Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 13

The New Charter

Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

We know that by human strength we cannot please God, but the love of God and His law that motivates us to recommit to Him is laudable. God sees the sincerity in the heart and by the Holy Spirit, a better covenant makes it possible to fully live for God. Note that this is a comprehensive oath not just to walk in God’s law, but to observe and do commandments, judgments and statutes. The people accept the curses that will fall on them if they break their vows … this is serious business … God is being feared and respected again …

Oath taking is a sign of absolute and serious rededication, not something to be taken lightly. God wants to taken seriously and not trifled with. One has seen several attempts to lighten the gravity of spiritual encounters and crack jokes even during prayers of repentance. …

Mar 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

The right sense of gravity is important to obtain a commitment that will endure.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 119:128 ; Psalm 37:5

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Without clear plans of what will change; Commitments are useless.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, send wisdom to put vision and commitment in clear action steps of change. 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 Rest of the People

Nehemiah 10:28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;.

Not only the leaders agree to change, but all the other sons and daughters … the rest of the people are also involved as they are named at this key point of kickoff. Everyone having knowledge and understanding is carried along the process. This is not a top-down deal … but an agreement that the people agree makes sense for them. It is unusual to obtain this kind of willingness if not for divine help …the people are of one spirit … the Spirit of God.

Psa_110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth

Observe also that the people separate themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the law. It is unclear whether this refers to mixed marriages, but businesses and alliances with foreign parties were broken to free the children of Israel to recommit to their laws. When unequal yokes and mixtures with worldliness is common, revival can be difficult as the purity is diluted, hands are stained and the influence of godless cultures cannot be shaken off. We appreciate the importance God places on purity, consecration and holiness and why satan hates these concepts. The principle here is to get God’s people united and involved to see a revival that will not compromise with strange doctrinal mixtures.

Leaders in business must be patient to obtain the right level of involvement. There may be individuals (Achans) who unfortunately have to be asked to leave before any meaningful vision can be shared … these separations must happen otherwise efforts to change are wasted.

Verses for further meditation

Joshua 7:24-26 ; Galatians 2:4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders in business are patient to obtain the right level of involvement.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, may the people be willing in the day of your visitation. 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.

 

Rebirth

Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, 2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3 Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests. 9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;10 And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11 Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13 Hodijah, Bani, Beninu. 14 The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani, 15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur, 18 Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai, 19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub, 24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26 And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah..

A new charter has the seal of the priests, the Levites, princes and leaders. The major families and clans are represented … there is not just a buy-in but a public and ceremonial acknowledgement that a new rebirth of a nation was being witnessed. The excitement and communal commitment creates a climate for action and desire to make progress that is backed by a momentum of resolve and joy to bear any associated pains.

New beginnings are exciting and inspiring to witness when all the elements are in place. There are false starts that are destined to crash too … and even when all the principles of visioning are evident, there could still be some challenges lurking ahead. Nehemiah has brought his community to a new and major milestone envisioning a people fully aligned with God’s law and obedient to the minutest detail. The intent is laudable and the elders subscribe to the new charter after weeping for sin and after being convicted by scripture. Unity is awesome … and there is a shared resolve to change.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 43:19 ; Ephesians 4:24

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Unity in a new vision can be a compelling force for change, especially when there is a moral basis.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, do something new and fresh in my life and for others through me. Use me to bring hope to communities. 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.

 

A New Beginning

Nehemiah 9:38 And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.

What is the conclusion of the matter. Nehemiah calls for a new commitment, a fresh unity, a new agreement … a binding agreement … a pledge publicly made to follow God. Unity is important before this stage can be reached. A divided home is chaos, but a divided nation and church is significantly worse in mayhem. Princes, priests, leaders and priests all agree that we need a new shared charter … and this is put in writing.

I have seen organisations breath fresh life into their projects and enterprises by having sessions of self examination ending in a new charter or vision. Getting buy-in is important and gradually ensuring all are on the same page on the issues, what needs to change and the TO-BE . At the end getting all to publicly sign on the new vision is great for cohesiveness and smoother takeoff of the new vision.

Note, it is not enough to just get people to sign the covenant, there is agreement on the background and context as well as all the issues. ‘Because of all this” is an important clause … as it provides the basis for the signatures. Obtaining seals by intimidation, flattery or painting a deceptive context can seem to produce a unity for action but in reality sets the stage for an illusory transformation.

2Co_6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Verses for further meditation

Genesis 17:2 ; Joshua 24:1-25

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders inspire great charters, covenants and agreements built on a shared context.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, thank you for the better covenant sealed by the blood of Christ Jesus on my behalf. 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.

 

Oppression of Sin

Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Nehemiah points us that the oppressing kings prosper, enjoying increase for the labor of the children of Israel. Because of sin, those that should be served become servants. Those that should reign run errands for fools. The enemy understands this principle and that is why he hides the dangers of sin and seduces people into clever traps … once they fall, they will begin to serve vassals of evil joyfully albeit unknowingly. How can I say more emphatically “fight sin daily in your life, till it dies …then look again, and be extremely vigilant.”

God “sets” evil kings over His children to oppress them…priests, princes, and fathers all serve these evil kings and the people are burdened with poverty and taxes, groaning for relief …until they cry to God and repent … but the question we must ask is if they repent because of their distress or if they have come to the knowledge of truth.

There is a strong linkage between the spiritual condition of God’s children and the type of leadership in the land. Sin has a much wider implications than most realise.

Verses for further meditation

John 5:14 ; James 4:17

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders who do not tackle and defeat sin will eventually be knocked down by it.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to win the battle against sin in my life. 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.

 

Servants

Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:

The plan of God was for us to reign for Him. To have dominion over the land as we served Him. But instead, Nehemiah says “we are servants in it…” Nehemiah tells the people that they are eventually worse off for not serving God. A principle is illustrated here. When we truly serve God, we will be elevated in Him spiritually and have a dominion, authority over all that we encounter – even in a prison (like Joseph). But instead, when we choose to do as we wish, we eventually are enslaved by the things we should have authority over …sickness, oppression, poverty … and we begin to take subservient roles when God meant us to lead revolutions and rule (spiritually and physically)for Him.

The lesson is to wait on the Lord, learning accuracy in obedience will result in greater spiritual and ultimately physical victories. God sends His revival to impact facets of society for good and the community will rejoice again and no more serve the whims of evil forces.

Jos_24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Verses for further meditation

1 John 3:8 ; Romans 8:28

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Great leaders have a sense of destiny and purpose.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me set my face , like Christ did, like a flint …focused on serving you. Keep me in your purpose for my life. 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.

 

Misused Gifts

Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

God gave kingdoms, great goodness, as well as large and fat lands but these gifts were misused in that they were not applied to serve God ; instead they persisted in wickedness. God gives generously and does not withdraw what He has given as He waits to be served. Is the giver wrong to expect service based on what He has given? Instead they convert the kingdom to their kingdom and they execute their own agenda to rule as they wished. They abuse spiritual power to lust for earthly gains, they enjoy lands – large and fat …and cheat and oppress the poor.

God expects all that He has given to serve His eternal purposes. If you do not know God’s purpose for your elevation, or for that business or for your preservation … then you may be misusing God’s gift. If you do not sense a need for repentance … a turning away from wickedness (no matter how small), then you may fall in the category of those described in this verse. Our life itself is a gift …every day we go to sleep and wake up … God wakes us up, giving us another day to serve Him.

I pray you find a divine purpose for your life and all God has given so you do not misuse generous preservations and provisions.

Christ came to earth for a specific purpose – the salvation of men. He did not stray from His purpose even when satan tempted Him to do so. He was the living gift that served God the greatest giver, and who served perfectly.

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 1:13 ; Revelation 22:3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Everyone serves something. God or mammon

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, let me never serve Egypt again …Never. 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.

 

Kings, Princes, Priests and Fathers

Nehemiah 9:34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

Nehemiah zeroes in on the key groups and how they have all in the past ganged up against God. Even the priests, sadly. The politicians, economic giants, priests and fathers are all aligned in disobedience. Each of these roles have key responsibilities to model the obedience of God’s laws in the family, devotional life, private resources and in government but all are doing as they please. This was the situation that Nehemiah describes causing God to be against them with the implications for the entire community. How similar is this scenario to the present country situation. At the heart of societal failure is the disregard for the commandments of God.

They say those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Nehemiah plays the tape of history in the hope that history will not repeat itself. I encourage leaders to read books like Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Chronicles to understand pitfalls of leadership and consequences on the society. Many leaders start well and end badly while some start badly and ended much better …. Vigilance is needed, much vigilance at all times. God will help you if you set your heart on Him.

Verses for further meditation

Rev 3:2 ; Mark 13:33

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have a responsibility to be extra vigilant in hearkening to God’s commandment.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be watchful. Keep me on your narrow path where others go in different directions. 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.

 

We have done wickedly

Nehemiah 9:33 Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly

When did you last admit guilt and vindicate God in your confessions? Nehemiah does not evade the issue but as though it really needs special emphasis … He vindicates God …like David did when he said “it is good that I was afflicted” … God can only be just in all that He permits in our lives … as for our wickedness, volumes of books cannot fully chronicle the variety of folly, error and evils which we have mastered. Nehemiah humbly intercedes in the gap for the people …bearing all sins and confessing evil deeds before God.

In ministry, leaders come to God confessing the sins of the entire congregation and hailing the goodness of God. In business and in the workplace there are always opportunities to be different in a wicked culture that pretends to be civil and correct. The world is waiting for models of mercy, Godliness and spirit filled Christlikeness to stand out from others. Did Christ call us the salt of the earth and the light of the world in vain? Go and be different. But before God do not bring your glowing works, instead ask God to prove you and expose your shortcomings so that you can get right before Him . Even though you are always commended amongst your colleagues, pay less attention to popular opinion. Ask God to test your sincerity, He may have some surprises to reveal to you.

Verses for further meditation

Phil 1:10 ; Psalm 37:35

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders for God are different … humble and sincere.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, prove me that I may know the wicked things I fear to confront. 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.

 

Our Only Hope

Nehemiah 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

The only hope they have is to go to God again and appeal to God’s compassion. I have seen people try and justify themselves before God. How could they …perhaps because we have an instinct to defend ourselves, we tend to always have excuses which we rehearse before God. Nehemiah does not come to God with an analysis justifying their behavior, he simply appeals to God to look at their present troubles which they brought on themselves and have pity on them. We can do the same …go to God, knowing you are to blame, but still cry before Him… “do not let my troubles seem little before you – O Lord …A Holy God and full of compassion.”

Our only hope is the Compassion of God and His great love. When you go to God in prayer and sense troubles all around, how do you approach God? Do you read out your credentials to God, do you give excuses to Him to explain your rebellion? Why don’t you just beg Him for mercy, like blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus did… come back to Him now. Come like the lost son who went astray.

Luk 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 57:10 ; Matthew 10:46-52

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders often have false starts and go off course. Perhaps you sense the need to rededicate your life to Christ. Do it now. Start again.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, I have sinned and my troubles are many, have mercy on me. 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.