Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 12

Welfare and Security

Nehemiah 11:3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.

There is an emphasis on people and who exactly they were and what they did. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of information on people and their welfare. It takes time to build social security databases, but to succeed, you need to have a way to know that the people are catered for … everyone is dwelling in peace and decent premises etc. Societies that care for people will have the people’s mandate and support especially when we have to ask people to pay taxes or make contributions.

The book of Nehemiah is full of lists of names, their roles etc. Everyone is carefully accounted for … and we are told they “dwelt in their possessions” … which suggests they had adequate means …perhaps land and enough security to farm those lands or develop whatever assets they had. They were safe and secure in their possessions. Good legal institutions will ensure assets and possessions are safe and can be developed without fear.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 2:8 ; Genesis 17:8

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Good legal institutions will ensure assets and possessions are safe and can be developed without fear.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help to give our leaders wisdom to ensure welfare, security and the peaceful settlement of people. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Blessed Pilots

Nehemiah 11:2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem

Matters should be committed to the hands of God. This they did by blessing them as they commissioned the first settlements. Nobody was forced to do anything … but the selected people willingly offered to go knowing every pilot has risks. In life, we should learn to commit things to God’s care and help. He is our help and we have no other. The blessing of the elders is important …so also is the buy-in of the people.

As we stage out pilots (test stages of implementation), we need to invite God to get involved in our matters by praying and seeking His face for methods and obtaining His blessing. These are stages when we need to hear God well … God may want to bring corrections and new thoughts to influence our approach. The prayer of blessing upon our plans is very crucial especially when we want to succeed through many unpredictable barriers and hazardous risks. The blessings of the Lord truly maketh rich and adds no sorrow.

Verses for further meditation

Gen 22:17 ; Proverbs 10:22

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders use pilots to get implementation started. Pray the blessings of God over your pilots and the team leaders.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, you are our help. Help our new beginnings. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Order

Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

The migration and settlement of the people was done in an orderly manner. Lots were used to ensure fairness as a tenth of the people were brought in to settle at the first stage. Staging is a common approach to make progress in a phased and methodical manner. It will be easier to tackle the challenges of settlement gradually and assess the adequacy of infrastructure. The rulers were also settled to lead the first migration of peoples. They were likened to change leaders …men that can be trusted to ensure the whole rebuilding process works well in each small community.

Finding change leaders to champion chunks of change in manageable bites enables small victories that can be celebrated and a progressive implementation agenda that can be better monitored. Monitoring of progress is important and is only feasible where the changes have been intelligently staged in a way that you can watch the indicators of success and Champions (rulers) are in place to adjust as may be required.

1Co_14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 119:133 ; Exodus 39:37

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Monitoring of progress is important and is only feasible where the changes have been intelligently staged.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach me your ways of order and decency. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

House of the Lord

Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

The conclusion of the matter is a promise not to neglect the House of the Lord. Commitments, pledges, oaths, seals …public declarations to be obedient, to give to God …promising not to neglect the house of God.

There should be no need to ask the people to give, if they knew their responsibilities not to neglect the house of our God. Teachers, pastors and administrators are needed to work full time in ensuring the things of God are preserved. The knowledge of God through what we hear from the preacher is key …and if a sermon is poorly prepared because the preacher is distracted in looking for funds to feed his family … it will have implications on the congregation when they go to their jobs the next week. Many are needed to take the weight off the preacher by ensuring the treasury in the temple is more than adequate to meet financial requirements.

It is good to also offer professional services like accounting and treasury management services as well as facilities maintenance support …all so that the church premises is as well managed as it needs to be. Music departments need to focus on studying church music …composing melodies and arrangements that will edify the soul. But someone has to foot the bill. It was always a matter of primary emphasis that the house of God be given top priority within the community and that there is generous giving (not just money) to the work of God.

The human body is also described in scripture as the House of the Lord … it suggests we are to keep healthy, fit …stop ingesting harmful gases and chemicals via smoking, wrong foods, overindulgence …do not forsake your body too … keep it well for God.

Verses for further meditation

Matthew 21:13; 1 Peter 2:5

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders keep their body healthy and fit …and are mindful of services for the things of God.?

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me keep my body as your sanctuary. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Treasures

Nehemiah 10:36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: 37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. 38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

In the house of God was a treasure house which contained the many different contributions, firstfruits, tithes and offerings. This was to foreshadow an important principle, their heart was in the house of God, because their treasures were there.

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Christ taught us to lay our treasures in heaven … by giving and investing in kingdom causes, then our heart and thoughts will also be on heavenly matters. But when our treasures are in the New York Stock Exchange, we will spend more time thinking and worrying about New York and the value of investments there.

Heaven is a real place, and the kingdom of God is a real kingdom …when we give sacrificially time, money, substance, talents …giving our very best to kingdom causes, we will without effort be kingdom minded even though we have businesses and roles in the market place or in government. Ask yourself. Is my best and first given to kingdom causes? If not, then you can adjust.

Verses for further meditation

Proverbs 15:6; Isaiah 33:6

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Where are most of my treasures stored?

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, lead me to adjust financial priorities. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Honoring God

Nehemiah 10:35 And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

God is to be honored. There is no better way to honor someone but by giving your first. By giving your first, you are telling God that you believe it came from Him, is sustained by Him and that He will provide more and indeed all your needs. God cannot be mocked nor will He be insulted. A terrible precedent was set with Achan when he hid some of the first takings of victory … he brought everything down and in the end was destroyed. Ananias and Saphira lied about what their offerings in the first century of the Church and paid dearly. God will not strike you down if you do not honor Him, but He uses these examples to know that He specially favors those who honor Him and as for those who despise Him, they get also what they deserve.

Nehemiah taught the people to bring their first fruits to honor God.

We are not bribing God or making an investment expecting returns for what He has graciously given already at no cost…we are telling him, we love Him, put Him over everything and telling Him that our heart is surrendered to Him. There are many ways to honor God … Hannah was remarkable when she gave the first fruit of her body – Samuel to God, but a woman mocked for barrenness became the mother of many. Christ is the first-fruits of them that sleep …after He was given and went to be with God when his work was done, some shall also not sleep but will one day go to be with God in eternity.

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 22: 29; 1 Cor 15 :20-23

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have given more than those they lead

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, may my very best be fully given to you. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

The Fire kept burning

Nehemiah 10:34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:

I pray that the fire of God will never be allowed to go out. To enable this they cast lots to determine which priest will bring the wood offering into the house of God. The fire represents the indwelling of the Spirit of God but it needs fuel, our lives. The Bible describes us as living sacrifices, which we voluntarily lay down for God. As we decrease, burning for the most high … God increases as the fire glows. As we withdraw our lives from sacrifice, the fire has no fuel to burn.

The leader gives the most. His life is not just given physically, but spiritually He must often be in the gap for those he shepherds. This may mean giving up many perks, gifts and entitlements or spending more time to study the issues at hand …

God will also not accept strange fires … the purity of the fire is also driven by obedience to God and the word of God. The toughest and riskiest jobs cannot be delegated for self-protection. You are the wood that must be brought to God even as the fire removes all the impurities that disturb accomplishment of divine purpose. Are you ready to burn?

Verses for further meditation

Romans 12: 1; Lev 6:13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders lead in making costly and personal sacrifices

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, may your fire in my life never go out. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Temple Tax

Nehemiah 10:32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Here is a tax to ensure that the temple was well maintained. How can we say God is our Lord and not have a burden to finance the work or to see His house kept properly. This was a voluntary ordinance that they made for themselves and seems to have been uniquely inspired for the specific purpose. It showed the love that they had for God and His work.

How do we respond when a need is raised in the service of God ? Is there enthusiasm to give more than is required or is there a resistance? The answer is quite instructive on our love for God and His grace upon our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to give generously to God’s work. Indeed this principle has been abused by some, but there are many scriptures pointing to the grace to give generously as so much better than testimonies of receiving.

Hag 1:4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? 5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

As you lead for God, be sensitive to needs in the sanctuary that He may want you to help with.

Verses for further meditation

Luke 6: 38 ; 2 Cor 9:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

As you lead for God, be sensitive to needs in the sanctuary that He may want you to help with

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach me to give. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Peculiar

Nehemiah 10:31 And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

The laws that mandated a day of rest even as God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. Sabbath observance also served to distinguish the Jews from surrounding cultures…also the seventh year was to be of not sowing the land, allowing rest for the land and canceling debts while the jubilee year, the seventh cyle of seven years – the fiftieth year of jubilee a nationwide celebration of rest. All these rituals were to separate them from others so it could be clear who the Jews were as distinct from their neighbors. It is good to have a reminder that you are peculiar. Not like the others.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are no more bound to the old testament injunctions to observe jubilee, or even days …but can it be said of you that are peculiar for God. Does the Holy Spirit have a way to distinguish us from others? Can we be said to be a peculiar people or do we just blend in with the others? In what way can it be said that we are peculiar? One clear way we are unique is that God is working out a specific purpose for His glory in our lives.

Verses for further meditation

Deut 14:2 ; Titus 2:14

Thoughts for Business and the work place

You can be very different yet of tremendous value in the team.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, make me peculiar, different for you. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

Marriage

Nehemiah 10:30 And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

The first area to forbid was mixed marriages with the people of the land. The bond of marriage is considered to be extremely powerfully and God commanded against this. Marriage bonds with strangers were also considered to weaken resolve in times of battle and open doors for conspiracies. The principle is that of purity. Can Christians marry non-christians? Someone said once, you will by doing this be making satan your father in law and giving him rights to visit.

More importantly our partnerships count and will have implications if we do not share the same values with our partners. This does not mean to isolate ourselves but it certainly means to know that when values differ, you will have issues with achieving cohesion and may need more time to sell concepts. Successful organisations choose their boards carefully to ensure they have like-minded persons, who can share a common stake …

As for the question of marriage, it is only wise to give more attention to the choice of a life partner. A wrong choice can have very far reaching implications. The modern western culture trivialises marriage by introducing all sorts of new trendy contractual forms … these have only weakened the social fabric in those nations. Marriage is also God’s way to point to the union between Christ and His bride, the Church … an unconditional bond of love and grace that can never be broken or varied or modernised in any manner.

Heb_13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Verses for further meditation

2 Cor 6:14 ; Rev 19:9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders are careful in scrutinizing their partners.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to expose all alliances around me that can hurt in future. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.