ojaysjoel blog

Key Verse: "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."   — Romans 14:12 (NIV) Reflection: Responsibility is a hallmark of spiritual maturity. Whether our actions yield praise or correction, God calls us to own them with humility and integrity. In a world quick to deflect blame and seek applause, Scripture reminds us that true character is revealed not just in what we do—but in how we respond to the consequences. Biblical Examples: 1. David and Bathsheba – Owning Sin King David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and orchestrated a murder to cover it up. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn’t deflect or deny. He said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). His heartfelt repentance in Psalm 51 shows the power of accepting responsibility and seeking restoration. 2. Joseph – Honoring Integrity Joseph, sold into slavery and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, chose to maintain his integrity. Though imprisoned unjustly, he n...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. And it’s true—God does have a plan for you. He desires to bless you, to give you hope, and to secure your future. But to fully grasp the beauty of this promise, we must understand its original context.   God spoke these words through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah, who had just been exiled to Babylon. Their captivity wasn’t random—it was the result of decades of rebellion. For 23 years, Jeremiah had pleaded with them to turn from their sin, but they refused. As the Lord said in Jeremiah 25:4–5, “I sent my servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened… Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways.”   God is patient, but He is also just. The people had exploited the vulnerable, ignored justice, and embraced idolatry. They built high places to Baal and sacrificed their children in fire—acts ...

Scripture:   “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”   — 2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV)  Reflection:   In this powerful declaration, the Apostle Paul speaks not from a place of comfort, but from the shadow of persecution and impending death. Yet his words are not filled with fear—they overflow with confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness.   Paul had faced betrayal, abandonment, and the threat of execution. But he knew something deeper: the Lord was his Deliverer. Not just from physical harm, but from every evil work—seen and unseen. And beyond deliverance, Paul trusted that God would preserve him, guarding his soul and guiding him safely into the eternal kingdom.   This verse reminds us that our security is not found in circumstances, but in Christ. Evil may surround us, trials may press in, but the Lord is our shield. He doesn’t promise a life f...

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8" Devotion : GOD is a renowned teacher, greater than all the teachers in heaven and earth. He is still in the teaching business and seeks to teach you, dear reader. What He teaches you He expects you to imbibe and teach others.     The opening scripture demonstrates the fact that the LORD is a teacher. He shows man what is good and requires/expects you to do likewise: to be just/fair, love mercy and show mercy to others, and walk humbly before Him. Jesus Christ demonstrated all these virtues when He walked on earth: He was fair to others, He showed compassion, and He was humble/obedient even unto death on the cross.    Dearly beloved, what is GOD showing you in the Holy Scriptures? Are you living them? Share your thoughts here! Hallelujah!

Scripture: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”   — Psalm 103:2–4 (NKJV). Reflection: As we step into the 11th month of the year, it's a sacred moment to pause and reflect. The journey so far has been a tapestry of joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials. Some prayers have been answered with a resounding “yes,” while others still linger in the silence of waiting. Yet, through it all, one truth remains: you are here. You are alive. You are clothed, fed, and sustained. That alone is a miracle worth celebrating.   Reflecting on the Year:  Life may not have unfolded exactly as you planned. Some goals remain unmet, and some dreams may feel delayed. But consider this: you’ve made it this far. You’ve endured. You’ve grown. You’ve laughed, cried, and learned. That’s grace in motion.   A Call to ...

"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...