Jola Speaks
Jola Speaks is a daily Podcast intended to grow and equip its listeners in their trust walk with God. The current focus is on obtaining clarity as we go through our individual processes with God - drop our own will, answering His calling, trusting Him and submitting to His Will. Why me? Why am I here? Why don’t I feel content with my achievements? What is happening to me? Why does my heart feel so heavy? What is wrong? Yes! we have so many questions, I have been there, I understand what you are going through, and you are no...
How to Stop Trying to Prove People Wrong and Focus on Your Goals
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Have you ever wanted to prove someone wrong after they underestimated you, rejected you or made you question yourself?
It's understandable to want to show people what you're capable of. But what happens when the need to prove them wrong starts taking your attention away from what truly matters?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, Success Is the Best Form of Revenge, we explore a lesson from Nehemiah 6:15–16 and how he continued rebuilding Jerusalem's wall despite mockery, threats and opposition.
Nehemiah's story challenges us to th...
How to Stay Focused and Finish What God Has Called You to Do | Nehemiah 6:15
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What do you do when the assignment in front of you feels bigger than you can handle?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we reflect on Nehemiah 6:15 and how Jerusalem's wall was completed in just 52 days. Through Nehemiah's example, we explore the importance of focus, prayer, preparation and obedience when pursuing something meaningful.
Sometimes we become so overwhelmed by the size of a task that we struggle to begin. Other times, distractions, fear of failure or the pressure of everything that could go wrong make it difficult to keep...
Bigger Than You Think: Seeing God's Purpose Beyond the Obvious
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What if the work God has placed in your hands is bigger than you think?
In this final reflection on the Book of Nehemiah, Jola shares how rebuilding Jerusalem's wall became part of a much greater story of restoration.
We often focus on the task directly in front of us. But whether we're raising children, building a career, leading people or serving in ministry, the impact of our work may extend far beyond what we can see.
In this conversation, we reflect on remaining obedient when we...
How to Stay Focused When Everything Is Distracting You | Nehemiah
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What do you do when opposition, distractions and competing demands threaten to pull you away from what matters?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we reflect on Nehemiah's experience rebuilding Jerusalem's wall and the challenges that threatened to stop the work.
From ridicule and intimidation to false accusations and subtle distractions, Nehemiah faced repeated attempts to shift his attention. Yet he continued building.
We explore what his example teaches us about focus, prayer, discernment, boundaries and protecting the work God has entrusted to us.
You'll...
Why We Need Jesus: You Don't Have to Prove Yourself to God
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What happens when our relationship with God starts feeling like a performance?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue through Nehemiah 13:23–31 and reflect on the repeated struggle of God's people to obey perfectly.
Their story reminds us that we cannot save ourselves through our own effort.
Jesus did what our rule-keeping could never do.
We explore grace, mercy, obedience and the difference between obeying God because we love Him and obeying because we feel we need to prove ourselves.
You don't have to earn...
I'VE DONE EVERYTHING. SO WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING?
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What if you've actually done your part — but you're still carrying the weight of an outcome you cannot control?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore Nehemiah 13:23–31 and Nehemiah's prayer, “Remember me, O my God, for good.”
Nehemiah had rebuilt the wall, dealt with opposition, led people back to God, corrected abuses and done everything within his responsibility. Yet people still had choices of their own.
Jola explores what happens when we confuse an unwanted outcome with failure and carry guilt for things we were never...
When You Feel Forgotten by God: Remember Me, O My God
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Have you ever worked hard for a long time and wondered if anyone actually sees what you're doing?
In Nehemiah 13:14, Nehemiah prayed, “Remember me, O my God.”
In this episode, Jola reflects on that prayer through a very personal experience. She shares what it felt like to wonder whether her own work was being remembered or whether it was producing the fruit she hoped for.
This conversation is for anyone who has been showing up faithfully but feels overlooked, unappreciated or discouraged because they aren't seeing the results...
What If Your Worry Is Actually a Prayer Point? | Nehemiah 13:14
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What if the things you keep worrying about are actually invitations to talk to God?
In Nehemiah 13:14, Nehemiah brings his concerns directly to God. But Jola sees something bigger in the passage: Nehemiah had developed a pattern of talking to God about everything.
Not just the major decisions. Not just the difficult moments. Everything.
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore prayer as more than asking God for what we need. Prayer is part of building an ongoing relationship with Him.
What if the worr...
Character Before Competence: Why Being Qualified Isn't Enough
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What makes someone truly trustworthy at work?
In Nehemiah 13:10–14, Nehemiah chose people who were considered faithful to manage the storehouse.
In this episode, Jola explores the difference between competence and character — and why being able to do something is not the same as being someone who can be trusted to do it.
Because the real question isn't always:
Can they do it?
Sometimes it's:
Will they do it?
A conversation about faithfulness, integrity, recruitment...
Surrender Is Only the Beginning
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Surrender to God is not a one-time event.
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we look at Nehemiah 13:10–14 and what happened when the people of Israel returned to old patterns after previously repenting and committing themselves to God.
Their earlier repentance was genuine. But genuine intention still needed to become consistent action.
Jola explores why we must renew our minds daily, why obedience is a continuous process, and how repeated choices shape our character over time.
If you've ever sincerely told God, “I'm done with this,” o...
Walking With God Through Alignment, Surrender & Life Seasons — Dr, Esther Longe
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What does it look like to genuinely walk with God when life is busy, plans change and the season you're in doesn't make sense?
Jola sits down with Esther Longe for an honest conversation about alignment with God, intimacy, vulnerability, the walls we build to protect ourselves, consistency, surrender, calling and recognising the season God has placed us in.
Esther shares lessons from her own journey and reminds us that God doesn't waste anything — even the experiences we thought had nothing to do with where He was taking us.
...
Guard What You Built: Staying Watchful After Success
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You worked hard to build it. You prayed for it, fought for it, and stayed faithful through the opposition.
But what happens after the work is finally done?
In Nehemiah 13:4–9, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and discovered that Tobiah—someone who had previously opposed the work—had gained access to a room in the house of God through his alliance with Eliashib the priest.
The wall had been rebuilt. The work had been completed. But the need for vigilance had not ended.
In this episode of Jola Speak...
When Doing the Right Thing Is Hard | Christian Leadership & Biblical Courage
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What do you do when you know something is wrong, but changing it could upset people?
In Nehemiah 13, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and discovers that something has been allowed to happen that goes against God's instructions. His response is decisive: he removes what should not be there and restores the space to its intended purpose.
But this isn't only a lesson about Nehemiah.
It raises a difficult question for all of us: Is there something under your authority that needs to change?
At work...
What Are You Grieving About? | When God Turns Burden Into Action
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Sometimes the thing weighing heavily on you is not something to suppress—it may be something God wants you to bring into His presence.
In this episode, Jola explores Nehemiah 13 and what happened when Nehemiah was deeply grieved by what he found. We look at how a burden can lead us to prayer, courage, wisdom and action, and Jola shares a personal workplace experience that showed her just how transformative that can be.
A practical episode for anyone navigating a difficult situation, a decision, a workplace challenge or something that...
Who Is Influencing You? How to Choose Your Inner Circle | Nehemiah 13
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Who Is Influencing You? How to Choose Your Inner Circle | Nehemiah 13
Who has your ear?
The people closest to us can influence far more than we realise. In Nehemiah 13, Eliashab's alliance with Tobiah shows how the wrong relationship can gradually affect our judgement, decisions and even the people we lead.
In this episode, Jola explores the danger of underestimating influence, why compromise often happens gradually, and why leaders need to be especially intentional about who they allow into their inner circle.
Whether you're lead...
Who Should Take Over After You? Christian Leadership & Succession Lessons from Nehemiah
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What happens when you finish building?
Who takes over?
And perhaps most importantly—will they carry the purpose faithfully?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue through the Book of Nehemiah and explore Christian leadership, succession and the importance of choosing the right people to carry what God has entrusted to us.
Jola examines why credentials, experience and intelligence aren't enough. Character, spiritual discernment, alignment, prayer and accountability all matter when choosing the people who will carry a vision after you.
Wheth...
What Happens After You Achieve Your Goal? | Building Something That Lasts With God
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What happens after you finish what God called you to build? Through Nehemiah 13:4–9, Jola explores the often-overlooked work of sustainability, succession and leadership. Your assignment may be finished, but God's purpose doesn't have to end with you.
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When obedience to God feels impossible
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What do you do when God asks you to obey, but obedience feels impossible?
There are moments when you know what God is asking of you, but everything in you wants to say, “Lord, this is hard.”
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue our journey through Nehemiah and explore what happens when obedience feels impossible.
Looking at Nehemiah 13, Jola reflects on how worship preceded an act of difficult obedience. She shares how worship can bring surrender, shift our focus away fr...
What If What Happened to You Isn't the Final Word? | God Has the Final Say
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What if the thing you're afraid of, the situation you cannot control, or even what someone has planned against you isn't the final word?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue through the book of Nehemiah and reflect on Nehemiah 13:1–3, where Scripture reminds us that God can turn what was intended as a curse into a blessing.
Jola explores what it means to trust God's authority when circumstances feel overwhelming, people oppose us, or we are tempted to focus more on what has been said or done...
What If God's “No” Is Protecting You? | Obedience Is for Our Own Good | Nehemiah 13
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What if God's “no” is actually protecting you?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue through Nehemiah 13 and explore why obedience to God is ultimately for our own good.
God sees what we cannot see. His instructions may sometimes challenge our logic, comfort, relationships, plans, or expectations—but obedience aligns us with His will and purpose.
Jola also explores a difficult reality: sometimes we obey God and don't immediately see the result. Does that mean we made the wrong decision? Not necessarily.
This episo...
Why Is Obeying God So Hard? When God's Instructions Don't Make Sense | Nehemiah 13
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Why is obeying God so difficult when His instructions don't make sense?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore obedience through Nehemiah 13 and the uncomfortable reality that God's instructions will not always fit our plans, timing, comfort, or reasoning.
The people in Nehemiah 13 heard the Word and acted. Their response challenges us to examine our own lives: are we waiting for more clarity, or are we delaying something God has already made clear?
This episode invites Christians navigating work, leadership, relationships, decisions, and everyday lif...
Can Your Joy Strengthen Others? | Nehemiah 12 & Christian Influence — Part II
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What if the joy God gives you could strengthen someone else?
Continuing through Nehemiah 12:43, Jola explores how biblical joy can encourage others, change the atmosphere around us and give strength during difficult seasons.
This episode is a reminder that Christian joy isn't about pretending life is easy. It's about holding on to hope in God—and allowing that hope to overflow into the lives of others.
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Can People See Jesus Through Your Joy? | What Nehemiah 12 Teaches About Christian Influence
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What does it mean for your joy to be "heard from afar"? Continuing through Nehemiah 12, Jola explores how genuine joy becomes visible in the way we respond to people, challenges and everyday life. Discover why biblical joy isn't based on circumstances, but becomes a testimony that points others to Christ.
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How God Gives You Joy That Circumstances Can't Take Away | Nehemiah 12
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What does it mean that "God made them rejoice with great joy"? In this episode, Jola explores the difference between happiness and biblical joy through Nehemiah 12, showing how true joy comes from God's Spirit rather than changing circumstances. Discover how lasting joy can remain even during life's hardest seasons.
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How to Keep Your Heart Pure Every Day | A Simple Daily Prayer That Changes Everything
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Purifying your heart isn't something you do once and move on from.
In this episode, Jola reflects on Nehemiah 12 and explains why inviting God to search your heart should become a daily habit. Discover practical biblical insights on living with integrity, maintaining a tender heart and representing Christ well in every area of life.
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How to Let Go of Offence and Find Healing | A Biblical Guide to Heart Healing
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What does it really mean to purify your heart?
In this episode, Jola reflects on Nehemiah 12 and shares how repentance, forgiveness and God's healing work together to restore our hearts.
If you've been carrying offence, bitterness, pain or unresolved hurt, this conversation will encourage you to stop focusing only on what happened to you and begin inviting God to heal what happened within you.
#jolaspeaks @jolaspeaks #christianpodcast #dailydevotion #spiritualgrowth
What Has Your Attention? A Biblical Wake-Up Call About True Worship
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What quietly has your attention?
In this episode, Jola reflects on Nehemiah 12 and Jesus' words in John 4 to explore what true worship really means. Beyond music and church services, worship is revealed by what consistently occupies our hearts.
Discover how to identify the distractions competing for your attention and learn practical, biblical steps to worship God in spirit and in truth—even in the middle of work, responsibilities and everyday life.
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The Hidden Reason Your Worship Feels Empty | A Biblical Lesson on Worship
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Before the worship came the preparation.
Before the songs came the heart.
In this episode, Jola begins a new series from Nehemiah 12, exploring why true worship starts within us before it is expressed through our words, work or service.
Discover how God prepares hearts before assignments and why the condition of your heart shapes every area of your life—from your workplace to your relationships and your walk with Him.
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The Ceremony Is Easy… Staying Dedicated Is the Real Challenge | Christian Devotional
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What does it really mean to dedicate something to God?
Many of us think dedication is a ceremony—a special day marked by celebration and prayer. But Scripture reveals something much deeper.
In this episode, Jola reflects on Nehemiah 12 and explains why the true work of dedication begins after the ceremony. Through relatable examples from marriage, business, family and everyday life, you'll discover that dedication is sustained by daily surrender, not one-time decisions.
If you're seeking to honour God with your career, calling or relationships, this conversation will...
Have You Drifted From What God Called You to Do?
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Have you ever dedicated something to God with sincere passion, only to realise months or years later that you've gradually taken it back?
In today's episode of Jola Speaks, we continue our study through Nehemiah by asking a deeply personal question:
What have you dedicated to God... and where is it now?
Life has a way of bringing challenges, disappointments and delays that tempt us to return to our own plans. But biblical dedication isn't a one-time ceremony—it's a daily decision to re...
Does Your Life Reflect What You Say You Believe?
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What does it really mean to dedicate your life, career, business or family to God?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we continue our series on biblical dedication by exploring why dedication in Scripture was always public—and why that matters for us today.
When we dedicate something to God, it isn't simply a private prayer. It's a public declaration that should be reflected in the way we live, work, lead and serve others.
If you've ever wondered whether your faith should be visible beyond church, this episo...
Why Letting Go of Control Is One of the Hardest Parts of Following God
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What does it truly mean to dedicate something to God?
Many of us pray for God’s blessing over our careers, businesses, families and dreams—but biblical dedication goes much deeper than asking for favour.
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore the true cost of dedication through Nehemiah 12 and discover why surrendering ownership, control, pride and personal ambition is at the heart of living a life fully devoted to God.
If you’ve ever struggled to trust God with your plans or wondered what real...
Is Your Dedication to God Just a Ceremony?
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Have you ever dedicated your child, business, career, home, or even your own life to God?
Most Christians think dedication is a special church ceremony. But what if biblical dedication means something much deeper?
In today's episode of Jola Speaks, we explore Nehemiah 12 and discover that dedication isn't simply asking God to bless something—it is choosing every day to let that thing exist for His purpose and His glory.
If you've ever wondered what it truly means to dedicate your life, work, family, or future to God...
Are You Really Willing to Be Used by God? | Obeying Even When It’s Hard
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People often pray, “Lord, use me.” But what happens when God’s assignment is inconvenient, unnoticed or requires sacrifice?
In today’s episode of Jola Speaks, we explore Nehemiah 11 and discover that God isn’t simply looking for talented people—He’s looking for willing hearts.
If you’ve ever wondered why obedience feels difficult, struggled with recognition, or questioned whether you’re qualified, this episode will encourage and challenge you to take your next step in faith.
Watch until the end and reflect on one important question:
A...
How to Know If You’re Following God’s Plan or Your Own | Lessons from Nehemiah
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What if the biggest obstacle to God’s purpose isn’t failure, but pursuing the wrong dream?
In today’s episode of Jola Speaks, we explore Nehemiah 11 and ask a deeply personal question: What is your “Jerusalem”?
Sometimes the promotion, country, company, title, or opportunity we’re chasing feels like the ultimate destination. But what if God sees a future we can’t? What if His “no” is actually protection? And what if His plan is greater than the one we’ve imagined?
If you’ve ever struggled with waiting, d...
Why Real Leaders Go First | The Sacrifice Behind True Leadership (Nehemiah 11)
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Why do some people naturally influence others even without a big title?
In Nehemiah 11, the leaders moved into Jerusalem first. They made sacrifices, took risks, and went where others were unwilling to go. Their actions inspired others to follow.
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore why real leadership is about going first, bearing the cost, and setting an example that gives others courage.
If you're leading a team, building a business, managing people, serving in ministry, or trying to influence your family, this episode will...
Why Success Isn't the Finish Line | What to Do After You Achieve Your Goals
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You prayed for it. Worked for it. Waited for it.
Then it finally happened.
The promotion came. The business grew. The opportunity opened.
Now what?
In today's episode of Jola Speaks, we explore a powerful truth from Nehemiah: many of the things we call success are actually God's starting points. Every platform, achievement, and opportunity carries responsibilities and divine purpose.
How do you know if you're aligned with God's intention for what He has given you? What questions should you ask after reaching...
Why Success Comes With New Responsibilities | Are You Aligning With God's Terms?
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You finally got the opportunity you prayed for.
The promotion happened.
The business grew.
The platform opened.
But what if success isn't the finish line?
In today's episode of Jola Speaks, we explore a powerful lesson from Nehemiah: every platform comes with responsibility, and every blessing carries new expectations, stewardship, and obedience.
This episode will help Christian professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders understand why success often marks the beginning of a new assignment with God.
In this episode you'll discover:
✔ Why "I've...
What To Do After You Finally Get What You've Been Praying For
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What happens after you finally achieve the thing you've been praying for?
Many people spend years pursuing a promotion, building a business, growing a ministry, or reaching a major goal. But what if the platform isn't the destination?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore Nehemiah 10 and discover an important lesson: after the wall was built, the real work began. The platform God helped build became the foundation for a greater purpose.
If you're navigating career growth, leadership opportunities, business success, ministry impact, or a season...
Have I Messed Up Too Much? God's Mercy Says No
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Have you ever felt like you've gone too far for God to forgive you?
In this episode of Jola Speaks, we explore one of the most encouraging truths in Scripture: God's mercy is greater than our failures.
Looking at Nehemiah 9, we see how the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God, yet He remained gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and ready to pardon. Their story reminds us that God's character does not change, even when we struggle.
If you're carrying regret, shame, disappointment, or feel distant from God, this episode...
