Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 24

Faithfulness Rewarded

Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many

A faithful servant is cherished in the sight of God. Men who fear God are precious and they are watched over and rewarded with authority. God gives more to those who have proven themselves. This is a model for assigning responsibility …you cannot squander titles and positions to anyone. Leaders observe for faithfulness and note those who fear God. In your team, there are faithful men who have served well …men who will not steal even meagre sums that others will just overlook …men who take repentance seriously … workers and managers who will give a faithful account of the little that has been put in their hands.

Hanani excelled not in talent and brilliance but in the fear of God. As a leader, you need to have measurements of performance that may differ from what others note.

It is important to observe the reactions of your team in times of victory and defeat …you will see sons of Belial who do not want share the “victory of David” with those who did not go to the battle. These are they who think the battle was won by them …they do not fear God but fear defeat. Watch also how people react in defeat …the faithful know God can lift them up again and after crying like David did, they will go back to God to re-launch after receiving divine corrections and fresh guidance. Your assignments cannot be casually made or randomly allocated.

Verses for further meditation

1 Samuel 2:35; Proverbs 20:6

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Recognition is a powerful reward to help further engage those who play a role in making the vision happen.



Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be faithful in the little you have placed in my hands and to recognise faithfulness in 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.

 

When the Wall was Built

Nehemiah 7:1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,



The completed wall has doors to control what goes in and what should not. There are porters, singers and Levites to praise God …priests to carry the presence of the Lord. The Bible says we are kings and priests …we are built, there are doors that are shut when Christ has shut and none can open and which open when Christ opens and none can shut. God is glorified as we praise Him …we are not entertainers. A good way to mark a successful transition, a phase of construction …is to pause to praise Him to give glory to Him. You must be your own worship leader, you cannot afford to have someone praising God for you …open your own lips and shout Halleluyah …sing a song of victory unto Him.

Christ said He is the open door …never forget He is the all in all of your vision … may your vision serve God, praise God …fulfil His purpose and expand His kingdom on earth. Whatever you may build, if it does not cause praises and worship to go to the God, it will only be an idol … marvelous, accomplished, valuable, awesome, excellent and successful, indeed but still an idol that God will have to cast down into the fire… like Aaron’s golden calf.

Beware of constructions that are about you or point to your reputation and accomplishments … God will have to help you not to be prideful as He will not share His glory with anyone. Sing praises to your God. Shout Halleluyah …let your life praise Him.

God inhabits praise and not talent, success nor human contraptions no matter how brilliant. He inhabits the praises of Israel, His chosen bride, pure and holy …not just any praise from anywhere.

 

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 15:11; Psalm 22:3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

The quality of ideas is less important than the platform on which they materialize. Let God be your own platform and foundation.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, be magnified and ever praised in all that I 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.

 

More letters of fear

Nehemiah 6:19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Tobiah is marketed as a good partner to Nehemiah …but Nehemiah sees differently …meanwhile Tobiah sends more letters to cause Nehemiah to be in fear. How can I overstate that fear is the best sword to pull you down and to stop the vision …not sickness, not even doubt … but fear. Fear of failure, fear of mockery, fear of men and fear of death. But I want to encourage amidst all the communications you are getting causing more fears to cause your knees to shake … I repeat, that which you fear will not happen … put your trust in the Lord. Worry is fostered by pride and unbelief. Letters may come with fear but you do not need to embrace fear. Reflect over the many things that happened that made you afraid in the past and how God delivered you … God remains faithful to help you and will deliver you again from all your fears.

I suspect that fear is the most poisonous of arrows no wonder David wrote and I urge you to memorise this Psalm…

Psa 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Verses for further meditation

Genesis 50:19; Exodus 14:13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Community strengthens your creative energy … often the unseen enemy attacks your links with the community so as to weaken your progress..

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, turn all the incidents causing fears in my life to memorable testimonies of awesome victories. 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.

 

Sworn unto your Enemy

Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah

It is wise to understand interpersonal issues and why people behave the way they do. It was no secret that Tobiah did not like Nehemiah, yet God sent Nehemiah and NOT Tobiah. But many were sworn to be aligned with Tobiah because of marriage and family ties and could not openly stand with Nehemiah.

There are many allegiances that are not of God, only useful for the enemy to employ. Be sensitive to the reasons why some will not support you – no matter what you do. Be kind to accept these realities, for these allegiances will do their worst, but will not succeed against you. The issue of marriage is extremely important because it also breeds very deep allegiances not just between couples but between families and children. The worst mistake you can ever make is to marry the wrong person – do not trivialize this most important matter. Many leaders are faced with all manner of resistance and lack of support because of embedded relationships with darkness, doubts and in some cases even linked to satanic covenants – perhaps unknowingly.

It is enough to know those who God has given to support you and also those who are sworn to obstruct your agenda. Seek to be kind as best as you can – to those who hinder you (knowing many have little choice) while embracing the supporters for the work. Do not hate those that hinder you.

Verses for further meditation

Genesis 24:56; Galatians 5:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Coping with hindrance is an integral part of leadership.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, no one can hinder you …make a way where there seems to be no way to prosper your work. 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.

 

Beginning of Conspiracy

Nehemiah 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.

Often we expect support to come when we are doing the right thing and going in the right direction. Unfortunately, the opposite tends to be the norm. Nehemiah is isolated and communications continue with Tobiah, the enemy of Israel … Nehemiah’s success is not accepted, his achievement and sacrifice is not appreciated. I want to appeal to you to be patient and not seek the approval of men. When men do not give the recognition or encouragement – especially the nobles that are respected, it can be a painful rejection. But this is to be expected … as God’s work continues to be attacked. The conspiracy needs a higher gear and a different level of consultation. God only laughs when men rage against His counsel.

So many letters were written to Tobiah, what were the contents of the letter? I suspect the letters did not contain a positive report for Nehemiah … the nobles did not embrace the finish of the work, they could not accept it for reasons that are unclear. Do not build to receive the approval of men – thank God if you get it – but do not expect it or be moved when it does not come. Do not think ill of the nobles when they shun your achievements nor try to convince them that you are working for your God. Instead keep focused on the next stage of the work and be prepared for God’s instructions requiring all your energy and attention for execution.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 54: 17; Psalm 2:2

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders sometimes need to say No more than to say Yes. This can cause a painful isolation and loneliness ; and lack of popularity. Success can therefore be disdained for no reason.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, bring the counsel of the enemies to nought 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.

 

The Work of our God

Nehemiah 6:16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

When your friends and church members observe the work you have completed, they will quickly give glory to God before a close inspection…but not your enemies. The heathen will closely scrutinize the work to see if you did anything illegal, told a few lies…used a lot of exaggeration in marketing your ideas … they will check if you cut any corners in making due payments … if you underpay your staff or if you employed any deceptive methods … before they come to their own conclusions. When building for God, it is a great testimony when the heathen can examine the work and declare this is impossible for men to do, and must be the work of a great God. It is a great testimony, when your story is told and it defies all the methods and craftiness of men and exceeds all the virtues of mortals …and they have to come t the conclusion that it was wrought of your God.

It is difficult to deny the work of God because it is so compelling and so mindboggling to the intellect of men – beyond the comprehension of the learned. But it is also easy to know when this is not the work of God … when evil alliances propel the work …when evil sacrifices have been made …when marriage and children suffer … when bribes were given etc. There is a building that can never be said to be of God. May our lives glorify our great and holy God. We need to know God and be close to Him, dwelling in Christ to see His wonders through us. Chasing wonders can make us vulnerable and fall into deceptions.

Verses for further meditation

Numbers 23: 23; Jeremiah 18:3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

God’s Leaders know the God of the wonders and not just about the wonders of God.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, may your wonders be heard and seen by the heathen when they consider the works you have done through me. May my life cause glory to always return to 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.

 

So the Wall was finished

Nehemiah 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days

How we finish, when we finish and how long it takes … all matter. I pray you will finish well and will be able to look at the wall and declare it was done even though many thought it could not. Most achievements were at some stage mocked, said to be impossible, motives attacked etc… but we can thank God that He helps us to overcome in spite of all resistance. It is worth noting that Nehemiah was counting the days and noted the day and month of completion … May God teach us to number our days, to live as though accountable to the one who sends us and to whom we will report, to be sensitive to wasted days and hours burnt … to understand that God has a master plan and our part fits into a specific time frame and which must be accomplished in that time frame.

Ponder over what would have happened if many things were delayed … it would impact so many other things eventually shaping a completely different future. Make haste …do what God has asked of you today, today and not tomorrow. Do not say “ is there not tomorrow …if we do not complete that which must be done today …”

1Sa_21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.

Verses for further meditation

Luke 19 : 5; Psalm 119:60

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders know that procrastination is not a virtue.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, strengthen me to overcome hindrances slowing me down that I may make haste to do your will. 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.

 

Fear – The Enemy’s Tool.

Nehemiah 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Have you ever woken up afraid? Do you sense fear as you enter a meeting? Has any gathering become a venue of fear for you? If it has, it means you have been caught in the prison of the enemy … locked in an absence of productivity that will paralyse any future achievement. You must run to the word of God … faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. You need to be flooded with the word of God to get your faith back and drive off all fears.

I cannot overemphasise that fear can cripple even the greatest resolve … causing you to begin to help God ; first by reducing the goals, making them easier to achieve and then eventually replacing the vision of God – with your own. It takes a while to see that we are being motivated by fear. Have you heard people ask you to watch out for your life, scare you away from promoting God’s agenda … they want to put you in fear, so the work will stop. You must resist fear …you must turn away from situations and counsel that only heighten fears. Find mentors who will speak strength into your life and who will nurture your dreams … who will encourage you to do the impossible. Also flee from those who tell you albeit indirectly that you are reaching beyond your level …like they told David when he approached Goliath …they saw David on a suicide mission …but David had learnt to conquer fear in encounters with the lion and the bear.

God must give you practical lessons to overcome and deal with fears … also being able to spot it when it comes even from afar – and act accordingly ahead to increase faith instead by replying with the word of God.

Gen_15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 34 : 4; 2 Cor. 7:5

Thoughts for Business and the work place

When it comes to making decisions, leaders listen to all constituencies without feeling the burden to reach complete consensus.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord,   there can be no agreement with fear in my life … help me to exclude the agenda of the fearful from my decisions.  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.

 

Not Trapped

Nehemiah 6:13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

The enemy of God will use reproach to stop you. He creates fears, tensions and troubles that will eventually cause a sinful reaction or some inappropriate behavior …and then reproach you. It is best for God to hide you from His most wicked traps. God needs to hide your family, hide your business, hide your plans until they have taken root well in Him. Nehemiah will look like a coward, and often when you choose to remain hidden for a while, it seems you lack courage … but there is a greater Godly wisdom that many will not perceive.

Indeed, many have been hired …even paid by the enemy …spiritually rewarded to bring harm your way. You must understand this and seek God’s clarity on many things. People want to have the basis to fabricate an evil report and ruin your reputation ahead of when you will need we required of God for Hi assignment. God will hide and protect His own and will not permit any evil to stop His work in your life, but you must learn to trust Him. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to succeed in Jesus. Things are not always as they seem. But they will not succeed against you.

Psa_64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 143 : 9; Isaiah 26:20

Thoughts for Business and the work place

To envision what will be, Leaders remove themselves from the concern for what already is.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, I need you to guide me and keep me true to your word and calling. 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 Gift of Discernment

Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

Discernment is not suspicion. But it is a useful gift in business, politics and in dealing with family matters. God gives His leaders that gift so that they will be able to look through the eyes of heaven, through the lens of the one who sees all things and all time and at the same time. The vision of heaven knows every hired traitor and is not fooled by words whether they flatter or not. One important reason to spend time with God on prayer is to help us discern issues and hear the unspoken things. God can reveal the plots of evil partners pretending to be friends and give you a perception on who He has sent to help you and also who you must not follow.

There are times, when the perceptions you receive from God are neither popular, nor can be explained …but it is at these times that you need to follow God’s direction even more closely. The deception is at its height when the vision is closest to sabotage. Walk with discernment and get used even in small things to ask God and trust Him. This habit of seeking God’s face will help you at the time when you need His discernment to help you respond to matters. I pray you will not fall into a trap, nor will the arrows of deception and destruction flying in the day ever be able to locate you.

Verses for further meditation

1 Cor 12 : 10; 1 Kings 3:9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders are most effective for God when they can discern between obedience to God and pleasing men around them.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, I need your gift of discerning of spirits. Holy Spirit fill me afresh. 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.