Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 34

The Fish Gate

Nehemiah 3:3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

This next gate to be built was called the fish gate because the fisherman of Galilee would bring their catch in through this gate to be sold. This has important symbolism. The first gate spoke of our salvation, the most important issue …the next speaks of our next role. After seeing that Jesus died for our sins, we must tell others about it. Their simple testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives qualifies us to be great ‘fishers of men’. But what has your business got to do with evangelism. It does. Let Christ shine in you and men will be drawn to Christ even through that business. Your Christ-like ethics and virtues will cause many to wonder and want to know your God.

This gate also is said to speak of the Church in the the apostolic calling where believers on fire for God sacrificed all and went out to turn the world upside down with the message of Jesus Christ

You can ask God to use your business and the testimony of Christ in your assignment in whatever sphere of life, to cause a great catch of fishes … your business can be a ship, fishing for souls … Christ will borrow your ship and provide you with instruments and He will draw the fish Himself to Him to be saved.

A badly run business that cuts corners with poor ethics is a reproach to Christ … Christ will not borrow such a vessel for soon it brings reproach to His glorious name. Be committed to kingdom virtues and ethics.

Verses for further meditation

Prov 16:17; Isaiah 35:8-9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

God’s Leaders often think differently and are widely variant on how they manage ideas … but they all commit to high ethical standards.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, use this assignment in business as a ship that Christ can borrow to fish for souls. 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.

 

Others Join to Build

Nehemiah 3:2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

When the priest begin with the Sheep’s gate, others join to follow. When we lift up Jesus – the Lamb of God … all men are drawn unto Him. Do not labor in vain … observe that Nehemiah is not in the picture here. Let God work for you …Let Christ prove Himself. There are times you will only watch to observe others do the work … God’s servants sent by God doing the work.

It is true that there are times we must be alone and do what God commands alone …and there are times when we will see rare cooperation and the building of the men of Jericho. There are others that must join hands in the good work that God has called you to lead. Be open to God-sent helpers. Do not be obsessed with what the enemy is doing … for God has more of His own committed to His work than the enemy.

See how men began to join themselves to the work that Nehemiah was used to lead. I pray that as you stand against the agents of hell, you will see divine helpers come around.

Psa 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psa 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep

I suspect Nehemiah was resting … conserving divine strength as he observed the people beginning to build. There are times to conserve strength for future stages of the battle. Learn to enjoy the labor of Christ through others … even for assignments given to you.

Verses for further meditation

Acts 19:22; 1 Chron 23:28-29

Thoughts for Business and the work place

The internet has emerged as a great tool for virtual connectivity to expand your community and find inspiration.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, As I begin your assignment and resist the enemy, send your helpers to minister and join hands in the great work you have commissioned. 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.

 

The Sheep Gate

Nehemiah 3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

The Sheep Gate was the first of the structures to be restored, and it was rebuilt by the High Priest and his fellow priests. It was called the Sheep Gate because it opened to sheep markets, where lambs were sold for sacrifice in the Temple …this gate also led to Golgotha, the path Jesus took to the place of His crucifixion.

Also note that whenever Jesus entered into city it was usually through the Sheep gate leading to the sheep market … at which Jesus healed the palsied man in John 5:1,2.

This has important symbolism. The sheep points to Christ, the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world …the finished and complete sacrifice. Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. This was also the only gate that was consecrated (set apart as holy) as it was used for the holy purpose of bringing in the sacrifices for the temple. The Sheep Gate represents the experience of salvation made available by the Cross – that is, a reminder that Jesus was the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. We must begin where God begins. Begin with Christ, the experience of true salvation. If you are uncertain of your salvation in Christ then you will waste too much time and your energy by building amiss. Also your labors without Christ will be in vain.

Be careful to start right. Rededicate your life and all you can ever be to Christ.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 53:6

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leadership is about leading others and especially leading yourself.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, I surrender all to Christ my salvation. Amen.

 

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

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

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

 

The God of Heaven

Nehemiah 2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

How do you answer to mockery and accusation? Do not begin a legal battle or begin to marshal clever arguments. Instead, bring in the God who sent you … let it be clear that they are right if they think this is your personal plan …but if it is God, you will surely prosper and God will send His servants to arise and build. Note that Nehemiah excludes himself from the situation. He does not plead by arguing his loyalty to the king nor does he present his credentials … he does not aim to demonstrate his innocence. Instead he resets the battle as a mockery of God.

When your plan and vision is mocked … can you say “God will prosper His plan” … Immediately God is brought into the equation, the true identity of Sanballat and his team is unveiled. The mockers are the servants of satan and they have no part in God’s work nor have they any portion in His testimonies. They are excluded because they belong to satan. Do not be naïve to think satan has no servants. He does and they are also actively serving him well. They have no portion in your dream …they do not understand it and have been commissioned to mock, deride and pull it down. They have been recruited to discourage you with accusation. Simply stand on the God of Heaven and on His assignment that will be prospered with the help of His servants.

Also remember that you are not alone. God has loyal servants ..angels and spirit filled helpers to comfort and encourage you … also look to them as God’s instruments for divine comfort.

Verses for further meditation

Prov 28:13; 1 Chron 22: 11-13

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders understand how to leverage the community around them – they also know those to be excluded.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, may your plans prosper in my hands. 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.

 

Questions and Accusations

Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Nehemiah has not done anything wrong, he only invites others to a good work of restoration … but he is questioned and accused of rebellion. It is pointless to examine accusations, it is enough that we know that there is a father of accusations, there is the accuser of the brethren.

Accusations come with some evidence … a little truth … in this case, Nehemiah is indeed the king’s servant … and it could easily have been a rebellion until Nehemiah is able to prove otherwise. Accusations are painful … mockery and derision can hurt … but be strong like Nehemiah. Expect them to laugh at your vision. Expect that business idea to be questioned. Expect a painful accusation to be targeted at you. These are signs of future great victories and achievements.

Learn to live with verbal assaults, criticism and to be comported in an atmosphere of resistance. This is very vital training as you will need this skill in the boardroom … you will need this as you present proposals to banks … even those you count as friends will laugh … and the accusations will come when it is likely to hurt you the most. But be strong … these are just signs of good things to come. Learn to smile, persevere and receive grace to move forward in spite of these arrows.

Verses for further meditation

Numbers 32:7; Isaiah 37:17

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders who are positive in handling criticism end up with a better solution.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, give me grace to stand in times of mockery and accusations. 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.

 

The Army of Hell

Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Every testimony and great exploit is guarded by satan’s army. Greatness will not happen to all because there is a resistance to overcome and there are devils to confront. This is the surest evidence that you are close to a great victory. The strategies of hell remain the same. First, hell is closer that you think? Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem are close enough to hear Nehemiah. They are part of the congregation and they will first scorn and despise the dream. They are right to laugh because they think Nehemiah is moving in human strength. If Nehemiah had come in his own strength, he would be a joke worth only of derision.

Until your dream is funny and good to be despised, then it is not big enough. If you can figure how to do something without God, then it is not from God. God’s vision is impossible to men and requires God to achieve. Observe also the varied nationalities of the enemy … a Horonite, a Ammonite and the Arabian are aligned against Nehemiah. Political alliances come together to stop you … principalities in the demonic heavens have recruited agents to stop you. You have been marked and closely watched … your very first move is closely watched. The expectation was that Nehemiah, a servant and slave will die serving the king as a cup bearer, that was the agenda of hell. God’s plan was that Nehemiah is positioned to be a battle axe in the hand of God.

I pray you will be able to stand against and defeat the mockery and disdain of hell.

Verses for further meditation

Numbers 32:7; Isaiah 37:17

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Be willing and ready to be challenged and even mocked. It comes with the leadership package

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, mockery can be vicious. Let me not be stopped by mockery. 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.

 

Strengthened Hands

Nehemiah 2:18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Weak hands cannot achieve anything great. Do not be deceived, you will need strength … a new strength that you do not currently have. That is why God must be involved. Great actions are not things that just happen, they are the result of great overcoming. To find new strength you also need to wait on God.

It is not an easy thing to wait on God. It is easier to move in the strength that we have and not plan based on the strength of God. God gives superhuman strength to do exploits that can change generations. New inventions require supernatural insights … God gives strength and gives insights. God’s strength is not for any kind of work. There is a good work and there is nonsense. Ask yourself, what kind of work are you planning … what kind of vision do you have … can your dream be described as a good dream and can your work be described a good work.

When God gives you a good work to do, He will also give you grace to wait on Him, and soon there will be strength for the work. The way of strengthening your hand is by waiting on God. The gymnasium for physical strength, is great – only that the Bible says that “the strength of man will fail”

1Sa_2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail

Psa_59:9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

Most events that we do not want, happen only because we need new strength and a time of waiting is required to incubate a new strength that must be available for the next assignment. When we do not understand that we need to wait for strength, God may permit us to fail in an area that will bring us to periods of waiting. The waiting is for the next assignment. God works in us so we do not fail … the reason why you will not fail is because it is God at work through you and not your strength. Never forget this. You are unstoppable and the strength in which you operate cannot be matched.

Verses for further meditation

Joshua 14:11; 1 Samuel 2:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Many things do not change until pushed to do so. May God give you His wisdom and strength

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, give me your strength. Make us unstoppable in 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 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.

 

Nehemiah’s Credentials

Nehemiah 2:18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Nehemiah introduces himself as one who is favored by God and also before men. You will know the time of your assignment when your credentials are as they should be. The most important of your credentials are not your academic qualifications or your period of waiting. The most important thing is not in your past or even in your future …but in your present circumstance. You need to be able to answer two very important questions. The first is “ Is the good hand of God upon you? … you will know if God has divinely helped you … there is a strength and insight that you will not be able to explain. God will show you things and empower you to bear situations that will help you see that “if it had not been for the Lord…” Things that destroyed others will not be able to destroy you. You will know God’s hand is upon you when you begin to sense miraculous deliverance and benevolence. God will give evidence of His hand so that you know for sure.

The other thing is favour with men. Nehemiah had unusual favour with the king. When men begin to make unusual accommodation for your foibles and they accept your conditions, then you will sense an unusual favour. You will need favour with men in the future and you must be sure you have it. When you have that favour, men will not be able to say no to you. It will give you the boldness for exploits. Nehemiah had favour with theking and with those who heard him. They believed him, obeyed him and honoured him … a king’s servant as they responded … “Let us arise and build”

I pray you will find favour with God and men. As you sense the hand of God upon you, know that this strength is for a purpose. Get ready for God’s assignment in business, academia or whichever area of influence God has chosen for you.

Verses for further meditation

Eccle 10:12; Acts 7:9-10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Self-marketing is not a sin. Learn to find favor that comes when we properly present yourself … people need to know your credentials to follow.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, As I sense your strength and help, may I not waste the moment. 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.

 

Effective Communication

Nehemiah 2:17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. When the time to speak of the vision comes … your words will have been well baked in many ovens of silence … it would have been well seasoned by the wisdom of God … a wisdom that none can dispute. Nehemiah describes the vision for the first time, he invites his hearers to come and then he explains what they will be doing. I pray God gives you clarity in speech. Good businessmen and women understand the power of effective communications especially speech.

Learn to speak with clarity …know the headlines of your communication … do not try and say too much …and most people can digest only three main points at a time … Do not underestimate the importance of clear speech. You do not need an hour to say what can be said in three minutes. Before you prepare any speech … be sure you know the three vital headlines you want people to go away with. In this case Nehemiah wanted to share 1. Distress that we are in … as Jerusalem wastes and the gates are burnt 2. Come let us build 3. What is in it for you – an end to reproach.

Understand the pillars of compelling communication. The first pillar is the burning platform (why we need to act) … the second pillar is a call to action … “Come let us build” and finally the third pillar is the “ The Benefit statement” … May God help you to make compelling statements. A brief sentence can be more compelling than pages of words and paragraphs.

Luk_21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Verses for further meditation

Matt 16:23; Romans 14:3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have learnt to share the ownership of their ideas with others. Effective communication is vital.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, give me a tongue that none can resist. 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.

 

Relationship with God

Nehemiah 2:16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

Not even the priest, elders and friends were informed concerning the mission. It is not everything that must be shared with your pastor. And there are many things hidden even from the leaders. That is why your communication and relationship with God must be as clear and certain … as your relationship with your best friend. Many do not have a relationship with God or do not know how to walk with God. Invariably they talk to family, friends and their church family and pastor …they are gregarious and friendly which is good …but their fatal flaw is that they do not know God and have no personal relationship with the Almighty.

Begin a relationship with God in the place of prayer …end time in His word. Allocate quality quiet time to meditate on what you have read …and open your heart to Him. Soon you will begin to hear Him and you will gradually learn the difference between hearing your belly, friends, pastor and hearing God. To hear God is to discover the most important secret for your success in business. God knows who your partners should be. God knows the market … He knows the threats and He uncovers the future better than any economic model or theory can ever do.

Be silent …until you hear God. Learn obedience … we suffer much when we disobey God or mistake our desires for divine direction.

Verses for further meditation

Heb 5:8; Romans 16:19

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Transparency is a potent driver for ideas to gain traction. Silence must not be confused with guile.

Suggestions for Prayer

O Lord, teach me your ways … especially to hear and obey you completely. 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.