Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 39

The Seal of the Living God

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The other angel came with the seal of God. Seal means approval. The approval was meant to come before the four winds would be released to hurt the earth, sea or trees. Again, it is all the grace of God … because if the winds were not controlled none would stand or be sealed. Who is able to stand or be anything if not for the help of God. The principle of God helping the choicest of saints to stand makes us even more appreciative of the awesome grace and mercy that sustains us.

Reflect on that grace and mercy. Think about the things and events that have been withheld to ensure you become what God wants you to be. Winds of doctrine that have not been permitted to derail your faith as well as winds of sickness and terror that will not be allowed to touch you, until His seal of life has been firmly placed on you.

Job 5:19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. 21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

Job identifies four winds …famine, power(war) of the sword, scourge of the tongue(scandal) and beasts of the earth(evil personalities) …these winds have not been permitted to hurt you. Concerning them you will laugh …but when you see others bow to them, thank God for your preservation. Do not for a minute think that it was your prayers or your strength that defended you concerning these winds …have you considered people living in famine, amongst warring tribes, under fierce accusation and facing demonic beasts? … were you in anyway better saints than saints in these conditions? No …mercy helped you.

I am praying for someone reading this devotional. At destruction and famine, you shall laugh …neither shall you be afraid of the beasts that have positioned to devour you. Even in seven troubles, no evil will be permitted to touch you. But give all the glory to the restrainer, the Lord – strong and mighty.

Song.

You are worthy O Lord 2ce Invisible God – the miracle worker, you are worthy O Lord

You are mighty O Lord 2ce Invisible God – the miracle worker, you are mighty O Lord

Invisible God – the miracle worker, you are worthy ) Lord

Prayer: Lord, make me a sign and a wonder to display your great miraculous preservations. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Four Angels

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

These four angels feature in the final mention of the tribe of Joseph amongst the sealed in the book of revelation. God uses these angels to restrain four different winds that will not be permitted to blow. The angels of God can hold wind … so powerful and so obedient. They stand exactly where they have been instructed – on the four corners of the earth …their reach covers the entire globe. But observe that they wait for God … existing with all power only to serve the will of God and please God.

The winds are likened to doctrines, ideas, evils and thoughts … fast spreading ills that cannot be contained by mortal men. God commands that they be restrained so His will is done. I want you to consider this text to understand that the will and purposes of God are not sustained by you or your prayers but by awesome and completely obedient majestic beings … supernatural powers that await God’s instructions.

When the angels holding the winds are withdrawn and these winds are permitted , we cannot imagine the tribulation and the terrors awaiting inhabitants of the earth. We live and breathe only because God restrains winds against us. We can see another day only because angels permit it to be so. When there are disasters or strange far reaching continental disasters … it may be the angels simply releasing their hold only slightly and the result is that nations and millions are devastated … even as strange religions and cults devour souls. Thank God that He is in control … restraining all that must be stopped from blowing upon the earth, seas and trees until His purpose is accomplished and His will is sealed.

Song.

For the beauty of the earth – For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth – Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour, Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light.

For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mind’s delight,

For the mystic harmony – Linking sense to sound and sight.

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your unseen majesty sustaining your will in my life. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Revelation of the End

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

What happens in the end is what matters most. It does not count if we did great acts or we suffered though many efforts. The question is that after all these things …did we make Heaven? Some will make it and many will not. Most will find it is now too late to do that which they could easily have done which they deferred to another day i.e. repentance. Why do you delay to repent? Are you so certain that your name remains in the book of life? What gives you your confidence when you have many hurts unforgiven and have not reconciled with God on many issues…your confession of sin is incomplete and you know that the last few years, you have had no personal devotion with your creator. What gives you your confidence?

But then, your thoughts of the end need not be gloomy if you have the witness of the Holy Spirit that all is well. You are waiting joyfully to be united with your God. You are so excited that the appointed time has come. Soon there will be no more night and no more pains. On the list of tribes …a few are missing. Lord I pray that on that final day, may I not be missing from the gathering of the redeemed.

Song.

I am rejoicing my name has been written

I am rejoicing that I am born again

Hallelujah

Prayer: Lord, Help me. Do not let my joys to be turned to shame in the final appointed day of your coming. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Hope for Dry Bones

Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Joseph does an unusual thing. He gives a commandment to reposition his bones, centuries after his death. He believes that even when these bones are dried and apart, they can and will still live. He does not want to wake up in Egypt or to be revived in the tomb of Pharaohs surrounded by beautiful treasures.

Jacob must have passed on the truth of God’s eternity and the revival of the dead to be eternally with Christ. Dry bones can live again and become a mighty army. The dead and dried bones of the saints will be the first to rise to join Christ when the trumpet sounds. Then the living will be raptured. This is what the Bible teaches. But after a period they will return to the earth…Christ with ten thousand of His saints as predicted by Enoch to reign and rule with Christ. Ezekiel equally prophesied of dry bones one day becoming an army.

Eze 37:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. 4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. 8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. 9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

Joseph knew that God could do the impossible and that even dried bones can live again. Do you act and give commandments as though God can do the impossible? Do you know all the faded rose bushes will next summer bloom again with beautiful flowers. God uses nature to teach us that He causes beauty to replace that which we see as ashes. God is creative to bring the best out of nothing. Who told Joseph to give a commandment concerning his bones? It can only be God. Are there instructions God has given you which you consider ridiculous?

Song.

I planted a little rosebush

And tended it with care

Its bud begins to blossom

Its sweet fragrance filled the air.

And winter came and it withered

Its petals drooped and fell to the ground

My heart faints as it faded

Cos I’d forgotten who had made it.

Chorus

Roses will bloom again – just wait and see

Don’t mourn what might have been – only God knows how and when Roses will bloom again.

Prayer: Lord, cause life to return to all our dry and dead places. Revive us again. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

More Excellent Faith

Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

There are different measures and quality of faith. There is faith like a mustard seed. There is uncommon faith like the faith of the woman who was called a dog. There is faith to bless our children to be what they must be even when the circumstances oppose the blessing. But there is a more excellent faith which sees beyond our physical existence beyond the curtains of death into eternity. Joseph had a faith that saw through centuries of bondage to a deliverance that was far into the future. He saw the promised land and gave a commandment concerning it.

There is a faith that causes us to act as though we are children of eternity. A faith that looks beyond what the world can ever give to another existence in which all tears will be wiped off. A faith that makes mention of a rapture that amuses some great theologians …that declares a millennium that seems so far removed from today’s realities. Most will ask you to live for today or at least for what you will receive on this earth. But Joseph’s faith extended beyond this earthly realm … he saw a departing …he saw a promised land.

What do you see? Faith to receive for yourself? Faith to bless yourself? Faith to bless your children for the future? Faith beyond your life time? Faith beyond even this side of existence into eternity? Faith that sees the eternal city …the invisible city …Heavenly Jerusalem… a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God?

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Seek growth in faith and expansion of faith more than you seek financial wealth.

Song.

And once again the scene was changed;

New earth there seemed to be;

I saw the Holy City

Beside the tideless sea;

The light of God was on its streets,

The gates were open wide,

And all who would might enter,

And no one was denied.

No need of moon or stars by night,

Or sun to shine by day;

It was the new Jerusalem

That would not pass away.

Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o’er!

Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna for evermore!.

Prayer: Lord, expand my faith to see beyond the night… to see the Holy City – lighted of God. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Faith in God

Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

The most important and critical currency of the saint is faith and not dollars or pounds sterling. The enemy really does not need to attack your finances or even your health if he knows that your faith will still stand. Immediately Satan knows your faith will not be moved by loss or gains of that which is material …then he leaves that territory and finds something else. It is what we do by faith that is most potent in the kingdom and no not what we do by sight.

There is a difference when we bless based on what we can see and do and when we bless based on faith in God. The more unlikely and impossible the situation, the greater the glory and more of faith is required …and God’s will and unmatchable victories are best seen in scenarios of faith. Faith is important. Faith is a weapon … even when it is as small as a mustard seed …it will move mountains.

Joshua was told everywhere his feet touches belongs to Him … Abraham was told everywhere he could see would belong to Him … some received immediately what they believed … and others believed as well in the invisible elements of their possessions … they believed in Heaven and sought a better resurrection i.e. to be raptured first among the dead before the living. God is pleased by our faith. Whatever happens to you which will increase your faith is a good thing. Pray for more faith. Guard your faith. Protect the faith you have by reading the word, hiding the word in your heart and by doing the works of faith to reinforce your capacity to trust God.

Remember the woman who was called a dog, but who said … even dogs can find crumbs to satisfy them. Faith answered when life taunted and mocked her. Jesus said He had never seen such faith. The best genre of faith comes in the winter seasons. When we are unable to stand when things are very tough … it means we really had less than little faith that can move mountains. May God help our faith.

Song.

Faith of our fathers, living still,

In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;

O how our hearts beat high with joy

Whenever we hear that glorious Word!

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!

We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will strive

To win all nations unto Thee;

And through the truth that comes from God,

We all shall then be truly free.

Faith of our fathers, we will love

Both friend and foe in all our strife;

And preach Thee, too, as love knows how

By kindly words and virtuous life.

Prayer: Lord, Increase my Faith. Help my Faith. Strengthen my faith. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

The Sermon of Stephen

Act 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. 14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, :16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. … Act 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Joseph’s life …be it with his brothers or in Egypt was the working of the Holy Ghost. But this was a work that was resisted by men. Why did the brothers hate Joseph so…Stephen declares that his hearers are stiff necked people whose pedigree is to resist whatever the Holy Ghost is doing. But which of the works of the Holy Ghost could they stop …none. In spite of slaying prophets before them and persecuting those that God will use …God still is unstoppable…The Just One – Jesus Christ could not be stopped by Herod …and Him they betrayed and murdered. But God is unstoppable. Even if the flesh can be stopped as Stephen was physically stopped … his Spirit was received by God….unstopped.

Unfortunately, people have not changed. The true gospel still cause many men to gnash their teeth in hatred. Be calm. This was the pattern even at the time of the patriarchs …the work of the Holy Ghost was always resisted and hated …but God still moved in ways they could not fathom or answer to. If the brothers knew other ways of stopping Joseph, they would still have tried it. When Joseph emerged as prime minister in Egypt – all the methods to stop him had been all exhausted.

When God sets you on top, all His enemies will have their hands tied and all their means of stopping you – exhausted.

Song.

You are the mighty God – the great I am

Hallelujah Hallelujah

You are the mighty God – the great I am

Hallelujah Hallelujah

Prayer: Lord, Make me Unstoppable. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Another Joseph

Mat 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. … Mat 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah and not Joseph as the dream may have suggested – but God is His own interpreter. Christ was a child of the Holy Ghost. The father of Jesus is the Holy Ghost. The mother is a virgin – Mary. Joseph will take care of Mary and look after her as his wife in a very difficult circumstance. The Bible says this Joseph was a just man. Can you be trusted with that which is born of the Holy Ghost? The birth of Christ put Joseph in a very difficult situation, which must be borne faithfully.

To be selected, to be trusted with the workings of the Holy Spirit is a great honor bestowed to His own. The Bible says that as many as are led by the Holy Ghost it is these that are the children of God. The Holy Ghost moves in our life and rules our decisions and our lives are shaped based on faith in God.

Did some laugh at Joseph? Was Joseph advised to put Mary out? Would Joseph have been sensible based on the evidence to quietly put Mary away? God does not need us? Jesus could have been born in any circumstance and still be God …but Joseph was chosen. For Joseph, it was an opportunity. Joseph was faithful, he was just … the work of the Holy Spirit was safe and well kept in the house of Joseph. Joseph will be led by the Holy Ghost … protecting Mary and taking the child to Egypt …to safety as he was commanded. Joseph was a good and faithful servant … in the end, there is a “well done” waiting for Joseph.

Will it be said that you were faithful? What is the work of the Holy Ghost in your hand? How are you taking care of it? In the end? Will God say … well done?

Song

O thou who camest from above

the fire celestial to impart,

kindle a flame of sacred love

on the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for thy glory burn

with inextinguishable blaze,

and trembling to its source return

in humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire

to work and speak and think for thee;

still let me guard the holy fire

and still stir up the gift in me.

Still let me prove thy perfect will,

my acts of faith and love repeat,

till death thy endless mercies seal,

and make the sacrifice complete

Prayer: Lord, Help me to be faithful as the Holy Spirit moves in my life, around me and through me. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Song of Salvation

Zec 10:6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.

God does not cast away the entire house of Joseph. God is committed to rescue His remnant. He pledges through the prophet to bring back the house of Joseph … to have mercy upon them such that they be as those that were never cast off. God says this will happen again because the Lord strong and mighty is their God. And God hears our cries. God will not permit His own to be completely downcast. God rescues and God saves.

God saves because He is God and as He has promised there is none to stop Him. When God decides to have mercy – who can question or dispute His mercy. The Lord Jesus is sent as our salvation – our hope, our reward . Where Joseph is a shadow, Jesus Christ is the perfection of God’s mercy to His children.

This text foretells a time when both Judah and Israel will be strengthened, and rescued from a calamity. Jesus saves. Jesus strengthens. You will not be cast away. There is a mercy the world has never seen before. There is a strength that is beyond all comparison. The prophet Zechariah declares a salvation, that the reader can receive in Christ Jesus. The salvation of God has come. Jesus will hear and answer you. Today. T, the beauty of God’s salvation is such that when it comes it will be as though you had never been cast off before. Rejoice for today your God will hear and answer you. No more will you be cast off. No more will you be desolate. Receive Christ and His salvation afresh.

Song.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now

Prayer: Lord I surrender my life to you. Hear me and bring me back to you. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa

Left Alone

Hos 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

Ephraim ends up being the standard in unrepentant idolatry. This is likened to a spiritual prostitution …compared to whoredom. But why does his happen.. Many things lead to idolatry. First is disobedience to God in dealing with sin …soon we must be accepted by other gods not as fussy with our errant ways. Another is continued interaction and convenient alliances with cultures that were meant to be destroyed. We often think we can progressively win over evil, but it is evil that often prevails over the spiritually unwatchful. Finally, laziness in spiritual warfare …not praying and studying the word will often lead to being brainwashed by a compelling worldview.

But what is so special about Ephraim’s idolatry. Is it the length of spiritual prostitution … grieving God – day and night for many years ? Is it the rejection of the exalted spiritual positioning that God accorded to Ephraim over Manasseh – and an overconfidence that ends with physical and spiritual whoredom? Or is it the hardness and refusal to hearken to pleas and prophetic warnings? God decides not to bother Ephraim anymore. Let no man reprove him …leave him to be given to his own heart’s lusts. It is a dangerous sign when we do not hear God warning and chastening us again. When God does not invest in further means to correct us … when we have our own defensive answers to all questions seeking to arrest our pride and arrogance? When these happen it may be that God is saying …let him alone. It is a very sad conclusion if God eventually says …leave him in his sin. This is not grace but the worst of judgments.

God does not continue to correct us when we are hard and prefer to strive with Him. After a while, He must say …leave that case alone …she will not learn. There are those that will not listen to any sermon and will not respond to any counseling. There is no point trying to change the outcome of certain developments. God may have predetermined a horrible perdition. What is painful is that Ephraim started so well but gradually slipped into pride, slothfulness, unbelief and a progressive hardening and ended badly. Lord, help us to serve you well till the very end.

Song.

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend;

I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.

O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me, around me and within;

But Jesus, draw Thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self will.

O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;

O speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.

Prayer: Lord help me to serve you till the very end. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa