Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 33
February 20, 2015
Daughters of Shallum
Nehemiah 3:12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
The Bible is careful to mention the daughters of Shallum. Perhaps Shallum had no sons or they were nowhere to be found… but his daughters come to the site and they joined the repair work. Shallum means retribution …punishment. The word teaches that the punishment that bought us peace was upon Christ. Christ suffered a full retribution for our sins but this does not exclude us from the work and effort of repairs.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light …but there is still a yoke and a burden of obedience. Perhaps you fear a coming punishment for a sin, past misdeed or error. Be encouraged and go on with the repairs … keep serving God … be not under condemnation. There is a reward for your obedience and as we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us of unrighteousness … even as He is our righteousness. He will help you to put aside wrong habits and ways.
Women are in no way excluded from divine assignments … they must repair according to pattern just as men must also repair according to pattern. The pattern is the word of God.
Be careful of disregarding responsibilities specially attached to women in the bible as we are in an era where gender is neutered … thought to be of no consequence. Both male and female have very important roles in the work ahead although they may not always be the same roles. Do not be a bigot … joining those who misuse scripture to misuse and abuse women or throw on them limits that are not scriptural. But we are in a time when women want to go to the battle front and men want to bear babies … if that was God’s wish He would not have made us physiologically unalike.
Verses for further meditation
1 Samuel 16:6-13; 2 Kings 5:1-5
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Do not revere someone just because of age. Do not allow bias or prejudice to cloud judgment. Leaders are cautious in judgments …they see way beyond traditional barriers and populist ideals.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to serve you to the fullest of the potential you put in me. Do not permit any to place limits upon my life which are not from 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.
February 19, 2015
Tower of the Furnaces
Nehemiah 3:11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
Daniel 3: 23 But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.
Isaiah 48:10 “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction
Every time we encounter furnaces … we are concerned, for this suggests trouble. But it is through troubles that we often find growth. Why must the tower of the furnaces be repaired? This tower was so called, because it was close to where bread was baked … or where weapons were forged. Either way, the furnace is needed to heat up an object in a process so that it may produce something better. It speaks of testing and examination, the removal of impurities and purification of motives. We need the furnace in our business. There are trials that have a purpose to rearrange our plans and realign our thoughts so God can place everything where He wants.
I have seen business men in troubles which only produced later strength and became means for elevation that otherwise could not have happened. As we repair, we are also repairing scenarios that will someday be the means of testing us …places of strange afflictions that are needed for our progress into a higher dimension of success. If we must be nourished with bread …the dough must be put in the oven and the heat must be right. There are many ideas that are great but have not yet been subjected to the heat that refines.
Most are not ready to do God’s will until they have been through the refiner’s fire when many impurities in our motives have been burnt off …giving us better clarity of purpose to be what God has intended. If the tower of the furnaces is not repaired …the furnaces are vulnerable …the source of bread, strength and refinement is at risk. May we pass our tests.
Verses for further meditation
Mal 3:2-3; Zech 13:9
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Crisis can be a friend, when we know what to do with it.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, May our promotions never be delayed for lack of furnaces. 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.
February 18, 2015
His House
Nehemiah 3:10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.
Business can have costs on our family and home. Many have built great businesses but their homes are in disarray. God wants the walls close to your house to be strong. Often when we are starting a project, we suffer the impact of neglect of our family and worse the enemy leaves us alone but instead targets his arrows at our house. If our house is brought down, we will be shamed, discouraged and too weakened in resolve … so God arranges it that the walls by our house are strong.
Consider prayerfully, your marriage, your children, spouse and extended family living in your house … do you discern vulnerabilities. Do not think they will be spared from arrows when you are in foreign lands negotiating deals. You should pray today to repair the walls around your house. Cover your home in the blood of Jesus for today and for the future visit of evil. Do not be so carried away by the other walls as to neglect the walls against your house.
It is not meet to focus only on others in prayer and abandon the need for spiritual fortifications for your house. This is a false piety. Gather your family this week for a special time to fortify your house in prayers. Pray instead of worrying.
Verses for further meditation
Luke 12:22-34; Isaiah 35:4
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Worry is a great destroyer of time, energy and vision. Pray instead over your home
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Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord Jesus … the walls against my house are weak, please send helpers to its repairs. May all future attacks against my house be frustrated. None of my family will go to hell. 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.
February 17, 2015
A Different Son
Nehemiah 3:9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.
It is not every man of advantage that God will not use. There are children of rulers who will be used by God to be part of the repairs. Humility is not alien to rulers …and pride is common even amongst the poor. Rephaiah was just different … for he had the right heart to build. Today is a good day to ask God to help you concerning your heart and motives, now and in the future. Pray that in the day of His visitation, need and honor, God will still find you useable for His glory to repair the gaps He calls you to.
You may have the pedigree of royalty, you may rise to a place of prominence but you will need to be able to line up with people with nothing to their name. They may even disdain you and laugh at you … but you must hold on and repair your part. Play your role so that you may obtain the approval of heaven.
A professor was once carrying a dirty head pan of sand on his head as they built a local church … and people wanted to collect the head pan saying “No … you are a highly educated man …must you repair with less prominent men” … but the professor said “No …leave me to my assignment … go and face yours….”
God calls to humble assignments to test us and to help us. These walls that you repair in humility are the broadest of walls that will hold in the times of the most dangerous spiritual onslaught … set to come in the future.
Verses for further meditation
Luke 1:48-52; James 4:10
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Completing tasks with humility builds your inner man and inner strength for the future
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Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, help me to be different – to serve you as you should be served. 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.
February 16, 2015
The Broad Wall
Nehemiah 3:8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
Many who joined hands had their skills. They were professionals, they were men of industry and not idle men. There are assignments that can not be trusted with men who have not been tried. There are walls that will require extra skill and effort …the broad wall is a place with more bricks. Not for the lazy.
The broad wall symbolises a place of extra safety, speaks of fortifications in the place of prayers. Gird up your spiritual muscles …be prepared to spend more time in prayer to repair the broad wall. There are some aspects of your destiny that will require extra effort in intercession. I pray God will give you ahead a prayer strategy for your business. It is best to pray ahead … than wait until there is a major problem.
It is too late to be building walls when the archers have already drawn their arrows. It must be done before and this will require effort, skill and industry. Set out time to intercede concerning fortifications against the enemy. Pray ahead against bitter betrayals. Pray ahead against discouragement. Pray ahead against storms. Pray ahead against wicked troubles. Repair the broad wall that will one day be required to protect you when the arrows come as they surely will. Do some extra research and preparation concerning that project.
We tend to leave the repairs of the broad wall alone until later … because of the additional spiritual effort. Get up … be stronger in prayer today. I cannot say what you will encounter later in the year, but put your best effort now into today’s intercession and extra preparations when you can see no enemies … there can be future trials that will need the broad wall repaired and intact.
Verses for further meditation
Rev 3:14-16; Hag 1:4-11
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Effective people keep two lists … Urgent items and important items. Time is allocated to both with more weight on importance … effectively delegating urgent items when you can.
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Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, strengthen me to repair in the place of prayer the broad walls. The important fortifications for tomorrow’s onslaught. 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 u.
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.
February 15, 2015
The Throne of the Governor
Nehemiah 3:7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.
This verse has mystified many scholars and there are many interpretations and thoughts on what the last section could mean. There is a landmark in the area that was referred to as “the throne of the governor” and the ongoing repairs was somehow related to this landmark. It is more pertinent to remind ourselves that the Governor of the nations – Jesus Christ seeks a place in our hearts to rule and to reign. He looks not only for a room but for a royal throne. Two cannot sit on the throne …God will not share His throne with self especially when it concerns that business idea. To tell God to reign and rule in all our thoughts, words and deeds requires that we repair the throne room … in our hearts.
The presence of the King in a palace changes the atmosphere …there is joy, dominion and divine guardians …angels worshipping, bowing before Him. Satan cannot hang around when God reigns … evil plans must all bow before the throne. Even our business can be an instrument of worship, giving glory and adoration to the King of kings. God will not rest in a place that is filthy and unkempt … therefore cleanse your heart, be washed in His blood …receive Him afresh to reign in you …the God of grace.
Verses for further meditation
John 14:6; Jude 1:11-15
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders understand that energy must be allocated to different projects. They have mastered how to prioritise to maximize value.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, come and reign supreme in my heart, even today. Come and rest on your throne.
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 u.
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.
February 14, 2015
The Old Gate
Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
The Bible speaks of the old way of truth. There are important principles that we may consider old fashioned but they will never change. Jeremiah 6:16 states ‘Thus says the Lord, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.’ We often become like those described in the book of Timothy.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Too many Christian’s today find old truths boring and predictable and will try to change it to make it acceptable with what the world will enjoy and accept …forgetting that he is the change yesterday and forever.
As you get started, be careful on the truth you accept … you may be hearing ways of doing things that are different from the truths of God … you may also be told these are modern versions …be careful … be sure you have repaired the old gates …family devotion and prayer, personal vigils/prayer meetings and bible study, one-on-one evangelism and follow up … the things many do not do anymore because they cannot give the time. Start with the old paths to discover the new things your business will uncover.
Verses for further meditation
Proverbs 22:28; Daniel 7:22
Thoughts for Business and the work place
It is foolish to reinvent the wheel. Knowledge of the old will be helpful.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me the old paths. 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 u.
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.
February 13, 2015
Mourning a Leader in Decline
David was a fugitive hunted by a leader whose time was passing. The decline of Saul was a long drawn process, affording many opportunities to hunt and destroy the besieged successor – David, seen wandering in the harsh wilderness of Engedi . Three thousand chosen men were with Saul on his mission of assasination, but all they could achieve was a humiliating encounter in which they came to the realization that a piece of the king’s skirt had been cut by the very one they were hunting down. The divinely protected David was presented with the opportunity to destroy his tormentor and take over the throne …. but even the mere after thought that David had cut off just a piece of the skirt of the King caused him anguish … for we read that his heart smote him.
1 Samuel 24:5 And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
David eventually became what God had ordained him to be. I have often wondered what would have happened if David seized the moment and accelerated the script to emerge as the new leader replacing an already mad monarch. I suspect his end would have been like Gehazi, like Absalom, succumbing to the fate of those obsessed with their ambitions especially when there may be valid arguments for their lusts.
David was a leader, decades before his crowning … already displaying the virtues of patience, fear of God and sensitivity to timing and purposes of the Almighty. Saul was already dethroned although he kept the title … the angels in heaven could only observe a mad loser unable to trace a path of correction and repentance … instead preoccupied with trying to destroy and discredit another … given to sponsoring bad stories, harassment and assassination plots.
There are lessons for the present leader and for the leader to-be. Repentance, correction and retracing ones step to please God are always available options for those God has ordained to remain relevant for His glorious future. Leaders can err and find their way back if given the grace to make this choice to return and mend their ways. However, those who sense the urge to take over as leaders cannot accelerate the process with propaganda, murder, theft and plots … and will often have to wait long for the cup of the other to be full … waiting for God’s appointed time.
David was not ready, and was humble enough to know it. David knew above all that he needed God’s endorsement more than the votes of a roaring landslide majority. The murderous ineptitude of Saul may have been a good reason for some to terminate his reign, but for David who had learnt to see through the lens of heaven …all that mattered was the divine timetable.
The fool has said in his heart that there is no God and does as he pleases, using his natural senses to please his valid aspirations. But David knew … a tenure on the throne without God’s backing would only expose him to a sure trap – a wicked snare … even as the cheering of men suggests otherwise. It was better for David to remain in the caves, waiting on God and learning the lessons he would one day need.
David mourns his act of embarrassing Saul …his heart smitten with shame. Saul is more confused, more desperate as his clarity deteriorates further. His madness persists. To think you can continue to obtain divine favor that excludes self-examination, humility and repentance is indeed the height of insanity.
Not many Noble are called
Nehemiah 3:5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.
1Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
God calls specific men of character who have been trained and prepared for the work ahead. But the foolishness of God is wiser than men …and so is His weakness stronger. God does not need human cleverness or physical aggression. These are unnecessary for His work and will only lead to men glorying in the flesh and their skill. Even amongst those who qualify, He must find the base things of the world.
God will not have His work to be confused with political or academic cleverness. The nobles must be excluded or in the end they will lay claim and say it was their nobility that built the walls. Be humble and let God know you are reliant on Him and you need His constant direction and correction. Nobles are not so easy to direct and more difficult to correct. In confirming the identity of those God has called to be with you, do not rule out those that the world has disqualified. Some of these are the best hands God will find for the assignment ahead. Do not lean to your understanding …let God exclude those that He will. He has good reasons to do so.
Verses for further meditation
Luke 6:22 ; John 15:16
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders have their radio frequency … discover yours and find and engage those tuned to it.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me to be ever humble at all times. 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 u.
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.
February 12, 2015
More hands
Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
Where will you find the right people to join hands with you? Should you advertise for skills or should you simply wait for God to send them? You will not succeed without others joining with you. Ask God to send the right people He has chosen. Whether you advertise, or people are recommended … know that the people have been specially chosen …they are not random. Observe how the Bible speak of their fathers … the pedigree is important. It is not anyone that can join hands with you. Find out more about those who want to work with you. Pray that God will reveal their true agenda. Be interested in their background and the homes they have come from. This is not being too careful or being snobbish … one wrong member of staff can do so much damage.
Find out … perhaps from interviews whether these are repairers or destroyers. Repairers do not complain or pull down … they work hard to make every place better than they met it. They do not criticize and are helpers of the work … they are loyal and team players. Seek for evidence of these attributes next time you recruit.
Verses for further meditation
Ezekiel 37:4; Joshua 8:3
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Collaboration brings the small embers together and produces a great fire. Leaders can find the small sparks.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, send your repairers to your work. Help me to know those you have selected. 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 u.
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.
