Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 23

Governor of Moab

Nehemiah 7:11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen

Pahathmoab means “governor of Moab”. Moab means “of his father” and may often refer to the seed of an incestuous relationship. Christ as the governor of the nations – declares that He rules and is in complete control in all the affairs of men including the wicked. It may surprise you that there is no human legislation that can be passed if Christ says No as He controls even the thoughts of all. When Christ the Governor favors us – politics, laws and edicts will be passed for our good and progress. But the name also warns of the rebellion that produced a wicked tribe, the Moabites. Be cautious of rebellion and be assured that it comes with dire circumstances.

In an era of strange freedoms, God’s leaders will not forget that our fear of God causes us to be constrained in many matters and be separated from many practices. It is wise to seek ways to protect your enterprise from problematic covenants and consequences of thoughtless actions. Be watchful …do not be like Lot and his wife, who wandered off into the plains of Sodom not knowing that therein was a future destruction. Lot’s wife did not make it …you will make it, in Jesus name.

Ruth, an ancestor of Christ, discovered a rare grace though she came from Moab. God is merciful and His grace will also find you.

Verses for further meditation

Genesis 19:37 ; Ruth 1:1-6

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders are conscious of the present and future consequences of flawed judgments. Be sober and watchful.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, may your governance over the nations cause favor to be showered upon us in all that we do. 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 Greatness of the Goat

Nehemiah 7:58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

The name Jaala suggests a Mountain Goat. Darkan means a carrier and Giddel means great. All three point to our scape goat – Christ, the great Saviour who carried our burdens. It can reminds us of the goat a metaphor for obstinacy and rebellion – which can manifest in a strength and greatness, similar to Herod the great. As leaders we must be cautious not to receive the greatness and strength of the demonic realm. There are many accomplished and famous men and women who the world will call great, but they are ambassadors of the devil on the earth. They recruit and tempt many with seductions of wealth, power and opportunity and God must strengthen us to remain on the path of salvation and not fall into their traps.

Christ was offered greatness early in His ministry but He replied by rejecting satan and all his gifts. You will have to do the same. Greatness will be presented to you sometimes from the chambers of darkness and you must decline.

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Verses for further meditation

Genesis 6:5 ; Ephesians 1:19

Thoughts for Business and the work place

There is a greatness that is instant, short lived and dangerous … Leaders shun it.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help not to lose my salvation. 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.

 

Arah

Nehemiah 7:10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.

The name suggests a “wandering traveler” … and could also mean “way or path”. It reminds me of our destiny as pilgrims, on a journey as ambassadors of Christ … not at home in this side of eternity. The perspective of a pilgrim differs from a resident … Our sinful nature reflects in our many wanderings and by His grace, we have a good shepherd that keeps bringing us back within the fold … His rod and His staff comforting us.

God’s leaders lead with an eye on eternity, our Heavenly home. They have not forgotten their homeland knowing they will one day return to hear “well done …good and faithful servant…”…they will receive many awards on earth and gather many accolades but still will not forget that the ultimate crown is not the one that mortals can construct. This different perspective will make them stand out in humility and piety…distinctively peculiar in many regards.

You can run your business as though you will be held accountable for it … by the most high God.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 57:15 ; Psalm 119:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders use conflict to reveal the true identity and reasoning of the team. The deepest values are often hidden until conflict exposes what we truly live for

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep our focus on eternity …remind us that we are pilgrims and help us not to stray from your commandments. 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.

 

Shephatiah

Nehemiah 7:9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

The root-verb (shapat) means to judge or govern. The name speaks of judgment, justice and government. Christ is our Governor, the righteous judge even as we have a destiny to reign with Him. Christ reigns in mercy, having paid the price for our iniquity and carried our sorrow … afflicted with the punishment that has earned us His peace. He is one with God and therefore the leader that has sacrificed Himself for those who He will lead and one day judge.

A good leader must be a just one … sensitive to fairness and interested in removing the pains and oppression of the vulnerable in society. Already, many corporations have social responsibility efforts that balance their thirst for gain with a more sustainable agenda of contribution to a society in need of many comforts. God’s children are His administrators, trained to demonstrate His compassion, fairness and equity in a society where “survival of the fittest” tends to be the mantra. May God help us to be instruments of His fairness, mercy, equity and peace.

Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 11:4 ; Psalm 99:4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Justice prevails over time in any good organisation. The Leader patiently may tolerate periods of ambiguity, but firmly believes that equity is nonnegotiable.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach us to understand righteousness, and judgment and equity …every good path. 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 Children of Parosh

Nehemiah 7:8 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

Parosh means “a flea; the fruit of a moth” … small parasitic insects … it suggests smallness and insignificance and dependence on others. It suggests vulnerability. God gathers the vulnerable, small and dependent as well as the bold, large and strong. There is a mercy with God that avails like rain that falls on the righteous as well as the unrighteous. Be sensitive as a leader to the small and the insignificant, those who look like they have nothing to contribute …they are God’s children, that should be enough. Learn to be kind to the weak and patient with those who cannot stand like we want them to.

Do not ask weary people to stand …help them, some will need a shoulder to lean on and one can be tempted to throw them away. God numbers the children of Parosh as part of His congregation that He has brought to their land again from captivity. Is it not instructive that the weak are the first to be mentioned in this census, after the leaders? I sense that they are special to God, though weak and apparently of little value to God. Do not build a team that does not accommodate the handicapped.

Remember Mephibosheth and how David was gracious in leadership towards him.

2Sa_9:11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

Verses for further meditation

Job 4:3 ; 2 Cor 12:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Diversity in your team can be powerful in the sense that it accommodates a spectrum of capabilities and seeks out the disadvantaged for an opportunity to be blessed and used of God.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach us not to discount those you have not excluded from your blessing of restoration. 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 Leaders counted first

Nehemiah 7:7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;



It is no coincidence that leaders are counted first …many names that did well to lead the Israelites. Nehemiah was not the only one, but his name of course stands out because a book is named after him. But God notes the identity of the other leaders. I sense that there is a lot of work that may seem unremarkable but God has not forgotten and God has His own assessment. God will reward many who have gone unsung over generations …

As you lead, do not think that because it seems you are disregarded or not mentioned, God has forgotten you. I sense that God’s leaders will be especially noted in heaven for their rare sacrifice. It is not in vain … all that you have gone through. God has a record of your leadership and knows His generals. Be strong and be assured that there is a day coming when the awards and crown will be given. May I not be ashamed on that day …may I not discover in eternity … when works are burnt in the fire of reckoning, that my sacrifices counted for nothing because they were vain, selfish and shallow. When we truly lead for God in business, ministry and government, we note that God knows and recognizes us in His list of leaders.

There are also blind leaders and leaders that cause harm and errors. May I not be counted amongst these cadre of leaders. Recognise those who have done well in your team.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 9:6 ; Matt 15:14

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders are willing to go without short-term rewards, willing to go without success in the “eyes” of many others.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, remember me O Lord for good and in your mercy. 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.

 

Mercy brings out

Nehemiah 7:6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

Today, I wish to prophesy that you are coming up and out of the captivity. Where there was a carrying away in a destruction, you will see a gathering again for reconstruction. I pray that God will cause a new beginning for all your frustrations. God wants us to record for posterity, the miraculous works of the past, so we can draw faith in future from these records. Nehemiah presents his own record of the families that were resettled against all odds …coming again to Jerusalem. There are at least three lessons.

1. God wants us to remember that He is a faithful God, a merciful God who can gather out from a cruel captivity when in mercy He determines to do so.

2. God wants us to see that He is not a respecter of persons and His work is a complete and generous work. He made a way for all to return – He does not distinguish between the more faithful families… there is a largesse with God, an uncommon mercy and goodness that is for all who trust in Him. It is all mercy

3. God controls Kings and reigns indisputably in the affairs of men, governments, monarchs – He causes Kings to favor us and can make Kings to enslave. This should cause us to fear and honor God who cannot be outsmarted or outmaneuvered by any brilliant plot of any man.

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As we go through the names and the families that returned, remember it was mercy that selected this generation that returned and not performance. Commit all that you do to the mercy of God.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 23:6 ; Psalm 107:21

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Never forget. God’s mercy was the basis for choosing you … show the same mercy to your fellow workers.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, your mercy over my life avails for 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.

 

God’s Idea

Nehemiah 7:5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,

God puts into the heart of Nehemiah, the idea of a sort of census. He wants to know who is who, which families have returned , which cannot be accounted for …and who can be convinced to return …for the great task of national restoration. God loves completeness … the Bible says even the hair on our heads are numbered, accounted for.

I have watched societies and civilisations with good records of residence and their citizens and you will see that these are societies with welfare systems that work, and good housing and medical services…at the heart of every great civilization that cares for people is an accurate census and information systems on identity and an accounting for everyone’s location and situation.

This is God’s idea but it is also a pattern for national reconstruction. Accurate census precedes reconstruction so that any rebuilding is fair … none are neglected and everyone is properly considered as having right to a home, a place of shelter and care. It also allows better planning and to have a better appreciation of the effort required.

Nehemiah applies himself to this task …pauses to get the records updated. Ponder on this.

Verses for further meditation

1 Samuel 25:14-16; Job 1:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders work based on accurate information (not stories, myths and rumors) and leverage systems to process and manage information to realize their vision.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, open my heart to God for His divine insights. 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 Next Challenge

Nehemiah 7:4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.

The next challenge was to build houses … in a large and great city. This verse suggests they dwelt during the building of the wall in temporary residences …like tents. It was also more important to build the wall before they built their houses. There is a lesson here on prioritization. There are certain tasks which are more important because they protect other things to come. If their houses were built first then those houses will be easily attacked and demolished by their enemies. In business, national reconstruction, in the family, there are important things that must be done first. These are the walls.. What are the walls of a nation? The values of nation will protect its successes … the prayer life of a family will protect the household … the shared vision in a business will provide direction and cause it not to drift.

Ask yourself … have you built the walls or are you building the houses first. Good things that last, start with reconstruction of the walls … this was not easy and will be bitterly attacked. The enemy wants you to start the houses first …build a beautiful house with no walls and that house will soon be lost. Reflect on what the walls you have been called to construct are … you will know the walls because they protect the city …God will show you how and what to build – He will send help.

Your relationship with God can be a precious wall – a hedge, like it was for Job. Ensure the hedge is built …before you build the houses.

Verses for further meditation

1 Samuel 25:14-16; Job 1:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders prioritise very carefully and construct based on a pattern according to well considered priorities. It matters what you do first.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be watchful especially after a success. 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.

 

Be Watchful

Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

It is not a time to dance and jubilate and be careless. The victory must be watched. We can be most vulnerable when we have some measure of success. Nehemiah orders for watches, not for a celebration. Early wins are great but they need much watching. I pray you will not fall prey into a premature celebration … instead go into a period of watchfulness. Watchfulness means taking stock for areas that are weak, binding up wounds and guarding the work against robbery and attacks.

This is a time to pray, a time to search the word of God a little deeper. A time for seeking more grace, for more praise and for more care … a time to be sensitive to pride and little foxes. There are times when we ask everyone to go back to the basics to check if everything has been covered. There are times when the leader calls for a watch …like an audit, a review … this is a time for corrections and to ensure leaks are sealed. Others may think there is nothing to worry about but the leader is not worried, He is obedient to leadings in him that has commanded for watchfulness instead of relaxing in ease. This can be appear like tension, but some tension that causes alertness is good. It is at these times that we pray more than we normally would.

Leaders appoint times of extra watchfulness and closer self and external scrutiny … to learn for the future.

Verses for further meditation

Matt 24:42-43; 1 Peter 4:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Your last success can turn to the next nightmare … so leaders are constantly watching and are helped when they can inspire others to do likewise to watch with them.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be watchful especially after a success. 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.