ojaysjoel blog

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jas.1.19.KJV Devotion: The Yoruba has a saying that cautious (gentle, measured) reaction brings peace but harsh response brings harm. Grossly translated it means don't respond too quickly and harshly to situations.  We live in a world full of aggression partly due to economic situations and fast paced life; there's tendency to make knee jerk response without proper evaluation of the situation. Most of the time such response is not properly thought out and it leads to further aggressive response from the opponent.  As children of God we are to follow the example of God who despite our sinful nature did not destroy us but instead sent His son Jesus Christ to redeem us to Himself. This is why sinners live long because God is slow to anger (Nehemiah 9 vs 17, psalm 103 vs 8) so that the sinner can come to his senses and repent.   Are you o...

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/php.4.9.KJV Devotion: Paul an Apostle of Christ followed the footsteps of Christ and God of peace was with him, hence he preached same to the Philippians. When a child has godly parents and followes in their footsteps the future is always bright because God of peace will guide them.    Dear reader, congratulations if you have given your life to Christ or you will imminently because you become a child of God immediately. Once a child of God, follow in His footsteps and the peace of God that surpasses human understanding will be yours.  Dearly beloved, take the bold step this day and enjoy God's peace in fullness. Please share your testimonies with us here. Hallelujah. Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach me on gbemide09@gmail.com for questions, suggestions, counseling and prayer requests. Devotionals ar...

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.30.5.KJV Devotion: The Bible is full of promises for the children of God who endured, in the past few days we studied the beatitudes which are promises of blessing for perseverance, obedience and service to God and humanity.  Today's passage is a re-assurance that though we may be going through situations beyond our capacity but we must keep standing in faith because joys comes soon. The soon may not be tomorrow morning but surely it will come. Remember the story of Job, he endured and was rewarded with double portion. I am not praying for what happened to Job but we are humans.    A woman went into shock but fortunately she recovered and gave testimony that her broken leg was restored and she was running towards heaven in white cloth during the period of shock. This is what will happen if we endure to the ...

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.10.KJV Devotion: In the world today are still several places where Jesus cannot be preached because the law forbids it. In others, people have been slaughtered like ram by people who believe they are fighting for God yet they kill preachers of the word of God.  Here Jesus says there's a great reward for those who seek righteousness and live it. When you struggle against inequality, against stealing in work places, when you dress modestly, when you refuse to join in gossiping etc people will call you names, your boss will post you to the library or village as punishment because you're against stealing.  Don't you worry, Jesus suffered same treatment Matt 5 :11-12, the disciples of yore suffered same treatment, most of them were put to gruesome death. But they are rewarded for doing right. You may not be killed for doing...

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.9.KJV Devotion: In continuation of the study of the beatitudes, today ask yourself - do I want blessings from God? If yes then be a peacemaker.  Who is a peace maker or how do I become a peacemaker? The first step is reconciliation with God by accepting Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Two is repentance from sin and staying in Christ. Three have Holy Spirit dwell in your heart. Then you have peace with God.  Then allow Holy Spirit to guide your relationship with your family members, neighbours and colleagues whenever peace is lacking. Your personal conduct should bring peace to troubled minds, the happiness in your marriage should also broadcast peace to your friends.  Dearly beloved, make effort to be a peacemaker today. Share your testimonies with the people around you and call them to Christ. Hallelujah.  Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach m...

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.8.KJV Devotion: The beatitudes continue with discussing on purity of heart. What does purity means? It means spotless, crystal clear, free of germs etc. Purity of heart however means a heart that received grace, because no man is perfect or can be perfect except Jesus.  But when you truly confess and repent of your sins, Jesus will make you perfect and present you to his father God. Therefore if you want to see God you have to go through Jesus and receive grace. Going through Jesus means accepting him as Lord and Saviour over your life.  Dearly beloved, do you really want to see God?  Take the chance today it maybe the last chance before the train moves 2 Cor 6:2. Share your opinion with us here. Written by Dr Joel Olanrewaju, reach me on gbemide09@gmail.com for questions, suggestions, counseling and prayer requests. Devotionals available on ojaysjoel.blogspot.com. Full ...

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.7.KJV Devotion: The series continue today, Jesus says "blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy", we have a saying in Yoruba that says "I was merciful to someone but did not receive mercy in return, show hidden wickedness in you." Let us s examine Jesus' statement above ... Shall ... it means a must ie if you are merciful, you must receive mercy. Unless there was wickedness or hidden agenda in the mercy you gave. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:4-5  "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"   Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness yet fervent about grace and mercy that is why though we are sinners who deserve punishment, Jesus gave grace to reconcile us with God and mercy to live when he rose fro...