Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 35
February 1, 2015
The Rulers who knew not
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.
Ignorance is a pillar for confusion; we therefore must communicate effectively for accord. But it is not everything that must be shared. The rulers are the controllers, the lords and approvers of resources. It helps when they understand what you are planning. But for Nehemiah, it was not his instruction to share his dream yet even with the rulers and elders … and so they did not understand him nor did they trust him. When Nehemiah was listening to God for direction, the rulers were discussing and attributing a different motive to Nehemiah’s action. Has God given you a dream? Do not share it with any until God asks you to. Wait on God. But you ask, if I do not share it, how will I get the support I need? Sometimes the support of men is poisonous to divine dreams. Keep looking up to God for direction. Soon He will tell you who to share your vision with and when to do so.
Learn to be silent. Study how to be reserved in your words. Understand the value of brevity in words and receive extra grace to wait until God fully releases your lips and unseals your tongue. Soon your communication will be targeted, precise and effective in obtaining the response that you need and also when you need it.
Verses for further meditation
2 Samuel 22:29; Psalm 119:105
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders get others to do that which needs to be done because they want to do it. There is a strategy to communicate vision for the right response and action.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, may my lips be sealed when that is your command. Be a lamp and light for my communication.
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.
January 31, 2015
A Different Route
Nehemiah 2:15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.
A different route is forced by an obstacle. Nehemiah still goes up in the night … he views the wall and enters by the gate … what is he looking for? Have you ever wondered what are you looking for … when you stay up all night and you do not know what next … but you just avoid the hindrances and keep moving on. How can I let you know that all you need to do at some times is to just show up, just keep moving … keep moving in the laboratory … show up every night in your marriage ….show up every night in your planning and visioning … especially when you are not even sure what will come out of it. Just going on in night seasons is a strange mystery that I wish I can explain to you. But winners are those who kept on showing up – inspired by their God and His vision.
Nehemiah moves up and keeps viewing until he is led to turn back … this is not his planned route. His colleagues are sleeping. Even the horse he was riding has been put aside.
Eventually, God will tell you … it is time to return to your assignment. Do not be paralyzed in analysis. Do not remain forever in planning. A great assignment awaits you. Keep awake. Move on. Be sensitive to instincts to change direction … do not give up. Now return to the laboratory. Be persistent.
Verses for further meditation
Prov 6:10; 1 Thess 5:6
Thoughts for Business and the work place
A relentless bias for action pushes ideas forward.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, keep guiding me through the ups and downs. 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.
January 30, 2015
Hindrance
Nehemiah 2:14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.
Do you know that the worst forms of hindrance is disturbed thoughts. Actions disturbed are easy to correct …we can always build again what we were not permitted to build …. but we often cannot rediscover a thought lost. Nehemiah is concentrating and meditating and then he observes a hindrance …his inspection is disturbed … he must come down from the high horse. He needs a different vision … he needs another perspective. The hindrance is the opportunity to come down and look from a different angle. You believe you have seen it all …but you have not … you need another perspective of what you are seeing. Your thoughts can be enriched by a different view of the problem.
Do you see that your obstacle is an opportunity … do not allow the thoughts coming to you from God be lost. The first and most important training lesson for Nehemiah is that “every obstacle before you is an opportunity to view your life and future from a different perspective so you can see something different…” Nehemiah learnt well … in future there will be new opportunities and there will be hindrances … but it will be time to come down lower … to humble yourself a little more … an opportunity to alight from that high horse and come lower. Do not give up …the idea is coming but you need to see the issues from a different perspective … do not sleep, do not give in, do not say it is over … do not go back. Humble yourself a little more.
Verses for further meditation
Matt 16:23; Romans 14:3
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Hindrance reminds us there may be an undiscovered better way.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, let me not be stopped by the hindrances before me …help me to move through them and to see new things that you want me to see. 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.
January 29, 2015
Another Inspection
Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.
There are times, we must go and look again even when we have looked before. Nehemiah arises in the night on his horse and examines the scene. He again observes all the damage he must fix. He sees the walls in ruins and the gates consumed. He already knows this is the situation but he is closely led by God to reexamine the situation …but this time in the night. What we see differs at different times. We also need to come close to situations to truly understand them. Our vision in the silence and isolation of the night is different from our vision in the hustle and bustle of the day. We can obtain different insights from different inspections at different times and seasons of life. Even our moods affect our understand and exposure. There is something about night seasons that opens our senses in ways we cannot explain. Our carnal man is weary, but our spirit man is alive and his senses more acute.
In times of sorrow and difficulty, we conclude that there is nothing to do but mourn, but remember when David came to Ziklag and found all was lost …he mourned and wept but he moved forward … and it was soon after that Saul was dead and he was king … and David recovered all. Night seasons can be deceptive …God’s best ideas and insights can come from reviewing matters – in the night, when we feel all may be lost. Remember all it takes is an idea from God and you can come up with revolutionary thoughts … an eureka moment … great inventors never wasted the night …do not waste yours. Insight is a psychological term that attempts to describe the process in problem solving when a previously unsolvable puzzle becomes suddenly clear and obvious…. Insight can often come in the night.
Verses for further meditation
Acts 16:9; 1 Thess 2:9
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders keep their focus on the required actions and not the weather. Remember seasons and periods come and go. Different seasons offer unique perspectives to issues.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, Give me an idea from heaven …help me see what you want me to see. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 28, 2015
Instructions in the Night
Nehemiah 2:12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.
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The night speaks of darkness, uncertainty, trouble and risk. How so many of us are justified to hate the night seasons … but, it is often the time when God puts things in our hearts. We love the daylight … we can see clearly and our senses alert, but in the night, we are afraid, disturbed … drowsy. Nehemiah arises in the night and gets set to move on. The men around him do not understand why he cannot wait till day break… why must they be disturbed from their sleep.
Nehemiah is a trained man of God and not a man of people. He does not tell or explain the thoughts that God has put in his heart … he mounts the beast and moves to where God has sent. Be careful of whom you tell your dream or divine strategy. People will not often appreciate what God has instructed, as the ways of God are not remotely that of men. May God help you to make haste to move when instructed to do so, and not to tarry. May we not waste our night seasons …sleeping, in self-pity, mourning or whining. May God help us to hear Him and to obey by arising at the time He has instructed – even when it is not convenient.
Nehemiah had only a few men … surely he could have confided in them – but God did not tell him to do so. May we learn to work alone when this is the way God has specifically instructed.
Verses for further meditation
Luke 2:8; Acts 5:19
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders are driven by deeply held convictions. But night seasons can teach humility, sympathy and patience – important virtues needed to lead.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, Help me not to waste my night seasons in murmuring and self-pity. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 27, 2015
Three days in Jerusalem
Nehemiah 2:11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
Why did Nehemiah go to Jerusalem and what would be his first actions? It seems he went in obedience to God and to further wait on Him. It was a time for God to fill his heart with His desires. This is a different type of retreat … no sermons, no music, no talking …only Nehemiah alone with a few men and God in the midst of the ruins. We have lost the importance of staying apart with God. Why don’t you start that new venture with a quiet three day retreat …you and God in the midst of the issues. This is a great way to incubate a business idea or a new vision or venture. Nehemiah was seeking after the welfare of the people of God but he needed a strategy, an approach … he needed strength, he needed fresh anointing. Why don’t you find your Jerusalem and remain apart to hear God for a few lonely days ? God may require a longer period … Moses needed 40 years to be ready .
Many err, when they rush with well-meaning agendas. You may know what God has ordained for you, but are you ready for that vision. Even if you are ready, is the vision ready for you …is Jerusalem prepared for what you must do? Only God can answer these questions …and He will often only reveal them in quiet and lonely places where he can get your full attention.
Verses for further meditation
Gen 32:24; Matthew 14:23
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders know that they must learn to come apart to find their direction before seeking to engage others.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me to be apart with you … to hear and be tutored by you. Let me not move in careless haste. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 26, 2015
Grief of the Enemy
Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
It is not all grief that is good. The Bible describes that this was exceeding grief. Why should this team be so sad that someone is keen after the welfare of Israel? Why is the restoration of the Church or the walls of the kingdom a matter of grief for God’s enemies? It is because the enemies of God will stop thriving in a restored environment.
Do not seek the approval of men when it comes to your God-given vision, it may not come …indeed, people may be exceedingly saddened at your objective. A story has been spread about your wicked motives …they say you are envious, bitter or that you cannot stay in your place …whatever. It is painful to endure the disapproval of men especially when it is eloquently expressed. This was no quiet disapproval, but an exceeding hatred for a good mission.
Many are uncomfortable with change and so you must be steadfast to withstand mockery, hatred and more than a few heard of Nehemiah’s proposal. The story began to spread fast that there is one man who dares to make a change. May you be like that one man.
Verses for further meditation
Acts 4:29; Heb 10:23
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Do not be too concerned by apparent consensus against your vision.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, help me to be strong even when I must stand as one man. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 25, 2015
Captains of the Army
Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me
Nehemiah is not alone, for he has not just soldiers, but captains sent to help him. You are not alone in the assignments of God, although you may think so. Consider the experience of Paul.
Act 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. :13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. :15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. :16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. 18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. :19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? :20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. 21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. :22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. 23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
God has His people everywhere. He has His people in high places and low places. He has His people even in the camp of those who seek your destruction. He uses people to help us. If He needs to raise a judge to deliver you, He will. If He needs to raise a taxi driver to protect you, He will. When it comes to defending His own, the Lord has enormous capacity that can be deployed on your behalf at the right time.
This day, the Lord will arise to help you. He has set up defenders to speak for you. Don’t panic. You are not alone.
Verses for further meditation
Acts 4:3; Ephesians 3:12
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders understand how to harness the forces around them. There are many sources of help we disregard.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, I thank you for helpers you have sent to defend and assist 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 24, 2015
Governors beyond the river
Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
No one said, the task ahead will be easy. You will still need to face the governors beyond the river. These are authorities who will ordinarily resist your progress. Do not be afraid of them. If God has given you a divine message, and a role which has been preordained of Him, then go in that authority.
It can be intimidating to be challenged by governors …you, an exiled captive …who will believe you? The enemy will be whispering into your ears to give up and you will be tempted to return to the palace. Not Nehemiah, instead he gave the king’s letter …waiting for their reaction. After crossing the river of your doubts … the governors stand to stop what God has authorized … until you let them know that you come in the name of the Lord.
In the place of prayer, today is a good day to tell your obstructions that you have come in the name of the Lord and not in your strength. Watch how the governors before you have no choice but to submit to divine authority. It is an awesome thing to see human authorities buckle before divine power. Be assured, all power belongs to God. Be unafraid of the governors …be confident in the authority of God, divine and highest authority. At the name of Jesus …every knee surely bows.
Verses for further meditation
1 Samuel 17:1-58; James 1: 12
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders understand how to capitalize on conflict. In obstacles there are opportunities to show hidden strengths.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me to be bold and strong in the face of human and political authority, in the knowledge that yours is the greatest authority … the King of kings. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
January 23, 2015
The Good Hand of Our God
Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me
How good is the hand of God. So good, immeasurably good, incomparably good. We often miss this aspect of God and think God is hard … but the goodness and kindness of God shows in His hand … when it is upon us.
My friend, things will still work out because God is good. You will not be put to shame because God is good. You will reach your goal because God is good. When you are beginning a new business with God … pause to remember that God has a good hand and it is His good hand that sends and protects you. I pray that you will be granted answers quickly to your prayers and favored with God’s help and kind intervention. Reflect on previous testimonies of His goodness which you have experienced in the past.
Do not for a minute imagine that you are on your own. There is a great and mighty hand upon you that will uphold and sustain you. Do not annoy God or repel His hand with disobedience. Without his hand upon you, how can you hope to ever succeed ?
Remember to be thankful and praise Him for His good hand.
Verses for further meditation
John 1:47; Proverbs 28:1
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders engage others openly with their ideas … creative teams are built on trust and constant engagement.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, may your hand be ever upon my life and all my endeavors. 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 for Nehemiah’s Wall from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 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
