Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 26

Enemies Hear

Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

There are different gatherings. It is not every gathering that is the meeting of friends. As news of early wins spread and people begin to note your contributions, many who do not care for your good begin to also come together. Your success brings them together, their motive will be to stop you. In business, family or at the work place – it should not stop you when a chorus unites against your vision. In politics the enmity even becomes vicious and fear can begin to threaten vision. How do you deal with this?

First, note that this is evidence that you are beginning to succeed, as people do not gather against failures. Second, let them gather …the Bible says they shall surely fail … their evil intent will be frustrated. But speak less of your early wins, allow your little spark to grow to a raging fire first so it is not snuffed out.

One often encounters a lot of boastful self-advertising that is replete with exaggerations … why do you want to attract troubles needlessly against yourself, for a work that is incomplete. Spend more time fixing the “doors” than boasting about what has been accomplished. Be cautious … you may be speaking too much, and your words not completely untrue … but your critics see that the doors are not set up, they watch for weaknesses. Be watchful … not boastful. Still a lot to be done.

Ecc_5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

 

Verses for further meditation

Hebrews 13:22 ; Acts 24:4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

There is great wisdom and virtue in being a person of few words. Let your accomplishments speak instead.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, do not let me be my own enemy. Help me to keep watch over my lips. 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.

 

Done for this people

Nehemiah 5:19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people

Nehemiah points God to his destiny. A life poured out for others. How many leaders can truly tell this to a God who sees all. It is easy to tell men that you did it all for humanity because they will never know what resides in your heart. But to confidently go to God and declare that it was all done for the people.

I suspect Nehemiah was deeply pained and stressed. He calls for comfort when men and women cannot bring him any. He pleads for a little perk from God … he begs God to smile at him. God has not forgotten Nehemiah nor does He need this reminder

Isa_49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Even women may forget their children, but not God …You are not forgotten when you lead for God and go through pains that others cannot feel nor understand. To serve others is noble …to have a higher motive beyond self … relieving others of burdens and pains. Creating opportunities for others to be employed …to help others have a better life … to be a source of comfort to others. Living to be a blessing to others is a good thing. Will this be said of you, or will it just be said you made a great name for yourself and made money etc…

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 25:7 ; Jeremiah 15:15

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Great leaders are great helpers – who have touched the lives of so many others for much good.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, remember me for good … according to your mercy … not because I am perfect, but because of your immeasurable goodness. 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 Assessment

Nehemiah 5:19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people

After your examinations, you have done your best and await your scores. You have submitted your script to the invigilator and expect a good result because you felt you did well. Who is marking your leadership exam? It is not a man who only sees what you do in the office or in the board room. It is not the voters who hear you on the podium as you make your promises. It is not even your spouse who imagines he/she knows everything about you. It is God …the unseen omniscient Deity, who knows even your thoughts and motivations years before you know and accept that these are indeed your real motivations for service. When we go to God, we know we are being scored by eyes that know our darkest secrets and who notes even the most subtle bribe.

Leaders must receive their true evaluation reports from God who is kind and merciful …He gives a good evaluation, but He is fair when He points to adjustments that must be made.

Nehemiah asks for mercy and not for fairness when he pleads to the goodness of God … not to His justice. I pray God will be merciful to you and will be good to help and encourage you. He will reward you well …better than any person or board or shareholder can ever be able to do. You rejected many awards of shares …many perks you refused … you said No when others before you have said yes. God notes all. God is a great and indeed the ultimate motivator and rewarder.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 139:23 ; James 1:13-14

Thoughts for Business and the work place

God is the ultimate Motivator. The gospel is intrinsically motivational, good news …study it well and be encouraged.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, bless me today … do something new to encourage me. I am despondent …lift up my head 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.

 

Think upon me, my God

Nehemiah 5:19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people

Nehemiah looks up for his fair wages and not to the people. The people cannot treat the leaders fairly. The people cannot remunerate you as they should. They will either deny you that which is fair or they will corrupt you with that which does not belong to you. The leader for God looks up to God. This is not to say that wages should not be fair but to emphasise that in many cases they cannot be. Wages will often pollute if excessive as tends to be the case. Many leaders corrupt themselves by low official receipts but high secret wages mistaken for God’s blessings. There are so many unseen things that the leader suffers, so many sacrifices that have been made to prepare the leader … how can flesh ever be fair to the leader? The worst response comes from the leader who now sees that he has given much and must therefore deserve many generous receipts …soon he/she is corrupted.

Nehemiah goes to God often … he has needs, he has expenses, he has dreams of what he would like to have and also buy … he admires the good lands and wishes he had one as well. He passes by the shops and wonders when he will be able to buy the good things for his family too …but official wages are meagre and stretched by the many demands that expect he has much more ( as he is the leader)

Nehemiah responds to all these pressures by going often to God.

Verses for further meditation

2 Timothy 1:3 ; Revelation 8:3-4

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have mentors, people they can always go to – Make sure you and God meet regularly, there will be many situations in which it is God and Him alone will be able to bring the comfort you need

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, think of me for good today … 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.

 

Gifts not received

Nehemiah 5:18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Nehemiah knows that the people are in much bondage of lack, and they bring him gifts even out of their limitation. Nehemiah refuses to touch these offerings because he sees the bondage. Leaders must be sensitive to much that is neither spoken or obviously visible. Eschewing generous gifts from the people is one of such areas requiring sensitivity. Many organisations mandate a compulsory accounting for gifts given to their management during festive seasons.

Most of the gifts to the leader must be returned until the people get the message. There is no need to encourage the leader with gifts ….the leader has a destiny to lead …he was created for this. Nothing else will satisfy his spirit until he/she finds the opportunity to be what he/she was ordained to be. In fact, the leader should be the one giving gifts to the led for permitting destiny to be realized through a leadership opportunity given to him/her.

The call to refuse to be corrupted cannot be overemphasized.

 

Verses for further meditation

Prov. 19:6 ; Ezekiel 22:12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Be willing to be different

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, show me clearly the gifts I must refuse and give me strength to obey you. Help my unbelief Lord. 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 Heavy Burden

Nehemiah 5:17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

The burden of the leader is not a light one. So many come to be part of the work, many come just to be carried and many come to benefit. Many are ghost workers, this is a term referring to work that does not exist, for whom there is no worker – but wages are still paid. The bill of the leader is a heavy bill. There is also a personal toll. So many come for personal favors, most assume that the leader is already financially blessed and controls vast wealth and they come (especially relatives) expecting to be favored and to be helped. The leader would give, not just time but also self and the little bread he has will often have to be given out. Nehemiah explains that there are many mouths to be fed … many who expect that Nehemiah has received bread and wine in large quantities and they have come to help in its distribution and consumption.

They will not believe that the leader does not enjoy access to largesse that must be shared. The leader must often quietly bear many burdens … most will be unfair.

The leader is generous but not with official or government assets. He acts as a steward accountable to the owners … to all the people, not just those who voted them in. But there remains a higher stewardship and accountability to God. Many will wish they never went near public assets on that coming day of accounting (judgment) that all will attend. Do not take your election lightly..

Verses for further meditation

Luke 18:22 ; 1 Ti 6:18

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders are generous yet still always above board …givers, but unstained by receiving filthy lucre.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach me to understand generosity …and to be a giver, yet unstained by corruption.

 

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.

 

No Land

Nehemiah 5:16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

Gulp … you mean no land. Yes … no land. There was land to be sold, to be distributed … this would be a valuable perk even if bought at fair prices …. but the land most likely would have been sold at a give-away … but Nehemiah did not buy any, also excluding his servants from this benevolence. There is a principle in engaging in commercial transactions that is called separation of interests.

A separation of interest agreement seeks to avoid a conflict of interest between an individual and an entity they are associated with. For example, an employee may be required to disclose and divest themselves of a financial investment or connection in order to safeguard the entity and its employees against charges of favoritism.

The Bible demands that we should shun all appearances of evil. As leaders, we will have opportunities …many opportunities to benefit from office. This must be shunned and all servants under us must pledge to do the same.

Acquiring assets while in position of leadership can appear legitimate, but the seller may seek a favor someday expecting reciprocity for the favor already granted. Be peculiar. Be different.

Rom_12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 19 :5 ; 1 Peter 2:9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

There is much sacrifice involved in the role of Leadership … do not take the position of the leader lightly.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to lead as I should. 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 Peculiar People

Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

The Bible says that we are a peculiar people – a chosen generation …the called out. This means that we are different. Our leadership is different from that of others. This verse explains a major difference. Other leaders will take bread and wine from the people and even their servants oppress them …but we are different. A Christian leader must NOT charge any extras and even when offered and already given many of such gifts must be returned. The gifts that that other governors would normally take – cannot be allowed into our lives.

Like the three Hebrew boys in the time of Daniel, our financial diet must be different. Many will wonder how we live on our meagre forty shekels, but we must satisfied with our fair wages … where our wages are perceived as unfair and burdensome …. we must note this excess and self-correct. Do not imagine that excess takings do not have adverse spiritual implications.

We are peculiar …not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Chosen … out of a people that do things anyhow. Different … from other leaders in the remuneration and gifts we can accept.

 

Verses for further meditation

Luke 3:14 ; 2 Cor 11: 7-9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Successful Leaders will operate on a higher level of ethics than those they will lead.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, let your holiness be seen 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.

 

Refusing the bread of the governor

Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

.

Nehemiah had entitlements that he did not touch. For 12 years he refused to touch this bread. Nehemiah was careful not to enrich himself or take that which did not belong to him. There are many in a hurry to consume and feed on the trappings of office. There are entitlements that you must not touch to remain credible and spiritually strong.

How can I explain this verse except to advise you to put a knife to your throat at the buffet? Note also that Nehemiah’s team were like him – not greedy. His brethren we are told did not also touch these generous allocations. Be careful of gifts and strange entitlements. Go to God and receive confirmation on what you must accept and what you must refuse. Surround yourself with like-minded people …not easily seduced by gains.

Pro_15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

 

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 56:11 ; Proverbs 1: 11-19

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Contentment is a great discipline to be cultivated.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, let me be content with your will, purpose and allocations. 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 Wicked shall be emptied

Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

There are many today, who make promises lightly. They promise what you want to hear with no intention to fulfil their word. We laugh and say all politicians are liars etc… forgetting that there is a curse that comes with careless vows we have no intention to fulfill. A leader must be a man of his word and expect others to fulfil their word. Be careful what and how you promise for many are careless with vows.

Nehemiah asked God to shake out and empty all those who promised to stop the practice of usury but continued to do it secretly or indirectly. Too many leaders make promises – especially in politics, and change somewhere along the line. What did you promise your workers …do not try to get out of it …this is dangerous. What did you promise your boss … do not seek ways to vary your previous commitments. Many are being emptied and now have nothing to show for years in office …years after, they lost their family, substance and even their reputation. They were emptied of all they had gathered and sought to protect because of rash promises at times of carelessness.

Be a man of your word.

Mat_5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Verses for further meditation

Numbers 30:2 ; Eccles. 5:5

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders do not seek to wriggle out of commitments.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, let my yes be yes and my nay be nay. 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.