ojaysjoel blog

Scripture Reading “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18   “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” — Acts 16:25   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 Reflection:  It is natural to thank God for what He has given us — blessings, opportunities, and open doors. Yet the deeper mystery of faith is learning to thank Him for what He did not give, for the doors that remained closed, and for the opportunities that slipped away.     When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they did not lament their chains; instead, they sang praises to God. What looked like tragedy became the stage for a miracle. Likewise, when you lose a job, miss a connection, or face rejection, gratitude may seem irrational to the world. But thanks...

Scripture focus: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).   Devotion: My journey has been marked by grace. I was blessed to excel academically, graduating with some of the best grades in school and university. By God’s favor, I received the Vice Chancellor’s Best Student Award in Part 4, 5, and 6.     When I returned home, there was nobody to mentor me, so I chose to serve my country the best way I knew—working in rural communities. There, I saved countless lives, performed complex surgeries, and treated difficult cases. Yet, because the population I served was poor, there was little material reward. Still, I remembered the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).      After 21 years of graduation, my younger brother encouraged me to pursue residency. By God’s mercy, I sat for the foundation examination and passed at first sitting. I completed residency even before some fresh...

Scripture: Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord." (KJV) Psalm 41:3: "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness." (NIV) Devotion: Ill health is one of the mysteries of life that often leaves us asking, “Lord, why?” Yet Scripture gives us insight into the causes, purposes, and hope we can hold onto in times of sickness. The Reality of Ill Health: From the fall of man in Genesis 3, sickness entered the world as part of the brokenness of creation. Paul reminds us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and with death comes decay, weakness, and disease. Even faithful servants of God like Job endured severe affliction, not because of sin, but as part of God’s sovereign plan to reveal His glory (Job 2:7–10). Biblical Examples: - Job’s affliction: Job’s health was attacked, yet his faith remained. His story shows that illness can be a test of endurance and t...

Scripture focus: Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  Philippians 2:14 KJV  Devotion: Paul’s words in Philippians 2:14 — “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” — are a gentle but firm reminder that the Christian life is meant to be lived with joy, gratitude, and trust. Complaining and murmuring may seem like small habits, but they reveal a deeper struggle of the heart: dissatisfaction, pride, or even unbelief. When we murmur, we are essentially saying that God’s way or His provision is not enough.     The Israelites in the wilderness are a vivid example. In Exodus 16:2–3, they murmured against Moses and Aaron because they feared hunger, forgetting that the God who delivered them from Egypt was also able to feed them. Their complaints showed a lack of trust. In contrast, Paul urges believers to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, because gratitude silences murmuring and strengthens faith.     This principle applies not only ...

Scripture focus:  “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21) Devotion:  Life often brings seasons of hardship—moments when fear, loss, or uncertainty seem overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that praise is most powerful in adversity. Praising God in the storm is not denial of pain, but a declaration of faith that He is greater than our circumstances.   When we lift our voices in praise during adversity, we shift our focus from the problem to the faithfulness of God. Praise breaks chains, strengthens faith, and invites God’s presence into our struggles. It is a weapon of victory and a testimony to others that our hope is anchored in Christ. Biblical examples: - Paul and Silas in prison: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Their worship in chains led to a miraculous deliverance. - Habakkuk’s declaration: “Though the fig tree does not ...

Scripture focus:  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."Isaiah 12:2 (KJV) Devotion: The Shift from Fear to Fortitude- Life often feels like a series of "what ifs." We spend so much energy bracing for impact—waiting for the other shoe to drop or the storm to break. But Isaiah 12:2 offers a radical pivot. It doesn’t just say God "brings' salvation; it says God "is" our salvation. When your security is tied to your circumstances, your peace will always be fragile. But when your security is tied to the character of JEHOVAH, your perspective shifts from the problem to the Provider of s trength for the struggle Notice the progression in this verse:  - Trust over Fear:- Trust isn't the absence of a scary situation; it’s the presence of a superior Focus.  - Strength for the Now:- He is the fuel that keeps you going when your own tank is empty.  - ...

Scripture focus: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  Proverbs 18:10 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14    Devotion:  The Almighty God has revealed Himself through numerous names, each carrying profound authority and strength. In the Old Testament, these names weren't just titles; they were manifestations of His character that provided the Israelites with every form of salvation and deliverance.  Elohim: The Supreme Creator who spoke the universe into existence.  El-Shaddai: God Almighty, the all-sufficient source of every blessing.  Yahweh / Jehovah: The eternal "I AM," the covenant-keeping God who is ever-present. As it is written in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." The Name Above All Names:  In the New Testament, the fullness of God’s authority was revealed in a single, matchless name: Jesus Christ. This ...