Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 36
January 22, 2015
Timber for the Beams
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.
.
Timber is a building material that speaks of strength. There are essentally two major materials for building …Timber and stones. These have to be provided by benevolence and effort. Even after the timber is provided, it will still need to be cut and prepared. Considerable work and strenuous effort is involved in construction of anything worthy.
Hag 1:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Hag 1:8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. Hag 1:9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Hag 1:10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit
Nehemiah is authorized to receive the wood, but he must still go to the mountains to receive the wood and organize transportation to the location of its use. This is an arduous task … not for the lazy. Today is good as any to examine how industrious you are. What kinds of preparation are you ready to make for the vision? The logistics of transferring tons of timber from the mountains for God’s assignment has been assigned to you. How will you tackle this important role? What sort of preparations are need for the execution of your vision. Preparation is the first stage of implementation …and involves counting the cost and arranging for resources, authority and approvals of what you will like to do. Often regulations will guide your chosen industry and you need to master all the guidelines and relevant government stipulations.
In the book of Haggai, the prophet warns at the dangers of giving up on the effort to build his house …because you will not go up the mountain. The wood is not in the plains. Do not give up on your God given dream especially when God has made special provisions concerning it. Fear your laziness more than any competition. Arise young man from sleep …it is time to go up the mountain. Begin with preparations.
Verses for further meditation
Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 19:15
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Learn the discipline of preparation action steps, to-do lists, breaking big tasks into small initial first steps.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, thank you for your special provisions. Strengthen me to play my part. 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 21, 2015
Empowered
Nehemiah 2:7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;
Nehemiah needs to be empowered. He needs letters, he must wait to be empowered with authority …letters must be written. There is a lot that the king must do for him. One way to recognize God at work is the help of men. When men begin to position you, and help comes from all known and unknown corners … you can be sure that God is at work. There is an ease that happens only because of God’s favor. You cannot do much without an empowerment that must come from God. You need help … letters, money …governors must be told about you – to clear the way from you.
When you see the way is being cleared for you, it means God has gone ahead. Remember your vision and plan and requests were all incubated in the place of prayer and intercession. When the God of heaven has given a plan, it is empowered and aided with a divine facilitation. Go back to prayer until you sense His unstoppable hand moving ahead of your endeavors. It is time to get started …
Verses for further meditation
Genesis 24:56; Hab 2:1-3
Thoughts for Business and the work place
The most effective leaders have been empowered and have learnt to empower others.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, I thank you for your help and facilitation. 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 20, 2015
A Time is Set
Nehemiah 2:6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
It strikes me that Nehemiah is not free …he is on assignment for a period, to return to the king. He is an ambassador, a pilgrim, an apostle …he will return to give an account. He is a steward of an assignment that he has set. There is an extent to which God empowers us to draw up plans and set the boundaries even as He has inspired our thoughts in the place of prayer. It is good for Christians to remember that they are pilgrims … no matter the business venture. A pilgrim is like an ambassador … a stranger in a different land…like an apostle, sent to do what God wants. We all will return before Him and I pray He will tell me “ well done…”
Do you pause to think that there is a day when you will return to give an account to God …this will change your attitude and will influence your methods …how will you go back and tell God – you pushed, schemed and cheated. How will you tell Him you fought in court and exploited the weak … How will you explain all the unjust gains and taxes you did not pay. There is a day for returning to God. But there is also a time set …we are to be diligent as time is not elastic but set. It means what must be done today must be done today and not tomorrow. Procrastination and delay can be an evil force… an ungodly deception that robs you of destined accomplishment in the set time.
Verses for further meditation
Matthew 25:14-28; Matthew 18:23
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders create systems for accountability for themselves and for others. Accountability protects.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, show me what I must do today and give me grace to move without delay. Expose and scatter all satanic resistance slowing me down. 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 19, 2015
The Queen also sits
Nehemiah 2:6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
The queen is brought into the situation. She is there, but she is silent. She sits quietly and listens but does not stop or delay the purpose of God. I do not understand why the presence of the queen is introduced as though to draw attention to her role as an influence of the king. She should have possibly raised an objection …but she says nothing.
I am praying for you, every one that has influence to resist your assignment will sit silently. I decree that kings and queens will favor God’s purpose in your life. It is a sign from heaven when resistance is silent and potential obstructions simply sit and watch …harmless to your ordained purpose. Every resistance to your new venture is paralysed … and can only sit quietly as God progresses His agenda in your life. Get ready to move forward and be blessed.
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 120:2; Proverbs 6:24
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Learn to tolerate and live with ambiguity. Everything does not need to be clear and actively supportive. Everyone does not need to agree with you openly. Many will be neutral. Be comfortable with the silence of some.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, let every source of resistance cooperate with your ordained purpose or sit silently. 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 18, 2015
That I may build
Nehemiah 2:5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.
After prayer, Nehemiah responds by asking … I want to be sent to build the city. What a bold and unusual request … no doubt the king is surprised at the request, but he understands the loyalty that is rare … the selflessness of Nehemiah disarms the king. Nehemiah is not a rebel, he remains loyal and still achieves God’s intent. We do not need to break the rules of the land or become riotous in our valid protests. When we insist and rebel, we miss the grace of God’s favour that can bring His purpose through the most unlikely ways … but His ways are ways of peace. God knows how to paralyse Pharaoh …you do not need to scheme and plot… God can part the Red Sea …you do not need to manipulate the situation. Be still and know that God is awesome and more than able. Nehemiah does not push …instead he asks politely and peacefully. The king could have laughed him off …or just ignored him, after all there was no pressure on the king to obey …he was not blackmailed or prodded to release Nehemiah.
God has given you a plan, a vision, a goal but do not be overly pushy or press with inordinate methods. I have seen blackmailers claim they were working for God … I have seen deep manipulations masquerading as the purpose of God. When it is God …everything will cooperate peacefully and without any illegality or force … God will do what only He can do … you will be able to move forward with God’s plans without cheating or forcing the hand of the king. His ways are ways of peace.
Verses for further meditation
Judges 6:24; Hebrews 12:14
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Learn to cultivate moments of peaceful productivity . Peace is a divine workshop for innovative thought.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me your ways …show me your grace .. guide me to wait on 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 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 17, 2015
If it pleases the king
Nehemiah 2:5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.
Are you a blessing in your present situation? Although you are not yet where you ought to be, are you seen as an asset … giving pleasure to perhaps a heathen king. Nehemiah does not send himself … he knows God rules in the affairs of all men, and so he appeals to the king’s pleasure. Faithful service is always a sweet aroma … it will move the heathen and saint to want to return a favor.
Rather than dreaming of what you could be in business and how you are going to be the next Bill Gates …why do you not focus on how to be an asset in the warehouse or in the stores that you keep or as a clerk or as a bank teller. Indeed God has called you to run the bank, but the present matter is in how you are doing at your present assignment …in your present role. Are you seen as a blessing even to those who dislike or may not want to recognize you …soon God will move their hearts , but be concerned for the moment on whether your service is a pleasing service …when evaluations are written, how will you score today.
Go and work on areas that you are not giving pleasure to the king. Do you have the heart to serve or are you just gifted to lead? Nehemiah was trained to serve before he had the opportunity to lead. So will God prepare you.
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 20:7; Psalm 3:5
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Learn to do small and even unimportant things well. Make excellence your hallmark
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me to serve as you want me to … to give service that is pleasing. 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 16, 2015
God’s Blank Cheque
Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
What would you do and how will you respond if God gives you a blank signed cheque? What will you say if God asks “what do you want?” Nehemiah is asked …what is your request? I can imagine all sorts of answers. First, his freedom would make sense … then the freedom of his family members …then enough money to do well for himself….then of course he would ask for permission to do God’s will … a lot was on his mind and a quick answer should have come…. but not Nehemiah. The Bible said he prayed to the God of heaven. Prayer tells us that God knows what we do not know….prayer tells God we worship Him as God.
We pray when we are in trouble … but less when we sense God’s favor…but times of favor can be dangerously deceptive …we can be presumptuous and go ahead of God’s timing and protection into self-destruction. Do not be too busy or too excited to pray …. even before a routine meeting pray…before an important decision ask for a break and pray …when you have all the answers …still ask for time to pray.
Why? God sees what we do not see and knows what we do not know. He understands what we cannot appreciate and perceives what we cannot discern. May we be guided by the eyes of heaven …may we receive answers from heaven and not men.
The question for you today. Have you prayed over that matter? Has the God of heaven heard and answered the matter ?
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 20:7; Psalm 3:5
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders usually are the ones who talk last …but their words have weight and demonstrate clear vision
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, hear my prayers and let my cries come up to thee in heaven … teach me to always wait for your direction. 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 15, 2015
Choosing between the Broom and the Umbrella
Choices are important, and while we can make them as we will, we are unable to shake off the consequences of our choices. We think less of consequences because they dawn on us slowly and with less fanfare but are far more complex to deal with. A marriage choice can be made in a few months, but the consequences can become a lifelong experience … a career choice seems to be an exciting outcome from a well-structured 2-day seminar, but the outcomes become a decade-long conference. Still we are trained and instinctively led to think more of choices than of consequences …but is this not but folly?
Jos_24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Pro_1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD
While God asks us to freely make our choices, in Proverbs, we understand why wrong choices are always made. It is primarily because of hatred of knowledge. Knowledge of what? Consequences.
Those on the other side of the flood, those who served the gods of the Amorites ended badly even though Egypt and Sodom were beautiful, luscious and enticing to the eyes. The consequences of serving the gods of Egypt are hidden to those who will be destroyed but not to those who love the word of God. Consequences are in the long term and are often concealed. Ezekiel saw Pharaoh for who he really was …not the quiet, civilized, gentle and brilliant monarch but…a greatly wicked dragon in the waters covered with pride, greed and a demonic selfishness.
Eze_29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
How can we choose between the broom and the umbrella? We need the broom to clean the room …but we will leave the room and go out on a stormy day and wish we had chosen the umbrella. But if we choose the umbrella, we will arrive home dry and healthy only to find germs and dirt waiting under our carpet … cobwebs with spiders and all manner of foulness. How do we choose?
Scripture asks us to love knowledge and we will choose right. Knowledge does not come accidentally, it will come with a little industry … a little search. Knowledge uncovers the deceptions veiled by ignorance. Another word for knowledge is truth.
Most of what we think is truth are sentiments, exchanges of truth for what we is convenient or what we want to believe …resulting in so many truths …as many nations, tribes, religions, parties, groups, each having their own “truths”…but can these be truths or mere ‘decorated” lies …covered in fair robes.
Truth and knowledge are found in the word of God. When we love the word of God, our decisions will be right … we will see the higher view that all decisions manifest from a higher battle between light and darkness. Only those who know and possess the impenetrable armor, the full armor is Christ and not just that … those who have put them on … prepared to win the personal wrestle with their conscience and secret lusts and ambitions will see straight. The saints are the salt and the light because only they are armed to pick right even in the most obvious choice scenario.
Let me admit upfront that the choice between the broom and the umbrella cannot be an exercise solely based on logic …because honest and plain reasoning will tell you, both are required and having one and not the other will be hurtful. Deceitful reasoning will magnify one only to please sick sensuous appetites. But looking far ahead to consider consequences can also paralyse our resolve.
But there is a path God has chosen, a guarded and protected narrow path … seek that path and chose to remain and stay close to it. On that path, there will be a perfect direction. Direction that is founded on trust in God. A path in which we are kept in perfect peace. May you choose right. Enjoy the Hymn below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Amen.
Why the waste?
Nehemiah 2:3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Nehemiah sees that there is a waste. The place of his fathers’ sepulchers lieth waste. Note that Nehemiah has nothing to gain from this observation … unlike Judas who was a thief and complained about wastage in the outpoured oil from a broken alabaster jar. There is a waste that is glorious and praises God … but there is an attack on waste that seeks to repair and to expand the kingdom. The difference is in whether the burden is motivated by selfish interest or by an interest in the Kingdom. Nehemiah was motivated by the need to see God’s kingdom and agenda prosper. He had no thought to benefit.
Mar 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
How do you see the affairs of the kingdom and the matters of God. Are you driven by self or by God? Are your gains selfish and personal or will God be glorified when the total picture eventually comes to light.
Note again, it was the king that provoked the issue …unlike in the case of some who saw the wasted ointment. Wait on God for the timing of the realization of your vision. Going ahead is evidence that the agenda is yours and not of God. Wait for God to give you a sure sign that it is time to move … you will find that God understands that you do not trust your flesh and you need divine illumination and a spiritual nudging that you will not miss. Nehemiah spoke up because he was sad … a sadness beyond his control …and when asked why …he also gave the answer. God is in control of the agenda …He uses the heathen king to commence the next phase in what He wants to do. What a mighty God we serve.
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3
Thoughts for Business and the work place
In order to commit others, you must first commit yourself.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, teach me to wait on you …but also not to be absent from your ordained place in the day your vision is favored for action. 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 14, 2015
Thou art not sick
Nehemiah 2:2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid
How does the king know that Nehemiah is not sick? Indeed everything has been done to make Nehemiah comfortable and well. All the needs of Nehemiah have been met … there is no cause for him to be bothered – the sorrow of Nehemiah is in his heart.
You are well in Jesus name. It is well in Jesus name … It is well with your soul – do not let this truth elude you, but there are issues of the heart God has ordained you will respond to …in faith. What do I mean? God has allowed certain matters to bother you, certain issues to perturb you. Do not seek an easy deliverance from these issues. Instead consider them carefully, your destined area of operation is linked to the issues that God has permitted to keep you awake.
Are you concerned about illness and health of others ? …maybe there is work for you in the healthcare arena. Do you feel pained by the use of media …. maybe you are a gift to media. Are you pained by the unemployment of many …maybe you will be a large employer of labor. To be burdened is not the same as to be sick. To be burdened can be a gift from God … accept the burden even if it causes a sad countenance.
Trust God, soon a way will be made for the burden to be made light.
Verses for further meditation
Deut 31:6; Joshua 1:6-7
Thoughts for Business and the work place
A combination of discipline, persistence and focus will eventually pay a great dividend.
Suggestions for Prayer
O Lord, hasten to help me … make a way where there is no way. Hastily come to my help. 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
