed the body of Christ so that believers can support one another.   - James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”     Healing often comes through openness, prayer, and community—not isolation.   - Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”     Even in prayer, God invites us to cry out, not to suffer silently. ...

....   your old men will dream dreams ..... Joel 2:28b KJV  Devotion: Dreams inspire us, but reality often tests us. Scripture reminds us that God Himself speaks through dreams, yet He also calls us to live faithfully in the present.    Joseph’s story shows this balance. He dreamed of greatness (Genesis 37:5–9), but reality placed him in a pit, slavery, and prison before the dream was fulfilled. His journey teaches us that dreams are seeds, but reality is the soil where they grow.    Daniel received visions of kingdoms and God’s eternal reign (Daniel 7:1–14). Yet, in reality, he lived faithfully in exile, praying daily and serving under foreign kings. His devotion in reality gave weight to his dreams.    Joel 2:28 promises: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Dreams are divine gifts, but they are not escapes from reality—they are invitations to walk in faith until God bring...

1 Peter 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Devotion: Sickness can be understood as a disruption of health. It may be physical, where the body loses strength or ability—sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. It may also be spiritual, when the soul is weakened through sin and separation from God.     Physical sickness often arises naturally, yet it can sometimes be prevented by caring for ourselves and our environment. Spiritual sickness, however, is entirely preventable. God Himself promised:  “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, NKJV)   When sickness comes, whether physical or spiritual, God has ...

[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Acts 2:38 KJV Devotion: Have you ever felt like you needed to have a do-over? If so, you’re in good company. Peter knew this feeling well.    Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, invited by Jesus Himself to leave his life as a fisherman to join Him during His ministry on earth. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter followed Him to the sham trial. The people in the area were openly and aggressively hostile to Jesus. Imagine what that must have felt like—to be surrounded by people who may choose to treat Peter the way they were treating Jesus at that very moment.     In Matthew 26 and Luke 22, we see that Peter chose to keep a low profile. He wanted to go unnoticed by the angry mob. That didn’t work for long though—three different people recognized him as a follower of Je...

​"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Devotion : Children are the heritage of God and the fruit of the womb is His reward, Psalms 127:3. Parents have the responsibility toward God by first of all knowing the way their children are expected to go and secondly, training them in that way. The Word of God is the basis of that training; in other words it is the sure way to go. Parents and guardians are encouraged to know the scriptures and create the enabling environment to teach their children the scriptures. The scriptures will direct the children in their choice toward school, career, marriage, etc. Share your thoughts here! I recommend this book - "Jesus and Kids"  for you to train your children, you can send the link to your children to train your grandchildren. God bless you as you do.  Title : JESUS AND KIDS . ...

Scripture focus: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.”  Luke 12:22, KJV  Devotion: This verse has often been misunderstood to mean that believers should not work, but that is not the message Jesus was giving. To interpret Scripture correctly, we must read it in context. In the preceding passage, Jesus spoke of the rich man who stored up wealth for himself, forgetting that his blessings were meant to serve others. Jesus then pointed to the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap, yet they roam and search diligently for food—and God provides for them. Their effort is blessed by God’s provision.   The Bible consistently teaches that God blesses our labor, not idleness. In Deuteronomy 28:12, God promises: “The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure… and bless all the work of thine hand.” Work is the channel through which God’s provision flows. Paul reinforces this truth in 2 Thessalonia...

Scripture Foundation - “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5   - “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” — Ecclesiastes 11:1   - “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.’” — Matthew 25:21   QDevotion:  God has given us resources—time, talents, and money—not to be buried or wasted, but to be multiplied for His glory. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) shows us that God expects us to steward wisely what He places in our hands. The servant who invested his talents doubled them, while the one who hid his talent lost even what he had. This teaches us that money, when managed with diligence and faith, can grow and serve a greater purpose.    Letting your money work for you is not about greed or selfish gain; it is about align...

Scripture focus:  “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2) KJV. Devotion: As we step into the month of May, we pause to reflect on how far God has brought us. Four months of the year are already behind us, and today marks the beginning of the fifth. Some have seen great physical and spiritual progress, while others may feel they are still searching for direction.      The difference often lies in planning and vision. “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). Without clear goals, life drifts aimlessly. But it is not too late to begin afresh. As the Yoruba saying goes, “The sun above is still enough to dry your clothes.” With eight months remaining, there is still time to plan, act, and succeed.      The true secret of success is found in Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added ...