Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 15

They lacked Nothing

Nehemiah 9:21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

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The children of Israel lacked nothing. Not even a blister was permitted on their feet, and their clothes were fresh and supernaturally preserved. God does miracles with ease and it costs Him nothing to supernaturally provide what you need. God does not hold back your healing to blackmail you to serve Him. He knows that you love Him because of signs and wonders and keeps doing the signs, but He longs for the day when you will grow and love Him even when nothing happens or we are in grief or experiencing disappointments.

If our business, ministry or projects are doing very well and not lacking in anything, what should be our reaction? We should go to God and His word to search if there is any wickedness in us and to correct this quickly. We should thank God for His mercies that endure forever. Our repentance must be truly heartfelt and genuine. If while experiencing God’s provision, someone is pointing to an area in our life that is not right … we are not to say ‘see we lack nothing” but instead to check and ask God for mercy to get right.

These were a proud and hardhearted people yet they lacked nothing although they were in the wilderness under a curse to wander aimlessly till the last rebel was dead. Ponder over this as you reflect on this verse. His gifts are without repentance … It takes deep thought and reflection to read spiritual signals correctly. We are much safer when we can sense God’s chastening …for so many have been “left alone” to their devices.



2Sa_22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great

Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 33:5 ; Galatians 5:22

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders use scorecards and measurements to keep track of their vision. In the Bible, is God’s performance measuring mechanism.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, do not let me end up badly in future while enjoying provisions now. Correct me today that I may be a partaker in your righteousness. Amen

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.

 

Ignoring the Holy Spirit

Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

It is not true that the Spirit of God was not with the children of Israel all through their wanderings. We remember that Moses begged God … insisting that they should not be allowed to go forward if God will not go with them.

Exo 33:14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

But God will not force himself or insist on obeying the instruction of His Spirit. The gentle Spirit of God can be ignored and even insulted … in many cases, lies and evils are attributed to the Holy Spirit and strange fires offered …and still we see God’s preservation and provisions …many continue thinking God is pleased when He is not. God’s leader needs to be very careful to remain on the side of God, for it is very easy to believe the manna and water from the rock were indicators that all was well. The only indicator that all is well is a search in the word and assurance that we walk and are led by God’s commandments. David asked God to search and examine him, to prove him and test him so he can adjust to correct exposed flaws. We cannot rely on the scorecard of men nor can we say “see how God has blessed me” as evidence of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit moves with God’s word. Be an enthusiastic scholar of the truths of God and you will have a mirror that can be relied on. Leaders must be disciplined by the word of God … accepting a higher standard of examination and self-scrutiny than those who will be led.

Verses for further meditation

Prov. 8:10 ; 2 Tim 3:16

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders must be disciplined by the word of God.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, instruct me … Help me, I will obey your instructions. Amen

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.

 

Manifold Mercies

Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

God did not forsake the children of Israel although they all died in the wilderness which would not have happened if they had trusted Him. But nothing surprises God who knows the end from the beginning. God knew what they would do to Him yet He delivered them with great miracles and a mighty Hand. God’s mercy is God’s nature … they had the opportunity to repent and find restoration, but there is no record of such a repentance or even regret of their unbelief. They were stubborn and hard to the very end. If people go to hell, it will not be because God is not merciful, it will be because they persist in evil to their graves.

Good leaders understand forgiveness and do not keep grudges or use power to settle past scores. We cannot expect everyone to be in agreement with us and in many cases opposition is open. God watches how we treat those who do not agree with us. Life is made up of choices …children of perdition have chosen the path of rebellion, God’s children have chosen to be faithful, merciful and forgiving. Both will end up in different places.

Verses for further meditation

Exo 20:6 ; James 5:11

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Good leaders understand forgiveness and do not keep grudges or use power to settle past scores.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach me to forgive. Amen

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 Molten Calf

Nehemiah 9:18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

They made a golden calf and said …this was God that brought them out of Egypt, while Moses was still up on the mountain. Why does Nehemiah remind them of all these things ? I suspect it is because people tend to think they are unique and their games with God are novel constructions. On the contrary, most acts of disobedience are linked to old patterns of temptation. Impatience, idolatry, lust, greed, pride and lack of self-control are ancient devils. We are to watch against falling into old traps based on the same old baits. God did not write-off the entire tribe but many paid a high cost for these evils as they all died one by one wandering. Be cautious of impatience (wanting things immediately) and the pressure to join the mob’s chorus … be wary when you are told “it is not so bad” … for it is the seed of that which is terrible. Watch it when they say “it really does not matter” or “God understands” … or “ we have freedom to worship as we please” …these are the clauses that introduce mankind to the molten calf.

Nehemiah reminded the people of the consequences of this misdemeanor … even as most listen saying in their heart “this cannot happen to me” while a few make adjustments in their heart. May God help us to always please Him and never fall into any form of idolatry. Today there are many golden calves …fame, popularity, our image/reputation, our plans, our family and of course SELF. Remember stubbornness is a type of idolatry when you are the golden calf.

Verses for further meditation

1 Cor 10:14 ; 1 Samuel 15:23

Thoughts for Business and the work place

When they say you are stubborn, it means you have turned yourself to an idol that you worship.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep me far from traces of idolatry. Amen

 

 

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.

 

Great Kindness

Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

The kindness of God is great for His elect, for His chosen seed, Israel … His Church. He is ready to pardon, full of grace and slow to anger …and does not forsake His children. It is because of this kindness that we are not consumed, He suffers long and bears with us … but not forever. He also warns us that if His only begotten innocent son had to suffer because of our sin, imagine what happens to those who swim in unrepentant sin. He did not spare His perfect Savior because of sin … are we not foolish to think we can toy with sin, expecting His kindness to continue.

God’s kindness is one of God’s mysteries …no one knows its depth … but God is also at the same time a righteous judge. If we repent and sincerely turn away from sin as we come to Him, He will not turn away the prodigal… because of His kindness we cannot write anyone off. But His kindness must not be understood to mean a license for recklessness and doing as we wish. God sees our hearts and knows the difference between a saint battling sin and unbelief and the one who is justifying rebellion and encouraging others to follow in evils.

Col_3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 31:12 ; Psalm 117:2

Thoughts for Business and the work place

It is a noble thing for a leader to have a reputation for kindness and generosity.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, let I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 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 Hardening

Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

There are people who believe that signs and wonders will draw people to truth, but we see from the experience of the children of Israel that this is not often the case. Pride and hardening of the heart seemed to be the response of the children of Israel to all the great miracles, causing God to make them wander for 40years until an entire generation wasted. We learn from this that the opportunity for change can be wasted when we begin to detect a pride and hardening of the heart. Note that the majority built a consensus to disbelieve God and murmur against Him … and rebel against His commandments.

Many do not understand how easy it is for the majority to be rebellious and hardened in error even after God has given so many clear miracles and signs. There are many sons of Korah, many Miriams and weak priests that will bow to the people and allow satan to bait them into a mesmeric self-deception until it is too late. The Calebs and Joshuas must stand strong … the Daniels must be daring … the remnant must remain defiant in their firm decision to obey God even when this has become less fashionable.

Leadership must be careful not to echo the mob perspective which often drags the journey down a path in which God is forced to judge arrogance and unbelief. May we not be like those who in their pride, hardened their hearts against doing that which would have pleased God. May none reading this devotional end up like Judas … may God have mercy and send His brokenness to help our pride.

Verses for further meditation

Hebrews 3:8 ; Proverbs 8:13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Pride goes before a big crash

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, have mercy …send brokenness …help our pride. 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.

 

Bread from Heaven

Nehemiah 9:15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them

God showed the children of Israel that He can satisfy their hunger and thirst without any toil from their side. They did not sow, they did not dig … but they had bread and water …as the rock from which water gushed out, followed them through their years in the wilderness. If God can satisfy physical hunger and thirst which will last only while we are in the flesh, will He not be more eager to satisfy our hunger and thirst for righteousness which will make us fit for eternity. Christ said He is the bread of life, and He that has Christ will never hunger or thirst. These pictures are to give us assurance that God will keep us in Christ till we enter His eternal rest … His heaven. Child of God, be not anxious, you will not fall aside on the way.

Nehemiah reminds them of God’s faithfulness which remains great to His own. Today we can be assured that God will help us and meet our needs according to His riches in glory. Today is a good day to cast all anxiety away. Be at peace with yourself with God and with others because all is well. Do not forget though that there is no peace or rest for the wicked.

Verses for further meditation

Matthew 6:11 ; John 6:35

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Peace and abundance tend to go together. Create an environment that is free from anxiety.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Bread of Heaven, feed me till I hunger no more. 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.

 

Thy Holy Sabbath

Nehemiah 9:14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:

Moses introduced the concept of Sabbath observance which affirms that God is Creator and Sustainer of the world. As He rested on the seventh day, we do well to have days dedicated to Him in which we rest in our own human efforts. To “remember the Sabbath” meant that the children of Israel identified the seven-day-a-week rhythm of life of the Creator. Humanity serves as partners with God, having received the world in an unfinished state so that they may share with God the purposes He seeks, by continuing to fashion and subdue the creation. If God stopped His creative activity on the seventh day, then those who share in his creative work must do the same. Keeping Sabbath contravenes the pride that may accompany human mastery and manipulation of God’s creation. In ceasing from labor we are reminded of one’s true status as a dependent being, of the Almighty God who cares for and sustains all his creatures.

Nehemiah brings back all these lost traditions to align things back to divine pattern. Leaders must remember that God expects us to work to patterns set by the creator. God rested and so humanity must also rest. Vacations should be taken seriously. Take time off for a period so you can get back the right perspective to your issues.

The seventh day of rest is also a symbol of God’s final 1000 year day, the millennium when Christ reigns on the earth after the seven year tribulation …before this dispensation of time is wrapped up, and God ushers in His eternity. We need perspective by reflecting on these things, so we do not get carried away by things that will pass away in a moment.

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 34: 21 ; Hebrews 3: 8-11

Thoughts for Business and the work place

It is wise to ensure vacations are not accumulated. All must take periodic times of rest from work.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to enter into your divine rest. 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.

 

True Laws and Good statutes

Nehemiah 9:13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:

Christ Himself said He did not come to abolish God’s laws …yet many disapprove of the old testament laws but Nehemiah calls these laws true laws and good statutes. There are untrue laws and bad statutes. Christians in government will discern the gaps in human laws and the hypocrisy … but there is a standard we can trust and hold on to. Many do not like God’s laws because they conflict with cultural fads or modern enlightenment …some think God gave laws because the people did not know biology or had no doctors and thinkers, but this is untrue.

Science and human thinking are subject to variations and advancements, but there is a Word that is forever settled. It is vain sometimes to argue with contemporary thought on matters that present Biblical laws as unfair or even wrong and evil. How can you respond that God’s laws are true and good for all time and not just for the 21st century? Leaders in the market place are wise when they love and learn God’s laws i.e. when they live by the Spirit of God who administers His covenant of grace.

Our greatest prayer is to tell God that He is God and we are human …help me to understand your ways that are far above my comprehension. Show me things I need to know that others do not. God will give the meek heart clarity and the humble will discover right judgments for daily life application from the word and laws of God. Others will drift and wander in the sea of public opinion.

Isa_55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Be cautious, the wicked misapply God’s laws for revenge, to settle scores, oppression and to afflict others. This conflicts with the inherent goodness, truth and rightness associated with the word. God hates those who bring reproach to His laws which are meant to lift the burdens off the back of the weak.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 58: 1-12 ; Hebrews 3:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

The business and political environment is impacted greatly by the quality of legal institutions in place.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, strengthen and lead us to correctly apply your truths in our lives and in dealings with others. 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.

 

Clear Direction

Nehemiah 9:12 Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Sometimes, you fear how you will cope in a difficult environment. In the wilderness, they had no maps or navigational aids but God. They had no security or armed defenders … they had God. Although Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness wandering, he was not their navigational captain. Instead there was a cloudy pillar while in the night there was a pillar of fire …and this happened every day and night for forty years … should this not be enough to trust God forever? In Jericho, the inhabitants trembled when they heard that the children of Israel were approaching because they had heard of the exploits and the great signs against their enemies.

God is more keen to give you direction in your new role than you are to receive them. His directions are not vague or subtle … a cloudy pillar or a pillar of fire is so obvious even an undiscerning youth can sense it. God will lead you with directions that are so clear, you will not miss the way. So why do people stray? The reason is their hard heartedness and wicked rebellions. Do you know that with all these awesome manifestations, the children of Israel murmured and disdained God. They rebelled and had no faith in Him. Spies sent saw the land as full of giants, forgetting that the God who arranges a pillar of fire every night can devour so-called giants … who will become ashes in seconds.

Fear your disobedient heart, and rebellious ways more than a lack of divine direction. God gives direction to His children … He always does …His way may be narrow , but it can be found in His word and by the leadings of His Spirit which indwells His own. Be not afraid. Instead ask God to help your obedience.

Psa_25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 48:14 ; John 16:13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders tend to have the right instincts even in times of ambiguity.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, grant me meekness to be guided and taught by your word. 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.