ojaysjoel blog

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV. Devotion: The book of Ecclesiastes records King Solomon's quest for life's meaning. He concluded, "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2), "wearisome" (Ecclesiastes 1:8), and "nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This ancient wisdom still resonates with our modern longing for more.   We crave substance beyond superficial connections, ambitions, and material possessions. We ask, "What's the point of life?" and "What's the value in accumulating wealth, power, or status?" Like Solomon, we realize that even the greatest accomplishments can feel empty.   Ecclesiastes 12:13 provides the answer: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." Chasing worldly pleasures apart from God leaves us unfulfilled. Instead: - R...

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6" Devotion : There are three main keys: way, truth, and life. Everyone is calling on God using different modes and methods. Some call on names of ancient people, deity, carved images, stones etc. Anything mysterious to some people is God and they start to worship such but such media are just gods, they are not the way to God.    There is only one way to God, only Jesus Christ is that way. He says in the gospel according to Saint John 14:6a "I am the way," because Jesus came from God, so only Him can know and be the way(John 3:13). All other ways are ways to man, to enrich them.    Many religious folks claim they have the truth to God but Jesus Christ is the truth,  others gods are work of men eg the calf image Aron made for Israelites when Moses was on the mountain. Jesus is the truth because He is the true son of God (John 3:16). No other prophet can...

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 NIV Devotion: Scripture teaches that salvation is a free gift from Jesus through faith. However, this gift requires a lifelong commitment. Jesus says, "Follow me," but this path comes with a price – everything. As disciples, we follow Jesus' footsteps, surrendering our desires and plans to His guidance. This means embracing self-denial, centering our lives on God's mission: loving Him and loving others while making disciples. Taking up our cross isn't easy, but it leads to eternal satisfaction in Jesus. Temporary pleasures and worldly possessions can't compare. Reflect on your life: - Are you holding onto things you're hesitant to surrender to Jesus? - Do relationships serve your desires or God's? Commit to following Jesus, regardless of challenges. The cross may be painful, but eternal life with Jesus awaits. Rem...

"For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save it through Him." (John 3:17, NIV) Devotion: A guilty conscience can weigh heavily on those who haven't surrendered to Christ. However, feeling remorse for sin indicates a receptive heart, ready to repent. Jesus' purpose isn't to condemn, but to correct and save.   Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11). Jesus showed compassion, saying, "Neither do I condemn thee; go, and sin no more." Yet, refusal to repent leads to condemnation (Luke 13:5).  If you've given your life to Christ, confessed your sins, and seek righteousness, you have no reason to fear. Jesus has atoned for your sins; now, live according to His guidance (Isaiah 1:18-20).  If you're still living for yourself, consider surrendering to Jesus today. No matter the weight of your sin, God forgives and welcomes you.  May God guide us toward righteousness, and may we share the gospel with others. Written...

John 3:17 NIV [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Devotion: A thief runs when nobody pursues him is a saying of the wise. To a person who has not given his life to Christ there is a guilty heart, such a person carries the burden of guilt. Though it is a good thing but when you have given your life to Christ. Feeling the burden of sin shows you have good conscience and that your sin was only a mistake from which you are ready to repent. Yet you know that Jesus has not come to condemn you but to correct you and safe you.    But a hardened criminal has no conscience and feels no burden, therefore he continues to sin. He kills and maims, steals without qualms and does evil things without thinking of the repercussion. Yet if perchance he hears about Christ and comes to him, his sin will be forgiven and he will not be condemned. The story of a woman caught in adultry is a good example. Jesus says in John 8:1...

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright." Psalm 20:7-8 KJV Devotion: In the time of King David, chariots and horses were considered the best military arsenal a kingdom could have. They provided security and confidence to those who had them! However, David showed us a deeper truth: Our true security and victory are not brought about by our intellect, power, abilities, or resources but by trusting in the name of the Lord. No human might can defeat the power of darkness but only the power of God. It’s foolish to rely on man's capacity when God's invincible and unfailing power has been made available to His people; we only need to ask Him and rely on Him.   Beloved, in our daily lives, these "chariots" may mean putting all our trust in financial stability, career success, technological advancements, superior intellect, influence and conne...

Psalms 139:10 NIV [10] even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Devotion: There used to be a photo frame in our house with the inscription "The Unseen Guest Bless us today." This Unseen guest is Jesus Christ and we believe that He is always present anywhere we are.   This same Jesus, the son of God is here with me now, I believe he's also with you reader where you're today and everyday. If you are doing good God sees you and He is with you, whatever the situation God is there and He is ever ready to help you or encourage you.  If on the other hand your are living your life for yourself God sees you and also ready to help you provided you call on him. The only caveat is that you'll will have to believe God exists through your faith in His son - Jesus Christ. For full enjoyment of Christ I urge you to give your life to him today.   Let's remember that David the writer of the psalm 139 did a lot of evil things, remember the story of ...