ojaysjoel blog

Scripture focus: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  Habakkuk 3:17-18  KJV. Devotion: Life today feels heavy — insecurity grips nations, financial struggles weigh families down, unbelief spreads like wildfire, love grows cold, divorce rises, and betrayal seems common. Yet, in a time like this, the call of Scripture is clear: PRAISE GOD! Praise in the Midst of Trouble: The psalmist declares: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1–2). Even when the earth shakes and society crumbles, our response must be worship. Praise is not denial of reality; it is defiance against despair. It is choosing to magnify God above the chaos. When Darkness Increases: J...

Reflection There are moments in life when people dismiss us, underestimate us, or even declare that we will amount to nothing. Yet, human verdicts are not God’s verdicts. When you surrender your life to Christ, remain steadfast in prayer, and diligently work, God Himself will lift you up. Being “written off” by men often sets the stage for God’s breakthrough in your life. Key Scriptures - Psalm 118:22 — “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”     Just as Jesus was rejected yet exalted, God can turn rejection into your foundation for greatness.   - Jeremiah 29:11 — “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.”     Even when others see no future in you, God has already written a glorious destiny.   - Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”...

Scripture Focus: Exodus 18:21   "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, HATING COVETOUSNESS; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."   Reflection:  Covetousness, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions, or for what belongs to another. The Bible warns us repeatedly against this destructive spirit. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).     Sadly, in many churches today, prosperity teaching has overshadowed the message of holiness and heaven. Some preach that once you have given your life to Christ, you can live however you please because your sins are forgiven. This is contrary to Scripture, which calls us to “be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).     Many leaders...

Scripture Reading - “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18   - “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” — James 4:6   - “When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid… so he consulted a medium for guidance.” — 1 Samuel 28:5–7   Reflection:  Pride is one of the most subtle yet dangerous sins. It creeps into the heart when achievements, blessings, or spiritual victories are mistakenly attributed to human effort rather than God’s grace. The Bible makes it clear that God detests pride because it shifts glory away from Him and places it on fragile human beings.     King Saul is a sobering example. Once chosen and anointed by God, his disobedience and pride led him to lose favor. Instead of repenting, he sought strength in forbidden places, consulting occult powers when the Spirit of God had departed. His downfall was not sudden—it was a gradual erosion of humility, prayer, an...

Scripture Reading: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) Devotion: Beloved, Nigeria is passing through a season of deep pain. Terrorism has spread like wildfire—children are kidnapped from schools, worshippers are attacked in churches, and families live in fear of sudden violence. These acts are not just crimes; they are assaults against humanity, faith, and peace. Yet, in the midst of this irregular war, we must remember: our God is still on the throne.    When darkness surrounds us, the safest place is in the arms of Christ. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is not the time to drift away from God—it is the time to draw closer. Our strength, courage, and hope are found in Him alone. We must actively engage ourselves in -  - Prayerful living: Commit your family, community, and nation daily into God’s han...

Scripture Focus - Matthew 7:12 (NIV): “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”   - Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”   - Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Reflection:  The principle of “Do unto others what you can do to yourself” is a call to live with empathy, humility, and love. It reminds us that our actions toward others should reflect the same care, respect, and kindness we desire for ourselves.      Jesus summarized the entire law in this golden rule: love expressed through action. When we treat others with dignity, forgive as we would want forgiveness, and extend help as we would want help, we embody the very heart of Christ. ...

Scripture focus: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:38-39 KJV). Devotion: It is easy to praise God when the sun is shining, the bills are paid, and life feels predictable. But when a storm hits—whether it’s a sudden health crisis, a fractured relationship, or the slow, exhausting grind of financial worry—our spiritual vision can get blurry. In the middle of a trial, pain tends to monopolize our attention. It screams for our focus, making God look small and our problems look microscopic and overwhelming. But the truth of Scripture is that God doesn't stand on the shoreline watching us drown; He is right there in the boat. The Blueprint for Blind Trust: In Mark 4, we find the disciples caught in a furious squall. Waves are breaking over the boat, and...