Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 19
July 9, 2015
Demography
Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, :67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: 69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
It is not enough to just know the total numbers in the census but also an analysis of their capabilities, skills as well as other information on transportation and industry. At the time of Nehemiah, they analysed based on their social status, separating the singers and noting the number of animals for farming, industry or transportation. In modern times, we would not use these categories, but accurate statistics are important to provide facts for leadership decisions.
Leaders give attention to details and although our weapons are not carnal, remember that it was God who told Nehemiah to do these things. God is interested in good planning which requires good information. No society can progress far with poor numbers and lazy statistics that do not provide the needed weapons to fight poverty, cheating, prejudice, discrimination, tribal sentiments and injustice. God’s way is that all should live in decent accommodation with fair entitlements. I sense that God appreciates rigour and hardwork that seeks after the welfare of people and labors for fair distribution of opportunities.
Verses for further meditation
Col 2:10 ; Col 4:12
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Thriving countries manage their demographics and records for economic growth and the greater good of their populations.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help us to be complete in 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.
July 8, 2015
Exceptions
Nehemiah 7:61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. 62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two. 63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. 64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. 65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
There is a useful principle here. Those who could not be traced to their father’s house, or reckoned by genealogy were considered to be polluted. The origin of a thing matters. The upbringing and background has its spiritual implications. We thank God in Christ Jesus there is no Jew or Greek, for in Christ we have been grafted into a divinely chosen family. But the principle remains valid and valuable. The records are examined to identify strangers …
Wars will be fought in future, and the safety will depend on the valor of the inhabitants. Those who could not be traced in the records could not be trusted. The census was God’s idea.
Strong countries have sound citizenship records and manage immigration processes closely. For welfare, social safety nets and benefits to be workable, there must be comprehensive and up-to-date records on people. In times of war, these records will be extremely valuable to plan volunteer resourcing. Also to plan for the future i.e. housing, infrastructure … good population statistics and projections are needed. Exception lists are maintained and scrutinized occasionally. In addition, the enemy recruits spies to infiltrate cities and establishments. Political leaders are mindful of these matters. Business leaders are also more sensitive to industrial espionage involving treasured patents.
Verses for further meditation
Gen 42:9-31 ; 2 Samuel 15:10
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Business and political leaders protect their resources and assets from espionage and similar threats. Good personnel and citizenship information are invaluable for future development planning.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, be our guard while troubles last. 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.
July 7, 2015
The Family
Nehemiah 7:48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, 49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, 52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, 53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, 56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 57 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
The census continues and the families are identified. People are counted by their homes and families, not so much their physical addresses. The word of God places a focus on family and their spiritual integrity. The family unit is very important to God as His basis for caring and keeping His children. Godly character is more likely to emerge when families are together and parental example is evident and positive. Government should not weaken the family unit as this destroys God vital platform of character molding. Recent postmodern shifts aim to destroy the traditional family, only to produce strange trends in chaos and waywardness. Businesses should operate in a way that is friendly to the family and accommodates family cohesion. The schooling system should complement the role the family plays and not seek to replace it.
A people’s godly character is its greatest defense … the family structure is the best molder of character, hence the underpinning framework that sustains the society.
Gen_18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
God blesses by families. Divided families can be painful reminders of judgments and of the cost of falling from the narrow paths defined by scripture.
Verses for further meditation
Lev 25:10 ; 1 Chronicles 13:14
Thoughts for Business and the work place
The family is the most important unit of society. Stability, character and ethics are best shaped in the context of families.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, give us Christian homes.
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.
July 6, 2015
Keros
Nehemiah 7:47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
Keros means “crooked” or ”curved”. What do we do with those who do not quite fit? Criminals and difficult individuals. Remember Jacob was considered crooked but God helped him to mend his ways. Criminal and prison systems should aim to reform and mend the character of inmates, not just to punish and discard them as losers. I sense Nehemiah aimed to bring everyone on board … the good, the bad and the ugly. Much patience is needed to bear the ways of some while there are others that must be expelled instantly. Pray for wisdom to know the difference as this may often not be obvious.
Remember we serve a God who makes the crooked straight and the rough places plain. Consider that many are like Onesimus, who was a runaway slave but became a profitable Christian believer. Onesimus ended being profitable to the work. Do not write people off, but be also discerning.
Verses for further meditation
Philemon 1:10 ; Isaiah 40:4
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Successful leaders have many players that started crooked.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, grant me grace to help those whose ways need to be mended.
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.
July 5, 2015
The Nethinims
Nehemiah 7:46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
The Nethinims were workers, in the temple, who did the rougher work and so enabling the Levites to take a higher position as the religious representatives and instructors of the people. They were also consecrated to these roles. Leaders must be sensitive to the fact that there are people who will be doing the menial and rougher tasks, mainly in the background. These people should be specially noted and appreciated, not treated as inferior in any way. God watches how we treat those we call the “junior staff”…”drivers” and “cleaners”. God does not consider people in what we see as lower roles as any lower than others because He equips all to do His purpose. There is no basis for the gifted to feel better than those who only wash floors.
Successful businesses have created teams where all contribute their roles in a harmonious environment void of envy and hurtful competition. People who do the roughest jobs should be accorded extra respect and attention.
In societies, there are those who clean the roads and clear the bins. They are also special.
Verses for further meditation
1 Chronicles 9:2 ; Ezra 8: 20
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Successful leaders work with harmonious teams.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me not to look down on any … and to do all tasks with joy. 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.
July 4, 2015
The Porters
Nehemiah 7:45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
This word refers not to carrying of burdens, but more to gate keepers. It speaks of discernment, watchfulness, paying attention to detail … they are the security men, the guards of ideas and concepts.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the PORTER openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ( John 10:1-3 )
All concepts, ideas, businesses, families etc need gate keepers. Men and women who like Daniel are satisfied to sit at the gate to play the important role of discerning movements in and out, observe for dangers approaching and advise action for future stability. These are the strategists and visioners who scan the environment for opportunities and threats … instituted processes of approval and disapproval that ensure businesses realise their objectives. Where there are no gatekeepers, everything is vulnerable and directionless. Leaders know how to introduce strategic boundaries, vision and scan the environment for its impact on their plans. They know what they cannot admit into their organisations, what they cannot do and have contingency plans to respond to potential developments. The porters are very key.
Nations need police men and military service men that are well remunerated, respected and properly organized and motivated to play their roles.
Verses for further meditation
2 Chron 23: 19 ; Mark 13:34
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders have processes to watch their operations and safeguard investments from threats internally and externally.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, as I watch and pray, hide me in your secret place. 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.
July 3, 2015
The Singers
Nehemiah 7:44 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.
Singing is an act of obedience to scripture. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” We are commanded to sing. When we sing, we also dig deep roots in the word as the word dwells in us richly through songs. When we sing, we build up ourselves and others. Singing is also a weapon of spiritual warfare. A singing heart is a heart at war with the work of the evil one and the power of sin. Songs of praise also strengthen us spiritually for trials …Hear the words of a pastor imprisoned for faith.
“…When we were in prison we sang almost every day because Christ was alive in us…they put chains on our hands and feet. They chained us to add to our grief. Yet we discovered that chains are splendid musical instruments! When we clanged them together in rhythm, we could sing, ‘This is the day (clink, clank), this is the day (clink, clank), which the Lord has made (clink, clank), which the Lord has made (clink, clank).” (Source)
Leaders have learnt the secrets of unleashing hidden strength through singing. Meditate on this, especially if you are going through trials.
Verses for further meditation
Ephesians 5: 19 ; Revelation 7:9-10
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Create opportunities for joyful singing … singing spiritual songs with rich wisdom and truth
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, as I sing, break all the chains of the enemy over my business, family, community.
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.
July 2, 2015
The Levites
Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.
May we have Levites in the land. The entire tribe of Levi was “set apart” following the golden calf incident ( Exodus 32:26-29 ). They were blessed and chosen because their actions signified their loyalty to the covenant. The name Levi suggests uncommon loyalty. There are people all around us with the grace to be uncommonly loyal. They are not sometimes obvious, often they need to be discovered … but they are there. The people that can be trusted with the most difficult assignments …who can stand apart and be different from the crowd. Sometimes they seem radical … and you may misread them as stubborn or prideful, but look again …because you will need people to do rare acts requiring a commitment that cannot be found easily. Be careful not to promote them too quickly so they are not brought down … but keep an eye over them, they have been reserved by God for certain tasks in the future which only they have been prepared and destined to do.
God has gifted people differently and the grace to perform is also not the same. Have a system for spotting talents and grooming them for special tasks.
Verses for further meditation
Deuteronomy 10:8 ; Exodus 32:26-28
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Success requires careful selection and assignment of tasks to people.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the Levites in the land, your loyal priests. 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.
July 1, 2015
Harim
Nehemiah 7:42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
The meaning of this word, suggests “consecration” … “dedicated to God” …”destroyed”.. When something has been dedicated to God, it cannot be available for another purpose. God can use it as He pleases. A prayer of dedication over your house, child, business or new position implies God has the right to do as He pleases concerning that which is dedicated.
Most will dedicate things as a way of having them protected but have no intention to honor the rights of God over what has been dedicated. The rights of God are discovered in the Bible, in meditation and prayer …in times of communion with God, you will hear what God wants of you concerning that which has been dedicated to Him.
When Hannah dedicated Samuel to God, she was blessed with many more children. You will not lose out when you dedicate your life to God … you reap eternal life, a more abundant life. But the question to ask yourself is “ how much time have you spent to discover the rights and expectations of God …”
Verses for further meditation
1 Samuel 1: 20-22 ; 2 Samuel 8:11
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Everything that exists has been dedicated either to God or to the devil … dedications involve rights.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to fulfil my part and truly leave my all in your hands
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.
June 30, 2015
Pashur
Nehemiah 7:41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
Pashur, from the Hebrew name means “freedom” or “released”. God’s word and truth sets free, but this is not liberty to do as we wish. To understand the freedom we have is to appreciate that we are delivered, like the children of Israel, to worship God … to please God. Society has defined several constitutional freedoms which are impressive and perhaps just, but any freedom that incurs the wrath of God is only disguised bondage.
There are burdens of obedience to the word of God and leadings of the Holy Spirit that are indeed light … we are yoked to Christ, and this can be inconvenient to what our flesh desires. As we lead, we must remember that the freedoms that we encourage align with scripture. We can never forget that God is the potter and we are mere clay in the hands of a master craftsman. It is pride to seek freedom from God’s destiny or claim over our lives, when He created us for His pleasure.
Nehemiah continued to count and note the people, registering their names carefully. People matter as we lead. People must be led in a way that frees them to be what God has ordained them to be but we cannot be partners to rebellion.
Verses for further meditation
John 8:32 ; Exodus 8:1
Thoughts for Business and the work place
People are important to getting God’s work done. They will work better in an atmosphere of freedom not compulsion.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to manage the people around me with more sensitivity to your pleasure.
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.
