Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 21
June 19, 2015
Ramah and Geba
Nehemiah 7:30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
Ramah and Geba both refer in their meaning to “a hill”. Psa_99:9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
The Bible often refers to a hill – a holy hill as where God dwells. We know God wants to indwell us i.e. we are his holy hill. But it is the holiness of God that qualifies where He will dwell. God is Holy. Holiness is important to God … who will not dwell in anything . Today, we think talking of holiness is legalism … but this is not true. Holiness should be the hallmark of our leadership. Gentleness and integrity should be our watchword, the business God will use is not an outfit that abuses or cheats employees nor will it rip off its customers or take advantage of the undiscerning for profit. These are important pointers. God will not indwell a venture because you have named it Emmanuel enterprises. He is not fooled by our words as He sees our hearts. Are we like the “Holy Hill” or are we defiled with greed and selfishness.
We can repent and start afresh. We can make amends and apply corrections. As we build anything …it is good to recheck using the word of God as filter …to see if there is any dross that will not go through the fine sieve. The end does not justify the means … in things of God. Build well, build carefully …build according to the word of God and God will build the city for you …His joy will be your strength. Build anyhow and you will find yourself toiling alone.
Verses for further meditation
Exodus 28:36; Psalm 47:8
Thoughts for Business and the work place
It matters how we have achieved what we achieve. The means to the end is important..
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help us to rejoice as you build the city and help us to be a Holy Hill.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.
June 18, 2015
Kirjathjearim, Chephirah and Beeroth
Nehemiah 7:29 The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.
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Kirjathjearim is the city of forests, Chephirah means a little lioness dwelling in peace and Beeroth means “wells” . When I reflect on these three, I see a peaceful assurance, abundant life, a rest in fruitfulness and a sure confidence in God. The Bible says out of us shall flow wells of living waters even as we are filled by the Holy Spirit. We have an assurance that all will go and end well. We are not panicked for there is no reason for this.
Eze 19:2 And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
Like the undisturbed lioness nourishing her young in safety, we have assurance from the word of God that it will be well with our children and our family. We will not build businesses and see our sons and daughters unbuilt. We will not lead institutions and supervise thousands only to see our household unsupervised. We have the Lion of Judah near us, watching over us and protecting us from harm. I encourage someone reading to be bold. I declare in Jesus name that you will not fail, you will not fall …though you must spend much time leading others, your home and all that is yours will be protected and led by the Holy Spirit. God will help you to rest at the end of a hard day’s work in peace and not go home to meet a turmoil. Your wells of testimonies and miraculous benefits will never run dry. It shall always be goodness flowing out of all that concerns you. Your ventures will be a source of divine life out of which God’s goodness and love will flow to all. Remain in Him, remain blessed. There is no reason to fear or to be fretful.
Verses for further meditation
Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 5:9
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Abundance and peace often go together …where there are troubles, fear and conflict, very little can grow.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help us to dwell in a peaceful assurance of safety that comes from your divine presence.
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.
June 17, 2015
Bethazmaveth
Nehemiah 7:28 The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two
Azmaveth means “strong as death” or “strong unto death” …It was Solomon who said concerning love …
Son_8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
God so loved us that He gave His son to die … there is a love that is so strong …it is as death …. There is also a love that causes jealousy and destruction. Choose the love of Christ …this love will remove all bitterness, jealousy and hurts. This love seeks only good and thinks and imagines no evil against another. There are times when we must bear great sacrifices because we love God …there are occasions when we must close certain chapters because we love God. But in God there is a glorious resurrection…there is a tomorrow of hope …there is a glorious eternity.
It is only in God that we can find resurrection … so to die daily to our flesh is not so hopeless a venture. Reflect on the love of God, and let it motivate you to lead and shine for Him in a way and manner that is different …peculiar …like Christ who led His disciples and died only to live forever. When our selfish agenda die, when our fleshly and carnal competitive ways die, then we will see the resurrection of a different kind of leader …God’s chosen instruments to reflect His love to a people who need to experience it.
Verses for further meditation
1 Cor. 13:1-13; 1 John 3:14
Thoughts for Business and the work place
The greatest and strongest motivation for any concept, project or idea is the love of God that manifests in love for others.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to die daily to self and be awake to your will and ways. 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.
June 16, 2015
Anathoth
Nehemiah 7:27 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
One of the meanings suggested for Anathoth is “an answer to prayer”. It can be awesome when our project or leadership is an answer to someone else’s prayer. Samuel was an answer to Hannah’s prayer and he was no ordinary child. The saints groan for peace in the land, righteous leadership and good government. Our God answers prayers and when our plans match the prayers He seeks to answer, then we have the assistance of angelic hosts for our success. Consider this … is your business or product meeting an urgent need somewhere … has someone been crying for affordable housing and you have invented a cheaper building material or is someone in need of food and you have a concept that will feed many that are hungry … what need is your venture meeting … who is praying that your idea will come to fruition.
Apart from prayers of others, we must also spend much time in prayer concerning the execution of our actions steps. We need prayers to help us prioritise actions and also prayers to take the right decisions. God sees that when we pray, we are telling God we trust and depend on Him for guidance and He will give us the best direction.
You may find the best ideas when you consider the prayer points of the saints.
Verses for further meditation
2 Chronicles 7:15; Daniel 7 :13
Thoughts for Business and the work place
The best business concepts are the answers to the needs and prayers of many.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, let teach me to be useful in responding as an answer to a need somewhere. 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.
June 15, 2015
Men of Bethlehem and Netophah
Nehemiah 7:26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
Bethlehem means house of bread while Netophah relates to a root verb – to drop, drip or distil.. The word of God is our divine bread. How do we become men of God’s word?
Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
We grow in the word, based on a slow process in which we must first learn one precept before we can learn another. We cannot embark on a crash course …every day, we must labor in study and labor … every hour in obedience. When we have learnt a precept and a line, then we are ready for another line. The word of God is meant to be a lamp for our feet …but it will require a careful and progressive study. It is one thing to read and another thing to learn and be taught by the Spirit of God.
In the work place, the word of God can help you navigate the issues you face and meander through the tougher rapids. The word of God will help you survive the storm of politics and will provide the best counselling on family matters. But we must obey one word, learn well from that experience before we can be ready to be taught another. The speed of learning depends on the detail and care we put into our obedience of the word. There are those who want this very quickly but only learn nothing. The leader needs a quiet time of meditation and bible study … the leader needs the habit of reading and reflection on the lessons of scripture.
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 119:42; John 6:51
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders have vision, can distil required action steps and then push ideas to execution with a patient tenacity.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, let your daily word enlighten, guide and protect 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.
June 14, 2015
Gibeon
Nehemiah 7:25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five
Gibeon means a city on a hill. Christ Himself taught us that we are to be seen. We are being watched …we are meant to be examples.
Mat_5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
There are times when we are wise to conceal our plans …but there is a time when our manifestation and success cannot be hid. We need well conceived marketing and image management processes so we are not misrepresented in the public arena. As leaders, we are visible and cannot do as we wish. We have an image that is often under attack, and our character seems under a siege …but we must hold on to Kingdom principles and let the world see that we are indeed different. Storms and good times come to all, but it is the way they are handled that is remarkably different. Because we are being watched, God will not permit victories we are not ready for as well as difficulties we cannot handle. God knows He can be glorified in a situation and so permits it to come …expecting us to react and behave accordingly.
To be visible and set for all to see can be very uncomfortable. It can mean that our weaknesses will be cruelly paraded and announced in media … but also our victories will be seen and will inspire many to keep praising God. Be watchful …may God help me to set a good leadership example always.
Verses for further meditation
John 9:5; John 13:15
Thoughts for Business and the work place
If nobody knows what you are doing, and what you need to succeed, then you will fail to engage anyone.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, let your light shine through 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.
June 13, 2015
Open Heavens
Nehemiah 7:24 The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve
Hariph is a word that suggests rain – the autumnal rain, and harvest. . Rain from heaven is a symbol of God’s blessing that causes our efforts to be fruitful. Without rain, we descend into a tough laborious toil that is not just enslaving but can be fruitless in times of drought. God must bless our work or we labor in vain. How can I explain the importance of God’s rain to drench the seed …and at the right time.
Leaders must be close to God and sensitive to His ways and leadings. We need to satisfy the conditions for the heavens to open over our enterprise so we do not toil over closed heavens…
Isa 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
When we do as we wish, and work in ways contrary to His will …mistreating our workers and taking ethical short-cuts, we begin to strive with our creator and maker. Much may be achieved but it is hard, painful and there are major adverse consequences for our family, health and our peace. Today, is a good day to examine our ways. If our ways please God, we can ask the heavens to open over our labors …asking for the rain at the time it is most urgently needed. The rains represent the blessings that only God can send from heaven to cause the increase and harvest that we need. The rain from heaven makes all the difference and is the secret behind the success of God’s leaders. May your business operate under open heavens.
Verses for further meditation
Deut 11:8-17; Psalm 127:2
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Many ideas die in the valley …but there are the few that are blessed to thrive.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, may my labors never be under closed Heavens. Put an end to wasted efforts 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.
June 12, 2015
A New Beginning
Nehemiah 7:23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four
Bezai is a name that means “eggs” …suggesting new beginnings. Every great achievement is full of new beginnings. New beginnings are needed to wipe off old victories that must be forgotten for fresh progress as well as disappointments and failures that we must put firmly behind us. Leaders have understood that life is full of many discontinuities and things will not be as we expect them to be. We must expect sometimes to be surprised because we are not divine and our wisdom and capabilities are severely limited. God has ways that exceed ours and He will need to superimpose His fresh starts sometimes in ways we cannot fathom.
It is enough that we know that God has infinite abilities in paths we may not want or understand. When the egg cracks and a new young eaglet emerges, it reminds us of the miracle of new birth … how greatness can be concealed inside a fragile shell … from which an eagle soaring over the highest mountains can emerge.
Do not despair when you discern that much time has been wasted in past mistakes …look up to the new and rejoice in the wisdom that past errors have provided. Encourage yourself and others to get up and move forward again. I see a new beginning for you and all that is yours … in business, family, politics and the workplace embrace a fresh start.
Verses for further meditation
Isaiah 46:10; Rev 22:13
Thoughts for Business and the work place
In the deepest valley lies hidden the potential of a great new beginning.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me not to look behind at past victories and disappointments when my gaze should be on a new beginning and your glorious 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.
June 11, 2015
The Children of Hashum
Nehemiah 7:22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight
Hashum is a word that suggests Opulence – amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation . God is not against abundance … in all His creation, we see an extravagance of grace, beauty and love …the waters of the ocean are inexhaustible …observe the sands of the sea shore, can we count them?
But God’s wealth has purpose. Every drop of water in the ocean has a reason for being created …and as man tampers with divine ecological balance, we see the ugly effects on the climatic equilibrium that is suddenly disturbed.
God gives wealth to establish His covenant … His will and plans require men and women of obedience who will put His thoughts in place. We are stewards of divine opulence and will account for resources in our care whether they are in the billions or few. The rich and wealthy are not excluded from God’s kingdom …only the wicked are. Do not seek after wealth, instead seek after God and then enjoy the wealth that follows if that is His will for your life. Be assured that there is an assignment for which comfort and means have been provided. Give generously and be sensitive to the needs and lack of others. God has put enough on earth for the world to be pleasant for all, but there is an evil hoarding by a few. Do not join the evil. God is not against enjoying the good things He has provided …but be cautions when excess tends to spiritual blindness. You will need more diligence and extra care in dividing the word of God to enter into what God has uniquely ordained concerning you and your wealth. Shun waste and boasting. Beware of pride. Know that in a moment all that you have gathered can be wiped away.
Verses for further meditation
Deut 8: 17- 18; 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Wealth can have wings … do not depend on them.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me to be accountable for all you have entrusted n my care. 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.
June 10, 2015
Ater
Nehemiah 7:21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
Ater means lame. In a previous devotional page, we spoke of Mephibosheth who was granted a place on the royal table by God’s special grace. Another instance of some form of handicap was with Jacob, in his struggles with an angel was left with a limp. There are many leaders that are too surefooted for God, too confident in their craft and steeped in mastery of the skills of controlling people and the politics of gain. God must process such people until when they are dependent on Him. Being dependent on God does not mean we are personally incapable, but it indicates that God has taken us through a journey which has left us emptied of our old ways. To be dependent on God is to seek God and ask Him before we execute action steps … preferably, asking Him, what our action steps should be.
What do we do when we sense God asking us to wait when we want to go …or asking us to go when we would rather wait? Most will disregard the voice of God at such times …hence the need for His lameness to ensure we walk only with His walking stick “the Bible”. I pray God gives you His lameness to ensure you live a life that fully depends on Him.
Verses for further meditation
Genesis 32:22-28; 2 Samuel 9:13
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Entrepreneurs are not the ones with the best ideas, but they are the ones willing to jump off a cliff without all the answers. They dance to a different tune …always landing on their feet. They are carried on the unseen wings of an eagle.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach us to wait and depend totally on 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.
