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...