ojaysjoel blog

Today we continue our discussion on Narcissism. We counsel us to respond with grace Day 2: Respond with Grace - Scripture: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)  - Reflection: Saul’s jealousy of David shows how pride can lead to destructive behavior (1 Samuel 18). David responded with respect, not revenge.  - Prayer: Father, give me strength to respond with kindness even when I feel attacked.  - Action Step: When provoked today, pause before speaking. Choose a gentle response.  

We are going to discuss above topic for the next 7 days, with hope that God will help us cope with narcissists or change if we are one of such person. Scripture Reading: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…” (2 Timothy 3:2) Who is a Narcissist? A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered, craves admiration, and often lacks empathy for others. They may manipulate situations to maintain control, dismiss the feelings of those around them, and struggle to admit fault. In essence, their world revolves around themselves. Braid topic: Living with a Narcissist Day 1:  Guard Your Heart - Scripture: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)   - Reflection: A narcissist’s words can wound deeply. God calls us to protect our hearts by anchoring them in His truth.   - Prayer: Lord, help me guard my heart against manipulation and keep my focus on You.   - Action Step: Writ...

Scripture Reading: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…” (2 Timothy 3:2) Who is a Narcissist? A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered, craves admiration, and often lacks empathy for others. They may manipulate situations to maintain control, dismiss the feelings of those around them, and struggle to admit fault. In essence, their world revolves around themselves. Narcissism is not new. The Bible warns us about people who are “lovers of themselves.” King Saul is a striking example. When David was praised for his victories, Saul’s pride turned into jealousy and rage (1 Samuel 18:6–9). His need for admiration blinded him to God’s plan and poisoned his relationships.   Another example is the Pharisees, who loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:43). Their self-focus kept them from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.   But Scripture also reminds us that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18), wh...

Key Verse:   "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." — Romans 12:18 Devotional: Peace is one of the deepest desires of the human heart, and Scripture calls us to pursue it not only with God but also with those around us. Living at peace with everybody is not always easy, but it is a mark of Christ’s love shining through us. 1. Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 45:4–15) Joseph had every reason to hold bitterness against his brothers who sold him into slavery. Yet when God elevated him in Egypt, Joseph chose reconciliation over revenge. He embraced his brothers, saying, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His story reminds us that peace often requires forgiveness and a willingness to see God’s hand even in painful circumstances. 2. David and Saul (1 Samuel 24:1–22) David was hunted by King Saul, yet when given the chance to kill Saul, David spared his life. He declared, “I will not lay my hand on my lord,...

Scripture Focus: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6) Reflection Every new day is a gift, and with it comes countless reasons to lift our voices in praise. The very breath in our lungs is evidence of God’s sustaining power. We praise Him for life, for health, for family and friends, and most of all, for the gift of Christ who secures our salvation.   But the reasons don’t stop there. God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23). He provides daily bread (Matthew 6:11), protects us as our fortress (Psalm 18:2), and answers our prayers even before we speak (Isaiah 65:24). His peace steadies us in storms (Philippians 4:7), His love promises eternal life (John 3:16), and His Spirit empowers us (Acts 1:8). Creation itself testifies to His glory (Psalm 19:1), and His faithfulness endures through all generations (Psalm 100:5).   Application Gratitude is not reserved for moments of abundance—it is a posture for every season. If you can br...

Scripture Foundation - “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6   - “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4   - “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” — Proverbs 29:15   Reflection Parenting a recalcitrant child can feel like walking through a storm. Their resistance, stubbornness, or defiance may test patience and love. Yet Scripture reminds us that discipline is not punishment alone—it is guidance, correction, and love wrapped together.     Consider the story of Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1–3). Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord, and though Samuel grew up in a challenging environment under Eli’s household, her early training and prayers shaped him into a prophet who listened to God’s voice. This shows us that even when children res...

Scripture focus:  “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” — Ecclesiastes 11:1   The Principle of Sowing and Reaping:  Life is a divine cycle of sowing and reaping. Every act of kindness, every seed of goodness planted in another’s life, carries within it the promise of return. The Apostle Paul reminds us:   “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” — Galatians 6:7     When we choose to bless others, we are not only fulfilling Christ’s command to love our neighbor, but we are also setting in motion a spiritual law that ensures goodness will find its way back to us.   Jesus’ Teaching on Giving Jesus Himself taught this principle of reciprocity:    “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38   ...