Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 25

Boldness

Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

There are times when God asks us to simply stand and hold on to our ground. The ultimate temptation baits us with the selfish protection of our own life. How much do you cherish life and what will you do to save and protect it? Will you stray from God’s ordained path? Will you fail to trust Him? There are many tests in the work place, in the family , in politics in which our very life is at risk. How do we fare in such situations? A man was once asked by his wife to choose between his business and his family …and he chose his business, becoming a successful business man, but a sad one. What are you running into and why are you running? Self-preservation is a wrong motive for most actions even when we are running into the temple. The plan to stop Nehemiah received the endorsement of the temple of that day … indeed, the temple was used as a bait to lure him out of God’s purpose. But Nehemiah knew the God of the temple unlike many who know only the temple. Be bold, be strong. Do not ever be motivated by fear.

Verses for further meditation

Acts 4: 13 ; 2 Co 7:4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders see what others do not see and their actions demonstrate their unique vision.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Help me to know you even more than ever …more than I know any other thing. Let that knowledge translate to a unique boldness. 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 Plot

Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

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Many plots do not resemble plots. They are designed as assistance or showing concern. Even spiritual things are used as a means of deception for many use the name of God for mischief. Many will be easily deceived – because they are unpracticed in testing the spirit behind what is being spoken. . Be careful. Once you sense fear or anything that shuns faith … be on alert. Why the need to hide in the temple? We also need discernment so as not to be deceived by smooth words. The most effective plots are well concealed, but the God we pray to day and night sees all. He will guide you, as He guided the wise men to foil Herod’s plot to kill the infant Christ. Trust your instincts when you have spent time in the word and with God … you will hear Him sometimes warn you not to believe the fair words of those that surround you. But God will also show you the good in others when this is not obvious.

I pray God will help you see and know all that you need to survive the wicked plots. God will not allow you to be stopped. Praise and thank Him.

Verses for further meditation

Acts 23: 12-14 ; 2 Samuel 15:12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders dwell on strengths of others and not their weaknesses. They find strengths that others miss..

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Help me discern aright in all that surrounds 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.

 

Strengthen my Hands, O Lord

Nehemiah 6:9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

Fear is very effective to paralyse resolve and stall even best efforts. Fear attacks our mind and chains our spirit …tormenting the very soul until the body is so weakened …it becomes difficult to do anything. Nehemiah has seen that the agenda of God’s enemies is to weaken the hands from the work. Nothing can be done when there is no strength to do it. Consider the thing ahead of you …are you afraid of what could happen to hurt you …are you afraid you will end up a failure? Have you been fed with so much negative thoughts you are beginning to believe it and you are weakened.

Enough of the despair. Round up the meeting if it is only fuelling fear and spreading a paralyzing weakness. I have heard some presentations … focused only on threatening perspectives …never seeing the opportunities …expecting the worst that has not yet happened. Go to your secret closet . Go to God and ask Him for new strength for the work. Tell Him you are weakened by fears and all the negative feedback …spend time in the word of God.

Then get up …go with fresh resolve to your list of urgent and important matters and get to work again. Find other members of your team and encourage them, lift them up again. Get the team going. There is a new opportunity hidden in the situation you fear. Find the strength to uncover and exploit it.

Verses for further meditation

Job 4:4 ; Hebrews 12:12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders must first lead themselves. A leader already paralysed with fear must quickly recognize his failing and get back up.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Strengthen my hands for they are feeble … strengthen my knees for they are buckling with fears …strengthen my resolve that I may go forward again. 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.

 

Lessons from 70th Anniversary of End of World War II

In the UK, there will be celebrations this weekend including a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark 70 years of Victory in Europe (VE) day, the end – on May 8, 1945 – of a threat of looming darkness that gripped the world. Hitler did not seize power but was voted into the highest office leveraging a time of intense dissatisfaction to convince Germans that between imminent economic devastation which could not be arrested, threat of communism and Nazi troopers … it was obviously far safer to lean to the “only strangely overzealous” Nazis. Hitler’s Nazi Party became the largest elected party in the German Reichstag, leading to his appointment as chancellor in 1933. No one could foretell the pogrom that was ahead at the time Hitler was cheered as chancellor and as the nightmare unfolded, the entire world only gaped in shock that it was possible for just one man’s rabid vision to go so far. Hitler’s War became the deadliest military conflict in recorded history in absolute terms of total dead, with over 60 million people killed.

David Cameron has just won, on the VE day anniversary, an election victory for the Conservatives, pillaging seats from the coalition partner and confounding the Labor party. Very unlike Winston Churchill, the VE day Prime Minister in his sixties who was raised by destiny to unravel a mysterious destruction, Cameron seems more likeable, spritely intelligent and surefooted but perhaps still to be tested to lead through a comparative country crisis.

Hitler once said “It is not truth that matters, but victory.” … and also said “All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.”

But Churchill said “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential…. Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Hitler’s formula was to disregard virtue but to study the basest desires of the mob and tune masterfully with all strength and intelligence into it – victory was his god. Churchill confesses he defeated Hitler because of instinct and persistence not intelligence.

David was a man in the Bible with great instincts. He stood like a fool with no patron (not even his brothers) – but only as a dispensable proxy even as the crowd waited for Goliath to extinguish him like a mosquito. And when he was ridiculed, David replied in 1Sa_17:29 And David said, what have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Where are the men and women who can see a cause and see the God who backs them up as undefeatable? David became a hero but his life was filled with many troubles, yet he gave through thick and thin … through the worst and best of times, a compilation of prose and inspired writings we still use today to defeat the Hitlers bombarding our thoughts, crippling our resolve and threatening to shipwreck our faith. He was called the man after God’s heart.

The prevailing culture and worldview continues unabated to taunt and dare the saints like Goliath, mocking scripture and truth. Is there not a cause?

Christ is coming soon … Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?

 

No Such Things

Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

Nehemiah replies that all the accusations are untrue. The plan is to sow seeds of doubt and fear into your project. You must be able to reply with the word of God and the truth in your heart … Christ is the truth. Many things will be said that just have no weight – because they are wicked fabrications. Do not accord any gravity to something that does not exist. I have discovered that most of the things we worry about have been sown by evil words into our hearts causing fears, anxieties and tension …only to discover later that …there are no such things.

Ask yourself, what is it that you are concerned with that simply does not exist. What are you forced to give attention to that simply isn’t there …. not worth more than a simple denial “there are no such things”.

If only we could simply respond to all the flooding vendetta, rumors and accusations by declaring “ there are no such things…”

An imagined thought always comes to nothing. Be strong in forging ahead even when many things come to your attention to which you must be firm and politely reply – “ … no such things”

Verses for further meditation

Job 13:4 ; Psalm 101:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have lists. Prioritised to-do lists, urgent matters, important issues etc. One list you will need and learn to use is a “rubbish bin” …. many items belong there.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Help me to prioritise my time and keep my focus on your assignment 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.

 

Blackmail

Nehemiah 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Nehemiah must cooperate or he will be reported to higher authorities. Blackmail … why will the enemies of the Kingdom go to such an extreme length. It is important that you pause to understand that this is not about you. You are in a spiritual war – darkness and light … wicked unseen armies opposing God’s purpose – but in vain. In spite of the threats, be assured that your victory is already won in Christ. The battle has a known end … Christ has won and defeated satan and all his cronies. There can be no counsel with darkness even when blackmail threatens you …keep standing.

In business and the workplace there will be pressures to lower the standard and you may find yourself under pressures of blackmail …the enemy seeking to expose an inconvenient rumor which you would rather have forgotten. Blackmail can be also emotional …forcing you to entertain emotions out of fear or to seek alliances to clear your reputation. For Nehemiah, the purpose of the blackmail is to suspend the building work. The Lord will strengthen you to continue when demonic forces converge against you … descending even to blackmail.

Verses for further meditation

Luke 3:14 ; Acts 24 : 1-13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have learnt not to dwell on negative matters. They have mastered how to simply move on, leaving evil matters behind.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, Help me, strengthen me, guide me and uphold me. Do not let me buckle under overwhelming pressures. 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.

 

Letter of Accusation

Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

When we read this letter, we discover an accusation against Nehemiah and his allies. They are called rebels and Nehemiah is accused of wanting to be their King. It is difficult to explain to everyone that your prime motivation is to please your God and fulfil your destiny. It is better not to waste time trying to do so for indeed most will always see you as an ambitious climber seeking your own selfish agenda. Witnesses will be found to back up accusations. The Bible speaks of the accuser of the brethren …one of the major roles of agents of the devil. Leaders must expect to be both misunderstood and deliberately maligned … their motives will be misrepresented and the vision will be mocked.

All I will add is that …we should be prepared for the unavoidable pain that comes with seeking to do what God has ordained. Your Comforter – the Holy Spirit, will be there for you.

But you must still ask yourself – is there truth in the words of the accuser. Are you truly purged of selfish and carnal ambitions? Why do you want to be a success in your family ? Is it to gloat and find opportunity to lord it over others? Will you use the opportunity to settle scores? Do not assume that you are clean of evil motivations …ask God to search and test you with trials. You may be surprised at what you discover of yourself.

Remember David was accused when he showed up to fight Goliath. Remember there is a true cause to your fight. Christ was accused all through His ministry …. till the very end. You may be as well.

Verses for further meditation

1 Samuel 17 ; Luke 23 :3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leadership comes at a cost. One can be a target for sharp arrows of brutal accusations and misunderstood motives.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep my eyes on the cause you have shown to 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.

 

Four Times

Nehemiah 6:4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner

The enemy can be persistent … not easily put off, refusing to be offended, disciplined. Nehemiah should be flattered that in four separate occasions they sought his company . It is difficult to say No once talk less of four times. But Nehemiah is stubbornly consistent in his response. He does not change nor pressurized to accept an invitation which he has declined already.

Be strong against a continuous barrage asking you to be more flexible. There are times when you need to be rigid, especially on ethical matters. You must learn to say No, not just once but four times. Many can say No only twice …and yield in a false piety. Successful leaders will be often criticized as inflexible and implacable … they will call you cold hearted. Do not forget that Jesus Christ was called worse names and films have been made to revile and discredit Him…but that changes nothing. He remains the same, yesterday, today and forever …the unchangeable ageless King of all kings. Learn from Him.

Verses for further meditation

Matthew 4:1-11 ; Hebrews 3:6

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Firmness is often misunderstood … discipline will be called coldness and a person who says No will be called hard.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep our eyes set on obedience 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.

 

A Great Work

Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

A wall with no doors can hardly be called a great work. But Nehemiah spoke with the eyes of faith. He spoke the perspective of Heaven concerning the work and called it great. A great God has called us to a great work even though it may not look as such to many. Lives are preserved when we see the greatness of God’s calling even in the small roles it seems we are playing. Nehemiah declares that he is occupied with a great endeavor and cannot be distracted. The work cannot be allowed to cease. Nehemiah may have been murdered … he may have fallen into a trap to discredit him but he is preserved from troubles by remaining on his track …focus has saved many lives. There are many invitations that must be emphatically rejected. The enemy needs to hear that you are not available for games and will not fall into cheap plots.

Learn to say No. Practice various ways of disagreeing with efforts that will eventually oppose God’s vision for your life. Be consistent and keep an eye on the goal . Note that Nehemiah does not go to meet them …he sends messengers instead. Leaders must be preserved from certain environments. Do not let your curiosity push you to stray into certain terrains …

Keep your focus on the great work God has for you. Be set in your direction.

Verses for further meditation

Luke 9:51 ; John 4:4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

A focused life may not be a celebrated life, but it is a protected one.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, lead us not into temptations and deliver us from evil traps. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built,  so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste.  Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.

I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please  enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

 

A Strange Invitation

Nehemiah 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

Sanballat and Geshem send out an invitation. It can be flattering and irresistible to observe that those against you are now coming round to your side. You want your enemies so much to accept you that you are pleased that they now invite you for a special meeting. The Holy Spirit however warns you that their agenda is mischievous …what do you do?

Perhaps you will see through the deceit if you ask after the agenda of the meeting … the most important aspect of a meeting is its agenda and purpose and not its location. Perhaps they think to do mischief and perhaps not. Spend time with the Holy Spirit to understand and obtain revelation on the unspoken things. A person who spends much time with God will be guided by His Spirit …you will not fall into traps if your ego and ambitions are kept under. The Lord will hide you under His wings … He will let you know the evil things they discuss in their secret chambers. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when you receive strange invitations that appeal to your flesh and passion for recognition. A lust for recognition has always been a good foundation to commence a plan for baiting many victims.

Remember what happened to Naboth and his vineyard. Do not end like Naboth … but be strong in the spirit and see as God sees, like Elisha who knew what the King of Syria was planning even in his bedchamber.

 

Verses for further meditation

1 Kings 21:1-14 ; II Kings 6:11-12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have good instincts … insights birthed by the Holy Spirit providing direction.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, open my eyes and my other senses to perceive the unseen and unknown. Show me the way that I should take. 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.